Thunderhawk debuts at Michigan's Adventure

It's so hard to get my head around a ride that's been operating at SFA for 14 years as of tomorrow as being the biggest new buzz in Michigan. Granted, it's a smoother SLC than Mind Eraser, but it's still, well you know...

It just goes to show you that except for the Raptor comparisons some were making, people aren't really all that aware of what's going on elsewhere in the world as enthusiasts are. And the articles cement what some of us have saying for years--that clones are not evil--unless you're the small percentage who travels from state to state.

^ I think even if Cedar Fair had relocated Head Spin, it still would have been a big deal for a Michigan park.

But I kind of know what you're getting at. It's kind of like the one kid on the playground that's showing off the iPod he bought used on eBay when all the other kids have already had one for years --- and those were bought new.

When you have a park where the star steel coaster attraction is a 70's Arrow corkscrew, Thunderhawk is light years ahead at this particular park.

And as has been said, this particular SLC is pretty smooth and the only one I have been on that is re-ridable.

I think the worst SLC I've ridden was at Kentucky Kingdom, and I still ended up taking multiple laps during the course of the day. I want to try what Morey's has done to theirs.

^ Yes, agreed... When I had the opportunity to visit this park in 2003 I was really amazed to see the people in line for the corkscrew - they appeared genuinely excited about it. That was one of the biggest impressions I took away from my day there.

I think it's a good addition to the park. It's good to see people excited about it again. As for the comment that it's "much more exciting" than Shivering Timbers (as was mentioned in the article from the Muskegon Chronicle), I couldn't disagree more.

It's the only major park in Michigan and most of the park's guests probably have never been on something like an SLC. It's a big deal, especially since the park's last "wow" attraction was added ten years ago.

Hey Rob, I live in Michigan, and have been going to the park for many years. I started going there with my parents back when it was Deer Park Funland. This is back before Six flags Great America in Chicago even existed, and Cedar Point's newest coaster was the Corkscrew. Probably a pointless comment, as the park was very different back then.

However, being from Michigan, I know that most people who go to Michigan's Adventrue have also been to Cedar Point and Great America, as those are the parks that I hear commented on most when I am waiting in line to ride the rides at Michigan's Adventure. Kings Island also comes up a lot. I would say that more people who are from Michigan flock to Cedar Point more than anywhere else, some have never been to Michigan's Adventure, because they don't know that it is really a fun place to go.

So a majority of Thunderhawk riders have probably also been on Raptor, and the big boys at Cedar point. So, I think they are as thrilled as I am to have this coaster in their back yard. But they still say Shivering Timbers is the best wooden coaster out there. There are few wooden coasters I can think of in the midwest that even come close.

I'm sure first time visitors to Michigan's Adventure will like the park now more than ever. And, will be sure to return again as the park grows in the future. Remember that not all park goers are enthusiasts, most are just looking for an ulturnative to the expensive parks, and Michigan's Adventure is worth it. Couldn't say that 5 years ago. But, it certainly is now.