Theme Parks/Amusement Parks

[Aomalley27]

After a one year hiatus; I’ll be venturing out to theme parks again. My first trip will be Kings Island next weekend (Though it’s a little disturbing hearing of the various brawls and fights a few days ago. Sounds too much like the 2018 nonsense at Six Flags Great America, my home park).

Was gonna go down to Busch Tampa, but with no word on Iron Gwazi, I’ll wait til that beast opens. Ditto Busch Williamsburg, waiting on word of Pantheon.

Gonna try to make it out to Great Adventure before the 4th; and hopefully catch a few on Jersey Devil. Have seen a few vlogs of them testing 3 train operations, and know they brought a fourth train into the maintenance shed, so Four train operations will certainly make for a queue eater.?.

Anyone else planning a trip to a theme/Amusement park? Any suggestions on another park to hit up?

 

[Country Bladesmith]

I liked them when I was younger, but now they sound like a trip to hell. Long lines to get on a ride that’ll give me a headache, hot weather, and $10 soft drinks. Not really a fan. I’d much rather get my adrenaline up by going wheeling up in the mountains somewhere.
That said, I hope you have a great time on those coasters. They are fun, but not fun enough to make me suffer through the rest of the experience. Guess I’m getting old! ?

 

[Chasing Embers]

They are fun, but not fun enough to make me suffer through the rest of the experience.

That's me. In the '90s I pretty much lived at King's Island and Cedar Point. No a fan of traveling anymore.

 

[Aomalley27]

I liked them when I was younger, but now they sound like a trip to hell. Long lines to get on a ride that’ll give me a headache, hot weather, and $10 soft drinks. Not really a fan. I’d much rather get my adrenaline up by going wheeling up in the mountains somewhere.
That said, I hope you have a great time on those coasters. They are fun, but not fun enough to make me suffer through the rest of the experience. Guess I’m getting old! ?

I usually spend a good portion of my trip visiting side jaunts. Case in point; I was traveling and I hit up Kentucky Kingdom (Louisville), DOllywood (1/2 outside Knoxville) and Carowinds (Charlotte). On my way from DW to CW, I saw lots of signage for Biltmore Estate, made a side excursion and visited for the day. It was epic how those robber barons used to live, true American royalty. Also did the Kentucky Bourbon trail on my way North from Kentucky. Seeing the operations of the different distilleries was neat.

Of course, Pigeon Forge is right at the base of the Smoky Mountains, so that’s a side trip too. Seeing Black Bear and bobcat up close is a unique experience, especially since there’s no protective fencing you’d see in a zoo.

But inside the parks themselves, there’s more than just the coasters (which I love). Dollywood has a craftsmen valley section where there’s glass blowing, blacksmithing, leather trades, candlemaking etc. They’ve also some phenomenal shows. (Also some great entertainment in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg... it’s basically the Tennessee version of Branson) And Busch Williamsburg is probably the prettiest, most detailed park I’ve been to in the US. Great food ($35 for an all day drink/dining plan), some terrific shows
(Saw an epic Three Musketeers show back in 2017 that was Broadway worthy with lots of stunt work and pyrotechnics.

 

[Aomalley27]

Out on the road to KI. Stopped for rest and fuel. My nephew will be traveling out later. I asked if he knew the way. He said “Nah, that’s what GPS is for”. Having experienced the chaos of GPS and it’s trouble navigating the 65-465-74 throughway in Indianapolis, I tried warning him, to no avail. Just got a call from him, and sure enough, he got sidetracked and is South of Indy.? And his GPS is stuck in “recalculating” mode.

Fortunately for him, I put a Truckers road Atlas in his car, so now I’ve gotta explain to him how to read it. How do today’s generation function?

 

[mso489]

I haven't spent much time at theme parks, however during the gas crisis of the 1970's my cousin and I took his family TR3 from Ft. Myers to Disney World. The parking lot was almost empty, and we had our pick of the rides etc. The special effects at the castle were pretty amazing, and the hall of the presidents with their robotic figures was fascinating if bizarre. The Swiss Family Robinson tree house was fanciful but also somewhat plastic. Not so much when we were there, but the best part is how it brings families and generations together. For quality vacation, I prefer the national parks -- Mammoth Cave, Blue Ridge Hwy., and such. Under the circumstances, I could see as much of Disney World as I needed in about six hours.

