June 24 Trip Report

[txdrummer]

Let me start by saying that thanks to one of my coworkers and his warning about the construction on I71 we made it to the park just in time for ERT. It would have been an arrival time of about 12 had I not taken the recommended route. Thanks Dan.

Anyway, we expected ERT on WindSeeker but got Diamondback and Beast instead. No complaints here. We found out later that WindSeeker had some mechanical issues but they were hopeful it could be open later in the day. It was, but more on that in a bit. Diamondback is always a great way to start the day followed by a surprisingly smooth ride on Beast. The off season track work vastly improved the ride experience. We also followed the advice of a well respected poster on these forums and chose the middle seat or non-wheel seat (best advice ever). We continued to use this advice throughout the day on Racer and even Adventure Express with outstanding results.

We then started our loop around the park with BLSC. My daughter and I really love this coaster. The addition of the LED lights on the gattling guns and the wall to the right are a step in the right direction toward improving the theming on this neat little coaster. The fire effects were not working, not sure why.

Vortex was next with 5-1 being the preferred seat. (one and done on this coaster)

Continuing on we hit Zephyr, then Firehawk (surprisingly only had about a 15 minute wait), and FOF (kudos to the park for the minor theming improvements in the saucer). My daughter and I were discussing why they didn't use at least some of the indoor que line swithbacks. It would bring the line in to some air conditioning[the weather was not an issue on this day but will be later in the summer]. It would also improve the que line video[we all know the part I'm refering to].

Red Racer was a blast but we lost to the blue Racer. Adventure Express and then into Action Zone for a quick spin on Delirium, a long walk back to Flight Deck(the new paint looks fantastic(the supports are similar to the color the Navy uses on its ships[haze grey], man that brings back memeories). Drop Tower was not operating because of the high wind but was open later and I convinced my daughter to ride with me. She did not enjoy it as much a I did. Hit Congo Falls for a quick splash and then decided to get some lunch. Stunt Crew Grill was our choice and the food was really not that bad (my bacon cheeseburger was actually hot and not dryed out).

A leisurely stroll over to the train for the always relaxing and more importantly food settling train ride after a meal. Then back into the woods for Thunder Canyon, got a little wet but not soaked which is always good.

A repeat on Diamondback to dry off then into Planet Snoopy for curiousities sake. We had always looked over Surf Dog as not being a thrill ride. We were mistaken. This ride is actually quite surprising and we will be riding it again on our next visit. Flying Aces was next, again out of curiousity. Not bad but not worth riding again. Woodstock Express was fun despite the small cars and my 6'3" frame. We decided to hit Boo Blasters where my daughter destroyed me almost doubling my score of 700. The fog effect did not seem to be working though and I was kinda bummed about that.

It was then time to visit the Eifel Tower and while up there it was windy but not enough to be concerned about. Then we look down and see that WindSeeker is loading people. We get on the open elevator, come down, and then race to the WindSeeker as fast as we can without running. We get in line only to watch two ride cycles and then closed again for high wind. Now, you would think I would be frustrated at this point but I'm not because at least the park is trying to open its newest ride. So we go get another ride on BLSC and this time the fire effect is working.

Working our way back up Coney Mall we take a spin on Monster and Scrambler and take out some aggressions on the Bumper Cars. then tried to ride Viking Fury but it was closed.Then I notice that Drop Tower is operating and we decide to ride it. This was by far the longest wait of the day and I like the Van Halen song they are playing but not 7 times in a row.

So then we decide to have some dinner in the Festhaus. My daughter wanted pizza and I got some Chinese and we enjoyed the food during the show. American Country I believe it was. Now I must say that I am NOT a fan of country music at all but the 9/11 tribute was actually very moving and brought tears to our eyes. We finish eating and make the trek to the train again for the previously stated reasons.

Diamondback is next for the 3peat and then a twilight ride on Beast. We absolutely love Beast in the dark. While waiting in the station we see that WindSeeker is operating and with the lights on as well. So we go straight to WindSeeker after that and get in line as it is past 9:30 now. The line was just at the entrance at this point and not extended out on to the midway. We figure maybe 4 ride cycles until we were on and a possibility of catching the fireworks while in the air. 3 cycles was all it took as it turns out because the group in front of us had 8 people so they only needed two riders to fill the ride. Words cannot describe how amazing a night ride on WindSeeker really is. The lighting package has to be seen in person to be appreciated. The perfect end to a perfect day. Just as we start to descend the fireworks start. It was so surreal looking out and being at the same height as the fireworks. As we exit the ride we are watching the finale of the fireworks show and take a stroll through the area with all the lights for the Snoopy Starlight Spectacular. A day much enjoyed and needed for both of us.

[LongliveKingsCobra]

WOW you were lucky with the fireworks! I've gotten fireworks on DB three times this season and four last. But I can't even relate to what you said about being the same height as them! That sounds awesome!

[The Interpreter]

Thanks for your great report! I look forward to riding WindSeeker and posts like yours just add to the anticipation!

[gabelogan99]

Let me start by saying that thanks to one of my coworkers and his warning about the construction on I71 we made it to the park just in time for ERT. It would have been an arrival time of about 12 had I not taken the recommended route.

Can you (or anyone) confirm where they are doing construction on 71 and for how long?

[Dieseltech20]

Nice report, thanks for sharing. We rode WS around new and it was very windy up there.

The construction on 71N starts near KY Speedway and extends all the way to the merge with 75. For 71S it is the opposite, 75 to the Speedway. What they are doing varies but usually they have one lane closed on either side. They are now paving the entire width of 71 South. They appear to still have quite a bit of work to do and I know they were working on it has far back as March.

The work is only being done on Sunday-Friday but we had a perfectly clear shot on Friday morning with no slow downs. However, Southbound traffic was backed up for miles.

There is also work being done on 171/75North from 275 to the bridge that is being done on weekends and WOW, the traffic gets very backed up. Today on our way home it looks like they have been working on the southbound direction as well.