Cedar Point/Joe Cool 7/22/01
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You know, I was starting to wonder why I bothered buying the Joe Cool Club pass this year, since I had not been to any of the events. Well, this morning I'm glad I did.
ERT scheduled for Millennium Force and Raptor. I'm there, Stephanie too. Parked at the resort gate where there were another six Joe Coolers, and leisurely walked to The Force. They got started about 10 minutes late around 8:40, but with so few people there, who cares. Knocked out three walk-on laps, rode with Old Timer Tim/The One And Only Coaster God for two of them. I was surprised at how fast it was running first thing in the morning, but then again it was already just under 80 degrees. It was going to be an oppressively hot day.
Off to Raptor where they were actually cycling empty trains. What a crime. We hopped in the back row for a lap. I'm always surprised at how much the ride surprises me, even knowing it by heart. I don't get how people call the ride average. I dig the ride.
On the second lap we entered with the public at large, and had to deal with one ride op who felt like being a jerk. The train comes in, people start to board. This testosterone monkey moron starts yelling at us to get behind the yellow line. Ummm... for what? So we can slow the loading down? He didn't appear to have a good reason, though we did comply, and turned around one second later to get on as the rest of the train was seated. Jerk.
From there we chilled in the shade of the Raptor "tunnel" under the loop, waiting to see if some people from my former employer (Penton Media, NYSE: PME) were in the park yet. They were having their annual picnic, despite layoffs and stock in the crapper. I had to fight the temptation to walk up to the CEO and ask him if he still thinks the Internet is a fad. Moron.
Anyway, we dropped by Giant Wheel where it was a little cooler by the lake. The parking lot was really filling up, but the lines weren't too bad. Through the course of the day we'd see reasonable waits, even on Magnum. I like having all of these rides, as it really seems to spread out the crowds.
I then spent quality time with Tim's kids in Camp Snoopy. Steph got Andrew, the little guy, and I got Hannah, which can't be bigger than 48.5 inches. Steph finally got her laps on Jr. Gemini while Hannah and I did the real Gemini. She wanted front seat, so that's where we sat. Understand that her tiny legs don't even touch the lap bar. It was crazy riding Magnum with her last year!
Steph and I then went to Red Garter to catch the Rock, Pop and Soul show (Hot Country Hoochies was off today). The band is outstanding, and one of the singers has serious lungs. She did the "Freedom" bit and the Christina Aguwhatevah part from the "Lady Marmalade" remake better than Christina could ever do it. Damn that girls has pipes! She was outstanding.
We wrapped with lunch at the Penton shindig back in the Coral Courtyard. The usual weiners and fried chicken, only this time they didn't burn the weiners.
It was well over 90, humid and not comfortable, so we split around 4. On a side note, VertiGo is one big ride, height wise anyway. You can see it from the toll booths towering over Magnum. That is going to be one crazy ride. I look forward to seeing it in action.
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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
"From the global village... in the age of communication!"
ERT scheduled for Millennium Force and Raptor. I'm there, Stephanie too. Parked at the resort gate where there were another six Joe Coolers, and leisurely walked to The Force. They got started about 10 minutes late around 8:40, but with so few people there, who cares. Knocked out three walk-on laps, rode with Old Timer Tim/The One And Only Coaster God for two of them. I was surprised at how fast it was running first thing in the morning, but then again it was already just under 80 degrees. It was going to be an oppressively hot day.
Off to Raptor where they were actually cycling empty trains. What a crime. We hopped in the back row for a lap. I'm always surprised at how much the ride surprises me, even knowing it by heart. I don't get how people call the ride average. I dig the ride.
On the second lap we entered with the public at large, and had to deal with one ride op who felt like being a jerk. The train comes in, people start to board. This testosterone monkey moron starts yelling at us to get behind the yellow line. Ummm... for what? So we can slow the loading down? He didn't appear to have a good reason, though we did comply, and turned around one second later to get on as the rest of the train was seated. Jerk.
From there we chilled in the shade of the Raptor "tunnel" under the loop, waiting to see if some people from my former employer (Penton Media, NYSE: PME) were in the park yet. They were having their annual picnic, despite layoffs and stock in the crapper. I had to fight the temptation to walk up to the CEO and ask him if he still thinks the Internet is a fad. Moron.
