A Reflection On The 2009 Season - Yes, it's that time again.

[ECG]

The 2009 season is behind us now & it's that time of year to reflect on what a great season it was (or wasn't, depending on how you feel it went for you). Here's the place to let everyone know about how the year went for you and what your opinion is on the following:

Did you reach the coaster count goal that you set at the beginning of the season (can't find that topic at the moment)?

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year?

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?

How many and/or which parks did you visit?

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?

What was the biggest surprise of the year?

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?

And anything else you might want to add.

This is just to get the topic started & I'll be posting a reply as soon as I figure all this out. :lol:

 

[Ben]

Did you reach the coaster count goal that you set at the beginning of the season (can't find that topic at the moment)? I'm three off but the season isn't over yet and I should manage it

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year? X2!

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009? Yep! The best were Terminator and Blue Fire for me <3

How many and/or which parks did you visit? I'm not listing them! There was about 40-50 park days if that gives you an idea?

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season? Having ERT on Terminator at night, or X2 at night! Just going to Magic Mountain <3

What was the biggest surprise of the year? Terminator and Blue Fire <3

What was the best addition to a park in 2009? Terminator and Blue Fire.

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009? Silver Star! And EGF was pretty rubbbbishh </3

 

[CreditCrazy]

Re: A Reflection On The 2009 Season - Yes, it's that time ag

Did you reach the coaster count goal that you set at the beginning of the season (can't find that topic at the moment)?

Wasn't here when that topic was started, but, YES! I was only expecting to get somewhere in the 80's and I'm at 126 (probably 127 by the end of year, Boomers ftw)

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year?

Millennium Force, my current #1 overall.

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?

Yep, Terminator Salvation The Ride (on Media Day) and Diamondback.

How many and/or which parks did you visit?

Knott's Berry Farm
Knott's Berry Farm
Belmont Park
Castle Amusement Park
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Castle Amusement Park
Knott's Berry Farm
Castle Amusement Park
Knott's Berry Farm
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Knott's Berry Farm
Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure
Cedar Point
Kennywood
Kings Island
Coney Island
Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom
Holiday World
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure
Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
California's Great America
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
John's Incredible Pizza Company
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Six Flags Magic Mountain

28 park visits total, there are still a few more to come. 7 of these were new parks.

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?

Probably West Coast Bash (TPR event at SFMM), Terminator Media Day, or Termination Day (another TPR event at SFMM). If I had to pick a favorite out of those three, I'd probably pick Termination Day.

What was the biggest surprise of the year?

Going on a trip! At the beginning of the year it wasn't looking like I was going to but after adding up trip costs and saving up, I could afford my 8 day Midwestern Trip to Cedar Point, Kennywood, Kings Island, Coney Island, Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom and Holiday World.

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?

iSpeed and Blue Fire look the best (imo).

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?

Diamondback...I was expecting to love it, and while I still liked it, it was definitely disappointing. Same for Voyage.

And anything else you might want to add.

My count went from 70 to 126 and I got 56 new credits.

My trip took everything off my Top 10 except for X2, Goliath and Xcelerator.

I'm also planning on hitting SFDK in December, Boomers (Fountain Valley), and possibly another SFMM or KBF visit.

 

[bezzzzzer]

The 2009 season for me is not over! I bail to Orlando for Christmas and New Year. As a result of this (and the fact we went to California for Halloween) the summer has been quite dull (in terms of theme parks) because it's all coming at once right now.

I did manage to get my 200th coaster this year! It was Knightmare quite unspectacularly, but nevertheless my Coaster Count is now 210 (meaning I've been on around 15 new coasters this year.) The only new coasters were Saw: The Ride and Mumbo Jumbo, of which I prefered Saw: The Ride.

I visited Thorpe Park, Chessington and Legoland (as part of a London trip for a few days, and the Thorpe Live at the beginning of the year), Alton Towers a few times, Blackpool, Pleasure Island obviously, Camelot (1st visit), Lightwater Valley (1st visit) and DLC, KBF and USH for Halloween. I was extremely impressed with Lightwater Valley, quite disapointed with Camelot (when I learnt you shouldn't go to a theme park because it's closing down, because it's probably crap) and had a whale of a time at the Halloween events which I'll get into now!

