Amusement Park Madness

Review - Cedar Point's WindSeeker

2011-08-23T10:08:00.001-04:00

This past weekend, I visited Cedar Point. The highlight of my visit was the chance to ride their new attraction for 2011, WindSeeker. The ride, which stands at 301 feet in height and was built by Mondial, was exciting and thrilling. Lasting a duration of three minutes, WindSeeker provides an experience like no other ride in the park.

The music that is played during the ride adds to the experience. I rode WindSeeker at night and, although I didn't ride it during the daytime, I think that the best experience is at night. Standing in the queue at night is an experience in itself because the ride has its own light show as it ascends and descends the tower. The seats are very comfortable and ride is extremely smooth. Anyone who is going to Cedar Point needs to experience this ride for himself.

Rating:

5/5

New Blog

2011-06-01T20:55:00.002-04:00

I hate to be overkill with the whole "New Website" thing, but this is a new blog that I have started that will showcase my ideas for a fictional theme park.

If you are an APM reader, please visit the new blog, Thematic Ideas-The Imaginative Guide to a Personal Theme Park.

P.S. Please subscribe.

Orion A.

New Website

2011-01-31T21:34:00.002-05:00

I have opened a new website for fans of Waldameer Park and Water World in Erie, Pennsylvania. It is called Waldameer Central. Check it out at:

Waldameer Central

Book Review - The Disney Mountains

2011-01-30T14:46:00.007-05:00

Published in 2007, Jason Surrell's The Disney Mountains is a fascinating look into the creation of the mountains at Disney theme parks around the world. The book contains sections about the Space Mountains, Splash Mountains, and Big Thunder Mountains, as well as Typhoon Lagoon's Mount Mayday, Blizzard Beach's Mount Gushmore, Disneyland's Matterhorn Bobsleds, Animal Kingdom's Expedition Everest, California Adventure's Grizzly Peak, and Tokyo DisneySea's Mount Prometheus. There is also a small section about a Disney mountain that was never created.

The book features never before seen artwork and contains forewords by Marty Sklar and Tom Fitzgerald, and an afterword by Imagineer Tony Baxter. I love this book and got me very interested in Imagineering and theme park design. My only criticisms of this book is that it gives no credit to the company who built the flume for Splash Mountain, O.D. Hopkins, or the company who was responsible for building the trains and the track for Expedition Everest, Vekoma, and it lacks in-depth information on Mount Mayday, Mount Gushmore, and Mount Prometheus.

Rating: 7/10

Ride of the Day - Steel Lasso

2010-11-22T20:49:00.004-05:00

Roller Coaster: Steel Lasso
Amusement Park: Frontier City
Category: Steel - Inverted
Opened: 2008
Make/Model: Vekoma Suspended Family Coaster
Dimensions: 229' 8" x 95' 2"

Cost: $4 Million

Length: 965'
Height: 49'
Inversions: 0
Speed: 30 mph

Trains:

Statistics: Single train with 8 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in a single row for a total of 16 riders.

Photo:

Ride of the Day - Troy

2010-11-21T12:56:00.002-05:00

Roller Coaster: Troy
Amusement Park: Toverland
Category: Wooden Sit Down
Opened: 2007
Builder: Great Coasters International
Capacity: 850 riders per hour

Length: 3534'
Height: 104' 6"
Drop: 100' 8"
Inversions: 0
Speed: 54 mph
Duration: 1:50
G-Force: 2.4

Trains:

Statistics: 2 trains with 12 cars per train. Riders are arranged 2 across in a single row for a total of 24 riders per train.

Built by: Great Coasters International

Photo:

Ride of the Day - Hades

2010-11-20T11:48:00.006-05:00

Roller Coaster: Hades
Amusement Park: Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park
Classification: Roller Coaster
Type: Wooden Sit Down
Designer: The Gravity Group, LLC
Category: Wood-Steel Hybrid

Length: 4726'
Height: 136'
Drop: 140'
Inversions: 0
Speed: 60 mph
Maximum Vertical Angle: 65 Degrees

Trains:

Single train with 5 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 20 riders.

Built by: Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.

Photo:

Renovations For Downtown Disney

2010-11-19T23:04:00.005-05:00

Image Courtesy of Amusement Today

A new area, similar to Pleasure Island, is projected to open in Downtown Disney in 2013.

This area will be named Hyperion Wharf after the street on which the original Disney studio was located. This new area will feature a 20th-century port and amusement pier, similar to Paradise Pier at Disney's California Adventure. The area will feature a vibrant collection of shops and eateries that will supposedly increase Downtown Disney dining availability by twenty-five percent.

In addition to live music, the area will offer illuminated pedestrian walkways. The centerpiece will be a lake and an adjacent park to relax after a long day of fun with the family.

Although the main attraction is going to be Hyperion Wharf, other renovations will be taking place in the Downtown Disney area. These include the expansion of the Lego Imagination Center by 3,500 square feet and enhancements at the AMC movie theater.

Projected to create 1,200 jobs, this project sounds like a good revitalization plan for the are and I can't wait to see the finished product.

Coasters 101-LIM

2009-11-18T17:45:00.002-05:00

LIM-(Linear Induction Motor) is a form of electro-magnetic propulsion. They replace a traditional lift hill and do not contain any moving parts. Typically LIM system launch the roller coaster from the station extremely quickly.

New Coaster For Hong Kong Disneyland

2009-11-15T17:33:00.003-05:00

Big Grizzly Mountain is a new roller coaster coming to Hong Kong Disneyland. The coaster combines story and thematic elements from Grizzly River Run at Disney's California Adventure and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Orlando's Magic Kingdom, California's Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo DisneySea.

Los Angeles Times' Brady MacDonald reports,

"The new coaster starts with a surprise, careening backward down a hill through twists and turns into an abandoned mine shaft. A dynamite blast launches the train out of the shaft in an explosive cloud of smoke.

Along the way, riders encounter a back-scratching bear who accidentally switches the train onto a side track leading into a collapsing mine shaft. Further down the line, a bear reaching for a fish inadvertently sets off a dynamite blast. The finale features a splashdown complete with spouting geysers.

Throughout the ride, the coaster weaves through Grizzly Gulch, a dilapidated mining town turned water-play area with a jail, saloon and stagecoach."

The roller coaster is part of a new $500 million expansion program for the park. The ride will be located in the Grizzly Trail section of the park. Big Grizzly Mountain adds to the long list of "Disney Mountains" located at several theme parks worldwide. The ride is expected to open in 2012.

Coasters 101-Inverted Coaster

2009-11-12T20:06:00.003-05:00

Inverted Coaster-a roller coaster which uses trains traveling beneath, rather than on top of, the track. Unlike a suspended roller coaster, an inverted roller coaster's trains are rigidly attached to the track.

New Images Of Space Mountain Refurbisment

2009-11-11T16:57:00.002-05:00

Space Mountain, located at the Magic Kingdom theme park in Orlando, Florida, has been in refurbishment for a several months this year. New interior photos of the attraction have surfaced on the Disney Parks Blog. The park has stated that while the grand opening of the refurbished attraction will not take place until next month, a soft opening is expected later this week or early next week.

Map Mayhem-Drayton Manor 1996

2009-11-11T16:46:00.001-05:00

Coasters 101-Inversions

2009-11-10T17:53:00.003-05:00

Inversions-the physical number of inversions on a roller coaster. This will be half the number traveled on a shuttle roller coaster with inversions. To counted as an inversion the element must turn rides a full 180° upside-down.

Timberliners To Debut On The Voyage

2009-11-09T16:54:00.008-05:00

Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana announced today that the new Timberliner Trains designed and manufactured by Gravitykraft, a subsidiary of The Gravity Group, will be put into use on The Voyage.

The trains are capable of higher speeds and tighter curves. Also, the seats are designed to accommodate riders' wider hips and longer legs.
The trains will hold 28 riders and are expected to open with Holiday World and Splashin' Safari in May 2010.

Coasters 101-Enclosed Coaster

2009-11-08T17:43:00.002-05:00

Enclosed Coaster-a roller coaster built inside a structure intended solely for the ride. This structure often imparts a theme or houses special effects.

Map Mayhem-Boyertown U.S.A. 1985

2009-11-07T11:06:00.005-05:00

Coasters 101-Drop .

2009-11-05T20:12:00.004-05:00

Drop-the greatest continuous drop experienced on the roller coaster.

Demon Drop's Farewell

2009-11-03T17:12:00.003-05:00

Hello,

There is a new PointCast discussing Demon Drop's last operational day and its move out to Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California.

Farewell Demon Drop!

Orion A.

Kennywood Construction Photos

2009-11-02T18:09:00.002-05:00

Hello,

There are three photos of construction on the new roller coaster being built at Kennywood in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania available for viewing here.

Thanks!

Orion A.

