Geauga Lake Today Forums - View topic - Waldameer 5-17-08: Ravine Flyer II Opening Day - THE place to chat about The Lake and much much more! - Free Message Board Hosting by FreePowerBoards.com

Note: My trip reports are more of a narrative of my day than just a report. I also ramble a bit so if you don't want to read a lot I'll have my pictures up soon.

I've been looking forward towards this day since since I got excited about Ravine Flyer II back in December. How was my day? Read on...

I have many pictures and more video to share. I'm tired so I'll wait until tomorrow to upload my pictures, and the video should be edited and uploaded by Tuesday.

Weather: Chilly with on-and-off rain. Breaks of sun throughout.

Crowds: Not even close to what you would think it would be for a ride opening. I parked in the half-paved lot and the paved section was only half-full. The other lot might've been 1/3 full at the peak of the day.

I left my house at 8:25am and after a stop and detour, got to Waldameer at about 10:30am. The drive is very reminiscent of the route I took to Geauga Lake. Low-traffic interstate to a two-lane road through town to the park. Actually, I drove past the exit I took to Geauga Lake (Route 8 to 82) and noticed a remaining sign to the park at 422.

Anyways, as soon as I stepped onto the midway I knew I found a new homepark. With everything closed I still felt the atmosphere. It truely was an awesome feeling. I was unfamilar with the park but knew where the ride was, and made my way to the back. There were a few radio stations setup complete with vans and a small crowd standing in front of the entrance. I bought my ticket from the table setup there and waited. The auction winners were called up the exit ramp and it was announce people could enter the line. I walk through the entrance and notice that the lanes are much wider than in pictures (this was something I was wondering about. New wood filled the air as I ended up halfway though the second station ramp. In the que there are three upward ramps. One is half concrete and half wood and the length of the station, the second is all wood and the length of the station, and the final ramp is half the length and into the station.

There were a few test runs that instantly removed any concerns about the ride's speed. Then auction winners came into the station and took their seats to much fanfare. After a coundown they were off and retuned all cheering. Everyone in line thought we were going to get a chance to ride shortly, but all the radio stations had their own groups to ride, then the auction winners rode again. And again. And between each ride is 5-7 minutes. Over a half hour was wasted on the extra rides. Finally the first truely public ride was sent off and I got in line to the third-to-last row.

Sidenote: They seemed to be having problems with the train. It seemed everytime they loaded, one of the cars had to be manually unlocked/locked. There was also park maintenance in the station throughout the day.

But then it was announce the ride would be down for 10 minutes because of the computer was screwed up. We wait and they send a few test runs. At about 12:20pm the time comes. The gates open and I sit down, and buckle my seatbelt. Two ride ops come down the line and check everyone's belts then the lap bars are released. Everyone pulls them down and all the lap bars are checked (make note of this procedure). With a thumbs up we leave the station.

The person I'm riding with says he hasn't been on a coaster in over 20 years. It starts raining. The lift is very fast. And being in the back, I was only able to acknowledge the awesome view (psst...I think it is the best view from a coaster I've seen. Including a red Arrow three and a half hours west of Erie.). We're whipped over the top and down the surprisingly steep drop. Over the road with some good air and up the turnaround. A clickety-clack over the top and a nice drop down. Back over the road with more air and two surprisingly good air bumps. We're at the top of the ravine now and we turn around and into the 90 degree dive. Not much air but definitely a cool maneuver. Then the last two bumps and into the brakes. I have a new favorite coaster. (But there is more! Make note of the weather and make a prediction. Put it in a reply with the spoiler tag. Winner gets to see my video first)

After my ride I peek at the line and decided to wait a bit to ride again. I make my way down the midway and want to ride the Comet. Wait a second. I forget where I am for a moment and realize I need to buy my wristband. I walk to the ticket booths which are in the middle of the midway and ask for a wrist band. I am asked where I live. "Akron, Ohio," I answer. "Where's that"? "Northeast Ohio". "No, what county"? "Oh, Summit". "Other County" rings up and I pay my $19 and change. I'm given a wristband and instructed to let one of the people at the tables ahead to put it on. Still dumbfounded by this conversation I walk up and have my wristband put on and hand stamped.

Sidenote: When I got home I learned from my mom that I was asked because they don't have sales tax in PA. I thought it was odd everything rung up what it was on the sign.

I walk to the Comet and enter the station. I flash my wristband and take a seat in the front. We wait for another person who is coming up the ramp and then we're off with a "Peace, Love, Happiness" from the operator, with corresponding hand gestures. Its a fun little ride. No real air, nor did I expect any, but a nice pleasant ride through the trees. I am fascinated by the manual brakes and buzzbars, two things the Big Dipper lost in the past ten years.

