My Experience at Waldameer (5/14/21) Park Blog

     Last weekend my girlfriend Justiss and I took a quick trip to visit Waldameer for the first time. The park is located in Erie, PA, which is only about an hour from Fredonia, so it felt like something worth doing before the end of the semester. The park might not be as exciting as one of the major parks, but we definitely found some charm exploring the small park on Lake Erie. 

    The night before our trip Justiss and I drove down from my house in East Aurora to my apartment in Fredonia, where we spent the night. The next morning I got up early to do my workout at the track, and the weather seemed nice, around 70 and sunny. After my workout we packed up everything in my apartment, as I wanted to move out that day. We spent a good hour gathering everything and stuffing it in my car, and upon completion I handed over my keys and we were on our way. 

    Before we got on the I-90, we grabbed some brunch from the Dunkin Donuts drive-thru, and for once I didn't find myself disappointed with their food. While the weather was nice when we left Fredonia, as we got closer to the park more clouds started coming our way, and it was raining pretty hard by the time we arrived. We opted to stay in our car until the rain subsided a bit, and when it did I grabbed my umbrella and we headed in. 

    Unlike typical park, Waldameer has a pay-per-ride system. They do offer all day wristbands, but I figured since weren't going to be there for long, we would be better off getting some points just to pay for the rides we wanted. I got one card for the 2 of us and we put on 32 points for $30 (1 point = $1 plus we got 2 bonus points). It was still lightly raining but we still headed over to the park's marquee attraction, Ravine Flyer 2. The wooden coaster is Waldameer's signature ride and the main draw for coaster enthusiasts visiting the park. The ride is the most expensive of the park's attractions, costing 5.5 points to ride (11 for both of us), but for good reason. Even though it was raining on our ride, we still had a blast riding the well paced wooden coaster. With great views of the lake and great pacing, the ride ended up being a great experience. After getting off I figured we should try an indoor experience to avoid the rain and went to ride "Pirates Cove". This ride cost 3.5 points (7 for both) and ended up being a walk through rather than a dark ride. The ride ended up being pretty cheesy, and a tad bit off-putting with the uncanny valley figures. From there we attempted the "Wacky Shack" which ended up actually being a traditional dark ride. This ride also employed some uncanny-valley figures, but I found this experience to be an improvement over Pirates Cove. The only other attraction we were able to get on with our remaining points was the family coaster Comet. This family wooden coaster proved to be a semi decent ride, especially for a family ride.

    By the time we got off Comet, the sun had come out and the rain had stopped. We decided to get 11 more points and go ride Ravine Flyer 2 again. The park did have a spinning ride as well, but we figured Ravine Flyer would be the more worthwhile attraction. Our second ride on Ravine Flyer proved to be even better than the first, and I got off shocked with how exhilarating and well-paced the coaster was. Now all out of points we decided to explore, get our merch, and then head out. I got my usual mug as well as a fresh lemonade. On our way out we got some pictures, and our trip was complete.

    After hopping back in the car we drove straight back to East Aurora for dinner. Even though it had already passed over in Erie, we ended up catching up with the rain and it followed us home. Overall I really enjoyed our short time at Waldameer. Sure we didn't go on too many rides, but I felt that we were able to get a good feeling for the park and their rides. Like similar small parka, Waldameer has great old-fashioned charm, and even if isn't the most beautiful park, I did enjoy the atmosphere. I also really like the whole pay-per-ride aspect as it gives you more options for how you want to spend your money. Even though the dark rides we checked out weren't elite by any stretch, they did have some classic charm, and the marquee coaster Ravine Flyer 2 is a standout for sure. I'd say the park is worth visiting for anybody, from coaster enthusiasts to anybody just looking for a relatively cheap, entertaining day. Sure the park could have more to it, but for what it is worth Waldameer is definitely a fun park worth revisiting. 

Roller Coasters of Kings Dominion: Ranked

     Now that my trip to Kings Dominion is complete, it is time to rank all their roller coasters from the worst to the best. On the trip I missed 3 rides, however they won't make much impact on the rankings as two of them have clones that I have been on and the other is a kiddie coaster. Even though Kings Dominion comes off as a top heavy park, I found myself surprisingly enjoying many of their mid tier attractions, and there definitely will be a hot take or two within this list. 

13: Great Pumpkin Coaster - This kiddie coaster is identical to its counterpart over at Kings Island, and like the one at Kings Island, I am not allowed to (nor do I really want to) ride it. This is a pretty small attraction, even for a kiddie coaster, but I doubt its the worst kiddie coaster out there. 

12: Anaconda - 3/10 - I've ridden a good few Arrow looping coasters now, and Anaconda is definitely one of the weaker ones. The layout is unique, I'll give it that, but the ride is just about as janky and rough as a coaster could possibly be, making almost all of the inversions uncomfortable, and any other turn just arguably even worse. I will say though the drop under the water is kind of neat. 

