I wouldn't normally do this (start a topic just to post a photo), but I found a spectacular photo of Wildfire and had to share it on these forums! It really demonstrates how well the coaster is integrated into the Ozark hills. The picture is below (click to enlarge).
Another amazing view is looking up from Table Rock. The only times I have been down there was on a jet ski and I don't have a water proof camera or I would have taken a picture. I will have to go on a boat some time. It is amazing you can see both Wildfire and Powder Keg.
I don't see the photo sdcforever. But I'm excited to!
That pic really makes me want to get down to the park and start riding non-stop.
I have ridden so much I have both Powderkeg and Wildfire memorized so they are not as fun as they used to be but I still like the views and the air time.
Quote from: Coaster on June 19, 2008, 08:34:58 AM
I don't see the photo sdcforever. But I'm excited to!
It's a jpg file at the bottom of my post. Hmmm...I wonder why you can't see it?
^We've run into this before. For some reason, certain browser settings block photo attachments, and there's not much we can do about it other than use photobucket where possible.
It's a great photo though. Was it one of the original PR images? It looks like it's been enhanced.
Try to upload it onto Photobucket please sdcforever. Or if you found the pic on a website you can just give me the url to the site. I really want to see the picture..
Quote from: Coaster on June 19, 2008, 01:03:45 PM
Try to upload it onto Photobucket please sdcforever. Or if you found the pic on a website you can just give me the url to the site. I really want to see the picture..
Here's the link to the site I found it on:
http://www.springfieldgo.com/GO-Magazine/June-18-2008/Our-Favorite-Summer-Rides/ (http://www.springfieldgo.com/GO-Magazine/June-18-2008/Our-Favorite-Summer-Rides/)
Enjoy! It's right at the top, and is one of the best ride photos I've ever seen. ;D
Quote from: shavethewhales on June 19, 2008, 12:42:17 PM
It's a great photo though. Was it one of the original PR images? It looks like it's been enhanced.
It has been enhanced. You hit the nail on the head. It's from Silver Dollar City's archives, and one of the original PR images.
Wow, that is a pretty amazing picture. Much better than the one I have as my avatar. ;D
It was a pretty good read also. I'm surprised the waterboggan was the best group ride though. Lost River of the Ozarks is more of a "family" ride in my opinion.
^I agree about the best group ride. I would also take Lost River over the Waterboggan. You have more interaction on Lost River, and it's not just fun for families. We've had good times being put in the same raft with people we don't know, laughing when they get soaked then hoping on the next drop the raft doesn't swing our way...but it does and they get a good laugh as we get soaked! :D
here is a pic i took last year
Grrrr! My computer is so stupid. I can't see the pic. It seems to only happen to me...it is weird. Does anyone know of a way I can fix my browser settings to make it work?
Quote from: Coaster on June 20, 2008, 08:54:17 AM
Grrrr! My computer is so stupid. I can't see the pic. It seems to only happen to me...it is weird. Does anyone know of a way I can fix my browser settings to make it work?
Are you using Firefox? If so, this article from Mozilla might help:
http://kb.mozillazine.org/Images_or_animations_do_not_load (http://kb.mozillazine.org/Images_or_animations_do_not_load).
Also do you have the
Skype extension (Tools > Add-ons > Extensions)?
^I use IE7 and no I don't have the Skype feature.
I'm pretty positive it's an IE issue, and it may have to do with a malicious program that's attatched itself to your browser. Or it may be caused by some sort of content blocker like parental controls or faulty ad/spyware blocking software. However, if you download Firefox, you won't have to worry about anything like this again.
Anyway though, great pictures anyone. Maybe I should try bringing out that photo contest again.
^I downloaded Firefox and still can't see the pictures on this page. I don't know what else to do?
Quote from: Coaster on June 23, 2008, 09:06:30 AM
^I downloaded Firefox and still can't see the pictures on this page. I don't know what else to do?
Did you try this page for help that I posted earlier?
http://kb.mozillazine.org/Images_or_animations_do_not_load (http://kb.mozillazine.org/Images_or_animations_do_not_load)
^Thanks for the link sdcforever. I'll work with it and see what I can come up with.
Here a random picture from this week. It captures the theming of Wildfire far from the actual ride. SDC is really good at tucking the big rides into the outer nooks so as not to interfere with the ambiance of the city.