After the Comet I head to the Skyride. I walk up to the gate and there is a boy waiting. He asks if I want to ride with him and I say sure. We wait for the ride op to help the coming car (I guess that's what you can call them) unload and she instructs us to stand in the station. The park's Skyride is interesting that the cars never stop, you have to hop onto it as it is moving through. I have a nice view of the midway and the boy and we agree to ride the Paratrooper next.

His parents are at the exit ramp and are ready for lunch, but the boy tells them we're riding the Paratrooper. I'm sure it wasn't my first Paratrooper, but I enjoy it and can see why so many people like these rides. The boy wants to ride the Comet but his parents decide against it.

To be continued...

Video now posted.

http://vimeo.com/1066445

My pictures have been uploaded.
http://picasaweb.google.com/vgplay/WaldameerPark51708?pli=1

Enjoy!

I was also at Waldameer on Saturday.

Ray P.

I probably saw you. I was wearing a Cleveland Browns hat with a grey jacket and Browns t-shirt and had a video camera with me for a few hours. Actually, I saw a lot of people I only know from online. What did you think of Ravine Flyer II?

Added some to the trip report.

Sounds like a great visit, I can't wait to visit this year, really looking foward to it! Smile

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Geauga Lake I will miss you!

I guess since Waldameer is not owned by Cedar Fair (thank God), I can speak freely about my opinions of the ride.

RF2 is fantastic. It started the day as a great ride and it ended the day as an absolutely spectacular ride. It's an out-of-control ride from the time the train leaves the lift until it hits the brakes a mere 1 minute later. There are nice laterals and some awesome airtime to be had, and what other coaster can you think of that crosses a major highway? Waldameer should be proud of this new addition. It fits the park perfectly, and it seems the GP loves it as well. I don't think there was a train that we saw return to the station that wasn't applauding and cheering.

To avoid controversy, I will withhold my opinion of the ride in comparison to the 17 coasters at Cedar Point because as we all know, there isn't a bad one in the bunch there... Rolling Eyes

Ray P.

thanks ray your opinion on a NON CEDAR FAIR PARK is greatly appreciated. Wink

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Geauga Lake I will miss you!

Are they running 2 trains yet?

That coaster sure does look boring, but you really can't expect much from a park no one has ever heard of. Waldameer.
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Cedar Point-The best park on the planet!
RIDE ON!

Just because an Ostrich who has their little boy head stuck in the sand has never heard of Waldameer doesn't mean the rest of us coaster lovers hasn't.

The coaster looks far from boring and in my opinion blows away any wood coaster at that other park on the lake.

Really now? I know it has been a big talk within the coaster community for the last two years. What are you smoking?

I have heard of Waldameer, I have actually visited the park. Oh wait, that's right, you don't go to any other park besides CP. No wonder you have your brain messed up...you ride Mean Streak. That's the worst coaster in the park.

At least these coasters at Waldameer are rideable constantly!!!

We will be there Saturday. Thanks Ray for the advice, I am going to take lots of pics of that coaster. She sure is pretty!
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Katie

http://groups.myspace.com/againstCedarFair

www.cnajunkies.com/board

I have been to GL, CP, Disneyland, and Disneyworld Katie. That's not just CP. Although I have only been to DW, DL, and GL once and have been to CP millions of times!
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Cedar Point-The best park on the planet!
RIDE ON!

See that's exactly my point young child.

Get out to the real world and visit more parks then just CP in Ohio. Go to Kings Island, Strickers Grove, Wyandot Lake, Kennywood, Waldameer. All within a day trip. There are a ton more, but why bother all you know is Cedar Point is the best when in fact its at the bottom of the food chain when it comes to parks.
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Katie

http://groups.myspace.com/againstCedarFair

www.cnajunkies.com/board

Boring? Hardly with that many tunnels and banked turns I just can't call it boring. In fact the way that it traverses the highway creates a very creative ride element. Not to mention that I have heard several enthusiasts refer to it as a mini Voyage. Oh and like Katie stated the rides there run constantly and rarely have any breakdowns. With a smaller family run park you get better prices, ride maintenance, customer service and in my opinion a better overall experience. If you would visit a smaller park other than a Cedar Fair mega park you would realize this. Have Mommy or Daddy take you to a small family park. Oh or ask them or your grandparents about some smaller parks that used to be around. For example look up Euclid Beach, Idora Park, Conneaut Lake, and many others in the Ohio and Pennsylvania regions.
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If you don't like my opinions that is too bad because I have no time for stupid! And proud to be Katie's husband!

I don't want to go to other parks. I really only want to go to CP. You need to deal with that. CP is still amazing and that's all I care about. Even if it did as bad as GL's attendance I would still love CP!
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Cedar Point-The best park on the planet!
RIDE ON!

Then spew your crap about CP. But, don't go bashing or judging something you will never visit or learn about.

If your mommy or daddy would take you other places that actually have better customer service, food, rides then your opinion will matter, otherwise no one believes you or whatever you decide to say.
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Katie

http://groups.myspace.com/againstCedarFair

www.cnajunkies.com/board

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