TR: Minnesota/Wisconsin 2007 - Day 4 9/2/07

TR:Minnesota/ Wisconsin 2007 – Day 4

September 2, 2007

Valleyfair! Shakopee, MN

T-Shirt of the day: 2007 All Ohio Coaster Odysey shirt from Coastermania!

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"Let's try this again"

As you may recall from the Day 3 TR, Jerry and I stopped past an insanely packed Valleyfair for a few hours last night, so today we decided to try it again. As such, we arrived at Valleyfair at about 9:30 on Sunday morning. Jerry got waved through the toll plaza with his parking sticker, and we parked in Jerry's favorite section, near Steel Venom.

We headed up to the gate, and noted the food drive was still going on with a reward of a significant admission discount coupon on offer. We headed to the front gate plaza and chatted a while until the lines started forming at the gates. Jerry had predicted the gates would open early at 9:45, so when the lines started forming I went into Guest Services. Still, a very simple procedure to use a Kings Island pass. I showed my pass, they wrote down my name, checked the Kings Island box and had me stand next to the secret panel. I thought I would impress them with a Kings Island pass, until the person behind me presented a Carrowinds pass. At 9:50, they played the national anthem, and when it ended I heard the buzzer tell me I could push in on the secret panel and enter the park through the Guest Services office.

Once inside the park, the walkway to Renegade was much lighter. There was a running of the bulls, but Jerry advised me not to worry about it, because the pathway was roped off just before the train station. We stood up near the ropes, which were sporting large rectangular purple flags not unlike the Legend lift hill flag I have. Shortly after 10:00 the rope was dropped and the bulls stared running again. Jerry told me not to worry about it, which was good advice since quite frankly there weren't enough people there to worry about, even if each and every person headed to Renegage.

Renegade was open when we arrived at it. The park has done a good job of keeping Renegade’s track plan a secret, from the park midway, all you can see is the lift hill, and the final part of the ride where you circle the station, then the queue area before heading to the final brakes. The entrance and exit sit next to each other as two cutouts in the track structure in this final pass. We enter the queue and find it to be empty. The switchback area was closed off, so we walked back the long path that runs alongside the brake run approach, then ducked under the lift approach and through the hallway underneath the transfer track. We finally caught up to the line at the bottom of the stairs up to the station. We soon realized the ride was not yet open, and when the station was opened, we wound up being on the second train of the day.

So, on the second train of the day, Within two trains, I was climbing into the back car of the milinneum flyer train. I really like GCIs rolling stock, particularly after riding PTCs the day before. The GCI trains feel like sofas on wheels. Jerry had mentioned that at first there were problems with the lap bars and larger riders, but this seems to be sorted out now. I did notice the park went with individual seatbelts, where other GCI’s I have ridden used shared belts.

So, we are seated in the train, and we leave the station a turn to the left takes up to and up the lift. We go over the lift and down the first drop, the first drop is the rides signature element, as first you make a right turn going down the drop, then a left curve to straighten the drop back out. It is an evil first drop, at the base of the drop you turn left, and go over a speed hill that produces some nice floater airtime. You then start dong the GCI typical ride of going around a series of curves while going gracefully up and down in this twister like section. John Allen said it best “Curves don’t do anything for people”. After a glass smooth twisty ride, you reemerge next to the lift hill, and then make a right turn to go around the station with a big swooping trademark GCI turnround right by the midway, the next section is so close to the midway the only thing separating you is a metal grate fence. Time for a speed hill places in just the right spot to become the rides focal point from the midway. You then go through an elongated turnaround that wraps around the queue area, and the on ride photo is taken just before the last curve. You then head into the station where they have a combination of magnetic and traditional braking to ensue a very smooth stop in the bake run/transfer area. Then when the station ahead of you is clear, there is one last turnaround into the station. It’s a neat ride, but Jerry seemed offended that I only give it a B. Sorry, I just need more airtime with my curves, that said the ride could be very reridable if the chance presented itself.

Fortunately for me, the opportunity was presenting itself. We exited the ride and headed down the series of ramps down to the ground level. There isa point where the exit and entrance paths run right alongside each other, seperated by only two railings and a yard or so of mulch. I aske if there has been abuse here, and Jerry points out the very worn patch of mulch indicating that yes, people have been making the shortcut quite often. We head around the proper way, heading back out to the midway. I note the park has strategically placed some park benches so you have to go towards the ride photo booth. Jerry was concerned that the park decided to open Renegade with both trains today, as the park is not known for adding extra trains until the crowds and lines warrant it.

