dare-to-fly

Actually Carowinds takes better care of Hurler than everyone thinks. Hurler was retracked TWICE in 2006. And one of thoose was done during the summer season. Carowinds only had Hurler closed for two days while they done it. I think you mean "while they did it." Either way, having to be re-tracked twice in one season is all the more reason we should be thankful that it still operates trimless. At KI, it would crawl around the track after gigantic trims on and/or right after the first drop. I just hope it continues to operate in its current trimless state. A person I rode with even said as we came back into the station, "now that's a coaster! That's the way they all used to be."

I don't believe that Fightertown USA was exclusive to Paramount. http://www.sci.fi/~fta/miramar.htm But it is a Top Gun reference. Hopefully the Fightertown USA signs will stay at KI then as well.

Start? I've been counting down the days to opening since closing day. Granted, there was an adjustment for the fact that it's opening on Sun. rather than Sat. but I've had the countdown up since then. First ride of the day has got to be The Beast.

I was very disappointed that Thunder Road was not open, as I was looking forward to it. Hurler made up for the disappointment, though, and took a spot in my coaster top ten. (The exact position not yet decided, but I'm leaning toward #5.) How exactly a coaster with this amount of high speed curves and airtime has survived under current and previous ownership is beyond me, but I hope it stays that way. In case you haven't figured it out yet, I mean the fact that it's TRIMLESS! I noticed that the Fightertown USA sign was still up at Afterburn...how did that slip through the cracks? And also, there is a sign in the Nighthawk station that actually has the P word in it. Carowinds apparently isn't as picky about having all evidence of Paramount removed.

That's exactly the point! Thank you for agreeing!

Oh, I see. There is violent, and then rough. Now it all makes sense. Since when is Thunderbolt not rough? It was rough when I rode it, not that I'm complaining about that mind you. And the point was not whether or not it would increase the roughness, the point was KI seems to have this attitude that just trimming the rides to death is an acceptable substitute for good maintenance. You also said yourself there are many non-rough wooden coaster that do...oh my gosh...actually operate smoothly....am I gonna say it....WITHOUT TRIMS.

I'll be the second person to say this then. When I was at Cedar Point last year for two days early in the season and one day mid-season I only got to ride it once. I'll only wait for so long and gave up most times that I entered the line because usually I wasn't in line 10 minutes before hearing "attention riders, Maverick is now down due to a mechanical problem...we are unsure how long this wait will be..." You know the drill. I have never been as frustrated trying to get rides on a coaster as I was Maverick and of course, Top Thrill.

If they'd show it a little TLC and get ride of the trim brake on Racer, it wouldn't lack umph at all. Other than that, I agree with 2,500,000,000%

I call it torture. But really, Im getting sick of snow. The only white thing I want to see now is The Racer. I couldn't agree more! Only one month and 11.5 days to go! We can start to see light at the end of the tunnel...The Beast's tunnel, that is!

A miracle of somewhat biblical proportion. I hope it stays reliable, though. I'd hate to lose our wooden hypercoaster.

The date Cedar Fair purchased KI. I even figured that one out. Are you slippin'?

But "The Beastie" is much more appropriate for the park. And Son of Beast is still there for the first drop and nothing more.

I'm looking forward to that first walk to and then ride on The Beast! Then spending the day going from one ride to the other and hitting Stunt Crew Grill for lunch.

I wouldn't miss it for the world. I also have had it marked on the calendar, but even before it was announced. I had to mark off my coaster drawing on Sat. and move it to Sunday--oops! Straight to The Beast! Oh, the sweet bliss that is that 4 minute 50 second ride! I'll probably be there for at least 45 minutes, and then work my way around to The Racer and see if the rumors are true! I CAN'T WAIT!

You said it! By the way--I love your signature!

Would working at the park earn enough to pay for three hours in gas? I live an hour and a half away, but if I would still make enough to pay for gas and have some left over, I would certainly consider it. I would LOVE to work at KI.

This is the best and most unique idea I've heard in a long time. LOVE IT. I'm also among those that want a ferris wheel...but I want the 09 coaster too!

If you've been walking all day long, what's a few more steps to the car? Have we really gotten that lazy as a society?

Cypress Gardens...this is an excellent idea. I've got it! No decorations would be necessary. Have the wedding at Cypress Gardens under the banyan tree in the botanical gardens. The tree is decoration enough!

Both Lakemont and Idlewild I highly recommend. Idlewild is a BEAUTIFUL park and Rollo Coaster is a wonderful smaller classic coaster. It's the only one I've been on that still has skid brakes operated by levers...you know...the old fashioned way! It's a phenomenal ride for a smaller coaster, and the park is a treasure. The Loyalhanna Limited (railway) is not to be missed--in either direction. Lakemont does not have the same charming atmosphere, or much of one at all. However there are three redeeming qualities. It is very inexpensive for admission and free parking. It is home to the world's oldest roller coaster, Leap the Dips, a side friction coaster built in 1902 (only one other of its kind remains). And...the Skyliner is awesome! The best seat is in the back. If you are a fan of airtime, it's for you. Only a lap bar, no seatbelt, and major airtime going over the first three hills--it was my number one coaster for quite some time!

I completely agree with you right down to the Burger King comment. They seem to think they're at the wrong kind of "king." Sorry...couldn't resist. The only downside of having both facing forward, is I only forsee both sides being open on the busiest of days, and it pains me to think of seeing Racer only half used. At least the way it is, at times you get a race.

I chose Rivertown on the poll--specifically The Beast. Not by The Beast, but ON The Beast! Now that would be a very memorable 4:50!!! We'd have to go back every year and ride The Beast on our aniversary at the exact same time as we were married. Then when I kick the bucket--cremate me and sprinkle my ashes as you come out of the long tunnel and drag them out until the base of the second lift hill. That is my favorite stretch of the ride. PS--The proposal would also be on The Beast, the vows said on the first lift hill, the rings exchanged on the second lift hill, and the brake run would be the kiss. Everything in between would be prayer, as it is for many people! Unhealthy--that's an understatement. KI is my home away from home, and it's going to stay that way!

And it is still open to guests of those members of coaster clubs...correct??????

I certainly missed the rotation last year. Hopefully it will be fixed for this season.