Hey guys! This is my thread for my 2017 Amusement Park ventures. It's a bit of an off year for me with not many new parks, but I did have plenty of visits to parks I've been to and overall had a good summer for roller coasters and theme parks.
Before I start though, I want to update you on what's been going on in my life, and why I haven't exactly been active. Back in January of 2016, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, which is a very curable type of cancer. After getting chemo and radiation the doctor told me it was all clear and that I could go on with my life. I spent the summer doing a giant amusement park trip right after (you can see my 2016 reports for that). Sadly though, my next scan came back saying there was cancer still lingering. We tried 3 different treatments before I finally went into remission in July. I then spent almost the entire month of August getting a stem cell transplant. Right now, everything is looking pretty good. So in case you were wondering where I've been and why I've been inactive for the past year, I've been a little distracted, but I figure I'd share the amusement park trips I was able to squeeze in before my transplant.
Anyway, my first park of the year was Hersheypark, which was on Memorial Day weekend on the Saturday (worst idea ever?) and then I ended up going again during the summer as well. Since I've talked about Hershey before and I've been there plenty of times, I won't do a full report, but I will share a few bits and pieces that stood out. The same will go for Six Flags Great Adventure.
Hersheypark
My brother-in-law is friends with the person who created the design for the outside of the triple drop tower, so he was able to get me in on a preview event for the new ride, and I got to meet a few Hersheypark executives. Everybody at Hersheypark is great, and they were no exception. I had a great time. Anyway, I loved all three drop towers.
The tallest one (The Hershey's Tower) is essentially just a combo launch/drop tower. However, the launch upward is unbelievably powerful. Easily the strongest upward launch I've experienced. The drop was decent, but I noticed that it was better later in the year.
The middle one (The Reese's Tower) is essentially a large double shot. You get an easy launch and two mild ejector airtime pops at the top.
The shortest one (The Kisses Tower) only has one pop of airtime at the top, but it straight up slams you and it's amazing.
I actually liked all three equally the first time around, but when I rode them later in the year, the Hershey Tower was much much better than the other two since the drop was actually quite good.
The next day, we spent the day at the park, but it was packed. The lines for food were an hour and every ride ended up with a 2-4 hour line by the end of the day. I think this may be the most crowded I've seen a park... and I've been to Six Flags Great Adventure at Fright Fest.
When I went in June, I had a much better day with way less crowds and way shorter lines, but still, I think this is one of the most crowded parks in America.
I was wondering if I was going to see Skyrush ride very poorly again, and it definitely wasn't up to par with my first rides in 2013, but it wasn't Nitro levels of intensity this time. When I went later in the year, I had to wait until late in the day to experience the brutal intensity again, and it reminded me why it is one of my favorite hyper coasters. But ouch my legs.
As you can see, on the Friday, we wandered around the back of the park to find some crazy views.
Wildcat is still not as rough as everyone says. I think the second valley has finally gotten to a point of being "too rough" but other than that I don't have a problem with the ride. That weird pop of ejector airtime/ laterals is just bonkers. It's just such an amazing moment.
I have such mixed feelings about Great Bear. It has some really great moments, but as an overall ride, it doesn't hold up to most B&M inverts. The drop is great, the zero g roll is so snappy and there's a cool airtime moment. You would think I would love it, but instead I think it's just ok.
Lightning Racer is still horribly overrated, Storm Runner is great, Fahrenheit is fine, Comet is meh and Sooper Dooper Looper is alright.
I tried out Sidewinder with the new trains, and it isn't better. Those restraints crush my shoulders terribly, and it isn't any smoother.
I did get a chance to pick up a credit with Laff Trakk. This was on memorial day weekend so I waited 2 1/2 hours for a decked out Maurer spinner. When I say decked out... The theming is kind of bad and adds nothing to the ride, so I can't say it's much better than its outdoor counterparts.
I love Hersheypark, and I think it's a great example of a good straight up "Amusement Park." I love that it doesn't pretend to be a theme park by putting up cardboard cutouts like Six Flags. It just doesn't try and there is something to be said for that because it knows what it is. The staff is good and the park is well taken care of. Plus it has great rides
Six Flags Great Adventure
I have another season pass this year so I ended up going three times. I've come to like this park more and more as it becomes less crowded. However, some of the new policies this year are infuriating.
I've decided I am not going to do my morning marathoning of El Toro anymore since it seems to be extremely rough in the morning. It could be because it's an empty train or because when it warms up, it goes so fast it skims over the rough parts. Who knows? Specifically, the bottom of the "Rolling Thunder" drop has become particularly brutal. The left side of the train is much worse because it banks into the bottom of the drop.
The new Justice League ride is quite good. It's about the same as the one in St. Louis. It's like a half baked shooter version of Spiderman, which is still very good lol. I would prefer it not to be a shooter, but beggars can't be choosers; we have a dark ride at Great Adventure. I'm happy.
Kingda Ka is still outrageously rough. I rode it more this year than I ever have and I must say, 3rd row is the best. The wind in the front row is dumb and the second row is violent. And everyone knows not to ride back on Kingda Ka.
Skull Mountain and Runaway Mine Train are both amazing back seat rides. Anybody who says otherwise is crazy. Skull Mountain's drop is out of control and the final airtime hills are nuts on Runaway Mine Train. In fact, every coaster except KK is a back seat ride for me at this park.
So the new policy for Kingda Ka and El Toro are that you cannot have anything in your pockets even if they are secured. And then they make you pay for a locker on top of that. It's pure evil. Plus Kingda Ka and Joker have this weird thing where they and you a small piece of paper with a number indicating your spot in line and you have to give it to the person at the end. I suppose it's to prevent line jumpers? but it is really strange.
I still had great days at the park. Their strict policies are insulting at times, but I can get over it.
These are the rest of the parks you can expect in the report:
Morey's Piers
Rye Playland
Fun Spot America Kissimmee
Universal Orlando
Lake Compounce
Not a huge year, but I went to Universal Orlando for the first time which was huge enough for me.
Thanks for reading!