Gumball's SoCal Trip 2013

Visits:

Day 1: SFMM 4/14/13

Day 2: Disneyland Resort Visit #1 4/15/14

Day 3: Disneyland/DCA 4/16/13

Day 4:Knott's 4/17/13

Day 5: SFMM (Not available yet) 4/18/13

 

Long story ahead, as you can tell, I like writing about what we did as well as showing the photos!

 

So the big SoCal trip...it's been a while since I've taken time off to take an extended trip let alone going to SoCal. My last visits down that way were 2001 (SFMM) and 1998 (Disney and Knotts...Hello Wind Jammer and dirt lot DCA!). The whole thing went like this: Coming back from SCBB after doing the CGA Au13 media day event, fellow TPR member JeffyJosephNorCal and I are discussing a possible trip to SFMM during the holidays. A lot of this was just talk and I figured why not throw Knotts in as well? At the same time we waited to see if WCB was going to be announced for a February event. Looking further ahead I realized holiday times are tough times to take a vacation and the parks could be busy...so everything was put on standby. Looking at park calendars, we decided that since the parks are open daily for Spring Break this would be a good time to go.

 

Fast forward to February when we're planning our 2 parks...Jeff asks if I want to do Disneyland. Who wouldn't? From there the trip slowly materialized! We were gone from 4/13-4/19...and this has been a great week and is just only the beginning of my 2013 theme park adventures!

 

So SFMM Day 1:

This wasn't originally going to happen, we were just going to head down to our motel later in the afternoon but since we have Six Flags passes we decided to squeeze in a courtesy visit as we would be passing by anyway, and it won't cost us a penny (We have gold passes, free parking!). Wow was this place busy! Once we got in, and dealt with lousy cell service (AT&T really sucks when inside the park), I finally got my Ride Hopper app to launch. Seeing that Viper only had a 15 minute wait while Revolution had a 45 minute, we headed to Viper. If it weren't for RH, planning my rides during the day would have been tricky as I wouldn't know what the wait times were until I got to the ride entrance. We rode Viper in the back "Magic Arrow" seat and it rode amazingly well! Just a little bit of headbashing just before the corkscrew but that was it. Next on our list was to check out Tatsu only to find it had a close to 2 hour wait (Yikes!). Apocalypse had a 90 minute wait and naturally, only ran 1 train.

 

After grabbing a bite to eat since it was the afternoon, we hopped over to Batman as it only had a 25 minute wait. Since this was my first experience with it, I may as well give my input...the queue was rather hot, stuffy, and smelt like an odd mix of fart and body odor. This is when you 'take the tunnel' under the station building. I can only imagine how bad it would be for those ridiculously hot summer days! The ride itself was awesome, almost like a compact CGA Flight Deck that is continuously forceful (whereas FD is spread out/features less elements). I'm also amazed at how smooth this Beemer runs!

 

Next on our list which had less than 10 minute waits was Gold Rusher (Lil' Goldy!). I loved this ride! Sure it's simple, not the fastest tallest thing but we took the last row of the last car and we got whipped around pretty good! Fun laterals, floater pops of air, and sweet views of YOLOcoaster! Just watch it when you put your hands up, you just may smack a small branch or two (like I did!). However the braking sucks as the rubber skid pads cause the train to stop rather quick! Brace yourself, you have been warned!

 

Since Riddler's Revenge was across the way with only a 30 minute wait, we hopped over to that. While I expected to get smashed about due to recent comments I read about the ride, it actually flew through pretty smooth! Naturally, there can't be a visit to SFMM without several dozen line jumpers per ride...regardless of what the signs say.

 

Speaking of line jumpers, there was this lady who was wanting to meet her group ahead of me. However her husband was hesitant and told her that what she's doing is cutting and is wrong (yay, someone with a conscience!). They waited as the line made a huge gap ahead. I waited too as they were actually going to let us go ahead. I just motioned for them to go ahead as they at least acknowledged that what they were doing was wrong...

