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

[Dave]

I had a reclusive season due to money and personal problems

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

Well I didn't set any otherwise I would've got too dissapointed, but I did try to reach 100, but this didn't work out for a few reasons.

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year?
Roller Coaster at Great Yarmouth was quite quirky and fun!

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?
No.

How many and/or which parks did you visit?
Thorpe Park, Sandham Rides, Blackgang Chine, Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, Joyland, Pleasurewood Hills

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?
Probably the day me and Jordan whored the Yarmouth area, was a fun day.

What was the biggest surprise of the year?
That boomerangs are essentialy hangover machines, eurgh.

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?
Personally I think Anubis shows what Gerstlauer can really do and can challenge other parks, as well as Blue Fire!

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?
Not being able to go to the FL/LWV Live because I was ill

 

[Rach]

Did you reach the coaster count goal that you set at the beginning of the season?
The only goal that I set myself coaster count wise was to reach 100, which I did. I got bonus coasters that I didn't think I would like the Isle of W00t and Portsmouth parks.

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year?
Mumbo Jumbo. That and Saw were the only 'bigger' rides which I rode this year that were new to my count. I really liked it.

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?
Saw & Mumbo Jumbo

How many and/or which parks did you visit?
Alton Towers x8
Thorpe Park x3
Pleasure Beach Blackpool
Gullivers Warrington (for like half an hour)
Camelot
Paultons Park
Twinlakes
West Midlands Safari Park
Flamingoland
Lightwater Valley
Legoland Windsor
Chessington WoA
Isle of W00t Parks
Portsmouth Parks

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?
Isle of W00t without a shadow of a doubt and not just because it was my birthday. I actually forgot it was my birthday for most of that trip!
Most of the Lives, only one I didn't really like was West Midlands/Alton.

What was the biggest surprise of the year?
My biggest surprise has to be the quietness of Thorpe for GF. That was easily one of the best Live days of this year.

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?
Saw
Not for my own reasons, but for the parks benefit

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?
Nothing has really disappointed me this year. If I had to say something though it would be Thorpe's "opening" day.

 

[Gazza]

Did you reach the coaster count goal that you set at the beginning of the season?
I'm not really into that whole thing, Though I thought I was going to get over 100, but I'm one short at the moment.

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

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

How many and/or which parks did you visit?
-WB Movie World
-Sea World
-Whitewater World
-Wet 'n' Wild
-Alton Towers
-Blackpool Pleasure Beach
-Thorpe Park
-Chessington
-Legoland Windsor
-Adventure Island
-Wild Wadi

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?
Finally setting foot in Alton Towers. The park didn't dissapoint, and it was great to meet a couple of CFers (Furie & Rach)

What was the biggest surprise of the year?
I found Blackpool pretty surprising. Many of the rides look old and nothing too special, but there were heaps of surprise ones that were among the most 'fun' I have ridden.

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?
I think Manta, it just does everything it is supposed to do very well.

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?
In the local stakes, its the fact that we have had no new rides open between the 5 major Gold Coast parks this year...Just a new pirate show and a new train for Corkscrew at Sea World.

 

[andrus]

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

Well this was my first year as an "enthusiast" (still not considering myself one hence I only visit a few parks a year and I don't count coasters, I just enjoy riding them ). So everything is quite new and exciting, never been to a "real" theme park before, only visited the scandinavian ones.. So although I'm way outrivaled in this forum I still think I had a great year!

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 have a goal, so I guess I beat it by far! :lol:

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year?
Dragon Khan; pure magic!

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?
SAW which was ok (except for the horrible restraints) and the new flat ride Vertigo at Tivoli Gardens which was absolutely awesome/crazy!

How many and/or which parks did you visit?
The following in consecutive order of my personal liking:
1. Port Aventura
2. Heide Park
3. Thorpe Park
4. Alton Towers
5. Tivoli Gardens

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?
Approaching Port Aventura seeing Dragon Khan and Hurakan Condor in the distance. And then to enter my first "real" park, that was exciting for sure!

What was the biggest surprise of the year?
Stampida. It get kind of bad reviews (eg 6 at CF) and it's overshadowed by at least three other rides in the park, so I really didn't expect much. But what a great ride! The out-of-control feeling is superb and it deliver some good airtime and duelling moments as well!

