I've always said that the best theme park and water park attractions are the ones that are as much fun to watch as they are to ride.
The new "King Cobra" slide that's coming to Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags Great Adventure seems to fit that description.
King Cobra is designed so that two tubes race through a circular path at once. Each slide has twists, turns and surprises through enclosed and open sections of the slide. Riders move through the attraction at speeds up to 32 miles per hour!
The ride’s finale features a sudden, 25-foot plunge at a 50-degree angle with riders racing until they appear to be swallowed by the massive mouth of the cobra.
Cool stuff!
Showing posts with label Six Flags Great Adventure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Six Flags Great Adventure. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
This Looks Interesting!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
CoasterRadio.com #606 - Mike is a Stupid Idiot!
This week, Mike and EB catch up on a bunch of backlogged calls from the Coaster Radio Voicemail Line.
We'll hear what happened to some of our favorite callers over the summer and introduce you to someone who we're sure is going to be a fan favorite.
We also interview Scott Wegener. the author of "Things to do in Theme Park Queues."
Scott has written a book (and a companion smart phone app) that will help even the most impatient person be able to stand the hour-long lines for your favorite rides and attractions.
Plus, we'll have dueling Live Trip Reports and exciting news about upcoming shows and contests!
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Direct Podcast Link
Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
CoasterRadio.com #529 - Time Machine Show - Part 1
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EB and I got a little nostalgic for the old days. So, after a movie marathon where we watched Back to the Future Parts I, II and III while drinking nothing but Diet Mountain Dew, we had an inspiration!
We decided to build our own time machine and go back to listen to a show featuring a past version of ourselves!
This week, EB and I head back to September 26, 2005 to hear a show featuring Flava and Greg K. The topic that week, was "Dating at the Theme Park."
We'll listen to our 2005 commentary on the topic, talk a bit about our past thoughts and then go "Back to the Future" so we can give you our 2011 take on things.
Let's just all be careful we don't cause a temporal paradox, OK?
We also hear about EB's Opening Day trip to Holiday World and listen to a Live Trip Report from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk!
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog.
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
CoasterRadio.com #526 - Are We In A Romantic Comedy?
This week, I present you with a picture Hugh Grant. Listen to the show to figure out why he's relevant!
This week, the Coaster Radio audience steps up to the mike and tells us about what they believe are the most underrated roller coasters in the world.
We're talking about roller coasters that don't get any love from The Travel Channel, magazines and even from us here at the show.
You'll be pleasantly surprised at some of the suggestions listeners came up with!
We'll also have a Live Trip Report from Six Flags Over Texas and an update on Theme Park Change!
Keep in mind, there is only one week left to donate! We still need a lot of help to reach our goal. So, if you haven't donated yet, don't wait!
To get you inspired to donate, we'll have a visit from a brand new friend! (You won't want to miss this!)
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog.
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
CoasterRadio.com #509 - It's a Wonderful Theme Park!
Mike Collins is in a stage version of "It's a Wonderful Life" that opens this weekend.
So, Mike and EB had to tape the show really late at night after one of the rehearsals.
This means that this week's show is a caffeine-fueled trip that includes a lot of good theme park talk and a lot of imitations from "It's a Wonderful Life" too!
The guys talk about the listener's most "elusive roller coasters," the type of attractions that people have always wanted to ride, but for whatever reason have never been able to visit.
They'll also hear a live trip report from Six Flags Over Texas and get into a discussion about the refurbishment of the Texas Giant. They'll also talk about new gimmicks on roller coasters, such as heart rate monitors. Plus, there is a return visit from Disney Podcast Guy!
There's also an update on The Neil Patrick Harris Project! The Tower of Treats has been deployed!
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
CoasterRadio.com #507 - The "Reverse-Thanksgiving" Show
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| EB's Turkey joins us LIVE on the show this week. |
Just like the Pilgrims had a gigantic feast when they landed in the new world, we have a virtual feast of theme park goodness for you.
This week, we talk about the stories behind our listener's major park disappointments. We have tales from around the globe all about how different parks have bummed out park guests.
It's sort of a "Reverse-Thanksgiving" show!
We also have a special visit from EB's pet turkey. The turkey quickly outgrew EB's house and has moved on to a turkey farm in Indiana. Just in time for the holidays, we have a heartwarming reunion with father and turkey this week.
Plus, some news on the Neil Patrick Harris Project! Don't forget to take part in our NPH Holiday Video!
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog!
Thursday, November 04, 2010
CoasterRadio.com #504 - They Can't All Be Like Clark Grizwold
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| "I gotta be crazy! I'm on a pilgrimage to see a moose!" |
All he cared about was giving his family the best vacation ever.
He would do ANYTHING to make his family happy, even if it meant kidnapping John Candy and making him ride the "Screamie Meemie" against his will.
Of course, the antics in the movie "Vacation" are overblown. But the stories we have for you this week are 100% authentic!
