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Gunkey Monkey
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Location: Cleveland, Ohio
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| Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2008 9:23 pm Post subject: Waldameer 6-14-08 - The Drought Is Over |
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This has been the longest I've gone without a coaster. Usually by this time I've been to Kings Island for opening weekend and at least one trip to CP.
I literally forced myself to go to Waldameer today. Lately I would plan a trip to a park earlier in the week and when the day comes I just don't feel like going. I had already postponed this trip twice already because of it. But I'm glad I did. Seeing the sign on I-90 as I approached the Presque Isle/Sterretonia exit did put a slight smile on my face.
I arrived a little after three and the park was moderately busy for Waldameer. The waits for the rides were pretty much minimal to non-existent, except for the Whacky Shack. I only spent a little over three hours at the park.
After getting my hand stamp/wristband I headed over to Ravine Flyer II. The aroma of funnel cakes and other sweet treats were a welcome scent after a long winter. It just made me feel more 'alive' if you get what I'm trying to say.
Ravine Flyer II
They were running both trains today even though they really didn't need to. The line would extent to the first turn on the ramp to the station. I noticed the sign saying something along the lines of "Single Riders Board In The Center". I wasn't too fond of that since I like to try different seats on a new coaster plus I visit parks alone alot. It didn't matter much though as I did get to ride in three different locations on my three non-consecutive rides.
My first ride was in seat 4-2. My first impression at the end of the ride was that it wasn't a bad coaster. I don't know if this was because I was tired after driving to Erie or if it was because I haven't been on a coaster in such a long time but I knew that it would take more than one ride before I gave my true opinion of it. I liked it but it wasn't overwhelming like some of the reports I've read made RF out to be.
My second ride was in seat 5-2. I will say that the back, or at least towards the back of the train, is where you want to be on this coaster. It truly felt like a mini-Voyage in some spots which is very good. This is where I can see the great reviews may have come from. Even Coasterdad told me that I should ride towards the back.
My third and final ride of the day was in seat 1-2. I was paired up with another single rider, which wasn't a big deal. I didn't get the air time the ride is supposed to give on the bridge over Peninsula Drive but I did kind of feel like it wanted to (and I didn't tighten my belt to the point of preventing me either).
My overall opinion is that Ravine Flyer is an excellent coaster and perfect for the park. Waldameer got some bang for their buck and this ride will do exactly what Raven did to Holiday World - make the park more well known. The view from the top of the lift is nothing short of spectacular, enough so that I think it beats the view from Magnum to the west. I also like the fact that the coaster does not overpower or take away from the park atmosphere. The lift hill goes about as high as the treetops. I also noticed that you actually FEEL the ninety degree banked turn on RF much more than you do on any of the three such turns on Voyage.
I can't even imagine what a night ride on this would be like.
Steel Dragon
This coaster literally had no wait at all. I rode it three times (two consecutively - two backwards and one forwards later on). I still absolutely love this ride a lot. The first drop is still killer if you're sitting backwards at the beginning. The continuous spinning is not nauseating at all and the ride is still very smooth. Unfortunately I was envisioning this ride being placed where Head Spin sat, so yes I did have a few GL thoughts while at the park today.
X Scream
This was new since my first visit to Waldameer a few years ago. My first gripe with this freefall tower is that the entrance is not well marked. While I waited for the Whacky Shack I had to try to figure out where the entrance was and I realized that I passed it as I came from Steel Dragon. They need a better marquee sign for this ride. Other than that, and I don't know who manufactures this drop tower, but this ride has one potent plunge from the top. Slowly lifting you above the midway for a great view of the park, and without warning as you don't sit up there for a few seconds like on the S&S towers, you just fall. Kind of took me off guard on my first ride due to its slight intensity. I rode this twice.
Comet
Seems everyone loves this junior wooden coaster, which reminds me of Kings Island's Beastie/Fairly Odd Coaster due to its size. It still runs in manual lever mode, which is very rare nowadays, and provides a decent ride through the trees. I rode this one once.
