thedevariouseffect

Day three, KIC's Birthday Bash!!! So...to all...five-ish hours of sleep after getting about 11 hours between the two days before..it sucks on day three..especially when you used energy drinks to get to that 0200 the day before. Man that wakeup just SUCKED. Ah well, headed to girlfriend's house and drove to KI. Met all of you whom I was with that day. Once the gate was open it was time for the running...or walking...of the bulls. First angered moment of the day, the dumb woman supervisor lady at the platinum pass check tried blocking her from entering the park. I don't get it, the employee ID is a platinum pass for all CF parks, so why would she be blocked by her OWN park of the platinum pass benefits? After arguing with the woman in charge I finally got her to come back through, which was ridiculous. I forget her name, but I wish I did, she needs to be talked to. I've noticed KI doesn't follow suite like other CF parks. When I was at CP, we came down and enjoyed ERT at KI no questions asked, but their own employees can't come in 30 minutes early on a day off? You HAVE to be kidding me. Anyways after almost blowing a fuse, we got on Diamondback. Even riding in car one, I still felt some shaking on that ride. I really hope this ride gets some TLC this season, as it keeps getting worse every ride. Also, again I've said it a thousand times, spiel, or don't spiel, don't be half assed. After an OK ride on DB, we walked back to get to beast at 1000, but were stopped by the National Anthem. Now this FURIATED me. So many people don't stop and pay respects to the flag and the anthem, even the employees whom I know are told to stop and stand quietly. Also there were a few enthusiasts in front of where we were who didn't stop either, I won't name names, but pretty low guys. Those that did stop, thank you, I do appreciate it. ...After that I went about with everyone else and rode basically everything. In about two hours we had beast knocked out, then went and got Firehawk/FOF done, then Racer, AE, Drop Tower, Congo Falls, Top Gun, and Viking fury all done. I honestly don't think there was one ride other than little kid rides and small flats that we didn't do that day. Anyways, aside from all the riding, time for pics, and important details. When the haunts opened up for the daylight tours, we decided to hit the Crypt. Man I wish I would have gotten pics for everyone, it was AMAZING to see that building, but sad at the same time. The queue was a bit sad, not hearing the music I was used to hearing. I will say they need to air that building out though, I smelled nice wet damp mold once we hit the queue line. But man, that building though. Once inside, the Huss top spin is all removed, nothing is left, obviously. I wished I would have seen pics with how they got that thing out of that building, seems impressive. Anyways the mural still stands, nothing wrong there, and also the rock formations around the two A frames still stand. Nifty note, they did keep all the piping on the left A Frame still there, I'm guessing that held either water, hydraulic fluid, compressed, air, ect. Again, I wish I had pics, but not allowed. I just want pics of what's left of the rides, not the haunts...meanies! I will say I accidentaly, on the last door when leaving the exit for the haunt, I did open a door and did see plastic/fiberglass gold pieces in there of what I believe were crypt parts...I thought it might have been part of haunt..oops...nice surprise though. Once we got out it was odd seeing this view, I hadn't seen this in two years.. After this it was food time. The Reds grill is pretty darn good...It's prices are...OK, especially considering the prices reflect food outside but have better quality, I'm ok with this. Service was a bit...meh...but it was pretty good. I got the red leg burger, she got the chicken tenders, and we split the buffalo dip. All pretty good stuff..I say it's similar to like, B-Dubs...that's a good comparison. Now after this, time for Wolf Pack. This haunt was pretty impressive. The haunt features are pretty neat, but what surprised me most of all, this is on an old defunct rides PLATFORM. It's HUGE! TAlso I find it odd, they left the structure under the platform still intact and hooked up. Air lines, proxies, limit switches, speakers, ect. all still there. It was basically lobbed off on either end of the station, but everything else untouched. I also found it funny seeing splinters and planks of wood all around the base of either side...souvineers! The tour was ok, I didn't care for the guided tour deal honestly, but whatever. Now they said no Haunt pictures...so I took pictures of everything but outside and around the station, quite impressive if you ask me, enjoy, I felt quite accomplished seeing all of this. First shots outside the station looking at Top Gun, ect. Notice the remains under the station I discussed earlier in the first picture. Banshee's bottom end Front of station, far left area, small little area exposed that I snagged pictures from Note here, all the light covers, some switches, and key switches are all gone, but the AB PLC controller is still in place and probably intact (surprising considering their cost) I also will say, that is a surprisingly small control panel with very little ride control switches for a ride of this level of dynamics, very surprising. Every panel @ CP surpasses this easily minus some flats Ok haunts are done...no haunt pictures again unfortunately, I was exited to get some other pictures like the ones above, but man, some pictures of the haunts would have been cool, especially the Werewolves like the one at the end in the bike room. Now it was sad to think, this was a ride, this was a coaster, crews and guests were both here, queued up to ride at one point, but not anymore...to not be there with a bunch of steel and wood all around you hearing that distinct lift was...odd. On my way I noticed this, someone knocked Owl Pacino off his post And apparently, the phenomenon has yet to be identified yet