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?
Blue Fire, no doubt! A big Park like Europa needs at least some thrilling ride, they were desperate for something like Blue Fire. And by the reviews it seem great! I just hope Europa continiue and adds a couple of more thrill rides..

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?
Nemesis and Colossus (Thorpe). Nemesis is by no means a bad ride, but it's definitely not as fabolous as everyone says it is.. Colossus on the other hand is utter crap!

And anything else you might want to add.
Since this was my first season and all of the rides in my top ten are new, I found it proper to post it here too!

1. Dragon Khan
2. Stealth
3. Colossos (Heide)
4. Stampida
5. Furius Baco
6. Desert Race
7. Oblivion
8. Nemesis
9. Air
10. Rita QoS

If I would have included flat rides in my list Scream at Heide would be in place four instead of Stampida. Vertigo at Tivoli Gardens and Slammer at Thorpe would probably also make it in the top ten hence I at least rank them above Nemesis, Air and Rita..

 

[Steven]

Short and sweet as I am half way through collating all my records.

Did you reach the coaster count goal that you set at the beginning of the season?
Yes and went above still collating my results from all the park maps.

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year?
X2 end of.

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?
Yes but cannot remember which ones actually count. Saw I know is a deffo possibly Fluch von Novgord (sp) and others which I just cannot rember when they opened.

How many parks did you visit?
Looking at my maps over 20 but not higher than 30. Most of them new.

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?
SFMM Every single coaster there front row and re-rides all in one day. That is basically 15 roller coasters + re-rides + other ride I went on. *Whorage!*

What was the biggest surprise of the year?
X2

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?
Saw (Mind you I think every one will agree)

And anything else you might want to add.
Bring on next year.

 

[Rush]

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

Can't remember but I knew I wasn't going to get many "credits" and I only managed to increase my count by seven, but I don't really mind. More out there for another season.

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

Alpengeist. Wow, it blew me away. I never realised how intense a ride could be. Griffon and Apollo's Chariot were pretty awesome as well.

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?

Two - Saw and Grover's Alpine Express. Saw wasn't bad and Grover's was your average kiddy.

How many and/or which parks did you visit?

Thorpe x5
Chessie
Busch Gardens Europe x2

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?

Being in Busch Gardens.
Having an awesome trip to Thorpe in April with a few CFers.

What was the biggest surprise of the year?

When my parents told me we would be going about 200 miles out of our main holiday intinery to visit Busch.

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?

Fluch von Novgorod. I don't think it was the best ride built in 2009 (that would be Blue Fire) but I think it has done wonders for Hansa and it's liked lots. Anubis looks like it's done excellent as well.

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?

Not many, I suppose Saw's opening day cock-up but it was good to meet a few people on here. Also probably telling myself to get to Alton and not actually doing so!

And anything else you might want to add.

2009 has been a good season for me. As someone who doesn't visit a lot of new parks I think I've been bloody lucky to go to Busch. Next year I already have at least one Alton trip planned and hopefully I should have some more flexibility if I pass my driving test too. Hopefully should be able to make it to another Live as well.

 

[Nemesis Inferno]

Did you reach the coaster count goal that you set at the beginning of the season?
I hit 200 and got on TTD, two big goals for me in coaster terms...

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year?
It's very close considering the amount of quality rides I went on in America, especially against the only new British coaster, but it would defo be my now number 3, Beast at Kings Island, no other experience like it in the back row at night...

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

How many and/or which parks did you visit?
Alton Towers
Thorpe Park
Chessington World of Adventures
Adventure Island
Disneyland Paris
Hersheypark
Kennywood
Cedar Point
Kings Island
Dollywood
Busch Gardens Europe

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?
Aside from my whole VIP tour of Kings Island (which I would recommend highly to many people who are visiting for a day in busy seasons), the entire America trip was certainly awesome... Especially the feeling after TTD of pure adrenaline rush for over 30 minutes...
Disneyland Paris and Alton with Kara were both just as awesome, it's a difficult call indeed... May be tempted by Disney because I love it and enjoyed taking Kara to her first Disney park...

What was the biggest surprise of the year?
Phantom's Revenge... I didn't expect much from it, with past experience of Hypers, but it is definitely the best out there in my book, more Morgans please!

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?
I would say Blue Fire looks awesome, and Mumbo Jumbo looks like it could help Flamingoland a bit more... But with a lack of new '09 rides for me, it's not my place to really say...