Texas Giant's Retirement

2009-11-02T17:45:00.003-05:00

Texas Giant, located at Six Flags Over Texas, went into official retirement yesterday. The wooden roller coaster was built in 1990 and has given over 20 million rides since it opened. The park has announced that the ride will get a makeover that costs $10 million. Officials have stated that it will also have a 280 ft. first drop. All I have to say is that we are getting closer and closer to the first wooden "giga-coaster." The park hopes to have the ride finished for the opening of the 2010 season.

We can only hope that the ride will be excellently transformed into a better ride overall, not just in certain areas. Let's hope that Six Flags Over Texas will be smart like Kennywood in the 1960s when they rebuilt the Pippin into the much-loved coaster, Thunderbolt.

Coasters 101-Diving Turn

2009-11-01T10:51:00.001-05:00

Diving Turn-1/2 Inline twist completed with a 1/2 corkscrew.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T12:13:00.002-04:00

Hello,

Happy Halloween to everyone who reads Amusement Park Madness! Thanks for reading and expect regular posting from now on!

Happy Haunting!

Orion A.

Coasters 101-Dive Loop

2009-10-31T11:00:00.004-04:00

Dive Loop-Immelmann traveled in reverse.

Coasters 101-Cobra Roll

2009-10-28T22:54:00.006-04:00

Cobra Roll - formed by the exit of an Immelmann going directly into a Dive Loop. The two elements are positioned as if one is a mirror image of the other. The train exits the element parallel to its entry and in the opposite direction.

"Must See" Documentaries

2009-10-28T22:34:00.002-04:00

From now on, I will be posting several documentaries on the blog. I think that documentaries are a great way to inform enthusiasts and the general public about the basics or in-depth information of amusement parks and roller coasters. The first documentary that I will be posting is a look into the history of West View Park, a defunct park that closed down in the 1970s. The park was located in West View, Pennsylvania, an area near Pittsburgh. Sorry that the documentary starts in the middle, but there is still a significant amount of material left.

Part 1

Part 2

Enjoy!

Orion A.

New PointCast

2009-10-28T22:17:00.002-04:00

A new PointCast has been released by Cedar Point's Marketing Department. If you want to know some details about how the Screamsters are made-up for their haunting night life, this is a great episode. Also, there is some information on the two new haunted houses for the 2009 Halloweekends season.

Enjoy!

Orion A.

Coasters 101- Bowtie

2009-10-27T23:12:00.000-04:00

Bowtie - formed by the exit of an Dive Loop going directly into a Immelmann. The two elements are positioned as if one is rotated 180 degrees from the other. The train exits the element parallel to its entry and in the same direction.

Halloweekends Report-9/26,9/27-Part 1

2009-10-27T22:44:00.003-04:00

Well, it looks like I won't be getting the photos any time soon, so I have decided to go ahead and post the trip report anyway.

We drove up to the park on the morning of the 26th, which was a Saturday. We were worried about rain, but it didn't, so we lucked out pretty well. First, we decided to ride Top Thrill Dragster. One of the parks most well-known coasters, it definitely lives up to its fame. Next, we decided to ride Wicked Twister. It was a literal "walk-on," so we got on within two minutes of entering the queue. We sat in the very back seat, an area that I had never sat in before.

After Wicked Twister, we headed over to Disaster Transport. This was a short line for the ride itself, but long in actuality. The ride, as usual, was pretty lame, but it was still fun. Next on our list was maxAir. I had never ridden maxAir until then, so I was very anxious to ride. I must say that the ride is very fun, but I really don't think that it is all that it is often rumored to be.

We left that area of the park entirely and headed for Demon Drop. We got on very quickly and a nice ride. Then, it was time for everybody's favorite B&M invert, Raptor. We got on very fast and were ecstatic about the overall ride experience. After Raptor, we headed over to Blue Streak. Blue Streak is one of my Cedar Point favorites, which is mostly due to its classic look and feel.

Wildcat was where we went to after Blue Steak. This was my first time on Wildcat. For an old Schwarzkopf dating back to the 1970s, Wildcat is very smooth. After riding Wildcat, we took a short bathroom break and headed for Millennium Force. Sadly, it was down due to technical problems, so we went to Mantis instead. B&M stand-ups are not my "cup of tea," but I still had a fun time riding it.

After Mantis, it was time to eat lunch. We ate, came back into the park, and started making our way for Frontiertown. Our first stop in the town was Maverick. Maverick had a pretty long line, so we decided to go to Skyhawk instead. Again, a very fun ride. I love S&S!

We then trekked across the park to Magnum X-L 200. This is a very fun coaster that everyone should get a chance to ride during their lifetime. After this, it was time to try out the parks' new Dyson dryers. The dryers are in the bathrooms near Gemini and in the bathrooms near Magnum. To get the full explanation of how they work, visit Dyson's website.

Now, it was time to eat our final meal before the haunts began.

Trip Report Coming Soon!

2009-09-28T21:15:00.002-04:00

Hello,

I have a new trip report coming soon about my trip to Cedar Point for Halloweekends. This time, it will most likely have photos of the rides taken by my friend. Overall, I must say that it was a very fun trip, but I will get more into that later when I post the trip report!

Orion A.

Waldameer Trip Report 7/19

2009-07-21T17:51:00.002-04:00

On Sunday the 19th of July,I went up to Waldameer and Water World in Erie,PA with my mother and brother.We arrived at the park at about 1:15.By time we had gotten our passes and wristbands,it was about 1:30.First we went to the ACE Coaster Classic,Comet.The wooden coaster is a very fun family ride that is a great transition for small kids from Ravine Flyer 3 to test their roller coaster riding maturity.We waited for about 15 minutes.Not bad for the fact that they were running only one train.We got off the ride and ate lunch at the nearby Potato Patch.I was not impressed with the service nor the food.Waldameer usually has such excellent service,so I was a little surprised.

After lunch,we headed over to the Paratrooper.These have always been some of my favorite rides since I was a little kid.My younger brother enjoyed it as well.Once we got off of the Paratrooper,I figured that it was time for another roller coaster.This time,it was in the form of a Maurer Sohne spinning coaster,Steel Dragon.We waited in line for about 10 minutes.Great time I must say.Spinning coasters almost always have fast moving lines due to the fact that they generally have more than 2 cars running at a time.

It was a relatively warm day,so we decided to cool off pre-Water World by riding Thunder River,a log flume.Surprisingly,neither my brother nor I got wet.So,we got off and went into the nearby funhouse,Pirate's Cove.I usually find that funhouses are same at almost every park,but I must say that Pirate's Cove had some interesting twists on the traditional funhouse that I really liked.

After Pirate's Cove,my brother stayed with my mom while I rode the park's newest roller coaster and signature ride,Ravine Flyer II.Like most people say,it is an experience like no other.I also say that if you complain about Mean Streak's roughness,then you should be kicking yourself in the pants!Ravine Flyer II is definitely the second roughest roller coaster that I have ridden,second only to the Conneaut Lake Park Blue Streak.Still,it is an awesome coaster that any enthusiast should ride.

After I got off Ravine Flyer II,we decided to head over to the Sky Ride.Unlike many rides of this type,it didn't really give a good view of the park.If they relocated it a little farther back,it would be better.We got off Sky Ride.By this time it was about 3:00.

We decided to go into Water World.We entered the park and went directly to the slides.I went on the Freefall Slide.What a rush!After that,we went into the Endless River.Nice route of the river.Also,the river wasn't too crowded,which can often ruin the fun.We got out and headed over to the Bermuda Triangle slides.Those were fun enclosed body slides.After those,we went into the Heated Relaxing Pool,which is essentially just a giant hot tub.That warmed us up quite a bit before we went over to the Midnight Plunge,a fun two person tube slide.We then decided to go out of the water park and pick up souvenirs in the gift shop that you exit out into.

After that,we went out to the Potato Patch again to get ice cream.Service was worse,but the food was better!Much better in fact!I had chocolate ice cream on a cone.After finishing my ice cream,we headed over to Ali Baba.My brother was scared but I comforted him and he calmed down.

Next we went to the Whacky Shack,a ride similar to the Devil's Den at Conneaut Lake Park,but the latter uses a different ride system.After the Whacky Shack,we went next door to the Spider.Again my brother got scared and I comforted him.I felt bad,so we went in Pirate's Cove again to cheer him up.

After that,we went over to the Dodgem,which are always fun.I drove with my brother as a passenger.For my last ride of the day,I went on the new Mega Vortex.I always love Disk'Os,so this one was no exception.We left the park at about 7:00 and went straight home.

Space Mountain Review

2009-04-05T07:57:00.007-04:00

Hello,

I am going to do reviews for each roller coaster in the current poll except Everest and Barnstormer.Here is a review of Space Mountain:

The Background:

Space Mountain opened in 1974 in the Tomorrowland area of Magic Kingdom.The "mountain" is over 180 feet high and over 300 feet in diameter.There are no loops and it only reaches a speed of 28.7 miles per hour.