On our second ride, the line was only halfway down the stairs, and on the third ride, we walked right into the station, We rode mostly in the back seat, but took a couple rides up front. We continued to ride until the line started getting long again. We rode again when the line got to the bottom of the stairs, then on our last ride the line was halfway back the hallway under the transfer track. By the time our ride ended, the line was starting back the long straight section toward the switchback area. We decided to try something else at that point.

We headed back the pathway to Excalibur. Excalibur is themed after the famous sword of King Arthur as you can tell from the flags and the front of one of the trains. (The other train has a plain front, and the big sword in the rides major sign has been missing the last few seasons). Excalibur was only running one train, but that wasn't a problem as the ridewas a walk on, maybe a 1 or two train wait in choice seats.

We took repeated rides in the back seat, walking around each time of course. Excalibur is an overgrown Arrow mine ride, that has a real tall lift hill, that leads into the usual ground hugging mine ride type course with a bunch of tight curves. As built the train takes the course way to fast for the parks comfort, so they have not one, not two, not three, but FOUR trim brakes on the first drop. Even with all four trims on, and they are all on, the train still barrels through the course generating strong laterals, and provides a wondefully intense ride in the back seat. We did take one ride up front which is much less intense but allowed me to verify that all 4 trims are on. Jerry said he would be taking a nap while we rode up front.

We rode Excalibur for awhile, then remembered we may want to try to at least finish one lap of the park before the crowds hit. We next headed to Wild Thing, along the way I noted they took away my favorite water fountains. Yes, you read it here, Cedar Fair is removing water fountains. These particular fountains are the large round barrel fountains that you had to stick your head into the large round opening in the wall, then deal with a water jet with high pressure.

When we arrived at Wild Thing, the queue was overflowing out onto the midway but with no switchbacks in use. All told it took about 20-25 minutes until we were getting into that third seat with two trains on. Seat 3 used to be the ejector seat, just like Magnum, but that has been somewhat diluted. We climbed up the lift, down the first drop, up the second hill with a nice floater airtime moment on the drop into the turnaround area. Some interesting laterals in the turnaround, then the mid course brake hits hard. I recall there used to be several strong pops of air on the camel back hills of the return run. Now there are just minor hints of floater air. So its a nice tall fast coaster that gives a purely mediocre ride. We decided to head for something else.

We entered the 1950's themed area, on past visits I noted how the High Test Arcade has signs outside advertising No Tilt Pinball Additve, but no pinball machines inside. This year they had one Whitewater pinball from Williams. I gave it a try, then we headed to Extreme Swing.

Extreme Swing wins the reward for comical safety sign. One of the items on the sign reads "The manufacturer of this ride prohibits persons with fear of heights from riding" The queue area was half full, and even at that it didn't seem to take too long to get on the ride. Cedar Fair has added a short length of strap to the lapbar grab handle that connects with a caribiner to an eyebolt next to the seat. We sit down, lower the lap bar, fasten the clips and wait. To my surprise they check the lap bar, but do not push down further on it. The S&S swing takes your standard backyard swing and makes it about 150' tall. Even better than the backyard swing, instead of going up and then floating for a split second, then come back down, on this ride you go up, and whileyour body is still going up, the swing starts going back down, generating a very weird feeling of airtime. In short its a great ride, especially with a loose lap bar. Valleyfair runs a short ride cycle on this, so I have an action packed, if short ride.

From Extreme Swing, we head to Power Tower. Jerry had told me that Power Tower had been given a pep talk and was performing better this year. We cross the bridge to Power Tower Island. The queue maze for the two Turbo Drop towers looked full, but he headed around the long trail to the single Space Shot tower. Itwas about a3-4 cycle wait to get on the Space Shot. While waiting we did notice that one of the two Turbo Drop towers wasn't running and started testing while we were waiting. We boarded Space Shot, and we rewarded with a very lifeless thrust that barely made it to the top of the tower, much less shoot you up the tower with some extra energy that caused airtime at the top. It wasn't a very noteworthy Power Tower ride, so we didn't even bother trying the Turbo Drop side with its long line.

Our next stop was Riptide. Riptide was a walk on, we just had to wait for the cycle in progress to end. Riptide is a floorless Top Spin ride with water effects. While watching the group ahead of us I noted nobody wears their shoes while riding, and that they leave them on the ends of the ride deck. So, I removed my shoes and socks while waiting, then walked up to the ride barefoot. I noted a safe dry area at the end of the ride deck to place my footwear, then went back to my seat. Jerry was I think, the one person to keep his shoes on. Jerry also noted that every rider gets their very own personal water jet. The ride starts, and it wasn't as wet as I remembered it, I mean you get some decent blasts of water but it wasn't too bad. Of course we were on the side facing away from the midway, I think the midway side gets a lot wetter. At the end of ride, which inlucded a nice flip count, and a nice 5 flip manuever to end the ride, I collected my footwear and walked barefoot back out to the midway where I took the chance to put my stuff back on.