11. Woodstock Express - 4/10 - This ride is identical to the one at Kings Island, and once again is a solid intermediate ride between a basic Kiddie coaster and a more intense attraction. That said the ride doesn't exactly do anything notable and if one had to choose between this and one of the park's more exciting rides, I'd see no reason to choose Woodstock Express. 

10 - Grizzly - 5/10 - I really expected to hate this rougher woodie going in, but I found myself pleasantly surprised (somewhat). While I wouldn't call it anything great, it was a ride that had a fun out-of-control feeling and a few decent airtime and lateral moments. Of course it was a fairly rough ride, but I've definitely ridden worse, and I didn't get off with a headache. I wouldn't call this a good coaster, but it certainly can be a good time if you set your expectations right. 

9 - Apple Zapple - 6/10 -  Ok now I know it is a Wild Mouse and many would not consider this a good ride, but I guess to each their own. In my eyes, this is about as good as a wild mouse could be, but I'm also confident that half the reason I enjoy it so much is because of the funny name. I will give it credit though as this particular model of Wild Mouse does have a large drop, which does add mild thrill. Past that this is just a good time, and a ride that I definitely remember fondly, even if it is a pretty standard park attraction. 

8 - Racer 75 - 6/10 - This is the same ride as the one at Kings Island, however I consider 75 to be the superior version. Now of course I could've just had more reasonable expectations for this, but I found it to be a bit smoother and a bit faster than its counterpart. I wouldn't call this a standout by any stretch, but Racer 75 is a solid, old fashioned wooden coaster with smooth transitions and a few decent moments of light airtime. Definitely worth checking out. 

7 - Backlot Stunt Coaster - 6/10 - This is another ride that both Kings Dominion and Kings Island share, and I appreciate that as it is a good attraction, especially for those looking for an intermediate thrill ride. Like its counterpart, this Stunt Coaster has some near theming, cool effects and a pretty decent launch at the start. Its nothing to write home about, but I always can enjoy a ride on the Backlot Stunt Coaster. 

6 - Reptilian - 6/10 - Reptilian is one of only a few bobsled style roller coasters remaining in America, and it certainly is a treat. I enjoy the new theming of the ride and its place in the new Jungle Expedition area of the park, as well as the unique rider setup. The best way I could describe the feeling of riding Reptilian is to look at it like a tube water slide without the water. It might not provide much in the way of airtime or forces, but it makes up for it by just being a good time with some light thrills. Considering how rare bobsled coasters are, Reptilian is definitely worth a ride.

5 - Tumbili - 6/10 - Since Tumbili is significantly smaller than the other S&S Free spin rides I have ridden, I do find it to be slightly inferior. That being said, I really do enjoy this model of coaster, and I find it to be a treat at any park. The rides are smooth, have great restraints, and are very unpredictable with their inversions. I do really like the theming of Tumbili, as well as the area the ride has been placed in, I just wish that the ride was one of the larger free spin models to make it more of a noteworthy experience. Overall, Tumbili is an out-of-control spinning experience and a great addition to Kings Dominion's lineup. 

4 - Dominator - 7/10 - Even though I like B&M loopers, I'm never going to enjoy inversion-based coasters nearly as much as airtime or launch based rides. Dominator is one of the better loopers I've been on, with some great inversions including a standout loop and a surprisingly decent cobra roll. I also found the other portions of the track that weren't inverting to be decent as well and add a little more depth to the experience. The ride is also very smooth and doesn't really cause much in the way of headbanging, which is a huge plus. If this ride included some better inversions such as a zero g roll instead of the interlocking corkscrews, I'd honestly consider even giving this an 8/10, as there is a lot to enjoy about Dominator, whether it is the unique layout, smooth ride experience or decent intensity. As it is, Dominator is a solid floorless coaster that fits in well in the park's lineup. 

3 - Flight of Fear - 7/10 - I greatly preferred this over Kings Island's version of the ride, and I'm not exactly sure why. Perhaps I just caught the Kings Island version of Flight of Fear on bad days, but I found this version to be much smoother and more thrilling. The launch on Flight of Fear is always a treat, and the inversions are neat too, especially in the dark making them more unpredictable. The theming of course is also a highlight of this ride, although I wish that the actually ride incorporated more theming, rather than the theming being limited to the queue. Overall, Flight of Fear is a solid launch coaster with good restraints, a smooth layout and a thrilling experience in the dark. 

