Closing the season gates once again. PKI: 11/2
Associated parks:
None
Where did the season go?
I mean, really. It seemed just like yesterday when the coaster season started in Ohio and a few of us were riding Deleirum in our underwear during the April media event. I spent most of my “local” park time between Cedar Point and PKI this year. The rest of it was spent going to various other parks around the country that I don’t frequent as much as my home parks.
The previous visit I had to PKI was on Labor Day. I used that day to get my 2004 pass processed, as well as to ride a few things before going home. I didn’t plan on staying long but soon after arriving at the park, that all changed. Labor Day was a rainy one. It was also supposed to be the final operating day of Water Works. The park was also kind enough to offer two different ACE walk-backs. Half of the group went to ride The Beast. Half of them went to Flight of Fear. PKI’s Public Relations guru, as well as fellow ACE member Jeff Siebert did the Flight of Fear walk-back for us.
After our rides on Flight of Fear, he asked if anyone would be intrested in doing a tour of Water Works. Everyone that was there thought it would be neat. He then told us to spread the word to the other group of enthusiast that were over at The Beast when we met up with them.
At 3:00pm that day, we met up at the ACE brick. Jeff soon arrived and we proceeded with a nice long tour of Water Works. Laugh if you will, but I hadn’t been to Water Works since its opening year. I usually don’t get the chance to go to water parks, but when I do go, I usually have a total blast.
For many years, PKI has offered enthusiasts the last ride of the season on The Beast. I mean, what better way to end the Ohio coaster season than a night ride on one of the best coasters ever built IMO? This year was no exception. This year though the park decided to throw in a closing day tour of the water park. In 1999, they did something similar and gave a tour of Son of Beast.
When I got my pass processed on Labor Day, I was given a free ticket for a guest to come back on closing weekend. This was a very cool offer, but that also meant that anyone getting a pass processed would get a ticket. Add that to the free Fear Fest promotion and you could tell it would make for a very crowded closing weekend. However, long lines can be nothing at all if you are with the right group of friends. I knew a lot of my friends were to be at PKI on closing day so I was sure it would be a great day.
Closing Sunday started like every other day I have been to the park. It wasn’t crowded in the morning, but it was warn. Really warm. Since this was closing day, there were a large group of enthusiasts at the ACE brick for the walkback. At around 9:20am, Jeff Sibert walked over and greeted everyone like he usually does on closing day.
He walked the large group back to The Beast for the first rides in the morning. For morning rides, The Beast was moving pretty darned well. As almost a natural instict, a large group of enthusiasts then migrated over to the Flying Eagles to get in a few rides before the crowds picked up. Everyone was flying great with snapping going on all over the place. I applaud PKI for allowing snapping on this ride. They acknowledge the ride was designed to do this and encourage it.
Once everyone got in a few flights, the group I was with headed over to Flight of Fear for a couple of rides. With minimal lighting inside the main ride building, a lot of us became disoriented by the end of the ride. Each of us thought the coaster was running great. We had about 12 people in our group by this time. Sometimes large groups are hard to do parks with so I decided to break things up a bit. Some of the group wanted to ride Racer. Some of the group wanted to ride Adventure Express. Josh Wozny and I wanted to play DDR. The rest of the group decided to watch us play even though we told them to go ride as I am sure they would become bored. After a couple of games we moved on.
The next couple of hours were spent either riding, or waiting for people to ride. I decided not to ride Racer or Adventure Express, and instead went and got a quick snack to eat. Most of us did take a ride on Delerium though. With a full queue, it was only a 40 minute wait. Not to bad if you ask me. By this time, the crowds had really picked up so we decided to get lunch. We headed over to Bubba Gump’s to eat. I had never eaten there. We walk into the place and notice Jeff serving food. Does this man ever stop working?