We next headed to Seel Venom, I noted an African tribal dance show going on, it would seem that we would pass this show in action several times. On the way to Steel Venom, Jerry stops off at the Skyscraper. Jerry had purchased an upgrade for his season pass so his pass includes the upcharge rides like Skyscraper. I held Jerry's stuff, and Jerry took two rides on Skyscraper to dry off. I could have paid the $10 to ride it once, but after those two awesome Timber Falls skyscraper rides, I didn't want to spoil it with a mediocre Skyscraper ride here,

After Jerry had fun we walked to Steel Venom. I was surprised to find it a walk on. We took several rides all in the back seat. I could get the tounge almost all the way into the buckle by myself but not far enough to get it to lock. Jerry pushed down on my harness and that was enough to get it. Plus, unlike Cedar Point, here the operators will help you. So I would sit the tounge into the buckle, then assume the Wicked Twister position of putting my hands on top of the shoulder bar and pressing down. Whatever, it worked.

Steel Venom is an Intamin Impulse coaster, with bidirectional LIM's pushing you back and forth, First you launch forward, and don't go too far up the spike, then you go backwards, and get a thrust in the station, enough to make it to the top of the back spike then fall back down, and get another jolt forwards so you almost make it to the top of the twisted front spike, then back down, and a jolt backwards to the top of the back spike, where a holding brake holds you in place for afew seconds, then back down, through the station, most of the way up the front spike, then backwards and it smoothly parks you back in the station.

As I said, we took numerous rides on this until the line reached back to the ride entrance. We then took a trip to the Challenge Park clubhouse for some free ice water. We next decided to have some roasted corn. Labor Day Weekend is also Green Giant Corn Feed Day at Valleyfair. You might want to sit down for this! We are at a Cedar Fair park and are going to get FREE roast corn. They set up the distribution point between the High Test Arcade and Atomic Pizza, not far from the parks normal Corn Roast booth (which was closed). They have it down to a science, you enter the line, they hand you a plastic bag, and then you walk up to the main station, where you see roasted corn rolling down a ramp into a vat of melted butter. Attendants pick up the corn and plae it into your bag. They use the mini cobbettes which are maybe 3 inches long, but there does not seem to be a limit on how much you can have. After you get your free corn you move over to the condiment table for napkins, salt, pepper, and lemon pepper. We had tried the lemon pepper here on past visits, so this year I opened up my bag and vigourously shook some lemon pepper out of the shaker into the bag. We then found a shaded spot to sit on a seat wall outside Coasters Drive In. Time to feast on roast corn, in a Cedar Fair park, for FREE.

After enjoying the Corn Roast, we headed to High Roller. Jerry had once told me that if you ever see both trains on High Roller you probably don't want to be there. I look up and the storage track is empty. Yes, High Roller was running both trains. The queue was almost back to the entrance, but with no switchbacks in use. However, the park runs two trains very efficiently, so while it may have been the longest line I have ever waited in for High Roller, it was about the shortest wait I have ever had. We were soo headed to that back seat. High Roller was one of IAD/NAD's last coasters, so it runs IAD trains (not Century Flyers) that have been setup to allow flush loading. This means that instead of just having a lap bar control lever on the bak of each car, then a guarded channel along one side controlling all the bars for that car,each seat has its own control lever. The park has never automated the lap bars int he station, so for every ride, all 12 seats must be locked manually. We sit down in the undivided bench seat and fasten the retracting seat belt. I'm not sure if this still counts as an ACE Coaster Classic. It has retracting seatbelts but it is a shared belt. I'm not sure if retractors alone are enough to disqualify a ride, or if it gets a pass because it still uses a shared common belt.

After the belts are fastened they tell everybody to put their hands in the air, then they come alongside doing a carefully arranged routine where they hit that rows lock lever, while lowering the bar, checking the bar, then moving on to the next seat, its a nice smooth operation. Bars checked we leave the station, and the rides automatic lap bar locker makes it presence known as it noisly kicks each seats lap bar control lever making sure its in the lock position. The idea was that someone though you would not need attendants, you would sit down, lower the bar, this device would lock it as you left the station, you rode the ride, come back and another device triggers the car side lap bar release as you reenter the loading area. Most parks have either automated the entire process in the station, or have at the least removed the automatic bar unlocker. Most have also removed the locking device, but there is no harm to keeping it and it is a good double check.