 

Checking in on ride waits, I saw that Tatsu only had a 10 minute wait as of 20 minutes ago from when it was updated. When I got there, it was closed. Waiting a few minutes to see if it would reopen as the line was actually really short, we left and decided to hit up Revolution as it only had 15 minutes. Now here we go with my little misadventure on Rev. I came off the ride telling myself 'never again.' Yes I rode a piece of history, an ACE landmark, but I also rode a nice gem covered in poo! Why? The restraints! So the ride begins, drop approaches...unaware of how much this ride would try to murder me in every possible way, I put my hands up. Bottom of the first drop was ok, a little shuffling but bearable. After cresting the first hill and taking on the second banked turn is when I took the first punch to the head...millisecond after, another punch to the opposite side...rinse and repeat. Bottom of 3rd drop, you know the drill. Finally the midcourse brakes approach, sigh of relief. Nice semi forceful loop though probably not up to Anton's standards followed by more blows to the head. Coming out of the tunnel, I was happy for the trims as I could not take it anymore. But nope, final helix just had done the death blow leaving me exiting the ride with a nice headache. Yes, I'm calling Revolution in it's current state a POS. I may give it a go in a row up front as I did take the very last row above the wheels. Otherwise, when Flying Turns opens, The Voyage gets its timberliners, pigs fly, and Revolution is restored to its former glory is when I'll ride it again. And I usually try not to dislike rides.

 

Needing to take a quick break we walked around down by Goliath and up the hill to SEFK. It reported a 20 minute wait so why not? Last time I rode this was in 2001 when I left the ride utterly disappointed. Was glad I only waited 15 minutes for it. Well, you think the revision would fix it? Let's find out! Boarding the train, I decided to take the back row so we'd get the highest point...also there's only 2 seats in the back which don't have the "bionic arm" as we call it...you know, that hideous arm shield on the outermost seats that restricts any arm movement. Well, away we go! The backwards launch felt very bizarre and before we knew it, we were up 400 or so feet, looking down at Terra Firma. Finally, the weightlessness I had been looking forward to when I rode in 2001 happened! Not to mention, watching the little ant-sized peeps walking below like I was playing RCT. In the end, this ride was a HUGE improvement! Not a top coaster but it's worth a visit now!

 

Finally, Tatsu reopens! 30-40 minutes later, I get my 50th credit! Tatsu was definitely the highlight of my Sunday visit. Since it was my 50th credit, it only called for buying an onride photo! By the time we had gotten on it, it was dark so there wasn't much to see...just soaring in darkness! The pretel loop is where this ride really shines! Yup a 2005 Beemer with old school forces! The rest of the ride is just fun! I'll be revisiting you again come Thursday when it's daylight!

 

The first wave of photos were taken on my iPhone as I didn't feel like using lockers that day. However I found out that at SFMM, lockers are there but are not even enforced. They actually provide cubbies on the ride platform and instructed us to place our goods there! That means, Thursday I can use the nicer camera and get photos! Until then here's the first wave of photos!

So we're on the road...Goodbye Hayward, see you in a week!

Checking map...equivalent to "Are we there yet?"

The things you see out in the middle of nowhere!

Are we there yet?

I see hills ahead, we must be getting closer!

And into the Grape Vine's butt we go!

Ooh, what's this? I always love turning the corner and seeing a massive mess of coasters twisting about!

...

Closer shot...you can see the YOLOop from the freeway!

Mmmm!

You can't have Six Flags without having advertisements greeting you as you enter the parking lot!

Yikes! We're parked way over here, it's gonna be a busy day!

X2Bus? To ride or not to?

We'll get there faster walking.

Walking is a good thing...plenty of photo ops outside the gates!

Nerf'd Colossus

A twisted mess of water slides!

I don't think I'd have the guts to go down this slide!

For you park entrance fanatics out there! I always loved the looks of SFMM's main entry plaza!

Loop-dee-loooooop! *ow!*

I see a ring!

Never put YOLOglasses next to YOLOcoaster's poster...they only asked for it

YOLO!

Wheee!

Hugging a Schwarzkopf...little did I know this botched masterpiece would try to smash my head like nobody's business!

One of the 'death turns'

Onto Viper, in the magic seat!

Viper's lift, wish I caught it with the train...

Another trainless shot. You'd see a lot of this on a slow/bad day.

Ok, let's go head on up to Tatsu!

Uh....well, it was a good idea in theory...

Let's go on "Batman logo: The Ride" instead.

One of the nicest themed rides in SFMM!

A "POV" shot through the fence, giving the illusion that you're on the ride as you pass directly under the track!

(Forceful) LOOOOOP DE LOOOOOOOOOOOP!!!!