The Ride:

I have ridden in both the Alpha and the Omega trains.I must say that I do not have a preference.Both give you a nice ride in the dark caverns of the "mountain." After you go up the lift hill,you zoom through stars on a winding and twisty track.The ride is just a two-track wild mouse.

The wait can sometimes get pretty long,so you might want to use a FastPass on this one if you're planning a trip.

The roller coaster is rather bumpy and jerky at times,something I don't like on a roller coaster.However,considering that it is in the dark,it is more exciting if it is jerky,but not bumpy.A bumpy roller coaster doesn't make for a good coaster anywhere.Dark or no dark.

I like this coaster for its classic feel and look,but I do not think that it is the best roller coaster at Walt Disney World.I'll save that for a couple more reviews.

The Rating:

I give this ride 9.5 out of 10.

Coasters 101-Bobsled Coaster

2009-04-04T22:41:00.001-04:00

Bobsled-designed like a bobsled run,without a fixed track.The train travels freely through a trough.

Example:

Alpine Bobsled at The Great Escape in Queensbury,NY.

Photo:

Ride Of The Day-Nessie

2009-04-04T22:36:00.002-04:00

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Nessie
Amusement Park:Hansa Park
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1979
Builder:Schwarzkopf
Designer:Ing.-Büro Stengel GmbH
Capacity:1700 riders per hour

Length:2431' 1"
Height:85' 4"
Inversions:1
Speed:49.1 mph
Duration:2:10
Elements:Loop

Trains:3 trains with 7 cars per train. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 28 riders per train.

Photo:

Poll Results!

2009-03-31T22:56:00.002-04:00

Hello,

The poll for the Best Amusement Park In Western Pennsylvania has officially closed.Kennywood in West Mifflin,PA won with an overwhelming 14 votes!

Next Poll:Best Roller Coaster At Walt Disney World.

Thanks!

Orion A.

Ride Of The Day-Super Tornado

2009-03-31T22:51:00.002-04:00

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Super Tornado
Amusement Park:Zoo Safari- und Hollywoodpark Stukenbrock
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1981
Make / Model:Vekoma / Whirlwind

Length:1148' 4"
Height:64'
Inversions:2
Speed:37.3 mph
Elements:
Corkscrew
Corkscrew

Trains:Single train with 7 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 28 riders.

Photo:

Carolina Cobra Opening

2009-03-28T15:01:00.004-04:00

Carolina Cobra at Carowinds in Charlotte,NC opened yesterday.You can watch a video of the roller coaster in action here.

Thanks!

Orion A.

Ride Of The Day-Waku Waku Coaster

2009-03-28T14:46:00.001-04:00

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Waku Waku Coaster
Amusement Park:Toy Kingdom
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 7/15/2006
Builder:Hoei Sangyo Co., Ltd.
Subcontractor:Saeki

Inversions:0

Trains:Single train with 5 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 20 riders.

Photo:

Coasters 101-Batwing

2009-03-25T20:42:00.002-04:00

Batwing - formed by the exit of an Dive Loop going directly into a Immelmann. The two elements are positioned as if one is a mirror image of the other. The train exits the element parallel to it's entry and in the opposite direction.

Ride Of The Day-Firewhip

2009-03-25T20:35:00.002-04:00

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Firewhip
Amusement Park:Beto Carrero World
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Inverted
Status:Operating since 12/28/2008
Relocated from:Suzuka Circuit as Blackout
Make / Model:Vekoma / SLC (689m Standard)
Capacity:1040 riders per hour

Length:2260' 6"
Height:109' 3"
Inversions:5
Speed:49.7 mph
Duration:1:36
Elements:
Roll Over
Sidewinder
Double In−Line Twist (Double Spin)

Trains:2 trains with 10 cars per train. Riders are arranged 2 across in a single row for a total of 20 riders per train.

Photo:

Cedar Point HalloWeekends Trip Report 2008 (Cedar Central Blog)

2009-03-23T21:22:00.003-04:00

The following trip report was taken from my blog, Cedar Central, at http://cedarcentralblog.blogspot.com/

Feel free to visit and follow today!

Okay everyone, I know that this may be a little late, but the blog just opened, so it wouldn't have been able to post it any sooner anyway! Here's a trip report of my journey to Cedar Point on closing weekend, 2008.

--------------------

I arrived at the park late Friday night, so I didn't go in that night, but I still visited on Friday and Saturday.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST, 2008:

I went into the park early Saturday morning at 9:00 using my Platinum Pass (Boy, how could I live without that thing!?). I immediately went to Millennium Force. This time, I wasn't the first one on the ride for the day, but I was still on pretty fast. We only had to wait about five minutes, and like always, it was an amazing ride. So, when we got off, the line was still short, so we rode again! After Millennium, we headed over to Skyhawk, since Dragster wasn't open yet. Once again, this was an amazing ride, and we rode it twice! After that, we headed back down the Frontier Trail, and got on Iron Dragon. It's not one of my favorites, but we had a younger person with us, and we wanted to check the line for Dragster. For some reason, none of us could keep track of time that day, so we wanted to make sure that Dragster was open before we headed over. The ride was actually better than normal, and it was very fun.

We saw that Dragster was just about to open up, so we headed on over. We got on in 25 minutes, which I was very happy about. Dragster is my favorite ride in the park, because it's just so extreme. When we got off, we got back in line, and only waited 15 minutes! What a great day! After Dragster, we headed on over to Power Tower. I absolutely love this ride as well, and we rode it four times. The green is very intense!

So, by the time we got off Power Tower, it was lunch time. So, back to Chick-Fil-A! I really wish there were more of these up north! There's just something about their chicken sandwiches that makes them so delicious! And of course, when our bellies were full, we headed on over to Maverick. The line was a decent 1-and-a-half hours, but we all really wanted to ride! This roller coaster is amazing as well, and I love riding it! Ever since opening day in 2007, it's had a place in my heart.

Next, we walked back to the Main Entrance to meet someone, then we walked to Magnum. It was very bumpy, and some people I was with had really bad headaches when we got off. I was fine, but although I do love that ride, it has gotten a little rough over the years. After Magnum, we hit something a little smoother, Wicked Twister. I love this ride. I've only been riding it since August, but it is one of my favorites. It was an awesome ride. Next, we hit Chaos, since it was right there. For a small ride, it's very fun and enjoyable.

Time was flying by, so we needed one more ride before dinner. So, we went to Millennium again. It was about a half hour wait, but all well worth it. An excellent coaster, and by the time we got off, it was dinner time!

So, there we were in Tomo Hibachi about an hour later. I love this place! It was my third time going, and the food was excellent, and very entertaining! I really like the fried ride! If you ever get the chance, this would be an excellent place to go eat. After dinner, it was Halloween time for me! But, nobody else with me liked the HalloWeekends stuff, so I was all alone! So, I would meet everyone once the park closed, and I would go have fun in the park until then! But, it was only 7:30, so first I grabbed a quick ride on Wicked Twister to take up some time.

So, first on my list was Fear Faire, since I was at the front of the park already. I've heard a lot of bad reviews about this area, but honestly I've enjoyed it a lot ever since 2006 when it opened. There were some areas that the fog was blowing away, but most of the way through it was extremely foggy (and on an embarrassing note, I got lost in the middle and couldn't find my way out, and a few people were laughing at me). It can be very confusing if you go the wrong way sometimes!

Next, I headed back to CarnEVIL. I really love this walk-through, even though I did like it more when it was by Wicked Twister. It was very fun, and scary at the same time, and that darn monkey gets me every time! I actually find the people inside very interesting, and the skeleton scenes are quite funny (and sometimes disturbing)! I especially liked "Scull Ball", and the one with the people throwing knives at the dolls! Very cool!

Next was my personal favorite HalloWeekends attraction, Undertaker U.! The U.R. Dade School of Mortuary Science was simply amazing that day, and I was very impressed. The rooms were very hazy, the acting and scaring were really good, and it was really cool, because they were playing this really interesting rock music in the background, which really set the mood. I love the spinning tunnel and the strobe lights on that one ramp, because the people always get me there!

After Undertaker U., I walked through Fright Zone. I wasn't really too enthusiastic when I got in, because I noticed that there wasn't much going on. There weren't many people inside, and the fog was blowing away. But, I looked at the scenery off at the sides, and listened to the music, since the Fright Zone has the best music in my opinion! After I made it through, I walked back again, seeing it another time.

I decided to skip CornStalkers, because I had already been through it, and the line was very long, so I went back through Undertaker U.! That house just never seems to get old to me! In fact, I went through it nine times this year alone! Yes, I know, I seem like a freak... Anyway, next, I went back through CarnEvil. Very enjoyable, but afterwards, I went onto Terror Island. I had been through this many times already, but I thought it was very fun. And I love how long it is! The only wish I have is that they would put more stuff at the end. It was pretty much empty after 3/4 of the way through. But, over all, it's a very good attraction!

