A man was seen exposing himself and masturbating infront of several young girls at Carowinds Waterpark on Sunday afternoon (July 13th, 2008). Witnesses repeatedly confronted security, however they refused to do anything about the incident.

Todd Rikard, a main witness, approached the man but was then pushed by him, sparking a small scuffle. Rikard responded with a one-hit punch that knocked him out. Police were then called to the scene and he was later taken to hospital.

Pending further investigation, the man will face numerous charges.

X at Six Flags Magic Mountain, introduced in 2001, was a roller coaster that was regularly plagued with problems. It’s innovative nature meant that it constantly attracted large crowds, however thanks to almost daily maintenance problems patrons would sometimes wait up to 6 hours for a ride, particularly during X’s first year of operation.

Six Flags wanted to tackle these issues, so in 2007/2008 the ride was closed for six months for a total revamp, including new trains from the ride design company S&S. The new trains weighed in at some 18,000 pounds lighter than the original trains. Speakers were fitted into the very comfortable seat design that blast fittingly intense music throughout the duration of the ride. Frank Sinatra anyone?

Many visual improvements and additions were also included. A fresh lick of paint, transforming the original pink and yellow to a mean gray and blood red. Two pits are filled with mist when the train dips below ground level and two flame jets shoot — you guessed it — FIRE at passing riders on the final raven turn.

So how does X2 ride compared to the old X? The outside seat will still give you a rougher ride, however this doesn’t take away from the pure intensity and oh my god moments that X2 produces. Plummeting face-first 200 feet towards the ground is something that will never get old. The added effects have definitely made it a better coaster and is worth re-riding over and over. It really is an incredible ride.

Based on scale drawings submitted to the city of Mason, Kings Island will be building a 4,200 feet long Bolliger & Mabillard hypercoaster, due to open in 2009.

The track will span from behind the Eiffel tower, over Rivertown and into an area that is currently woodland. Very little details are available about the coaster’s actual track layout, however rumor’s suggest that it will contain at least three loops. Whether they are vertical or horizontal (helix) loops is not known.

The coaster will run an unspecified number of trains (presumably three) with 8 cars seating 32 people.

Six Flags have begun selling their Big Six Pass at several parks including Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Great America, Over Georgia, New England, Kentucky Kingdom, St. Louis, Great Adventure, Fiesta Texas & Over Texas. The pass offers 6 visits to the park until the end of 2008 - all for the cost of a one day ticket (around $50).

It’s interesting to see Six Flags take this approach. Could it be a sign of decreased annual pass sales? Or simply a scheme to get more people in the gates and rely on souvenir and food profits?

In a week that has already seen a major roller coaster related accident, Cobra at Tivoli Friheden in Aarhus, Denmark derailed late Friday. Four people were hospitalized suffering broken bones. The cause of the accident is unknown, however it is believed that several bolts were replaced hours before the derailment.

The ride was the first roller coaster from the company Ride Tek - I think it’s pretty safe to say it’ll be their last too.

Busch Gardens Europe officially announced on the 4th July, 2008 that they will be introducing the Quick Queue system, Busch Garden’s answer to Six Flags’ Q-bot/Flashpass and Disney’s FASTPASS.

Since the park’s announcement, heated discussions have taken place on a number of theme park forums regarding the actual value of the system. For an extra $24.95, you get priority queuing on Alpengeist, Griffon, Apollo’s Chariot, Escape from Pompeii, Big Bad Wolf, Roman Rapids, Curse of DarKastle, Log Flume, Corkscrew Hill and Kinetix. The kicker is that you’re only able to use the pass once per ride.

I personally think that this system will eventually lead to a considerable amount of complaints from ordinary, normal paying patrons. It’s unfortunate that those with more spending money have priority over those that paid the already overpriced entrance fee to the park.

PRESS RELEASE:

Introducing the all-new Quick Queue: With Busch Gardens’ brand new Quick Queue, you get priority access to the most popular roller coasters, rides and show in the whole park. It’s an awesome way to make the most of your time, whether you’re flipping over Alpengeist, splashing along the Roman Rapids or taking an over-the-top drop on Griffon. Ready to speed up your fun? When we say you get priority access, we mean it. We only sell a limited number of Quick Queue passes per day, so once they’re gone, they’re gone. Simply stop by any admissions window as soon as you get to the park. It’s that easy—and just like Quick Queue, it’s that fast!

