9/23 Beech Bend Park

[jbt]

Two words: Kentucky Rumbler. The wooden coaster is the main draw for the park. It's like a scaled down version of Thunderhead (Dollywood), with some excellent air time. One of the smoothest wooden coasters I've ridden. Crowds were minimal on the final day of the season, allowing me several walk-on Kentucky Rumbler rides. Re-rides are not allowed, except for the final ride of the night. The path to get on/off the ride takes longer to trek than the ride itself.

I'd compare the park to an expanded Stricker's Grove. The park is primarily filled with the kind of flat rides you'd expect at a county fair. If flats rides are your thing, Beech Bend Park definitely delivers. If Michael Jackson also happens to be your thing, you are in luck. The park's Sea Dragon (swinging ship) ride was purchased from MJ's personal amusement park. Next to the loud speaker blaring Michael Jackson music, there's a sign showing where the pop legend himself sat on the ride.

The actors targeted me as a participant for both the magic and cowboy show. The magic trick involved stepping in a tent and switching jackets with a tied-up assistant in a matter of seconds. I'm forever bound by secrecy as to how this was accomplished.

If you haven't been to Beech Bend Park, you can't say you've ridden every operating coaster in Kentucky. Actually, if your first visit happened to be on 9/23/12, you probably still can't say that. Unfortunately, Wild Mouse was down. Maintenance crews were working on it, but I never got a chance to ride. Guess I'll have to go back next year!

[VortexBFForever]

Nice (and little) report! I've never been to Beech Bend Park (so I haven't ridden every operating coaster in KY! ).

Kentucky Rumbler indeed sounds exciting...

...(and too bad no re-rides are allowed! I <3 re-rides!)