We're approaching something...

Take the (hot, smelly, stuffy) Tunnel!

Duh-nuh nuh-nuh nuh-nuh nuh-nuh Duh-nuh nuh-nuh nuh-nuh nuh-nuh... BAT-MAN!

...

Exiting the ride you get some nice views of the track!

Over to Gold Rusher (AKA, Lil' Goldy)!

For you train storage track fans...

Our chariot approaches...

Over to Riddler's Revenge!

Noted.

Ok, maybe not.

I really love the "Slow Shutter" app on my iPhone!

YOLO and Tatsu...both rather curvy!

Over to Apocalypse, where the attendant up front told us it was a 90 minute wait...I'll get my GCI fix Thursday...single train on a busy day doesn't cut it for me...

SFMM's carnival slingshot. It's actually mounted on footers, making it feel slightly less carnie!

Seeing Tatsu only had a 10 minute wait, we hurry and trek up the hill...note the sun bleached track and supports...and sections that look fresh due to tree shade

"Sorry but this attraction is experiencing an extended delay."

Let's hit up the poo'd on classic! Little did I know what I was in for.

It looks nice, and it may be an ACE landmark, but the restraint system is HORRIBLE! I'm sure we all know that by now

After riding, it was time to let my head settle down...what better way than to check out another white coaster that won't have OTSR's!

Mmmm....YOLOop!

We're taking the scenic route as we decide what to ride next as we have just a little over an hour left.

Some nice views while climbing the long windy hill up to Superman!

I...touched...YOLOcoaster!

The path takes you really close to a tunnel that will be taken on YOLOcoaster!

YOLOsunset...probably one of my favorite photos from that day!

...

Curves... 'nuff said!

Dusty supports = Dust YOLO!

Last YOLOpic of the day...

And now I'm apparently green.

I'm also Superman!

And finally...#50 (NERD)! Wow, don't I look quite exhausted!

As I left my paper in the car I doodled it on, iPhone doodle was the next best thing...gotta love technology!

Tatsu at Night...awesomeness! Flying through blackness!

Good night SFMM, see you in a few days!

Onride from Tatsu! Yes, my neighbor looks terrified, my cousin has a face full of hair, and Jeff and I take in the ride with pure amazement!

And we have arrived in Anaheim...stay tuned for the next day, coming soon!

Edited July 11, 2013 by Angry_Gumball

Great report so far, looking forward to the other parts!

May have been a busy day, but that's what round 2 was for. Other than that, awesome tr so far, can't wait to see more.

Awesome TR so far! Sorry you had to get beaten up by Revolution. Botch a Schwarzkopf, and you will feel Anton's wrath! Looking forward to more of this MEGA SoCal TR.

Woohoo pics! Looking forward to our next SoCal trip!

Woohoo pics! Looking forward to our next SoCal trip!

 

You mean West Coast Bash?

Woohoo pics! Looking forward to our next SoCal trip!

 

You mean West Coast Bash?

Nope, there's still plenty of trips from now till then.

Day 2: Disneyland Resort!

After a nice night's sleep at the Travelodge Anaheim Inn, and grabbing some waffles for breakfast (mmmm....really good stuff), it was off to Disney! So weather-wise it wasn't exactly the best weather but it was just enough to somewhat keep crowds in control. We had an overnight drizzle and was still drizzling as we left our motel room. Having my last visit to Disney in 1998 I was way overdue! Also I have a new park credit! We got into DCA first after a smooth-flowing security check and got our World of Color fast passes. Yes, it's needed, this show fills up and getting a decent spot can be tough even with the passes. But it's not that time yet. Onto what we did!

 

California Screamin' only had a 10 minute wait after the park being open a half hour which seemed pretty good for my expectations...I expected longer. Screamin' was not the most intense thing ever made but still a very fun ride...plus it's Intamin so what isn't there to love about it? I was amazed at how fast dispatch times are on this ride, though you do pretty much take everything with you on the ride. I just made sure I stuck my legs through my backpack straps so that it wouldn't fall out in the loop. Wasn't the source of Screamin's valleying someone's bag that was dropped onto the track?

 

Over to Tower of Terror with a 30 minute wait...You can call this ride "Airtime at Disney!" as my butt was continuously being slammed into the seat! You can think of a Frog Hopper out of control, with drops in the dark...why am I saying this? We all know the concept of ToT! In the end I loved it and several moments caught me off guard (drops in the dark anyone?)

