HomerJay

Well, if you said you left after lunch, I'm not surprised it wasn't busy. I would guess the majority of people probably would come to experience FearFest, so you would probably see the majority of crowds around night. As for the poster who asked about CP not being busy...I'm afraid you missed your shot. Halloweekends are ALWAYS slammed!

Well, first off, we can't count Beastie as a "real" coaster. It's a kiddie coaster :-) And it could have a name change with NC change (doubt it, but it could). Why do people refer to SOB as "a mess"? Yes, it's rough...but did anyone really expect a 200+ foot wooden coaster to be smooth? It's a ride all of us hit when we come down from Michigan and I bet that Paramount Parks is pretty happy with the crowds it's drawn in. A big steel coaster might be cool...but I think it would be out of place at PKI. PKI doesn't usually build huge monster coasters just for the heck of it. Even SOB was unique in that it had a loop and it was WOODEN. Personally I'd like to see something a bit more original. Is there anything that hasn't been done yet?

Has there been any official announcement about Nick Central yet? Because wouldn't it be funny if nothing changed in HBL next year? (I know that's probably not the case, but still. . . )

I would seriously doubt, especially with gas prices being so high, that the Antiques would come back. I think if they get a car ride for NC it's going to be electric, probably a bit faster than the Tiques and look a lot cooler. IMO, the Antiques were a waste of time (although old people and kids loved 'em). I think it's bittersweet to see HBL go. On the one hand, my first memories of KI were as a child riding the Smurfs Enchanted Voyage and it's sad to see Fred Flinstone and Yogi Bear leave the park (Scooby will still be around for awhile). But, it's exciting that new kids will be able to be introduced to PKI the same way I was--by way of their favorite cartoon characters. I think a Spongebob Coaster, especially indoors, could be a real blast and PKI could have a unique family area once again!

I don't think the Keelboat's had anything to do with Congo Falls. . . although if they had to choose a water ride to get rid of, they chose the wrong one (Keelboats were one of my favorites). As for getting rid of the Eiffel Tower...the Eiffel Tower IS PKI. Even if they just put one in that looked different, I think it would change the look of the park. I'm just so used to the Eiffel Tower Green and that really cool look it has at night. As for flats---yeah, I'd say get rid of Action Theater. It sucks. Get a REAL simulator in there!

what coaster? Adventure Express---it's just slow and not too fun at all. The theming has gown downhill and it's just never that fun. At least Top Gun (which everyone likes to rag on for some reason) is fast, high up and unique. what water ride? I'd get rid of Congo Falls. On a hot day it's a nice way to cool off and get wet. But WWC is more of a quality, uniqe ride and Wild Thornberries is kind of fun with the effects. what thrill ride?Only because I'm not a fan of big freefalls I'd say Drop Zone. Although it is one of the better freefalls out there. what flat (not thrill ride)? That's tough. Most of the flats are fun, even if it's just for nostalgic value. And, even though it's not a flat, I'm not a fan of SDATHC but I recognize the appeal it has for kids. But, personally, I've always thought the Zephyr was a waste of time. It's just a freakin' swing! And NO ONE had better say the Viking Fury! That ride is so fun, especially when you get on one end and just say "GGGAAAAARRRRRRR!!!!!" what water park ride? Let's just say I don't like waterparks. So all of them :-)

I live in Detroit, so I'm not privvy to official details :-) But I definitely could agree that something "HUGE" is in store for Nick Central. I would agree that we wouldn't just see a retheme like they did to CDBB. I think we're going to see a total "redo" of Nick Central. After all, what would be the big deal if they simply rethemed current rides? I think there's going to be a huge, new crazy look to it and I, personally, think it's going to be very exciting!! And yeah...the Busytown stuff...um...I never understood what that had to do with HBL in the first place!!

As sad as it is to say it, it's time for HBL to be re-themed. Although I grew up with the HBL characters, most of today's kids don't know who Huckleberry Hound, JabberJaws, or--gasp!--even Fred Flinstone is. I think a new look and complete overhaul to HBL/NC would be a really cool, exciting thing. Get some quality family rides in there, some good, fun kids shows and just really make it into a section just as fun as AZ or Rivertown. Although I would love to see PKI get some new thrill rides, I think that seeing what updates could be done to the family portion of the park will be really exciting!

