CP Closing Day

In a last minute decision (and after some prompting from friends), I decided to go to closing day. It's been a tradition for a few years, but since I'd gone the weekend before, it wasn't like I was dying for "last rides".

The decision to go was based primarily on seeing friends I knew I wouldn't see again until May.

I left a bit before 7 am and had smooth sailing, even through construction on 75 where it went down to one lane for 5 miles in Monroe. I decided right then I'd take 23 back. 75 at 7:30 am doesn't have much traffic, but coming north in the evening, I was sure there would be enough traffic for a backup, and I spent enough time sitting still last weekend to last me for quite some time.

I arrived at the park at 9 am, parked in the first row, and used Joe Cool to go straight to Millennium Force. There was a bit more of a line than last week, with people filling the first line of the queue, but I still managed two rides before things picked up. I hadn't seen Kara and Matt yet, but figured they were marathoning Magnum, so I made that my next stop and sure enough, they got out of the train I was getting into. They waited for me at the exit and we went around for another ride.

Coming back into the station, there was Kristen and another of her friends, Zach. So, we took one more turn on Magnum before heading to Iron Dragon and and a headbanging time on Mantis.

It was 11:30 am, so we decided to head to the Red Garter to get seats for the Podcast. The highlight for me was Dick Kinzel, CEO of Cedar Fair, being asked about the demise of White Water Landing and the land it will leave vacant. Mr. Kinzel's reply was "That sure is a nice piece of property, isn't it?" The only "announcement" was they'd be announcing their plans for next year in "a couple days", but it was one of the more interesting podcasts just to hear some of Dick Kinzel's history.

I saw several Pointbuzzers at the podcast, including Ben Holcomb and Rob Willi who was there with his wife, Cindy, and many others this old fart brain can't remember.

After the Podcast, Kara, Jeff Tobe and I were hungry, so Matt was outnumbered and we went to Famous Dave's (sans Kristen and Zach who weren't hungry) where I chowed down on BBQ chicken wings and onion rings. Yum! I was surprised to see Dick Kinzel come in and wait for a table. I'd figure the CEO wouldn't have to wait.

We went to Raptor where we met up and rode with Raptor Jo, tried Wicked Twister but the line was 40 minutes long, and ended up riding the space shot side of Power Tower. We took a "spin" on the Tilt-a-Whirl then went to Gemini. Just before boarding the coaster, Kara got a call from Jeff P wanting us to meet him, Mike and his wife for one last ride on White Water Landing. Again, I took the front and managed to avoid getting wet.

Jeff had never seen the Storyteller before and it was recommended to him, so we went to hear The Tell Tale Heart. I've seen this show several times, and each time I'm still impressed.

We got a nearly trim free ride on Mean Streak, and went back to Gemini for another ride. We were going to take one last ride on Magnum, but the line looked to be a good 30-40 minutes, so we all decided it was time to call it a day.

I made the turnpike by 6:45 pm and home, via 23 by 8:45 pm, although it certainly felt closer to 9:45 pm. I guess my body is still on Daylight Savings Time.

The weather was perfect...sunny and cool enough for my jacket, but not too cold, although my two rides on MF left my hands slightly chilly. It was a bit more crowded than last week, but not terribly so. I suspect last weekend's rain and the especially nice weather had something to do with the slightly larger crowd.

I had a great time and I'm glad I decided to go because this trip was more about the people than the rides.

It was great seeing you again! Especially since I was a guest and not a CP employee this time! :)

As Matt (shut the **** up) said when he saw me on Raptor's line, "imagine finding you here!" ;)

My TR will be posted later!
Have a great winter! :)

Jo
Lifetime Raptor flights: 1077 :)

I hope getting up for work this morning sucked less for you than it did for me! :) Kara actually stayed awake for about 2/3rds of the trip home so it wasn't so bad I guess.

I'm still pretty geeked that Kinzel said Magnum was his favorite ride installation ever! Makes me proud! :) The answer about White Water Landing was funny too.

It was good to see all the "regulars" again. It was a tough year for CP in quite a few areas. I'm hoping they can come back strong next year.

I wasn't there closing day, but I'd bet it was a good time. They'll fix what is broken. They always do.

MrScott

It was nice to see you Linda, and Matt and Kara and everyone else!