 

Itching to head over to the Disneyland side, we all decide to leave DCA for a bit and hit up DL. First ride we hopped on was Pirates of the Carribean...never realized how long the ride time is, 15 minutes...I only waited 5 minutes in line! Boats stacked much like an RCT boat ride with a short station But there was a continuous flow of boats ready to be boarded! Awesome dark ride, the water smells fresh but musty at the same time, if that's even possible!

 

Next on my to-do list involved finding my laughing place and being thrown into the briar patch! Yup, Splash Mountain! It's been years so I barely remembered what was in there...mainly being that weird coaster track element..."Ain't nuttin' in here but bees!" And coming back up from the quick dive in the cave gave me a little pop of air! I'm glad this "mountain ride" opened after the whole fiasco that erupted Saturday...the whole OSHA thing just makes me...nevermind, this TR isn't about that!

 

Another 'must ride' that I was craving was the classic Haunted Mansion! Of course I couldn't help it but think of Madame Marie when we came across Madame Leota (from CGA's Massacre Manor Haunt maze)...Can't visit Disney without riding this classic! Also this was pretty much a walk-on despite the traditional 13 minute waits we saw on the Mouse Wait app.

 

Lunch time...Monte Cristos! These were good but I honestly couldn't eat too much of it as the whole funnel cake aspect of it was like overload. At least they served fruit with it, to make me feel less guilty! For those who never had a Monte Cristo, think this: funnel cake mates with ham, turkey, & cheese sandwich and has a freak child. After the rather expensive meal I couldn't finish, it was off to Indiana Jones! Again it's been a while since I rode this ride but it's definitely great! Though it's not a coaster, it sort of feels like one with the bouncy jeeps that send you slamming into your riding buddies! Great..now I'm having a craving to ride it again! After Indie, since another Disneyland staple was next door, we may as well watch that poor animatronic hippo get shot down again (poor hippo). Yup it's the familiar Jungle Cruise full of puns and is probably Disneyland's 'cheesier' rides if you want to say. Not saying that the theming isn't good because it is...but combine plastic animals with corny puns

 

Another ride I hadn't done since it was made 3D was the Star Tours ride. Sorry CGA and any other motion simulator out there that I've done, Star Tours spoiled me and raised my standards. I actually felt like we were moving forward, turning left/right, etc. Pretty cool stuff! Not to mention, the 3D was actually 3D and not fuzzy/seeing double images through just 1 eye. Unfortunately Space Mountain was down so Star Tours was to satisfy my craving.

 

After hitting up the classic Autopia, we decided to brave the Matterhorn, in which I heard horror stories of how bad the trains are. Well, being as the seats are hard plastic, you can feel every bump! So yes, it's gotten a bit rough! Still a fun ride, just...very bumpy now! From there we wrapped up the day on Small World (yes we like to torture ourselves), Pinocchio, Snow White (the "Cliff Notes version" as we call it as the ending seemed to come rather abrupt), Haunted Mansion, and Indiana as it was literally a walk-on. We finished the evening over at DCA for me to experience my first World of Color show! Onto pix!

Mickey ears...you know what this means...

Ride closures...

And we've finally entered DCA! Park credit for me!

Well, you know what this means...time to nab another credit!

...

My cousin taking a picture of me taking a picture of her taking a picture of...

This is DCA's still new hotness! It really looks good at night!

And then it was time to get our room...are we sure we want to stay at this place?

Would most hotels take us into these 'back areas'?

End our ToT session with the classic photo op

The group, when not plunging down elevator shafts

Jeff looks excited about this signage

Now to head back across to the Disneyland side.

Clever, very clever...no this is not a hidden Mickey

What?? I can't quite see what's behind that statue!

Ah, so that's what's back there! It's so tiny! (Let the small castle jokes begin in 3...2...1...)

Welcome to Adventureland! Crowds don't look too bad yet anyway

"I can read maps in Japanese! Now where's Pirates again?"

Well, Jeff proved himself right as we did make it to Pirates

And on over to another Disneyland staple. And we walked right into the stretching gallery! So far, so good!

Madame Leota, relative of Madame Marie, a little less crazy

Creepy!

