Got out of work and went to pick up my car after its latest problem (alternator), then decided to take my mind off the fact that my Dells trip is canceled by going to the park. Met up with Nick, aka w00dland for most of the evening. Crowds were heavy at first but died off throughout the evening.
When I got there Little Dipper had just opened for a soft opening, so we went for a lap on that. Six Flags did an amazing job on this one; they were able to modernize it while preserving its heritage. There is 50s music in the queue, and plenty of historical signs (that appear to have had the spelling and grammar proofread by a 11 year old).
First ride on Dipper at SFGAm was in the middle. Not as intense of a row but it is very fun and definitely more favorable than Spaceleys. The trains have seatbelts, and the skid brakes are there but are hydraulically controlled by the ride's computer (no brakeman/lady).
Afterward we headed for Iron Wolf which had no line at all (with Chang en route, I'm afraid it's clear its days are numbered). Front row can offer an incredible experience, just know when and where to move your head and it can be very smooth. At night it's just fantastic! Also did a lap on Eagle car 1 row 3, which was still only running Blue side. Good ride until the final helix.
Went back to Little Dipper while Nick did another lap on Wolf. Dipper was stopped on the lift with an operator attending the train. Wouldn't be a problem if they left it all-original. Jumped in line before someone closed it off and ran into some friends who were right at the back. Good timing!
About 30 minutes pass and Dipper's back up and running. With all the people that had left it was only about a two cycle wait. Headed for front row, but suddenly was (literally) screamed at, by a rides supervisor that was operating, because my camcorder was clipped to my belt. Not in my hands, not on, and not even loose. I was forced to put it in the basket, where when I got back I found someone had pushed it into a small puddle of spilled orange drink. Lovely. You know, in the 5 years I've been a passholder I've never had a problem with anyone at the park until this, and I obviously know it's all about safety, but screaming like I committed a crime or something's a bit over the top, especially over nothing.
Moving on, riding front row on Dipper is much better than middle, even with a little pop of air at one point. With less than 10 minutes we decided to bolt to Karate Whiz Kid for the last ride. Got quite a lesson in ACErcise (just picture an all-you-can-eat buffet at the end). Made it for one of the last dispatches of the night.
Originally stopping in Carousel Gifts for the usual peek at the Marriott model, I ended up leaving with an Iron Wolf and Raging Bull tall shot glass set. There is more ride merchandise in there! Eagle, Viper, and Columbia Carousel all have ceramic coffee mugs now!
Overall a good few hours. Great to see Dipper alive and kicking again! Recorded some video and will have it up tonight or early in the morning. I'll be back at the park early in the morning for Dipper's official opening.
EDN!
Somewhere in Florida a village is missing its idiot. He can be found in Washington D.C.