My favourite moment of 2009 thus far was, without a doubt, HHN at USH. The most fun I've had in absolutley ages! I had such high expectations, and it did not dissapoint at all. Disney's event was good, but obviously more family orientated. Knott's effort was humongus, but you couldn't help but feel things were a bit naff. Universal just owned entirely. Bill & Ted wasn't as good as what I thought it would be, but I presumed that's because it's aimed towards Americans, so obviously they relate to things popular in their culture, like what's on TV and stuff. I wasn't really familiar with a lot of the satire. (I have heard, however, that it was good but not as good as what it usually is.) The mazes were so cool, the Terror Tram was cool, the whole park was cool, my God it was amazing! Something that did shock me, however, was just how close Alton and Thorpe actually are to these Internationally leading Halloween events. I'm very proud of them!

One of the biggest surpirses of the year was probably how amazing HHN actually was. Other things that shocked me was how cool Saw: The Ride was. I wasn't expecting such a funky indoor section, and I thought the coaster section itself wasn't that bad. To be honest, it was a shock in itself to hear Thorpe were going to get a Saw themed coaster. My biggest shock of the year must go to Flamingo Land for getting the World's steepest roller coaster. I never would've guessed that was going to happen!

Something that also deserves a mention is The Ultimate. My first ride on said machine, and it's my number 1 by far (from somewhere who hates to list coasters in order of preferance, but this just shines from the rest by far). My favourite coaster and it's an hour away from my home! I honestly wasn't expecting that!

Best addition to a park in 2009? If Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket actually worked properly and pulled off everything like it was supposed to I reckon that would be up there, for innovative and funky reasons, but it's pretty much been a mess. Diamondback and Blue Fire are extremely strong competitors, but from a more personal view I'm going to say the new 'Murphy' dragon for Fantasmic in California. This could really go in the suprise section, but you really don't know how awesome this thing is until you see it in the flesh. It was a fantastic addition to the park (along with Ghost Galaxy, which definately deserves a mention) and brings back a WOW factor for the show, which already has many, but obviously it's good to change things and keep them updated. (I know that had loads of problems over the summer too, so I suppose it looses points there, but....IT REALLY IS COOL!)

Disapointment? I reckon it'll be Knott's Scary Farm. It was worth going to, but I wouldn't go again. I'd rather check out, say, SFMM's scare event instead. I read that it was the second best Haunt event in the world to USF's HHN. This is just wrong.

But the season has been funky, and it hasn't finished! I get the Rip Rod Mess and Manta as new experiences later in the year, along with American Idol (erm....joy?) and.....the new Space Mountain experience! So that'll be cool. But my personal best bit of the year has been California, and am sure it will be by the end of the year. Halloween is my favourite time of year, and for it to be on such scale was just incredible. It's always good to get to Disneyland (especially with Murphy and Ghost Galaxy!) and I hope i can return soon.

Amazing year, next year shall be cool too, with SW6, Saw maze all year round in ENGLAND and a summer trip that shall hopefully take us to Six Flags America, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Kings Dominion for the all mighty Intimidator 305, but only time will tell.

 

[A-Kid]

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year?

Megafobia. Without a doubt.

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?

Sore. First rider.

How many and/or which parks did you visit?

The norm, with Oakie and Paultons bonuses.

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?

13th March. First car of saw with all the cheers from the crowds and management!

What was the biggest surprise of the year?

Megafobia. Good wood.

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?

Looks like Manta.

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?

Well. Saw. What with it generally failing on me on the 12th with the kicker wheel issue, design faults like the trackwork and it lacking the experience I was hoping for.

Speed aswell. Brainshake.

With Eurofighters it seems smaller is better.

The most exciting thing for me is my ride count:


2009 -
Inferno - 137
Rush - 82
Stealth - 117
Saw - 103
Colossus - 43
Vampire x11
Fury x16
Rattlesnake x7
Mine Train x4
Rage x25
Mini mighty x1
Barnstormer x1
Green scream x1
Cobra x2
Stinger x1
Frog x1
Black. Buck x5
Tomb x3
Rammy x5
Sea Dragons x1
Loggers x5
Vortex x6
Slammer x9
Scam x8
X x3
Fish x4
Tidal Wave x2
Rumba x5
Det x11
Quantum x1
Dragons Falls x2
Nemesis - 25
Oblivion - 17
Air - 6
Rita - 9
Spinball - 5
Beastie - 1
Duel - 2
Hex - 1
Congo River Rapids - 1
RMT - 2
Flume - 1
Blade - 1
Megafobia - 10
Speed - 3
Hydro - 2
Bounce - 1
Spooky 3D - 1
Brer Rabbit - 1
Bobsleigh - 1
Treetops - 1
Pirate Ship - 1
Snake River Falls - 1
Plane Crazy - 1
Seastorm x1

717 rides.