In 2005, I actually got some nice floater air on this dogleg out and back wooden coaster. This time the turnaround trim brake was on heavy, and it seems like we hit a new trim brakeon the way back, the result being a pretty lackluster ride, even the one spot of ejector air on the final drop was reduced to a mild float. At the end of the ride we reenter the station, I start to lift up on the lap bar but it is still locked. Apparently the automatic unlock device has been removed here.

We exit High Roller, and head to the front of the park for Corkscrew. The line for Corkscrew was entirely inside the station, but the seat queues are real long, so it was still several trains before we were getting into that back seat. While waiting Jerry pointed out the wireless access boxes for the on ride video system. Yes, of all the coasters at the park, they chose this one for the on ride video system.

So we get into the train, lower the shoulder bars and fasten the belt from the seat front to the center of the shoulder bar. Corkscrew here is a little bit more interesting than Cedar Point's but not as good as Arrow's multi element coasters. Vertical loop, a turnaround, the corkscrew and thats about it. Short little ride, and at the end of the ride we return to the station. The bars unlock, and I raise my shoulder bar and attempt to get out of the train. I then notice there is an orange strap blcoking my way, thats the strap that is supposed to hold the shoulder bar close should the bar lock fail. Yeah, I feel reassured, now that I know the orange strap is long enough you can raise the bar alost all the way up with the belt fastened. Not only idiotic and un needed, this fix to a problem that doesn't exist doesn't even work!

We exited the ride, and I looked at the on ride video booth, the video loop they kept replaying was just the first drop into the loop. We exited the ride and decided to head back to Mad Mouse to complete the coaster collection. Unfortunately, Mad Mouse did not cooperate, as it had a full queue maze, we next headed to Renegade, but it had a full queue. I decided that since I don't have many park photos, I would go out to the car get my camera, and then take photo safari through the park. After we got out to the car, we decided to take a trip to Culvers to get some food. (Reuben, fries, root beer, and a raspberry sundae for me).

We reentered the parking lot and the attendant actually had a ticket ready to sell Jerry before noting we had a decal. We reentered the lot and parked almost right by where we left. I grabbed a camera and entered the park. We took a lap around the park taking photos, noting busy queues for the rides and having a good time. I noted the Excalibur queue ws almost back where it was Saturday, Renegade had a full queue, they were actually using all the rows on Looping Starship, and that Wheel of Fortune has card suit themed flags. I slso got some nice action shots of the rides, and after completing a lap around the park, Jerry held my camera while I took a ride on Chaos. It was only a 1 or 2 cycle wait for Chaos but it takes a long time due to fact that all the bars must now be released manually. When it came my time to ride, I did myself right, rocking the car at all the right times, and getting a nice flip filled ride. Chaos looks like an Enterprise at first glance, but after it starts to go up, the main wheel at the end of the boom tilts back, so the whelel spins at an odd angle, and the cars are free to rock back and forth, including all the way over.

After Chaos, we headed out of the park, noting that the coaster lnes were just as bad as they were Saturday. We exited the parking lot and headed to a Mystery Destination.

Soon, we arrive at the Mystery Destination, which is SS Billiards. I was a bit worried upon arrival at SS Billiards because, quite frankly, pool halls generally do not enjoy a reputation for being safe family friendly places. We walke through the front door, and standing mere feet from me is a row of about 6 pinball machines. I look to the left and there is a small selection of video games, and to the right I see some snack vending machines and the service counter. Along the side wall next to the service counter were 4 more pinball machines. I heaed past the first row of pinabll machines, where I saw one of those double ended pingames sitting on a service cart. The main part of the room was, of course, taken up by several pool tables, then along the back wall of the pool hall was a row of at least 10 maybe more pinball machines. All in all there were 23 pinball machines, just waiting for me. Yes, waiting for me as the place was totally empty. I have not seen this many pinballs in one place since maybe arcades in the 1970's.

Unfortunately, I was indeed alone, and I did not see any change machines, We waited around for a little bit, and a few minutes later the operator came out of the restroom. At first, I don't think we knew how to take each other, other than the fact he had a quick witted sense of humor. All I needed do was compliment him on his pinball machine collection, and it was like we went from total strangers to best of friends. According to him there are less than a dozen true pinball arcades with the quantity of machines he has.