After lunch, Josh and I went back out to my car to get our cameras. I wanted to get some good shots in the park today. When parks are crowded, they look better on video IMO. The plan was to do video tape for a bit, then tour Boomerang Bay, then video tape a bit more around the park before leaving to go see a movie. However, due to the extra time it took to get back out of and back into the park, and the fact the tour was about to start, Josh and I decided not to video tape but rather just head over to the Festhaus, the meeting place for the tour.
The Festhaus was packed. Not only with non-enthusiasts who were eating, but with a massive crowd of enthusiast waiting to see the animation (thanks to Keith McVeen) of Boomerang Bay. Keith did a fantastic job with the seven minute video. Everyone in attendance enjoyed it. Next off was the tour. As we were leaving the Festhaus, with Jeff leading the way, a few of us were getting a kick out of the way Jeff was being treated. It wasn’t bad. It was just funny. The only bad thing I saw was a few people getting virtually pushed out of the way just so they could be up by Jeff. Face it Jeff, you da man! =:^)
This tour was basically the same tour some of us had gotten on Labor Day. This time however a lot of things had been started. Some slides were missing and construction was very apparent. I was amazed with the size of the group. I noticed at least 4 different coaster groups in the crowd. It seemed a lot of people were intrested in Boomerang Bay which is a good thing. I mean, I didn’t see or hear anyone get unruly or ask Jeff why they didn’t put in another coaster next year. Everyone seemed intrested in hearing about the new additions. The tour was over within 45 minutes. Jeff did a brief question and answer session with the large group before the ending the tour and escorting everyone back into the park. Needless to say, Jeff sure had his share of attention during that question and answer deal. =:^)
Josh, my mother Phyllis, and I then left the park and headed over to the Showcase Cinema to watch a movie to break up the day. My mother went to a separate movie than the one Josh and I wanted to see. I had already seen The Texas Chainsaw Massacre but Josh hadn’t. I had no problem seeing it again so we agreed to check it out. I think this movie is, by far, one of the, if not the scariest movies I have ever seen. It’s not the gorriest, but it plays with your mind in a way that a lot of movies could benefit from. Something strange happened though during the first 15 minutes though. I will leave that up to Josh to explain if he wants to. Let’s just say it wasn’t typical.
Once the movie was over, we headed back over to the park and went back to the Flying Eagles. We still had 3 hours before we were to meet up at The Beast. We thought the time was going to go by slow, but that was about to change. With hour plus lines for most every ride in the park, it was nice to see the Eagles with a 20 minute wait. Most those in line were enthusiasts so we joined them in having one of the best flyer fests I have had. I don’t remember how many rides we got in before 10:00pm, but those three hours went by in a blur. There were so many of us there than I couldn’t possibly list everyone’s name as I am sure I would forget someone. You know who you are.
Everyone was flying so well. It really was a fun time. I had the best flyer rides I had ever gotten this night. At one point I somehow managed to turn completely backwards, and snap violently, during mid ride. Don’t ask me how I did it. I have no clue, but it must not have been that difficult as I saw a few others do it that night as well. It was just a first for me. The ride crew was even getting into the spirit and cheering us on from time to time. Even Jeff showed up to watch us. It was the perfect way to put an end to the season.
But our season was not over just yet. Not by a long shot.
At around 10:00pm, everyons showed up at The Beast entrance and waited. Jeff greeted the group once again and walked us into the Beast quene for the final rides of the season. There were too many of us for just one last train, so the park let us fill up 3 trains. I saw many new faces in the group this year. Some I had seen for many years before this. Even those that don’t like to be called enthusiasts showed up to be enthusiasts. To be honest, I was a bit worried about the last rides though. After seeing the ugliness of last weekend’s display regarding the last trains out on TTD, I wasn’t about to argue with anyone about a last train. I ended up getting out on the first train out. Everyone acted fine with no whinning or complaning. The only thing I noticed that was lame was a few members of the general public had decided to crash our little last ride party, and they were making it more than obvious. However, the park picked up on this before they had a chance to ride and approached them to ask a very simple question.
