I arrive at CP around 10:10 and rush straight to my favorite place, the back. I urge everyone to rush to the back of CP when you first arrive at the park. Do not go to MF unless you are one of the first people out of the gates. My group of four friends went straight to the Power Tower where we walked on to the Turbo Drop side. Great ride as always.
We then headed over to Magnum to find, (what a surprise) no waits. Ahhh, nothing can compare to Magnum walk ons early in the day. Took a spin in the back, OK. My friend, who was a first time rider, said this after we hit the brakes.
"Is that it?"
Ugh. I sighed. What has happened to the Magnum, it doesn't even impress first time riders!?! I think he was spoiled from the Power Tower or something, I couldn't believe it! Took my second trip in the ejector seat, 1-3, which has now officially become my favorite seat. Ride in it, you'll like it.
We headed over to the Gemini, which my other friend found boring. What is going on here!?! We then took two trips on good ole' Mean Streak, both walk ons, which I found to be fun, not great and very minimal pain factor. If they could just get new trains on this sucker, take off those trims; this could be a great ride.
We then headed over to Snake River Falls, which I was cursing quietly, I don't like dirty water rides, but I figured I would get a refreshing douse of water. YIKES! I got COMPLETELY soaked, like no other. I was surprised, and freezing! I want to try out Perilous Plunge now!
We then took two spins on the swings to dry off a bit. I was thinking while riding the swings, that if they moved the swan boats, cleared some land around White Water Landing and Thunder Canyon, you would have no problem fitting in a sweet Thrust Air. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Then came the waits. We walked over to Mantis, past the petting zoo, where you can get some sweet pics of MF in action. The sign said 1hr. 45 min. to ride. WHAT?!? Oh well, my word wasn't going to get anywhere with my group so we waited, only 1hr. 10 min. which just isn't worth the Mantis in my opinion. It was running good, my harness wasn't disgusting, and I had good fun. The third train is now covered up with some tarp on the transfer, so I doubt we'll be seeing three train operation anytime soon.
We next waited forever to get some food at the Dragon's Inn food stand and headed over to MF. We waited about 1hr. which IS worth it, and I waited 20 min. with my friend for the front. I strongly urge you to wait for the front, it is really amazing, and makes a HUGE difference. I don't think I'll ever ride in a different seat again!
We were planning on leaving early, so we didn't have much left to do. We headed over to the Raptor, which I say does look young again with its nice paint job, by why not Mantis or Magnum?, I know they are getting paint jobs soon though. 1 hr. is reasonable, but still way too much time for the Raptor. When I can go to IOA or BGW and walk on a better invert a few times, this doesn't match up. The Raptor has never been my favorite, and I think it is still too overrated with the GP. It gave me a good ride in car 5, with only a hint of head banging before the first flat spin. It was a blast to fight the G's in the helix, I gave my arms a good workout!
For the last ride of the day, we took a spin on Blue Streak, which was a one train wait, great ride. I think the back half is lacking in airtime.
I have to applaud CP once again with picture perfect park operations in every way. I did get to see the Mantis stuck on the block brakes though! I wonder what happened? Can someone fill me in? I got a few stares for my Shivering Timbers t-shirt, and talked to one enthusiast about MA and how CF owns them, and such. Rack up a crowded day at CP, but a good day in all. Happy Coasting!