Personally, I've never liked the Bubba Gumps at PKI. Don't get me wrong, the food is fine. I just don't find eating fish and shrimp an appetizing choice on a hot sumer day when I'm riding roller coasters :-)

One question, though: on the 1997 website for PKI, it says that Waterworks was new for 1997. That can't be right, though. Waterworks had been around much longer than that; I'm sure of it.

I think CP is getting rid of DD simply because of the fact that there's low ridership; not so they can install a new ride in its place, at least not next year. They said that if no one buys it then it will still be operating next year, so they can't have any concrete plans for that area. I've also heard about the markings in Frontier Town. And, honestly, that area of CP needs something to attract guests, so I wouldn't be surprisd to see them add something there. IMO, it wouldn't be a record-breaker. I think CP, from what I've heard, is not having the best financial year, so I don't think they would spend all the money like they did on TTD. My bet would be that you'll see a unique water attraction placed in Frontier Town, something splashy (pardon the pun). Personally, I think CP needs to spend a couple of years getting its act together. The park has gotten dirtier, the customer service is not what it used to be. They need to spend some years rehabbing the park. Right now there's a fine collection of coasters; I don't think many people leave CP going "Gee, I wish they had more coasters." Of course, everyone knows CP is sinking, though, so maybe it's just a matter of time before it's underwater :-)

Well, I do agree that they wouldn't take SDATHC out. I'd like to see it go, but I know it won't. . . but if the kids like it, that's what's important. . . I agree I'd like to see it rethemed with some good effects. Right now it just feels like a slight step up from those little haunted houses you go in at carnivals. I wasn't the biggest PT fan, but at least they went all out with the theming in there. . . especially in the opera scene. Wouldn't it be ironic if in a few years after Paramount finishes their smurf trilogy if the Smurfs were so popular that they decided to RETHEME that building BACK to Smurfs? The Smurfs enchanted voyage was the first KI ride I ever loved!

Paramount owns the rights to "Friday the 13th" and I know that last year they did a movie thing on it. But wouldn't it be cool, especially in one of the wooded areas, to set up camp Crystal Lake and do a haunted "Friday the 13th" attraction, complete with a Jason that attacks you? Also, you could discover "bodies" and they'd have special effects to capture the gore. Could be really cool and freaky. Or, instead of a structured line, just have people be able to wander through the attraction and discover the bodies. . . and have people dressed like Jason wandering through and attacking them at will! You'd never know when someone was going to sneak up on you!

My opinion--and I know this isn't popular: if they're doing away with HBL in favor of NC, just demolish SDATHC. It's not that cool of a ride. Build, from scratch, a new dark ride themed to Lemony Snicket. No cheap cardboard cutouts or anything of the like. You could do a fun Lemony Snicket dark ride!

First off, why are we counting Runaway Reptar and the Ghoster Coaster as real roller coasters? they're kiddie rides! So that doesn't count. . . "War of the Worlds" was partly a paramount movie and it was a smash hit this year. They could do a pretty cool themed ride to that. Mission:Impossible is still a no-brainer that they haven't lept at. I know everyone talks about a stunt show, but you could really do some great coaster themes to M:I. A Hustle and Flow stage show would be great. You could do a bunch of rap songs and then have hookers and pimps dance on the stage :-) One thing they're missing the boat in. . . If they do a Nick Central Expansion, they need to tear out SDAHC and build a QUALITY dark ride based on "Lemony Snicket." The tie ins with DVDs and books would be great and the ride, if done good, could be great!

I say keep the theming as is. FoF is one of those wonderful rides that has become a classic and screwing with the theming would take away from that. Although, the ride itself would be pretty darn hard to screw up. If they do anything, they should film a new pre-show. The one they have now is too short and I have to sit through it like five times in line.