 

[Aomalley27]

I can’t do Disney.... too much ????? When my brother told me how much he spent on 4 nights 5 days I was floored.

For a 1/5 of that, I spent 10 days traveling the Smokies, Blue Ridge And Adirondack. Hit up a few theme parks, (DOllywood, Carowinds etc), and dined like a champ.

 

[danimalia]

I used to love be roller coasters and went as fast often as I could when I was a kid. Like, literally, if I knew I'd be going to Great America or something, I wouldn't be able to sleep because I'd be so jacked up. As a 14 year old, I had season passes to Great America and we'd take the bus down after summer school. Had my first "real" kiss there. Even rounded second base, but got thrown out trying to steal third Some good memories and a lot of embarrassing ones too! As I got older and into adulthood, and got fatter, I went less and less. I think the last one I went to was Magic Mountain outside of LA (a badass park, IMO) back when I was 23 in 2005. Now I've lost some weight, and the pandemic is winding down, I should check a few out!

I would absolutely go to Dollywood if I was in the area. Dolly is good people, and I don't think she'd put her name on it if it was a bad time or rip off.

 

[Aomalley27]

I used to love be roller coasters and went as fast often as I could when I was a kid. Like, literally, if I knew I'd be going to Great America or something, I wouldn't be able to sleep because I'd be so jacked up. As a 14 year old, I had season passes to Great America and we'd take the bus down after summer school. Had my first "real" kiss there. Even rounded second base, but got thrown out trying to steal third Some good memories and a lot of embarrassing ones too! As I got older and into adulthood, and got fatter, I went less and less. I think the last one I went to was Magic Mountain outside of LA (a badass park, IMO) back when I was 23 in 2005. Now I've lost some weight, and the pandemic is winding down, I should check a few out!

I would absolutely go to Dollywood if I was in the area. Dolly is good people, and I don't think she'd put her name on it if it was a bad time or rip off.

Dollywood is phenomenal. Plenty to do other than just rides. Some great shows, a neat section called craftsman valley with glass blowers, blacksmith etc. and the Sevierville/Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area is chock full of entertainment. And of course, the Great Smokie Mountains are a stone’s throw away.
And the food.... oh the food. Best park food I’ve ever had (including Disney). I dream of their famous cinnamon bread.

 

[mso489]

Dolly Parton is a stellar business woman, and I bet she is no absentee landlord at Dollywood. I bet she eats at all the restaurants and checks out all the attractions and rides and knows whats what from month to month. As she says, she's not dumb, and she's not blonde either.

 

[Aomalley27]

Dolly Parton is a stellar business woman, and I bet she is no absentee landlord at Dollywood. I bet she eats at all the restaurants and checks out all the attractions and rides and knows whats what from month to month. As she says, she's not dumb, and she's not blonde either.

Well Herschend owns/operates DW, but Miss Dolly has had significant input in both the park itself, developing the resort (Dreammore) as well as its sister resort that’s being constructed (Heartsong Lodge).
She’s actually at the park a number of times per year. And plenty of the menus are her childhood inspired dishes.
She’s also heavily involved in building up Sevierville, and to a lesser extent Pigeon Forge. Her Country Stampede is wonderful dinner show.

 

[danimalia]

She also donated quite a lot of money to the research that led to the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. So you can add "helping to save a ton of lives" to her already impressive resume. I'm not generally big on the idea of heroes and role models, but it is a very rare person who can unite so many different types of people in their admiration and respect.

 

[Aomalley27]

Just a little update with my thoughts on KI.

Firstly, there was a significant increase in security (not surprising with their recent troubles with fights and brawls); however, there was little enforcement in park rules ie. Line jumping! Skipping lines was rampant, and really left a sour taste in my mouth. And folks were especially brazen about it. I was to say the least, disappointed. Not only that, I noticed there were line jumpers in those
Upticket/fast pass lines as well. If I’d forked over the $100 for a fast lane pass, I’d have been PISSED!

Park was well at/over capacity, and I’ve NEVER SEEN LINES LIKE THAT IN THE PAST. Even in the busiest of times, the lines this weekend eclipsed those. 45 minutes for a coke refill station, which was exacerbated by the fact you’d have folks (really just thieves) entering the exit line and filling up their personal drink receptacles. And despite two employees standing there!