I bought $5 worth of quarters and tried various machines. He has mostly new machines, but he does have a few older machines set up, like an Eight Ball Deluxe, and a Bonzai Run. All the machines were in excellent shape, and with the excellent condition comes a price. Some pin's were 50 cents, a fair number of them were 75 cents, and a couple of them were $1.00 He also has some extremely rare machines like Big Bang Bar, that he only operates on Saturdays as a way of preserving the life of this machine, I think only 3 were ever made. I may have been a good pinball player at one time, but my skills are gone. I want to assign some blame as pressure to perform, its just much harder to play when somebody is looking over your shoulder the whole time Yeah, thats the excuse I'll use. But for an hour, I was in pinball heaven. We would then return to Jerry's house, and he would introduce me to the game of Descent. Yes, I know its an older video game, but I was more of a Doom person. Descent is basically Doom played in a fighter jet. Fun game, which I'm sure is more enjoyable than Shocking Lazer Tag for instance,

Well, tomorrow is the Minnesota State Fair, all day, and we want to get an early start, so I'll be signing off now.

Link of photo album from Valleyfair! - http://www.flickr.com/gp/9542069@N02/R8E279

Next up: Minnesota State Fair - Watch for it!

TR: Minnesota/Wisconsin 2007 - Day 3 9/1/07

TR:Minnesota/ Wisconsin 2007 – Day 3

September 1, 2007

Wisconsin Dells, WI -> Valleyfair, MN

T-Shirt of the day: Dark blue Holiday World Raven/Legend shirt

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As you recall from Day 2, we spent most of the day in Wisconsin Dells yesterday, and decided to stay the night. It really makes sense, as the trip is 4 hours one way, staying the night just helps break up the travel, and allows us to stay at night on Day 1. This is the second year we have used this schedule, and last time we sprang for the two day Mt. Olympus passes, and the second day at Mt. O was entirely too crowded.

This year, we decided to have our morning wake up call on Avalanche at Timber Falls. As I mentioned in the Day 2 report: While researching ticket deals, we found a package on Timber Falls website, for $24.95 you could get a POP wristband, and one ticket to ride Skyscraper. This same package would run you $29.95 in the park. That was deal enough for us, but then they had a "Buy 3 tickets, and get the 4th free" promotion. Doing the math of that deal that meant that each of us could have a morning wake up call at Timber Falls for only $12.50 each, including a Skyscraper ride that runs $20 by itself. ($10 with a valid POP armband).

A check of the website revealed the park was set to open at 9AM, but we had our doubts that the rides would be ready that early. Accordingly, we did not check out of the hotel until 9:30. After checking out, we took a ride around the Dells scooping out the best gas bargain. As it turns out the best gas bargain was at a little independent station near Timber Falls. You may recall we were staying by Timber Falls, so most likely any money saved by finding the best gas deal was burned away driving around town. But it gave us an excuse to see the town. There was a big college football game going on somewhere nearby today, and driving down the strip we was more than a few over excited, and maybe drunk, college age people hanging out car windows hooting and hollering as they drove down the strip.

You may recall Timber Falls is located next door to Pirate’s Cove mini golf. We managed to pull into the wrong driveway, and although the Pirate Cove gold looked well landscaped, they just don’t have a wood coaster. So we drove through their lot, I noted the Jolly Roger pirate flags with a red background instead of the traditional black background, and we pulled out the other exit, and drove around next door to Timber Falls. If the park was having a slow night last night, it was absolutely deserted this morning. The only cars pulling in were either staff coming to work, or being dropped off for work. We waited in the car till about 9:50, then we decided to go up to the front counter and see what is going on. I mean, if the rides don’t open till noon, we would have to figure out a Plan B.

We walked up to the counter and met some guy who looked like he might be the manager. From him we learned that the mini golf does, in fact, open at 9AM, ad the rides open at 10AM. Perfect timing, and the Skyscraper will open at 11AM. The manager scanned our tickets and gave us our wristbands, but even he seemed a little surprised when we pointed out to him that our tickets included the Skyscraper ride. Must not be a common option that people select online. While we waited for the rides to open, he offered to get us set up for a game of mini golf, and Jerry was fast to respond he had no interest in mini golf. Instead, we used the 10 minutes until park opening to take photographs.

. In the front center of the park is the clubhouse with tickets, merchandise, snack bar, arcade, restrooms and a second floor observation deck. Behind the clubhouse there are 2 mini golf courses, wrapped through and around the mini golf courses is the parks log flume ride. The Avalanche coaster runs around the perimeter of this area, and just outside the bounds created by the coaster are some bumper boats, and sitting out in the parking lot is a Skyscraper. Accross the street from the park are two more mini golf courses they own, and then the river. On the other side of the park is a competing mini golf operation.

