Belmont Park 5/24

Flew into San Diego on Tuesday and I had plans to go to Sea World but we got there a little bit later than we thought and a couple of other minor gliches went on so by the time we got to Sea World it was only going to be open for another hour and 45 minutes. So we decided to go out to the beach and stop by at Belmont Park.

I've been to San Diego many times but never made it out to ride the Giant Dipper. Belmont is a small park with very few rides and one great roller coaster. The Giant Dipper gave an excellent ride.

To start off the ride you take a sharp diving left turn under the coaster and into darkness. The ride is completely blacked out as you traverse your way to the lift hill. This is a fun and unique way to start the coaster. Going up the lift hill you get to check out the great view of the beach and then before you know it you are diving down to the right. The Dipper has a nice curving first drop that reminded me of Thunderhead. The rest of the coaster gives some nice laterals and then some nice floater air. My friend and I just did one ride and rode in the front.

Giant Dipper is a really nice ride and was packed into an extremely small space. If you are ever in San Diego don't miss this one like I missed it so many other times. Hopefully next time I'm out there I can hit Journey to Atlantis. It looks like a really fun ride.

I'm heading out to Willow Grove (just north of Philadelphia) for the weekend and hope to make it out to Six Flags Great Adventure tomorrow. I'll be wearing my In and Out Burger shirt and a navy blue hat with a white A on it. If your there and see me come introduce yourself. I'll also be out at the Willow Grove Air Show all weekend at the C-21. It's a white military Lear 35. If your there come say hello.

Well hopefully I'll have a Great Adventure TR for you all next week. Thanks for your time!

Doug

The San Diego Giant Dipper is a great ride. I just wish it had better trains.

As for the beach, I was a little disappointed with Mission Beach. Of course, it was the middle of March when I was there. Anyhow, San Diego is a BEAUTIFUL place. I'd love to visit again.