Anyway, we dropped by Giant Wheel where it was a little cooler by the lake. The parking lot was really filling up, but the lines weren't too bad. Through the course of the day we'd see reasonable waits, even on Magnum. I like having all of these rides, as it really seems to spread out the crowds.
I then spent quality time with Tim's kids in Camp Snoopy. Steph got Andrew, the little guy, and I got Hannah, which can't be bigger than 48.5 inches. Steph finally got her laps on Jr. Gemini while Hannah and I did the real Gemini. She wanted front seat, so that's where we sat. Understand that her tiny legs don't even touch the lap bar. It was crazy riding Magnum with her last year!
Steph and I then went to Red Garter to catch the Rock, Pop and Soul show (Hot Country Hoochies was off today). The band is outstanding, and one of the singers has serious lungs. She did the "Freedom" bit and the Christina Aguwhatevah part from the "Lady Marmalade" remake better than Christina could ever do it. Damn that girls has pipes! She was outstanding.
We wrapped with lunch at the Penton shindig back in the Coral Courtyard. The usual weiners and fried chicken, only this time they didn't burn the weiners.
It was well over 90, humid and not comfortable, so we split around 4. On a side note, VertiGo is one big ride, height wise anyway. You can see it from the toll booths towering over Magnum. That is going to be one crazy ride. I look forward to seeing it in action.
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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
"From the global village... in the age of communication!"
Jeff said:
"Off to Raptor where they were actually cycling empty trains. What a crime. We hopped in the back row for a lap. I'm always surprised at how much the ride surprises me, even knowing it by heart. I don't get how people call the ride average. I dig the ride."
I don't understand this either. Specifically the back left side where I get "whipped" faster than almost any other invert than maybe Batman and Fire Dragon. Especially after seeing how much Montu has been tamed on my last visit. It's still probobly my least or second least favorite invert(although the fun factor of inverts overall should make even least favorites seem almost perfect), because I do like the themes and front seat rides of some of the others better. Otherwise, one of the park's greatest rides.
I wish I could ride it with 2Hostyl to see just what his problem is. Lack of crack? ;)
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Danny, [this line will deconstruct in 5 seconds..]
PKI 2002- "The Rollercoast is Toast!" *** This post was edited by Koaster King on 7/23/2001. ***
I saw this Jeff character today.
Millennium Force was running extremely fast in the morning, but later it was nothing short of incredible. It was so good I spent almost the entire day on MF riding it 16 times :). The back seat is quickly becoming my favorite, not only because it fees like I'm about to be thrown into lower Michigan on the first drop, but the air is so sweet bak there now. On the 3rd hill I would start out floating for 2 or 3 seconds, then the train would be moving so fast downward my body could not keep up and it left like I was about to be tossed out the back. Car 5 offers 5 or 6 seconds of floater air, but thats it.
I'll trade this hot miserable weather for super rides on Millennium Force.
Millennium Force was running extremely fast in the morning, but later it was nothing short of incredible. It was so good I spent almost the entire day on MF riding it 16 times :). The back seat is quickly becoming my favorite, not only because it fees like I'm about to be thrown into lower Michigan on the first drop, but the air is so sweet bak there now. On the 3rd hill I would start out floating for 2 or 3 seconds, then the train would be moving so fast downward my body could not keep up and it left like I was about to be tossed out the back. Car 5 offers 5 or 6 seconds of floater air, but thats it.
I'll trade this hot miserable weather for super rides on Millennium Force.
Dang Jeff I probably walked right past you. I was on my way to Millie after three laps on Raptor. When I left Raptor it was running empty trains. I also got my Millennium Force fix for the day. Three times in a half hour. Then I headed off to Maggie for another three times in a half hour, and then Gemini and Mine Ride. It was getting really hot and seeing that with the Joe Cool Club you get a free entree when you buy another at Silver Dollar Cafe, my special riding partner and I ate there. It was really wierd, the last time I ate at the SDC There were a bunch of trees and the Mill Race peeking over the treeline. LOL
I can't wait to do the ERT again on Thursday!!! I think I'm spoiled for life because of ERT.