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?
Not getting to operate Fury (and Vampire for different reasons)...
Not too fussed about not doing too many parks because I just don't mind that much these days...

And anything else you might want to add
Not a lot tbh, I'm mainly hoping that the future is bright for the park close of my heart, Chessie of course, and Kobra next year will hopefully bring the wave of awesome... I've got bigger enthusiasm and interest of that than SW6... :roll:

 

[Snoo]

Beast at Kings Island, no other experience like it in the back row at night...

As UC said and I know you'll agree, Beast at night is something every coaster enthusiast should experience at least once. Such a unique and fun experience even if the ride isn't exactly an amazing one.

 

[rollermonkey]

Beast at Kings Island, no other experience like it in the back row at night...

As UC said and I know you'll agree, Beast at night is something every coaster enthusiast should experience at least once. Such a unique and fun experience even if the ride isn't exactly an amazing one anymore.

Yeah, that's better.

 

[Nemesis Inferno]

Beast was awesome sauce... It's like the Ultimate's second half for the entire thing... Hence it is amazing...

 

[The Grape Wizard]

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

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year?
Montu, back row. Immense.

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?
Nope bummer

How many and/or which parks did you visit?
Alton x 21
Seaworld FL
Islands of adventure
Universal FL
All Disney world parks
Milky Way Adventure Park
Busch Gardens

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?
Last day of the season at towers, RMT with the choo choo lady :--D or Florida.

What was the biggest surprise of the year?
Seeing how SW6 has come along or how good Montu was.

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

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?
The Hulk or SheiKra


I haven't had one bad day at a park all year :--D . Apart from Animal Kingdom when i was really ill.

 

[ECG]

Did you reach the coaster count goal that you set at the beginning of the season?
No. Bummer. I set a really high goal of 400 & came up 4 short. I would have had them if my supervisor hadn't been a prick & denied my vacation request. Snoo Snoo, the Kid & I could have gone to Worlds of Fun & ridden Prowler, but we had to cut the trip short by a few days. My supervisor got in loads of trouble for denying my request when I returned from the trip, but a lot of good that did. :roll:
Still I did get to ride 186 new-for-me coasters, which actually exceeded last year's count by 50!

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year?
Piraten was great, as was El Toro at Plohn, as was Golaith at Walibi World, as was Colossus at Heide, as was Blue Fire, as was Manta, but I would have to say the best was Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket. All the ones I mentioned are fantastic, but HRRR is just so different from anything else I've ever ridden that I have to give it this honor, even though it isn't as high as some of the others in my coaster rankings.

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?
A few: Grover's Alpine Express, Diamondback, Tornado, Fluch von Novgorod, El Toro, Blue Fire Megacoaster, Terminator Salvation: The Ride, Manta & Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket.

How many and/or which parks did you visit?
Total of 64 as follows:
Adventuredome
Astroland
Bakken
Beech Bend
Belantis
Busch Gardens Tampa
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Canadas Wonderland
Carowinds
Casino Pier
Cedar Point
Disneyland
Disney's California Adventure
Djurs Sommerland
Dollywood
Dorney Park
Erlebnispark Tripsdrill
Europa Park
Family Kingdom
Farup Sommerland
Freizeitpark Plohn
Funtown Pier
Gillian's Wonderland Pier
Great Escape
Hansa Park
Hard Rock/Freestyle Music Park
Heide-Park Soltau
Hersheypark
Holiday Park
Holiday World
Indiana Beach
Karolinelund
Kennywood
Kings Dominion
Kings Island
Knoebels Amusement Park
Knott's Berry Farm
Lake Compounce
Marineland
Martin's Fantasy Island
Michigan's Adventure
Morey's Piers
Movie Park Germany
Myrtle Beach Pavilion
Old Town
Pacific Park
Phantasialand
Playland Park
Playland's Castaway Cove
SeaWorld Orlando
Six Flags America
Six Flags Great Adventure
Six Flags Great America
Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Six Flags New England
Six Flags Over Georgia
Six Flags St. Louis
Tivoli Friheden
Tivoli Gardens
Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Islands of Adventure
Waldameer
Walibi World

That doesn't include 3 German fairs & Las Vegas baby!