The park was about to close, and I was pretty worn out, so I headed up to the Main Entrance to leave. I decided to skip Club Blood and Pharaoh's Secret, since I was going to go through Club Blood again tomorrow, and I didn't like Pharaoh's Secret anyway. But, I did take one last trip through Fear Faire, which was even better than last time, and then I left the park. I had a very good day!

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND, 2008:

Today was a sad day, because it was the last day of 2008. It would be my last chance to ride my favorite rides until next year! But luckily, I had a great day.

Today I was with a new rider for many rides. We first headed for Raptor. The new rider person was really afraid, but loved it in the end. After all, Raptor is an excellent coaster. It's as smooth as glass, and has a superior layout. After that, we headed for Millennium. This time we had a different person that had never been on it. They were in for a treat. And, they loved it. And, so did everyone else! It's a great ride.

Now, as I've already said, there was someone who didn't ride Raptor, and someone who didn't ride Millennium. Well, neither of them had been on either Maverick or Dragster, so I was determined to get them on. Maverick was pretty easy, we just walked over, and rode. Everyone loved it. But Dragster... Well, we were sitting on a bench discussing it for around 15 minutes...

"Don't worry, it won't hurt you..."

"Umm... (15 seconds later) Well I don't know if I'll like it or not!"

Well, after our talk, both of them went with me to ride it. They were both shaking and wouldn't talk before we got on, but by the time the ride was over, they were ready to ride again! But, we decided to do something else first. Ride Power Tower. Neither of them had been on that before either, and I told them it's a "must ride". I rode with one of them on green, and someone else rode with the other person on red. It was very scary, but I think at least one person liked it! After that, we headed back to Dragster. Ahhh, what a great ride. And it was only a 15 minute wait! After that, they went to go ride Blue Streak, while I went through Undertaker U. Wow, I really like that haunted house!

After that, we had to go. But, I was forgetting one more thing! Club Blood! I had only been on it once that year, so I had to go again! Everyone else waited outside, while I went through. It was very fun. And it was my last thing to do at Cedar Point for 2008! I was so depressed! As I walked out of the park, I tried to capture everything as well as I could... It seemed like the year went so fast! But, then I had to go home. Home for another winter.

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This was just one of my many trips to Cedar Point in 2008, and I probably won't be posting any trip reports from before September, but I may have more HalloWeekends reports, since I went up three times in 2008!

Anyway, I am very excited for 2009, and also very excited for HalloWeekends 13! Don't worry, Undertaker U., I'll be back next year!

Thanks,

Brad

This trip report was taken from my blog, Cedar Central, at http://cedarcentralblog.blogspot.com/

Feel free to visit and follow today!

Coasters 101-Angle Of Decent

2009-03-23T20:27:00.001-04:00

Angle Of Decent - the steepest angle experienced during on the ride in the direction of travel. This figure is not for track banking or the lift hill angle.

Ride Of The Day-Crazy Mouse

2009-03-23T20:23:00.002-04:00

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Crazy Mouse
Amusement Park:Tobu Zoo Park
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1981
Make / Model:Togo / Looping Mouse
Track layout:Wild Mouse

Length:1233' 7"
Height:41'
Inversions:1
Speed:31.1 mph
Duration:1:20
G-Force:5.1
Elements:Loop

Trains:Single car trains. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 4 riders per car.

Photo:

Coasters 101-ACE Coaster Classic

2009-03-20T22:39:00.002-04:00

ACE Coaster Classic - a coaster meeting the criteria specified by the American Coaster Enthusiasts club. These roller coasters must meet guidelines like single position lap bars, no seat dividers or headrests, and more.

Example:Blue Streak at Conneaut Lake Park.

Photo:

IALEI, IAAPA Evaluate Potential Merger

2009-03-20T22:38:00.000-04:00

Today, officials from the International Association for the Leisure and Entertainment Industry (IALEI) and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) announced the two attractions industry trade associations are considering a merger.

The IALEI board of directors met during FunExpo in Las Vegas on Mar. 10 and voted to talk further with IAAPA about merging IALEI into the IAAPA organization. The IALEI board appointed a task force of members to work out the details with IAAPA.

“Approximately six months ago, we started a thorough review of the future of our organization, the way we do business, and how we support our members,” said IALEI chairman Richard Sanfilippo. “As a result of those conversations, we carefully considered a number of options, but the board felt merging into IAAPA was the best long-term decision for our organization and our members.” Continuing, he added “We have always considered IAAPA as an association with common interests and one which we have partnered with over the years to benefit our members. Many of our Board members, association leaders and founders have been involved in leadership roles within IAAPA and we feel the combined resources and leadership will create one strong voice for the FEC industry.”

Following the IALEI board meeting, IALEI and IAAPA signed a memorandum of understanding. The IAAPA board of directors and membership of IALEI will vote on a final proposal in May.

“We appreciate the interest of the IALEI board in merging the two organizations,” said IAAPA President and CEO, Charlie Bray. “I think it’s a natural combination. Both organizations offer a number of services to family entertainment centers and FECs have been one of our largest constituent groups for several years. Some of the services we offer are similar and some are different. The merger will allow companies to have the best of both worlds with one membership. We look forward to more formal discussions about this unique opportunity,” Bray added.

FOUND IN AMUSEMENT TODAY

Manta Test Flight

2009-03-20T22:33:00.003-04:00

Manta at Sea World Orlando is soaring on its test flights.Here is a nice video that shows some of the testing:

Ride Of The Day-Spinning Coaster

2009-03-20T22:24:00.002-04:00

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Spinning Coaster
Amusement Park:Donghu Park
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 2003
Make / Model:Golden Horse / Spinning Coaster (ZXC-24A)
Categories:Spinning Cars
Track layout:Wild Mouse

Inversions:0

Photo:

Coasters 101-4th Dimension

2009-03-18T16:07:00.003-04:00

I decided to start a new feature here on Amusement Park Madness.It will be called Coasters 101.This will be a daily serving of terms related to roller coasters.The first term is..........

4th Dimension Coaster-a coaster with cars that spin on a horizontal axis

Example-X2 at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia,California.

Photo:

The Widget is Finally Here!

2009-03-15T20:09:00.003-04:00

Attention Mac users! The Amusement Park Madness Widget has arrived! With our new Dashboard widget, you can stay up-to-date with the finest news and information regarding the amusement park industry, without even opening up your browser! Once you install our simple and easy to use widget, just one click of your mouse and a trip to your Dashboard provides you with a wealth of information to keep you knowing your stuff!

--------------------

To download as a .zip file, click here!

To look at our official widget website, click here!

To go to our widget's page on Apple's website, click here!

--------------------

Installation is a snap, but if you need assistance, we're here to help!

Check out our installation instructions and system requirements!

--------------------

All of our downloads are safe and secure, and have been approved and inspected by Apple. Please enjoy using the Amusement Park Madness Widget!

Thanks!

Brad

Kings Island Entertainment-2009

2009-03-15T16:56:00.003-04:00

Here's an overview of the entertainment coming to Kings Island in 2009:

Down Home Country

New in 2009! – All-new popular song and dance revue celebrating the legends of country music as well as their top charting country classics. You’ll probably want to see this one more than once. At the Festhaus located in Oktoberfest April 17 through September 13. Off on Monday. The show lasts 25 minutes.

Don’t Stop the Music

New in 2009! – DJ pump up the music and let the party start! Get down with today’s hottest hits and chart smashing songs in this all-new revue! Featuring songs by Rhianna, Katy Parry and Kid Rock! At the International Bandstand located on International Street May 26 through June 4 and June 19 through August 23. The show lasts 20 minutes.

Endless Summer on Ice

Come join us as we celebrate Summer Fun and more! You don’t want to miss this amazing ice-skating display that will excite and entertain the entire family. At the Kings Island Theater on International Street June 5 through August 16. Off on Wednesday. The show lasts 30 minutes.

Flashback: Totally 80’s!

Get into the groove and travel back to the days when it was hip to be square! Our singers and dancers pay tribute to leg warmers, mullets, Rubik’s Cube and the songs that defined a decade in this all-new music revue! At the International Showplace Theatre located on International Street June 19 through September 13. Off on Tuesday. The show lasts 25 minutes.

The County Line

Head over to “The County Line” for our entertaining country music revue. This popular show features the songs of all your favorite country stars including Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts. As American as apple pie…this country’s rockin’ down at “The County Line.” At the Festhaus located in Oktoberfest. June 4 through August 23. Off on Thursday. The show lasts 25 minutes.

Marty’s Party

New in 2009! – Your child is invited to Marty’s Party, a rousing, fun-filled show full of excitement. Just the place for kids to take their grown-ups! At Putz HQ in Nickelodeon Universe. April 18 through September 13. Off on Thursday. The show lasts 25 minutes.

