Just a quick trip review.
Went on Wednesday, March 19th. It was cold in the morning but once the sun broke through the clouds it turned into a real nice day. Saw a lot of Red White and Blue, some of it was done nicely, but the flags on the "heart attack" hill just seemed out of place, or done wrong (looked very temporary). Only other "complaint" is the banner flags that are on the light poles along the entrance roadway...they look more like they represent France or something than USA. But overall the theme is carried throughout very well.
Too many shops closed (why is the candle shop closed?), but we'll be back later in the year to catch up on all that. Also closed (that I didn't expect) was Grandfather's Mansion.
Food was great, and I was able to get the kids to Molly's before the park opened and we sat at the trick table - It was a blast. I'm so glad that it worked out for them to be able to experience that unique attraction at the park. Only complaint regarding food was the giant cookie was "hard" and crumbled. I like my cookies to be soft, so I was just a little disappointed.
Rides.......there were no lines for the American Plunge, River Battle or the Lost River, they were open, but at 37 degrees, no one was riding (I did see some brave folks later in the day when temperatures actually made it into the 50's). Most everything else was open (swinging ship was closed) and lines were short with the exception of Powder Keg, that line was completely full and extending beyond the entrance. I don't know if the ride wasn't being ran to capacity....or just that many people wanted to ride. Wildfire was a two train wait, and Outlaw Run was a 15 minute wait.
Outlaw Run dispatch is slow. There are times when it seems like there is excessive waiting and then someone says "go" and they start to check restraints, etc. I don't know the park policies, but if this is for our safety then I'm all for it. I do not consider myself "fat" or "thin" pretty average but I did have to adjust myself a little for the restraint to be acceptable....I also saw quite a few people having to leave the station without getting to ride. No rhyme or reason though, some big people were definitely riding, then I would say some "stocky" people where being sent off the ride. I guess it has a lot to do with body type than fat? The seat belts are a non issue regarding affecting the ride, the ride operator just said they have to be buckled and do not have to be tight. Just as long as they are across your body and latched together is all they were requiring on Wednesday. The ride was even better this year than I remember, this thing is the best coaster I have ever experienced.
The park was clean, looked great, even the Kettle Corn shop looked great. The temporary hammer game does not look permanent, and in it's location isn't as bad as I thought - but if they are going to keep it, it would work much better as part of the exposition than the river front.
Construction was going full blast, and was loud - concrete was being broken, trees cut, trees mulched, lots of heavy equipment in there too. Can't wait to see how this progresses through the year.
Overall, we had a great time as usual, looking forward to the park being fully open.
Jay