Right at 10AM, we head right up the stairs and ramp to the Avalanche station. Avalanche is a triangular shaped coaster that basically runs around the perimeter of the park. We arrive at the station, and head for the back car of a waiting train. Queue gates open and we board the 3 car 2-bench PTC train. Bars checked, we pull out of the station, left turn to the lift, up the lift, first drop, up into the second turn to the left, then a few speed hills. The third turn is a signature element, its a turn that is just so wrong that it feels so right. You pull into an underbanked curve that tries to manhandle the train through a 270 degree turn. Did I mention the apex of the turn is the top of a hill, so you go into this curve, and it slams you to the right side of the train, then you come over the hill, get lifted out of your seat by the airtime, then the train finishes the curve and it slams you back to the left, as it puts you back down in your seat. It's a great element, and if you didn't like that, you'll love the next speed hill with ejector air that slams you up into the lap bar, holds you there for a second or two, then slams you back down into the seat. You do another left turn as you fly by the station, for the second trip around the park, you ride closer to the ground with a series of speed hills for the first two sides, each one with nice airtime.. The third side on the second lap around is mostly concerned with a final dip and rise up into the brake run. It's the kind of coaster that doesn't look like much from the road, but once you ride it, it will hook you in one ride. I also have to officially dispell the rumor that a trim brake was added to this ride, that's not true. The grapevine has it that that the park though they bit off more than they could chew with the upkeep of this ride, but at least they are still running it.

We basically spent the next hour just riding Avalanche over and over and over and over again. During this time, we got a demonstration that Timber Falls knows they can't compete with Mt. Olympus with rides, but they can compete by having much friendlier staff, and more customer friendly policies. For example, you can ride as long as no one wants your seat, and if someone does want your seat, you can either find a new seat, or exit back to the load side. Did I mention we had tons of rides, like an hour straight. We had near ERT conditions all morning. Occasionally a family would come up to the station, hand in some ride tickets ($6 each), take a ride and then leave, but for the most part we had the ride all to ourselves.

Shortly after 11AM, after we had confirmed we saw life over at Skyscraper, we exited Avalanche and headed back to the clubhouse. Instead of going directly to the Skyscraper, we headed through the arcade, and out the back door. This leads you to the Timber Falls Log Ride. We walk up to and get in a waiting boat. I admit, I was a bit surprised when Jerry came in after me, last time we were here, he sat the log ride out. He did, however, make sure I sat up front.

We got into the log, and you leave the station and make a slight jog to the left, and go up the first lift. After going up the first life you immediately go own the first drop which helps gives speed to the log. The second part of the ride concerns itself with the fake volcano in the middle of the park. (It even erupts occasionally). The log first goes through a cave inside the volcano, then goes around the outside of the volcano. After it has wrapped itself around the outside of the volcano, you start up the much taller second lift that runs along the back of the park. A turn to face the front of the park, and you go up one more slight rise, past the operator’s booth then down the big drop. It’s a very well themed log ride for such a small park, and its actually a nice long fun ride. Water damage was minimal. At the end of the ride, they offered to send us around again, but we declined that offer, and decided to exit the ride. I had offered to switch places in the log with Jerry, but Jerry wasn’t interested in that either. So we exited the log to the infield side, and then climbed across the bridge that takes you over the trough. That done, it was time for the spin dryer, otherwise known as the Skyscraper. He was still getting the Skyscraper ready, but was willing to take us for a ride. Wait a minute, it’s the same guy as last night, and he remembers us. When he commented that we were back so soon, I explained the great ticket offer we had.

We first stowed everything in the car, then walked over to the Skyscraper where there was immediate seating available, and we were escorted directly to the ride deck.

The ride deck consists of the loose article bins, operator console, and the access way to the ride itself. We step off the wood deck onto the metal platform and then hop into the chairs provided. It takes some time to get ready to ride Skycraper thanks to the complex harness arrangement. After the operator makes sure you are sitting all the way back in the chair, no slouching, he proceeds to strap you in. The harness system on Skyscraper is similar to but not totally like having two 3 point automotive harnesses, one located on either side of you. They key difference being the belts are not on retractors and are manually adjusted. So I sit down and the operator pulls two thick pieces of black padding out from the sides of the seat and ask me to hold them over my lap. He then reaches over my right shoulder and proceeds to cross that strap across my chest so that it fastens into to a clip/buckle mounted on the left side of the seat, this is also connected to a lap belt. He proceeds to tighten this until it is snug but not tight. He then reaches above the left shoulder and pulls out a similar looking belt that runs diagonally across your chest and fastens to a clip located on the right side of the seat. This means the two shoulder belts form a large "X" across your chest, and you effectively have double lap belts for added redundant protection. The operator proceeds to pull these belts snug but not tight. He then takes a moment to make sure everything looks to be correct with the safety harness, and then goes in and yanks on all the adjustors with all of his might to get all the belts as skin tight as he can get them. You then realize those two big black pads sit directly under the buckles and adjustors and they protect your legs from any nasty gashes from the buckles. This would also be a good reason to make sure your pockets are empty to make sure the thick straps don't crush any hard objects into your legs. The last step is to take the anti sub strap and to affix it to the front center of the lap straps. Men are thankful this belt is not tightened. He proceeded to step next chair and harness Jerry to his seat in the same manner. After all the harnessing the operator takes a step back to make one final visual inspection while thinking "Now I have you two right where I want you, you guys aren't getting out of those chairs until I let you, so for the next few minutes you belong to me and whatever I can dish out"

