Author Topic: WoF Opening Day Report (Read 3918 times)

Jason · « **on:** Apr 8, 2006, 09:52 »

It was really nice to might those of you that we bumped into.

We had a great time today and we expect to have many more as the year progresses. It's like a totally different park now.

We made up a fairly large group so it was like hearding cats at times but everyone seemed to have fun and that's all that matters. The weather was a little chilly in the morning but once the wind died down it felt a lot better.

Patriot was great and hearing everyone scream as they flew over the station was really neat. The lines also moved much quicker than I thought they would on opening weekend. The Patriot "staff" did an exceptional job. It was also fun seeing the 3 teenagers that we dragged out of bed early react to the new coaster. The looks on their faces during the on-ride photos says it all.

Our other highlight was the 9 of us ganging up on two strangers in the bumper cars. They had no idea what they had walked into and will probably never ride with a bunch of people that have matching shirts again.

We would love to hear about everyone elses experiences on opening weekend.

Dustijn · « **Reply #1 on:** Apr 9, 2006, 09:12 »

Sorry we missed everyone. We got there close to 3pm. We ended up riding Patriot 6 times (2 front, 2 back and then 2 in the "inside rows"). Tend to prefer the back even though you cannot see very well. Its a good ride, but not in my top 10 by any means (remember I have been on over 300+ coasters). It is a nice addition to the park, but to quote someone I overheard "It is better than Orient Express but I would rather ride Mamba."

Oh and for what it's worth. I like Talon better.

Jason · « **Reply #2 on:** Apr 10, 2006, 06:37 »

Everyone that I was with liked it more and more as they rode it. I personally can't get enough of it.

Pufnstuf · « **Reply #3 on:** Apr 10, 2006, 08:03 »

Quote from: Dustijn on Apr 9, 2006, 09:12

Oh and for what it's worth. I like Talon better.

What do you feel is better about it? I have not been on either one (until Saturday), but I am surprised to hear this.

Jason · « **Reply #4 on:** Apr 10, 2006, 09:23 »

I forgot to mention that the Cotton Candy and Churo's will push the Corn Dogs for best snack in the park this year.

Dustijn · « **Reply #5 on:** Apr 10, 2006, 10:03 »

Talon is just more intense. Patriot is what I would call a "floater coaster." It just floats through the course with very little force ever exerted on you. I actually found the front seat down right boring at times. The back seat did provide a little more force and you could actually feel SOMETHING going through the corkscrew. I don't know maybe I just built it up too much and that caused the disappointment.

IMHO B&M coasters are not as fun as they USED to be when they did not try to minimize the forces. No wonder some call them Boring&Meaningless. Hydra is the same way.

Nacho · « **Reply #6 on:** Apr 10, 2006, 01:36 »

I've been on close to 20 B&M's and Patriot is among the most intense.

I love the speed going through the loop and the "floater" sensation over the station. The back was definately the best.

Cory · « **Reply #7 on:** Apr 10, 2006, 03:11 »

I'm kinda with Dustjin. The forces were there in some parts (namely the zero-g roll, and the corkscrew, especially in the back row) but most of it was just the train gliding through the course. It doesn't really bug me because I like that it has constant speed throughout the whole ride and it is the smoothest coaster I've ever been on, but it just doesn't seem to have that special 'something' that makes it one of my overall favorite. And I agree, the back seat is by far the best one on the ride.

Of course, maybe (hopefully) that could just be because I over-hyped it in my head, and hopefully over time it gets better.

Dustijn · « **Reply #8 on:** Apr 10, 2006, 05:48 »

I have been on almost every B&M coaster in the US, trust me when I say it is very lacking in the force dept when compared to others that B&M has built.

MrWhite · « **Reply #9 on:** Apr 10, 2006, 05:48 »

I think you might be confusing intense with banging your head all around.

CPman · « **Reply #10 on:** Apr 10, 2006, 05:50 »

Well I totally disagree Dustijn, but you are allowed to have your opinion. BUT I have heard from alot of other people that have rode both Talon and Patriot, and prefer Patriot.

SpenceMan01 · « **Reply #11 on:** Apr 10, 2006, 07:29 »

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone we met last weekend. Tommy and I had a great time and it was great to meet all of you and talk coasters, etc. I think we both agreed that breakfast with Dick & Jack was the highlight of the weekend. Hopefully Tony's picture turned out, mine was blurry! I also wanted to share this picture I got of Patriot from the ferris wheel exit:

Thanks again!

-Spence

Jason · « **Reply #12 on:** Apr 10, 2006, 07:36 »

That is by far the coolest photo of Patriot that I have seen yet.

Let us know when you're coming down again. I'm hoping that we get to see you for Coaster Mayhem.

Dustijn · « **Reply #13 on:** Apr 10, 2006, 08:42 »

Josh -
The reason I prefer Talon is because it really thrusts you through the course and doesn't let up. Imagine Patriot but with the force of BTR as you are riding it and that is what Talon is like. Like I said before, Patriot is a "floater coaster" and there is nothing wrong with that. Will I still ride it everytime I am at the park, of course. Is it in my top ten? Not even close.