So day two commenced...This day we were too busy riding rides, I didn't take any pictures (sorry guyzz Indyguy4ki, that's for you if you catch wind of it haha) After an epic drive with my friend following behind me in his TC, we got up to the point right at about 1230. I would have went in for ERT as the park opened at one, but that's being a poor host. Anyways after waiting for the gate to open, we commenced with our day. Again as tradition serves, Maverick was first. Even after two great laps the night before, WOW, was that fun. I was thrown out of my seat on the first hill and didn't get slammed back down into it until we were into the first right hand curve, absolutely beautiful. We also had a person go for their first time, and they absolutely loved it. They have only been to Bush Gardens VA, Disney, and KD, so this was an absolute dream come true for them. Now after that we decided to get on TTD because our new one had never been on anything like it. His reaction was exactly mine back when the ride first opened. Standing next to the tower watching it race by and on the way up, basically just jaw down, obscenities, and awe. It's an honest thrill to be there with someone as their first time at CP. Now we waited an honest 30 minutes for it, but it was pretty worth it, the breeze that ride makes really does cool you down on a muggy day for a few minutes. Then after disembarking we went next door to PT where one person from our group chickened out due to fear of kiddie rides, which was funny. After that my friend wanted to do Gatekeeper as this is his last time home on leave and last CP trip for a few years while he heads to Italy after being stationed in Virginia Beach for three years. So we went up to assess the line, it was 1.5hrs at that point, so we figured grab food and come back in. Dairy Queen was the first food place we saw off point, so there is where we went. After eating a delicious firehouse burger and a large chocolate cheesecake chunk blizzard, and laughing our asses off at several vine videos, we went back to the park. As soon as we got parked though, rain came, which was a shame (nice rhyme). So we thought that it would clear the line out for Gatekeeper, so when it re-opens we'd be right on the ride. This idea turned correct, as we waited for about 20 minutes outside of the queue (lots of fun playing games with civilians, ect.) and then it was a stair wait for the ride. They rode in the back seats as instructed and me the row in front of them, which was surprisingly very amazing for me being in row 5 inside seat. I actually enjoyed an inside seat! After two laps in the same seat we left that ride alone and decided to hit up millie, which had no different reaction than the previous day. Now from here, we went back to the front of the park to try Raptor after waiting for Maggie to open due to rain again. To get there quicker we took the sky ride that had an empty platform over to the entrance, and met an old friend. She really runs her crew quite well, I'm glad she transferred from Raptor to there, she was a good placement there. Raptor actually impressed me BIG TIME. I never have been a huge invert fan, I don't find what they have to be that amazing, nor do I really care for the elements, I'm an airtime guy, not a spinning, inversion guy, but today it slightly changed. I rode the row right before the last row in the left outside seat. OH WOW was it great, airtime on the drop, smooth elements, and didn't feel sick after riding it. Man that was a good ride. Only complaint was that I couldn't see anything honestly, but that also added to the thrill as it's one of the few coasters I don't have memorized for their layout. After getting off totally in shock, I got parmesan garlic fries at the fry stand there...ok that sauce is liquid drugs, hands down...man it's good. Fresh cut and fresh fried fries, good sauce...happy me. So after we all nommed and destroyed a plate of fries we went on blue streak. I didn't fortunately get to sit in row one, but row two, but it was still great. That little ride is such an airtime monster, if you don't believe me, listen to the screaming upstops after the train has come to a complete stop. From there we decided to try Maxair, but declined due to bugs, which is a giant shame, I do love that ride. To replace it we went to Gatekeeper and it's 15 minute wait. This is by far my favorite ride on Gatekeeper well except minus the back left outside...Row two outside seat is BEAUTIFUL. Freedom of the front, still agressive drop as you're pushed down, and AIRTIME. I finally got airtime on the camelback hill! INCREDIBLE!!! I have never been that thrilled to see airtime out of that coaster, totally happy. From there, we figured we'd only have one more ride in the night, so we decided to walk back and hit up Maverick one last time. It was about a 40 minute wait by that point, but was worth it as usual. Again, same reaction as always, still always excellent. Here's the best ride of the day though...After getting off it was 2156. We had exactly 12 minutes (main lines close at 2208 @ CP) to get our butts in gear and try to knock out one more coaster, which we realized we didn't ride Maggie at all. You could have played that music from Ferris Buehler when he darted through the neighborhood, or metal, take your pick. We basically mad dashed from Maverick to Maggie and still got there at 2159, epic win. Now I got my favorite seat and favorite conditions on my favorite ride on point. Car 1, row three, right hand side. Oh man...not alot of light from up above, quiet water, looked like glass, not alot of lights below, trims were cut off, and nice cool weather. Man that was such a ride, especially considering we were the only 4 on the whole ride. Never have I had that much fun on a coaster with friends, everything was perfect. After exploding with happiness as we all enjoyed that ride, we decided to make the walk out of the park and head home, which for me was a three hour drive back to base at about 2230 by that point. All was well in the world though, so many rides were ridden, and some several times, and it was totally worth every bit of wait and time. This was probably one of my most successful CP trips ever, maybe minus this weekend as it's probably going to be a fast pass, all the perks, go crazy last weekend at CP for three days