While he was strapping us in, he had this big grin on his face that said, "I'm gonna have so much fun!" In, fact he looked even more excited than last night.

He started the ride, and instead of going right into doing the usual loops on this giant propeller ride, he starts by rocking us back and forth, not unlike how a looping ship ride starts. Eventually we start making complete loops, but still not much action. A few loops later, and he starts to play with the speed control, and we find ourselves flipping almost continuously. We do this for several rotations, we then stop at the top of the ride, and pause for a breather while the ride starts shaking left and right, huh? Then it was time to do it all in reverse, lots more flips, and as we came into the loading dock he started jogging the main arm back and forth. We then come into the station and he lets us off the ride, clearly quite pleased with himself. The difference was the time he let the ride go much longer, which meant a lot more flips. It was also different in that instead of staying skin tight, my harness loosened up significantly, not dangerously loose, mind you but loose enough to slide around a bit in the chair which adds to the excitement of the ride.

After Skyscraper, we go back up to Avalanche to say bye, and had a short 15 minute mini session on Avalanche. At around 11:30, we decided to head back to Minneapolis, but not before taking a little ride over to Mt. Olympus’ parking lot to take photos of Hades, Zeus, Top Secret, Riverview Park, and both the Original and Army DUCKS. Leaving Mt. Olympus, Jerry knew better than to try to make a left turn onto the main drag, sowe rode to the other end of the strip, and looped back around using a different freeway entrance.

We then headed back to Minneapolis, and as if they aren’t enough waterpark resorts in the Dells, Jerry pointed out a new one that is just an hour closer. Not much goes on during the ride back, except a stop at Arby’s As we get closer to Valleyfair, the traffic starts getting heavy, and Jerry notes it is a bit heavier than he would expect.

We soon arrive at Valleyfair, and take one look at the parking lot. Jerry said, “If it weren’t for you being here, I would be turning this car around and going home” Yep, the place looked insanely jammed. Yes, I know it’s a Saturday and wonderful weather out, but with both the State Fair and Rennasiance fairs in session you might think they would have a slow weekend. Nope.

We pull into the lot, and using Jerry’s window sticker, avoid the $10 parking fee. One of the advantages of the window sticker is that Jerry merely slowed to a crawl at the toll plaza and was waved on through. Despite the crowded parking lot, we find a space near where Jerry would park anyway. We then make a stop to deal with some issues that come from 4 hour car rides, then I know better than to head to the season pass gate, so I take my Maxx Pass directly to the Guest Service office. Using the Maxx Pass was simple, they wrote my name on a log sheet and checked the box marked “Kings Island”. That’s it, they have no way of verifying your identity as the pass had no photo and they had no monitor sitting there. They next open the secret panel, and I enter the park through Guest Services.

Once inside the park, the fact the park was crowded was confirmed by the packed midways. We headed straight to Rennegade, which is almost but not quite in the back of the park. The park has done a good job of keeping Renegade’s track plan a secret, from the park midway, all you can see is the lift hill, and the final part of the ride where you circle the station, then the queue area before heading to the final brakes. The entrance and exit sit next to each other as two cutouts in the track structure in this final pass. We enter the queue and find a pretty full queue maze, with all but one switchback in use.

Jerry estimated the queue at around 45 minutes and was pretty close. The first section is a set of switchbacks positioned inside the final turnaround, you then go on a long straight section from the final turn to just before the lift approach. The queue then jogs to the left, then goes through a tunnel under the lift approach, and then heads to the transfer track building, You then go into a opening in the side of the transfer track building and into a long straight wide hallway. I mentioned that this hallway, at least 6-8 people wide, must be a line jumping nightmare. Jerry said it isn’t, and the park is nice enough to put in fans so there is a nice cross current to keep you cool. You step up to get into the building, then at the other end there is another step down, which seems to serve no purpose other than a tripping hazard. You see, about 10’ after you take that one step down, you go up the stairs to the station area, where you enter the station roughly in the middle.