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***Why can't all parks have a Millennium Force?***
I can't wait to do the ERT again on Thursday!!! I think I'm spoiled for life because of ERT.
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***Why can't all parks have a Millennium Force?***
It's actually the back right of Raptor that gives the best rides, and I actually took one at each end yesterday to confirm that. It's hard to believe what a difference it really is. Of course, given the width of the trains, each end has its own zip code, so the ride should be different!
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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
Jeff said:
"It's actually the back right of Raptor that gives the best rides, and I actually took one at each end yesterday to confirm that.
Your right it is. Although I did ride in the front seat of Raptor and thought it was pretty good, but the back right seat is just awesome. I will say out of all the inverted coasters Ive ridden, Raptor does have the best drop.
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Dayuum, Your HOT!
I'm one of the people who isn't a big Raptor fan...I just found it to be average, nothing at all special. Even in back right, I still didn't find it to be that great of a ride. I think I need to ride with 2Hostyl too, just so we can make fun of the ride together.;) Millennium Force on the other hand, DAMN! My #1 steel coaster by far. Oh yeah, nice TR Jeff.:)
-Raven_Rider
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"Hold on tight, with all your might, and enjoy your flight on the Raven!"
-Raven_Rider
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"Hold on tight, with all your might, and enjoy your flight on the Raven!"
Jeff, are you going to ERT again on Thursday morning? If you are, maybe you, me, and Robodud could meet up somewhere at CP. :-)
If anyone rode it with me you wouldnt see anything special. Honestly, I dont "dislike" the ride, nor do I think it is "bad" as there has yet to be a "bad" B&M coaster that I "disliked". I just think that just about every other invert I've been on is more enjoyable.
Remember, I rode B:TR the year it came out and I was completely blown away, due to the themeing, the ski-lift style seats, and the raw-flat out intensity. When I rode Raptor three years later, it was good, but no Batman. It took "another" five years for me to ride Top Gun: The Jet Coaster before I figured out why I wasnt floored by Raptor. While the individual elements are okay (save that horrible cobra roll, a batwing would have been much better) the pacing is off. There is just too much space between elements. All the litte "S" curves do nothing for me as they no not result in powerful positives or relentless laterals. You just kinda "soar" through them. That's fine for some, just not me.
And honestly, I find the front row to be more enjoyable than the so-called "death seat". Primarily because in the ending helix you feel all the blood flowing to your feet. That makes me smile :)
But think about it this way, I'll be one less person in line in front of you ;)
lata,
jeremy
--Outta my way! I've gotta get over to Disaster Transport!
Remember, I rode B:TR the year it came out and I was completely blown away, due to the themeing, the ski-lift style seats, and the raw-flat out intensity. When I rode Raptor three years later, it was good, but no Batman. It took "another" five years for me to ride Top Gun: The Jet Coaster before I figured out why I wasnt floored by Raptor. While the individual elements are okay (save that horrible cobra roll, a batwing would have been much better) the pacing is off. There is just too much space between elements. All the litte "S" curves do nothing for me as they no not result in powerful positives or relentless laterals. You just kinda "soar" through them. That's fine for some, just not me.
And honestly, I find the front row to be more enjoyable than the so-called "death seat". Primarily because in the ending helix you feel all the blood flowing to your feet. That makes me smile :)
But think about it this way, I'll be one less person in line in front of you ;)
lata,
jeremy
--Outta my way! I've gotta get over to Disaster Transport!
2Hostyl said:
"If anyone rode it with me you wouldnt see anything special. Honestly, I dont "dislike" the ride, nor do I think it is "bad" as there has yet to be a "bad" B&M coaster that I "disliked". I just think that just about every other invert I've been on is more enjoyable."
That describes my feelings on Raptor pretty well. Whioe I don't dislike it, I just don't want to wait so long for it. At IOA, DD was 10 min., and at BGW I walked onto Alpengeist 10 times. Raptor is a great ride, and I love the back, it just doesn't stack up to the other B&M inverts I've ridden.
I love the comment about your old employer, priceless!
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CDNSN
Montu is also a fairly short wait, with it usually being a walk-on.
