6-16-2007

[Kawana]

This is my first Trip Report so bear with me.

I last went to KI last July, on a Sunday, and was more than ready to get back this year. This year's trip was my girlfriend (Erin) and I. Our day started with a nourishing, healthy breakfast from McDonald's. With that out of the way, we were on our way. Arriving at the park at about 8:50 or so, we found two very healthy lines of cars eagerly anticipating entry. I've never been at the park that early and was a little surprised to see cars stacked outside the gate. It seemed a little dangerous, to me anyway. We paid our 10$, and while everyone else waited in line to be directed to a spot, I very quickly chose a front row spot right on the main lane through the parking lot, on the south side of the "Premier" parking area. After making sure everything was in order, we started towards the gate. Metal detectors and scanning our tickets done, we were in. After a quick Keyhole Photo pose, we headed towards the Action Zone to start our day. Sitting on the ledge outside the Paramount Theatre, we waited patiently waited for the ropes to drop. While waiting, I noticed several people smoking while waiting, just as park employees were passing. I was under the impression that there were designated smoking areas in the park, and after checking the map, I wondered why nothing was said to these individuals.

After the officer dropped the rope we headed towards Face/Off to begin our day. I was impressed with the calmness and order of our fellow guests as the ropes fell. Walking on to Face/Off, I decided to break the girlfriend in with a front seat ride. So, after a short, 3 cycle wait (one for a handicapped guest) we were on. The seats were a bit snugger than I remember, but otherwise it was a great ride as usual, and a fine way to start the day. My girlfriend had her eyes closed the entire ride, which made her feel not so great. After deciding to pass on Drop Zone, we ventured to Top Gun. After the trek back to the station, we chose a car and were on. Again, my girlfriend had her eyes shut, and I convinced her to open them on Top Gun. It seems I chose a fairly extreme coaster to start the day with as she had never ridden most of the coasters in the park. Top Gun was fast, fun and short, but was received well by both of us, as we decided to hit the shortcut and ride again, this time in the front seat. She remarked about the long walk back to the station and agreed with the second ride. This ride was in the front seat, and we waited about 3 trains. She really enjoyed the ride and wanted to get back to Top Gun later in the day, which might have been possible if not for the events that would transpire later.

We then entered the queue for Delirium. After asking the disinterested attendant in the front (who looked to be extremely young) if I was ok to ride, we made our way into the line. After about 6 cycles, we were on. I really enjoy Delirium, it swung us very fast, and the whole time it felt like my socks were going to fall off (I was told to take off my shoes). After that great ride, we hit Adventure Express, which was very violent and did not agree with Erin. Feeling a bit hurt, we headed to The Racer (or recaR). After a short wait for the back, we rode an excellent ride with great airtime. I told Erin that I considered The Racer an American classic, and it did not disappoint.

Here's where the day took a weird turn. Getting off The Racer, it was up to me to pick the next ride. The closet ride, and most obvious choice being Firehawk, that's where we went. I have said in previous posts that I would not wait more than 2 hours to ride Firehawk. Speaking with the attendant, whose sunglasses were perfect for the ride, we were told that a 2 hour wait was in store. After checking with Erin, we entered the queue. Things were going swimmingly and within an hour and 10-15 minutes we were in the station. Both trains were running and the line moved rather quickly. Two trains before we were to board, the yellow train became stuck on the lift hill for about 20- 25 minutes. The crew told us that "We're experiencing a minor mechanical delay", with no estimate on time, etc. Erin suggested we wait as we were already right there. After maintenance showed up and did their thing, the yellow train was freed and completed it's run. When the train returned, everyone left the train except for one woman who was visibly shaken. Also, there was another woman sitting on the ground in front of the restraining gates. Both women received water, and the woman on the ground eventually got up. However, the woman still on the train was still not well, with her eyes shut and she hadn't moved since she returned. With KI brass right there, comforting her, she eventually was removed from the train via a backboard. Erin suspected a heat related illness, as it was about 2:50 in the afternoon. While this was going on, the crew told the yellow side that they would have to come over to our side and ride there. After a test run, people who had been on the yellow side, returned to that queue, which made no sense to me to make them come to the red side, only to go back to yellow. After a little more work by maintenance, the ride was ready. The yellow train was loaded and ready to go, after test runs. The seats were lowered and off went the train, or so we thought. About 3 feet into travel, the train abruptly stopped. The crew looked baffled and worked to remedy the situation. Finally the yellow train was dispatched and ran its course. As the red train was leaving, again, about 3 feet into travel, it stopped abruptly. After a bit more "tweaking" both trains were running fine. The music that was being played in the station house was great. From Sade, to Josh Groban, it really made the time fly. Finally it was our turn to ride. Boarding the front car, and being strapped in we were ready. I was shocked at how far you recline, having never ridden FH/X-F. The ride was awesome, and very fun. The only logical choice being to ride "Superman style" that's what I did. I was very impressed with the ride and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Erin, however, felt her legs move and her feet come up off the floor, which made her not like it too much. After seeing our ORP, I just had to get one. I got the keychain but the picture is too small to post on here. I wasn't too upset with the wait being as there were weird circumstances and all, but I won't wait that long again. After Firehawk, we decided to check and see what the wait was like for FOF. Being told that it was two hours, we decided to head out to the car for lunch as it was at this point, about 3:30. Lunch was great, not too heavy, deli sandwiches and water.

