ThrillNetwork Boards

Hurricane Harbor D.C. PTR (08.12.10)

DHollon — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 22:28:42 GMT

EASTCOASTER 2010
HURRICANE HARBOR D.C. Trip Report

August 12th, 2010

FULL UPDATE: CLICK HERE

Six Flags America PTR (08.12.10)

DHollon — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 22:15:20 GMT

EASTCOASTER 2010
SIX FLAGS AMERICA Trip Report

August 12th, 2010

FULL UPDATE: CLICK HERE

Kings Dominion PTR (08.11/12.10)

DHollon — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:04:30 GMT

EASTCOASTER 2010
KINGS DOMINION Trip Report

August 11th/12th, 2010

FULL UPDATE: CLICK HERE

Blue Streak reopens at Conneaut Lake Park

Leo C — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 02:08:24 GMT

On Thursday the Blue Streak rollercoaster, dormant since 2006, reopened to the public at Conneaut Lake Park in Northwestern Pennsylvan... Click here to read more...

Coaster car or bumper car?

Leo C — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 01:35:58 GMT

In this new AT&T commercial does a rollercoaster car/train appear in the subway station or are they bumper cars pulling up in a row?

The other attraction cars look cool.

Card Games - PK Cards

CP Maverick — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:59:32 GMT

I was wondering if any of you here played any of these "trading card games" (the most common of which is Magic?)

About 2 years ago I was introduced to a card game being manufactured by a local (Mentor, OH) company called "PK Cards." Being that I had absolutely no experience with any type of card game like this, I was a bit leary about even trying. However, once I learned (taught myself) that this game is similar to Euchre or War but with artwork, I became somewhat intrigued. Since then, I have come to design a fully functional collection and deckbuilding spreadsheet, set up and run a game night at a movie theatre, and participated in the beta testing for the online version of the game. Now I've taken up the challenge of getting word of the game out to to most abstract of places, where I might find people that would be interested if only they had the chance to learn about the game. (With that said, if you belong to websites dedicated to such games, let me know.)

Onto the game itself. As I mentioned before, the game is very similar to Euchre and War. There are 7 hands per round in which you attempt to win more points than your opponent. You win points by determining the victor in each fight based on Attack and Defense values. After 7 hands are played, the player with the most winning "troops" wins 1 (to 3) point(s). There are modifiers to the troop cards that can drastically change the outcome of each battle, and there is always a counter to any strategy. There is no "unbeatable" deck in the game. - This was a key factor in my interest, as I had witnessed way too many Magic players building decks that could not possibly lose. - For those of you interested further, here's a couple samples of the cards I favor to use:

You can see 4 different card types here.
- The first is the Avatar - this card represents the player and is always in play. Each Avatar has a special ability that will constantly affect the game.
- The second is a Power - when this card is played, it stayed out and in effect until it is removed by another Power, or by a card with an ability to remove the Power. Each player is allowed only one Power in play at a time.
- The third is an Influence - these are essentially temporary spells that only have an effect on the current hand and are discarded once that hand has been played.
- The next 3 are Troops - these are the bulk of one's deck as they are the ONLY way to determine winners in a battle. Troops have 5 color suits (Fire > Metal > Earth > Wood > Water) each with trump over the next; 4 ranks (Henchman < Ally < Champion< Legend), and need all the ranks below them to be "supported" otherwise they suffer penalty.

If any of you are interested, the game does offer free online play. However you will be limited to using standard core decks online until you redeem Gold Points which are acquired through purchasing real cards. More info is available at PK Cards.com .

With all that out of the way, are any of you interested, or know of anyone that would be? Those of you in the Northeast Ohio area are welcome to come to Atlas Cinemas at the Great Lakes Mall on Tuesday evenings for game night, and I'd be glad to demo the game for you.

Darien Lake could get a new coaster in 2011

Tanks4me05 — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:14:29 GMT

I'm a member of amusementgraffixintl.com, and one of the members reported that he heard that Grizzly River Run (the park's river rapids, for those who don't know) will be taken out a the end of the season for a new coaster.

Why do I believe this?

1: Back in 2008 during the ACE event at DL, MFI, and CW, Chris Thorpe said in the Q&A (I taped it) that they were debating whether to put up B:TE, or save their pennies for a brand new coaster, and he talked about that he liked the idea of putting it at the front of the park near Mind Eraser. For those who don't know, Grizzly is at the front of the park, next to Mind Eraser.