Even mediocre rides had hour long waits, which really stung since the park had initiated early closure do to recent violence. (8pm closure on a Saturday?)

There were staff shortages, to be sure, but I commend the ride ops for their proficiency. Biggest hit were the food vendors, but I almost never eat at the parks anyway (I load up on breakfast, and take a late dinner after leaving the parks) so that had no effect on me.

Plus side, traffic on the five hour drive was light! One small patch of construction on 65 south around Lebanon, but everything else was smooth sailing save for a speed trap outside the Indiana Grand casino. Even the 71 bottleneck near Cincy was easy breezy, and Im thankful.

Folks are definitely letting loose after 2020, and I saw the good/bad. Hopefully my trip later this month to Silver Dollar City goes a bit better. I did make a side trip to Chilcotte to see the toy soldier store and wondered at their collection. I don’t recall Britain’s having that much detail, but their offerings were exquisitely detailed.

Also made a side excursion to Cincy Zoo, and was pleasantly surprised to see how beautifully they’ve maintained the facility. Finally got to view the Komodo, as my last trip the reptile house was closed for improvements. Bonus was watching a feeding, awe inspiring animals. Was a sight to behold.

Biggest thing was getting out amongst people and feeling normal again.?

 

[bullet08]

My younger kid likes rollercoaster. He usually go to Carowinds. When I was growing up, it was usually Six Flags at Allentown. We've been to Disney World twice, but kids are getting old to go again. But I think I enjoy the Busch Gardens at Williamsburg the best.

 

[kcghost]

Unfortunately for I don't care for roller coasters so that pretty much eliminates me from enjoying theme parks.

 

[Aomalley27]

My younger kid likes rollercoaster. He usually go to Carowinds. When I was growing up, it was usually Six Flags at Allentown. We've been to Disney World twice, but kids are getting old to go again. But I think I enjoy the Busch Gardens at Williamsburg the best.

Neat fact about Carowinds..... it resides in two states! N and S Carolina.? Loved my visit, folks were so friendly.
I love BGW theming. The villages are great for just walking about and exploring.

Six Flags Allentown?? You mean Dorney Park?? I wasn’t aware that it was ever a SF park.....?????

 

[Aomalley27]

Unfortunately for I don't care for roller coasters so that pretty much eliminates me from enjoying theme parks.

You do know there’s more than just coasters (or rides in general) at most parks?
Dollywood has a great variety of shows, a craftsman valley with working blacksmith, a glass blower, etc.
BGW, similarly has some great shows, a spectacular “Rhein River” cruise, and fireworks show. (Saw a great Broadway style Three Musketeers show complete with pyrotechnics, stuntwork, and acting)
Disney is littered with shows and tame attractions, great people watching.
And places like DW, Silver Dollar City And BGW are located within a stones throw of national parks and historic sites.
BGW is five minutes from Colonial Williamsburg, and twenty from Yorktown and Jamestown settlement.
Dollywood is at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Silver Dollar City amongst the Ozarks.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

You must really love standing in line.

 

[bullet08]

Neat fact about Carowinds..... it resides in two states! N and S Carolina.? Loved my visit, folks were so friendly.
I love BGW theming. The villages are great for just walking about and exploring.

Six Flags Allentown?? You mean Dorney Park?? I wasn’t aware that it was ever a SF park.....?????

Six Flags Great Adventures. It's somewhere in NJ. Always called it Allentown, but not sure if it's the exact location.

 

[ssjones]

Allentown is "Dorney Park". They get a lot of buses from NYC, I'd pass.

Amusement Park near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Dorney Park

Get two great parks for the price of one at Dorney Park! There's so much to do that you'll see why it's one of the best amusement parks in PA. Visit today!

www.dorneypark.com

We live an hour South of Hershey Park, we're taking my 5 year old granddaughter there in July. Haven't been there in we think 20 years, so hopefully it's held up.

We spend our two day honeymoon at Kings Dominion in 1980. Went back many times but the last trip, in the 1990's, it was in pretty rough shape.

I still hear good things about Kennywood, near Pittsburgh, but have never been there.

Visit Kennywood park in Pennsylvania

Discover Kennywood, Pennsylvania's premier amusement park. Dive into roller coasters, family fun, and delicious treats. Start your adventure now!

www.kennywood.com