KIBeast

Opinion. If The Bat were made today, there wouldn't be some of the flaws that it had. There were no Auto-Cad programs back then. Therefore, the track would have been banked to begin with. Not sure about the brakes though.

^Me too! Glad you had a great day at the park. The Beast is still my favorite wooden coaster! Night rides are the best. You know, I always love it when I can interact a little with the employees. It's not that I expect it...but conversation usually happens whether they are asking me about how my day has been or I am wearing a coaster shirt.

Can't wait for Fearfest! My second consecutive year. Last year was a lot of fun! Think we'll see Undertaker?

Other than Disaster Transport, what other theming are you referring to that is so bad at CP? Hardly any of their coasters or rides are themed. Just my opinion, but I don't think the theming that Paramount could afford was all that good and most of the time was not operating soon after the rides opened. Also, I think the theming of TR:TR during ride cycle is just about pointless anyway. Just give me a good ride cycle. That's far better than some crappy sub-par theming anyways. I've also seen CP's landscaping and it's not that bad. There's not as much as KI, but what they have is nicely kept.

Don't forget Thunderhead, PKIVortex! I hear it is not to be missed.

I think maybe a Son of Beast bashing thread may be in order. Not for me to bash on it, just for those who keep insisting on coming in here and telling the world how much you hate it. I'm pretty sure we understood you the first 50,000 times you posted it. Personally, I can't wait to ride it again. I never had a problem with it before and I'm sure I'll love it again.

I just read about the new ride for Dollywood last night over on Coasterbuzz. Sounds like a really good addition for them. They are becoming a well rounded park. This may warrant a trip there next year.

Sounds like they are headed in the right direction. They just needed competent management.

I agree with Scooby. Sounds like a real a-hole to me. I did stupid things when I was 10. However, violence was not involved.

Since their debt load is really LARGE i would be very suprised if star trek and geauga lake would even come close to what they need financially. Ever get the feeling that no matter how many times you make a well-reasoned, logical statement rooted in real-world pragmatism, in some cases it will just never sink in? Yes, and I have seen you experience such events as well. I understand what you are saying but my thinking is that getting rid of properties can do a lot of financial good. I would get rid of Great America, Geauga Lake, and Star Trek. The only other park I could see being in danger would be MIA. I just don't know much about it. What this would do is: 1. They could use the attractions at those parks to add to the other parks for the next couple of years. Between ThunderHawk, Dominator, Double Loop, Head Spin, Invertigo, Vortex, Top Gun, Psycho Mouse, Demon, and maybe a few of the wooden coasters you could almost add a new coaster to each of the left over parks. Plus you could do water park expansions and add a few flats also. I know it costs money to move rides but it is still cheaper than buying new ones. 2. You would think the money they get from selling land (Geauga Lake) and the money they would save from not having to lease land (Great America) would at least help them make their payments on their debt for the next couple of years. Not even wanting to guess how much their payments are. 3. They would save a ton of money on employees. I just think something will happen. The funny thing is last year when I visited Geauga Lake for the first time I said to my friend that I bet they sell the land here and move the rides to other parks. They have done half of that. I have another friend that lives 15 minutes from GL and he thinks its funny that I have gone there the last 2 years. People that live around that park do not respect it very much. Where would they store all of these coasters from other amusement parks to install over the next couple of years? After all, they won't own those parks' properties any more. I would think every ride would have to be torn down and re-built in one year.

^Why would it be wrong?

The toll was done away with. Now, you only pay parking.

You can buy Starlight admission tickets at the front gate. It's not an on-line special as far as I know. You just have to wait until 5:00pm I believe.

I have heard that the braking on The Bat is different from Top Gun. That would have had to have been fixed, not to mention that it appears they have been dismantled.

Coolness...never seen that before!

Excellent photos! There were lots of photos I had not seen before, and some that I have.

Saw this over at Coasterbuzz and it gave me some fuzzy memories. Wish I could ride it again. It would be cool, but probably not cost-effective, to bring back The Bat trains on Top Gun and get rid of that useless theming.

Even though it is slightly more expensive, I'd go with the Breakers Hotel. You are a two-minute or less walk to the rear gate by Magnum XL 200, you get into the park at 9:00am, one hour before the general public, and you have the convenience of being able to walk back to your room at any time of the day to rest, get some water, or what have you. I did stay at a Travelodge that was near CP, but it was very trashy and noisy.

Why is Canada's Wonderland even an option? I thought that they certainly were doing better than Great America or Carowinds. Those are the two options I'd go with.

Actually, Interpreter is correct. On-line petitions don't go anywhere...see the petition to keep the Flying Eagles ride at KI. A better way to vote is to eat in your car and not inside the park. They will get the message then. Cedar Fair is the corporation that owns the parks. Cedar Point is the actual name of the park you are referring to.