2: I measured Grizzly's land plot via Google Earth to cover just under four acres, which is roughly 25% larger than Mantis @ CP, or close to 30% larger than Bizarro @ SFNE. That's plenty of room for a marquee thrill coaster, especially when the park is landlocked thanks to the camping grounds , which can be moved with minimal effort.

Catch a wave at Great America in 2011

Wes — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:15:14 GMT

Six Flags Great America�s Hurricane Harbor is expanding for 2011 and you�ll be able to catch a wave in a new way.

The park is expanding and a... Click here to read more...

Please help me out by filling out my survey

woxterka — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:37:44 GMT

Hi everyone,
I'm doing a research for my University in Croatia about theme park attendance in the USA.
You would really help me a lot if any of you filled out my survey. It would take only a minute of your time, and you would do an enormous favor to me. I'd be most grateful.
Best regards
The link for the survey is:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/view...k0d0E6MQ#gid=0

NCAA Kickoff!! - Week 1

Andrew P — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:52:22 GMT

Starting at 7:00pm tonight, my Kent State Golden Flashes take the field against Murray State. A bigger challenge for Kent State is averaging 15,000 in attendance per home game, so as to satisfy the money hungry vulture that is the NCAA.

At 7:30pm tonight, about 2 hours down I-71, the OSU Buckeyes begin their quest to another successful year as Heisman candidate Terell Pryor leads the Bucks against the Thundering Herd of Marshall. In 2004, one of the best OSU games I was at, the Bucks needed a last second FG from Mike Nugent to turn away the Herd. Hopefully tonight, they will not need such heroics as I look for the Herd to upset heavily favored Ohio State.

Other games on this opening night include USC traveling to Hawaii. And a rematch of the 2004 Fiesta Bowl, Pitt and Utah.

Friday, I will be in attendance when Chip's Alma Mater Arizona Wildcats more than likely crushes my home town Toledo Rockets at the Glass Bowl.

Saturday, we'll see the likes of:

Youngstown St vs Penn State. Guess YSU was tired of being beaten down at Columbus every year.
Purdue vs Notre Dame. Those in Toledo will see the prep version of this when Toledo St. Francis takes on Toledo Central Catholic in the annual battle for the Irish Knight. You see, St. Francis uses a version of Purdue's fight song, while respectively, Central uses Notre Dame's. And why the hell isn't Notre Dame in the Big Ten? They play enough teams from the conference.
The Sharks of San Jose St. will be fed to the Crimson Tide, also the defending BCS Champion.
Nebraska kicks off their last year in the Big 12 against "powerhouse" Western Kentucky. Might as well get the cupcakes now, because Nebraska's Big Ten schedule the next two years looks plenty bruising.

And Monday Night Football, college edition, gives us #3 Boise St vs #10 Virginia Tech. That game, being played in Blacksburg, VA, should tell us what the Smurf-turf Broncos are all about.

If I've missed any or you feel the need to point out how wrong I am (I am never wrong) post. Mention your favorite team, and the one you hate the most. And vote in the poll!

Six Flags is calling all Dare Devils for its new 2011 coasters

Leo C — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:08:30 GMT

Today Six Flags announced two new coasters for the Six Flags over Georgia and Six Flags New England amusement parks for the 2011 season... Click here to read more...

Darien Lake-3 hours one way

coasterell — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:06:26 GMT

So for whatever reason, my father decided that the day before classes began it would be a good idea to take a road trip to an amusement park. Not complaining though, because I rode some awesome coasters, met some fellow Enthusiasts and had a great day.

I do have one complaint to add. The park did have a bit of false advertising. All the rides we advertised to be open until 10pm, but they closed the que lines at 9:45. Last time I checked in ANY amusement park 10 PM meant the line closed at 10PM...but then again I could be wrong. Upsetting because I could have added the boomerang.

Arrived at the park around 2:30, 3ish after leaving Kent, Ohio around 11am. My father went online and purchased the $32.99/person ticket, $11.95/person cheeseburger deal, and the $7.99 parking voucher. Pretty good stuff.

Walked into the park, metal detectors and all, headed toward the restrooms first stop...which are small...and then over to Predator.

