silver2005

So yesterday at Cedar Point went mostly well. Had a few snags like MF only running 2 trains all day, Siren having hiccups, Maverick being down until 5/6 pm, and an hour rain delay (didn't rain, but there was lightning in the area), but overall had a good day, especially the evening. Today's forecast is all blah after 5, so I'm ditching CP (didn't ride any non-coasters unfortunately, was going to remedy that today), but I'm just going to chill on the lake today (my hotel is on the lakefront in Port Clinton). Possibly wanted to do the R&RHOF again, but I'm to tired to drive to Cleveland and back.

I have to say, one underrated part of the CP layout is when you're circling clockwise on the loop, as you pass the Magnun station, there's that added sense of busyness after the quiet walk through Frontiertown that's underrated.

Per usual, SteVe, Raptor, MF, Magnum and GK are running sooooo goood. Glad to report Blue Streak running well. No Maverick or Mine Ride. Siren is having hiccups.

So weather is looking both good and bad for Cedar Point. For both days, it looks pretty dry for the most part. The problem comes at night. I'm seeing rain chances at night, particularly Wednesday night. Could put a limit on night rides unfortunately. I really want to at least do MF at dusk and SteVe at night. If I can squeeze in Magnum, that'd be great, too.

Michigan's Adventure TR There are several purposes for me venturing to Muskegon first. First, its a nice relaxing start compared to when I go to Cedar Point. And in that regard, I like saving CP for last if I do either or both of MIA and Waldameer as doing CP first would kind of ruin the smaller park(s). Overall, the whole Muskegon part of my trip went about as smooth as I wanted, sans me not having the stomach to eat where I wanted Saturday night and then learning said place is closed on Sundays. I did at least get to the Lake Michigan beach as well as the park I always visit in the bay. As for Michigan's Adventure, I kept it pretty laid back. I stayed from 11-5 as I wanted to get a good sleep in before the stressful drive from Muskegon to Port Clinton. Mostly stayed with the coasters along with the flume and train. It was quite cool, so water rides weren't a priority, and the cooler weather kept crowds late until later, mainly as the water park did open despite said low temps and the crowds that were there were leaving around 3-4. Everything was walk-on all day, even the newly retracked Shivering Timbers and the coasters with 1 train ops (Mad Mouse had a wait, but I didn't ride it, the ops make you sit on the brake run forever). I did get Fast Lane just in case (have all season), but only used it a few times when ST got a bit of a line as the water park let out and for the flume. I only really ate some nachos and mostly drank water as I mainly opted to eat outside the park, and I knew initially I wasn't staying until close. Most of the rest I explained in previous posts, but I have more for the updated woodie reviews. Did get some good marathons on the 2 bigger woodies though. Ride count- Shivering TImbers- 8, Wolverine Wildcat- 6, Corkscrew- 3, Thunderhawk- 2, Zach's Zoomer- 1, flume and train- 1. Wolverine Wildcat feels like its gotten better with each of my visits. It has a bit of a mix of GCI Titan Track (mostly on the first drop) and patches of what I think is GG tracking. There's still bits that may need it, but its pretty comfortable overall. The last bunny hops could use a touch up at least. Shivering Timbers is an interesting case. From just before the crest of the 2nd hill through after the crest of the 3rd hill has RMC track, and the crest into the far turn until it drops for the return run has it, too. The first half is much smoother and definitely feels its running a hair faster and harder, definitely more ejector air than before. However, the upped speed is causing the traditional track to run a bit harder as well, and not particularly in a good way. The small potholes on the return run are more jarring, and it has a bit more positive G's going into the bottoms of hills. I hope they continue to retrack it and perhaps look at the structure because the added speed might have problems over time. It is running better than when I rode it in 2023, so its got that going for it at least. Corkscrew was nice in just getting to ride an Arrow looper again and its actually pretty smooth. I want to like Vekoma SLC's, but they're so jenky with the forces. Then again, I'm probably way more used to B&M inverts as I've ridden way more of those compared to the 3 SLC's I've done (Invertigo, T-hawk and T3).

I learned the hard way that all my favorite restaurants in Muskegon are closed on Sundays...

The park was very clean. Ride ops left a bit to be desired, but it was so dead (everything was walk-onz including ST, and WW and Corkscrew with 1 train each), it didn't bother me. I felt the ride ops were more deliberate on loading and unloading, like they never opened the gates until the guests left the exit, for the most part. The park vibe reminded me of Kings Island between when CF acquired it in 2006 through 2007 and that whole transition, minus the tons of garbage cans. 😉 BTW, my pass worked for parking and admission. You either need the app or have the receipt to access the add ons (I only used FL though, ate and drank outside the park sans water).

