My life has taken somewhat of a 180 degree turn. I have been able to manage my office time so that I consistently have been able to get out of there by no later than 6:00. I have had to arrive early from time to time, but that usually isn't that big of a deal. I'm down to less than twelve hours a day and I like it. The problem is, though, I've gone from working so hard that I'm tired when I get home to just flat out being lazy.

To be honest, it actually feels good. I kinda like sitting on the couch for three hours straight doing little more than staring at a tv screen. It hasn't really mattered what I've been watching. I did manage to scrape myself off of the couch long enough to go to Phoenix Phall Phunphest at Knoebels on October 5, but I'll save that for later.

For now, there has been a lot of news out there that I'd like to catch up on. So, the PCN Tours of Pennsylvania amusement parks that I still need to get to will have to wait until next time.

Catching Up On The News...

Paramount's Kings Island has announced two of a reported three attractions for next year. Scooby Doo comes to the park in the form of an interactive Sally Corporation dark ride in the former home of the Phantom Theatre. The park will also be introducing Delirium, a Huss Giant Frisbee - the first of its kind at any park. The newer Sally rides have proven to be quite popular at several parks throughout the country, and the traditional Frisbees have also received great reviews elsewhere. A few years ago I applauded Hersheypark for being the one park that has expanded in the proper directions without losing focus of what made the park great to begin with. PKI has stepped up as the park that has done the same thing over the last few years. It has been a wonderful growth to watch and enjoy for the park's loyal fans.

Speaking of expanding, record crowds have led to Holiday World in Indiana announcing three new attractions of their own, including an 80-foot double shot from S&S. Holiday World has long been an enthusiast favorite, but they continue to show that they care about all of the guests that enter. With another addition to the water park, Holiday World has set itself up to see record crowds again next year. I wish the Koch family and everyone at Holiday World another great year in 2003.

A law has been passed in New Jersey that limits the number of G-Forces that will be allowed on thrill rides. So far, the limits do not have any effect on existing rides and do not appear to threaten any rides that may be in the works. This is a subject I have stayed away from this year, although it has become a hotbed of discussion amongst the internet community. Where do we go from here? Will there be more laws and stricter limits down the road? That's the scary thing about all of this. It is hard to imagine that they'll be too much that the government can enforce other than the potential for stricter inspection rules...likely inspections done by people less qualified than those who already do them.

While I'm in the state of New Jersey, Six Flags Great Adventure appears ready to start construction on their own B&M floorless coaster. Reports suggest that the ride will be of a similar design as Superman: Ultimate Flight at Six Flags Over Georgia. Folks in the Midwest need not be jealous, though, as Six Flags Great America in Illinois apparently will be receiving a similar ride.

It has been a difficult year for the Six Flags corporation. Attendance at many parks was lower, including some of the chains' flagships. Earnings have been down throughout the year, leading to investors bailing from the stock at a wild rate. While I may not know much about the internal structure and financial situation of the company, the Six Flags name still has a lot to offer. I don't want to paint an "everything is fine" picture, here, but it will be easier for Six Flags as a whole to pull out of this nasty slump than it would for other parks, as many people still have the wrong idea that Six Flags is "the only game in town". This will help revenues, at the very least. However, for some of the parks that have a reputation of questionable customer service within the chain, the climb back will be more difficult.

Speaking of questionable service, there is no doubt in my mind that Six Flags Worlds of Adventure has been plagued by inconsistent operational policies. I have seen some of it myself. However, SFWOA has almost all of the tools necessary to step up as one of the best parks in the chain and to step up and be a viable option in the Ohio park wars. Will they take the first of those necessary steps in 2003?

It was a quiet year for Six Flags Elitch Gardens in Denver. The opening of a one-of-a-kind flying coaster early this season didn't do much to drum up attention amongst the enthusiast community. It wasn't until two young kids were asked to remove their St. Louis Rams jerseys that the online enthusiasts took notice of the park. Apparently, the number 13 in LA and parts of Denver is associated with gang activity. I don't know exactly how the kids were asked to remove the jerseys, but it is very much possible that it was done to protect them. Even if that wasn't the purpose, the act may have protected the kids nonetheless. You don't want to take many chances these days. Of course, the way the Rams have been playing this season, I wouldn't let the kids wear the jerseys in my park anyway. But that is a different story altogether.

Cedar Fair, on the other hand, has had a good year. I can speak first hand of Dorney Park, where warm weather revitalized Wildwater Kingdom this year. The park plans on expansion for the Waterpark over the offseason, which should bring the people back next year. Did I mention the Dance To The Music show at the park yet in this column?

X has been the subject of discussion all year. The ride was closed for a good part of the summer, but is back up and running. Capacity is an issue. Downtime and maintenance are an issue. However, the quality of the ride has not been much of an issue. With only a few exceptions, the reviews have been wonderful. There may need to be some tweaking needed before we see another of its kind, though. If Arrow isn't around to do the job, we could see another company step up to pick up the project.

While I'm on the subject of coaster manufacturers, Custom Coasters is no more. CCI has folded, but two more companies have risen in its wake. S&S has formed a new wooden coaster division led by the former head of CCI, Denise Dinn. Engineers from within the old CCI have grouped together to form The Gravity Group. S&S will have the early advantage with name quality among parks who had not dealt with CCI, but my speculation is that Gravity will soon step up as the better of the two companies.

Roller Coaster Tycoon 2 was recently released for the PC. I have nothing to say about that. I've only seen the first version for about three minutes before falling asleep, but this wouldn't be a real internet coaster site if I didn't at least mention it.

Phoenix Phall Phunphest began with an exceptional amount of enthusiasm. I spent the entire four-hour period from 6 to 10 at the Phoenix, and I saw all sorts of cheering and hand clapping at the ride early. However, as the event wore on, the enthusiasm died out. This may have been caused by the number of "general public" that was at the event. It sounded like all the enthusiasm was over at the Flyers, and not at the Phoenix.

That should do it for me for now. While you are here, check out the online store and the updated database. I've got two of the clocks that were available and Phunphest and I have to say that they're a great value and a wonderful idea. Christmas is coming sooner than you think. Buy one for a loved one, or leave the computer on this site and make sure somebody in your household sees them and gets them for you! For the record, I have the rollercoasterworld.com and Loch Ness Monster clocks in case anybody was thinking about me. :)

There are only a few more weeks left in the season for most of us in the US, so we'll have to get busy to get what we still want to get in. I know I've had to cross a few parks off of my "must visit" list as the year wears on. So, it is more important now to please take a back seat ride once for me...


                                                                                 Coaster 3:16

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