How Will SeaWorld’s Mako Roller Coaster Measure Up? Joel August 2, 2015 Editorials and Rants 10 Earlier this year, SeaWorld announced Mako, a new roller coaster that'll open in 2016. It'll be a 200-foot tall hyper coaster, reaching speeds of 75 mph. Mako's stature and size will make it Orlando’s tallest,... Read More...
Top 7 Water Rides on The Seasoned Pros List Show Joel July 2, 2015 Editorials and Rants 1 Recently, I reunited with my fellow theme park geeks (Doug from The Season Pass Podcast & Arthur from About Theme Parks) for another edition of The Seasoned Pros List Show. This time we listed our favorite ... Read More...
5 Reasons Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s Tempesto Coaster Has Fans Scratching Their Heads Joel March 16, 2015 Editorials and Rants 14 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, 9... Read More...
Is it Time to Replace the Looney Tunes at Six Flags? Joel March 30, 2014 Editorials and Rants 7 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... Read More...
The Best Non-Disney Theme Parks for Kids Joel January 28, 2014 Editorials and Rants 2 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 ki... Read More...
The Best Theme Park Shows Joel January 23, 2014 Editorials and Rants 3 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 t... Read More...
The Cleanest & Friendliest Theme Parks Joel October 4, 2013 Editorials and Rants 9 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... Read More...
Could Carowinds' $50 Million Investment Make it the 'Cedar Point of the South'? Joel September 1, 2013 Editorials and Rants 13 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... Read More...
10 Most Beautiful Theme Parks on The Seasoned Pros List Show Joel February 8, 2013 Coaster Critic Updates, Editorials and Rants, Theme Park Reviews 7 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 pa... Read More...
Poll – Kings Island’s Next Roller Coaster Should Be… Joel November 24, 2012 Defunct Roller Coasters, Editorials and Rants 26 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 wa... Read More...