Now we’re doing a loop-de-loop!
Greetings, tumblr! I’m heading back to the USA in a couple of weeks (feel like I’ve been waiting for this trip for MONTHS!) for some bigger and better parks…. If you have any hints, tips, feedback, or where to get the nicest lunch (ice cream for lunch is acceptable) for the following, I’d love to get a message from you! Holiday World (I’m the only one excited for the wingrider) Kentucky Kingdom (RMC!) Kings Island (not sure how I feel about THAT B&M) Camden Park (I know nothing about this one) Carowinds (TWO hypers?!) Dollywood (I’ve heard so much about this place…so many wonderful things..) Pigeon Forge attractions (as many as we can fit in - suggestions gratefully received)
Three of my home parks are included, so I’ll geek-out a little about them…
Holiday World: *The wing rider alone is worth admission to the park, but that’s just my personal opinion… *DO INCLUDE THE WATER PARK, especially Mammoth and Wildebeest water coasters!!! *You can get a full dinner meal at Plymoth Rock Cafe (the restaurant nearest to The Voyage coaster). Kringles Kafe (near front of park) is good too.
Kentucky Kingdom: *Unless you’re going on a busy day (likely) then you could squeeze half a day at Holiday World and half here. *Ride in the back row of T3 (the Vekoma SLC), and you’ll probably be a-okay! *Best meals for what you pay for are at Swampwater Jacks restaurant. *Get the “out-of-town” special for super-cheap park tickets. *Some major rides close 15 to 30 minutes prior to park close (Lightning Run especially). If you plan to stay near closing time, stick around Storm Chaser (the new RMC) an hour prior to park close and you’ll get low-wait re-rides until the actual park closing time.
Kings Island: *Which B&M? There’s two major ones, both pretty great in completely different ways. Either way, do try them both! *If it’s crowded, and you’re rich enough to splurge, get the Fast Lane ticket to skip lines. *Not much more to say other than have fun!
The rest I’ve yet to visit. I plan to go to Dollywood sometime this year for the first time! Not fully sure when yet.
I can probably fill in some of the Dollywood/pigeon forge gaps.
Dollywood: Fingers crossed by the time you get there Lightning Rod will be open, but even if it isn't, there's still plenty to do! I always start my days at Dollywood off in timber canyon. Lines are hardly ever an issue, but if they are, hit fire-chaser first because it is a fun ride, but you wouldn't want to wait too long for it. Your first ride on thunderhead should be in the rear car so you can truly experience the wildness of it all. Wild eagle is best in the very front or the very back, go in to Tennessee tornado expecting a headache afterwards, but you have to do it at least once. DO NOT pass up the opportunity to ride blazing fury. They recently redid some of the lighting and stuff and it's just a hilarious ride. As far as food goes, it's all good. If you're feeling adventurous, eat lunch at the checked lady's place. I can't remember what it's called exactly, but it's a good ass buffet and sometimes the chicken lady comes out and entertains. If you're looking for a snack, find the mill near barnstormer and do yourself a huge favor and get some cinnamon bread. Dollywood is great and everything good you hear about it is true.
Pigeon Forge: Pigeon forge and Gatlinburg are the most interesting cities... Don't be fooled by all the Ripley's brand putt putt, the best putt putt is hillbilly golf in Gatlinburg. If you're looking for true cheese, ride the earthquake thing also in gatt. It's just classic tourist trap material and totally worth it. If you're dedicated enough, the pancake pantry is a great breakfast before Dollywood. Just get there before 8 to avoid lines, and there is Peking on the street until 9, so you want to get in and out before then. But whatever you do in pigeon forge, DO NIT RIDE the Jurassic Boat ride. Just don't.
Hopefully that was helpful. Hope you have a great trip!