Re-entering the park, we thought we would check and see what the Scooby Doo haunted ride was all about. After an insane wait (45 min) I was not impressed at all, but was amused with the ORP that was taken. We were both so focused to "shoot" as much stuff as possible; our eyes were as big as saucers. Heading toward Rivertown, we thought we'd ride White Water Canyon. Approaching the entrance, we were greeted by two ride ops stating "We're experiencing a minor mechanical delay." After about 10 minutes, we headed to The Beast. Approaching the line, we met a very nice gentleman who just happened to have 2 extra speed passes. We couldn't believe our fortune, being in the "right place at the right time" we gladly accepted. It felt a little weird bypassing all the people in the queue, but we did it nonetheless. At this point it seemed like the long wait on Firehawk would balance out with a very short wait on The Beast. After a 5-10 minute wait for the front seat, we were on. The ride was great as usual. Something did strike me though. While entering the double helix, it seemed like a brake caught and slowed us down just a bit. It seemed pointless though as the train felt like it was back up to normal speed very shortly after. It now seems that with the SOB troubles, this was done in response to that. We then headed back to White Water Canyon and waited for about 30-35 minutes. While on the ride, at one point there were 7-9 boats stacked up at a gate. It was weird to see all those boats just sitting there not moving on the ride, and we were banging into each other and it was just crazy. I will say that the ride ops working the cannons were doing a great job as I got totally drenched.

Moving on to IJST, we were told that an hour wait was in store. I quickly looked and saw that there was no way we’d be in the queue for an hour. About 35 minutes later, we boarded. I really enjoy that coaster and the special effects do a lot to add to the experience. The speed of the coaster is nice and it’s a very smooth ride. After that we headed to one of my favorite rides at the park, Shake, Rattle & Roll. It may sound corny, but I just love that ride. What freaked me out was the creaking noises that I heard coming from the arms of the ride. Since we were right there, Vortex was calling. After a 20 minute or so wait, we boarded the front seats of the last car. Erin has not ridden most of these rides before, so she did not know what to expect most of the day. Vortex was great, although Erin complained of head banging after the ride. I’ve never experienced head banging at all on Vortex, so that was a little weird.

Moving towards the front of the park to check our Keyhole Photo, (which still have the Paramount logo on the border, btw) we stopped to watch the “Hot Island Rhythms†show. The performers were really giving it their all, but I was not very into the show. Can’t explain why really. Then we went to the top of the Eiffel Tower for about 25 minutes. After that we took a spin on the carousel. It’s really not the same without the organ playing.

The night was nearly over, and I wanted to share a tradition that I’ve had (along with probably everyone else) and take Erin on a night ride on The Beast. At about 9:15 we entered the queue, and were in the station house in no time. At around 10:00 the crew stopped the ride for the fireworks (which sounded lackluster). After that we were on, and in the front seat. Pulling out of the station, I noted that it was very dark, and that it would make for a great ride. Man, was I right. Exiting tunnels, I could barely tell that we had left the tunnels, it was so dark. The weird brake thing happened again on the double helix, and my voice was shot after yelling all day. A great ride to cap off a fantastic day. Ascending the second lift hill, Erin remarked that the Eiffel Tower was lit up. “Yeah, it’s probably white lightsâ€, I said. “No, it’s purple.†Walking back to the front of the park, I was mesmerized by the tower. That is a very nice touch, which seems obvious now that CF has implemented. I could not stop looking at the tower. I then tried to get an update on the woman from Firehawk to make sure she was ok, I was told that the park would not release her personal information. I was shocked that I heard this as I only asked if she was alright, not for her life story, or address etc…

All in all, it was a great day. I’m sorry if this is a bit long winded, but I wanted to let everyone know how the day was.

[welchce]

The ride was great as usual. Something did strike me though. While entering the double helix, it seemed like a brake caught and slowed us down just a bit. It seemed pointless though as the train felt like it was back up to normal speed very shortly after.

I think you're referring to the brake at the top of the long drop after the second lift hill. It doesn't really slow you down but keeps you from accelerating for a little. I don't know how long that has been there considering I haven't been to KI in a couple years but have noticed it every time I've ridden it so far this year. If you look at the first hill on your way back to the station, you can see what looks to be a brake there as well. To go along with the brake at the end of the first tunnel, I have to chuckle every time I see that sign in The Beast's station that says "Unleashed."

[Kawana]

Yeah, it does seem a little weird. I guess CF is not going to be too careful after the SOB incident.