Whacky Shack
As cheesy as this ride may seem to be to today's generation this ride is still a nostalgic blast. My favorite part is the room right after the dip where the boxes appear to get smaller and smaller as you go through the doors. My other favorite part is what seems to be a tilted room shortly thereafter as the car gains a little speed through it. While a slow loader resulting in a bit of a wait it's definitely a ride I don't want to miss when I go to the park.
Sky Ride
This is the exact same style of sky ride that used to be a Geauga Lake back in the day. As the car began its rise above the midway I had envisioned going over the marsh and onto the Big Ditch/Thunderhawk island. Another ride that offers a great view of the action below. I also find it freaky that you glide directly over the park's Scrambler ride.
Ferris Wheel
I rode this not only to get off my feet but to also get some great views of Ravine Flyer (nice lift hill views from up there). This is the exact same model as the one at the IX Center.
I didn't really ride much but it was great to be in a park again, riding a few coasters, and just enjoying the atmosphere. On a final note, after my first ride on Ravine Flyer, I overheard a father tell his son"Waldameer keeps getting better." The son agreed and with all the right decisions the management has made for the park - I couldn't agree more.
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Ray P
Riptide Run
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| Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2008 7:52 am Post subject: Re: Waldameer 6-14-08 - The Drought Is Over |
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Nice TR Gunkey. My comments are interspersed below.
| GM in reference to Ravine Flyer II wrote: |
| I liked it but it wasn't overwhelming like some of the reports I've read made RF out to be. |
Now who went and posted great things about RF2? Oh wait a minute... 
| GM wrote: |
| The view from the top of the lift is nothing short of spectacular, enough so that I think it beats the view from Magnum to the west. |
Totally agree. The view is fantastic. I've always thought that Waldameer's location afforded some spectacular views and it's nice to see they took advantage of that with the new coaster. Did you notice how close the ride came to the trailer park/campground next door? After all the whining and complaining they did, I wish it went right over the owner's roof!
| GM wrote: |
| I can't even imagine what a night ride on this would be like. |
I have got to try for a night ride this summer. Rain rides were insane on opening day. I'm sure night rides are every bit as good.
| GM in reference to Steel Dragon wrote: |
| I still absolutely love this ride a lot. The first drop is still killer if you're sitting backwards at the beginning. The continuous spinning is not nauseating at all and the ride is still very smooth. |
Steel Dragon is just plain old fun. The spinning isn't overpowering like on some of the Reverchon/Zamperla models and the layout is pretty sweet. Riding in an unbalanced car though is the best. Coaster 3:16 and I have had some amazing rides on this and its cousin at Seabreeze, all usually having just one person sitting behind us.
| GM in reference to X-Scream wrote: |
| My first gripe with this freefall tower is that the entrance is not well marked. |
After I thought about it, you are right. There really is no sign that jumps out and says "Entrance".
| GM wrote: |
| Other than that, and I don't know who manufactures this drop tower, but this ride has one potent plunge from the top. Slowly lifting you above the midway for a great view of the park, and without warning as you don't sit up there for a few seconds like on the S&S towers, you just fall. Kind of took me off guard on my first ride due to its slight intensity. |
The tower is a 140-foot tall park model ARM/Larson drop tower. And yes, it is quite possibly one of the best out there. You are off your seat the whole way down and it seems like the brakes don't kick in till it's almost too late. A great addition in my opinion for Waldameer.
| GM in reference to the Whacky Shack wrote: |
As cheesy as this ride may seem to be to today's generation this ride is still a nostalgic blast. |
It's one of my favorite dark rides as it is very well-maintained. I really wish more parks had rides like this. They are fun for the whole family and can be operated rain or shine. BTW- did you happen to catch any of the "live entertainment" at the stage across from the Shack?
Glad you had a great time and thanks for the excellent TR.