This week, EB and Mike will share listener stories about the horrible parenting they have seen at the parks.
You'll be absolutely shocked at what some of the listeners have seen. Thankfully, much of it is also pretty funny.
The guys will also crown a winner in the "Arquette Arithmetic" contest. Find out who will win two season passes to the (non-Disney) theme park of their choice!
Plus, there's more info on "The Neil Patrick Harris Project!" The guys will present proof of NPH's love of theme parks and talk about future plans to get his attention.
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
CoasterRadio.com #501 - The House at Haunted Hill
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| "The House at Haunted Hill" is one of the best home haunts anywhere! |
AND... It's EB and Mike's favorite time of year, Halloween!
This week, the guys interview Matt Ford. he's the creative genius behind "The House at Haunted Hill," an amazing Halloween show in Southern California.
The great thing about the show is that it's not located at a theme park or at some commercial venue. Matt, along with his family and friends, have created this amazing experience at his home!
You'll hear the details behind this innovative home haunt and how it was inspired by Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. You'll also hear how some Disney theme park voice talent came on board to make "The House at Haunted Hill" even more special.
EB and Mike also will fill you in on some changes to both the podcast and the website for Season 5. There's also big news about "The David Arquette Project" and our "Arquette Arithmetic" contest!
Plus, EB will fill you in on the behind the scenes story about how his son Mark won Holiday World's "#1 Fan Contest!"
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Direct Podcast Link
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Direct Podcast Link
Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.
Click here for our iPhone App.
Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.
Click here for our iPhone App.
Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.
Talk about this episode by leaving a comment here on the blog!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
CoasterRadio.com #445 - Legendary Coasters
On this week's show, we get into a good, old-fashioned roller coaster discussion!
It's so good, even CoasterBoy would be proud!
The CoasterRadio.com audience steps up to the microphone to tell us about the most legendary roller coasters that are currently thrilling people every day at parks across the world.
They also tell us about the legendary coasters of the past as well.
It's interesting to hear the different opinions!
We also have a live trip report from Kings Dominion, from the top of their new Ferris Wheel!
It's all this week on CoasterRadio.com!
Direct Podcast Link
Click here to subscribe through iTunes.
Click here for our podcast RSS Feed.
Click here for our iPhone App.
Or you can listen online by using the podcast player on the right hand side of this page.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Six Flags' Hope For The Holidays
On last week's show, EB and I talked about how you could have a "theme park experience" during the winter months, even though the parks were closed.
We quickly realized that most of the time, you'd have to settle for the next best thing... something like a motion simulator at an arcade.
But what if I told you that on a Friday in November, long after the seasonal parks have closed, you could ride the world's tallest, fastest roller coaster?
What if I added that all you'd have to do to gain admission is to make a donation to charity?
Well, on Friday, November 13th, Six Flags Great Adventure, the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots will work together to unite the community in the first annual Six Flags Friends Hope for the Holidays charity event.
The event runs from 5 - 7 p.m. and features exclusive rides on Kingda Ka, boardwalk style games and meet & greet opportunities with NHL Stanley Cup winner Jim Dowd and the Lakewood Blue Claws' official mascot - Buster. There will also be complimentary snacks and hot beverages.
Admission is free for anyone who makes a donation of winter clothing, blankets or shoes in good condition, a new unwrapped toy or a non-perishable food item.
If you don't have any of those things to spare, you can still get in a ride on Kingda Ka by making a donation of five bucks.
And by the way, if for some reason Kingda Ka isn't operating due to inclement weather, the park is going to open up NITRO. You can't lose!
So wait, for five bucks I can have two hours of ride time on Kingda Ka? In mid-November? PLUS, I get to help out a deserving chairty?
Excellent! Nice work Six Flags Great Adventure!
Friday, September 04, 2009
Paul at Six Flags Great Adventure
Thanks for the picture Paul! Nice work!
This is one way you guys can do it, but we want to see you in the pictures too!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
More Fun to Watch Than to Ride?
One of the things I love most about theme parks is watching the rides.
Don't get me wrong, I love riding every roller coaster out there, but there is something memorizing about just sitting on a bench and watching coaster trains crest rolling hills, a log ride splashing through the water or a carousel spinning round and round.
There are some rides out there that don't look like much, but are still fantastic attractions. For instance, the Wildcat at Cedar Point might not be anything special to look at, but it's a great ride. It's fast, fun and surprising.
Space Mountain at Walt Disney World is similar. When the lights are turned on, the ride look very special. It almost looks too mild to be a roller coaster. But once the lights are turned out, forget about it! It's one of the best roller coasters anywhere.
However, there are some rides out there that are more fun to watch than they are to ride.
Mean Streak at Cedar Point is a mammoth wooden roller coaster and it is really a sight to behold. It was constructed using 1.7 million board feet, and if stacked one in front of the other could span the US from coast to coast just over three times.