And on over to find our secret laughing place only to be tossed into the briar patch...

...

Wheee!

Now was this an acceptable amount of wetness? Well it's Disney water, so yes it is!

The food that made my stomach nearly explode! It was good but I can not eat all of it...making this not worth the cost

Over to one of my many favorite dark rides! It is also a great way to get out of the sun!

And over to the odder of the bunch as far as rides and concept goes...definitely a must ride!

Ready to gun down some animatronic hippos!

Heading back toward Tomorrowland, something rises above to say hi...We'll visit you soon Matterhorn!

Main reason why we headed over to Tomorrowland...since Space Mountain was down, this had to satisfy our needs

Arrivals and departures! (Yay, I can read a foreign language from another planet!)

Trippy metalic-looking 3D glasses...

Booooo!

Ok, so I'm driving and taking pictures...sounds safe, right?

Just after this shot, Jeff crashed into me, followed by his car letting out a loud backfire

Looking back, poor Space Mountain looks lonely...

And for the longest line of the day, for Matterhorn!

Here's some "Matter-porn" for y'all!

Curves...

Take the splashdown!

Almost looks...real!

For you monorail fans out there...at least this SoCal monorail is running!

Last bit of "Matter-porn": Take the tunnel and control panel shot

And finally...to put our sanity to the ultimate test!

Now that it's evening and Disneyland is closed, we've got a show to catch!

Carthay Circle restaurant...looks like the Mission de Oro along I-5, near the Anderson's Split Pea restaurant

My current view for the show...yup, complete with that speaker post!

Paradise Pier long exposure

I was pleased with how this shot came out

...

The wonderful world of color..next show I'm not standing at this spot!

As the show cleared out, I was *finally* able to get some decent shots of the closing number.

And good night Disney, we'll be back tomorrow!

Stay tuned for Disney Part 2 coming soon!

Another awesome TR, now to wait for day 2. I really liked those shots of paradise pier with the long exposures.

I laughed way harder than I should have at the photo from ToT.

Great shots from SFMM, too!

 

I'm loving these "Artsy Trip Reports". Keep them coming!

Great TR! Can't wait to see more.

Here's Day 3 of the trip, a continuation on the DLR. Sorry it's a bit late, I've been a bit busy and a bit lazy...not to mention being on Gold Striker overload shortly after the trip. Here goes! I'll let the photos tell the story. We basically primarily focused on the DCA side this day...and other side note: I love Plaza Inn chicken!

Ready to rock the 3rd day into this trip! And yup I've now got my own set of ears!

Whee! Escalator ride! Not as cool as Parque España's but it is a magical Disney escalator

Got my fast pass!

Ooh! A hidden mickey!

And over to warm up on an Intamin again!

Wheee!

And over to Mickey's Fun Wheel, where you spend more time loading the wheel than you actually do really riding it (we got 1 whole lap around the wheel).

Artsy Fartsy Stuff!

Nerd shot: tires!

Traditional taking a picture of me, taking a picture of...routine

And finally, up we go in the nauseating, swinging gondola! Should I be a Jeff Johnson and count this as a credit? It has wheels and upstops, rolls entirely by gravity!

Over to Orange S....I mean Silly Symphony Swings! Pretty forceful wave swinger, and a nice setting!

World of.....color? Now with 100% less color (Yes I know it was most likely testing)

For some reason, the clouds remind me of Andy's room (from the Toy Story movies)...very fitting for a Disney setting!

A quick spin on Golden Zephyr. Pretty fun, relaxing ride! Of course I couldn't resist thinking of the flyers back in the bay area (CGA)

After a quick trip on Little Mermaid, I re-realized how creepy Ursula was...I found her quite creepy when I was younger.

And you can't have Disney without fireworks...ok so these aren't real fireworks.

Finally..venturing into Cars Land for the first time to see what's up. Radiator Springs is coming up shortly.

First to try out this ride. Not only does the way the ride works mechanically amaze me but never underestimate this ride...lots of body slams to be had!

And time for a new credit, and my first Mack coaster. Typical mouse with a decent moment of airtime.

The moment has arrived...checkin time for RSR!

Zoooooom!!! This ride was pretty neat!

Looks just like Radiator Springs

Over to Luigi's Flying Tires (or extremely soft 'did we actually even bump anything' hover tires)

Tires! Tires! Tires!

