Calling America!

Man, there are helpful people on this site ...

My two cents - since it seems we share the same tastes in coasters, uklad - the Phoenix is also my favourite (note British spelling), and my wife and I are also airtime junkies - the coaster mentioned above I feel is a must ride is the notorious Screechin' Eagle. It ain't pretty, it sure as hell ain't subtle, but man ... it has moments that can't be found on any other ride. The catch is no one seems to know if the park will open this year.

As for the others, as Coasterville Dave noted in his superb entry above, you will be driving right by Marine Land and its Dragon, Martin's Fantasy Island and its very fun Silver Comet, and SF Darien Lake. If you haven't been there - I couldn't see it on your track record - it is worth the stop for its exhilirating Superman.

Seabreeze, in Rochester NY, is a pretty little park on the lake with a few coasters, including the peppy Jack Rabbit. Fantasy Island, Seabreeze, and Darien Lake can easily be done in one day - I know, I have.

One other thing - as a Toronto resident, I would be happy to help out with anything you may need to know about the area - from driving tips to where the best pints are pulled ...

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Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill.

I would definitely agree that Lake Compounce is a must. It is owned by the same folks that own Kennywood and has my favorite woodie, Boulder Dash...a definite must ride for any woodie lover. It is about 4 hours from Hershey and about 3 hours from SFGAdv, so not too far out of your way. SFNE is only another 30-45 minutes from there if you choose to do a corporate park.

As far as small "out of the norm" parks, Dutch Wonderland has Sky Princess...don't let the name fool you, I love this CCI "classic". There isn't much else in this park other than the Wonder House, but if you are looking to add a quality woodie to your count, then don't miss this one. It isn't far from Hershey.

And not much further from Dutch Wonderland is Williams Grove which is about as "unique" of a park as I have ever seen. More wood here, but make extra sure to check their schedule before adding them to your trip as they have some wierd hours and wierd park policies.

Obviously, Knoebels is a no-brainer.

As Jeff mentioned, Dorney doesn't get enough credit. Although it is a corporate park, it does have the regions most under-rated woodie in Thunderhawk. Talon is also a world-class must-ride steel coaster. There remaining line-up of coasters is good, but those are must-rides.

Good luck with your planning...Hope this helps.

Sean

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"Ever hear of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates...Morons!"

If you are flying into Toronto, you will probably be entering the US in the Buffalo/Niagara area. Consider SF Darien Lake, Martin's Fantasy Island, and Marineworld.

Ukcoasterlad-Be sure to post a trip report when you get back.

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-Sean Newman