Okay, here's the scoop. MUST RIDES AT CP: 1. TTD--It's big, fast and scary. Yes, it's short. But it's also the biggest rush in the world. 2. Raptor--Possibly the most fun roller coaster ever. Truly unique and always fun. 3. Millenium Force: Fast, and that first drop is quite a doozy. 4. Magnum: Still a fun, fast ride. Don't miss it. . . because, much like The Vortex, it's sinking! 5. Power Tower: Dropping from this is the scariest, coolest thing in the world. RIDE IF YOU CAN: 1. Wicked Twister: Sit in the back of the train because you'll get the best airtime. 2. Mantis: Yeah, it's uncomfortable. But the loops give awesome airtime. 3. Maxxair: Yes, it's a Delerium-clone. But, honestly, it's location near the lake is much more scenic. 4. Gemini: You'll be able to enjoy a short line and a fun wooden coaster. 5. Blue Streak: airtime on this is still surprisingly fun 6. Demon Drop: For nostalgia's sake, since it will soon be gone AVOID: 1. Mean Streak: And you thought the SOB was one mean, um, SOB 2. Iron Dragon: Makes Top Gun look like Flight of Fear 3. Cedar Creek Mine Ride: Only for those terrified by The Beastie 4. Disaster Transport: This indoor coaster is the suckiest bunch of sucks that ever sucked. Have fun!

I totally agree! Who needs PKI!? They should just close the whole thing down! Who needs a variety of exciting rides instead of just bigger, and faster copies of other rides with 4 hour wait times? Who wants a park that is clean and spacious when we could try to jam as many rides and attractions into one space as we can? What wants a park that actually has AFFORDABLE food!? Why should I pay $5 for a decent meal at Skyline Chili when I could get a burnt burger at Cedar Point for $10? Why should I expect a park that actually makes an attempt at theming and entertainment when I could just pay $45 for rides that have no identity or personality? And isn't The Beast overhyped? Sure it's a class act, an awesome ride through the woods that, under the right conditions, can be the best roller coaster ever. But...I mean...do I need that? :-P Here's a hint: get some friends, go to PKI with them instead of yourself (and why were you by yourself riding Ghoster Coaster, come to think about it) and stop whining. PKI aint Disney World or Universal Studios, but it's sure a step up from cookie cutter McParks like Six Flags.

Where is there a War of the Worlds attraction?? And there are actually some great Paramount movies left to theme to. Mission:Impossible is a no-brainer, and I can't believe it hasn't been done yet! Addams Family, of course. Star Trek would bring a fun ride I'm sure. A Godfather Italian themed restaurant. What PKI REALLY needs is a big, 300 ft. . . sign at the front of the park saying that They are NOT removing Vortex or Top Gun anytime soon. That will shutup some of those stupid rumors.

I doubt they would take out The Vortex in 2007, when it'll be celebrating it's 20th anniversary. The ride is still fun, still runs good...why take it out? By the way, has there ever been a legit case of a coaster sinking?

TopGun...I just wanted to let you know that on your motto or slogan or whatever, the lyrics to the song are not "I went to the danger zone "highway to the danger zone."

It cracks me up to see people still wondering why rides aren't open in DECEMBER!!!! First off, the outdoor attractions are no-brainers! Would you REALLY want to ride The Beast with snow and bitter winds wipping in your face?? Plus, many areas of the park are probably closed due to the fact that staffing probably is not at a peak during the winter (how many college kids are going to return to the park just for 3 weeks?) there are park overhauls going on and also, there are some idiots who would try to run off to other areas of the park where they aren't supposed to be. Because I live in Detroit, I won't get to do Winterfest, but I envy those of you who are going to get to go! Sounds like a blast!

Adventure Express used to be the KING of getting people stuck. . .well, except for King Cobra. You'd be in that last lift hill tunnel and the ride would just shut down; usually for loading difficulties, I assume. Sometimes the lights would even shut out on us. Sigh. It was the most suspense that hill ever generated :-)

Hmm...I wonder what movie you could theme such a big, TITANIC hyper coaster to? Don't know at all. . . As for rocket coaster. . . there are all sorts of space theme movies Paramount has done. Actually, I agree with those who say PKI doesn't really need a hyper coaster. Cedar Point has the bigger coasters. There is a definite difference between going to CP and PKI and it's that PKI is a family and theme park where CP is a thrill park. That's not a bad thing, either. I personally can only take a day at CP, but I love spending three days at PKI. It's more relaxing and feels more like a vacation. Plus CP just seems like a park that you go to with college friends. PKI is where you take your family when you're older. I personally think a monstrous hyper coaster would be out of place at PKI. Let them stick to what they do best--originality.

Well, I must eat my words since I started this thread. The other day I went to Cedar Point. And I must say that they seem to have the most unhappy, bored workers I've seen! I don't know that I saw one of them smile the whole day! At least at PKI I do see a little bit of personality once in awhile!