Nickelodeon Characters

Located at the Front Gate throughout the day and occasionally wandering through the park are your favorite Nickelodeon characters. Have your camera ready to snap a photo of your favorite pals from Nickelodeon TV shows and movies.

Scooby Doo

Scooby Doo is waiting to say hello to you throughout the day outside Scooby Doo & The Haunted Castle located on International Street.

Fireworks

Throughout the season Kings Island will present its spectacular fireworks display on days the park closes at 10 p.m. This colorful pageant in the sky is something that will certainly cap off a memorable day at the park. You don’t want to miss it!

Cedar Point Rarities-Millenium Force Advertisement

2009-03-13T16:26:00.001-04:00

Geuga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom Announces Plans For The 2009 Season

2009-03-13T16:24:00.002-04:00

With less than 11 weeks to go before its May 23rd opening, Geauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom waterpark is thawing out from another brutal winter and is ready to focus on a summer of fun.

The 17-acre waterpark located in Aurora has some special plans for its fourth season of operation. New this summer will be the Waterfront Plaza, a beautifully landscaped area that borders Geauga Lake. With more than 100 lounge chairs, the Waterfront Plaza will be a prime location to catch a few rays, nap or enjoy the scenic lake views while re-energizing for another round of waves and water slides. It will also have food carts, a dining area with umbrella tables and three shade structures.

Wildwater Kingdom will also have a new area for private parties. Protruding into the lake, the new Island Oasis Party Cabana will be this summer's party center. Complete with dining area, private bar and flat-screened televisions, this covered structure will be perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings and company outings. DJs and music can also be added to the mix. The Island Oasis Party Cabana will be able to accommodate 25-30 people.

"We can't wait for summer," said Colleen Murphy, general manager at Geauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom. "Our new attractions will be a wonderful complement to Wildwater Kingdom's entertainment package."

Wildwater Kingdom is northeast Ohio's premier waterpark. From the 60-foot-tall Liquid Lightning tornado slide and Thunder Falls, Ohio's tallest water slide complex, to the Splash Landing family activity center, there is something for everyone. Other attractions include the 390,000-gallon Tidal Wave Bay wave pool and Coral Cove, an activity pool where guests can play water basketball and climb on floating objects.

For unlimited fun all summer long, a 2009 Season Pass to Wildwater Kingdom is only $49.99 (plus all appropriate taxes). A Junior Season Pass, for guests ages 3-61, under 48 inches tall, or a Senior Pass, for guests age 62 and older, is only $39.99 (plus all appropriate taxes). Children age 2 and under are free. Free parking is included with every season pass purchase.

Season Passholders can also take advantage of the new Season Pass Referral Program. Season Passholders can give a friend a coupon that entitles that person to a free visit to Wildwater Kingdom. If that person purchases a season pass, the season passholder will receive $5 in Beagle Bucks that can be used for food, games and merchandise at Wildwater Kingdom.

Season Passes can be purchased online at wildwaterfun.com or by calling (330) 562-8303, ext. 7810. For more information, including dates, prices, hours of operation and more, log on to wildwaterfun.com.

Wildwater Kingdom will be open Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, May 23-25, and Saturday and Sunday, May 30-31 before beginning daily operations. The waterpark will be open daily Saturday, June 6 through Sunday, Aug. 23, and then will reopen on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 29-30 and Labor Day weekend, Saturday through Monday, Sept. 5-7.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Carowinds Announces New WOW PASS

2009-03-11T22:16:00.004-04:00

Carowinds, the 112-acre combination amusement and water park located on the border of the Carolinas near Charlotte, has announced a new program to help families on a tight budget still enjoy a summer of fun and excitement for less with the introduction of the 2009 WOW PASS.

The WOW PASS program allows consumers to receive unlimited admission to Carowinds any public operating day from March 28 until September 7, 2009 for only $59.99 per person (ages 3 and older). This program does not include any benefits, parking, or admission to SCarowinds’ Halloween Haunt.

This program was designed by Carowinds as a response to park patrons who are more budget-conscious due to the current economic environment. For $13 more than a regular one day admission ticket, the WOW PASS is a cost-effective alternative for money-saving families who have had to cut back on vacation expenses for 2009.

“As the economic climate evolves in the region, so must we,” John Taylor, Director of Marketing at Carowinds, stated. “This new program will allow families to spend more time with one another, enjoy the fun of a world-class amusement park, and still save money in the long run.”

A WOW PASS may only be purchased at carowinds.com or at the Carowinds main gate on any public operating day. Program is not valid on previous purchases.

Carowinds will open on Saturday, March 28 for weekend operation. Carolina Cobra, the 125-foot tall towering twisting serpent, will debut on opening day as the second tallest roller coaster in the park. This scream-machine will send riders speeding through three inversion forwards…and then again backwards!

Carowinds is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a publicly traded partnership that is listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FUN.” In addition to Carowinds, Cedar Fair owns and operates ten other amusement parks, six water parks, one indoor water park resort, and five hotels. Cedar Fair also operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, CA under a management contract.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Ride Of The Day-Loop The Loop

2009-03-11T22:09:00.002-04:00

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Loop the Loop
Amusement Park:Sendai Highland
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1981
Builder:Meisho Amusement Machines, Senyo Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Categories:Shuttle

Inversions:1
Speed:55.9 mph
Duration:3:12
Elements:Loop

Photo:

Coaster Classic Corner-Zach's Zoomer

2009-03-11T22:06:00.002-04:00

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Zach's Zoomer
Amusement Park:Michigan's Adventure
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 7/22/1994
Builder:Custom Coasters International, Inc.
Categories:ACE Coaster Classic, Family

Inversions:0

Trains:Single train with 5 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 20 riders.Built by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.

History:Named after the grandson of Michigan Adventure's former park owner Roger Jourden.

Photo:

Delving Into Disney-"New Sights For '75" Brochure

2009-03-10T16:13:00.002-04:00

Cedar Point Rarities-Mantis Advertisement

2009-03-10T16:11:00.002-04:00

Cedar Point Rarities-Disaster Transport Advertisement

2009-03-08T16:00:00.001-04:00

Ride Of The Day-Runaway Mine Train

2009-03-05T21:06:00.002-05:00

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Runaway Mine Train (2007 to ?)
Jammin (2002 to 2003)

Amusement Park:M&Ds Scotland's Theme Park
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operated from 7/3/2002 to 2003
Operating since 2007

Make / Model:Barbisan / Jamming

Inversions:0

History:

This roller coaster was part of M&D's traveling fair for three years prior to being setup at their fixed park midway through the 2002 season. After the 2003 season it was removed from the fixed park in February 2004 and is believed to have rejoined their traveling fair.

Prior to the 2007 season the Jammin was modified by Fabbri. The tire propelled spiral lift was replaced with a traditional chain lift and the train with spinning cars was replaced with a traditional train.

Photo:

Coaster Classic Corner-Triple Hurricane

2009-03-05T21:01:00.002-05:00

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Triple Hurricane
Amusement Park:Cypress Gardens Adventure Park
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operated from 11/26/2004 to 11/16/2008
Make / Model:Martin & Vleminckx Group/40' Junior Coaster
Categories:ACE Coaster Classic, Family
Dimensions:650' x 200'

Length:1365'
Height:40'
Inversions:0
Speed:32 mph
Duration:0:50
G-Force:2.5

Trains:Single train with 5 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 20 riders.

Photo:

Delving Into Disney-Jungle Cruise Construction Photo

2009-03-05T20:57:00.002-05:00

Cedar Point Rarities-Jungle Larry's Safari Island Advertisement

2009-03-05T20:54:00.002-05:00

Terminator Update At Six Flags Magic Mountain

2009-03-05T20:38:00.003-05:00

Terminator Salvation:The Ride is coming along at a good pace for the park's opening.Here is a good aerial photo of the latest bends surrounding Deja Vu:

General Motors' Last Lap On Test Track

2009-03-05T20:29:00.004-05:00

One of Walt Disney World's marquee sponsorship deals is in jeopardy.

Struggling U.S. auto giant General Motors Corp. is considering pulling out as sponsor of Test Track, the high-speed Epcot attraction among the most popular rides in all of Disney World.

A 10-year contract between Disney and GM expires this year. And GM, which lost $31billion last year and is relying on loans from the federal government to stay in business, may not be able to afford to renew the pact.

Disney and GM are negotiating new terms but have so far been unable to strike a deal. GM has indicated it wants a resolution by the end of this month.

"We're still in discussions with them and haven't made a decision," GM spokeswoman Kelly Cusinato said. "It's definitely one that I think people are doing everything they can to preserve."

It is a lucrative partnership for Disney: Though neither company would discuss the terms, Automotive News reported last month that GM pays Disney close to $5million a year.