 

[AmandaPanda]

Re: A Reflection On The 2009 Season - Yes, it's that time ag

Did you reach the coaster count goal that you set at the beginning of the season (can't find that topic at the moment)?
Sadly not, I still havn't even reached 500, how shocking is that!

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year?
Blue Fire definatly!

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?
Saw, Blue Fire, Mumbo Jumbo AND my biggy, I got to visit my Aunt lou, and that can only mean Disneyland and Magic Mountain, Terminator Salvation! Also I managed to get to iSpeed, which was also brilliant, one of the best in Europe, but Blue Fire is definatly better!

How many and/or which parks did you visit?
Thorpe Park hundreds of times
Alton Towers
Pleasurewood Hills
Miribilandia
Marine World
Canada's Wonderland
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Disneyland California
Miribilandia
Djurs Sommerland
Toverland
Walibi World
Flamingo Land
Lightwater Valley
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Knott's Berry Farm
That's all I can rememeber at the moment.

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?
This is so sad, but me Lu, Ju and our group of friends dancing to 5, 6, 7, 8 by Steps just before Fright Nights on Rocky Express. But probably th emost emmence, was Niagra Viagra! :lol:

What was the biggest surprise of the year?
That I managed to get to California, I had Canada I planned ages a go, and the european parks were abit planned, but California definatly hit number 1 there.

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?
Every park I visited with a new ride benefited from them, except maybe SFMM, as noone seemed to hype very much about it, more so X2 and Goliath which was pretty odd I must admit. But Blue Fire amplified from the rest of them, certainly! I am definatly paying a visit to Europa next year!

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?
That the rest of my family couldn't come with me to Canada, Arizona and California, but school and stuff first obviously! How soppy am I

Did I enjoy Saw: The Ride?
Yes, very much so, I was expecting it to be terrible, after reading the CF reviews, but what I found was, for the UK, it's bloody brilliant! The theming is pretty good, especially considering most parks don't have any themeing like that! The ride layout seemed good, the drops were epic, the queue moves quickly and a very smooth ride!

 

[Error]

Why not? It's good to reflect.

Did you reach the coaster count goal that you set at the beginning of the season?
My goal (I believe) was to break 50. I'm at 66, so I think I did alright.

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year?
Beast for the experience, Diamondback for overall ride.

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?
Diamondback.

How many and/or which parks did you visit?
3 parks, being (In order) Six Flags Great America, Cedar Point, and King's Island.

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?
CF-Live of course!

What was the biggest surprise of the year?
I got to go to all of a live for the first time in nearly 3 years.

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?
That I went to, Diamondback. Overall, not a clue.

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?
Raging Bull. Looked so awesome, but sucked so much. Actually, Six Flags Great America in general wasn't too amazing. But I was lucky enough to not pay for any of it

And anything else you might want to add.
I'm excited for the 2010 season, and cannot wait to meet everyone again for the next live. I love you all so much!

 

[Peter]

I remember in previous years hating reading these topics as everyone always had much higher park visits than me. On average, I would only make about 3 park visits per year. 2008 was a slight improvement and I did 13 park trips, but this year has rocketed up.

Did you reach the coaster count goal that you set at the beginning of the season (can't find that topic at the moment)?

I set myself a target of getting 100 new credits by the end of the year, going from 102 to 202. I'm currently on 209 and may get a few more before the year is out. So yes, I beat my goal, getting 107 credits.

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year?

Probably Piraten, only just though. Honourable mentions also go to Balder, Colossos and Anubis.

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?

Yup! Quite a few too. Saw, Anubis. Fluch Von Novgorod, Mumbo Jumbo, Rabalder and Tornado.

How many and/or which parks did you visit?

In total i've done 41 day trips this year (thats 11.2% of my year spent at Themeparks!) and 42 different parks (some days have done more than 2 parks per day). I'm not going to list them all, but I think i've done every major park in England this year!

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?

