Indiana Beach, 5/18 - The Land That Time Forgot
Associated parks:
None
After hitting CP on Friday (see here) and SFKK on Saturday (see here), it was time to head home. On the way, however, we stopped at Indiana Beach.
This place is unlike any other park I've ever been to. The easiest way to describe it is this. In your mind, picture what a lakeside or seaside boardwalk-type amusement park would have looked like about 40 years ago. Now bring that park to today, changing almost nothing.
If it weren't for the video games in the arcades and the presence of a Chaos and S&S Double Shot, I would've had no clue that it wasn't 1967. I'm talking details right down to all of the ride and safety signs hand-lettered, done on simple white-painted plywood. If you've never been here before and are feeling nostalgic, you should definetely make the effort.
We walked down the boardwalk to find a certain anticipated ride wasn't going to open for a while. So, since we were in the middle of nowheresville Indiana, we had to take our first ride on the appropriately named....
Cornball Express
Highs: Great layout, surprising intensity, great moments of unexpected air.
Lows: Since they won't dispatch a train until it's full, we couldn't always get the seat we wanted.
The Verdict: The penultimate proof that a coaster does not need to be big or tall (it only stands 55 feet tall!) to be one hell of a great thrill.
As you can tell, I absolutely loved this ride. An instant Top 5-Wood, for sure. Across the path from the exit, it's up the ramps to....
Tig'rr Coaster
Highs: Classic in-line Schwarzkopf cars, different layout
Lows: The operator wanted to cram me (at 6'3") and my bro (at 6'1") into the same seat.
The Verdict: A different interpretation of the classic Jumbo Jets.
A quick bathroom break, and then up some more stairs for...
Hoosier Hurricane
Highs: Neat first drop towards the water, cool visual of the Ferris Wheel at the turn-around.
Lows: I kept expecting air and only got hints of it.
The Verdict: A good example of a fun out-and-back woodie.
After hitting these three, we walked between the shops to the main "broadwalk". It's here that the main nostalgic look really grabs hold of you. Close by, we walk up to, and find closed for the day....
Galaxi - Not Ridden
A little disappointment in not getting the credit, but hey, that's okay. Since the last coaster left was still not open, we just strolled around and took in the sights. Make sure to get a spin on "The Den Of Lost Thieves", and old dark ride that's been made even more fun by the addition of some light guns and scorers on the cars. I was able to get 350 with only one gun working (The weight limit of 350 lb. required us to ride solo).
A quick couple of runs on their Double Shot, and a Skyride to the south end of the park, and our last goal still not open. Thus, another lap on Cornball, and then we hit the arcade for some old school pinball! My brother and I were able to spend over an hour on just 4 quarters on their Star Trek machine. Probably the loosest machine I've ever played as far as ease of extra balls, specials, and matches go.
Back down the boardwalk, we finally get lucky. After a slight wait, it's......
The Lost Coaster of Superstition Mountain
Highs: The most unique layout / design I've ever been on.
Lows: Riding backwards in those tiny cars is not really comfy, especially with some of the moves this baby has.
The Verdict: If you love laterals (on the tightest turns you've ever seen), this is your ride.
With our count complete and our 3 day mission a success (mostly), it was back to Wisconsin for some much needed rest (on real beds). This was only my second coaster-focused trip in 15 years, and it was a blast. Given how tired I was at the end, I just don't see how you die-hards out there can handle a full week of power touring. Kudos to you!
Later,
EV
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Remember that if you're one in a million, that means that there are 5000 other people on Earth just like you.
That was my exact reaction. It was the strangest feeling to truly feel like you stepped back in time 40 years, from the signs to the food to the skyroom. Disney couldn't do a better job with that 'Theme' if they tried.
My favorite touch is the Tiki God waterfalls near the sand beach. I wished I'd been wearing a hawaiian shirt and drinking from a coconut with a lil' umbrella.
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Maihama, Maihama Desu
*** This post was edited by ThemeDesigner 5/22/2003 2:02:14 PM ***
EchoVictor said:
Given how tired I was at the end, I just don't see how you die-hards out there can handle a full week of power touring.
Dude, now you have me scared. ;) Still, without ever setting foot at IB, I cannot wait to hit those gems! Thanks for the great TR. Very involved. :):):)
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Don't you want to know more?
The car ride is fun and unique as well, and don't miss the shops, games and restaurants.
I can't get enough of the place.
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God bless Intamin, Company that I love. Stand beside her, and ride her, from the opening to the closing of the day.
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