MAY 23, 2000
We got to the point at opening and parked in the Soak City lot. We immediately embarked upon the Magnum, where we had a 10 minute wait. The ride was running beautifuly, as usual. The clouds began to roll in as we made our way to Mantis. The Mantis ops were stacking the trains 3 deep constantly, making the wait almost 25 minutes (and only 1 section of the queues were filled).
We then hopped the train tracks and entered the MF queue. About 45 minutes into a 2 hour line, the rain began to fall and MF shut down for most of the afternoon. While it was raining, we jostled down the Trail, browsing and getting some eats.
Then the clouds lifted. CCMR and Gemini were next on the hit lists, both with moderate lines (10 min) and uneventfullness. Then came the Mean Streak. I must reccommend to everyone (I've done it twice now) to ride MS after a good soaking. Even with the trims closed, MS got some really good speed going, pulled the turns better than normal, and the best part was not getting beat up.
We got to the front via the CP&LE and hit the Dragon. Wildcat was closed and techs were working on something (brakes?) in the station. Blue Streak was fast and smooth, no line.
Raptor had a 25 minute line, and the weather struck again. We were next to board when the ride was closed due to lightning. Luckily, the ops were very professional and entertaining and the ride opened after a half hour wait. DT actually had a 15 minute wait after Raptor. CP really needs to work on the queue area, once again I had to explain to the first timers behind me what the themeing was all about.
Finally, we once again braved the 1.5 hour wait for MF, this time got to RIDE! Rode the yellow train for the first time. MF also secured its #1 spot on my list this trip.
OVERALL, even with the rain/lightning, we hit everything, saw everything and had a good experience. CP employees are extra courtious this year, and most seem to be going out of their way to help people this year. BUT on the downside, for a Tuesday before school let out, CP was fairly crowded. Looks like were have to brace for a record breaking crowd all summer long...
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Oops... I rode it again!
jon, I was there on the 23rd too. It turned out to be a beautiful day towards 7:00 though, that was nice. I got the first ride of the day on MF. That was great, everyone cheered when our train went by... wow! After our first amazing ride (car 5!!!) we hit Magnum, Raptor etc... 20 min. waits for both. Then... we got in line for MF again. 1 hour into the wait it started to pour, but we decided to wait it out. 30 minutes later, riders were on again. After another lightning delay and another 1.5-2 hrs, we were in front seat. I will never ride another seat on that coaster... WOW WOW and WOW. It's by far the best coaster I've ever been on. WOW!
(p.s) I bought a really snazzy blue polo type shirt at the suvenier shop at the front of the park... I LOVE it.
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:) "if aquarium gravel is so bad for you... how come it tastes so good?" :)
I agree..Woodies are great after a soaking rain!!
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Neil
Pittsburgh, PA
MF Count: 00 :(
what about woodies during a driving rain? i rode MS on the 23rd right during one of the downpours, we had the last ride before shutdown. the rain beat the H out of us and i couldnt even keep my eyes open but i loved every minute of it. one reason for the long lines on the 23rd was because of a ton of large groups that day including my school bringing 150+. i got in 10 rides in just 7 hours at the park which included a long lunch at the Midway Market. I love that place :)
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MF Runnings 01
Magnum Runnings 06 (planning a magnum marathon)
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ps-i am headed back on june 20th, another tuesday what do you guys think the lines will be then???