jbeast

As a small kid, maybe 4 or so, my dad took me on what was then The Scooby Doo coaster. I was thrilled, but more on the scared side...I don't think my brain completely computed what I just went through. But, the thrill was enough to get me back on it over and over again that same season to where I really loved to ride it. But, I vividly remember walking next to The Racer, way before The Beast was built, and thinking there is no way I'm ever getting on that thing. It was just way too tall...it's funny to think, I know. Then, at 8 years old, my grandpa who used to take me everywhere on vacations and my uncle who lived in Los Angeles at the time took me to Magic Mountain. The Revolution was brand new at the time and man was it intimidating. After being there almost all day, my grandpa talked me into riding it saying the loop looks like fun. I was scared and I still, to this day don't know why I said ok. Happy I did though! For some reason it just clicked. I rode with my hands up the whole ride (before the shoulder restraints), and I've never looked back since. That's definetley the ride that got me hooked. Luckily it did, so when I got back to Cincy, The Beast, Screamin Deamon and Bat and all their aura and mystique at the time was waiting for me. I remember seeing tv commercials for each of those coasters as a young kid. And the artwork and logo designs for each also spurred me to get into the creative design field. Funny how it all works out sometimes.

I finally got a few rides in this past Friday. After a brief ride shutdown just as I got in line, I waited as more and more left the line and got my first ride about 20 minutes after I arrived. They are alot of fun...but ultimately almost frustrating to ride since I grew up riding our original version...not even close to the same ride experience in my opinion. Our old set had that uncontrollable feeling after about a minute or so in and it just got crazier from there untl the end of the ride. This version almost teases like you might get a decent snap, but I did not see anyone acheiving that. They ride cycle is very short, so once you really get going, it already slowing down. Like I said, it is a fun ride and is a hit with all the multitudes of children in line, but it pales in comparison to the original Eagles. I'll also note, due to the locking seatbelts, it seemed to me a very long wait time from midway through the que. The ride ops were fine, it just takes time to let the ride stop, unlock every belt as they were making sure the each flyer stopped swaying, and then letting the guest (and child) get out. Easily one of the slowest lines in the park...which I understand since it's in Planet Snoopy. I'm just jaded and miss the old days of unsnapping my own seatbelt, sticking my foot out and sliding to a stop ( think I ruined a couple pairs of tennis shoes doing that), then hopping out and getting back in line. I really don't want to come of as totally negative about the new version, as by the looks of the line, everyone loved it. Riding them just made me miss the original Flying Eagles that much more.

My family stopped by Field of Dreams on our last trip out to to see my parents in Clear Lake Iowa this past summer. As a huge fan of the movie and baseball in general, it was well worth the couple hours we spent there before heading back to Cincy. The kids had a blast. We played catch, participated in a game on the field with a bunch of new friends, took a ton of photos in the cornfield and around the farmhouse and came back with some great memories and fun souvenirs also.

Thanks for the reply Gabe. I did read that in the thread earlier, but as I watched some of the video out there, I was getting some doubts if these new versions did indeed snap. I have had, like so many others here, some near religious memorable rides on our long lost Eagles..ha! So, without having to travel to Knoebels or Carowinds to get a great flyer ride again would be a dream come true! Thanks again for the feedback!

Hi! I read these forums daily but don't post much, but with the new flyer addition, I'm pretty excited. They do indeed look nice. I liked the thought of calling them the Flying Beagles myself, but just so beyond happy to have a new set of flyers close to home. As a long time fan of the original Flying Eagles and their snappability, I have a question about the new Larson versions. Is it possible to snap them? I have not had a chance to get a ride on these new versions yet, and I've watched some video online of them in action. Looks like fun of course, but I did not see anything close to the wild rides that our original Eagles gave. Just wondering if there are versions of the Larson model that can be snapped? Thanks for any feedback!

I am also sorry for your loss. Those are some wonderful photos. I especially like the one from the tower's 50 foot level Looking out at the back of the park. Brings back alot of memories of what the park felt and looked like when I was a kid.

This is sad indeed, almost heartbreaking for me. I absolutely love that ride, and it's a shame it could not be saved. It was a giant part of my childhood and the first 'big' coaster I rode as a kid, which started my passion for coasters. I last rode it during Screechfest a few years back and it was running awesome...the airtime around the back turnaround drop was insane! At least I have over 300 rides to remember it by. It will be missed greatly.

No problem. I'll take a photo and post it when I get out of work later tonight.

Let's see, I have a 1980's era pennant with the Tower, Bat, Screamin' Demon & original Beast logos on it (those great logos inspired me to become a graphic designer), a small amount of original press/construction photos of The Beast & Bat, and original press release announcing 'A Unique Thrill Ride' called The Bat sent out by Ruth Voss. Showing my age a bit, I suppose. Recent additions are my Firehawk first rider t-shirt (which shrunk 2 sizes the first time I washed it), Diamondback & SOB snow globes and a 1972 grand opening 'I was there' button. Almost forgot, I have a 1980's era jersey with The Beast logo and bengal stripes on the sleeves. The pennant is probably my favorite though. It reminds me of the way the park used to be when I was a young kid...such a magical place to spend the summer months.