Countdown to Voyage
In less than a week my coaster odyssey will take me to arguably the most highly anticipated coaster of the season. Namely, Voyage at Holiday World. Holiday World? You ask. It’s a small-ish park in southern Indiana that had humble beginnings as Santa Claus Land. When it opened in 1946 it was a Christmas-themed park it was the first theme park in the world. Take that Disney! Over the years it ...[Read More]
Large Storm Makes Midwest Its Home
Just my luck. Every since Wednesday of this week the weather map of the country has shown a huge stationary storm just hanging out over Ohio. And it’s suspected to remain there for at least a few more days. I’ve already bought my plane tickets so I’m still going to go Cedar Point. Maybe I’ll get lucky and the dreary forecast will scare a lot of the park-goers away. Who̵...[Read More]
Contenders for The Coaster Critic’s 100th
The first coaster I ride on my trip to Cedar Point will make my 100th new coaster. Here are the contenders: “The Historical Favorite” Magnum XL-200When Arrow built the Magnum in 1989, Cedar Point had set a world record by breaking the 200 foot barrier for the first time. Other than being a record-breaking coaster the Magnum has been a favorite of enthusiasts for years. It offers a daun...[Read More]
100th Coaster at Cedar Point
I’m not one of those coaster fanatics that wants to ride every single coaster on the planet. I have a wife, a career, and I would like to have kids someday. Not to mention traveling around the world or even all over the U.S. would be pretty darn expensive. I’m also not really into how many coasters I’ve ridden. I know some enthusiasts will shamefully ride kiddie coasters just to ...[Read More]
Top Coasters
Top Ten Roller CoastersAs most roller coaster enthusiasts, I’ve got a top ten. Kumba at Busch Gardens Africa (Tampa, FL), is my all-time favorite roller coaster. It’s an ultra-smooth looping coaster located in Busch Gardens’ lush tropical setting. Below is the list of the absolute best roller coasters that I have ridden. There’s my complete top ten and a list for top wooden...[Read More]
Roller Coaster Day = My Birthday
Suddenly my hobby makes a lot more sense. I found out today that I was born on National Roller Coaster Day. Back on August 16, 1898, Edwin Prescott submitted a patent for a looping roller coaster. Eighty-one years later to the day I was born. Coincidence? I think not. Finally, I can say something more interesting than, “Madonna and I share a birthday” or “Elvis Presley died on my...[Read More]
’06 Coaster Season Starts Off Chocolatey
I hate waiting in lines just as much as the next guy. Maybe even more so. When I go to theme parks my time is usually limited and I’ve often got a long drive ahead of me. “Get to the park, ride the coasters, and get out” is usually the game plan. So, when I found out that Hershey Park was going to open its season with a special Spring Preview and half-price admission, I was there...[Read More]