GM and other original corporate sponsors in Epcot, which opened in 1982, paid as much as $35million over 10years for their initial contracts, according to a former Epcot executive. The German engineering giant Siemens AG is currently paying Disney a reported $100million over 12years to sponsor Epcot's Spaceship Earth attraction.

Disney would not discuss details of its talks with GM.

"We continue to have a relationship with General Motors and are having ongoing discussions about continuing our relationship," spokeswoman Kim Prunty said Tuesday.

For GM, the marketing advantages of its Test Track sponsorship are obvious. The attraction is a top draw in Epcot, which lures an estimated 11million visitors each year, making it the second-busiest theme park at Disney World and the third-busiest in the United States.

The ride features vehicles, controlled by onboard computers, that carry guests through a series of simulated car-safety tests. During the 5 1/2-minute ride, guests are exposed to 100-degree temperature changes; bounced around hairpin turns; and hurtled through a final, outdoor sprint that reaches 60mph — the fastest top speed of any ride at Disney World.

Logo Everywhere

GM's presence is everywhere. The carmaker's corporate logo is splashed throughout the pavilion that houses the ride. The queue includes a room featuring aerial photos of GM "proving grounds" around the world, from a desert track in Mesa, Ariz., to a cold-weather course in northern Ontario. Guests exit through a swanky showroom displaying more than a dozen GM vehicles and a gift shop hawking pink Cadillac ball caps, die-cast Corvettes and electronic-toy Hummers.

There are even computer terminals and a customer-service desk for guests to order GM sales brochures.

When the ride debuted in March 1999, GM's then-vice president for marketing and advertising in North America said it would "help build brand awareness, corporate image and ultimately introduce new customers to GM dealers and our products."

The benefits extend beyond advertising. Disney also purchases GM vehicles — including Chevy Trailblazers and Silverados and Saturn Vue hybrids — for its corporate fleet as part of the sponsorship deal, according to people familiar with the arrangement.

But as valuable as the pact is to GM, the company may no longer be able to afford it. The automaker has warned that it could go bankrupt without as much as $16.6billion in loans from the U.S. government — on top of $13.4billion in taxpayer loans it has already received.

GM would not be the first major corporate sponsor to drop out at Epcot. General Electric, ExxonMobil and AT&T are all former sponsors, while newcomers include Siemens and Hewlett-Packard. Theme-park analysts also say they are certain Test Track would continue operating even if GM pulled out, as the ride's capacity is vital to managing park crowds.

But losing GM would further pressure profits at Disney World, which is relying on deep hotel and ticket discounts to keep visitors coming despite the struggling economy.

Replacements?

Finding a replacement sponsor also could be tricky. A rival company is unlikely to want to take over a GM ride without making substantial changes, said Steve Baker, a former Epcot executive in charge of corporate sponsorships.

"Anybody coming in paying that kind of money would want their own fingerprints," said Baker, who is now president of Baker Leisure Group, an Orlando themed-entertainment consulting firm.

The most likely targets for a replacement sponsor at Test Track would be other car manufacturers. But the entire industry is struggling as the global recession depresses auto sales.

Marketing executives at Toyota Motor Corp. have discussed internally the prospect of sponsoring Test Track. But Joe Tetherow, a spokesman for Toyota Motor Sales USA, said "it would be premature to speculate on what's going to happen."

"We're cutting a lot of costs right now," Tetherow said. "But, obviously, there's going to be opportunities from time to time that come along that we might want to take a look at."

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Holiday World Owner Awarded "Heart Of Indiana" Award

2009-03-05T20:19:00.001-05:00

Rep. Suzanne Crouch, one of the 14 members of the Indiana Commission for Women, presented Pat Koch, an owner of Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari in Spencer County, with the “Heart of Indiana” award.

“Pat Koch believes you can both run a profitable business and do the right thing with customers and employees,” said Rep. Crouch (R-Evansville). “She and her husband, Bill, who passed away in 2001, turned a small kiddie park into the wildly successful and famous Holiday World.

“Pat is avidly involved in making her community a better place to live,” explained Rep. Crouch. “From a personal greeting to every guest, to pitching in with the most unpleasant tasks, Pat leads by example.”

Koch was honored, along with other recipients, at a dinner and ceremony in Indianapolis.

As Holiday World’s Director of Values, Koch is known for never giving up, even when her and her husband’s early ideas for the amusement park failed. She has always been willing to do whatever is needed, even scrubbing restrooms.

Koch’s father, Jim Yellig, masqueraded as Santa Claus when the enterprise was known as Santa Claus Land.

But Koch didn’t immediately follow her father’s holiday-tinged footsteps. She went to nursing school, and then spent 10 years in a Daughters of Charity convent. Upon her return to Santa Claus, Ind., she became re-acquainted with Bill Koch, 17 years her senior. After marrying, the couple had five children.

Koch has been a promoter of family values in the Santa Claus community, spending hours with the young employees that flood the park every summer.

Koch has said, “You can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration.”

“Pat clearly chooses to inspire,” said. Rep. Crouch. “I think it’s fabulous that this evening gives us the chance to recognize women in Indiana who have changed our state for the better.”

Tuesday night’s gala was the fifth annual Torchbearer award ceremony. Gov. Mitch Daniels congratulated nominees and award recipients at a special reception prior to the dinner and ceremony.

The Indiana Commission for Women assesses the current status and needs of women in Indiana, and seeks to give women a voice. The ICW’s mission is to change the way the state, communities and political, economic and educational spheres interact with women.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Dick Kinzel Sells Some Cedar Fair Shares

2009-03-05T20:14:00.001-05:00

Amusement park operator Cedar Fair LP said its chairman has sold nearly 13 percent of the limited partner units he owned directly.

Dick Kinzel, who also is president and CEO, disclosed the sale Wednesday, after the company's shares came within pennies of a 52-week low during trading. Kinzel says the sale was to meet a margin loan call and didn't reflect lack of confidence in the company.

Kinzel reported selling 167,900 of the 1.3 million limited partner units he held.

Shares have traded between $6.04 and $25 in the past year, and dipped to $6.07 on Wednesday before closing at $6.77.

The company owns and operates 11 amusement parks, six outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and five hotels. The parks include Cedar Point and Kings Island in Ohio; Kings Dominion in Virginia; Worlds of Fun in Kansas City; and Knott's Berry Farm in California.

FOUND IN FORBES MAGAZINE

Ride Of The Day-Rhino Coaster

2009-03-04T21:20:00.002-05:00

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Rhino Coaster
Amusement Park:West Midlands Safari Park
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1992
Make / Model:Vekoma / Junior Coaster (335m)
Categories:Family

Length:1099' 1"
Height:42' 8"
Inversions:0
Speed:28.5 mph
Duration:1:06

Trains:Single train with 8 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in a single row for a total of 16 riders.

Photo:

Coaster Classic Corner-Thunderbolt

2009-03-04T21:16:00.002-05:00

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Thunderbolt (3/27/1968 to ?)
Pippin (1924 to 1967)

Amusement Park:Kennywood
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1924
Builder:Andy Vettel
Categories:ACE Coaster Classic
Track layout:Terrain

Length:2887'
Height:70'
Drop:95'
Inversions:0
Speed:55 mph
Duration:1:41

Trains:3 trains with 4 cars per train. Riders are arranged 2 across in 3 rows for a total of 24 riders per train.Built by National Amusement Device Company

History:The Thunderbolt opened 3/27/68 as a major expansion of the Pippin coaster built in 1924 by John Miller.

Photo:

Delving Into Disney-Space Mountain Concept Art

2009-03-04T21:11:00.002-05:00

The tracks for Space Mountain in Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom were originally designed to be on the outside!

Cedar Point Rarities-Frontier Lift and Car Ride Advertisement

2009-03-04T21:06:00.002-05:00

Carolina Cobra Almost Ready For Testing

2009-03-04T21:02:00.003-05:00

Carolina Cobra,the new roller coaster opening in 2009 at Carowinds in Charlotte,North Carolina,is almost ready for testing.The trains are now on the track,as evident by this photo:

Beech Bend Recieves A New Ride From Neverland Ranch

2009-03-04T20:59:00.001-05:00

Beech Bend Park is adding a Sea Dragon to its line-up of great family rides. The Sea Dragon is a park model swinging pirate ship themed ride that will swing riders 65 feet high into the air. The swinging motion gives the rider the same "lose your stomach" feeling as a roller coaster's airtime moments. Only with the Sea Dragon, those airtime moments will last longer than with most coasters.

The ride has a bit of interesting history, as well. It was purchased from Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara, California. The ride was one of several large rides that made up Jackson's infamous 2,800 acre Neverland Ranch private amusement park. The park has been closed recently. Beech Bend Park purchased the ride in November. It is currently getting a new paint scheme before making the cross country trip to Bowling Green in mid-March.

