Looking for Indiana Beach information!

Searched the trip reports and board and did not find too much information. I'm planning on returning to IB for a second time this summer as the first stop on my return trip from Ohio to Vegas. In case you care, on the way to Ohio I plan on hitting Bell's, HW and PKI. On the way back I'm hitting IB, Dells, and Lagoon. I know there is more, but I've done them all and have to pick and choose within reason since I'm with an 11-week old child (today) and will have the parents (upper 50's) for 5 of the parks. They like other stuff too. Anyhow, the last time I was at IB, Cornball did not exist. I was only there for an hour or two with a few college buddies, and frankly I do not remember too much as we rushed through on some insane party weekend. I have a few questions and will gladly accept advice or information beyond what I ask.

1. Is it possible to hit most of the rides in one evening session? I know it is hard to predict lines, but in general is this possible? I ride all coasters and uniques. I just have no clue weather to expect 2 hour lines or walk-ons or anything in-between as it appears the park has gained popularity since my 1990's visit. I will most likely be there on a Sunday or Monday evening in July (11th or 12th or both to be exact). I'll spend 2 days if needed, but would prefer to not get bored. Is there 2 days worth of stuff to do? I'm not a huge repeat kind of guy anymore as I'm slowing down with age! :-) Two or three spins on Cornball and the Hurricane will be the only one's I would repeat IF I have time. Also, I'm not interested in sprinting to rides to accomplish this.

2. Any can't miss food stands or restaurants?

3. Does anybody know if any of those "mom and pop" hotels right on the road next to IB takes dogs? I know the park's own motel does not, but I remember a few more Inns when I was there. I would prefer to stay right there if possible, but will go to town if I have to as I know there is a Best Western and Days Inn in Monticello (sp?) that take my beloved lab!

Thanks in advance for the replies and know that I did search before posting this and found next to nothing about the stuff I'm asking! :-) *** Edited 6/15/2004 11:01:25 PM UTC by Jeffrey R Smith***

When I was there, the only wait over 15 minutes was for locosumo so I think one evening session will be enough.

1. I don't think the lines get very long. We were there in July and everything was a walk-on except LOCOSUMO (or whatever you guys call it ;)), which wasn't more that 15 minutes. Also there are no long physical queues really, just stairs leading up to the coasters, so I doubt they can get insanley long.

2.The Taco's there rule. They are in like a fried shell and very yummy. I would drive 5 hour for just the taco's. :) It's by LOCOSUMO if I remember right.

IB is easy to do in one night. I was there on a Friday night 2 weeks ago and couldn't believe how thin the crowds were. Most of the coasters were a walk-on barring LoCoSuMo. You should still wait in line to ride it though. It's a unique woodie to say the least. I honestly don't think you'll come close to needing 2 days at IB.

Not to miss attractions: All 5 coasters of course, Air Crow (flying skooters), the Skyride chair lift, The Den of Lost Thieves, the giant Ferris wheel, the boat ride on Shafer Lake on the Shafer Queen sternwheeler, swing ride which hangs riders out over the lake, antique cars which mingle with LoCoSuMo, paratrooper out over the lake, and the Falling Star.

I didn't eat at the Skyroom or check out the Roof Lounge so maybe someone else can help you there. I just ate a corn dog on the floating boat restaurant which has a rooftop place to sit and watch everything.

Their giftshop has a LOT of stuff in it. Save some time to check it out too. Have fun!

Definitely try to eat dinner at the Skyroom. The food is excellent, and the atmosphere there is the best. The taco stand next to LoCoSuMo has great tacos, and there is one of the best amusement park smells coming from an ice cream stand next to the Dodgems, where they make their own waffle cones. Most of the food you'll find is excellent quality anywhere in the park. The Roof Lounge is great to kick back and tip back a few clod ones while listening to live music, but there is a cover charge after a certain hour (don't recall what time though).

Rides to hit besides the coasters: Double Shot, Den of Lost Thieves, Frankensteins Castle (walk through), Paratrooper, Scrambler, Skyride, Yo Yo, Falling Star, Shafer Queen, heck...almost all the rides are worthy of riding. They all run longer than 30 seconds (unlike certain corporate parks around here), and they actually build up a lot of speed instead of stopping just as the ride gets going.

Wood Coaster Fan Club

1. Out of 3 trips, I have completed the circuit within the 7 hour time limit, but IB has more in store. We are hitting it for a weekend just to relax and enjoy the place. (BTW: that trip is in 9 days, can't wait!!)

2. Skyroom is great! Tacos are a must and the sausage near the suspension bridge is pretty good, too.

3. No, they don't take pets. We checked, since we have to leave our mutt for the week with a friend.

We were there last Saturday (6/12) and the park was packed. The ticket person said there were a bunch of company picnics. The longest we waited was about 30 minutes for Den of Lost Thieves, which included a breakdown. Lost Coaster was around 20 minutes, and around 10 to 15 for the other 3 coasters. And that was a packed Saturday!

You'll have no trouble on a Sunday or Monday. I suspect you'll be able to take your time and really enjoy a wonderful little park.

I think all Motel 6s take dogs.

That's true. I've seen a quite a few used-up, ugly women at Motel 6s. :)

I found a place right on IB drive that will take the dog. It is called Summer Haven. They ae supposed to be 20 lbs or less, but the very nice gentleman allowed me to bring the lab since I was driving from Vegas and told him what a ride geek I was. I got a Cabin for $89/night. The parents and 3 in my family will all stay under one roof. We were told you can walk right to the park from this place. Hope it works out!

Rich - No doubt, you invited them to join you for the evening.

Hell naw. Ain't no beanie booty 'round here, just tasty biatches. Fool, you know I'm a playa! ;)