Photo TR: 12 parks in 11 Days Midwest Tour!!!

So my wife and I decided to go on a rather large coaster trip that took on almost 80 coasters in the span of almost 2 weeks.

 

Day 1: Worlds of Fun

Day 2: Travel Day (found Wonderpark)

Day 3: Kings Island

Day 4: Cedar Point (Coaster Mania)

Day 5: Geauga Lake (Coaster EXT) and Kalahari

Day 6: Kennywood

Day 7: Travel Day

Day 8: Holiday World

Day 9: Six Flags St. Louis

Day 10: White Water and Celebration City

Day 11: Silver Dollar City

 

We also threw in a couple of ball games one in KC and one in St. Louis to watch the I-70 series being played between the Royals and the Cardinals.

 

Needless to say this is going to be a big photo TR and will be broke into sections to easily digest.

 

Park #1: Worlds of Fun

For the entire gallery of 59 pictures go here: http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/gallery/parks/wof/

We made it to the ballpark on time, unfortunately the Cardinals sucked that night -- they would however beat the Royals the next day

After that I wanted 1 more ride on Patriot, but the line was too long and we had to get to the ballpark

Next up was Spinning Dragons which thankfully was running 4 cars and not just 1.

Boomerang was also only running one train today so we skipped it -- like we would have ridden it anyway

We finally got on and had a great ride in the first row of the last car of the train. The MCBR was on rather heavy though which I thought was dumb with only one train on the course

Finally we got back to Mamba to find once again one train operation

To make our quota of trashcan photos in this TR here is a photo of the newly restickered WOF cans

On our way back to the back of the park to ride Mamba we noticed some markers in the Forum outdoor theatre area... and a sign

Next came Detonator which was shooting the carts up with a lot of force today

Thankfully the lines were not too bad and we got a ride in row #2 which proved to be rather smooth

From there we headed back to the wolf which was also running one train.

Luckily the line didn't take too long, and we got our money rides in the back left seats which are the best

I needed my fix on Patriot so we headed over there first -- to find one train operation. *groan*

Time for Park #1. We figured since we were in town for the ball game we should hit up WoF

Day 2: Travel Day and Wonderpark

 

After the ballgame we drove to St. Louis and spent the night in a nice Sleep Inn with pillow top beds -- it was wonderful.

 

We got up early the next day to drive to Cincinnati. When we got there we decided to check out some of the malls around our motel. The first one we went to was the Mills which had a kiddie indoor park -- with a COASTER!!! So I credit whored that and added it to my list of tracks. the mall itself was scary empty though. There was NO ONE there. We went to another one nearby, name escapes me, but it was just as weird and we felt extremely out of place there.

 

Park #2: Wonderpark (Cincinnati Mills Mall)

For the entire gallery go here: http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/gallery/parks/wonderpark/

The park had two other rides that were not worth really mentioning -- I did like the Pac Man statue at the entrance to the place.

Random Pac Man statues are cool!

It reminded me of Python Pit at Jeepers

It was hard to get a good photo of the coaster Boa Squeeze

I have no idea why the N is red

Dude what day did you go to Worlds of Fun I think I went the same day!

Wow, now thats a trip! Very nice WoF photos!

Day 3: Kings Island

 

The last time we were here, we did not enjoy ourselves very much as we both got rather beaten up by the coasters. However with Maxx Pass in hand and being this close to the park, we thought we would give it another try. Turned out we had an excellent time at the park -- just wish they would TAER down SOB and get it over with.

 

Stayed at the park until 4:30pm then took off for Sandusky so that we could get some sleep before getting up early for morning ERT.

 

Park #3: Kings Island

For the complete gallery go here: http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/gallery/parks/ki/

Last ride of the day was the Eiffel Tower, which is always a great way to end the day

Face/Off was actually a pretty good ride this time -- I was surprised.

When came Beast which was too rough to even enjoy -- even on a non-wheel seat.

Next came Vortex which hurt me really bad. I kept going though...

Then came Racer, forwards seemed smoother to me than backwards

Next came the part where Missy sat out as she refuses to ride these rides... 1st up Adventure Express, which was very rough

We then rode the "big" rides in Action Zone -- yes Delirium too

While walking by SOB we both secretly wished it would burn down

After lunch we went and rode Top Gun -- it seemed a little rougher than it used to be

From there we went and got our Scooby on and I totally kicked my wife's butt by beating her by over 1000 points!

and Fairly Odd Coaster -- why did they take the tunnel off the 1st drop?