The engineering work has been completed and work on the foundation for the ride will begin March 2nd. The ride will be open on May 1st when Beech Bend Park opens its 2009 season. The ride joins an already impressive line-up of family and thrill rides at the Park. Beech Bend's Kentucky Rumbler wooden coaster is currently ranked 13th best in the world by Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards. Beech Bend offers over 40 rides and attractions, Splash Lagoon Water Park, Gold Rush Golf, Petting Farm and live entertainment every day of the season.

Best of all, you don't have to spend a fortune for family fun and family memories to last a lifetime. Beech Bend Park is close to home and priced much lower than other amusement park facilities. We haven't had a price increase in years, even though we have continually added new attractions. We're family owned and operated---let us show your family a good time this summer!

FOUND IN THE AMPLIFIER

Cedar Point Rarities-Gemini Construction Photo

2009-03-03T22:41:00.002-05:00

Hard Rock Park Accepting Job Applications

2009-03-02T07:17:00.003-05:00

Hard Rock Park's new owners,FPI MB Entertainment,have announced that they will start accepting applications online and at the park today.The company has stated that they need to fill 750 jobs for the park's Memorial Day opening.Last year's employees will get first dibs.

Ride Of The Day-Tornado

2009-03-01T22:19:00.001-05:00

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Tornado
Amusement Park:Selva Mágica
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 2002
Relocations:Busch Gardens Europe as Glissade
La Feria Chapultepec Magico as Tornado
Selva Mágica as Tornado

Make / Model:Schwarzkopf / Jet Star 3 / Jumbo Jet
Designer:Ing.-Büro Stengel GmbH
Lift / Launch System:Electric Spiral Lift

Inversions:0

Photo:

Coaster Classic Corner-Scooby's Ghasping Ghoster Coaster

2009-03-01T22:02:00.002-05:00

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Scooby's Gasping Ghoster Coaster
Amusement Park:Canada's Wonderland
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1981
Builder:Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.
Designer:Curtis D. Summers
Categories:ACE Coaster Classic, Family

Length:1356'
Height:41'
Drop:39'
Inversions:0
Speed:35 mph
Duration:1:20

Trains:Single train with 5 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 20 riders.Riders must be 40" or taller to ride.Built by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.Riders less than 44" tall must ride with an adult.

Photo:

Cedar Point Rarities-Ferris Wheel Advertisement

2009-03-01T13:19:00.003-05:00

The Giant Wheel is now located beside Disaster Transport on the Wicked Twister Midway.

Delving Into Disney-EPCOT Opening Week Ticket

2009-03-01T13:05:00.002-05:00

Yes,another feature on Amusement Park Madness!Just like the Cedar Point and Kennywood Rarities,Delving Into Disney will feature rarities related to Walt Disney World.The first rarity is an Opening Week Commemorative Ticket for EPCOT Center.

Ride Of The Day-Centrifuge

2009-02-28T22:39:00.002-05:00

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Centrifuge
Amusement Park:World Expo Park
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Suspended
Status:Operated from 4/30/1988 to 10/30/1988
Relocated to:Dream World as Sky Coaster
Make / Model:Vekoma / Swinging Turns

Inversions:0

Photo:

Coaster Classic Corner-Scenic Railway

2009-02-28T22:22:00.002-05:00

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Scenic Railway
Amusement Park:Dreamland
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operated from 7/3/1920 to 4/7/2008
Categories:ACE Coaster Classic, Brakeman

Inversions:0

Photo:

Cedar Point Rarities-Gemini Postcard

2009-02-28T22:21:00.000-05:00

Carowinds Opening Day Photos-1976

2009-02-28T21:51:00.003-05:00

Hello,

I stumbled upon these photos while browsing online.They are from the grand opening of Carowinds in Charlotte,North Carolina in 1976.

A good depiction of the automobile fronts on Thunder Road.

Photo of people entering the station for Thunder Road after their ride with wind-blown hair!

Thanks!

Orion A.

The Poll Results!

2009-02-28T11:29:00.003-05:00

Hello,

Well,it looks like Magic Kingdom wins for the Best Disney Park with 10 votes!

Next Poll:Best Park In Western Pennsylvania!

Thanks!

Orion A.

Diamondback Testing Underway

2009-02-27T21:56:00.005-05:00

Diamondback at Kings Island has begun testing as evident by the above picture.

Mark your calendars for April 18th!

Thanks!

Orion A.

Six Flags Great America and KeyLime Cove Announce Marketing and Sponsorship Alliance

2009-02-26T16:11:00.008-05:00

Six Flags Great America and KeyLime Cove announced today a partnership making KeyLime Cove the Official Resort of Six Flags Great America. The unique partnership is designed to enhance visitor entertainment options and convenience, increase overall guest satisfaction, value, and length of stay and drive additional tourism to Lake County.

"This partnership will provide families with a one-stop affordable vacation option as Lake County continues to grow as a family destination," said Six Flags Great America Park President Hank Salemi. "As two of the region's largest tourist attractions, the collaboration is a natural fit."

As the Official Resort of Six Flags Great America, KeyLime Cove will be the preferred lodging option for all Six Flags' guest inquiries. The alliance includes affordable family packages, which offer admission to the theme and water parks, accommodations at KeyLime Cove, access to the resort's indoor water park, and free shuttle service between the two attractions.

"The partnership between two family-orientated destinations - a year-round, indoor water park resort and spa and a top seasonal theme park - results in a world-class family destination unparalleled in the region," said Dale McFarland, KeyLime Cove general manager. "Guests will enjoy the best of both destinations, making the family vacation an extraordinary one."

As part of the agreement, Six Flags Great America and KeyLime Cove will collaborate on a number of co-branded marketing initiatives through multiple platforms via Six Flags Media Networks. These cross-promotional activities include in-park signage for KeyLime Cove at Six Flags; Web site presence; advertising tags; inclusion on the Six Flags radio and television networks; and a KeyLime Cove attraction sponsorship in Hurricane Harbor.

About Six Flags

Media room: http://greatamerica.sixflagsink.com/

Six Flags, Inc. is the world's largest regional theme park company with 20 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada, and soon will be expanding beyond North America with destinations in Dubai and Qatar. Since 1961, hundreds of millions of families have trusted Six Flags to combine friendly-clean-fast-safe service with affordable, value-packed thrills, record- shattering roller coasters and special events like the Summer Concert Series, Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park. Six Flags' wide array of entertainment options reaches all demographics -- families, teens, tweens and thrill seekers alike -- featuring themed attractions based on skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, the ultimate daredevil Evel Knievel, movie franchises The Dark Knight and The Mummy; as well as world-renowned, kid-friendly brands including Looney Tunes, the Justice League of America, The Wiggles and Thomas the Tank Engine.

Six Flags continues to develop new avenues for growth, acquiring ownership and management of Dick Clark Productions, producer of such perennial television hits as the American Music Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, the Academy of Country Music Awards, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve and So You Think You Can Dance. Six Flags, Inc. is a publicly-traded corporation (NYSE:SIX) headquartered in New York City.

About KeyLime Cove

KeyLime Cove is an island-inspired family vacation destination less than an hour drive from Chicago and Milwaukee. As The Official Resort of Six Flags Great America, the year-round resort features 414 suites and staterooms and offers a complete family vacation without ever leaving the property. Created to be an American coastal experience just a short drive from home, the resort's entertainment and amenities include a 65,000 square-foot, 82-degree tropical-themed waterpark, 8,000 square-foot arcade, multiple restaurants including D.W. Anderson's Eatery and Ice Cream Parlor and The Crazy Toucan Margarita Grille with live entertainment, Paradise Mist Spa and 6,000 square feet of banquet and meeting space. An abundance of fun is found around every corner, including the uniquely themed interior, arts, crafts, interactive festivities, shops and street vendors. For reservations visit www.keylimecove.com.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Cedar Point Rarities-Main Midway Advertisement

2009-02-26T16:06:00.002-05:00

The Sky Slide and the Balloon Girl were both typical amenities that an amusement park used to offer.

Ride Of The Day-Scramble Coaster

2009-02-23T22:47:00.001-05:00

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Scramble Coaster
Amusement Park:Lina World
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Steel - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1994
Builder:Meisho Amusement Machines
Track layout:Wild Mouse

Inversions:0
Duration:1:00

Trains:Single car trains. Riders are arranged inline in 2 rows for a total of 2 riders per car.

Photo:

Coaster Classic Corner-Rutschebanen

2009-02-23T22:43:00.002-05:00

Statistics:

Roller Coaster:Rutschebanen
Amusement Park:Tivoli Gardens
Classification:Roller Coaster
Type:Wood - Sit Down
Status:Operating since 1915 or later
Relocated from:Baltic Fair as Bergnanan
Categories:ACE Coaster Classic, Brakeman, Side Friction
Capacity:3200 riders per hour

Length:2362' 2"
Inversions:0
Speed:31.1 mph
Duration:2:10

History:The Rutschebanen was first built for the 1914 Baltic Fair. After the fair ended the roller coaster was sold to Tivoli Gardens. This is why the opening date of this roller coaster is so often written as "dating from 1914". The roller coaster probably opened at Tivoli Gardens in 1915, but this information hasn't been confirmed at this time.