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?
The entire Euro Live was fantastic as were the before & afters. The German fairs were awesome, the nights at the Billabong Bar were outstanding, the SCAD Tower exploits were unforgettable & riding Expidition GeForce with two of my German buddies who had never been on a coaster was classic, but the highlight of the year has to have been furie's visit & the time we spent together. w00p

What was the biggest surprise of the year?
There's Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket (as I was expecting it to me meh & it wasn't) & El Toro at Plohn (never expected to have so much packed into such a small coaster - especially after the disappointment of Kentucky Rumbler & Evel Knievel - Terminator Salvation as well, even though that came later), but the biggest surprise is Götterflug, the new ride at Belantis. It's one of the craziest rides I've ever been on & I never saw it coming. Thanks loefet for bringing it to my attention & I'm so glad we changed our plans to get that in. More parks need these wonderful little flying machines.

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?
Again HRRR - Universal Studios Florida is nothing without it. Honorable mention goes to Manta & El Toro for the same reason as SeaWorld is much better now & Plohn is actually worth going to. Blue Fire isn't as critical for Europa Park, but what an addition!

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?
There's the disappointment of not being able to go to Worlds of Fun I mentioned & the letdown caused by Kingda Ka's & Stormrunners closures during furie's visit, but the biggest bummer has to be Ring°Racer breaking down 2 days before our arrival.

And anything else you might want to add.
It was quite a year & actually managed to top 2008 (something I didn't think could be done). I don't know how 2010 can outdo 2009, but you never know as this year proved.
I also want to take a moment & thank all you you who were at the Euro Live & made Aidan & I feel so welcome. I can't say enough about how great you treated us & we can't wait to see you all again.

 

[LiveForTheLaunch]

There's Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket (as I was expecting it to me meh & it wasn't) & El Toro at Plohn (never expected to have so much packed into such a small coaster - especially after the disappointment of Kentucky Rumbler & Evel Knievel - Terminator Salvation as well, even though that came later), but the biggest surprise is Götterflug, the new ride at Belantis. It's one of the craziest rides I've ever been on & I never saw it coming. Thanks loefet for bringing it to my attention & I'm so glad we changed our plans to get that in. More parks need these wonderful little flying machines.

Since when did you think Evel Knievel was a disappointment? I remember you saying you liked it quite a bit when we were actually riding it. I understand Rumbler, because you said you didn't think it was all that when we were there, but you did say you liked Evel.

Also, no mentions to the USA Live in your highlights? Shame.

 

[ECG]

If you recall, Aidan & I skipped re-riding Evel with Snoo & yourself. I didn't say I didn't like Evel, it was just a little disappointing compared to what it could have been (more like El Toro). I didn't mention it at the time because you two were enjoying it so much & I didn't want to put a damper on your fun. That's just the way I am. :wink:
As far as the US Lives, yes they were lots of fun as were the add-ons. I also really enjoyed our Midwest trip together, but they didn't compare to the highlights I mentioned. If you could have come to Europe with us you would understand & having furie as my guest in May just couldn't be beat. Sorry.

 

[LiveForTheLaunch]

If you recall, Aidan & I skipped re-riding Evel with Snoo & yourself. I didn't say I didn't like Evel, it was just a little disappointing compared to what it could have been (more like El Toro). I didn't mention it at the time because you two were enjoying it so much & I didn't want to put a damper on your fun. That's just the way I am.

Oh, I thought you just skipped it because you wanted to take pictures on the choo choo, not because you were disappointed .

And it's okay, I understand, my company is not up to par with SCAD towers. I will cry myself to sleep tonight .

 

[Anac0nda]

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year?
Insane - Gröna Lund. By FAR. Then again, I didn't ride that many new coasters this year.

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?
As I mentioned above: Insane.

How many and/or which parks did you visit?
Linnanmäki x13
Särkänniemi x3
Gröna Lund x1

and two very small travelling funfairs.

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?
Insane and FrittFall TILT. I love Intamin freefalls, and Insane was just purely insane! It was something far beyond from what I expected.

What was the biggest surprise of the year?
As stated above: Insane!

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?
Extreme - Gröna Lund (Mondial Top Scan). I had remembered it to be a great ride, but it was way too much lat G's for me.

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?
My home park Linnanmäki added an Enterprise, which I liked. Not that big an addition, but hey, at least it's nearby. :wink:


All in all, a great year. Especially because I got to work as a ride-op for the whole summer! And hopefully the next one as well.