But when I rode it a few years ago, the experience didn't live up to the look. Mean Streak had its moments, but I was more impressed by the aesthetics of the ride than I was with the actual ride itself.
Viper, a ride that used to be at Six Flags Great Adventure had a really unique look. It was a Togo Mega Heartline coaster that was extremely rough, but looked really cool. I always liked seeing trains roll though the metal rings that surrounded the first drop.
But I guess every park needs a picturesque roller coaster that looks good on park brochures, even if it doesn't give the greatest ride.
What do you guys think? What other rides out there look good, but don't give the greatest ride? About about rides that don't look so hot, but are real crowd pleasers?
Talk about it in the CoasterRadio.com Forums.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
It's Easy Being Green
Kermit the Frog once sang that it's not easy "Being Green".
But it looks like theme parks are getting into the "green" spirit by taking on eco-friendly opportunities.
Six Flags Great Adventure recently announced that their 15-story park icon - The Big Wheel, is being completely refurbished for the 2009 season with 7, 824 new energy saving LED bulbs.
After these bulbs are installed, it will reduce approximately 8.5 million pounds of carbon emissions from the atmosphere.
It's amazing when you realize that this is equivalent to removing 72 cars from the road or planting more than 2,850 trees!
The new LED lights will also be part of an animated lighting display which includes chasing rim lights and the blooming of the ferris wheel's iconic flower petals.
Should be a sight to see! Kermit would be proud.
Monday, April 21, 2008
"We're VIPs!"
When I'm coming up with topics for this blog, I usually look all around for inspiration.
Today's blog topic came from an unusual place....
For some reason, I was watching "Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise" the other day and there was a scene where Lamar Latrell was boarding a plane with the other nerds and he proudly told the flight stewardess....
"We're VIPs!"
I'm not sure why I'm bringing this up, other than the fact that I really wanted to post a picture of Lamar on this blog. Mission Accomplished!
Anyway, while planning a trip to Six Flags Great Adventure, I came across the VIP program they offer.
For $299 a person, you get:
- A private tour guide for your family or group for the entire day
- Front-of-the-line access to rides with tour guide
- Preferred parking
- Theme park, waterpark and safari admission
- Preferred show seating
- A private autograph session with your favorite LOONEY TUNES and Justice League characters
- Lunch and dinner with reserved seating at select restaurants
- Meals, snacks & non-alcoholic beverages for each Guest
- Complimentary games
- A souvenir ride photo
- A go-kart ride, rock-wall climb and a paintball session per Guest
Now, a few years ago, I would have totally been against this. At first glance, it seems elitist and a way for the super rich to get ahead of the little man.
But now that I'm older and have more responsibilities, I don't have as many opportunities to visit the parks as I once did.
But if I was only going to have one theme park experience during the whole summer, I might decide to cough up the $300 and become a VIP for the day. It might even make financial sense. For instance, without the VIP experience I might pay...
$39.99 - Online Ticket
$15.00 - Parking
$40.00 - Food/Drink
$20.00 - Games
$71.00 - Gold Flash Pass
$15.00 - Ride Photo
$10.00 - Souvenir
That comes to $210.99 that I would probably spend anyway.
For an additional $90, my friends and I would have a private guide and some other perks that we wouldn't normally get if we were on our own.
The downside to this is that you'd have a stranger with you the entire time. But, if the guide was cool, they might become a "friend for the day."
Has anyone out there been a part of the VIP Experience? It would be great to hear what you think. Join the discussion in the CoasterRadio.com forums.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Houdini Lives!
Over the past few weeks, I've been reading a really good biography on Harry Houdini. If you're at all interested in the early days of show business, this is a book I'd recommend. It's fascinating.
Anyway, reading this book has reminded me of Houdini's Great Escape... the attraction at Six Flags Great Adventure and Six Flags New England.
The reviews of this attraction are always mixed, but I happen to love it. It's one of the few attractions at a non-Disney/Universal park with an actual storyline.
For those of you who don't know, the attraction begins as you approach a stately, Victorian manor. The first room you enter is an old library, filled with dusty books and many of the magical props that Houdini used during his career.
I won't spoil what happens, but if you catch this attraction on a day when all the effects are working, it's pretty damn good for a regional park.
After the pre-show, you move into the main attraction which is essentially a Vekoma Haunted Swing. The attraction uses convincing effects to make it seem like the audience (and the room around them) are turning upside down again and again. This is all set to a dramatic soundtrack that goes along with the storyline.
It's difficult to find pictures or video of this attraction, but there are similar ones around the world. Check out this video of Hex at Alton Towers to see what it looks like.
Anyway, I'm a big fan of adding storyline to attractions to make it more of an experience. Hopefully we'll see more regional parks attempt to add a bit of story to their rides.
It will be interesting to see how the new Dark Knight Coaster turns out at Six Flags parks across the country. They seem to be trying to give it a bit of story along with the thrills.
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