Notes:Highest point to the lowest point is 12.9 meters.

Theme:Themed to resemble a mountain.

Etymology:"Rutschebanen" is Dansk for "Roller Coaster".

Photo:

Cedar Point Rarities-Turnpike Cars and CP&LE RR Advertisement

2009-02-23T17:09:00.002-05:00

Boy,those were the days!The Turnpike Cars are backed up!

Shock Wave At Six Flags Over Texas Is Refurbished

2009-02-23T16:54:00.002-05:00

Shock Wave at Six Flags Over Texas is being refurbished.The ride will not be open on Opening Day,but will be open on March 7.Here are a couple of photos:

Cedar Point Rarities-Shoot The Rapids Advertisement

2009-02-22T12:47:00.001-05:00

Cedar Point Looking To Fill 4,500 Positions for '09 Season

2009-02-22T12:45:00.002-05:00

Ride operators, food service attendants and merchandise and games associates are just a few of the job positions that will be available at Cedar Point during this summer's operating season.

Cedar Point will hold open interviews for more than 4,500 positions from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28 at the park's Breakers Express Hotel, 1201 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky. Open interviews will also be held at the same time and place on Saturday, March 28.

All applicants need to complete an online application prior to attending the open interviews. To apply, visit www.cedarpoint.com and click on "Jobs."

Other available positions include marina dockhand, lifeguard, admissions employee, parking/tolls attendant and room attendants. Overall, there are more than 50 different job classifications available. Many of the jobs at Cedar Point will also qualify for college credit for an internship at many schools including Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Recreation, Marketing, Communications, Finance, Human Resources and many more.

Cedar Point offers positions starting at $7.30 per hour. Employees under the age of 16 will earn $6.55 an hour and will increase to $7.25 an hour by the end of July. Other employee benefits include low-cost housing for employees who are at least 18 years old and live more than 25 miles from the park, on-site employee cafeteria, free uniform exchange, recreation center and extensive employee activity program. This year, summer employees will also be able to enroll in a seasonal health care program.

Cedar Point employees also have free admission to Cedar Point, the Soak City waterpark and the park's beautiful sandy beach.

Cedar Point will be open daily Saturday, May 16 through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. The park will then reopen for weekend operations through Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009.

To obtain additional information about jobs at Cedar Point, please call 1.800.668.JOBS (5627) or visit cedarpoint.com.

Cypress Gardens To Name New Management Group

2009-02-22T12:41:00.001-05:00

WINTER HAVEN - Some questions the public has been asking about the future of closed Cypress Gardens Adventure Park might be answered Tuesday.

During a morning news conference, the owners of Florida's first theme park will announce a new management team.

According to a news release from Bob Gernert, the executive director of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, the news conference will be held at 10 a.m. on the second floor of the chamber building at 401 Ave. B, N.W.

Future operations, including the planned reopening date for the park, will be among the details presented, according to the release.

"We have reached a management agreement with a well-known industry leader who is very familiar with Cypress Gardens," said Brian Philpot, who owns Cypress Gardens with business partner Rob Harper. "We have been working diligently to reopen the park as soon as possible and our new manager and his team will be able to get the park up and running quickly."

Cypress Gardens has been closed since Nov. 17 so the owners could revamp and streamline park operations. The plan included selling the rides, closing the park's animal section, expanding the Splash Island water park, focusing on the botanical and topiary gardens, and moving primary parking back to the north end of the park.

Rick Dantzler, a spokesman for the park, has said that some of the rides have been sold and that new homes have been found for all the animals.

When the owners announced the park's temporary closing last fall, they said Cypress Gardens would reopen in March.

FOUND ON NEWS CHIEF

One Week Left For The Polls!

2009-02-21T12:53:00.003-05:00

Hello,

Just wanted to announce that there is one week left to vote in the polls for Best Disney Park.The choices are:

Disneyland
Disney's California Adventure
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney TokyoSeas
Disneyland Paris
Disney's Blizzard Beach
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon

Thanks!

Orion A.

The Curse Of Skull Rock Advertisement

2009-02-21T12:47:00.001-05:00

You remember a while back when I did a feature on the new 4-D film coming to Drayton Manor,right?Well,here is an advertisement for it:

Thanks!

Orion A.

Cedar Point Rarities-Corkscrew Advertisement

2009-02-21T12:42:00.003-05:00

Schlitterbahn Waterpark Helps Locals Bounce Back From Economic Downturn

2009-02-19T16:21:00.001-05:00

The Schlitterbahn Vacation Village Waterpark project in Kansas City, Kan., continues to move forward and to help others bounce back by providing local jobs fueling the local economy even under the strains of the current economic meltdown.

These unprecedented times made it necessary for Schlitterbahn to take a brief pause in ongoing development in an effort to reassess all aspects of the project and for the opportunity to reorganize the work flow to deliver the new waterpark to the people of Kansas City. As one of the few new endeavors to withstand the crunch, Schlitterbahn has managed to make the project a success and to deliver the first phase of this exciting new attraction this summer.

This forward progress provides opportunities to employ many local companies and their workforce including:

Clarkson Construction Company continues to provide services for site work and civil engineering. Capri Pools, LLC, is in charge of the Torrent Tidal Wave River construction and is well-versed in managing the complex process involved with this type of work. A variety of tradespersons from local unions, including the Construction and General Laborers Local 1290 of Kansas City, Kan., are utilized by both companies.

Schlitterbahn Waterparks and its subsidiaries are experts in designing, building and operating waterparks and attractions, not only for its own facilities, but also for other companies around the world. Henry & Sons Construction, a member of the Schlitterbahn family of companies, is on site to build certain waterpark attractions since this is a line of work in which Schlitterbahn Waterparks specializes. This particular team is part of the regular Schlitterbahn staff, some who have been with the company for nearly 30 years.

More than $140 million has been spent on the project to date. With more than $600 million additional to invest before completion, there are even more employment opportunities for the local work force in future phases of development. Not only will Schlitterbahn create jobs throughout the construction period, but also many more once the resort is complete.

“The new Schlitterbahn waterpark will generate hundreds of jobs, not only at the park but also in the area that surrounds the park,” explained Michael Catcott, project executive for the Schlitterbahn Vacation Village. “This new attraction will increase tourism in the Kansas City area, which in turn will produce incremental tax revenue for Kansas City, Kansas and Wyandotte County. It will also boost the local economy by generating additional income for other businesses in the area.”

The first phase of the waterpark is scheduled to open summer 2009 with more than a dozen state-of-the-art attractions including the world’s largest tidal wave river, an uphill Master Blaster water coaster, a hot tub with swim-up bar, several mammoth tubing rivers and chutes, giant water slides, an interactive area for smaller children and more.

New retail, lodging and other entertainment elements will be introduced during additional phases through 2011 as planned.

FOUND IN AMUSEMENT TODAY

Cedar Point Rarities-Kiddieland Advertisement

2009-02-19T06:08:00.002-05:00

This area is now Kiddy Kingdom.

Prowler-Station Work

2009-02-18T21:36:00.004-05:00

Prowler at Worlds Of Fun is being fitted with a nice looking station.Here:

Here's a description of the latest progress as written on the WoF Blog:

"1. The crazy intersection. This area of the ride now is home to steel beems, lots of wood, and is rapidly moving up my list of most anticipated parts of the ride. The finale takes the ride right through the middle of the structure and I think the sense of speed and closeness is going to be great. Think Mamba helix fools people into putting their hands down? Wait for this!

The area came together over the weekend and work continues in this area today. The lift hill is now one continuous structure, complete with handrails, but there is still much work to be done on and below it. Still, it is nice to see 'THE' lift hill instead of a few smaller hills combining to make the lift hill!

2. The transfer building. This building received a roof over the weekend and is coming along. Crews are simultaneously working on its stairs, mechanical, roofing, structure, and more.

3. The plaza/station area. Let's start with the photo building. The interior is framed and the exterior is getting some thematic touches to fit in with the ride and the rest of the buildings in the area. It looks great!

The station exterior has received a platform and stairs, as well as an exit ramp. Inside the station, electrical work is being done on the upper floor and the station lights are in. On the lower half, the panel room is still a huge focus as crews work on power, fiber, etc."

To view more photos,visit here

Diamondbacks Trains Are In!

2009-02-18T21:27:00.002-05:00

Hello,

I just received word that Diamondback's train have finally reached the park!Here is a photo:

More photos can be found here.

Also,the hourly capacity is 1,620 riders.

Thanks!

Orion A.

P.S. Diamondback opens on April 18th!