 Which way would you go? Forward into a new future? Or back to relive the good old days?
Author Jeff Goodman  There may be a lot of downtime, an extra long wait, it may even be over before we have had our fill. When we finally pull down that lapbar and dispatch we will feel free. There will not be thoughts of stress, obligation, or even responsibility. It will be time to ride.
Author Jeff Goodman  Dear Coaster Friends,
The off-season may have been unexpectedly prolonged, and many of us are experiencing a roller coaster of emotions. Isolation may look lonely, but we are all thinking the same thing together. 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 blogs@coaster-net.com for review by our editorial staff.
The story began on August 15th, 1999. My best friend Brian and I made a Sunday day trip to Cedar Point. It turned out to be one of the best days I have ever had there. Small crowds, multiple rides on Raptor, Magnum, Mantis, and the newest thrill ride Power Tower. Now as much fun as we were having that day, all we could talk about was Millennium Force, the announcement was a few weeks prior. Even strangers that we were standing in the queue lines with us were obsessed with Cedar Point's Y2K addition. We must have ridden the train at least five times to see piles of dirt and downed trees. Brian and I even made a pact, no matter how long the line was our first ride was going to be front row. We were so excited about riding, Millennium Force the next summer. That I even checked with Hotel Breakers, to see if we could make reservations for the following year. (They said no) Anyway, like I was saying earlier, a truly great day. A few weeks later, we started planning our 2000 pilgrimage to Cedar Point. After talking to several mutual friends, we ended up with a large group of us planning to go. Well, Summer turned into Fall. Fall turned into Winter. And we were still mainly talking about Millennium Force, all of us were counting down the days. In January, Brian asked me if I wanted to go on a snowmobile excursion. His family has a hunting cabin in Kalkaska. Ours have one in Gaylord, and we would take long rides in between them. When he told me the dates, I had to decline. 1. The trip would fall on Super Bowl weekend, and I, along with some others, was planning a Super Bowl party. 2. My Uncle and his family were already going to be using our cabin that weekend. Now I was a little bummed because I used to love snowmobiling. Plus, it was a great way to have some outstanding fun during the offseason. Brian understood he planned a smaller excursion focused around their cabin. If all went well, they would try to make it back in time for the Super Bowl party. I remember him joking with me; he was going to take a couple of the hillier trails at 90MPH to get a feel for riding Millennium Force. I went over to his place and helped Brian and his dad load up their Arctic Cats, and said I would see him in a couple of days. A little over 24hrs later, I received a phone call you never want to get. Brian James Vickery left this world way too soon from a head-on collision with another snowmobile. Now you all probably know someone like Brian, he was the life of the party, someone everybody loved. When you went out with Brian, you were going to have fun. I even bet some of the fun we had, the statute of limitations has expired. His death shook our group to its core. All of us were devastated. I lost my best friend. No, it was way worse than that, I lost a brother. The months passed and the time to go to Cedar Point was approaching. Some people had to drop out, others who thought they would not be able to go could. Our final count was 24. We all wanted our 1st ride to be on the same train. But we had heard some of the horror stories coming out of Cedar Point that Summer; four to five hour wait times, down half the day, and the worst issue for our group, we could not choose a row or time it to all ride together. Cedar Point was filling every train with how you entered the station, with no exceptions. Some in our group were very upset, myself included. But the need to ride the world's first Giga coaster outweighed the aggravation of not being able to choose where we rode. Finally, June 11th, 2000, arrived. Our group checked into the Breakers right at 4:00 PM. We ate an early dinner and headed into the park on the twilight ticket. Now we were not planning to ride Millennium Force that night. The original plan was to ride everything else Sunday night and Monday morning. Then get in as many rides as possible the rest of the day/night Monday and Tuesday. But the park was strangely dead even for a Sunday evening. We walked on Magnum a few times then, went up to Raptor, and was shocked to walk on that multiple times as well. While we were going through Raptor's queue line, we overheard someone saying that Millennium Force only had an hour wait. We quickly scrapped our original plan and decided to see if that was the case. Heck, even if it were a two-hour wait, from all the things we had heard, it would be worth it. IT WAS TRUE!!!! Not even a full queue. We felt like little kids when you see all the presents under the tree Christmas morning. With a winning Powerball thrown in. Another life long friend and I were the first two in line. What made that special was that Scott, out of all my friends, truly loves roller coasters. After hearing all of the hype about Millennium Force along with Brian's passing, I knew he would be there. Some of you long time Cedar Point fans will remember when Millennium Force had a DJ in the queue line. I knew something special was happening when he started playing some