We also had to ride the kiddie coasters, like Reptar and Little Bill

After being denied we went and checked out the new Nick Universe (new to us) and we both loved AVATAR

We next tried to ride TR:TR, but it was down all day.

We next ventured over to IJ:ST and had a ride in the front for the first time. Not all of the show elements were working, no big surprise.

Next was Flight of Fear. We took two rides on this throughout the day -- both in front. I was sad the videos were not playing in the queue room.

We ended up taking two flights on this coaster -- one inf the front and the other in the back. You can feel the vibrations a lot more in the back which was unnerving.

I thought it was a much better ride here then when it was at GL

First up was Firehawk

I think it looks better without the Paramount logo

I believe the N is red because the park used to have some association with Namco.

 

Cool TR!

On that second day, you should have dropped by Coney Island. Decent ride selection, much better dodgems then KI, and a new credit aswell. Plus I could have met you since I work there

 

Anyways, good TR so far, though I'm suprised you found Vortex rough. If you sit near the rear of the train, its still pretty smooth and filled with airtime.

sweet TR so far WoF looked pretty sweet, I am a huge fan of Kings Island and cant wait to return next month!

What is so good about Kings Island?

 

Most people say SoB sucks.

I hear Beast is nothing special.

I rode X-flight and didn't think much of it.

 

They don't look like they have any other amazing coasters.

Wow, now thats a trip! Very nice WoF photos!

 

It was fun, but exhausting near the end -- thanks for the compliment on the photos

 

Dude what day did you go to Worlds of Fun I think I went the same day

 

I was there on Tuesday (12th)

 

I believe the N is red because the park used to have some association with Namco.

 

Well that explains it. I just thought it was random when I first saw it, now it makes sense

 

On that second day, you should have dropped by Coney Island.

 

Originally I had planned on doing that, but Missy was tired and wanted to make an early night of it -- I guess that didn't stop me from going though. I actually already have that credit, but for some odd reason I didn't take my camera with me when I went to CIC. I should just go take a walk-a-bout there next time I am in town since it is free to do that, just the parking charge.

 

What is so good about Kings Island?

 

I personally like the fountains and I really like Flight of Fear, does that count?

I went 1 day after you! They were running 1 train operations too so that's why I asked.

Parking's only $6 now, so it really isnt that bad a deal. Especially when you take into account that CIC is more than just an amusement park. Theres also all those sports courts and such that are free of charge. Also, unless they changed this since when I learned the rules last year, I believe that you dont need a wristband to ride the paddleboats.

 

As for KI, there are a few good things there. I personally enjoy the Vekoma flyer more than B&M's, so FireHawk is a plus for my. Vortex as I've mentioned many times is a great coaster if you sit in back, and FoF and IJ:ST are both fun launched coasters albeit not spectacular.

--Refering to the future Dominator sign--

 

Poor GL. Dominator is all its got left goin for it anymore. While it would benefit from a new paint scheme (red rails and silver or brown supports), and a name that isn't so generic. I believe this would be a star ride in the park. The ride needs renewed and with rehab being the trendy thing right now why not put it through 30 days at promises and see what comes out.

I think it was a joke

Very nice photo's ! I really need to get back to KI's as I missed FOF and Top Gun. Plus now the addition of x-flight and Avatar it's almost a whole new park to me.

Awesome KI pics, the Firehawk loop pic is beautiful!

...the addition of x-flight and Avatar it's almost a whole new park to me.

 

We felt the same way when we walked into the Nick Universe area. It is so completely different from the last time we went there (2 years ago when IJST was new) and we were like "wow this place looks a lot better"

Adventure Express was rough? NOOOO THEY'VE RUINED A CLASSIC

 

Were the rock 'em sock 'em statues at least working in the tunneled lift?

Yes but they were not all light up. I think 2 or 3 of them were "in the dark".

Yes but they were not all light up. I think 2 or 3 of them were "in the dark".

At least they've kinda got something working out for them Obviously, with AdEx being the only coaster worthy of going on at that park!

