Dear Coaster Friends,

​I know the term clone has a negative connotation to it, but clones allow a manufacturer and a park to spread out the risk of a new concept. Batman: The Ride was the stepping stone for B&M to create the invert an undeniable all-star of their product line. The invert coaster not only flipped the track over but the experience, putting the emphasis on extreme positive G forces instead of the airtime many riders associate with roller coasters. It is hard for a coaster to feel relevant, modern, and smooth for almost three decades however Batman: The Ride delivers. 

Author
​Jeff Goodman

EDITOR'S NOTE:  The author of this article is a community member and not a member of the site staff.  We encourage all members of our community to submit similar op-ed pieces by e-mailing them to [email protected] for review by our editorial staff.

​

Greetings water park enthusiasts! 2020 is going to be a big year for waterparks and enthusiasts alike. From the first dueling launched water coaster, to the longest mat racing slide complex, we have a lot to look at for 2020. So join me as I break down the top 3 slides that are sliding into my bucket list in 2020!

I want to preface this by looking at what is a “waterpark revolution”. The waterpark revolution is a  movement towards having the tallest, longest, or fastest slide around. Having the most of a certain type of aquatic attraction is another sought after superlative. I am optimistic of this movement that emphasizes innovation in the waterpark industry. Over the past decade we have seen many new types of slides and new attractions being introduced. 2020 in my opinion will be another year that this “Waterpark Revolution” continues to push on in the waterpark industry with my top three slides for 2020.

Riptide Raceway at Worlds Of Fun’s Oceans of Fun
Riptide Raceway is slated to be the latest waterpark addition coming to Worlds of Fun’s Oceans of Fun waterpark. This mat racer slide is slated to be the longest mat racer slide and will boast a whopping 486 foot long race that takes racers through dips, and turns all the way to the finish line. For myself, this deserves my #3 spot as this is going to be the longest mat racer slide anywhere. If you don’t know me, I’m a big fan of the longest, or fastest of the waterpark industry as I’m always looking for a more thrilling ride for my list. With all of this being said, Riptide Raceway is definitely on my 2020 bucket list and I’m looking forward to checking it out soon!

Tsunami Surge Water Coaster at Six Flags Great America’s Hurricane Harbor
Tsunami Surge Water Coaster is sliding into 2020 at Six Flags Great America’s Hurricane Harbor. Tsunami Surge Water Coaster is advertised to be the tallest water coaster in the world with a staggering height of 86 feet in the air. Tsunami Surge Water Coaster will propel riders at speeds of 28 mph and will take riders through twists and hair pin turns before the ride is over. I cannot lie I am a water coaster enthusiast above all else. To be the tallest of the water coaster class is a big deal for me, even greater is that it will feature the hair pin turns akin to the Saucer models. With such an advancement, this is a key sign that Six Flags, while still installing similar models, is continuing to strive for the best of the waterpark industry. 



Cheetah Chase at Holiday World’s Splashin’ Safari
Cheetah Chase is arguably the best of the waterpark class in 2020. Chasing into Holiday World’s Splashin’ Safari, Cheetah Chase is the first ever dueling and the first launched water coaster takes everything we love in water coasters and puts them into one major attraction. From the RallyPOINTS, to the FlyingSAUCER elements, Cheetah Chase will be the most innovative and, in my opinion, have the best of every water coaster in two tracks. This is the latest pinnacle in advancement at Splashin’ Safari, as the waterpark already has two spectacular water coasters in Wildebeest and Mammoth. Both still today have accolades from all over the waterpark industry. I would argue that if you didn’t already have Splashin’ Safari as your main waterpark to get to in 2020, you should now. 

2020 has a lot to look forward to, from record breaking water slides, to innovative firsts, there is all of this and so much more to see from waterparks in 2020. It is without a doubt that the Waterpark Revolution is in full force in 2020. However, I don’t think we should expect anything less in 2021 as we are only getting started. I still have a big wish list for the future, from Cedar Point Shores getting a water coaster, to Holiday World’s Splashin’ Safari finally getting a Drop Box; there are still many things I see us getting in the years to come. In conclusion, get out there to the waterparks this year, bring a bathing suit and catch some sun on some of the most thrilling slides in 2020!

