We arrived at the park at around 1:30 and parked in lot 3, which is way in the back so we knew it was going to be crowded today. We knew it was going to be crowded anyways because there was a concert and it was just beautiful weather. Only a couple trams were running so we decided to walk it.
We got in and got a Flash Pass. Here was our first problem of the day. Getting the Flash Pass took an hour in itself. We had to wait in a hot, musty, cramped room that stunk like puke and sweat for a half hour then we had to watch the stupid instructional video which we've seen about twenty times because they don't give the card to skip that anymore. Then it took another twenty minutes in a different line to just get the Flash Pass because they had three out of eight registers open. First off, they need just a ceiling fan in the waiting rooms, that will air out the smell and keep people cool because I was about to pass out. Second they don't need to have the instructional video. Why? The guy tells you all about it before the video then he repeats himself after. No one pays attention anyways. Irritating.
So now it was about 3:30. We went to Tomahawk and it was a two cycle wait for that. I apologize for the quality. Taken with a Motorola Droid.
We went down through Crack Axel Canyon and noticed that they repainted and added a lot of new theming signs. It was a nice touch. No pics of it. Wish I had gotten some pictures. A bad thing that ruins the theming of the area is they have a huge "Glee" stage where they do karaoke all day. Annoying but amusing when you're waiting in line for the bumper cars.
We made our way to Panda Express for some lunch. Best bargain in the park. $13.99 for a meal and drink. It may not be the best at times but it sure has the best quantity. I enjoyed my meal.
We got a ride on Flashback. I like the Stride train. Then we made our way to the South End.
In Rockville here's where I was amazed. First off you're greeted with this. How can you go wrong?
Note that its for a game show themed to Mr. Six
Then there were all new billboards for the buildings, it seemed to spruce up the theming in the area. The windows got new props also. It was awesome. I really wish I took pictures of everything.
Next I noticed this new thing. Kontiki has a directional sign?
Then when we got to Kontiki it had an even bigger 3D version of that directional sign. Before you say these are a waste, let me mention Kontiki is behind a building and no one knows about it. Its on a big hill and no one ventures up there. Now people do. I love the new sign. Also the cars got the new logo.
I consider myself a little bit of a theming nerd and where Kontiki is located (essentially in the water park) the new sign is perfect for it. They also redid the car's decals to fit the new theming.
The Flash Pass was buzzing and it was time to ride Bizarro!
It was about 4:20, you can't see that picture. I was disappointed in my first ride. Going into it I knew there would be absolutely no fire. Then when I stepped on the train I realized it was the yellow train, the train with no audio. I was in for a ride on Superman: Ride of Steel painted purple. That was alright with me.
We then went to go ride Catapult and Shipwreck Falls. Got stung by a bee while we were climbing up on Catapult. That kind of ruined the already painful ride for me, but I still enjoyed it. Then walked over to the South End again because it was almost time for a ride on Batman. It wasn't ready yet so we rode Buzzsaw. New sign and restraints. Love them both. Also have to mention the new cars on Rt. 66. Love them also.
Notice the theme of this? Everything is new :p Got a kick ass ride on Batman in the back. We noticed that in the station they have a banner saying "Ride Crew of the Month." I said "no way." Usually Batmans crew sucks. Not today. They were assigning seats, only downside, but sending out trains right before the other hit the brake run. If you know Batmans layout, that's an impressive feat.
We then went over to Bizarro because it was time for another ride. Audio and fire baby. Heck EFFIN YEAH!!! First time the fire was on in months, and last time the fire would ever be on.(if rumors are true) Don't ask how. Well I know how but...
So...stoked about the fire we went into the Hall of Justice gift shop for some reason and saw the corner dedicated to Green Lantern. Hmm. I wonder why? Only Bizarro has a corner dedicated to him in the Hall of Justice gift shop, why does Green Lantern? The Hall of Justice was closed and the worked told us that she didn't know why. She obviously did.
^Yeah so that all changed quicky. I had the TR written on another site with no pictures and was planning to post in on here, but I lost all the pictures and was waiting to find them. In the mean time that had changed.
Also closed that day was everything else in the DC Area except Catwomens Whip. So CWW actually had a line :GASP: It was 45 minutes also, so we skipped it.
We rode Scream, Mind Eraser, and re rode a couple flats then left. It was a good day.
Sorry for the lengthiness. I know I usually just like pictures and don't read the words haha. Next time I go which will either be this weekend for the week after I'll probably take a lot more pics of the stuff I mentioned that was new.
Now I end you with a crappy video of Shipwreck Falls. Enjoy.
(if it doesn't play, click it)