 

[Naemuti]

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)?

I didn't make a goal, but I've been on 57 coasters now (according to Coaster Fanatics, which does things I disapprove of such as counting flumes and-dual tracked rides as two rides), so I guess I'm doing better than I was last year. I probably won't get very many (if any) new credits for a while. Not that I'm a whore anyways; I prefer having a small quality collection of coasters than 200 Big Apples (and I don't ride kiddie rides to begin with ).

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

MAVERICK. MOTHER BONKING MAVERICK. I found a new #1 coaster this year in that ride. I've never ridden something that managed to have such an varied, fun, and intense layout all in the same ride. I got on it three or four times as well.

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?

Nope, but I did ride Bizzaro, which was refurbed this year. If that counts for anything. :wink:

How many and/or which parks did you visit?

I went to my usual; two trips to SFNE, one to GAdv, and a new park, Cedar Point. I wanted to go to Canobie, not having gone in quite a few years, but I didn't make it. And I still haven't been to Lake Compounce.

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?

Getting off Maverick for the first time. I'm going to stroke this ride's phallus a lot, but it was great. Aside from Maverick, I think riding Skyhawk four times in a row was also great fun. :--D

What was the biggest surprise of the year?

They didn't butcher Space Mountain at all. In fact, from what I've seen, I think it looks better; aside from them removing the star map, and killing the TTA spiel, at any rate. :roll:

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?

I don't know, seeing as I didn't ride anything really "new" for '09.

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?

Magnum. Holy Jesus, that ride is not only NOT filled with delicious airtime, it's pretty painful and really needs to go. I don't understand why people like this ride and Gemini. I'd even hazard that at points Magnum is exponentially more painful than Mean Streak; particularly on the last camelbacks in the on-wheel seats of the last car.

And anything else you might want to add.

:GMC:

 

[DropZone99]

Did you reach the coaster count goal that you set at the beginning of the season (can't find that topic at the moment)?
No.

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

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

How many and/or which parks did you visit?
Kings Island 11 times, Cedar Point 1 time, Indiana Beach 1 time... Not a good season for me.

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?
Not sure, possibly riding Diamondback many times without getting off the train at 1am. or maybe riding Drop Zone countless times in heavy fog on a rainy morning? Or maybe my first visit to Indiana Beach ever? Or how about waiting over 2 hours to ride Millennium Force in the sleet.

What was the biggest surprise of the year?
That the one time I actually got to go to CP this season, I went on an extremely busy, cold, windy, rainy day and didn't get to ride much.

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?
Diamondback at KI.

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?
Not getting to go to all the parks I wanted to.

 

[Mr Nash]

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

No,because I never really set a goal,then I don't set myself up for disappointment.Any new credits are just a bonus.

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

Without a doubt,Dragon Khan.My new number 1 coaster,it was everything I was expecting and more.

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?

Yes,Saw-The Ride.

How many and/or which parks did you visit?

Bit of a poor year really,apart from Port Aventura,it was just Thorpe Park,which I did about 7 or 8 times.

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?

Getting to Port Aventura,fantastic place,I just loved the whole package,great atmosphere,great themeing.Plus of course,finally riding the Khan.

What was the biggest surprise of the year?

Actually having fun at Thorpe Park,apart from one disappointing trip,every other visit flowed perfectly,my opinion of Thorpe completely changed this year,every fun day I had there just made me want to go back again,and I never thought I'd hear myself saying that. :lol:

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?

Probably Saw,it can be fun when you're with the right people,and just learn to take it for what it is.

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?

Lack of different park visits for one,Furius Baco was a major let down,really wanted so much more from it,but it was just so painfull and violent.

 

[Kebab]

What was the best new-for-you coaster you rode this year?
Hmm. It has to be Vortex at Siam Park City, it really surprised me how great it was for an SLC! Shame it's on the other side of the globe.

Did you ride a coaster that opened in 2009?
Did SAW: The Ride open this year? I'm losing track

How many and/or which parks did you visit?
I think it's around five parks, pretty poor for me sadly.

What was your favorite moment of the 2009 season?
Visiting Siam Park City.

What was the biggest surprise of the year?
I rode an extremely smooth Vekoma SLC!

What was the best addition to a park in 2009?
iSpeed; it looks amazing. I need to get my arse down to Miri.

What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?
Nemesis is beginning to bore me :lol: