Halloweekends, Friday, 10/1/04
Hit Magnum right away. Running two trains made for a four train wait, but that's not so bad. Took a spin in the back seat for the first time in ages. Even with heavy trims on the ride was running remarkably well, better than the last time I rode it. Despite its age, it still delivers. Crew ran pretty well, though it's not exactly a pressure situation with two trains.
Up front we got fries, and, shockingly, good service! I've been complaining about poor food service since last year, and I was really surprised this time to get a guy that was friendly and food that was hot (and quick). I didn't even think much of it until afterward, which is how it should be. Having food at the park should be a nice, quick, seamless transaction that has no impact except to make you less hungry.
By this time it was nearly 8, so Raptor was a walk-on. Back row, loved it as usual. I swear I need to start bringing hearing protection because the high-frequency component of the anti-rollback noise kills my left ear (have a little damage to that one). Ride was much smoother than last week, perhaps due to newer wheels or something.
We went around to the gypsy thing to tell our futures. The attract speakers are way too long, and also not good for the hearing. Ouch! Not fun to stand in line there.
Blue Streak was fun, and it's still running great, hauling ass in the turn around. It was shuffling a bit in the turn though. Maybe it's time to lube it up again.
Later we met with Old Timer Tim, who had the night off, and went throught the fright zone. Some weirdo stalker kept asking the monsters if they were Magnum Dan under the makeup. The fog machine boy wasn't keeping up with his job, as a couple of machines were crapping out here and there. Voice of the skull gate, DJ Tobe, was pretty funny. Nice job.
We made it back to Red Garter and actually got a table for the show. Bartenders were really friendly and really fast. Reviewed the show here.
Did Power Tower drop for the first time in awhile. They were running one tower each, which was adequate. We were lucky enough to be in 3-6, which faces Dragster, MF, Mean Streak, etc. What a beautiful thing at 240 feet, especially with the fog creeping out. I wish I could get up there in maintenance mode and shoot photos.
We took one extra spin on Magnum before leaving, and again it was a great ride. Amber was grateful to learn that pulling the belt tight is what results in the most comfortable ride. Brandon and I had a laugh about stupid enthusiasses that think the exact opposite is what makes the ride great.
Overall it was a nice evening that was generally just fun. Granted, none of us were in any hurry to try Dragster (breakdowns) or MF (all that seatbelt slack hostility), but it was a good time.
Jeff - Advocate of Great Great Tunnels™ - Co-Publisher - PointBuzz - CoasterBuzz - Blog - Music
I never thought pulling the belt tighter on Magnum would result in a better ride, gonna have to try that next trip..
Saturday looked crowded to me after an all morning rain. It was crowded but not un-bearable. Waited 30 minutes for Raport and 30 for Blue Streak. The we decided to stay away from coasters (impatient kids) and do all the non coaster rides. Went to hotel, came back at night to do haunted houses.
Stayed Sunday from 1000am to 0230pm and had free reign of the park. 20 minute wait on MF, Dragster was about 30. All other rides were no waits.
Beautiful weather all weekend except for Saturday morning, but between 1230 and 0130, it went from cloudy and rain to blue skies.
Bummed that the Barvarian Nut machine near Raptor was not cooking as fast as it was supposed to. Waited 20 minutes, and then a worked in charge came over and said the nuts didnt look right, so they wanted to make a new batch that would take 20 minutes. Because I waited, I just bought the batch they wanted to get rid of. They were ok, but not as good as the ones that come out of a working machine.
Awesome weekend.
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