I didn't write a TR for my Eastern Tennessee trip but I felt driven to type this one. I didn't have the best of times yesterday. It wasn't storybook like it usually was visiting Dorney. I got to the park around 10am. I tried to use my MAXX Pass at the gate and was told to go to Guest Relations. I have to go to Guest relations for using my Maxx pass more times than I had for my SF pass. I only had to do that for La Ronde. At Geauga Lake it scanned with no problem.

I went to Talon first though I knew everyone waiting to go to the waterpark would go there first. The line was only 15-20 minutes long. The sea of supports of this ride just amaze me. Once again it resembles a B&M attempt at a Vekoma SLC with extended helix layout. It just blows the Vekoma layout out of the water. I had a second row ride and was surprised that the ride was choppy. Did gnomes shave the round wheels to a dodecagon polygon shape during the night hours? I think I'm starting to turn into a coaster zombie because I start to enter an empty zone riding coasters. The first time the g roll didn't do anything to me. As always I love the ending helix.

As I walked out I noticed Hangtime was closed. It was a sign of things to come this day. I thought I would give Wild Mouse it's only chance of the day but the line already looked 45 minutes long. I realize now that if it's not a new credit I'll probably never ride a Wild Mouse anywhere again unless it's the star attraction like the Steel Pier. I do not care for the stabbing turns.

Next I was off to Hydra. I took plenty of photo shots of this coaster again like I did in 2005 but I'm not really sure why since it's not worth it for remembering the experience. Is there anything to remember besides the Jo-jo roll on this ride? On the jo jo roll I can not touch with my feet the headrests like I used to. Can't "stand." The bottom of the drop rumbles like NITRO but it's worse. I am still convinced that it's an overbanked turn Hydra goes into first, very Mantis like, not a dive loop. The roll didn't do much for me. I hit my head going into the restraint into the corkscrew. There was rumbling again leading into the cobra roll. Roughness in the middle of the cobra roll? I've never seen that on a B&M. This time I was not as upset with the bump after the cobra roll. After the last corkscrew the coaster did turn into a B&M family floorless mine train coaster. Disappointed. Overall the ride was choppy. It must be riding on 10 sided wheels as well.

Next up I went to the log flume. I was disappointed that the Arcade could not survive and was torn down. The path was rerouted, a new Subway built. I agree with other Dorney fans we lost part of the classic side of the park with that building. All that concrete in the lower part of the park, though smooth, yet wide made me disappointed. The flume ride was great. I love how it hugs the hill on the drop down. It just follows the land. It gives you a very SFMM feeling as two coasters zoom really close and over you but I enjoyed this classic ride.

Thunderhawk was next. I enjoyed that they have historic pictures of former attractions around the park. I knew that Thunderhawk existed with the clutter of the Journey to the Center of the Earth attraction in front of it. I don't really remember it but I think I was on it. I didn't even notice the first drop on Thunderhawk because I was looking towards Dorney's employee parking lot and junkyard for Steel Venom evidence. The first drop was that smooth. The coaster properly slowly at the tops of hills. It actually was a lot smoother than past rides. I just disappointed with the location of the trim, slowing the ride down with one hill to go before the last brakes. I'd rather slam into the brakes.

Steel Force I thought was up next. I saw empty trains, then trains with people go by earlier. I was told it was closed though when I approached. Revolution next door was open. It's the first time I've seen the ride open. The flat was actually pretty fun. I got floating air through some of the swinging revolutions. Good ride.

Laser was my next coaster. It's chipping at it's paint. Two wooden stakes are diagonal and away from the ride. Those are probably for Steel Venom. The line was now kept away from the station until the train returned. Though short, this coaster delivered the best ride of the day.

After Laser it looked like Steel Force was running with people again but it was closed once again when I approached the ride. The queue was exiting backwards. I therefore went on Monster, rode the classic Zephyr park train, Dominator - drop side, Apollo, before returning to Hydra. Hydra didn't change in the early afternoon. On the final brakes though, Hydra was having a seizure. The drive wheels on the transfer track impulsively went on and off. Annoying. Hydra's getting revenge on me for my review?

I went back around for another Talon ride. Middle of the train the ride was still choppy. I did feel the G roll this time. Hangtime was still closed but cycling. The hanging moment on that Topspin is pretty long.

I went to the main gift shop and found they still had retro 80's merchandise. I got the light blue retro shirt and shot glass. I loved those commercials as a kid. I don't know if I can wear the shirt at SFGADV. I usually keep my thoughts of both parks that I love separate from each other. I also found a sticker sheet with all the park coaster logos. I was most happy to have a Laser one.

I didn't get my Steel Force ride on which would be great given it's 10th anniversary this year. I have a Maxx Pass so I think I will be back soon this season. It needs paint in its second half. I was done by 2 pm. More busy in July on a Sunday than in June but I still got a lot done. Laser was the star of the day. I love Talon but I do understand now some people that say it shouldn't be so heralded. I agree. It's good but it's not #1. It's #1 in the park no doubt.

Once again, the music playing around the park was very much appreciated. They played all the right tunes. I don't have a mp3 device but it seemed like they stole mine. They play an alternative-rock-slight touch of pop mix.

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I wonder what's up with Steel Force lately? I was there on the 14th and it went down near the end of the day. One of the trains stopped on the trim brakes before the bunny hops, although I don't know whether that was the cause or the symptom. After they got it released, they were running empty trains the rest of the night. I left a little early but I doubt they reopened it that night.