32 coasters in 2 weeks - California

Just got back from 2 weeks in California. Since there is so much to post about the trip, I'll just break it down into the following:

Best Wood Coaster - Roar at SFMW. Ghostrider reminded me of a better version SFWoA's Villain. Roar just twists and turns all over and the Millennium Flyer trains are beauties with the "T bar" restraints. Giant Dipper at SCBB should also get a nod in this category.

Best Steel Coaster - Goliath at SFMM. Roomy trains, great first drop into the mist filled tunnel, and it has a fine mix of positive and negative G's. Great job Giovanola! Riddler's Revenge should get a nod in this category.

Worst Wood Coaster - Grizzly at PGA. I feel for the NoCal enthusiasts. This ride needs to be replaced with something better.

Worst Steel Coaster - Revolution at SFMM. This ride is badly braked and the the OTSR's are not needed on this coaster. But I do like the layout.

Best Non-coaster Ride - Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland. Combines action of a simulator with a dark ride and is absolutely thrilling and wonderful. Nods also go to Tasmanian Devil, the Huss Frisbee at SFMW as well as Whirlwind (Huss Breakdance) and Ghost Blasters (Sally Interactive Dark Ride) both found at SCBB.

Biggest Surprise - Disneyland. I'm not a Disney fan and this was my first time in a Disney park. Had a great time here and was amazed at all that was in the park. Beyond what I was expecting.

Best Park - Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Actually all the parks in California are great (except for the winner in the next category) but this one truly stands out as the best. Great ocean side atmosphere with a traditional feel.

Worst Park - Six Flags Magic Mountain. I have never been to a theme park that made me feel like I didn't belong there but this one actually did make me feel that way. The most anticipated park I was looking forward to and it was a major let down. Hardly any security was seen in the park, line jumping is way out of hand, and many of the ride ops looked bored out their mind. If this is Six Flags' darling, it didn't look or act that way. It is a beautiful park though somewhat hard to negotiate.

X Factor
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SFWoA: An Unofficial Guide
http://sfohio.tripod.com

Out of curiousity, why did you feel like you "didn't belong there" @ SFMM? It's been 14 years since I went to the place but I didnt think anything of it. Has it gone to hell like that?

Oh and I would really love to ride the Cali ROAR. Ours out here @ SFA is a champ! But I'd like to see those M-flyers.
jeremy
P.S. Nice summary!

2Hostyl,

It was just something about the park that didn't feel right, like the atmosphere was "not inviting" or "didn't make you feel welcome" if any of that makes sense. It's kind of hard to explain but my friend also felt the same way about the park.

X Factor

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SFWoA: An Unofficial Guide
http://sfohio.tripod.com

I know EXACTLY what you mean X Factor. Its the park with bo atmpshpere. I think if they just bagged the theming concepts except for Samuri Summit and Gotham City, and made it one self center amusment park it be great! The rides just all have there own character, I still love SFMM, I have NEVER had any of these problems that people have though. Lucky I guess!