Stay tropical, 

Brad the Waterparker

EDITOR'S NOTE:  The author of this article is a community member and not a member of the site staff.  We encourage all members of our community to submit similar op-ed pieces by e-mailing them to [email protected] for review by our editorial staff.

On December 11th, 2019, Cedar Point revealed their 150th-anniversary plans. I know that there was a whole lot of underwhelmed enthusiasts, with Cedar Point's announcement. I, like most, was expecting something more provocative, and was like, “That’s it???? Some food, drinks, and a boat?”
Now that some time has passed and I have had a chance to contemplate all Cedar Point showed us. I came away reasonably impressed, I mean, they threw a whole smorgasbord (Pun Intended) of stuff at us. Just look at some of the edibles that are coming next year.


French Quarter
Confections Powdered sugar, fresh-made fudge, cotton candy, waffles, funnel cakes, and a cascading chocolate fountain comes together just inside the park's main entrance at the new French Quarter Confections. Let your imagination run wild with over ten sweet, customizable toppings for the park's famous funnel cakes, elephant ears and a new delicious addition. This is the most crucial part, WAFFLE-ON-A-STICK!


The Corral
Some of Cedar Point's favorite foods, like cheese-on-a-stick, chicken fingers, and hot dog-on-a-stick, have always had their home at The Corral. In 2020, it's undergoing an extensive transformation, along with upgrades to its famous treats. New hand-breaded chicken tenders, gourmet pizza with a focaccia crust, another crucial addition,  cheddar cheese, jalapeño, or classic hot-dog-on-a-stick and the famous mozzarella CHEESE-ON-A-STICK!!!


The Mac Shack (AKA Carb Coma)
Food personalization continues at the new Mac Shack. Where you can create your ultimate mac & cheese bowl. The Mac Shack turns up the heat when fresh, macaroni noodles are tossed into a massive cheese block, and the hot noodles delicately melt the cheese around them.
Then fresh cream, along with other,  ingredients are folded together for the grand finale of a hearty and decadent treat. Optional toppings for each bowl include brisket, pulled pork, bacon, and more.


I don't know about you, but for me, food is right behind the rides at a park for the enjoyment factor. And over the last several years, it seems to me that the parks are trying to move past just typical Theme Park/Ball Park offerings. Let's be honest; you can get chicken strips and hot dogs anywhere. Heck, you can get them for a lot less money anywhere as well.


Now on the Ride Warrior Discord, we have talked about this extensively. No, I am not talking about only Cedar Point, I am talking about food. And not only the food at parks but food in general. Come to find out that lots of enthusiasts are foodies as well. So we started to share some recipes, and that has evolved into the makings of a pretty nice collection. There are some delicious edibles for your eating pleasure. If you care to join us you can join in our recipes channel.


Over the last few years, we have seen parks add Barbecue, Asian, even healthy food choices. All to give us more options and better park experience. With this however, comes sacrifice when you demolish several large buildings and build new ones to replace them. Along with a complete renovation of another. (I think The Mac Shack is replacing Pinks) This takes a significant amount of their yearly budget. And you end up with Snake River Expeditions and not The Lake Erie Monster.


Of course, we all want rides like Steel Vengeance and Rise of the Resistance. However, parks have to create balance. And Cedar Fair has gone, all in on creating a more resort feel. And me being an older enthusiast, find better food, drink, and accommodations. Very appealing.


I do not do the running of the bulls.
I do like sitting down and being served.
I do not like being up 20 straight hours.
I do like taking a nap on site.
You get the idea parks are trying to make a better overall experience for everyone. So kudos for Cedar Point for thinking outside the box for their 150th anniversary. I am so excited to try all of the new food options and to ride Snake River Expeditions.


Now if we could only get the Steak, Lobster AND the Lake Erie Monster in the same year. That would be the ultimate having your cake and eat too.


Author:
Michael Flynn