Far too many to name! Each ERT session was always a highlight, and of course every CF Live. I tend to prefer smaller meet-ups though, and one of my favourite was actually the Isle of Wight meet.

What was the biggest surprise of the year?

Tornado's lift hill at Bakken. I knew it was going to be fast but not that insane!

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?

I don't know if this is only for parks i've visited this year or for all? I think Anubis was one of the best additions that i've done. There isn't much else at Plopsaland and Anubis really put it on the map - stunning ride and great theming on the station too.

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?

Probably Saw. Ok, the rides not that bad, it was just how Thorpe handled the opening. I went to Thorpe 4 times in the space of 2 weeks to ride Saw - including a enthusiast preview day! A lot of money and time wasted, and once we were on the ride it was no where near as good as it was hyped up to be.

And anything else you might want to add.

Roll on 2010!

 

[Tony]

Very crap season for me. Only managed 2 parks .

Did you reach the coaster count goal that you set at the beginning of the season (can't find that topic at the moment)?

Didn't set a target but didn't get many credits this year, only 8!

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year?

Raging Bull, Six Flags Great America

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?

No

How many and/or which parks did you visit?

Alton Towers x 3
Six Flags Great America x 1

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?

No queues at Six Flags Great America and 3 consecutive days at Alton Towers staying in the Splash Landings hotel.

What was the biggest surprise of the year?

Superman Ultimate Flight, was allot better than what I remembered of Gadv's version. (keep in mind I haven't been on many new coasters this year )

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?

Only been to one new park, Six Flags Great America.

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?

Whizzer being closed and a few other missed credits at SFGam due to them being closed.


I plan to have a better season next year after my exams.

 

[LiveForTheLaunch]

Did you reach the coaster count goal that you set at the beginning of the season (can't find that topic at the moment)?

I set out for 100, and I'm at 125, so I did pretty well. I got 59 new coasters.


What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year?

Voyage made it into my number two spot. Ravine Flyer II, Diamondback, and Beast all made it into my top ten as well, and then there's Phanny and Evel Knievel which almost made it.

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?

Uhh.. Diamondback.

How many and/or which parks did you visit?

Cedar Point x 3
Kings Island
Holiday World
Beech Bend
Waldameer
Kennywood
Michigan's Adventure
Six Flags Great America
Six Flags St. Louis
La Ronde
Canada's Wonderland

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?

I dunno, I had wayy too many. Obviously the Lives were the best, and then the trip I went on with Jerry, Aidan, and Marcus was pretty awesome too. There were a lot of fun out-of-park moments as well though!

What was the biggest surprise of the year?

Gonna say Jack Rabbit and Beast.. Jack Rabbit purely for the fact that I thought it was a kiddie ride yet it had one of the most strongest airtime pops ever, and Beast because I had no idea it would make my top ten or anywhere near it.

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?

Kings Island really needed a signature coaster, so I'm gonna go with Diamondback.

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?

Kentucky Rumbler and La Ronde.. I expected a lot better from Rumbler, and I didn't expect La Ronde to be as.. I dunno, "ghetto" as it was, I guess. Their operations and stuff just weren't up to par, and neither was the atmosphere or most of the coasters for that matter. Goliath wasn't quite as good as I expected it to be either.

And anything else you might want to add.

I'm gonna give some personal shouts here.. Jerry, thanks for all your help throughout the season, because without your hospitality I would not have gone to nearly as many parks as I went to this season. You were more than kind . And Marcus, thanks to you and your mommy and daddy for being so nice to me and welcoming me at your place, because if I didn't have a place to stay those nights, or someone to pick me up at the bus stop, well for one I probably would not have gone to the Live or the trip, and two, if your family didn't go out of their way to pick me up, I'd be stranded in the ghetto </3

 

[silenthillXD]

1. I didn't have a set one but I can immagine it was probably only adding the dragon. ^^ So yeah I beat that!

2. I would say air because of its peacefullness and just general awesomeness!

3. Nope

4. Alton Towers x2
Thorpe Park x2
Chessington
Legoland
(The only reason this is so low is the rest of my family don't appreciate coasters as much as me.)

5. My fave moment has to be the first time on air! Seeing as it was my one of my first "Big" rides I was nervous and when we assumed the position I started to freak out, but on the first drop I realised how peacefull this ride is!

6. The biggest suprise was either how tame vampire appears to have gotten, how intense and mental the swinging ship at chessington is on the back row or how amazing Duel and Hex turned out to be!

