Showing posts with label Amusement Park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Amusement Park. Show all posts

Friday, September 7, 2012

Dollywood Trip Report Part 2



Sunday 9/2/2012

After taking the Patriot Park trolley again, we arrived at Dollywood just after opening.  We thought we might have had the time wrong since very few people were around, but alas, there just weren’t any crowds at that time.  We were considering buying a Q-bot since they are relatively cheap compared to other parks, but it just wasn’t needed.

We started the day by hopping aboard Dolly’s retired tour bus.  It’s a nice bus, but nothing special.  There’s not much to see in there, but it was air conditioned so that was nice.  Since it was right next door, we decided to check out Smoky Mountain Wilderness Adventure Tour motion simulator.  This was the most uncomfortable simulator I’ve been on.  The pods were jerking around the entire time, regardless of what was showing on the screen.  The visuals had some nice views of the mountains, but the uncomfortable motions detracted from them.

After grabbing some delicious cinnamon bread, we took a spin on the S&S screamin’ swing Barnstormer.  The ride is simple in its motion, but is a ton of fun.  I really liked it.  Next up was the Mountain Slidewinder.  This looked like something straight out of Roller Coaster Tycoon.  I don’t think I’ve seen another ride like this anywhere.  The setting amongst the trees and the unique rubber sleds combined for a one of a kind attraction.  But be warned, your backside will get wet.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Review of the News: Sunday August 26, 2012


Kings Island, Mason, OH
The third annual Kings Island for the Cure campaign to raise money in the fight against breast cancer ended Saturday with more than $180,000 raised at the amusement park.
WDTN News 2

Legoland, Johor, Malaysia
Thousands of excited and curious visitors have been visiting Legoland Malaysia to take photographs and admire the exterior although the park is only scheduled to open on Sept 15.
The Star Online

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, CA
Getting one last ride on Sunday were 40 members of American Coaster Enthusiasts, men and women who traveled from as far as Canada to say farewell to the Hurricane - a Boardwalk attraction since 1992.
Mercury News

Seabreeze Amusement Park, Rochester, NY
Norma Harris Curtis celebrated her birthday on Sunday by taking a ride on the Jack Rabbit at Seabreeze Amusement Park.
WHEC News 10

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Kentucky Kingdom Timeline

In light of Louisville businessman Ed Hart's recent bid to re-open Kentucky Kingdom (story), we thought we would look back at the history of this troubled park.


May 23, 1987 - The park opens to the public.  Located on 10 acres of land leased by the nearby Kentucky State Fair and Exposition Center, the park opens with four themed areas and several rides, including a Schwarzkopf Jet Star II steel roller coaster named Starchaser.

1987 - The park closes before the end of the season.  The Texas based company who owns the park files for bankruptcy and all rides are auctioned off, including Starchaser even though it remains on site and is later re-purchased.

1988-1989 - Kentucky Kingdom remains closed.