(http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/MrHoggatt/Silver%20Dollar%20City/Wildfire.jpg)
Yeah, you know every time I visit SDC I marvel at how well done Wildfire is. I mean, everything fits in perfect. It's far enough away from the park not to distract from the city atmosphere, while it's hilltop location allows it to tower over the trees and mark SDC on the landscape. The theming is just great, especially the little contraptions that are scattered around outside the building and inside the gift shop, and the story behind the ride is so unique and just fits SDC so well. This was one of those projects that SDC really poured their hearts out into.
^I agree totally. It is hands down the best ride at SDC. I love everything about it. Smoothest roller coaster I've ever ridden.
^^^It's really well done, from the entrance all the way to the ride itself. The smallest touches make a difference, like the three little lanterns hanging above the sign...it reminds you of the time period you stepped into when you entered the park.
I am afraid of heights and couldn't bring myself to ride that. I want to ride Widefire how do I get around my fear?
well first you just have to get on!
I was terrified of roller coasters to the point that i couldn't even look at them...
then I wanted to ride so i rode Batman I believe eyes closed tight the entire ride... the next time an hour later not quite so tight and the third time i opened them and i haven't stopped riding roller coasters. I am afraid of heights so bad! I can't ride chair lifts or ferris wheels or anything that goes high and slow but roller coasters are so fast that you are on and off in less than 90 seconds most of the time.
Get on! you'll love it!
I have been on Batman at SFSTL.
well then what's the problem? Wildfire is just as good as batman!? GET ON!
^No, Wildfire is BETTER than Batman.
But to overcome your fears, you must face them. Just try it and you'll do fine.
http://www.rcdb.com/ig720.htm?picture=2
That element right before the on ride camera scared me the most. Is there someone in the station dressed up like a scientist talking before the train is dispatched?
^I think someone is dressed as a scientist (maybe even all of them) but I can't recall.
Just try the ride once bradhig. If you don't like it, you'll never have to do it again, but at least you can say you tried. I'm willing to place my bets on you liking the ride though ;).
I hope to if we go back in the fall. I would have to leave my glasses in one of those green cases or they might fall off and I am farsighted so I need them.
I was scared out of my mind the first time I rode Wildfire. At the time I was not at all into coasters, but obviously that one ride changed it all. You know it's a good ride if it's able to turn a wimp like I was into not only a coaster connoisseur, but an avid SDC fan all around. Trust me, it's like everyone says: after the first ride you just keep coming back for more. You'll be sorry you didn't get on sooner.
As the scientist, I think the lead ride op may occasionally dress up as Hartio Harris, but I don't see it every time. It's another one of those things that was a really nice touch when the ride first opened, but now they've forgotten about it. :P
^I was also terrified. I wasn't even ten years old when the ride opened but I forced myself to ride it! I didn't love it at first like I do now but it wasn't awful. I eventually got on it again and now it is my favorite ride at SDC. Now, I'm not scared to get on a roller coaster I haven't ever rode anymore.
Glasses aren't a problem.
You saw people riding with glasses on?
I always ride with my glasses on, they don't even come loose - but you may not want to risk it.
QuoteYou saw people riding with glasses on?
Always.
Okay so I rode batman yesterday... and i have to say i liked it better than wildfire but i don't ride batman nearly as much as i do wildfire..(lol at least 4 times a week)
I also ride with glasses on and never have a problem
Quote from: DocSpeleo on August 07, 2008, 12:21:29 PM
Okay so I rode batman yesterday... and i have to say i liked it better than wildfire but i don't ride batman nearly as much as i do wildfire..(lol at least 4 times a week)
I also ride with glasses on and never have a problem
I don't like Batman as much because I think it's too fast and spins around too much. I have no idea where I am or what's going on. On Wildfire I'm not as disoriented and can enjoy the view. :D
Batman at SFSTL has rust all over the track. Six Flags St. Louis doesn't always take care of their coasters very well.
The ride videos are active on Wildfire now.
A video photo package is $25 if i remember correctly or you can get just the dvd for $16. Don't quote me I slept before I wrote this!
I'm going to get one the next time I work so I'll get it uploaded when I get home..
I am moving though so it could cause some troubles....
but betamike is going to the park maybe he should ride and get the dvd for us! :-)
I always ride with a strap on my glasses.
I agree what we have say about Wild FIRE!
One girl of friend's daughter rode together. My friend expect me not to scared her as boo or say ahh we going fall! ;)
Anyway-- it her first time she rode and she couldn't believe what she see and it like she just jump into sky and ride like crazy that delight her day!
WildFire is what I am looking instead hitting my head...