“What does ACE stand for?”
They didn’t have an answer so they were asked to leave.
I rode with John Keeter (Shaggy). We were in the middle of the last car. When we departed the station; I could tell right from the get-go than this was going to be awesome. Everyone was cheering. Everyone was in such a good mood. John told me to try and notice the change in temperature from the top of the lift, to the bottom of the second lift. The ride itself was hauling. Easily one of the best night rides I have ever gotten on it. The lights were out. The only way we could see where we were going was by moonlight. Sure enough, as we hit the bottom of the second lift, it was much cooler. I had never noticed this before.
Up the second lift we went, and down the long second drop and into the double helix. As we exited the 2nd helix tunnel, I yelled, “Now THIS is the perfect way to end the season!!”. We soon arrived back at the station.
We weren’t done just yet.
The park decided to send everyone around again. The second ride was even better than the first. I even said the exact same comment about the end of the season in the same exact area. One of the cool things about our second ride was as we were passing the first drop at the end of the ride; we looked up and saw a train soaring past us while going down the first drop. It was really a sight to see. We then returned at the station.
We weren’t done just yet…..again.
Yep, we went around once more, and yet, our third ride was even better than the first. Yes, I even yelled the same comment at the same time just to be a smart @ss, however , that really was a way to end the season. Everyone was so happy. It was one amazing day. I mean, the park was mobbed, but that didn’t stop us from having one hell of a great time.
As we left the park, Jeff said his goodbyes to everyone and everyone went their separate ways. It was as simple as that. No arguing. No whinning. Nothing. The park treated us very, very well this day. They really do care about us and it shows. I must say a BIG THANKS to everyone that made this day so special for us including Jeff, Jill, Chris, Kevin, and those that crew members that were up on The Beast after closing. You guys and gals are amazing.
I don’t know about anyone else, but I plan on being at closing day at PKI for many, many years to come. I have a hunch we can expect some really cool and exciting things in the future at the park and I hope to enjoy them with a great group of friends like yesterday.
Thanks for reading,
-Sean
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Rich "The Snitch" Genthner / PTC99
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Count me in as coasterer® #2.
Truth, justice, and the American way of GRAVY!
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Mistakes were made, others are to blame...
Sean, awesome TR as always!!! I am sorry I missed you guys (and yes, Texas Chainsaw ROCKED!!!!) We did miss that infamous first 15 minutes of the movie though, but I heard all about it. :-o. We saw Scary Movie 3 before that, which was um, OK. :-)
Anyway, We were there both Sat. and Sun. and never in my life have I seen PKI so packed, especially on Sat. It's been probably a decade since I have seen Racers' and Vortex's queues filled to the brink. :-) The weather was just unbelievable, especially on Sunday. :-)
This was my first PKI closing weekend and we had fun nonetheless. We did miss that tour (only cause we got caught up in the food lines) but it's awesome to hear you guys had a great time! I very much look forward to Boomerang Bay. I think it's safe to say that it will more than give the nearby Beach a run for its money.
On Saturday we hit a few rides and checked out most of the haunted attractions. My faves were the "Maze of Madness" that made you feel like you were walking through a mental hospital with strobe lights (always a nice feeling ya know? lol) The "Psycho Trail" was also another fave that took you out into the woods. Although it was boring at first it quickly became fun once the dudes with the chainsaws and shovels started coming after you. So hilarious. lol
On Sunday we made our rounds and did a little more riding than the day before. I rode SOB for the third time this season. Ugh. The loop rocks, but other than that I can take it or leave it.
We didn't make it back for the "last ride" on the Beast on Sunday (I DEMANDED to get the last few rides on Adventure Express...........lol). but the Beast was running AWESOME that night. Wow.
Oh, the 3D Elvira thing was also a pleasant surprise. Kick ass.
-Tina
(who is already deeply missing Delirium and Drop Zone)
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Gimme speed, height, airtime and plenty of LAUNCH!!!
