Great Ohio Coaster Club

04/04/2025

Spring Fling at Kennywood is on 6-28 and open to members of most recognized coaster clubs. Head over to www.greatohiocc.org to register. We'd love to have all of you join us from all the various clubs for a great day of fun!

04/04/2025

Since the event is about 4 months away, thought I'd repost our August 2nd event at Holiday World. GOCC members (and 1 guest) can join us for morning ERT on Legend/Raven, lunch and a roundtable with park management, walkback tour, and night rides on The Voyage! Head over to the website to register. If you aren't a GOCC member, we'd love to have you join us. Our membership rates are some of the cheapest around - $20 for a single, $25 for a couple, or $30 for a family of up to 6. Hope you can join us in Santa Claus, Indiana on 8-2!

23/03/2025

Roller Coaster season is upon us!

As we are entering into event season at numerous parks that we are a preferred coaster club with, and as we host our own events, we would like to send a general reminder of our code of conduct.

Section 13.09 Membership Code of Conduct
Members shall abide by the following Code of Conduct:

a) Members shall not use their membership to try and/or obtain complimentary or discounted admission, gain special privileges, or access restricted areas within an amusement park, attraction or venue, unless such a benefit is explicitly offered to and valid for members of the club;

b) Members shall observe and abide by all rules and regulations set forth by an amusement park, attraction or venue, and shall abide by all club and other guidelines established during scheduled events;

c) Members shall not engage in conduct harmful or threatening to the interests and purposes of the club, its officers, its members, or its reputation;

d) Members shall abide by the club privacy policy;

e) Members shall abide by all relevant state and federal laws when attending events and club functions.

As a reminder, please ride responsibly and follow all rules of the parks. When registering for a park or club sponsored event as a GOCC club member, or wearing GOCC logo apparel, you are representing our club. Please do not do anything that will disrespect or tarnish the reputation of the Great Ohio Coaster Club.

20/03/2025

Take a ride with me on Rapterra, the new-for-2025 wing coaster at Kings Dominion - The POVs don't do it justice, it is a super fun ride that everyone from young kids to grandpa and grandma will love. Great elements, great theming, and the perfect addition for KD. One video is just my reverse POV, the other is the mix of the reverse POV, regular POV, and drone footage.

Disclaimer - As I said at the beginning, I'm not a screamer or yeller and its pretty boring, but I did try to describe some of the elements for you.

IF YOU CAN GET OUT TO KD THIS SUMMER, DEFINITELY DO IT. THIS THING IS A BLAST.

20/03/2025

2025 Food Offerings coming to Kings Dominion

20/03/2025

Walk through Jungle X-Pedition and at Kings Dominion

20/03/2025

Conquering the Skies - Kings Dominion

20/03/2025

We have & Merchandise - Kings Dominion

20/03/2025

Walk through Jungle X-Pedition at Kings Dominion

20/03/2025

will have a Test Seat and Fast Lane Kiosk installed at the front of the ride as seen! The longer seatbelts are in row 3.



Kings Dominion

20/03/2025

Dollywood Parks & Resorts has added another employment-related award to its list of recent honors by being named a 2025 USA Today Top Workplaces award winner. Dollywood made the list of organizations with more than 2,500 employees.

Millions of employees were surveyed to recognize the top organizations across 65 markets for regional Top Workplaces awards. This award celebrates organizations that have built great workplace cultures with more than 150 employees. The winners of the Top Workplaces USA list were chosen based on employee feedback gathered through a 25-question survey.

Dollywood Parks & Resorts properties are nationally recognized and growing at a tremendous pace. Awards like the Top Workplaces recognition reinforce the brand’s strong reputation for top-notch customer service, an attribute that attracts top talent and further contributes to the company’s thriving culture.

“The awards we’ve received during the last several years really are humbling,” said Susan Loveday, Dollywood Vice President of Human Resources. “We take pride in our host culture, and we seek to provide our team with great benefits that show our appreciation for the work they do to make Dollywood the most unique and welcoming theme park experience in the entire world. When you consider that the results of this recognition are derived from the survey results of our own hosts, it illustrates their belief in our host culture and their pride in the place they work.”

Energage, an organization dedicated to building top workplaces, administers the survey.

