Day after Opening Day...

YEAH - Park open day 2, trip 2, if only I could keep this up...

I had so much fun opening day, I had to come back again. I brought the wife this time so I could ride a few rides without worrying about the rug rats...

What a HUGE difference between opening day and today!!!!! Crowds were much much much less - in fact lines were the shortest I've ever seen on ALL rides. Some major rides, such as Mantis, were Walk ons! What a treat. Nearly ALL smaller rides were walk ons. I got in more rides today than any other CP trip!

TTD was running nicely all day. For better or worse, I didn't see a single rollback today (vs 10+ yesterday). Actually, the whole freaking park was running nicely today (except for Maverick, of course, and the Sky Ride (due to wind)

I got my second ride ever on Raptor (15 minute wait). I have to say Raptor is one of the most insane rides. I'm sad that it took out a classic water ride (Mill Race) but it is one awesome ride... I look forward to riding Raptor again, it is in and about the CP midway, twisting and turning, pulling at my feet, pushing my head back as it gracefully swings over the place where I met my wife (Game Day Grill, formerly Silver Dollar) and twists my body like nothing else can. Raptor. Yeah baby.

I also got my first ever ride on Mantis (A walk on yet!). I've been waiting a while to ride this one and I was pretty disappointed. It's supposed to be a standing coaster, but in reality, it's a a freaking seat in your crotch, so I would argue it's not really a 'standing' coaster... Well, next time I ride I'm not going to follow the ride ops instructions is all I can say :)... In the end, Mantis was cool, but probably overrated...

Had another great ride on Wild Cat. Rode in a front train seat with my 7 year old daughter. I know it's not a major ride these days, but it is such a fun ride!!!! Only a 15 minute wait today. The single cars, fast drops, fast stops and fast corners make this one a real winner.

Urgh, another walk on - Blue Streak. I try to ride Blue Streak as often as possible just because it is such a classic. But, sadly, something with Blue Streak just does not jive with me - it's bumpy as He**, which is very cool and retro, but the bars, or the seats, or something never feels quite right...I took my 7 year old daughter on this one and she didn't much care for it...

I'm fanatical about CP for many reasons, but a big reason is the history. Recently I've been obsessed with the Administration building (located behind the Scrambler on the Midway). Strangely, I never even noticed the building (even though it is located right infront of the employee cafeteria where I ate many a times when I was an employee.... It is an old 4-square type structure, Where Boekling himself used to keep an apartment - built in 1905. Back in the day it was surrounding by trees, statues and grass. Amazingly, it is not much different today, over 100 years later...I had a picture from 1905 and it was a lot of fun to compare it to how the structure looks day.

It was a great 2nd day at CP. My wish list of rides to ride on my next trip: Wicked Twister, Milli, TTD. These are the 3 rides I've never ridden. Partially due to family time constraints, partially due to fear...

Next trip is scheduled for next weekend, with my brother and MySpace friends. Should be a trip that will be well worth reporting on!!!!! I will try to ride all the rides I've never ridden before...

MadMan...

You sound so much like me! I'm not exactly a "coaster fanatic", but more of a "park fanatic". I love the history of the park, I love seeing the older structures, etc.

We're similiar on coaster experiance, too, though I have to say, I've ridden Raptor countless times. My absolute, hands down favorite at the park, followed by Gemini & Iron Dragon. I've never ridden Mantis, Wicked Twister, Millie, or TTD (or Maverick, but, well.. you know), which I want to hit all of over Memorial Day Weekend (except, well, Maverick..).

My non-riding status has usually had to do more with fear than family constraints. ;)