silver2005

Is it too much to ask that people putting out such statements actually do their own research and provide context and proof? Not all of us are willing to do others' work for them.

^Care to back that up with proof?

I've had pretty good visits for going the weekend of the 4th or on the 4th. It seems like a bad idea on paper, but its actually not a bad idea (assuming the 4th isn't on a Saturday). With it still being post-Covid, that can still be a factor for not being as predictable.

Starting to piece together the Gatlinburg part of the trip. Along with the full day downtown (likely Friday to cool down), I will probably venture there when I travel from Charlotte on Tuesday since its only a few hours away. Planning on 2-3 alpine coasters on top of the new credits from Carowinds (all) and Dollywood (all newer than Mystery Mine). Getting up to over 130 credits when all said and done. Doing a few of the tourist museums, the chair lift, at least one round of putt-putt, finding somewhere that serves rainbow trout, and other shenanigans. 50/50 on the aquarium. For GSMNP (Wednesday), I will definitely be doing the Laurel Falls trail and venture up to Clingmans Dome. Definitely need to sort through all the stuff there as well. Might work in other stops as well (making sure I'm well stocked on empty camera data storage and battery life). Dollywood (Thursday) is self explanatory. Need to get the cinnamon bread this time (yet another reminder to future self).

^There used to be an amazing hoagie stand under those stands that I miss a lot. I also think we need a RT Freestyle Stand thread for if it's open or not.

To give a good idea on the hotels I lucked out on, I'm staying literally across the street from Carowinds and less than 10 minutes from Dollywood on the PF side.

One last thing on tonight- the conditions made it so there was a nice fog bank over the Little Miami River. Actually made it up to the back stretches of Beast making it a tad more epic, too.

^Bat ran 2 tonight. I also noticed the entire station vibrating when the other train came up to the brakes and it kept going until the train I was on dispatched and was just starting up the lift. All a prelude to one of the best Bat night rides I've ever had, and a fireworks ride to boot. It was hauling something fierce tonight.

The queue and exit of Bat really needs better lighting at night, particularly concerning the stairs with The Bat queue.

Made it up this evening, rides currently closed for a small storm.

They do pretty well on capacity, too. Wouldn't mind seeing a beyond vertical drop at KI myself.

I offer to wait an extra cycle if they're on the stingier side about assigning seats if there's a certain seat I want.

Gonna squeeze in a TR for another park before my main trip. Likely going to the Hartland next Monday. Sounds like a bad idea on paper (considering its the day after the 4th), but I'm okay with a shorter visit. Plus the Runs and Storm Runner are worth the venture.

Dixieland Cars on soprano sax would be funky as heck.

^I can pull off some ragtime or Dixieland on my soprano.

I volunteer to stand in the shed, sax in hand, to play the radio music.

I may try to do Lightning Rod first or as early as possible if I see its open. Is Carowinds and/or Dollywood still doing reservations or have they ditched it now that its later in the season (I have reservations for both)?

Missing Phantom Theater's soundtrack.

I know of the incident of which he speaks, but I'm going to let him post it as I'm not doing his research and citing for him.

Another dining request- I need a recommendation to a good BBQ restaurant outside Carowinds around Charlotte, preferably of the Carolina style.

When and why was Mystery Mine's track changed?

^Hey, I'm all for off-the-beaten-path stuff, too.

I have a Carowinds request- best dining in the park?

I'll be out of the cicada zone at least.

Did a bit of a warm up today for the hills I'll encounter in Tennessee. Walked 12 miles in 3.5 hours, a lot of it with hills on par with G-burg and PF at 90 degrees.