10 replies to this topic

[Outerlimits659]

Over the weekend I took my first 2010 season trip to KD. There was one main purpose for this trip: to ride the spectulated, controversed and raved about I305. More on that in a moment.

I arrived at the park as the national anthem was played. After processing my season pass I headed into the park, down International Street and to the rope to wait for the rest of the park to open. The weather did look threatening and drizzled ever so slightly as I waited for the park to open but it most certainly kept the crowds at bay-I was one of the first people at the rope. After about 15 minutes the gate was opened and the small crowd and I were escorted by a security guard down to the Congo. All I saw walking down was the insanely tall, thin tower that was I305. I arrived at the entrance area and to be honest I loved the entire setup of the area-it was pretty much it's own section of the park. The most beautiful sight of all was the next to empty queue line and station. I went straight for the front and waited about 4 trains. It was time.

Let me say that I've been to both Busch Gardens, Islands of Adventure, KD, Wild Waves (not much in the way of credits there but a credit is a credit) and Cedar Point, and I can say that I305 tops them all. What can I say (besides this long wall of text)?? The lift is fast, smooth and provides a great view. The drop is next to a freefall and feels far more than 85 degrees. The turn posessed insane intensity, more so than even TTD. I got large amounts of tunnel vision and pretty much blacked out on this element. Crazy. The airhill under the lift, which recieved many 'too small' comments has airtime that can be compared only to Maverick (for me that is). Then the layout switches up to a twisty, air filled joyride. The first 'twisty' is the most intense and though it can bang your neck, you just need to position yourself correctly. The second airhill's trim brakes are perfectly fine with me and give you some enjoyable floater airtime. The last 'twisty' despite what I've heard, has the least amount of intensity but is still a ton of fun. Then comes the final turn complete with photo section and the most interesting rise on to the brakes I've experienced.

As far as crowds go, the longest line of the day was about 5-10 minutes for the front row. The weather cleared up a bit for the afternoon and I was looking at a virtually empty queue for a 305 foot Intamin Giga. When I go again over Memorial Day weekend (goodbye, empty queue lines) I'll be getting some back seat rides in. Trust me, I just can't head for the back in an empty station unless it's Rebel Yell. A few more things I might mention to close this report:

First off I noticed a towel in the I305 gift shop that had the Carowinds Intimidator logo on it. They just removed the name and put Intimidator 305 on it. Jealous, KD?? I wouldn't be. Second, Backlot's cars are now monochromatic, with no front license plates, windshields, headlights or opening side doors and a seatbelt added to the lapbar similar to FOF's. Which kinda sucked. Third, Volcano has a new paint coat along with Anaconda's brake run (?). The latter and Grizzly have not improved but I swear for some reason that they added more banking to the bottom of Grizz's first drop. Drop Zone is still legit (not as much so as Fearfall). Lines were great for these rides as well (except for Volcano which had a freaking 1 hour wait for the whole day, Wake up people and look next door.). They also reinstalled Hypersonic with a 50's theme to go with El Dorado. It's a bit rough after sitting in the woods but still a good ride.

And now, a ride count for you ride count lovers.

Intimidator305: x10
Flight of Fear: x1
Dominator: x1
Backlot Stunt Coaster: x1
Drop Zone: x1
Grizzly: x1
Anaconda: x1
Rebel Yell: x1
Hypersonic: x1

No Volcano, I won't wait an hour for it when there's I305 right next door.

May have some pics later....

Share your thoughts!!

-OL659-

[Spitfire]

They also reinstalled Hypersonic with a 50's theme to go with El Dorado. It's a bit rough after sitting in the woods but still a good ride.

Hypersonic: x1

Ehhh...? Lol.

Seems like you had fun. Although I don't believe I305 can possibly beat out my favorite coasters, I'm sure it'll be up there.

[BGTKing]

Do the general public think i305 is too intense?

[SFMMCrazy]

Isn't Hypersonic Defunct it says on RCDb.

[pkiknex25]

Way to fail SFMMC... Everyone (by which I mean every real coaster enthusiast) knows its defunct.

Nice joke, OL659. Not too bad of a report either. I'd like to see pictures from you future trips though, if you can.

[SFMMCrazy]

Fudge...I failed for it again.

[Outerlimits659]

Spitfire: Just seeing how well you're paying attention. Also, yeah, I305 is definitely an opinionated ride. You have to really like that kind of coaster to consider it #1. Plus you would probably have to 'learn' to ride it to really enjoy it, and some people don't like that in a coaster.

SFMM: Yes sir, you did.

PKI: Thanks. And I just happen to have those photos right here. With some Volcano, Anaconda and Planet Snoopy extra ones.

















































Any thoughts???

-OL659-

[Sniggeh]

Dayummm!!! I305 looks beast!!!!

Has KD added anything this season other than I305 and Planet Snoopy?

[SFMMCrazy]

Dang, I305 make anaconda look bad.

[lazor 22]

Going late June, can't wait!

[CCI]

^ Me too!
Nice pics. What does the lift feel like? (as in steepness and speed)