of Brian's favorite songs. Some Garth Brooks, a little Bon Jovi, a touch of Billy Joel. (He had quite the taste in music) We were approaching the unload station, and the DJ played "In the Air Tonight." by Phil Collins. Let us say that took the moment to an eleven. On a whim, I started to count the people in front of us. To my amazement, it looked like we were going to all be on the same train. A couple more trains dispatched, I counted again. Now I knew for sure we were all going to be on the same train. Telling everyone in our group that our first ride was going to be together, resulted in a lot of high-fives and a few hugs. A couple more trains dispatched, and I realized Scott, and I had the front row. The look of joy on Scott's face is something that I will never, ever forget. After the longest Winter and Spring, I can ever remember, we finally started up the massive lift hill. It had to be the quietest ascent on a roller coaster. You could hear crickets. Something was building; to this day, I can not describe it accurately. We crested the hill, started the drop, and the dam broke. Five months of unbearable sadness, grief, and pain were stripped bare. We all let loose our primal screams as loud as humanly possible. And I think somewhere in that absolute maelstrom of noise I could make out a scream from Brian. The train was blistering through the track, and it was almost like we were chasing lightning. And we were going to catch it, and I have no doubts that was the fastest Millennium Force has ever run. We made our way toward the ride photo building. Did the normal pointing and laughing when someone in our group had a tear form in their eye. One by one, we all had some tears in our eyes, then we grouped up together. I said a verse from the bible. John 11:35 "Jesus wept" " He wept for the death of his best friend" And we did; it was a good and healing weeping. After all of that, the park was still open for another hour; we rode Millennium Force one more time that night. And honestly, that is all I can remember of that trip after our first ride. Now I can tell you every detail leading up to that ride, and it is still so vivid almost twenty years later. And I know for at least 24 individuals no matter the coaster, no matter the years. No other ride will ever, ever come close. It was the greatest ride we ever had. Author Michael Flynn  With all the strong rides being introduced for the 2020 season there is a lot to look forward to. There is the overdue, the divine, the sweetest, the shortest, a dive coaster, an ice breaker, a splash, the first, and some Legos. But sometimes it is more fun to be bad... Don't forget about the Jersey Devil.
-Jeff Goodman (This image is a composite with a photo credit to Six Flags Great Adventure)  My current phone lockscreen is this shot of Steel Curtain the Pittsburg Steelers themed coaster at Kennywood in West Mifflin, PA. I loved this new for 2019 ride last season on my first visit to Kennywood. I know that not everyone's' favorite team made it into the Super Bowl today, so let's all be Steel Curtain fans instead.
Author Jeff Goodman  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 blogs@coaster-net.com 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 blogs@coaster-net.com 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  Dear Coaster Friends,
Since it is both the end of the year, I just completed my Thrilling 32 rankings, and Friday the 13th. I thought it would be fun to look at the most “unlucky” of my coasters in both wood and steel. These aren’t cursed or haunted coasters just the ones that occupy the 13th place on my rankings for 2019. Since 13 is a pretty good spot just outside my top 10 these are both coasters that I fully enjoy and hope to see on the Thrilling 32 when the bracket is released. My 13th wood coaster has been in the bracket before, however it may be a long shot this year. It is Wooden Warrior from Quassy. This junior wooden coaster from the Gravity Group was the smallest project they had ever done when it was completed in 2011, but it delivered full size fun. The Wooden Warrior would end up being very influential in North America and four of these family focused wooden coasters have been developed. It really showcased how fun the ride could be if it was just built right, and while it isn’t that fast or that tall it is more fun than rides that are taller and faster. I feel like it also made rides like Switchback and Mineblower easier to sell as high thrill rides since they were able to show off how they could deliver a solid experience in a smaller than expected package. My thirteenth steel coaster is Wicked Cyclone from Six Flags New England. This was the first Iron Horse conversion on the east coast and my first taste of what RMC could do. I love this ride and as a frequent visitor to SFNE feel like I know this ride really well. I find it has a similarity with Wooden Warrior, not only geographically, but in stature. The ride stats do not accurately describe the experience. The smooth ride is full of a varied bunch of stalls, drops, airtime hills, and rolls. RMC really packed a lot of variety into a very compact footprint, and I always get off each ride feeling like I survived a storm. Both of these “unlucky” rides happen to be close in proximity, and can easily be visited in the same day. They both deliver excellent rides and maybe are undervalued because of their stats. These two current residents of my 13th place may not be ranked 13 next year two, but luck has a way of surprising you. What is your “unlucky” 13th coaster? Author Jeff Goodman |
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