Trip #24
Every visit to CP has it's own characteristics that make it unique, some more special or memorable than others. Even though this was our 24th visit this year, it was very special, and I would like to share. As a parent of a child on the "autism spectrum" you get excited about certain events or accomplishments the child reaches even though others may think of them as routine.
Over the last 3 months or so Ethan's behavior has become more unpredictable and difficult to manage with a lot of hitting and yelling out at home and in public. He has even hit me while in a few of the ride lines at CP. Please do not think I am whining, complaining, or looking for sympathy as Ethan is also very sweet and affectionate and I sense him struggling with his compulsions. So, since my wife was in need of a few precious hours of alone time she asked/told me to take him to CP Wednesday after work. I was all for it but a bit apprehensive of outbursts.
There is another topic on this forum that discusses the pros & cons of the measurement wristbands, here is what happened in our case. I got Ethan measured at the front gate, he came in at 54 & 1/8"! Our normal routine would be to hit Gatekeeper first, but as Raptor came into view I saw that the line was short, up the stairs. Since he had the 54" band I asked him if he wanted to try it, he eagerly said yes. There was no host at the outer entrance, I measured him with the moveable device to double check, he passed my measurement test. The host at FL entry saw his 54" band & waved us up the stairs. The host at the turnstile was busy with someone so we went right through to back row. Ethan had his first ride ever on Raptor and enjoyed it so much we went back on for a second ride!
After Raptor we checked out Gatekeeper, the line was too long so we went and rode WT which had no wait. After WT we walked towards Iron Dragon which was preparing for VR so that was a no ride. But, just past ID is Rougarou and since Ethan had his 54" band he said he would try it. The entry host was busy with someone as we walked past, the FL host made no effort to measure him, there was no host at the turnstile as we walked on with no wait to back row. Ethan had his first ride ever on Rougarou, loved it!
While on Rougarou I saw that TTD was down, bummer. So, after Power Tower drop we were walking towards Corkscrew entrance when Ethan says he wants to ride it. This surprised me since he has ridden it once in the 6 years we have been pass holders. I think that first ride a few years ago frightened him a bit, he always has refused to ride it since. We were in line earlier this year once and he turned around and said "not today". Well, we rode it yesterday with no issues, I am not sure that I need to ride it again in the future, very blah, very short, very rough. I know it is "iconic" and all, but so was Space Spiral and it is gone along with numerous other former rides. I really think it is about time for Corkscrew to have a Richard Michael Crosby ceremony.
On to Magnum for 2 rides, no wait. Mom doesn't know he rides Magnum, she says it is dangerous and he could fall out. I'm glad she doesn't read this forum.
Even though he had the 54" band we skip Witches Wheel, walk past Gemini as it was closed, do 2 quick rides on Skyhawk, take the train to the main midway, exit at 7:45pm.
So, please forgive my rambling post, but Trip #24 was special for a few things. Ethan at 54". Ethan first rides on Raptor. Ethan first ride on Rougarou. Ethan first ride in a while on Corkscrew. Ethan no behavioral outbursts! Time with dad....priceless.
Sounds like a great evening at the park for you guys. Good stuff.
Question : Why does mom think Magnum is dangerous, and is it just Magnum or other coasters as well?
^For a couple of reasons. She rode it with me in the early 1990's and it spooked her, she said her seat belt came unbuckled and she thought she was going to fall out. I try to tell her that the lap bars are different than they were back then, but her phobia is strong. There are other coasters that he rides that sometimes have relatively loose restraints such as CCMR and he has never had an issue. Also, Ethan with the autism is prone to unpredictable behavior, she thinks he would attempt to climb out (he won't). This is why we won't have him ride WindSeeker, Wave Swinger. Witches Wheel. Also, we have stopped riding Cedar Downs, wouldn't want to have him hop off mid-cycle.
Thanks, it was very enjoyable.
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