I actually had a great time at the park today, even though it was cold and VERY WINDY. The crowds were small, and I got on a lot of rides. The sun also came out around noon so it made for a really good day.
Parking was not bad at all. I paid $25 and parked in the front lot. I did this, as I was going to spend $65 on the parking pass anyway, and I knew that I would be able to put the $25 already spent on parking towards it. Processing of the Season pass was ok...it appeared that they had some kind of computer issue first thing in the morning, so it was very crowded. I will say that the purchase of the parking pass was very easy. No issues with using the days parking fee along with $40 to get my season parking pass. I just had to show a receipt as proof. It was a very simple and easy process.
Like others have said, there were a lot of rides down due to the high winds. Below is the list of rides that I got on
Whizzer --> 2
Demon --> 1
AE Red --> 2
Iron Wolf --> 1
Batman --> 4 (2 in the front row, no line)
V2 --> 2
Superman --> 1
Triple Play --> 1
East River Crawler --> 1
Ricochet --> 1
Had no issues with the new lockers, as everything I had fit in my fanny pack (keys, camera, wallet, and batteries). I did see them in place and being used at Superman, Batman, and AE. The guests that I saw using them did not appear to mind, but I did hear a few comments from others that the idea was stupid, and that they were going to file a complaint with Guest Relations on it.
While I was not looking every second, I did not notice people smoking outside of the smoking areas, and each time I passed them there were guests there using them. I did not hear any comments from others in the park (good or bad) about the smoking policy or the smoking sections.
I actually like the new employee shirts. It really does make them stand out and easy to find. However, the real test will be how helpful and well trained they are. I compare this to putting the shirt on a monkey. Sure, the monkey is easy to find, but is no help in telling a guest where the nearest bathroom is, or ATM, etc. Training of the employee's is just as important as making them easy to find. As the season goes on, we will see if the park was able to master both of these items.
Speaking of bright items, Raging Bull looks awesome!
It really adds some new color to that side of the park. Here is a picture that I took looking at Raging Bull from Southwest Territory.
Not sure if this is the only part not painted, but the first turn-around after the drop is not painted yet. I'm guessing that it will get paint during the next week.
I don't know if the sign at the entrance for Viper was the same as last year or not. In any case, here is picture of it. I really like how the snake comes off the sign like it does.
Speaking of Viper, it was running really well. Had a ride in 1-3, and another ride in 4-1. Good airtime as usual, and overall a great ride. I say this every year, but whatever the park is doing to maintain that ride they need to keep it up. Each year, it runs as good as it did the year before.
I know someone had asked before for pictures of Splash Water Falls. Well, there is not much left to see as the ride itself is all gone.
Here is the old entrance to SWF
And here is the ride area.
I did take many pictures of what was left of Deja Vu. Below are two of them showing the full ride area, with just the towers, and a few supports on the ground.
I also want to add some comments on The Dark Night. The transformation of Theater Royale into "Gotham City Rail" is amazing! The park has done a great job on it.
If I did not know that it used to be Theater Royale, with a red front, you would have no idea looking at it now. Work continues on the ride part, as can be seen looking into the building from the Superman exit. There are still a lot of track and other support parts outside behind Superman to be installed.
Finally, here is a picture of a sign just past Pizza Orleans prompting the new ride.
Overall, I had a great day and I am looking forward to my next visit. I know the weather is not going to be the best tomorrow, but I may go back and get on a few more rides.
--Brian