Sorry this is coming late, but I have been busy with my new job. So, I bought a package deal through Breakers Hotel for my fiance’ and I. I have done this once before and to me, this was the best way to get the most enjoyment out of Cedar Point. So, we arrive at the evening of the 24th, check in to our room, relax for about an hour, then head for an evening of fun. As a side note, my fiance’ had not been to CP since High School and had never been on several of their coasters. With that in mind, I decided to start her out on Magnum XL200. And, also, it is closest to the rear gate by the hotel. We waited about 10 minutes in line. Magnum delivered as always and I really enjoyed the bunny hops at the end. She absolutely loved it! Next we moved on to Meanstreak. We waited about 10 minutes for this one as well. I like MS and she really enjoyed this one as well. The ride didn’t seem any bumpier than usual and neither one of us had any complaints about it. After that, we back tracked towards Wicked Twister. I had shown her the video of the roller coasters of Cedar Point and this was the one she was most looking forward too. We watched one cycle and then we were next to ride. We sat in the back seat as this is my favorite seat on this and most coasters, other than Raptor. She liked the fact that WT was right on the beach. This coaster is awesome and to me, my favorite part is the last twist on the back spike as you get maximum rotation in the back seat. Afterwards, we watched maXair and walked over to Raptor. I suggested we wait for the front seat as I think the front is best on Raptor since your view is clear. She loved the Raptor and said we definitely have to ride that one again. I believe this is my absolute favorite at CP. Next, we took a spin on maXair. We have both been on Delirium and wanted to try out CP’s. I was shocked that the wait was only about 2 cycles. I really enjoy this type of thrill ride and maXair was awesome. The only difference it seemed to me, was that maXair seemed to swing more times fully than Delirium. Although, I could be wrong. Finally, our last ride of the first night was Mantis. I like Mantis, she did not care for the seats and swore she would never ride that one again. The next day, we took a spin on Wicked Twister and Raptor again. I got her to ride Top Thrill Dragster which she loved. She was afraid when we finally got seated. She thought she was not gonna be able to ride due to having a little difficulty with the seat belt. The girl who was doing the safety spiels and such came over to give her a hand. My fiance’ said to her, “I don’t think I fit” to which she responded, “I’m a farm girl and trust me, you’re going to ride.” So, I thought that was pretty cool that she did that for her. My girl was very nervous about the launch possibly rolling back and the fact that there was not OTSR’s. We didn’t get a roll back, much to my dismay, although she was happy. She thought Dragster was really cool and quite the adrenaline rush. We also rode Wild Cat which we both agreed is a really fun coaster with the quick dips and turns. Finally, we made our way over to Maverick. We had tried to ride first thing in the morning, but due to long delays, we decided to get out of line. We did get to ride after about an hour wait. Other than Maverick, most lines were 15-30 minutes max. I have to say that Maverick kicks butt from beginning to end. The launch hill was cool, but, what made it cool was the 95 degree vertical drop that felt like you were going to be tossed out of your seat. We both found the restraints comfortable. The second launch is to die for and the horseshoe roll was pretty intense as well. This coaster goes to show you that it doesn’t have to be the biggest or fastest to deliver an excellent ride. We never did get to take a lap on Geminii as we spent about and hour taking pics and I thought we should try Millennium Force over Geminii. My only problem with MF was that the ride host didn’t even attempt to help my girl with her seatbelt. I understand the new rule, I just thought he should have at least try to help her instead of just standing there with his arms folded just shaking his head. She was very upset that she could not ride and told me to go by myself since was had already waited. I rode, but it was not as much fun riding alone. I don’t think I could do a day at the park alone as there is nobody to share your experiences with. We rode Iron Dragon which neither one of us were thrilled over. We also tried out Chaos which be both thoroughly enjoyed. We tried out Skyhawk and thought it was lots of fun. I was really amazed at how quickly they could park the gondolas at the end. Excellent ride that just gives the sensation of a giant swing set. All in all, we had an excellent trip. We ate at Friday’s for free, played a couple of rounds of mini golf, and ate a stuffed pretzel which was really tasty. If you plan to go to CP, I highly recommend a package deal. I’ll try to post some pics later and link to them. Any suggestions for web sites that have free pic hosting?

Just out of curiousity, then, why did they remove the bunny hops if it wasn't interfering with FOF? Thanks, KIBeast

Doesn't mean anything...yet. I wouldn't call them Six Flags Jr. just yet. You wouldn't get a return on investment that would be of much significance after one year of ownership.

Well, if you will ride it again, then why the topic of Why I Hate Firehawk? If it was that bad, why would you ever want to ride again? Also, concerning pre-existing conditions... I have one. I had back surgery when I was 20 years old. I have two titanium rods in my back that keep me straight. I have read all of the warning signs about rides and pre-existing conditions. Quite frankly, I risk it because I love coasters and I have not had any back pains or injuries caused by a coaster or thrill ride. However, should it happen, I will be the last one in the world who would want to sue Cedar Fair or Kings Island. I am fully aware that something could happen some day. But, I'm not going to avoid any and all activities that may injure me. I do avoid some things, like snow skiing, water skiing, 4 wheeling and climbing. I refuse to go through life avoiding any activity that may cause me injury. I know of a guy who posts on Coasterbuzz who is fairly young and has had a stroke. As far as I know, he still rides and knows fully well what could happen to him. Sometimes, you just gotta live life. Otherwise, you pretty much would have to avoid going outdoors period. I refuse to live like that.

In my opinion, compared to other suspended coasters (non-inverting), Top Gun is one of the best. Try Iron Dragon at CP if you think TG at KI is lame. You'll see a huge difference. Not to mention you are comparing non-inverting suspended coasters to B&M inverts.