I didn't think I'd make it back to the park this year, but I had the opportunity to go with just my son for the day. We almost ended up at Kings Dominion, and I actually was pushing for this.. I said, hey we can be at kings dominion in less than 20 minutes from where we were on 95 at the rest stop north of Doswell, and we could spend time in the water park, but he really wanted to ride the train. Also realized KD doesn't open until 11 and it was closer to 10am at this point so we continued on.
I'd say this was one of my better times in the park in years, I do think crowd levels had a lot to do with it. The day almost started off poorly though... First ride was on Pantheon. The ride op takes my son to get measured (expected) and says he's not tall enough. I got a little annoyed because within the last week we have been to KI and Kennywood and he's had no issues on any 52" ride. A combination of my son maybe not standing straight and the guy not measuring the actual top of his head was the issue. He is probably closer to 52" 3/4 with his shoes on. He re-measured after I told him we haven't had any issues here and at other parks and all was well.. I get that it's not your job to make sure the kid is standing straight up, but it is your job to make sure they are correctly under the measurement device IMO.
It was HOT. I don't do well in heat, but we survived. 2 early rides on Roman rapids helped and a trip to Ritas. After riding the rest of the rides in Festa we ordered some food from Squires. I did mobile ordering and it gave me a time of I think 30 mins to pickup. No problem. It seemed that when I went at my given time that the employees were expecting me much earlier, maybe because it was dead in the park.
We did all coasters in the front seat. I should have some nice footage with a gopro max2. I'm not sure what the solution is, but having to show the card can be annoying, especially after you already showed it to someone and you start pulling back your restraint and it becomes difficult to get it back out of the pocket. I appreciate that BGW and BGT still allow us normal guests to carry a camera. I'd love a wrist band though. Also seems like some employees don't have a clue about the camera card.
Pantheon was my sons favorite for the day. Darkoaster was mine....
I'm not sure if it was the AC or the fact that I forgot to put my sunglasses in the locker and wore them on the ride, but Darkoaster just hit different. All the effects were still easy to see, but I think the shades helped the overall ride experience as it darkened the space enough.
Verbolten.... I really really wanted to like more. I don't hate the re-theme, it just feels off.
Pompei is sad. This has to be next to get fixed up. I'd rather see them just fix the effects, no major retheme or layout change as the park desperately needs more flats.
Back to Roman Rapids, I think I'd like to see this retired for a new larger raft ride. 2nd ride through, we had to lean into the boat to get wet at the waterfall section.
Minor annoyance as I know everyone has complaints with the parking entry plaza. I do not understand why they are soo slow. I was at Kings Island recently and we flew through the gate, while still paying. ALso maybe make sure all terminals can do tap to pay.
I'm hoping Christmas Town gets an upgrade this year, that will definitely bring us back. This trip at least made me consider memberships again.
I'd say this was one of my better times in the park in years, I do think crowd levels had a lot to do with it. The day almost started off poorly though... First ride was on Pantheon. The ride op takes my son to get measured (expected) and says he's not tall enough. I got a little annoyed because within the last week we have been to KI and Kennywood and he's had no issues on any 52" ride. A combination of my son maybe not standing straight and the guy not measuring the actual top of his head was the issue. He is probably closer to 52" 3/4 with his shoes on. He re-measured after I told him we haven't had any issues here and at other parks and all was well.. I get that it's not your job to make sure the kid is standing straight up, but it is your job to make sure they are correctly under the measurement device IMO.
It was HOT. I don't do well in heat, but we survived. 2 early rides on Roman rapids helped and a trip to Ritas. After riding the rest of the rides in Festa we ordered some food from Squires. I did mobile ordering and it gave me a time of I think 30 mins to pickup. No problem. It seemed that when I went at my given time that the employees were expecting me much earlier, maybe because it was dead in the park.
We did all coasters in the front seat. I should have some nice footage with a gopro max2. I'm not sure what the solution is, but having to show the card can be annoying, especially after you already showed it to someone and you start pulling back your restraint and it becomes difficult to get it back out of the pocket. I appreciate that BGW and BGT still allow us normal guests to carry a camera. I'd love a wrist band though. Also seems like some employees don't have a clue about the camera card.
Pantheon was my sons favorite for the day. Darkoaster was mine....
I'm not sure if it was the AC or the fact that I forgot to put my sunglasses in the locker and wore them on the ride, but Darkoaster just hit different. All the effects were still easy to see, but I think the shades helped the overall ride experience as it darkened the space enough.
Verbolten.... I really really wanted to like more. I don't hate the re-theme, it just feels off.
Pompei is sad. This has to be next to get fixed up. I'd rather see them just fix the effects, no major retheme or layout change as the park desperately needs more flats.
Back to Roman Rapids, I think I'd like to see this retired for a new larger raft ride. 2nd ride through, we had to lean into the boat to get wet at the waterfall section.
Minor annoyance as I know everyone has complaints with the parking entry plaza. I do not understand why they are soo slow. I was at Kings Island recently and we flew through the gate, while still paying. ALso maybe make sure all terminals can do tap to pay.
I'm hoping Christmas Town gets an upgrade this year, that will definitely bring us back. This trip at least made me consider memberships again.
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