"Retro" Photo TR: Wild Adventures 25/2/06

[ShockwaveNon-German Tom]

In what is probably the longest running trip report ever (thanks to my amazing procrastination skills), I am now about to do what some thought would never happen.

Back in March 2006, I visited Florida on my first visit to the US. Over there, I met up with Robb, Elissa, Dave, Joe, Derek, Erik, Soren and a few others over the course of 12 days.

To cut a long story short, it was a truly amazing 12 days.

When I got back, I did start putting a few photos up, but I never quite finished my trip reports.

Now it's time to put it to bed.

Wild Adventures

The day before our visit to the park, I met Erik after a day at the Universal resort, and he took me to see some of the finer sights around Florida. Then after the sightseeing was done, it was time to head back to his house, and get ready for the day ahead.

After visiting Cypress Gardens a week before, I wasn't too optimistic about Wild Adventures. And even when we got there, we found that the Cheetah and the Gold Rush were down for maintenance. But the other 7 credits were open for business.

From the numerous amounts of billboards that line the Interstate all the way from Gainesville to Valdosta, I expected a lot more. Even though my memory is faded, I still remember that it felt like Busch Gardens Tampa on a budget.

When we got there, 2 of the coasters were shut, including the CCI woodie Cheetah. Not a good start.

Despite these shortfalls, the park has living proof that Vekoma Boomerangs and SLCs aren't all headbanging monstrosities, with a great example of each ride. That said, neither ride had more than a train's wait to get on at the most, so maybe there's the real reason behind the smoothness. Either that, or the kids are so scarred by the kiddy SLC that they'll never ride the bigger one.

The lack of atmosphere at the place was the biggest problem. Now, I like a park that's clean and looks good. Wild Adventures was very well kept, but it didn't look good. Looking at these pictures again, I'm suddenly seeing comparisons with Michigans Adventure's concrete jungle.

Whilst not a great park, I had a great time that day. Someday I will return to get my missing credits!

[WillMontuOn the other side of the camera]

I was wondering when you were going to post these! The back of my head makes some appearances too, along with Erik's famous denim jacket.

Also, the original TR: http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/vi ... hp?t=23415 (though I think I killed that topic)

[BigBirdYummy! I just ate donkey!]

Lawl. I pass by Cafe Risque everytime I go up North.

Hell must have frozen over! Thanks for posting these.

[TheRapidsNerdMullets never go out of style!]

Hadn't heard of this park. You taught me something new today.

Dippin' Dots: The Ride!

Had to look at the pic twice and laughed both times. Good caption!

[65skylarkNuthin' better than a naked donkey!]

Great pictures Tom. I really look forward to seeing the rest...............sometime in '09.

[ShockwaveNon-German Tom]

^

To be honest, that really is the last trip report out of the Florida set! The other photos I've got aren't really good enough to put anything together for SeaWorld or Six Flags Over Georgia.

But I still have a Belgium TR to finish from last year, and then there's Japan to get sorted out.