Skycoastin' Steve's 2011 Season Extravaganza!!

[supertrooperDonkeys are my way of life!]

I've only been to Dorney once...years and years ago when Hercules was new (I guess I was in 7th or 8th grade). I remember enjoying Thunderhawk more than Hercules. Maybe Thunderhawk hasn't aged well (even though it was old when I rode it) but I guess that doesn't say much for Hercules.

[Josh LinnWay Close to Knoebels!]

I can't believe Talon has been around for 10 years...holy crap am I getting old. I don't like it at all.

[simon8899I wish they would make Street Fighter Donkey.]

You've problems.....

The Nessie at Hanspark is as old as I am.....

[ThunderheadThe best thing about TPR is the donkeys.]

Ah Dorney... It's one of those "corporate" parks that still has some charm. It's certainly not a thrill park, but maybe that's why I enjoyed my stay. It's just relaxed. I didn't feel like I had to haul A$$ to get all my creds before the park closed. IMO, some shady spots, another woodie (GCI, I'm on my knees. Hear my call.) and this park would really blossom.

[Skycoastin SteveFive babies drowned in a fire]

And now for (finally) the final trip report from the MONDO vacation this summer, it's time for East Coast Bash!

Jen and I were at Knoebels the same day the Road to CP trip was there, but since it was raining, neither of us brought our cameras in. It was a fairly brief stay, anyway, as we just got a few rides in on the woodies, got the kiddie credit, then rode other notable rides like the Flyer, Haunted Mansion, Skooters, Whip, etc. to use up our ride tickets. We were exhausted, so we just dipped out early and got some extra sleep down in Hershey.

East Coast Bash was a wonderful way to end our trip, and was one of the best days period of the whole vacation. We began with ERT on Fahrenheit (still kinda meh) and Storm Runner (still OMFG good and just outside my top 5). After ERT was over, we bolted for Comet Hollow to beat the GP there, and we were able to knock out Comet and SooperDooperLooper without any wait. Neither ride is anything special, I really wish Comet wasn't trimmed up the way it is now. We also got Great Bear out of the way, and it was a little better than I remembered, but still nothing spectacular. At some point we rode Trailblazer (whatever), and soon after that it was lunch time, where Cliff and I tied (yes, it was a tie!) in the beer chugging contest. Jen also won a concept drawing of Fahrenheit for being the first person to check into the event on facebook (wonder dorks FTW!).

I don't think we rode Wildcat, Lightning Racer, Sidewinder, or the Wild Mouse until after lunch, but I can't remember exactly. Wildcat has continued to regress, it just gets rougher every time I come back to the park. Lightning Racer is still amazing, the best racing woodie I've been on for sure, and it's not even close. Sidewinder and Wild Mouse were typical offerings, and the new Vekoma trains on Sidewinder helped somewhat, but it's still a Boomerang.

We also had a backstage tour of the park, walking by the support columns that had already arrived for SkyRush (which is always cool), and getting some good "not normal" shots of Lightning Racer in the process. The rest of the day was spent re-riding Storm Runner, and getting a delicious Gyro from the food place right under the top hat. We also grabbed another lap each on Fahrenheit and Great Bear to confirm how mediocre they are. And we also rode the INSANE log flume, as well. That night, we were part of the tour groups that got to look at the hydraulic room of Storm Runner, which was REALLY cool to see. The scope and size of the engine that drives that ride is incredible, I can only imagine what TTD or KK's look like, seeing how they have two of them! We finished our night with a few night rides on Lightning Racer during ERT, which was a perfect way to end a great day at Hersheypark. That ride gets transformed into one hell of an experience when the sun goes down!

Alrighty, picture time. The whole album is on facebook here. As always, thanks for reading and please comment!!

Nice report looked like a great day. TPR Bash days are the best way to do a park, I'm gonna try to hit more of them next year.

Love all the pictures of Storm Runner, that ride is amazing. I've always felt is was way underrated, it never seems to wind up in any of the top 10's.

[paiging_jenWhen I grow up, I want to breed donkeys!]

ECB was a great day (although the drive back to Virginia that night was torturous). I had been wanting to go to Hershey for a very long time so the Bash at the end of the NE Trip was the perfect opportunity. It was definitely a fun-filled day.

Oh, and you're welcome for winning you the concept art.

Another great trip and great report!

[krazekidddFIRE HAIRED BOY]

Looks like East Coast Bash was a great time! I remember the TPR event in 2008. Longest day of my life but was freaking awesome.

[osmDon't let this donkey melt you with its laser eyes!]

The Storm Runner picture in the puddle is amazing. Great TR, got me excited for my first ever trip to Hershey next year (and Skyrush!!!). And from the night pictures, I think I'll have to agree with you about HP being the best-looking night park.

[Skycoastin SteveFive babies drowned in a fire]

The Storm Runner picture in the puddle is amazing.

Thanks! It was one of those lucky shots that just worked out with the timing during the day and the monster rain storms that rolled through before we walked by there.