So the RMC bits have causes Shivering Timbers to run stupid fast as it warms up, which is good for the first half but bad for the second half.

So Enchanted Parks might be trying to make a good first impression. Despite it being dead, MIA is running all trains on the coasters that can. I don't think that happens under FUN or SIX.

Shivering Timbers got some extensive retracking from RMC and she's running much better than my last trip in 2023. 2nd half needs some TLC still, but it's bareable.

So I was worried about how my pass would work at the Enchanted parks... Got parking and entry to MIA just fine.

Day 1 went pretty well, though slightly not to plan. The drive up to Muskegon from Cincinnati was mostly fine, though, the final stretches are a bit of a hassel. The driver quality in Michigan really amps up in intensity (as in forcing you to do 80 mph) once I got on I-94 approaching Grand Rapids and nearly all the way to Muskegon. There's an aweful stretch in Grand Rapids where its' fairly curvy and the upkeep isn't great, and its still marked 70 mph. Ugh. Muskegon was hopping for the first time in my 3 visits. There was a charity run this morning, and then a minor league baseball game, which, the opposing team is staying at my hotel. I did manage to take a bit of a drive around including Lake Michigan beach ERT. So, I don't post about this often, but I do live with a fairly significant digestive condition. I've had it for about 20 years, and I'm mostly feeling good most days now, but today was the one day it decided to give me a headache, literally. I got randomly dehydrated, so I had to keep it simple for dinner. There's a decent simple burger joint in Muskegon called the Station Grill that I always stop at, but I'll probably leave that until after MIA tomorrow. I only intend to eat like snacks or similar things at MIA with a useless meal plan and their menu is pretty abysmal. Luckily, there's a fantastic breakfast only hole-in-the-all place in Muskegon, too called Toast N' Jams, another one of my Muskegon staples. There's another park by Muskegon Bay I always stop at and I'll do that either before or after MIA tomorrow (it's really nice at sunset). Here are some photos of Lake Michigan ERT.

I might be getting lucky with MIA as it's supposed to rain the morning I'm going. Which means.... Rain soaked tracks in ST and WW! 😎

Just out of curiosity, is there any good breakfast joints in Sandusky?

So here's what the weather breakdown appears. For Muskegon- I get there Saturday, probably between noon and 2 pm. I might get some time in Lake Michigan that day, but it'll have to be before dinner-ish. Sunday looks to be practically spring-like weather. The cooler weather does favor the 2 wood coasters there at least. I was contemplating the water park, but not with those temps. For Port Clinton and CP, Monday looks to be ideal for exploring Port Clinton and maybe downtown Sandusky a bit. Does a look a tad too cool for Lake Erie swimming. Tuesday looks gorgeous for Cedar Point (expecting some crowds, but Tuesdays are the best days to go for most parks). Wednesday starts good, but I may have to get lucky for night rides then as rain appears to be arriving later. It appears far less humid than it initially appeared. This is meant to be a very lax trip compared to my Missouri trip later in July, so for MIA and at least one of the CP days, I'll be taking my time.

So weather is looking alright-ish. Sunday for MIA looks on the cool side, but nice. Wednesday is looking better than Tuesday for Cedar Point.

I wonder who is building it. Looks great though, they have really, really needed a water ride.

I'm still 100% doing my MIA and CP trip next week. Still very likely to keep my MO trip as is.

I embark for Muskegon next Saturday for some Lake Michigan time and Michigan's Adventure on Sunday. Port Clinton on Monday, and CP will be Tuesday and Wednesday. I do intend to get to Muskegon and Port Clinton early as there are spots I want to spend a good amount of time at for both. I'm praying Shivering Timbers is at least marginally better than my last visit in 2023. I'm hoping its good enough to marathon. I do need to grab a ride on Zach's Zoomer at MIA in my quest for 200 coasters ridden. Looking a bit further ahead, I plan on heading to KK on the weekend after July 4th (Flying Fox is also wanted for me to get to 200).

I will say I liked a few of the individual set pieces, particularly the swords and the levitation bits.

The only other show I checked out besides Brad Ross was the show at the bandstand. My only gripe- please don't use male vocals for Spice Girls covers. Their rendition of Spice Up Your Life made me want to gag. It sounds so flat with a lack of upper alto/soprano voices. Blah.

It was moderate today and it was hauling.

Is it just me or is Mystic Timbers running fast this year?

The more I've ridden this, the more the lack of music disappoints me.

I think the show is simple but good. Liked the use of music and choreography. Dialog felt a little too well rehearsed though. I do have Ed Elonzo in my head and his use of ad lib helped a lot.