So...this will be the trip report of all trip reports, well, except possibly this weekend with my three day CP trip coming up, but alas, this will be massive. I will break this up in the different posts, for all three days of the park so it doesn't run all over into one giant thing...plus I don't know if this form will handle that much honestly haha. First, got off work and drove up to Cedar Point for the best riding day out of the season. After some minor traffic delays on 75N and on Rt 6 due to construction and the Rev 3 Triathalon going on that weekend, I arrived at about 1830 or so...I missed the hour or ERT and a bit into the night but it's ok. First things first I rushed to Maverick, this was a five minute wait. I rode back seat, as per my usual. Man was this a fun ride as always, that lift hill will never cease to amaze me. I think I may try front for enjoyment later this week just to say I did it again, but man, that yank over the front is just amazingly perfect. After my adrenaline got pumping from two walk on Maverick laps, I headed to TTD. This ride's long queue actually turned it into a few minute wait, but it was station walk on, maybe two dispatches for a wait. I got on in the second row and enjoyed it several times that night, thank you dead weight rides. Now to keep going, I went next door to Power Tower. and got drop side knocked out. I'm still split on the fact that the turbo drop tank fills quicker this season than normal, you don't really get time to enjoy any bit of view, as it's dropping about 5 seconds or so into the cycle. However, I do appreciate the faster cycle times than before. After that I decided to walk up to Gatekeeper. I only got one ride on this that night, and it was back left outside seat. I waited about two minutes to get onto the ride, and man was it actually really good. Not having the restraint keep you completely pressed in and no wiggle room, I got a slight bit of airtime, plus it's the first ride I haven't been holding onto something. Having that feeling of having arms and legs all the way out, just...freedom. Very relaxing, and very fun. After that I headed to Millie. On the way I noticed most Halloweekends stuff has been placed, not all, but most. Even Luminosity is decked out for the holidays. Now back to Millie, this was probably one of my favorite rides of the season. For starters not a soul had purchased fast pass, so that was beautiful, there was literally noone that had a braclet or was in a fast pass line. I also had two super short people in front of me (I was in row two, bay side) and nothing obstructed my view. The only complaint I had with the ride was single riders being stupid trying to pull a SRB and hop in any single open seat ASAP, one douche canoe tried taking my seat on Millie thinking I was going to sit park side, especially when he was in a row three queues down. Most enthusiasts don't annoy me, but man, there are some that need to calm down and find something to relax with. But great ride, nice cool breeze, good lap bar, didn't even move, had some good airtime on the last two hills, and just loads of FUN. Now after getting off of the ride, I decided to stroll through Frontier Trail, where their steampunk halloweekends event, and other events at the end of it are being setup still, I can't wait to see them this weekend. Now on the way, I stopped at STR. The trough is filled with water, it's stagnant, but it is there, and the boat in question due to said downtime is off to the side behind some bushes to the right. I still wonder what it's fate will be this year or next year. Regardless of riding it or not, I will say it is a very photogenic ride, also other pictures of Frontier Trail to follow. Notice the boat there, just sitting there, trying to be sneaky Now, once back to Area 3 of the park, I saw that Maverick had now about a 30 minute wait. I figured what the heck, longest wait of the night, and got back on. For some reason though the light hit it just right, and made me miss White Water Landing so much more, but then I remembered Mavericks hill and tunnel, and all was well in the world. I do miss that ride, and I love the little homeages to the ride After getting off of another great back row ride, Millie decided to be very beautiful...I'm so glad this finally came back to this ride, the lighting does compliment the ride VERY well. Who would have thunk it...a few big lights and the skyline changes big time After walking back towards Maggie, I snapped some nightime shots of dragster tower, and some shots most people never venture to go get, it's a very quiet area of the park still even. Glad I got my dragster ride done during the day and while the ride was still running....Mmmmmmmmm bugs And then, it's time to leave day one at about 2130. I had ridden about everything I wanted to honestly. I got a few laps on Maverick and TTD, then got laps on every major coaster running except Wicked Twister, Mean Streak, and Maggie, which didn't matter because I had plans to come back the next day as well. So went home, surprised the family, and prepared for day two

A sound being annoying because it's heard every cycle Dragster seems to do just fine and it's not annoying?