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B&M Loyalist 4-Life
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B&M Loyalist 4-Life
Jeff said:
"It's actually the back right of Raptor that gives the best rides, and I actually took one at each end yesterday to confirm that. It's hard to believe what a difference it really is. Of course, given the width of the trains, each end has its own zip code, so the ride should be different!
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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com"
Yes, it is indeed the right of the train. I was thinking the left side when I got on, in my original post, which would be the right side of the actual train that you're talking about, I believe? But I have not tried the actual "left", so I can't say there.
BTW, can someone find me a good seat on the Montu? I like it as much as 2Hostyl likes Raptor. I really want to have more fun on it. Maybe I'll take on the front next time...
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Danny, [vacancy due to outside forces] ;)
PKI 2002- "The Rollercoast is Toast!" *** This post was edited by Koaster King on 7/23/2001. ***
Koaster King said:
BTW, can someone find me a good seat on the Montu?
You can try in the same seat (last row, back right). I thought it was quite intense in that seat. What didnt you like about Montu?
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Dayuum, Your HOT! *** This post was edited by Coasterr on 7/23/2001. ***
Koaster King said:
"BTW, can someone find me a good seat on the Montu? I like it as much as 2Hostyl likes Raptor."
And (suprise, suprise) I liked Montu as much as KK likes Raptor (if not more). I only rode once and it was some random seat near the back. Only one word described that ride.....WHOA! Cant wait to get back there!
jeremy
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"Nobody writes about the planes that land." Steve Salerno Washington Times 7-10-01
I think the reason I didn't like Montu(which actually I did really like it), was because I thought it was a lot less intense than I thought it was going to be compared to reviews on here and that I remembered it actually being excellent in 98. Also, I think my adrenaline was actually pumped up too much to be on a "normal" level with how I really felt. I wasn't loose and "feeling" the ride if you know what I mean. It was mainly that. It didn't have the "pull" Raptor and most of the other inverts have in the back seat. I'll try it again next time, but right now, it's not one of my favorites. And neither is Raptor for that matter.
Yeah, I'm sure you did 2Hostyl. At least it was way better than that yellow thing at BGT. I think everything is better than that yellow thing?All the inverts WHOA!ed me. Montu is the one I most want to ride again. Just so I can truely figure it out. It broke down right after I got off, so obviously I didn't good another chance. Looks like a good night ride though!
Luckily, I was actually surprised enough with Gwazi and had such a great time on everything else, that it really didn't bother me about the ride. It closing, I think, was probobly the worst part of the day or even the whole trip. So, you really shouldn't take what I say about Montu in a bad way since it's pretty much in the "I don't know" area for now. It's on my track record, but besides that, I really need a re-try.
BTW, excellent sig 2Hostyl. That couldn't be more true. Especially in our theme park and roller coaster World.
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Danny, who wasn't very impressed with the orange thing either
PKI 2002- "The Rollercoast is Toast!" *** This post was edited by Koaster King on 7/23/2001. ***
Yeah, I'm sure you did 2Hostyl. At least it was way better than that yellow thing at BGT. I think everything is better than that yellow thing?All the inverts WHOA!ed me. Montu is the one I most want to ride again. Just so I can truely figure it out. It broke down right after I got off, so obviously I didn't good another chance. Looks like a good night ride though!
Luckily, I was actually surprised enough with Gwazi and had such a great time on everything else, that it really didn't bother me about the ride. It closing, I think, was probobly the worst part of the day or even the whole trip. So, you really shouldn't take what I say about Montu in a bad way since it's pretty much in the "I don't know" area for now. It's on my track record, but besides that, I really need a re-try.
BTW, excellent sig 2Hostyl. That couldn't be more true. Especially in our theme park and roller coaster World.
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Danny, who wasn't very impressed with the orange thing either
PKI 2002- "The Rollercoast is Toast!" *** This post was edited by Koaster King on 7/23/2001. ***
Actually, Jeremy, I can relate to what you're saying because I feel that way about Alpengeist. Don't get me wrong, it's a great ride, and the speed in the front seat in particular is amazing, but all of those giant elements are spaced apart too far.
