What is it that makes your favorite park the best?

I figured I'd start a message for once.

Most everyone has a favorite park, whether it is your home park or a park across the country (or world!). My question is, what makes that park better than all the rest?

For me, it's a tough call, but Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida is my favorite park on Earth. Throughout the day, you can experiences *so* many unique and exciting rides from top notch coasters (Fire Dragon and Incredible Hulk) to fantastic water rides (Dudley, Bluto, and Jurassic Park River Adventure are my three favorite water rides anywhere) to an out-of-this-world simulator. Every attraction, no matter how big or small, has attention to detail that is second to none. From the point you enter the Dueling Dragons queue line, you are immersed with incredible theming from every angle.

At night, this place transforms into a magical playground and I feel removed from the world. I'm not in a theme park in Florida -- no no, I'm in another world. The lights, the glow of Hulk over the lagoon with the riders screams shrieking in the background, it's breathtaking. Every aspect of the park is top notch, IMO. The eateries are again, themed to perfection, and not unreasonably priced for the quantities served. The lines are always moving, with three trains on all the adult coasters and reasonably fast operators.

IOA is my favorite park because it takes me to another place, unlike any other park can do.

So what makes your favorite park better than all the rest?

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SFGAm '01: Better than Wildfire

Well as most people can tell from my "Pro-WOF" posts, my favorite park is WOF.

I think the biggest reason that I like it the best is because I ahve grown up with it. Since I was 5 years old I have gone at least once a year. In recent years I have gone as many as 20 time in one year. I also love the park because of the variety of rides that it possesses. I do think that over the years the themeing has gone down the drain, and that worries me. I think that the one thing that seperated this park from the others is slowly, and even quickly in some places, disappearing. Even if the park completely changes, and adopts a different name it will always be my favorite. Maybe that's why I am so vocal when people blantly dis it. The park is a wonderful place and everytime I'm there I feel like I'm in another world without worries.

Worlds of Fun - A world of fun not a world away


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Scorching the Competition in 2001
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Knott's Berry Farm is my favorite park, even though I have been to other parks that seem better on the surface. It's one of the only parks I could go to everyday and never tire of it. Ghost town is just my favorite area of any park. Six Flags Great America, BGW and Disneyland are other parks that have that same effect on me. In some ways, SFMM and CP also. But I like Knott's the best, and I can't really say why. Maybe it's just the charm of the place.

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Take a picture, it will last longer...

It's not much of an interesting answer, but Cedar Point has always been there as a part of summers on the North Coast. Even if it didn't have the coaster line-up it does, it would be special because it's mine.

On the other hand, BGW is all about atmosphere, and that's something the park creates incredibly well. The theme is well executed, and it's gorgeous at night.

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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com

My favorite park is BGW. It has great atmosphere, landscaping and is *very* clean. All of the countries you go through have been well thought out, and each coaster fits so perfectly in the country they are in.

BGW definately, the place makes my fiancee happy, and if you've ever taken your girl/boy somewhere that makes them happy, you know what I'm saying. I even have three quirks in my mind when it comes to the place. Loch Ness lost its magic for me! Ten years without a ride.....If you want to starve a vegetarian to death, take them to an amusement park! And the third, you all know. The magic of BGW comes when you take the route to your next ride. Virtually all of the other guests disappear and you are left and the place feels home. I can't see Ireland changing this.

Cedar Point is my favorite park, eventhough I don't exactly praise it. I like to remind people that there are better coasters. I always have to come back. 14 coasters, some of the greatest ever, just can't be it. Nothing like dropping 80 degrees at 310 ft. right next to Lake Erie (or 60 at 205!). The atmosphere of being at such a classic, great park just can't be beat.

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Coasters- a little slice of heaven

As it is right now, Kennywood is probably my favorite park, but I certainly see how Cedar Point could overtake it. Problem is, it's a little too far away, and I haven't been there enough.