2 - Intimidator 305 - 9/10 - On paper Intimidator 305 is one of the best roller coasters on the planet. The ride is fast paced with an amazing layout and a variety of forces. The issue for me is that the ride is almost too intense. While I have it in my top 15, the ride is help back for me by how much of a toll the ride takes on my body. Plus I find the intensity so much that I305 lacks the fun factor that my number one pick on this last has. However, I still respect and enjoy how brutal this coaster is. From the legendary first drop, to the insane ejector airtime, to the exhilarating bends in the track, there is just nothing quite as thrilling as I305 out there. Even though it isn't my favorite coaster, I305 is still a legendary ride in my book, as there are few other rides out there that match its breakneck speed and intensity.  

1 - Twisted Timbers - 10/10 - RMC does it again! Twisted Timbers, just like Steel Vengeance, is a perfect ride. While I'd still argue I prefer SteVe to Timbers, the latter still packs a punch and has an incredible layout. This is the kind of coaster that leaves you smiling every time you hit the breaks, with the perfect blend of fun and intensity. Sure some of those twisted airtime moments hurt your thighs, but it is all part of the fun. The triple camel-back element is one of the best sequences of airtime out there, an the barrel roll first drop is such a unique sensation. Every element on this ride is flawlessly executed and the pacing is on point. This is a coaster I want to ride all day and I honestly makes the price of admission worth it on its own. Twisted Timbers is the perfect balance of comfort, excitement, intensity placed in a perfect layout with a perfect variety of exhilarating elements. 

There definitely can be some argument to be made that Kings Dominion has a better lineup than Kings Island, especially if the park builds the replacement to their defunct Volcano coaster (RIP) soon. Even though there are really only 2 true standout rides, both of those rides are worth the price of admission alone, and the rest of the lineup includes a number of decent supports that each offer a good time if nothing else. I was pleasantly surprised on my visit to Kings Dominion, and my opinions of their coasters reflect that feeling. 

Ride Tiers: 

World Class Rides: Twisted Timbers; Intimidator 305

Must Rides/Classics: N/A

Solid Rides: Apple Zapple; Racer 75; Reptilian; Backlot Stunt Coaster; Tumbili; Dominator; Flight of Fear

Mid-Tier Rides: Grizzly

Weaker Rides: Anaconda; Woodstock Express

Roller Coasters of Kings Island: Ranked

     Kings Island has one of the largest coaster collections in the country, and their lineup contains a number of iconic rides. Unlike most parks, Kings Island lacks a standout number one, which makes the debate of what coaster is the best more interesting than most parks. I've spent two days at Kings Island over the last year, and feel that I've had enough rides to be able to define my personal opinions on each one. I will say that I don't exactly find Kings Island to have the deep quality lineup of parks like Cedar Point, but there are certainly a number of unique standout attractions at Kings Island worth discussing.

14. Great Pumpkin Coaster - I wasn't able to ride this (nor did I really want to), but this is the park's kiddie coaster. One can only ride this if they have a child with them that fits the height requirement, and it certainly fits the label as a "kiddie ride" 

13. Flying Ace Aerial Chase - This ride is indeed a step up from a kiddie coaster, but if a growing child wants to experience the next step up between a kiddy ride and a more extreme coaster, this is certainly not the ride to try. This ride is a family version of Vekoma's Suspended Looping Coasters, which isn't exactly a good comparison. Like their larger model, this family suspended coaster is janky and rough, and considering it lacks any real positives, it just comes off as a waste of time.  

12. Invertigo - 4/10 - Invertigo differs from similar Boomerang rides as it is suspended rather than a traditional sit down experience. I'll admit that the different seating style does add a bit to the ride that make me appreciate it more than a traditional Boomerang, but these rides are still too rough and generic for me to truly enjoy. If you are a fan of going upside down backwards on rides, I think you could find some enjoyment from Invertigo, however I just don't enjoy that feeling, especially when the profiling isn't that great. 

11. Woodstock Express - 4/10 - It's both a knock on Invertigo and a compliment to Woodstock Express to put it higher on the list. This is another family coaster at the park is a simple old school woodie that isn't too intense for younger audiences. I found this to be a smooth, relaxing experience with some light thrills. I would recommend this for anybody looking for an intermediate thrill coaster, even if it isn't exactly noteworthy for most individuals. 

10. The Beast - 4/10 - Now this might be my boldest opinion in this list. Many enthusiasts and park-goers find The Beast to be one of the most legendary wooden coasters ever built. While I can't deny the rides status as a classic wooden coaster (and still the world's longest), I just can't believe that many truly enjoy this experience. The Beast is one of the roughest wooden coasters I have ever ridden, and after just one ride on my most recent visit I needed a half hour just to recover. That said I do find that the ride has some nice scenery being tucked away in the woods, and there are a few moments of excitement, but I find it overshadowed by the constant shakiness, lack of airtime, and the brutal transitions. I will always respect The Beast, however I just can't enjoy it.  