And this is where I'll end the photos here as the rest were more photos of World of Color. Stay tuned for Day 4, Knott's Berry Farm!

Day 4...Knott's Berry Farm! Yes, it's been a very delayed trip report...been too busy riding Gold Striker and visiting parks

 

This is one of those places I've been to twice, though I only really want to count it once as the first time I was there, I was like this... (yay, baby pix of me!)

Why on earth did I reach for Snoopy's head???

 

Ok, seen enough of my childhood photos that I don't even remember. My last visit prior to this trip was in 1998. Wind Jammer was the new hotness, Ghost Rider was under construction, and I was just a GP...Knott's was my gateway into discovering the world of coaster enthusiat-ness. So visiting KBF was almost like a fresh new experience yet felt familiar at the same time (I knew my way around the park and where everything was at for the most part). So let's start the day off!

 

First ride of the day was one I was a bit worried about...one I would think I wouldn't like...one known as Ghost Rider! I figured that I may as well just get the credit done and over with and had pretty low expectations for it due to the condition it's in. Once seated and dispatched, I had no clue what I was in for. This is one of those rides that you don't want to put your hands up as you feel like you're on a coaster made of Lego's or a "Mine Craft Coaster" as I like to say...like this: imagine that you're riding your bike down a long set of stairs, sitting down. Among the bounciness this ride offered, I was greeted with several bursts of airtime. Tempting to put the hands up, I let go for a brief moment before bracing myself once again. In the end, I can see where this was once a top coaster. It has a great layout, and I can see it's awesome moments trying to come out, much like the sun trying to peak out on a stormy day. In the end, I actually enjoyed it...Later in the day, I had to try it again, with a little dash of YOLO...let's ride in the back seat! Definitely more "Mine Craft Coaster-y" but even more airtime too. Yup still enjoyed it, I'd put it in the middle of the pack on where I rank my wood coasters.

 

Needing to catch my breath and take it easy, we took a quick ride on a KBF classic - Stage Coach! No LIMs, no braking systems, no lifts, no anti roll backs, no e-stops, no lapbars...just a simple horse and stage coach! Takes you on a quick loop around Silver Bullet and Camp Snoopy. Nice relaxation session!

 

Ready for my next coaster, it was time to hit up Silver Bullet! I initially had very low expectations of the ride due to it's ever-so-steep drop (maybe about as steep as a wheelchair ramp maybe? ) I found this ride to also be quite enjoyable! It's no Flight Deck or Batman but there was a moment where I actually did grey out (after the loop in the last row), as well as several moments where my feet began to tingle/go numb. Strange feeling... In the end I enjoyed SB even though it has a wheelchair ramp-steep drop.

 

Sierra Sidewinder was next on the list as we were making the loop around the park. My first ride on this left a very good impression as we were spinning pretty good! My 2nd Mack coaster, and a rather fun one at that! Definitely re-riding this again!

 

Monte....the coaster I chickened out on... I have some unfinished business to take care of, and that is riding a Schwarzkopf that will not smash my head in the hardest way possible...a Schwarzkopf that's done right. Last Schwarzkopf shuttle loop I rode (and only one) was Tidal Wave at CGA...so this was a nice treat (even though it's a flywheel and not a weight drop launch). Not to mention, this thing travels pretty far up the back spike. Just watch for that gut punch as you hit that curve...it's pretty abrupt and forceful! As there was barely any lines I rode it 3 times back-to-back (had to go around).

 

After hitting up Monte, it was time to take a break from coasters...a real brief break. It was time to hop onto Supreme Scream. Final verdict: I'll take on SCBB's Double Shot any day, this was a bit tame. Intimidating but a bit too tame. I will also take an Intamin drop tower over the taller S&S towers to be honest.

 

Next on the list was the moment I was waiting for...something fast...something made of pink Intamin track...something named...Xcelerator! All I can say about this thing is "WOW!" I took my first ride in the back and was blown away by its insanely quick-accelerating launch! Oh, it's not done yet! After cresting the top, I felt myself literally feel like I was standing up coming down the 205-foot tophat. To be honest, on my first ride, I didn't feel as intense of airtime. After a second ride in the same seat, it was noticeably stronger and remained strong since. I then braved the front row (Intamin cables, please be nice to me!). I'd have to say that this is where I had my best ride yet. Why? Clear view of everything, was launched upward cresting the hill, and then felt like I was being pulled out coming down... After 6 total rides on this, I decided that this lives as my #1 steel coaster. Forceful launch gave me that 'butterfly' feeling and left me giggly as it launched...while feeling like my face was being stretched like silly putty. The airtime from 205 feet up was just breathtaking.