When I go to Kennywood, I get a feeling of atmosphere that somebody from California probably wouldn't get. Why? Because I've gone to the park since, hell, since before I can remember. Most people around here are exactly like me in that respect. So everywhere you turn, memories. Aside from the atmosphere, there's good food, outstanding classic coasters, and an incredible collection of flat rides. Like Jeff said about his CP, there's just something about KW because it's mine.

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How dare you vanquish the Steel Phantom without his consent? Fear the Phantom's Revenge.

My favorite is still Knoebels. It's 20 minutes down the road so thats a plus. Nothing beats driving down after work getting some food and riding Twister and Phoenix a few times in about an hour and not spending more than $15 doing it. Then there's the Bargin Night when you can ride everything except the woodies from 6 till 10 for $6. Thats when I have my Flyer and bumper car marathons. :)

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2000 stats: 135 coasters in 26 parks
Not Too Shabby For A Summer

AOL & MSN IM Name: coasterpunk

I'm proud of my fellow Buzzers and Buzzetts, such well writen posts. Any way, my favorite park has to be Cedar Point. It is the only place that gives me that feeling of being in a "wonderland" with no worrys but what seat to sit in. It's been a part of me since I can remember. It was the destination of my first family vacation (that I am able to recall) and my first amusment ride. It's bright sunny midways and eye-catching rides are a sight yet to be matched. The staff is very friendly , and it has a wide varity of rides and foods, among other things that I just find special. Now if only the dippin dots were cheaper I wouldn't be in the poor house every time I come home....
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"Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, teach a man to fish and he will sit in a boat all day and drink beer."

Well, I dont have any one favorite park. I do however have an elite three.

PKI: This is the newest addition to my list. I absolutely loved my visit there this year. They have such wonderful coasters. From the mini thrills of the Beastie, to the classic feel of the racers, to the mind-altering loopings of Vortex. There are a variety of coasters to sample, notwithstanding the 'animalistic' power of Papa and Sonny. I also think that the "International Fair" area is the most beautiful area of any park I have been to (over even Disneyland and IOA...never been to BGW). I just really thought the park was well run as well

CP: Well it was at this park back in 90 that 'rider' portion of my enthusiasim was realized. After I was able to tackle the Magnum, it was fully set in my mind that there would be no coaster built that I would be scared to ride (flat rides are another story :)). At that time, my home park didnt really have much outstanding....that is until...

SFGAm: ..added B:TR and Viper. Batman was simply the most awesome coaster I had ever been on. In fact, to this day, any invert (and most loopers) are compared to B:TR in my mind. I dont care if some say it it too short, no other invert can match its intensity (Fire comes close) SFGAm is the only park that has two coasters in my top five (RB=1, Viper=4/5 {tied with Villian}). Add to that, the best themeing SF has to offer, some of the best burgers on the planent (MooseBurger Lodge), and an eclectic mix of flat rides and you have everything that a good park should have. If you dont leave SFGAm happy....well let's just say I always have a big "kool-aid" grin on my face at the end of the day!
lata,
jeremy *** This post was edited by 2Hostyl on 12/6/2000. ***

I Love SFMM but PGA is my favorite becuase It is the closest! The playful atmosphere is cool and so are the rides!

Todd

P.S.Hey 2hoystl, if you think Batman is intense try Top Gun at PGA! 5g's!

These ARE some great posts...very well written, too.

Ten years ago, I thought that SFMM held a candle to Cedar Point and in my opinion it still does. But, another has entered the mix...Kennywood. After 15 years of wanting to go to P-Burgh, I made the trip this past summer. It was so incredible we made a second trip over Labor Day! The tradition is impecable.

The only reason CP is still #1 to me is it's home. Driving down the causeway past the dorms at 9:30am and seeing the Point coming 'round the trees, I know, the next 12-13 hours, will be in heaven. 4 Top Class Coasters coming up! I had the same feeling driving into Valencia, CA. Where "Wallyworld" is just off the highway and Colossus was staring us down. And the feeling came back, when I saw Phantom from the bridge coming accross the Allegheny.

