Skeletor
Roller Poster
Alright! So I am starting with that better late than never attitude here. I've already visited several parks this summer between a few trips. I'll come back to fill in those reports over a few days as it's basically my first reactions to a ton of major parks.
As for the first one, I'm covering Wild Waves just South of Seattle, WA.
So for those that don't know me, I travel for work around the country every week. I keep my eyes out for jobs that will put me near some coasters and this summer a co-worker and I had been responsible for a series of stores for a clinic that's spread across Seattle. The last few times we were here I noticed Wild Waves, but we weren't able to make it happen because the park is primarily a waterpark and doesn't stay open very late. Luckily, we are back this week and the hours this time of summer keep the park open until 8. Tickets are half price after 4 and so I grabbed my coworker and we headed out on Tuesday evening for an hour and a half of fun.
First up, Wild Thing.
It's an Arrow Loop and Corkscrew from the 80s that was moved from Rhode Island in the late 90s. Obviously there's nothing too special about the model, but I will say it is VERY well taken care of by the park. The paint looks pretty new and its bright colors really make it a nice view from the freeway. The ride itself was extremely smooth for having sat in the very back and they send it around for a second lap every time so that was fun!
Now, to note, this park is situated on the side of a hill and so it has a ton of elevation change. The coasters are also all situated in the back behind the waterpark so that made the long walk back to find Klondike Gold Rusher (a Zamperla Wild Mouse with mine carts) closed, especially disappointing. Granted I didn't have to ride a wild mouse, but I was a little curious about those carts.
Lastly, was the even longer uphill walk to Timberhawk: Ride of Prey which sits beautifully in the trees high atop the park with a view of the surrounding mountainous area.
This ride is so perfect for the park. There's light theming, a nice station, and it's in great shape. The ride itself is one of only four Wooden coasters built by S&S. It was also the first, and the only one not designed by Alan Shilke.
We rode it in the back, front, and then the middle. Each spot provides different airtime moments but the most enjoyable experience for me was certainly the front; there's two good floater spots then come the end of the ride you pick up speed and that brisk PNW air feels great. It's a small ride with no significant drops, but it's a fun coaster that all ages can enjoy and if after 15 years it was still that smooth it's going to remain a good ride for many years.
The ONLY thing that makes me sad is knowing that because it has waterpark hours, Timberhawk will never be available for a night ride through all those trees. I can only imagine how dark it gets up there since there's no lighting whatsoever. I can dream, though.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
As for the first one, I'm covering Wild Waves just South of Seattle, WA.
So for those that don't know me, I travel for work around the country every week. I keep my eyes out for jobs that will put me near some coasters and this summer a co-worker and I had been responsible for a series of stores for a clinic that's spread across Seattle. The last few times we were here I noticed Wild Waves, but we weren't able to make it happen because the park is primarily a waterpark and doesn't stay open very late. Luckily, we are back this week and the hours this time of summer keep the park open until 8. Tickets are half price after 4 and so I grabbed my coworker and we headed out on Tuesday evening for an hour and a half of fun.
First up, Wild Thing.
It's an Arrow Loop and Corkscrew from the 80s that was moved from Rhode Island in the late 90s. Obviously there's nothing too special about the model, but I will say it is VERY well taken care of by the park. The paint looks pretty new and its bright colors really make it a nice view from the freeway. The ride itself was extremely smooth for having sat in the very back and they send it around for a second lap every time so that was fun!
Now, to note, this park is situated on the side of a hill and so it has a ton of elevation change. The coasters are also all situated in the back behind the waterpark so that made the long walk back to find Klondike Gold Rusher (a Zamperla Wild Mouse with mine carts) closed, especially disappointing. Granted I didn't have to ride a wild mouse, but I was a little curious about those carts.
Lastly, was the even longer uphill walk to Timberhawk: Ride of Prey which sits beautifully in the trees high atop the park with a view of the surrounding mountainous area.
This ride is so perfect for the park. There's light theming, a nice station, and it's in great shape. The ride itself is one of only four Wooden coasters built by S&S. It was also the first, and the only one not designed by Alan Shilke.
We rode it in the back, front, and then the middle. Each spot provides different airtime moments but the most enjoyable experience for me was certainly the front; there's two good floater spots then come the end of the ride you pick up speed and that brisk PNW air feels great. It's a small ride with no significant drops, but it's a fun coaster that all ages can enjoy and if after 15 years it was still that smooth it's going to remain a good ride for many years.
The ONLY thing that makes me sad is knowing that because it has waterpark hours, Timberhawk will never be available for a night ride through all those trees. I can only imagine how dark it gets up there since there's no lighting whatsoever. I can dream, though.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