As we entered the station, Jerry asked if I wanted the View or the Experience. I chose the Experience and we headed to the back car. Within two trains, I was climbing into the back car of the milinneum flyer train. I really like GCIs rolling stock, particularly after riding PTCs the day before. The GCI trains feel like sofas on wheels. Jerry had mentioned that at first there were problems with the lap bars and larger riders, but this seems to be sorted out now. I did notice the park went with individual seatbelts, where other GCI’s I have ridden used shared belts.

So, we are seated in the train, and we leave the station a turn to the left takes up to and up the lift. We go over the lift and down the first drop, the first drop is the rides signature element, as first you make a right turn going down the drop, then a left curve to straighten the drop back out. It is an evil first drop, at the base of the drop you turn left, and go over a speed hill that produces some nice floater airtime. You then start dong the GCI typical ride of going around a series of curves while going gracefully up and down in this twister like section. John Allen said it best “Curves don’t do anything for people”. After a glass smooth twisty ride, you reemerge next to the lift hill, and then make a right turn to go around the station with a big swooping trademark GCI turnround right by the midway, the next section is so close to the midway the only thing separating you is a metal grate fence. Time for a speed hill places in just the right spot to become the rides focal point from the midway. You then go through an elongated turnaround that wraps around the queue area, and the on ride photo is taken just before the last curve. You then head into the station where they have a combination of magnetic and traditional braking to ensue a very smooth stop in the bake run/transfer area. Then when the station ahead of you is clear, there is one last turnaround into the station. It’s a neat ride, but Jerry seemed offended that I only give it a B. Sorry, I just need more airtime with my curves, that said the ride could be very reridable if the chance presented itself.

We exited the ride, and headed back to Excalibur. Excalibur: The Coaster in Exile,there is never a significant wait for Excalibur. We are stopped on the way back to Excalibur by some of Jerry’s friends, who deliver the bad news. The members of the family who decided to ride Excalibur have been in line for almost an hour. Yikes. Excalibur is a neat Arrow mine ride, but it’s not an hour neat, particularly since the ride itself is pretty short. The problem is that they were only running 1 train on it. A look at the queue was frightening as it was backed up to the Thunder Canyon exit. Jerry and his friends shared the opinion that this may be the most crowded they have seen Valleyfair in a long time. Clearly, Excalibur was out of the picture.

We did go back to ride Renegade with Jerry’s friends. I took a fair amount of grief, as instead of going for a courtesy ice water, I instead went with a Lemom/Lime Chill. I also forgot to ask about rumors at the Lemon Chill stand. Refreshments in hand, we entered the now totally full Renegade queue, a wait which was made even longer as the ride went down for maintenance for about 15 minutes just as we were nearing the end of the switchback area. This time, when we got to the top of the stairs, Jerry’s friends headed to the back car, and we headed to the front car, and joined the front seat queue, and waited that out. I then got my Renegade with visuals ride. Yeah, that first drop is even more evil looking up front.

We then decided to go over and see how things were going at Wild Thing. One look at the queue and we were soon heading away from Wild Thing. Extreme Swing had a queue overflowing its queue area, Power Tower’s line looked nasty as well. It was already nearing 7PM on an 8PM close. We gave up hope on riding much of anything else tonight, but then the goal was to ride Renegage, just in case it wasn’t open on Sunday,and we rode Renegade, so the objective for the visit was met.

I noted a relatively short line for Riptide, but Riptide was in douse the riders mode, and the sun was going down. I think I’ll save Riptide for the morning. I was more surprised that when we walked by Enterprise, it was a total walk on. Hey, I can’t pass this up, so we walked right onto Enterprise.

I walked around to the next available car, proceeded to get in and immediately slammed the car door closed, then proceeded to work on fastening the belt that goes from the car door to the buckle on the back of the seatback. Jerry, who was in the car behind me, kept screaming “No!”. Don’t know what got into him, but we proceeded to have an incident free fun Enterprise ride. On our way off the Enterprise, Jerry proceeded to lecture me that at Valleyfair, they are anal retentive and don’t want you closing the cage doors yourself, and that he had a ride operator give him grief about it on a past ride. Oh well.

We then walked down by Steel Venom to get greeted by another frightening looking queue. I did go ahead and try the test seat while I was down there, and it said I could ride. Things are looking up. I also noted they put their 3 point challenge way down by Steel Venom which seems out of the way, and that theis is still only $5.

After that, we decided to just give up for the night and come back tomorrow. We headed out of the park and beat the traffic out, and went on back to Jerry’s house for the night

Coming up next: Day 4: Valleyfair! And a Mystery Destination!

Watch for it!