9. Adventure Express - 5/10 - Putting this janky mine train above The Beast might be blasphemy, but that ending with the Mayan inspired animatronics is very unique, and that alone makes this an enjoyable ride for me. I also might be biased as I did make this ride my 100th coaster, but I really do find this coaster unique for a mine train. That said, it still is a fairly tame and janky ride. All things considered though I would recommend this for anybody looking for an intermediate ride, and it certainly is a unique part of Kings Island's lineup. 

8 - Racer - 5/10 - Racer is a pretty standard dueling wooden coaster. I don't really have many notable negatives to say about the ride, however I also don't find much about it that stands out. It would've helped if the ride was dueling on either of my visits, because without the dueling this is just a standard wooden coaster without much real airtime or memorable moments. I'm happy it wasn't rough or anything, but I can't say it's a coaster I'm yearning to ride on my next visit. 

7 - The Bat - 6/10 - I wanna like the bat more than I do. The ride has a great setting tucked away, and it really is a one-of-a-kind experience. This classic Arrow Suspended Coaster does run pretty fast and definitely has a few moments of excitement, however I still feel like the ride lacks something. It doesn't help that I typically prefer rides with airtime. Overall The Bat is a solid ride that packs some moderate thrills and swooping turns through the lush forest and the first ride at this park that I would consider a solid attraction. 

6. Backlot Stunt Coaster - 6/10 - Backlot Stunt Coaster is really good for what it is, and that Is a fun family ride with some mild theming. The ride has a fun launch to start, and the fire effect later in the ride is a treat. Stunt Coaster is a smooth experience from start to finish, and what it lacks in intensity it makes up for in fun factor. Overall a memorable family ride that's always worth checking out on a visit for the cool effects and mild thrills. 

5 - Flight of Fear - 6/10 - The parks other themed launch coaster is (in my eyes) the inferior version when compared to its twin at Kings Dominion. Even though this FoF doesn't run as well as its clone, it still packs the awesome launch and pitch black excitement. I also love the teeming throughout this ride, as it certainly builds anticipation. Unfortunately the ride is a bit rougher than it's clone (at least on my most recent rides) which hold it back, but I still find it a solid experience worth trying out any day at Kings Island.

4 - Banshee - 8/10 - There is a decent step up in quality from number 5 to 4, and the final rides at this park are all standouts. The only major negatives I have about Banshee is that I find the other 3 rides above it more re-rideable, and that I'm always going to be biased for rides with airtime. Banshee is a standout inverted coaster with an incredible sense of speed (one of very few coasters where the fastest part ISN'T the first drop) and some memorable inversions that are very intense. My favorite part though has to be the final roll before the breaks and the ride slows greatly so you get amazing hang time. I find it odd that many call this ride rough, as I didn't find it too bad. Overall, even if I can only do it once or so per visit, I still really appreciate the intensity of Banshee.

3 - Diamondback - 8/10 - Diamondback is a winner for me with how re-rideable the coaster is. The coaster is reliably solid with every ride, and packs some solid floater airtime throughout. I do think it is a stretch to call this a standout hyper however, as it is easily the most mild of the bunch I've been on. I would put it low on my hyper rankings, but overall it's still a great time with a solid drop, multiple airtime moments, and a noteworthy splash down at the end. 

2 - Orion - 8/10 - Orion is so close to being a 9, however I just find the ride too short for that honor. Where I think many enthusiasts overrated Diamondback, I think they also underrate Orion. The first drop on this coaster is incredible, and the rides sense of speed is unmatched at the park. I also love the lighting package it has for night rides. Besides the drop, every other element on the ride is memorable and solid. If this ride was longer and had a couple more airtime moments it certainly would be an elite coaster for me, but I still appreciate it for what it is. 

1 - Mystic Timbers - 9/10 - Mystic Timbers is one of my favorite coasters. It might not reach the legendary status to be a 10, but this ride is just so fun. The setting of Mystic makes it feel like you are flying through the woods, and the layout maintains the speed perfectly. Mystic also is packed with thrilling maneuvers and amazing ejector airtime. It might not be the longest coaster, but the ride leaves you out of breath every time you hit the breaks. Even "The Shed" at the end is a standout for me. Everything from the restraints to the smooth ride experience make this the definitive ride at Kings Island and a must ride upon visiting the park. In fact I'd say it's worth riding multiple times solely to fully experience "The Shed". 

Kings Island might be a bit overrated when it comes to the quality of their lineup, but there is still much to love about this iconic amusement park, and I still am excited to come here in the coming years to re-ride some of their classics and well as give another chance to some of the rides I didn't appreciate as much. 

Ride Tiers: 

World Class Rides: Mystic Timbers 

Must Rides/Classics: Banshee; Diamondback; Orion

Solid Rides: The Bat; Backlot Stunt Coaster; Flight of Fear

Mid-Tier Rides: Racer; Adventure Express

Weaker Rides: Flying Ace Aerial Chase; Invertigo; Woodstock Express; The Beast