7. I would personaly say blue fire. From the looks of it, it provides everything you would want in a ride!

8. I am going to say rattlesnake at chessington. I wasn't expecting it to be scary at all due to the fact it's a wild mouse but I was at least expecting it to be fun! When I watched the POV I thought it looked reasonably enjoyable in the sameway vampire is but alas that would never be possible.


As you can tell I am still a voyeur of the coasters most of the time but next year I hope to start off with nemesis inferno or SW6 which ever I get to first.

 

[DjTommyB]

Did you reach the coaster count goal that you set at the beginning of the season? Nope. I was aiming for 100 but I'm only at 95 so just 5 off my target grrr.

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year? Alot of people may disagree with me but I'm gonna say Saw..

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009? Just Saw I think. Would of been Mumbo Jumbo aswell but it was shut on my visit. :roll:

How many and/or which parks did you visit? Chessington, Disneyland Resort Paris, Fantasy Island x2, Flamingo Land, Legoland, Lightwater Valley, Pleasure Island, Thorpe Park and Twinlakes.

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season? Umm dunno, having my first ever evacuation which was on The Ultimate? Oh and my trip to Disneyland Paris after not going for 6 years so I was really looking forward to riding Tower of Terror.

What was the biggest surprise of the year? No breakdowns when I went to Thorpe in July. Only ride shut all day was Tidal Wave but that didn't really bother me as it was a cloudy day and plus I only queued 45 minutes for Saw which is really good I think considering it had 3 hour queues earlier in the year.

What was the best addition to a park in 2009? Umm I'll come back to this one.

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009? Not riding Mumbo Jumbo due to it having technical difficulties on my visit.

Yeah that's pretty much it.

 

[tks]

Well the year started off in utter dire fashion at Thorpe Park in March where I possibly had the worst park experience ever. Only CF made it slightly bearable.

Went to Luna Park in Sydney, that was fun. April time.

Then a massive gap until the live at Flamingoland, then Alton Towers with Vadge, the Isle of WOOT, Alton Towers again and GF (Chessington).

Best times? Isle of WOOT trip being non stop laughter (apart from hangover morning) Travelodge room of gay and glowstick fights.

 

[RCF]

Did you reach that coaster count goal set at the beginning of the season?
No it was originally at least 15 cuz I knew we aren't very spendy right now and I didn't reach it.

The best new for you coaster of the year?
Most definitely Superman: Krypton Coaster. This was easily the best floorless I've ever ridden, and cracked my number 2 spot.

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?
Yes I rode Diamondback

How many and/or which parks did you visit?
I visited 3 and they were Six Flags Over Texas, Kings Island, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas

What was your favorite moment of 2009?
By far when we were going down the drop of Diamondback in the very back row. But S:KC is very close.

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?
The ones I went would be Diamondback (as it was the only one that had a new addition)

Biggest disappointment of 2009?
Probably Rattler. Although I had a lot of fun on it, it was horribly rough and beat the **** out of me.

Random Stuff
I just wanted to add that this was one of the best seasons getting to ride all the rides at Kings Island again, and for riding the rides at SFFT for the first time (especially Superman :wink: ) And there's nothing like Ol' Six Flags Over Texas, although we didn't get to ride Texas Giant and we won't be able to for two more years.

 

[Antinos]

Did you reach the coaster count goal that you set at the beginning of the season?

All I wanted to do was to break 200, and I did it.

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year?

Hands down El Toro. I don't think anything needs to be mentioned there.

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?

Diamondback of course, Muntanya Russa(I think it opened this year), and Bizarro if you want to push it.

How many and/or which parks did you visit?

I visited Parque De Atracciones, Tibidabo, Parc Asterix, Cedar Point, King's Island, Michigan's Adventure, Busch Gardens Europe, King's Dominion, Six Flags America, and Six Flags Great Adventure.

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?

My favorite moments in this order:

1. CF live and being able to be with everybody
2. Watching the chain drop in front of El Toro's entrance
3. Walking under Griffon to it's entrance

What was the biggest surprise of the year?

The biggest surprise of the year to me was Apollo's Chariot. I wasn't expecting what it delivered in my five rides.

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?

Hands down Diamondback. The ride is gorgeous and is extremely fun, something KI really needed.

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?

