Good Pennsylvania Coasters?

Isn't that a problem with Leap the Dips now, though? Since it's been closed, is it no longer grandfathered in as far as not having seat belts/lap bars, etc?

Good question. I'm not sure 100%, but I would think that since it is still standing with no operational modification that it'd still be grandfathered in.

I don't think there would be any differentiation between closing for a 6-month off-season versus a couple years.

It's definitely an interesting scenario, and I would absolutely hope there wouldn't need to be any changes made because there really isn't a whole lot you can do with it. I'm glad I got to ride it when I did, because it's a very cool piece of history - and not only roller coaster history, but just history in general. To know that is all it took to entertain someone in 1902 vs basically carrying a computer in our pockets and moving along at speeds they never thought possible in all kinds of areas..

It’s a good thing the folks at Idlewild ain’t behind it...

I hope and pray I get to ride it some day. I could kick myself for not giving it a go all the times I drove past coming from Hershey or Elysburg.

Raven-Phile said:

Isn't that a problem with Leap the Dips now, though? Since it's been closed, is it no longer grandfathered in as far as not having seat belts/lap bars, etc?

It was SBNO for some time prior to the renovations. The renovations were also a significant rebuild as the ride was in very poor shape. None of this caused any trouble with the type of restraints, or rather lack thereof, and the ride was certified for operation. Have the regulations changed since then?

Assuming you're hitting them in the order you listed and driving straight back to Detroit from CT. If that's the case, consider driving back to Detroit through Canada, entering at Buffalo or Niagara Falls and going to MarineLand. Dragon Mountain is a one-of a kind coaster, the steel equivalent of The Beast, and an excellent Arrow Looper, (An oxymoron, I know.)

Sadly, the owner of the park just passed, and speculation is that this will be the parks last year. It is perpetually uncrowded, under fire from animal activists, and as a casual observer, I cannot imagine it's ever turned a profit. I get the feeling it was more of a stubborn labor of love from the now deceased owner. We were there just 3 weeks ago and I can confirm that the coaster is smoother than you would ever think an Arrow Looper could be. The S+S Tower provides a great view of the falls, only a mile or so away. If the park closes, DM is most certainly headed for the scrap heap, as I see no way to relocate such a unique ride that takes up so much acreage and is built into the terrain, including 2 tunnels.

Seabreeze in Rochester was lots of fun. That was our first visit and I was surprised at how much we all loved Jackrabbit, one of the oldest coasters in the country.

Also have to mention (former Martin's) Fantasy Island. Another small park with a great, well maintained CCI, Silver Comet. A friend of ours runs the place and is turning it around and re-inventing it into a great family park. And they have a one of a kind, upside down, free-swinging seat, pendulum type ride called Mind Warp, which I believe is the only one in the US. Bottom right of this page: http://fantasyislandny.com/attractions

All of these parks can be covered with just a few hours at each.

^ Remember when Fantasy Island was called Two Flags Over Niagara?

If you’re gonna go from SeaBreeze to Fantasy Island, may as well stop into Darien Lake for a quick Ride of Steel lap. Viper is another good Arrow looper. Haven’t ridden Tantrum yet but not much else at DL is too exciting.