Day 4: Coaster Mania

 

We got up around 4:50am and made our trek to Cedar Point -- hooray for pre-registration. Ended up we could have slept in a little more, but we'll know that for next time. When they finally dropped the ropes there was a beline for Maverick. Missy and I who had no desire to be the first or even near the first on Maverick opted instead to marathon on Millennium Force. Which we did and attracted a line. Ended up getting 5 rides in during ERT. Rode Maverick and then went and rode Raptor 2 times before coming back to Millennium Force and riding 2 more times.

 

Park finally opened around 10am, not sure why they gave us 1.5 hours of down time in between ERT, but that was not a big deal. Rode lots of rides then, went to the Q&A and lunch and then more rides then Night ERT on TTD which was fun. Got 3 rides before we went home... photos below.

 

See all 123 photos from my Cedar Point trip here: http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/gallery/parks/cp/

 

Park #4: Cedar Point

Goodbye Cedar Point! See you next time!

After one last trip on TTD we had to go.

Maggie also had ERT so we had to do it once.

PT also had ERT, I did the down side once.

Got 3 rides total before moving on

The launch gets me everytime

Finally night time came and we made everyone go home and we got ERT on TTD

She never did win!

Hellz yeah!

Then it was time for marathoning on Cedar Downs

Oh and this -- I like KI's better

Oh and then we rode this -- Missy screams really well

I had never been on this before so we rode it. It was ok.

Walking on around we got our red credit on Gemini and then tried to ride this only to be DENIED!

We continued on around the loop, rode Maverick again and then went over and rode this thing.

I actually like it now, don't know why I liked it better this time, but I did.

Then we remembered we forgot to ride Mantis, so we went over there

We also rode 12E

We then went over to Twisted Wicker where we rode in the back seat -- the only place to ride!

I <3 Blue Streak -- the #1 Woodie in Sandusky!!!

After lunch we were like, "Hey lets go Streaking!"

Next Tony yelled at someone who wanted to know where the gravy was. He was like "NO GRAVY FOR YOU!!!"

Finally found one and then it was time to watch 5 people get up on the stand and get $100 shopping sprees to Pagoda -- NO FAIR!

None of there either.... what to do?!?!

Now comes the fun part of finding a seat... hmmm... none of there

WHAT!?!? More lines?!?!

Then it was time for lunch, so we found the line of ACErs and got in line for the food -- hope there is some left when we get there

Wildcat PWNS Maverick!!11!1!

Did I mention this is probably my favorite ride other than Millie at the park?

We had just a little bit of time before lunch so we headed for the 'cat

The panel for the Q&A. They sure answered a lot of my questions without me even asking them -- good job!

Then Missy was like "OMG, it's time for the Q&A" so we went here

Next came Draggin' Iron which held us hostage until the station could be cleaned due to a Vomit Commet from a GP.

Continuing on around the loop (we skipped TTD until ERT time) we rode Corkscrew and immediately regretted it.

I still like it, but have to ride on a "non-wheeled" seat to enjoy the ride and not every bump on the track.

Next up was Maggie, which seems to not be aging well.

Laugh all you want, but it is taller and faster and more thrilling than the Minetrain next door!

Then we went into Camp Snoopy so I could ride Woodstock's Express.

So we went and rode Gemini instead -- only blue was running at the time, we had to come back to get the red side credit for the day

I really did consider riding this, but then my wife told me I couldn't -- which I am glad she put her foot down on.

Then it was time for the morning nap -- anyone know who these people are? My wife thought it was cute

I like this shot a lot

Next we rode Raptor -- this shot has never been taken before

Aquatrax!

Whee!!! No really this part is fun

whee!! ow ow ow ow

Ok obligatory Maverick photo section starts now

I said BOW TO ME

I've found that I like the front better on Millie. I used to just ride in the back

Bow to me!

Why yes I think I will.

Boy don't we look perky considering how early it is!?!?

Awesome CP pictures!

The couple on the bench was actually in line behind us during ERT on The Voyage and we struck up a conversation with them. They're from NoCal and that's about all that I know.

I figured they were from Cali as they were wearing Knott's Solace shirts while at Cedar Point. Missy made the comment that she hoped that when we get older that we could "go" like we do now. We'll admit we took a nap halfway through the day too, only we took refuge in Snoopy's Boutique instead.

 

Does anyone remember who all was on the panel for the Q&A?

I remember:

{Robert Decker} {?} {Dick Kinzel} [podium] {Marty Jasper} {?} {?}