Biggest disappointment...That's a tough one. I'll throw out three that I can't decide between:

1. Not being able to go to Holiday World and Kentucky Kingdom
2. Finding out that PdA's "new for 09" coaster wasn't even built yet
3. Not getting as many rides on Muntanya Russa as I hoped for


It was a great season though. I can't wait for next year!

 

[Brookes]

Did you reach the coaster count goal that you set at the beginning of the season (can't find that topic at the moment)?

I set my self an optomistic goal of reaching 80 which was possible, but I didn't reach it but was only 3 off with 77. 33 new coasters for me this year though, the most I've done in one season so far.

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year?

Definitely Montu it took my breath away it was amazing.

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?

Saw was a good addition I thought, not as good as the other coasters at Thorpe though.

How many and/or which parks did you visit?

Alton Towers x16
WDW – Magic Kingdom
WDW – Epcot x3
WDW – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
WDW – Disney’s Animal Kingdom x2
Universal Studios
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Sea World x2
Busch Gardens
Thorpe Park
Pleasure Beach Blackpool x2
Milky Way

So 32 visits to parks for me this year absolutely fantastic!

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?

There have been many I've had loads of fun at Alton this year especially the last day of the season, but Florida was incredible. Think I'm going to go for Busch Gardens what a brilliant day that was.

What was the biggest surprise of the year?

I think I'm going to say Everest or Mummy. Montu was a surprise at how good it was but I was expecting something in the first place whereas Everest or Mummy I expected nothing and they were brilliant. Going go for Everest.

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?

I only rode Saw but on looks I think Blue Fire.

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?

Gwazi I didn't realise how bad it would be.

And anything else you might want to add.

I've had a brilliant first proper season and I hope I can go to even more parks next year.

 

[Hixee]

Did you reach the coaster count goal that you set at the beginning of the season (can't find that topic at the moment)?
Unfortunately not. I didn't manage to get to the northern parks I wanted to get to. Next year maybe...

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year?
Mammut at Gardaland. I know it's not the most forceful or intense coaster out there, but it was a lot of fun, and we had plenty of laughs riding it.

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?
Sadly not this year...

How many and/or which parks did you visit?
I only managed to get to four parks this year. It's been far to hectic for any more than that. They were:

Paultons Park
Parc Asterix
Gardaland
Alton Towers

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?
Seeing people **** themselves when the restraints don't lock on Sequoia Adventure. They only lock in the section just before the train leaves the station, but they load the trains all the way down the length of the station. I know it sounds a bit boring, but you'd be surprised how funny it was.

What was the biggest surprise of the year?
How good Sequoia Adventure was. I thought it was going to be a pain-machine, but it turns out it was really fun.

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?
Not sure there was one for me...

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?
Goudurix. It wasn't anywhere near as rough as it's claimed to be.

 

[Pokemaniac]

Did you reach the coaster count goal that you set at the beginning of the season?
Well, my goal was to break 15. I ended up with 17. Percentage-wise, that's quite good.

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year?
Balder, with honourable mentions to Stealth and Nemesis Inferno.

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?
Nope. I saw both Saw and Rabalder (and HangHai if that counts), but due to queues, I didn't bother with them. SpinSpider is new, though, and I rode it in the opening week.


How many and/or which parks did you visit?
Thorpe Park - New this year
TusenFryd x2
Liseberg - New this year

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?
Balder, back seat, dusk.

What was the biggest surprise of the year?
Intimidator305 being announced, or seeing that mystery F1 coaster for the first time. Ride-wise... well, I hadn't heard anything about Samurai before riding, and it was rather good.

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?
Out of those I've been to, SpinSpider. Tranan also looks like a huge lift for Skara, and Lynet really put Fårup on the map.

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?
- Forgetting my Day2-ticket when I went to TusenFryd for the second time, wasting NOK 320 on a new ticket. (That's £32 or $65)
- The HORRENDOUS queues at Thorpe, giving me six rides in seven hours.
- Colossus being closed when I went to Thorpe.
- Being away the weekend CF-ers visited Oslo, with an unused Day2-ticket for TusenFryd still lying in my room.
- Not applying for that quiz program, when it turned out that coasters was a perfectly valid topic and a guy is competing in it now.

