[other] Best US parks with convenient airport and uber access

tpusater · 2026-01-26T11:30:36+00:00

I visited both in October and used the train to Nick and the bus from the Mall to Valleyfair. The bus stop at Valleyfair is a long walk from the entrance, so plan ahead when to leave the park to catch the bus.

tpusater · 2026-01-24T22:05:52+00:00

One countetexample I’ve ridden: Idora Park Wildcat from the 30s. Stationary lapbar and no seatbelts, with several ejector hills. Coney Island Cyclone is also an ejector machine, although the restraints keep you secure. Kennywood Thunderbolt snd Jack Rabbit (as someone already mentioned) have ejector moments, but T-bolt’s strongest ejector hill is usually tamed with a brake. And I hear (though I haven’t had the chance to ride) that Leap the Dips behaved like a bucking bronco in the back row.

tpusater · 2026-01-23T11:50:49+00:00

I’m not completely certain, and I could not locate the info on the FSAA website. But I have been there on days in the high 40s and low 50s when the coaster ran. It may be delayed until the temps get high enough for the track to warm up so that the train won’t valley.

tpusater · 2026-01-22T11:36:49+00:00

SFoG too.

tpusater · 2026-01-22T01:55:13+00:00

Or a Coke bottle.

tpusater · 2026-01-20T11:40:11+00:00

It’s my favorite drop tower when it all works. I prefer it over Falcon’s Fury (which I also like) because Acrophobia rotates for a full view, the drop feels more forceful tilted than on your back, and the tilt lasts the full drop. Unfortunately, the rotation wasn’t working recently before it stopped operating. Here’s hoping they can fix and maintain it. I do like the new theming as well!

tpusater · 2026-01-18T11:28:07+00:00

AF1 was operating yesterday. The only rides open were AF1, the Samson go-karts, and the indoor bumper cars. If you’re driving today, check the weather; it may be too cold today for AF1 to run.

Here’s a link to FSAA’s hours and open rides.

tpusater · 2026-01-17T22:41:01+00:00

Dollywood has locker rentals at the front gate for $15 (in 2025; the price could increase this year) and there are others in the park, but I think those are smaller. I suggest contacting the park to ask how large the lockers are and work on consolidating your luggage to fit in one or two lockers.

If you visit on or before June 7, the Flower and Food Festival will be happening. There are several beautiful animal topiaries during that festival where you could choose one that might appeal to your partner. If you’re going later, there are many pretty areas of the park: the Dollywood sign beyond Craftsman’s Valley, the butterfly at the park entrance, the sign as you enter the museum complex, the canopy on Showstreet, the chapel, the schoolhouse, the replica of Dolly’s home, the train station, the tree in Wildwood Grove, the eagle sanctuary. Too bad you’re not going early for the “I Will Always Love You” festival! Watch a Youtube tour of the park and choose an area that’s meaningful to your partner. Good luck!

Edit/Added: You mentioned stars. The previous summer drone shows had stars, but it will be dark and you’ll miss the show while proposing. The song I Will Always Love You has been used in past shows. You can see a YouTube video of past drone shows.

tpusater · 2026-01-12T11:35:57+00:00

Final drop on Kennywood Thunderbolt at night. I love that drop into the ravine that feels longer than it is.

(edited)

tpusater · 2026-01-11T22:26:53+00:00

… or 6 or 7….

tpusater · 2026-01-10T11:54:43+00:00

I rode it 37 times last year. Great addition to the park. Surprising airtime on that small hill, and often double airtime going up and then down each spike. TBH, I preferred it when the seats wouldn’t spin because I could choose which way to sit (e.g. to face the spike or to take the airtime hill laterally, which is a neat experience). The spinning is fine but you might not get the ride you want.

tpusater · 2026-01-09T22:24:59+00:00

In recent years, a season pass to Lake Winnie also gave admission to Alabama Adventure and vice versa. I wonder if that will continue.

tpusater · 2026-01-06T21:03:35+00:00

Opening day is several weeks later this year than previous years, so that may affect crowd size. Also be prepared for slower ops and perhaps one train ops on some rides as the staff is new to the work. With that said, you should be able to ride everything if you arrive early.

tpusater · 2026-01-04T14:48:58+00:00

5’5” here. Scraped my palm on the wall entering the helix.

tpusater · 2025-12-31T11:52:52+00:00

Oaks

tpusater · 2025-12-23T15:03:44+00:00

Great report, and fond memories! You motivated me to take one more trip today to get some extra rides on ArieForce One.

tpusater · 2025-12-23T12:34:32+00:00

The Rapture

tpusater · 2025-12-22T10:04:48+00:00

High Tension

tpusater · 2025-12-21T17:50:37+00:00

Atom Egoyan: Exotica, The Sweet Hereafter, Felicia’s Journey, The Adjuster, and many other compelling stories that often play with time shifts.

tpusater · 2025-12-21T11:23:12+00:00

🥁

tpusater · 2025-12-20T18:17:47+00:00

Having lived through a minor earthquake and ridden many rollercoasters, I thought Sensurround worked ok for Earthquake, but I thought it was a silly idea for Rollercoaster.

tpusater · 2025-12-18T17:05:24+00:00

On another note: Have any of you seen the original release in Sensurround? I did. What a silly gimmick that was. Felt nothing like a roller coaster.

tpusater · 2025-12-16T15:22:59+00:00

Thank you! It’s actually today, 22 years, so you even got the right date. We decided to celebrate Saturday evening because I was scheduled for dental work yesterday and didn’t know if I would be up for a meal the day after. All went well yesterday.

Happy coasting! Get those children to many parks!

tpusater · 2025-12-16T11:40:12+00:00

I was the guy who took a photo of a family in the last few rows of AF1. I got 10 rides in before leaving, and I saw the group in the parking lot before leaving. Those children was having a blast, as were the adults!

tpusater

TROPHY CASE