Ray P. |
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Gunkey Monkey
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| Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2008 12:36 pm Post subject: |
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From seat 1-2 I did see how close. The bottom of the first drop seems to come within inches of the roof of a trailer parked next to the coaster. Kind of freaky for those who own that trailer.
I didn't catch any of the "live entertainment" you mention though I do know what show you were referring to. I actually kind of cringed at the thought they have a karaoke show in the middle of the midway (and I only thought Kings Island did that)
As for X Scream, now that I've thought about it, there is a sign next to the midway that says "Entrance" pointing towards the Rainbow Gardens building but to me that still seems like an inadequate way to mark the entrance to the ride. Maybe if it had "X Scream Entrance" on the sign it would be better.
What I would like to see at Waldameer in the future is a Mack/Bertazzon Musik Express and/or Swing Bob. Those would fit right in with the atmosphere of the park.
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Ray P
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| Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2008 3:14 pm Post subject: |
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^ GM, you know I'd never argue with that last statement.
And don't forget, if you get the chance (and feel like it), head out to Seabreeze. Very Waldameer-esque (no dark ride or Giant Wheel) and they got a Musik Express this year.
Ray P. |
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Thewave
Beaver Land Mine Ride
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| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 10:55 am Post subject: |
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I was at Waldameer yesterday (7-12-0 for the first time yesterday. I pretty much agree with all the comments from Gunkey Monkey & Ray. I think its a nice park, reminds me alot of Geauga Lake in the Funtime Parks days. You certainly get your money's worth.
The parking needs a little improvement. I must admit though, Cedar Point does have nicer garbage cans!  (oh-oh - sarcasm!!)
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GeaugaMamma
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| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 4:54 pm Post subject: |
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Went to Waldameer on 7/9/08; my first time there. It reminded me of Geauga Lake in the 80's too. GREAT park for little kids, my 3 1/2 year son had a blast & wanted to ride to ride the Ravine FLyer II (not tall enough yet!!). Definately brought back some memories from Geauga Lake as the morning I left for Waldameer we saw a Cleveland Scrap truck heading for Geauga Lake down route 43 it was.....bitter-sweet to be at Waldammer.
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coasterdad
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| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 5:07 pm Post subject: |
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Ive been to Waldameer three times already and love the place! There are some delusional people that think its a glorified carnival and boy are they wrong! There is more than enough for adults to do to also. Ravine Flyer 2 is a first class woodie. They have several good flats and a surprisingly good drop tower. The water flume ride is better than average with a real cool tunnel! The view from the Ferris Wheel is spectacular. But if you remember Geauga Lake back in the Funtime days you must take a ride on the Ski Lift - that really brings back memories.
Oh yeah and the food selection is terrific, dont forget to try the apple fries near the drop tower.
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Greed is what caused GL's demise and that just makes me sick. Lets do what we can to rat out Kinzel - hes a snake.
In the end the truth will come out and we will then see whos laughing at who. |
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GeaugaMamma
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| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 8:12 pm Post subject: |
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| coasterdad wrote: |
Ive been to Waldameer three times already and love the place! There are some delusional people that think its a glorified carnival and boy are they wrong! There is more than enough for adults to do to also. Ravine Flyer 2 is a first class woodie. They have several good flats and a surprisingly good drop tower. The water flume ride is better than average with a real cool tunnel! The view from the Ferris Wheel is spectacular. But if you remember Geauga Lake back in the Funtime days you must take a ride on the Ski Lift - that really brings back memories.
Oh yeah and the food selection is terrific, dont forget to try the apple fries near the drop tower. |
Oh yeah! The food was great, also try the funnel cakes (they make the batter there...not frozen like some places). A side note; a good frined of mine lives a 1/2 mile away from Walameer & she mentioned that the owners visit the park daily & hang out! Also, take a left out of Waldameer drive about 1/2 mile & go to Sara's a great diner. We have already planned a trip back before summer ends.
