Traveling the Globe for the Best Coasters and Theme Parks
In the Midwest and eastern U.S. we are always excited for the reopening of our seasonal parks and the start of another coaster season. Among the parks with the earliest season opening is Carowinds. So on March 11th my friend Pete and I made the trek from central Ohio to this unique Cedar Fair Park. We arrived very late on Friday night and went to bed with visions of Fury 325 in our dreams.
Continue reading “Carowinds Opening Weekend”
It’s February, and that means cooler temperatures and some clouds in the sky! We flew in from Florida for another two glorious days at one of our favorite parks: Six Flags Magic Mountain! Let’s take a look at some of the work being done around the park and feature some new photography!
Continue reading “Six Flags Magic Mountain Park Update – Trip Report”
After a shorter day at Worlds of Fun, Pete and I had come to our final day and park of the Missouri Triangle. Six Flags St. Louis opened in 1971 as the third and final Six Flags park developed under the vision of Angus Wynne – before expansion switched from new park development to acquisition. It is apparent that the concept had been streamlined by the third try. While the six flag-themed areas remained, far less emphasis was placed on nation specific theming. By the 70s it was obvious rides are why people went to Six Flags and the park opened with multiple of what made the Six Flags concept work: two Arrow log flumes, two Arrow mine trains, and two Arrow car rides. While the park has undergone some dramatic changes through the years, it benefits from this simplified formula, and, despite the changes, the park feels cohesive. What was it about this “lower-tier” Six Flags park that made it a highlight of our trip?
Continue reading “The Missouri Triangle: Part 3 – Six Flags St. Louis”
In part one of this series my friend Pete and I started our Missouri trip with an amazing Thursday at Silver Dollar City. Friday’s park was one of Cedar Fair’s mid-tier parks, Worlds of Fun. Worlds of Fun opened in 1973 at the height of the regional park boom. Despite some dramatic changes since the park’s 1995 sale to Cedar Fair, Worlds of Fun still very much feels like a product of the 70s. Loosely themed to Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, the park is divided into various international regions such as Europa, Africa, and the Orient. These areas are more distinguished than I expected and are united by a streamlined 70s aesthetic. For coaster enthusiasts World of Fun features some impressive coasters including the tallest full-circuit coaster in the state, Mamba and the well regarded GCI woodie, Prowler. The biggest question for the two of us was how did this Cedar Fair property compare to it’s Ohio siblings.
Continue reading “The Missouri Triangle: Part 2 – Worlds of Fun”
There is lots of debate over what state in the US has the best coaster collection. Most conversation centers on California, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, but there’s one state that usually overlooked. With three major theme parks and a significant collection of World class coasters, Missouri is one of the most underrated coaster destinations in America. With the end of seasonal park season on the horizon, my friend Pete and I decided to make the trek from Ohio to visit these three major parks which I’m dubbing “The Missouri Triangle.”
Continue reading “The Missouri Triangle: Part 1 – Silver Dollar City”
I’ve had the distinct privilege of traveling around the world and riding all three of the large Arrow/S&S 4D Coasters. Having lived next to Magic Mountain for many years, I’m very familiar with X2‘s distinct last Raven Turn, but how do the other two compare? Eejanaika and Dinoconda look similar but deliver vastly different ride experiences. Join me as I take a look at all three 4D Coasters, their differences, ride experiences, and learn which one is my favorite.
Continue reading “X2 vs. Eejanaika vs. Dinoconda”
The Golden State has long had the reputation as one of the recreation capitals of the world. Beautiful weather combined with a diverse landscape created an environment where leisure became a serious business. It is no surprise that California is home to some of the world’s most famous roller coasters. Unfortunately many great rides are no longer part of the California coaster landscape. In these series we will be exploring some of California’s great coasters that are no more!
Continue reading “Lost Coasters of California – Part 1: Corkscrew”
Hong Kong’s Ocean Park has received 5.4 billion Yuan from the Hong Kong government to revitalize the park and stabilize their income. The park is restructuring to a free admission model with upcharge attractions and experiences. The new project will provide several businesses access to the park and create a cultural experience zone that no longer reflects the usual theme park business model. This new business model is designed to compliment Disney’s struggling Hong Kong theme park . Unfortunately, this change comes with retirement of several beloved attractions and experiences including Dragon, the park’s Arrow looping coaster.
Continue reading “Hong Kong’s Ocean Park Dragon to be Among 7 Attractions to be Removed in Effort to Relaunch Park.”
With the opening of Corkscrew in 1975 Arrow Development not only introduced the first modern looping roller coaster it also introduced the first inverting coaster element that wasn’t a vertical loop. Though people complain about Arrow’s use of “cookie cutter” elements on its looping coasters we still see almost every element Arrow introduced being used today. For over 20 years these “cookie cutter” inversions were what it meant to ride a looping coaster and I think Arrow loopers continue to be the first “upside down” ride for many people. In celebration of 45 years of the modern looping roller coaster enjoy this ranking of five classic Arrow inverting elements.