Quick Queue pricing:

Add Quick Queue for $24.95 per person (Pass member pricing $19.95 per person). The Quick Queue pass is available for sale at any Busch Gardens ticket window on the day of your visit. Quick Queue Pass is valid on the purchase date only and for priority boarding once for each ride listed above. Not available online or for advance sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is it?

Quick Queue entitles the purchaser to receive Priority Boarding access on the following attractions: Griffon, Alpengeist, Apollo’s Chariot, Escape from Pompeii, Big Bad Wolf, Curse of DarKastle, Roman Rapids, Log Flume, Corkscrew Hill, and Kinetix.

How do I purchase?

Ticket can be purchased at any Admissions Window. The Quick Queue ticket is not available online or for advance sale and is valid on the purchase date only.

What do I get?

A printed ticket giving you access to the Quick Queue ride entrance. Quick Queue entrance location varies per ride.  If you have questions, please see a ride attendant and they will help you.

How do I use it?

Present ticket to attendant at designated Quick Queue entrance. Quick Queue attendants will escort guests to the boarding area. They will also screen all guests to ensure they meet all attraction requirements.

Can I use the Quick Queue ticket on the same ride more than once?

No, Quick Queue access can only be used once per ride, per day.

Can I pick my seat?

No, Quick Queue does not allow you to pick your seat nor give front-of-line access. Quick Queue allows you priority boarding. Attendants will direct you to your priority seating location.

California is a state that is home to many theme parks, including the world famous Disneyland. If you’re on a short vacation or have a tight budget, it can be difficult to choose one park that will keep the entire family happy. Listed below is three of California’s most popular theme parks; Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain. The following will help you decide which theme park is most appropriate for you (click the park’s logos for the cheapest tickets available!).

Disneyland California

Disneyland will always remain a favorite amongst families thanks to it’s huge offering of rides and attractions. While it is not the cheapest park of the three, it will keep the family entertained right throughout the day (or days, depending on how long you stay). It’s sister park, Disney’s California Adventure will keep the daring teens occupied as it’s rides are mostly thrill rides.

Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm, located just minutes down the road from Disneyland, is perfect for a relatively inexpensive day out (in comparison to Disneyland). It offers rides and attractions for all ages, however there are very few attractions where the whole family can enjoy together.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

With over 15 roller coasters, Six Flags Magic Mountain is known as the roller coaster capital of the world. If you’re purely looking for a thrill and aren’t fussed by theming and the overall “experience”, this theme park is for you. Located in Valencia (about an hour from Anaheim), this thrill-seekers haven will keep the daring happy all day long. Contrary to belief, it is becoming a family orientated park with the recent addition of “Thomas Town” in 2008 - an entire section themed to “Thomas the Tank Engine”.

Six Flags Over Georgia has been given the approval to reopen Batman: The Ride following an inspection by state officials after a freak accident which saw the decapitation of Asia LeeShawn Ferguson IV, a 17 year old student that was visiting the park with his church group.

While the ride has met all safety standards, the park has been ordered by the state to increase the number and size of the surrounding warning signs on the two six foot fences that Ferguson scaled.

Going to Disneyland can be an incredibly expensive trip for the family, especially when you factor in admission tickets, accommodation, food, souvenirs and other essential expenses for the typical vacation to The Happiest Place on Earth. To help alleviate your financial worries, here are the top 5 ways to get cheap Disneyland tickets.

• Consider staying at one of the Disneyland hotels. Although they can be more costly over other hotels within Anaheim, the package deals (which includes single and multiple day hopper passes to both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure) will save you a lot of money. Staying at these hotels will also greatly improve your vacation thanks to it’s easy accessibility to the parks.
• Pre-purchase your tickets on the official Disneyland website. You’ll save up to $40 off tickets when you buy 8 days prior to your planned date.
• If you plan on visiting other theme parks within the area (such as Knotts Berry Farm and Sea World), purchase a Southern California City Pass. In addition to a three-day pass to Disneyland, you also get tickets to Knotts Berry Farm, Sea World and San Diego Zoo.
• If you are visiting with someone that has a military affiliation or background, you’ll be able to enjoy huge discounts on Disneyland tickets.
• Browse around on the internet. There are always people that sell their unused or unwanted passes and are almost always willing to give it away for next to nothing. It is a great way to acquire discount Disneyland tickets, especially if you look in the right places such as forums and auction sites.

Our first three months online has seen such incredible growth that we have decided it was necessary to give the site it’s very first makeover. Instead of just finding and selling the cheapest theme park tickets on the web, we will now also cover the industry’s latest news and rumors.

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