Chadster's Vacation Adventures: Final Edition!

by **bottom_feeder_13** » Fri May 25, 2012 9:19 pm

Glad to see Silverwood getting some love, there's something about that park that makes it feel like a small-town family run park and yet it has operations and rides that beat the better corporate parks, oh and the lazy river with a bar in it always seems hilarious to me.

by **simaticable** » Sat May 26, 2012 7:29 am

I'm glad that my home park got the #4 spot. It really is a great place, and they take southern hospitality seriously. I agree with you on Wheelie, my favorite flat ever! I believe the reason why the park is like it is because of the fact it isn't owned by the company but instead by the same partners that own SFOT.

by **chadster** » Sat May 26, 2012 2:50 pm

I hope everyone has enjoyed this thread over the last few years, I've certainly enjoyed traveling and seeing the country!

If you wouldn't mind, to show your appreciation for the countless hours that go into creating the reports and videos for your enjoyment, donate $5 to my Give Kids The World fundraising page. It would mean a lot.

Thanks so much and check back later for a link to follow me semi-live on my next travel adventure!

by **PAL** » Sat May 26, 2012 6:08 pm

Travel on Chad! There are a few notable / surprising omissions. At least one - Knoebels - you've yet to visit. This classic belongs on your list. So does Kennywood I'd wager. Seems your kind of place. Been there?

I too adore the Busch parks. They are close to perfect, focused not on numbers but quality attractions.

My personal list would include IOA / Uni Orlando as a single entity. Same reason - top notch coasters, but backed up by amazing dark rides.

Your listing of Dollywood and SFOG is adding to my anticipation. August can't come soon enough.

by **chadster** » Sat May 26, 2012 9:47 pm

I was weighing Kennywood as a top contender but in the end I think I need to give it one more visit to really appreciate it's awesomeness as the day was plagued with tons of schools crowding things up. Perhaps this time next year both of those parks will squeeze there way in.

I too am looking forward to August, still on flight patrol but hope to have that sealed soon.

So, want to follow me live on this weeks 8 day epic travel adventure? I've setup a special facebook page for just he occasion! Of course I'll be back in a few weeks with full updates as per usual with foto's not published on the facebook page so keep checking back. Oh and subscribe to this thread, it's worth it

facebook.com/ChadstersVacationAdventures

Looking forward to seeing some fellow TPR peeps this week, watch out, here I come!

by **chadster** » Mon May 28, 2012 9:10 pm

If you weren't following me live, you probably missed the foto below, but thats ok, I forgive. I also posted a few more in the Silver Dollar City thread. If you don't want to miss me semi-live this week check out my special Facebook for when I'm on the go!

I'll be back here in a few weeks with more amazing content including a visit where JoJo and I met up with the big man at the Azoosment park, we were pleasantly surprised by what's going on there!

by **Chrisrad** » Fri Jun 01, 2012 5:58 pm

SFMM isn't on your top 10 list?

#bullcrapitsthebestparkever

Glad I looked at it - I was trying to figure out another theme park in the ID/UT/CO area and it's Silverwood..

by **chadster** » Fri Jun 08, 2012 8:12 pm

Coming up this Monday, I have a special treat for everyone - Behind the scenes of the Big Mike Roadshow at the Azoosment Park! Find out all of secrets and hard work that goes into the popular production including the ducky game. Get Excited!

by **Big Mike** » Fri Jun 08, 2012 9:21 pm

Wonderland????????????????????????

Hey, that Behind the Scenes of The Big Mike Road Show sounds kind of cool

by **chadster** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 8:06 pm

Looks like I'm back for a few weeks and to celebrate we start with a special "behind the scenes" episode of 'The Big Mike Roadshow'

I had rearranged a departure date for my upper Mid-America trip to be able to meet up with Big Mike and Megan at Santa's Village Azoosment Park just outside Chicago. JoJo met me at my hotel and off we went hitting just about every Memorial Day parade in town setting us back about 5 minutes from the targeted arrival time.

So after getting a hard time for being late, in we went were Kurtis (G$ Kurt) immediately yelled out for Big Mike recognizing the bright shirt. Kurtis really did seem to be everywhere and gave us the low down on the park. The firetruck and motorized cars were new for this year and they have future expansion plans. I wouldn't count on the water park re-opening as after years of neglect while the park was closed it would be an expensive venture, but do expect that great things could be coming to that area soon.

The park itself is clean and vibrant, the staff were all friendly, and the zoo adds that little something the park needs to keep the kids entertained, and most importantly, in the park. Santa, as mentioned in Big Mike's report, has been at the park for the last 25+ years playing Santa (when the park was closed he was at Holiday World) and is full of park history as well as history of all the Santa themed parks. For instance he told us the park was a duplicate of another one in NY but not originally owned by the same person.

Bottom line guys, the park is waaaaaay better than the horror stories I've read before it closed. The new team is dedicated to making the park a success and fits the families with small children niche that very few regions have. So if you have younger children you should without a doubt take them to the Azoosment Park, you won't be disappointed.

And now, I present, Behind the Scenes of the Big Mike Roadshow!

P.S. If you want to see my entire photo collection on this park Click.