That's why I think I like Raptor so much. It's a near-perfect middle ground between Batman and Alpengeist.
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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
"From the global village... in the age of communication!"
That's why I think I like Raptor so much. It's a near-perfect middle ground between Batman and Alpengeist.
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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
"From the global village... in the age of communication!"
Hmmm. Jeremy, there's something very interesting I just noticed about your track record. I can't put my finger on it, but I think it starts with a B and ends somewhere with W??? I think there's a G in the middle...like Gee, why haven't you been to Busch Gardens Williamsburg!?!?!
Knowing your liking as far as a full park experience and variety like BGT and IOA goes, I would think this would be a must-see for you. Especially with you being so close and its rave reviews. So, what do you have to say for yourself?
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Count Dancula, vho valso vrought vou vhe vetters B vand W vor Big Bad Wolf vand Wild Maus.
PKI 2002- "The Rollercoast is Toast!" *** This post was edited by Koaster King on 7/24/2001. ***
Knowing your liking as far as a full park experience and variety like BGT and IOA goes, I would think this would be a must-see for you. Especially with you being so close and its rave reviews. So, what do you have to say for yourself?
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Count Dancula, vho valso vrought vou vhe vetters B vand W vor Big Bad Wolf vand Wild Maus.
PKI 2002- "The Rollercoast is Toast!" *** This post was edited by Koaster King on 7/24/2001. ***
I was a bit disappointed in Alpengiest too, for the same reasons you are Jeff, it just wasen't as intense as I thought. Of course, this is not a bad thing. Raptor still remains probally my fav. of the inverts, Talon is fantastic too. I am hoping Cedar Fair continues to crank out quality inverted rides like Talon and Raptor, if they decide to make those kind of capital improvements.
The other thing about your trip reports, Jeff, is you always seem to find time to ride the wheel, which I still believe is one of the most important rides in the park, or any park, though I really miss Kennywood's wheel (1986-1999) .... :(
*** This post was edited by john peck on 7/24/2001. ***
The other thing about your trip reports, Jeff, is you always seem to find time to ride the wheel, which I still believe is one of the most important rides in the park, or any park, though I really miss Kennywood's wheel (1986-1999) .... :(
*** This post was edited by john peck on 7/24/2001. ***
We ride Giant Wheel for a lot of reasons. Part of the thing is that it's really "home" there on the beach. It's a much better location than the end of the trail. The other thing is that even when you're hot and tired (which we were), it's an effortless ride to experience.
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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
I havent been to BGW only because no one will go with me. I cant convince any of my friends around here to go there. They're all like "But you have to pass King's Dominion to get there and King's Dominion is so much better".
Most of these are people who have lived here a long time and havent been to BGW since before Drachen Fire. I try to tell them its different now but no dice. I would go solo, but for some reason, that doesnt seem like the type of park I would want to do alone. If I got bored, I would still have to drive two hours back home, solo. That's the same reason why it took so long for me to go to HersheyPark. It took some buddies visiting from Ohio to get me there.
I do have one aquaintance who mentioned going to BGW with me. But she is a bit of a stalker and I'm not sure if I want to be confined a whole day with her yet. I think she has designs on the way we relate that I'm not trying to have (I know...TMI).
Anyway, I may take my parents when they visit, but with then being woodie fans, I might have to take them to Hershey instead.
lata,
me
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"Nobody writes about the planes that land." Steve Salerno Washington Times 7-10-01
Most of these are people who have lived here a long time and havent been to BGW since before Drachen Fire. I try to tell them its different now but no dice. I would go solo, but for some reason, that doesnt seem like the type of park I would want to do alone. If I got bored, I would still have to drive two hours back home, solo. That's the same reason why it took so long for me to go to HersheyPark. It took some buddies visiting from Ohio to get me there.
I do have one aquaintance who mentioned going to BGW with me. But she is a bit of a stalker and I'm not sure if I want to be confined a whole day with her yet. I think she has designs on the way we relate that I'm not trying to have (I know...TMI).
Anyway, I may take my parents when they visit, but with then being woodie fans, I might have to take them to Hershey instead.
lata,
me
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"Nobody writes about the planes that land." Steve Salerno Washington Times 7-10-01
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