MrWhite-
This is a Beemer not an SLC

michaelwmoss · « **Reply #14 on:** Apr 10, 2006, 11:23 »

Quote from: Dustijn on Apr 10, 2006, 10:03

Talon is just more intense. Patriot is what I would call a "floater coaster." It just floats through the course with very little force ever exerted on you. I actually found the front seat down right boring at times. The back seat did provide a little more force and you could actually feel SOMETHING going through the corkscrew. I don't know maybe I just built it up too much and that caused the disappointment.

IMHO B&M coasters are not as fun as they USED to be when they did not try to minimize the forces. No wonder some call them Boring&Meaningless. Hydra is the same way.

Could this be because you have been on so many of them during your lifetime that you kind of know (In General) what do expect? I have that feeling personally at times, but I still love em all

michaelwmoss · « **Reply #15 on:** Apr 10, 2006, 11:24 »

Quote from: coastercory06 on Apr 10, 2006, 03:11

I'm kinda with Dustjin. The forces were there in some parts (namely the zero-g roll, and the corkscrew, especially in the back row) but most of it was just the train gliding through the course. It doesn't really bug me because I like that it has constant speed throughout the whole ride and it is the smoothest coaster I've ever been on, but it just doesn't seem to have that special 'something' that makes it one of my overall favorite. And I agree, the back seat is by far the best one on the ride.

Of course, maybe (hopefully) that could just be because I over-hyped it in my head, and hopefully over time it gets better.

Would the addition of a few natural Head-Choppers along the route help bring that thrill meter up a bit?

michaelwmoss · « **Reply #16 on:** Apr 10, 2006, 11:25 »

Quote from: CPman on Apr 10, 2006, 05:50

Well I totally disagree Dustijn, but you are allowed to have your opinion. BUT I have heard from alot of other people that have rode both Talon and Patriot, and prefer Patriot.

Welp, I think I need to ride both within the next couple of years

. I have been on many B&M's, including Raptor, Montu & Alpie to name 3.

michaelwmoss · « **Reply #17 on:** Apr 10, 2006, 11:26 »

Quote from: Dustijn on Apr 10, 2006, 08:42

Josh -
The reason I prefer Talon is because it really thrusts you through the course and doesn't let up. Imagine Patriot but with the force of BTR as you are riding it and that is what Talon is like. Like I said before, Patriot is a "floater coaster" and there is nothing wrong with that. Will I still ride it everytime I am at the park, of course. Is it in my top ten? Not even close.

MrWhite-
This is a Beemer not an SLC

Curious: What is your #1 All Time Coaster? Mine is Superman UF At SFGam

Jason · « **Reply #18 on:** Apr 11, 2006, 06:19 »

If you see this group of people in line for the bumper cars you will probably want to avoiding riding with them. They've been known to seek and destroy strangers.

[attachment deleted by admin]

Jason · « **Reply #19 on:** Apr 11, 2006, 06:25 »

Here you can observe the heard feeding. Do not try and make contact with these animals while they're eating.

[attachment deleted by admin]

michaelwmoss · « **Reply #20 on:** Apr 12, 2006, 02:23 »

ROFL

The Natives look restless

Dustijn · « **Reply #21 on:** Apr 12, 2006, 07:29 »

Here are my opening day photos of Patriot.

http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/worlds/patriot/041306/

I have other opening day photos but I am waiting to post them.

Jason · « **Reply #22 on:** Apr 12, 2006, 07:40 »

Nice update.

Do you see why I wanted to the chain link fence removed now? It ruins the view from the Spinning Dragons area and I'm not sure if it serves much of a purpose now.

michaelwmoss · « **Reply #23 on:** Apr 12, 2006, 09:12 »

MIG: Those pics are SOOOOO PURRRTYYY! DRRROOOLL

Dustijn · « **Reply #24 on:** Apr 12, 2006, 08:53 »

To tell you the truth Jive I thought they had taken that fence out. Perhaps it is to keep people who will be in the Lore line from running out there as it seems that it is impossible to just stand in line on the sidewalk. I know makes too much sense or something like that.

michaelwmoss · « **Reply #25 on:** Apr 12, 2006, 10:35 »

That cue line For The Patriot does look fairly puny in size. Did this create alot of "Bottlenecking"?

Jason · « **Reply #26 on:** Apr 13, 2006, 05:23 »

The line moved really quickly and "bottlenecking" was never and issue. You might want to ask this question again in July though.

Jason · « **Reply #27 on:** Apr 13, 2006, 05:40 »

Jennifer over at WorldsofFun.org poster her annual opening day editorial.

Check it.

http://www.worldsoffun.org/community/edit.asp?ID=20

Dustijn · « **Reply #28 on:** Apr 15, 2006, 09:12 »

Here are some more photos of the changes around the park:
http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/worlds/041606/

SarahAnn · « **Reply #29 on:** Apr 15, 2006, 09:36 »

We made our 2nd trip to the park tonight and I have to say I noticed a few things i didn't on openinng day - mainly PEOPLE! It was nice to see the park pretty full even with the threat of storms tonight - but we were so glad we got to be there last weekend when the crowds were light and there was practically no waiting (except for Patriot of course).
Dustijn, I agree w/ your review that they really need a sign for Fury of the Nile at the entrance. It's been a LONG time since I've ridden it and honestly, I forgot where the entrance even was without the sign!
Also, I had my first WOF churro tonight and it was goooood.