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.

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.

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.