***Sigh...buzzers, can't winter just go away?? ,

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There's nothing like a woodie...

My favorite park is Paramount's Kings Island. I have been going to this park for quite some time, further back then I can remember. I really like the fact that it is well spaced out. It really is a huge park. Also, I like the atmosphere. While some may say it is quite bad, my opinion differs. If you just stay away from the idiots, you'll realize it is a beautiful, and peaceful park, especially lower river town, which is never crowded. Also, it gives a classical atmosphere, probably because it was, after all, based on the great Coney Island of Cincinnati. And as you would expect from a park, it has rides. Lots of rides. Rides that I love. There is a great selection, from great woodies like The Beast and Son of Beast, to steel loopers like The Vortex and Flight of Fear, to the numerous kiddie coasters. Also, it has a huge amount of kiddie stuff. It also offers intermediate rides too. Overall, I love it for what it has: Everything I could ask for and more.

Mine would have to be Cedar Point. Not only because it has the best atsmophere of any park, but it has a huge variety of rides. I mean 14 roller coasters, tons of flat rides, and plenty of good food. Millennium Force is the best coaster ever in my opinion. Not to mention Raptor, Magnum, Mantis, and Mean Streak. When approaching the top of the lifts, you can look out to Lake Erie, which is a beautiful site. On a sunny day, you just can't beat a good day at America's Rockin Roller Coast! Go CP!

TIE! Michigan's Adventure and Cedar Point. Now remember I've only been to three parks. Disney doesn't count...especially since Rock n' Roller coaster wasn't built when I was there(and I was 9...and short). Cedar Point is one of my favorites because of its varity. MF, Magnum, Raptor, Mantis, Dippin Dots, Elephant ears, SRF, TC, I could go on and on. MA has such a family atsmosphere and has a great coaster. Also fairly cheap and usually not crowded. Which means you can easily get 5+ rides on Timbers in.

And oh yeah, thanks for the complement Intamin2k

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Hamburgers are only Hamburgers when people choose to call them Hamburgers.

Mine WAS the best park in existence except, they got up and moved and destroyed the greatest coaster ever built. When I rode their new coaster, I decided that Elitch Gardens was the most horrible ever. At the moment I have to say that Lakeside is my favorite. It has the old amusement park atmosphere and is full of neon lighting. The place is always empty and they still manage to keep it very cheap. The Cyclone is a great coaster (but no thriller) and it is great when you can ride a classic Scrambler and Auto Scooter for less than ten bucks. The only downside is that it always looks as if its about to close :(

Mine is Cedar Point. I grew up with the place, the modern era of Cedar Point started right about the time I was born. I was at the park when every coaster running there today opened up. But the beach and Hotel Breakers are every bit as important in my memories as the rides are. CP just has some intangible essence to it that I can't describe. I love the setting, water on all sides, the resort atmosphere, the boats, the beach. But, I think the best thing about it is that it just feels good to be there. As soon as you enter the peninsula you enter of world of no worries and pure entertainment. The real world just seems so far away.

My answer is IoA.... reason???, not necessary.

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Coasters are fun
Coasters are cool
and oh yeah, I like 'em

Most people know me like Dustijn to get on my band box a lot about Worlds of Fun, but I would love to share the reason I love my home park so much. The reason Worlds of Fun is so important to me is because going to Worlds of Fun as a little kid and riding the Sky Hi (riding the sky ride at CP almost made me cry!), and the boat tank and the trams (ok pretty sad the first time I road them I thought it was going to be a roller coaster! :) pretty sad), and getting my paper flower is the first memory I can remember. Worlds of Fun is sadly all I can basically remember. I didn't go to WOF much during my childhood only about 3-4 times but it became apart of me, and maybe thats why I get a little upset everytime I see another part of its character, or one of my memories get ripped out...
Im sorry about my emotional outbreak, just wanted to share a little of myself. Maybe somebody else out there remembers things the way I do too. :)

Jennifer Lovesee
Extremeroller