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Ray P
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| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 8:42 pm Post subject: |
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| coasterdad wrote: |
| There are some delusional people that think its a glorified carnival and boy are they wrong! |
Everybody's entitled to their own opinion, but Waldameer is FAR from a glorified carnival. Most of the newer flats (Wipeout, Sea Dragon, X-Scream, Ali Baba and Ferris Wheel) were all modified to be park models. Waldameer permanently mounted them to a concrete pad and added their own queue railings, eliminating the "temporary" look. There's no trailers in sight here as can be found on similar rides elsewhere (Kennywood's Wipeout and Knoebels Ferris Wheel come to mind). The custom flume, Ravine Flyer II and Steel Dragon are also all large-scale rides. While some may say Steel Dragon looks temporary, if anyone has ever ridden Seabreeze's Whirlwind, the station actually still has wheels and license plates on it!
I really don't care what the delusional people think about Waldameer. I've been visiting since 1991 and plan on visiting long into the future. It's a very nice, reasonably-priced "family amusement park" that is only going to get better as time goes by.
And I now suddenly have a taste for some Apple Fries, and not those nutritious ones that Burger King is shilling these days! |
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coasterdad
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| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 10:18 pm Post subject: |
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I agree everyone is entitled to their opinions regarding a park. But those opinions should be made only after actually visiting said park. When decisions are made in said persons bedroom scattered with CP pictures and Dicks bust those said opinions are worthless.
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Greed is what caused GL's demise and that just makes me sick. Lets do what we can to rat out Kinzel - hes a snake.
In the end the truth will come out and we will then see whos laughing at who. |
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GeaugaMamma
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| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 10:26 pm Post subject: |
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Does anyone know what Seabreeze is? It was mentioned in this Waldameer post... Thanks
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Gunkey Monkey
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| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 10:38 pm Post subject: |
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Seabreeze is a classic amusement park north of Rochester, New York along the shore of Lake Ontario.
http://www.seabreeze.com/
I plan on going there very soon as I have never been there before. Ray P. and his TR's on another forum is what got me to go to Waldameer for the first time a few year's ago and his reports on Seabreeze entice me to go there despite the drive.
On a side note, and it's just an observation I had when I went to Darien Lake a couple weeks ago, I can't understand how a region like the Buffalo/Rochester/Niagra Falls region can have three parks (Martin's Fantasy Island, Darien Lake, and Seabreeze - four if you include Marineland on the Canadian side of the falls) and yet the Cleveland/Akron/Youngstown region, which probably has a similar population base as Buffalo's doesn't have a single park anymore.
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GeaugaMamma
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| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 10:53 pm Post subject: |
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[quote="Gunkey Monkey"]Seabreeze is a classic amusement park north of Rochester, New York along the shore of Lake Ontario.
http://www.seabreeze.com/
/quote]
Thank you! I will look into it & go, I also plan on going to Darien Lake too.
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coasterdad
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| Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2008 9:21 pm Post subject: |
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I met up with Gunky for the sole purpose of some night rides on RF2 Friday night. All I can say is WOW!!!!! It has surpassed The Beast as my favorite night coaster. Its pitch black and the tunnels are insane! Every train came back to the station with people cheering.
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Greed is what caused GL's demise and that just makes me sick. Lets do what we can to rat out Kinzel - hes a snake.
In the end the truth will come out and we will then see whos laughing at who. |
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Gunkey Monkey
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| Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2008 9:47 pm Post subject: Re: Waldameer 6-14-08 - The Drought Is Over |
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| Gunkey Monkey wrote: |
| I can't even imagine what a night ride on this would be like. |
Pretty sad that I quote myself in this thread but as CD stated I met up with him for some night rides on Ravine Flyer and I must say that this coaster totally BLEW ME AWAY on the three rides I took with him. By the last ride the coaster easily made it into my top ten favorites (I have it as my #4 wood coaster behind Voyage, Beast, and Legend). I highly suggest everyone to give RF II a night ride - it takes on a totally different personality.
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