Predator-1 train wait for both front and back
Oh man, this coaster has an awesome lay out, the back is great for all the unexpected drops. While the front is amazing for Airtime...yes I said AIRTIME. For a wooden coaster, next to the Big Dipper (R.I.P.) not very many woodies carry "smooth" airtime. Lots of unexpected elements, bunny hills were great, hairpin turns everything. 10/10

Ride of Steel-1+ hour wait with Mechanical Breakdown
Ahhh, Intamin, love to hate them, hate to love them. My very first Chain lifted Intamin. Waited in line for the front and it broke down. Was talking to fellow coaster enthusiasts from New Hampshire. Waited for 20 mins, and the ride was back up again. I really dislike the ankle restraints on here, but I can understand why they were needed. Had a LOT of "FLOATER" airtime. Bad part was this was a pretty short coaster....good part, if I can get back and ride the back of the train, this MAY replace Millennium in my top 3 coasters.... :o 9.8/10

We walked around for a bit, checked out the batting cages $2 for 20 Balls, not bad, and a great element. Grabbed food at Joe's Eatery...pretty decent. Walked toward the Penny Arcade, and played a few rounds of DDR :) Drew a crowd for that.

Moto Coaster- 10 min wait.
Bads: You can not choose where you would like to sit, there is AMPLE opportunity for Line Jumping, and the ride ops seem to have poor attitudes.
Goods: Looks slow, but once on it has a nice kick, restrain system doesn't kill like most Zaperela coasters/rides. 7/10

Checked out the Sea Lion show at the Galaxy Theater. 3 southern sea lions, Bruce, Rose, and Kitty. Great show and afterward groups up to 5 people could take a photo with the Sea Lion and have them "hug" you. My father and I did it. PROPS to this park for the show...great lesson on educating about sea lions, and conservation/saving the environment.

Headed out to the car, moved it closer and went back in. Also props to the Guest Relations team for dealing with my ink allergy issue. Great work, guys!

8pm, 3 coasters in 2 hours? Maybe.

Mind Eraser-40 Min Wait
Worth the wait? No way! Bads: Que line is VERY VERY poorly laid out, not to mention confusing. Ride ops were not very organized. There are NO closing gates, meaning some Drunk Idiot could potentially run in front of the train as it is either leaving or entering the station.
Goods: Not very many except that the coaster doesn't headbang as much as Thunderhawk did.
Interesting: Cable lift instead of Chain....Vekoma Cable lift meant quieter lift hill... very interesting indeed. 6/10

Viper: 1 Train Wait for back
Bads: Exit is ALL the way on the other side of the coaster, long walk to the entrance if you accidentally go to the exit. Head banger for sure, but what arrow looper isn't?
Goods: Suprising Elements, including my very first HEARTLINE ROLL! :o YAY! :) The tunnel which appears out of NO WHERE, and quick loading. Overall this was a great coaster, one of the best, if not the best Arrow Loopers I've been on. 9.8/10

Rode this ride called the UFO...

UFO-1 ride wait
A rotor type coaster, in which you stand in a "cage" and the ride twists out to a full 90 degree angle...wow. Also pulls some SERIOUS G's, going probably 45 MPH...Great Flat ride. Cedar Point needs on for SURE! 10/10

Bad thing about the day was we didn't get all coasters, and the lines closed 15 mins early. But I am guessing it was because they had fireworks. This was a great park, and I'd love to go back OVER and Over...maybe even work there. Reminds me more of Geauga Lake than any other park has. And props to PARC for not letting it fail once Six Flags was gone! 98/100

Busch Gardens Williamsburg PTR (10.11.10)

DHollon — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 03:04:13 GMT

EASTCOASTER 2010
BUSCH GARDENS "EUROBURG" Trip Report

August 11th, 2010

FULL UPDATE: CLICK HERE

Boomerang Bay Carowinds PTR (08.10.10)

DHollon — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 03:00:25 GMT

EASTCOASTER 2010
BOOMERANG BAY - CAROWINDS Trip Report

August 10th, 2010

FULL UPDATE: CLICK HERE

Carowinds PTR (08.10.10)

DHollon — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 02:56:35 GMT

EASTCOASTER 2010
CAROWINDS Trip Report

August 10th, 2010

FULL UPDATE: CLICK HERE