Monthly Archives: June 2010

Poll Results: Quality vs Quantity

Posted on June 30, 2010 in Polls by

Quality vs. Quantity?

  • Quality: Nicer park, more themeing! (67%, 137 Votes)
  • Quantity: More coasters! (33%, 66 Votes)

Total Voters: 203

Loading ... Loading ...

Park Thought’s asked it’s readers which they preferred.  And the overwhelming majority said quality.  So step aside Six Flags Magic Mountain and Cedar Point, because according to this poll, coasters enthusiasts are craving unique, one of a kind, detailed experiences like Harry Potter, the Forbidden Journey and Expedition Everest.

This is quite a controversial topic.  Most parks have a choice, to go for quantity or quality.  Just a few years ago, Six Flags Magic Mountain was an excellent example.  They could either A, downsize remove various rides and make everything in the park top notch, or B, go after Cedar Point for the title of most roller coasters in the world.  Whether or not you like, that park chose quantity.  And there are plenty of other examples of the same ultimatum.

With the temperature peaking, people are hitting up water parks left and right.  Crowds inside these wet amusement parks can be extreme during the summer season.  Are these lines worth it?  What’s your stand on water parks?  Love ’em or hate ’em?  Share your park thoughts by voting in the poll below:

Water Parks?

  • Love them, great way to cool off in the summer. (76%, 86 Votes)
  • Don't care, great business idea, just not for me. (22%, 25 Votes)
  • They're Horrible, tear them down! (2%, 2 Votes)

Total Voters: 113

Loading ... Loading ...

Results will be posted 2 weeks from today with the next poll!  Check the side bar to see ongoing results.

Shoot the Rapids in video

Posted on June 29, 2010 in News by

Cedar Point’s next generation Intamin Log Flume, Shoot the Rapids, finally opened to the public last weekend and the park already has several videos up to show off their new ride:

The first shows what some park guests thought of their ride on Shoot the Rapids:

… and of course, as we can always expect from Cedar Point, a beautiful HD POV:

Without seeing the ride in person, I can easily say that this is Cedar Point’s best attempt at themeing yet, the ride almost looks like it could fit in a park like Dollywood or Silver Dollar City.

So, what do you think of Shoot the Rapids? Did it meet your expectations? Leave your comments and Park Thoughts below!

New Restraints on Intimidator 305 make it ‘a brand new ride’

Posted on June 24, 2010 in News, Updates by

Intimidator 305, the much debated new ride this year at Kings Dominion, has recieved many technical fixes since it opened a few months ago. Intamin, the ride’s builder, had to add in trim brakes on the first hill to slow down the ride since many people were complaining about graying out, even blacking out.

However, a new fix has arrived that has been rumored since the ride was announced. The typical over-the-sholder restraints found on most new Intamins have been replaced with straps. The Coaster Crew was able to ride the ride, and they say that the ride “is a brand new ride” now.

Intimidator 305 Strap Restraint, photo from The Coaster Crew

The normal Intamin restraints have caused head banging on I305’s tight turns and allowed people to float higher than what was comfortable. From what The Coaster Crew is saying, the head banging is gone and the new straps keep you snug in your seat.

So, what are your thoughts on the new restraints? Will these make up for the ride’s slower speed now? Post your thoughts below and like this post on Facebook to share with your friends.

Take a ride on Kennywood’s new Sky Rocket

Posted on June 23, 2010 in News by

An official POV of Kennywood’s much anticipated new Premier LSM coaster, Sky Rocket, has finally arrived:

The ride seems to be very smooth, faced paced, and with unique elements like the triple s-bend “Surf Curve”, it should turn out to be a very solid roller coaster, and definitely a great addition for Kennywood.

Sky Rocket is expected to take it’s first public riders this coming Tuesday.

...

Stitch & Friends Summer Hangout at Hong Kong Disneyland

Posted on June 15, 2010 in News by

Hong Kong Disneyland is heating up this summer with Stitch and Friends Summer Hangout.  After the very successful event last year, Stitch’s Summer Bash, the 2010 version has been expanded to accomodate a larger variety of characters, mostly Pixar.  The event includes new characters out for meet n’ greets in the hub, entertainment offerings in all 4 lands of the...

Rest In Peace, Will Koch

Posted on June 14, 2010 in News by

Today we learned that Will Koch, President of Holiday World and one of the greats in the amusement park world passed away at the age of 48. He was a highly respected figure in the industry, known for always putting the park guest first and over the last 20 years, he turned a small, local park into one that can not only compete, but...

CGA Update: June 8, 2010

Posted on in Trip Reports by

Welcome to a new feature called CGA Update.  These will be fairly short little updates highlighting my local amusement park, California’s Great America in Santa Clara, California.  This first update was taken on June 8, 2010 on my quick day time stop at at the park.

Since Boomerang Bay does not open until 11:00 am when the rest of the park...