And anything else you might want to add.
2010 looks like it's going to be a lot less exciting for me than '09. We have no plans about going anywhere abroad next summer, and I'll be moving away from August on, with a tight budget and even further away from anything park-y. So I'll probably remember 2009 as the best park year for me for a few years. At times, I don't like living in the very outskirts of park civilization. Consider yourselves lucky, Britain.

 

[Mushroom]

Did you reach the coaster count goal that you set at the beginning of the season?

I didn't have a goal as such, just to beat the pants off the 2006 season I had, which I broke my 100 barrier where I started at about 45 and finished 101, this year I started on 152, and finished on 232. So 80 *new* coasters. Broke the 200 barrier AND broke the 200 Steel barrier! 101-200 Steel came between end of June 2008 - mid August 2009

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year?

It would have to be Fluch OR Mumbo Jumbo

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?

Lots; Anubis, Fluch, Saw, Rabalder, Correcaminos Bip Bip, Vértigo, Tornado, Mumbo Jumbo

How many and/or which parks did you visit?/
Adventure Island X3; Alton Towers X6; Thorpe Park X5; Paultons Park; LegoLand; wmsp; Drayton; Särkänniemi; Linnanmäki; Chessington X3; Plopsaland; Liseberg; Tusenfryd; Gullivers Warrington; Blackpool; Camelot; Heide Park; Djurs Sommerland; Tivoli Friheden; Fårup Sommerland; Karolinelund; Tivoli Gardens; Bakken; Hansa Park; Irish Parks (4); Parque Warner; Parque de Attractiones; Flamingoland; Lightwater Valley.
Might have 1 more AI up my sleeve =]

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?
Euro Live =] Finland with 10WaTT and meeting THX there, Sweden/Norway with Peter, and meeting Loefet and his brother there. Epic Ireland trip with Tomatron, lot of waiting and not many coasters lol

What was the biggest surprise of the year?
Falling off that trampoline, and only a couple of people seeing it! And the lack of Health and Safety at most EU parks!

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?
Spin Spider at Tusenfryd. That thing is HUGE!

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?
Parque de Atracciones, the layout was piss poor, and difficult to find where you were going! Coaster Express not operating. 1 last thing: Saw

And anything else you might want to add.

Next year is going to be harder coaster wise as I am running out of big parks!

 

[Anonymous]

Did you reach the coaster count goal that you set at the beginning of the season?
Well I broke 300 this year so I have to be happy with that

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year?
I can name 3 (4) that really gave me a great impression, sure they were all built this year but whatever...
They are:
blue fire Megacoaster - for it's complete awesomeness and insane in-line.
Tele2 Insane - for delivering the craziest ride I have experienced.
Tranan - for giving me the biggest scare in my life of a kiddy coaster
(And also Fluch von Novgorod needs to be mentioned, since it's way better then any other Furofighter I have ridden, and really shows that Gerstlauer is a company to take serious).

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?
Several: blue fire Megacoaster, Delfinexpressen, El Toro, Falcon, Fluch von Novgorod, Rabalder, Tele2 Insane, Tranan, Viktor Vandorm and Wilde Tijger Achtbaan.

How many and/or which parks did you visit?
In order of appearance: Liseberg, BonBon Land, De Waarbeek, Walibi World, Drievliet Family Park, Duinrell, Efteling, Bobbejaanland, Toverland, Mondo Verde, Nürburgring, Wild- und Freizeitpark Klotten/Cochem, Europa Park, Erlebnispark Tripsdrill, Holiday Park, Freizeitpark Plohn, Belantis, Hansa Park, Tivoli Gardens, Bakken, Tusenfryd, Skara Sommarland, Gröna Lund and Kolmårdens Djurpark, meaning 24 different parks in all.

What was your favourite moment of the 2009 season?
blue fire's in-line, back row (or front row for that matter).

What was the biggest surprise of the year?
2 really:
First Goliath at WW gave us an afternoon with sublime rides
Then I finally got the experience that showed that GCI don't build crap rides, even though they are completely capable to screw up rides...

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?
There are several, but blue-fire comes to mind as the best for me.

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?
Same thing this year as the last one we toured Europe...
Expedition GeForce, the most overrated coaster in the world.

And anything else you might want to add.
2009 was a good year in all, but not the best.
I'm really hoping that 2010 is going to be something else, and we have several trips in the works: A tour around the North Sea, Florida (Space Shuttle and Coasters), Singapore and as always Japan to try and catch them all (credits that is), we just have to see if the finances are there to realise some of them...