 

Nothing special, but here's a little off-ride POV I did...as I loved Xcel that much!

 

Time for lunch, we hit up a Johnny Rockets...great food, and a nice perk: I was able to get refills with my CGA souvenir cup. Six Flags, what happened to your Johnny Rockets? (The KBF JR is a full table-service restaurant)

 

After lunch we hit up were Riptide which is my favorite top spin. It had plenty of flips and a pretty long cycle! After riding Riptide, it was time to get a credit...but wait, what's that?!?

 

Whee! Last credit I need at Knotts until Coast Rider opens

 

Uh...looks like I'll be holding my horses until further notice (WCB?)

 

In the end I rode pretty much everything I was after and really enjoyed the crowds (of what..20 people??). I really got a chance to explore the park despite their early closing time. Anywho, off to these delayed photos from this delayed trip report from back in April!

Yay, we are here! 'Tis been a long time I've seen you KBF!

I love coasters towering over the park entrances!

A fun coaster...if I want to compare it to other B&M's I've been on, it reminded me of an inverted SFDK Medusa..smooth, fun, and quiet!

After being shaken by Ghost Rider (I liked GR by the way), it was time to ride something classic.

Silver Bullet through the Stage Coach station platform!

Jeff taking picture of me, taking picture of him...

Train...

Flume construction...yes we just went back in time...by a few months

This place is just swarming with people at the gates

Stage coach entrance, after the fact of getting off

Where we are headed next...

I actually thought it was kind of neat walking right under SB's lift.

Checking out the test seat...of course we will fit on a Beemer!

LOOOOPTY LOOOOOOOOOP!

I found the overbank to be quite fun!

Definitely not as snappy as Flight Deck (CGA)'s Corkscrew...

Off to Sierra Sidewinder, my 2nd Mack coaster.

Up-skirt shot of Sierra...I feel dirty for doing this

Some unfinished business to take care of...has been haunting me since 1998...why did I have to chicken out back then?!?

Monte's "Gut Puncher" back spike, if you are in the very back. Brace yourself!

And we're off!

And we're zooming back!

On our way towards Supreme Scream, we were greeted by a non-working Wind Seeker...

Supreme Scream!

Too bad it was rather tame for its height...oh well, I have a 400-foot Intamin tower to look forward to tomorrow

Well, my moment I've been waiting for has arrived...

Sexy pink Intamin track!

Pink curves...

Wow, just...wow...insanely fast! I feel like something just crashed into me and sent me off flying!

In case you forgot what ride I'm currently drooling over at the moment...

Who doesn't like pink coasters anyway?

En route to Johnny Rockets, I decided to snap some photos of the Sour Skittles fluorescent Vekoma Boomerang...my first boomerang and my 2nd inverting coaster.

Very vibrant...

Again, we just went back in time...before KBF had their new Boardwalk up and running.

Yay, Riptide! A very fun Top Spin!

Well, we know what's next (or not...)

Pony's being awfully quiet today.

No tunnel taking will happen here...

Back to Riptide, to finally ride it of course!

Since CGA's Star Tower was down for the first part of the season, I had to get my observation tower fix here...

Boardwalk area construction, from back in April

The main new KBF attraction I'm looking forward to riding

I'm totally surprised we were allowed to ride this as single people per seat. Normally they make it mandatory that there are 2 riders on these types of rides.

Yes, this thing exhausted me!

And now for some random park photos...Wind Seeker again, not running. No surprise here.

Wheee! (More Silver Bullet porn for you all )

And one of the few final rides we did...Calico Mine Train!

Looking over at GR, I kept thinking of Gold Striker and its tunnel...only making me anxious to hop on GS!

And I conclude this TR with something that just had to be...TAKE THE TUNNEL! (Ok, cave)

Great trip report of my home park, Knott's. It's crazy to see how much has already changed in Knott's in 3 months. Also, since April 17th was a weekday, was Galloping Goose running?

Better late than never! Can't believe it's been 3 months since our trip, ready for another one!