*** This post was edited by coasterqueenTRN 11/4/2003 3:15:26 PM ***
We were a bit late showing up to beast and were greeted with a rude who the heck are you? Got anything to prove your with ACE?
We never did anything wrong to warrant that other than getting back there a minute late as none of the enthusiast trains had left yet. We even told the guy we were not trying to cause any problems, Matter of fact if the guy said no you can't come that would have been fine with us. I think something happened before we got there cause a group of about 20 were comming out of the area as we were comming in and we just caught the afterflack of something wrong. After producing my ACE card we were escorted to the station.
I too got on that train you were on for the triple ride, Sitting in 4-3 I vowed not to ride again after the first ride. When they asked if we want to go again, I couldn't refuse. After the second ride I said I'm not riding again no matter what, I rode again :) Beast was running great and it was killer on my flyer back but great.
Im one of those who consider Beast rougher than Sonny by far, However I will say it's rough on different parts of your body than sonny. Still All in all Beast seemed to be running very good.
I was only there from 7:45 on and seeing all the enthusiast in line for Flyers as well as AWESOME Flyer rides kinda made me glad I showed up when I did.
Showing up at 7:45pm got me about 10 flyer rides and a triple Beast ending, Doesn't get much better than that expecially since so many awesome people were there.
I got a brief Hi with about everyone but holding a lengthy conversation about any one thing was almost impossible.
To all I seen, Thanks for a great time, To those I didn't see, I can honestly say I wasn't missing you at the time.
To PKI and Jeff a simple Thank You!
Chuck, who wonders if a possible flyer ERT is possible? Wait, We just had one!
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Charles Nungester.
It's official Lesourdsville Lake is closed for 2003
Charles Nungester said:
Well the final rides were open to enthusiast, Not ACE, Not GOCC, Not Buzzers, Enthusiast so that question was kinda moot.
Actually, I would have to disagree there Chuck. Yes, the rides were open to basically any enthusiast group, and the park knew that, but the question they asked had a very simple answer that any enthusiast could have answered easily, even those ACE-haters that were in the station.
We were a bit late showing up to beast and were greeted with a rude who the heck are you? Got anything to prove your with ACE?
That was probably because those officials at the ride were told that we were all there in attendance and anyone that was late was supposed to not be admitted to ride. Plus, they had a slight incident with some non-enthusiasts who tried to ride with us.
-Sean
Sean Flaharty said:“What does ACE stand for?”
They didn’t have an answer so they were asked to leave.
Ooooh, BURN! I love it!!
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Mike Miller - The CPG: The ORIGINAL flash mob
Sean Flaharty said:
Charles Nungester said:
Well the final rides were open to enthusiast, Not ACE, Not GOCC, Not Buzzers, Enthusiast so that question was kinda moot.
Actually, I would have to disagree there Chuck. Yes, the rides were open to basically any enthusiast group, and the park knew that, but the question they asked had a very simple answer that any enthusiast could have answered easily, even those ACE-haters that were in the station.
I agree, Any enthusiast would know that.
We were a bit late showing up to beast and were greeted with a rude who the heck are you? Got anything to prove your with ACE?
That was probably because those officials at the ride were told that we were all there in attendance and anyone that was late was supposed to not be admitted to ride. Plus, they had a slight incident with some non-enthusiasts who tried to ride with us.-Sean
A I stated, We would have had no problem with them saying no. We were late. We were not however trying to force ourselves or anything like that. Would never even think of doing something like that.
Chuck ------------------
Charles Nungester.
It's official Lesourdsville Lake is closed for 2003
A I stated, We would have had no problem with them saying no. We were late. We were not however trying to force ourselves or anything like that. Would never even think of doing something like that.
Chuck,
Don't get me wrong. I wasn't telling you to be on time next time or anything like that. I was just explaining why anyone would question you being there later than expected. I know you wouldn't ever think of doing anything like that.
-Sean
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