5 Reasons Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s Tempesto Coaster Has Fans Scratching Their Heads
5 Reasons I’m Scratching My Head at the Tempesto Coaster I’ve been the biggest fan of both Busch Gardens park, but I’ve probably written the most about Busch Gardens Williamsburg than I have of any park. And, 90% or more has been positive. I love nearly everything about my European-themed park with its lush green terrain that its custom, world-class roller coasters take advantage...[Read More]
Is it Time to Replace the Looney Tunes at Six Flags?
When my family and I went to Six Flags Over Georgia last year, my kids enjoyed the park’s kids section. There’s a good variety of kids rides (albeit on a bit of a steep hill not the best for strollers) that you’d typically find at your regional theme park. There’s also a good junior steel coaster called Wile E. Coyote Canyon Blaster that I highly recommend. It’s more ...[Read More]
The Best Non-Disney Theme Parks for Kids
Since I’ve been a parent, I’ve had a much greater appreciation for the kids areas at the theme parks that I’ve visited. Even when I’ve taken solo trips without the family, I’ve noted the good and not-so-good kids areas that I’ve encountered. The Golden Ticket Awards has two categories related to the best theme parks for kids and best areas for children. Out of t...[Read More]
The Best Theme Park Shows
Continuing my series of the best in the amusement industry, it’s time for one of the “grown-up categories”. I’m kidding. In terms of my theme park fandom, I’ve always been a roller coaster specialist. So, I’m treading in deep water when it comes to breaking down the best theme park shows. So, I asked my colleague Arthur of the About Theme Parks Guide for some he...[Read More]
The Cleanest & Friendliest Theme Parks
Amusement Today’s 2013 Golden Ticket Awards were announced last month. If you’ve been following them for a few years, then you’ll already know most of the results. You may not know the winner, but you’ll likely know much of the top 5 for each category. Year after year most of the same theme parks and rides are chosen. They just shift in order a bit. Having said that, I̵...[Read More]
Could Carowinds' $50 Million Investment Make it the 'Cedar Point of the South'?
Cedar Fair announced plans for a multi-year $50 million investment of Charlotte, NC park Carowinds that will include new rides, restaurants, and infrastructure upgrades. While Carowinds already boasts 13 roller coasters, we may start seeing what was meant by the “Cedar Point of the South” statement mentioned at an enthusiast event years ago. Here’s a statement from Cedar FairR...[Read More]
10 Most Beautiful Theme Parks on The Seasoned Pros List Show
Recently I re-joined Doug Barnes from The Season Pass Podcast and Arthur Levine from the About.com Theme Parks Guide for another edition of the Seasoned Pros List Show. Each episode we list our top 10’s on a particular topic in the theme park world. For the latest edition our special guest was Lance from Screamscape.com as we listed what we deem to be the most beautiful theme parks we’...[Read More]
Poll – Kings Island’s Next Roller Coaster Should Be…
UPDATE 8/8/13 – Son of Beast’s replacement has been announced. Banshee will come to Kings Island in 2014. It will debut as the longest inverted roller coaster in the World with 4,100+ feet of track. Read and watch a video here: Banshee Roller Coaster Coming to Kings Island in 2014 [divider_line]Now that the final piece of Son of Beast has been removed, more than ever, Kings Island fans...[Read More]
Abandoned Freestyle/Hard Rock Amusement Park on NBC’s Revolution
People are fascinated by abandoned amusement parks. It must be the juxtaposition of a normally happy place looking sad, abandoned and creepy. One of the most recently abandoned parks in the country was the backdrop of recent episode of NBC’s Revolution. The show is based on an apocalypse caused by the end of electricity and in turn all electronic devices. Last week, our heroes found themselv...[Read More]
What’s Your Most Memorable Night Ride on a Roller Coaster?
Riding roller coasters at night can make for a very different experience. If you typically leave amusement parks before it gets dark or just haven’t found yourself on a roller coaster at night then I suggest you make an effort to make sure you ride your park’s best coaster after dark. I had what I’d consider an all-time top two or three coaster experience during a night ride on t...[Read More]
What’s the Worst Defunct Coaster You’ve Ridden?
Last week, I asked you about the best defunct roller coasters you’ve ridden. This time let’s take a look at the other side. Good Riddance! Kings Dominion’s air-powered launch coaster, Hypersonic XLC wasn’t egregiously bad, but it was overhyped, way too short, and often out of commission. For those reasons I wasn’t sad at all to see it go. Hypersonic was crammed into t...[Read More]
What’s the Best Defunct Coaster You’ve Ridden?
Roller coasters like Wildcat, Disaster Transport, and Son of Beast will be or have already given their final rides this year. With all of these roller coasters retiring in 2012, it got me thinking about the best roller coasters that I’ve ridden that are now no longer with us. Let’s discuss our favorite defunct coaster this week and least favorite next week. It’s So Hard to Say Go...[Read More]