Superman* Finally got to correct you for once

I really hope that scream finds itself in the ride elements somehow...Any plans to include the Mass Effect 3 scream with anything on the ride or queue Don?

Yup...and "stay off the steel/ect." Things really do surprise you

Wow, didn't think I'd see this happen this season, I wonder if there will be any reaction from the industry moving forward in regards to restraint design, limitations to body sizes, ect.

Well they have a bit to install, then all the extra stuff. The back of the transfer tables, proxies, wiring, air lines and tanks, ect...theres a bit left to go. They are really moving on this ride though, I'm hoping by '14 they have almost everything steel wise done, but we shall see

Oh yeah...If they don't do it at all, cool, I'd rather have spieling, but if it's half assed, then know. The ones that perform excellently, like Beast crew for last summer ride was VERY VERY good. Normally though they do a terrible job, so I'd rather see them just stay quiet. At CP I used it for safety and a bit of fun to make it more exciting/lively on the platform, or entertained alot during one train op as that line DRUG because it only dispatched every 2 minutes

Be fun on the mic... KI employees need that this year...Only a few crews at a few random times have had epic spiels...The worst is still tied between DB and beast...They both use the exact same spiels....UGH!

I don't ride WindSeeker at KI, it has an ok view, but too slow, plus for some reason it gives me a slight headache. CP WindSeeker no probs for some reason and I still don't ride it as I have better things to. When I do though it is a nice view, especially cloudless, new moon nights

Probably Corkscrew as I had many angles and pics you'll never see or get. Personally though I liked Maggie's photo ops in the low zones, but I never had a camera on those days

While on the subject, does anyone on KIC have pictures of inside of the actual helix structure or directly under them? One of those few things I've never been able to go look at directly

Ah...CP demographic from up north.. Yeah none of us like them, they cause lots of problems...they're not the worst though I can't mention the worst people and why without coming off as rude, even though what they CONSTANTLY do is just downright...yeah...stopping now before the rage face comes up

Also...as much as it sounds like an old person thing to say, I find the tower nice to be able to get a good view of everything around and see the lines, ect. It's usually my first trip before I start riding rides as to get a good gameplan

If you blackout or greyout...learn the valsalva manuver

B&M lift motors are built into the bottom of the lift, in this case above the track at lift base. This allows the chain to go around the tensioners/gears up the track, up above the track, and down the return loop. See coasters like Raptor, ect, you'll see what I'm talking about. Hopefully this has the same drive motor as say Gatekeeper...that thing GOES

Pretty much exactly my point...get rid of it, might as well get rid of everything else in front of it

I think the tower is one of the parks signature rides amongst it's skyline...and one of the last few elements that truly make up international street. Remove it, what's the point of IS and the entrance?

I think it's my fascination with dark/closed rides Like for instance I was always DYING to see inside of DT at CP during a trough walk...it was pretty lame, but I got to see and do things you don't normally experience... Same with Crypt, seeing that building lit up and stuff, just made it seem different. I agree the building is pretty lame, and especially now, when it had the ride I didn't care. However, it's a huge box, you can't expect them to get too involved in everything outside that's not really needed per the ride experience. Also while on the subject of the building, they need to air it out, when we went in for the tour, nice moldy smells and dusty, you could tell they have barely been in there or even at all prior to the event. But ugh what I'd do to see that ride there again, even it's 2011 incarnation. Sucky ride cycle or not, the queue music and ride music fit very nice, and it was a pleasant break through my days there.

Best Park: Can't say anything..they all have pros and cons I just go and enjoy each of them, none are favorites A perfect park for me will never happen, because it involves my likes, my ideas, and my desires out a park... Not the general publics...

I still don't care for golden ticket awards... Even when working over at millie or with their crews when they got the golden ticket... We're the number one steel coaster, blah blah... K...I'll still head to Maverick first for ERT..

Well yeah...but I'm saying to me it's more personal, more gritty, more human element That to me makes arrow coasters special. All the little imperfections, flaws, ect set it apart. Also b&m does have some fails. Not as dramatic or crazy but little fails usually relating to operations. Mantis being my number one, terrible control panel, and two it's operations make it impossible for three train op. It's little in comparison but they do have flaws

More precision, more exact science compared to humans which can have flaws. Hell looking at pictures of Corkscrew's lift, you can see it's not exactly perfectly straight and the tubular rails aren't perfectly round. You don't see that with todays' technology It's not less quality, it's still high quality, but not precise Maybe I just didn't word this right