Earlier this year, Dollywood was the second-highest ranked travel company on the Forbes’ list of America’s Best Midsize Employers. Dollywood was the only theme park company on the Forbes list as well. Earlier this month, Dollywood also received a spot on Newsweek’s Best Workplaces for Women award, one of only three theme park companies on the list.

Dollywood’s award-winning host experience translates directly to the guest experience. Forbes ranked Dollywood Parks & Resorts in the top 1% (No. 27) of more than 3,000 US brands rated for exemplary customer service for 2024, and late last year, Dollywood was named by Newsweek as America’s Best Customer Service for theme parks in 2025.

Dollywood Parks & Resorts employees receive a variety of unique benefits including 100% free tuition through Herschend’s GROW U. program, access to the Dollywood Family Healthcare Center, and complimentary Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country admission for family and friends. Hosts are provided a free lunch every working shift and also take part in Dollywood’s Park Perks program, which provides free or reduced admission to a large number of regional attractions, theaters and experiences. A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision, is available for qualified full-time employees. Dollywood also pays a portion of childcare costs for hosts whose children are cared for at an Upwards-affiliated provider. Numerous opportunities also are available to help employees develop leadership skills, including an apprenticeship program in conjunction with Walters State Community College.



Source: Dollywood

20/03/2025

At Kings Dominion today for Rapterra media day. Got a front row and back row ride so far. Incredible ride. Really really fun. Great elements. Cool theming. The park has a winner on their hands for sure. Enthusiasts and the general public will love this thing.

20/03/2025

Media Day at Kings Dominion!

19/03/2025

Breaking from SkyLand Ranch! 🚨

🤠New Attraction - Spring 2025
🤩 WagonWheeler-300 ft Swing Tower

This spring, SkyLand Ranch is reaching new heights with WagonWheeler, a breathtaking rotating swing tower - the tallest in Tennessee. The Boots & Blooms Spring Festival will mark its grand debut, offering thrill-seekers a one-of-a-kind experience with unmatched panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains as they soar 300 feet above the Parkway, taking in stunning 360-degree mountain views while feeling the exhilarating force of the wind.

Official Press Release:

SkyLand Ranch Debuts Tennessee’s Tallest Swing Tower This Spring. At 300 feet above the Parkway, “WagonWheeler” opens during SkyLand Ranch’s Boots and Blooms Festival

SEVIERVILLE, TN– This spring, SkyLand Ranch is reaching new heights with WagonWheeler, a breathtaking rotating swing tower—the tallest in Tennessee. The Boots & Blooms Spring Festival will mark its grand debut, offering thrill-seekers a one-of-a-kind experience with unmatched panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains.
A Ride Inspired by Wild West Legend:
Relive the Wild West tale of Big Jack Wheeler, who navigated through a ferocious whirlwind in his Conestoga wagon, earning him the nickname "WagonWheeler." Guests can experience the ultimate thrill at SkyLand Ranch with the launch of our newest multimillion-dollar attraction: "WagonWheeler" — a rotating swing tower soaring 300 feet above the Parkway that promises an unforgettable experience and breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains.
Festival Fun for the Whole Family
Beyond the high-flying thrills, the Boots & Blooms Spring Festival will offer:
✔ Adorable baby animals born on the ranch throughout the spring.
✔ Meet & greet with Dozer, the micro Highland cow.
✔ The Buzzard’s Nest, a 60-foot-tall challenge tower & viewing deck.
✔ Live entertainment & family-friendly activities.
A Culinary Experience Worth the Trip
The festival also introduces an exciting new lineup of seasonal flavors at the SkyLand Bakery & the Great American Outdoor Grill, featuring fresh-baked treats, savory smoked meats, and spring-inspired dishes to delight every guest.
"A Game-Changer for the Smoky Mountain Area"
"This ride is a game-changer," said Mark Williford, President of SkyLand Ranch. "It’s the perfect balance of thrill and beauty—guests will feel the rush of the wind while taking in views that simply can’t be experienced anywhere else. From high-flying adventures on WagonWheeler to heartwarming animal encounters and lively entertainment, there’s something for everyone at SkyLand Ranch."
About SkyLand Ranch:
Experience the Best Day Ever with the Longest Mountain Coaster in the Southeast, a Scenic Chairlift Ride, Safari Hayrides, Smoky Mountain Views, Miniature Animal Encounters, Cowboy Demonstrations, Western Shopping, Delicious Eateries, Seasonal Festivals, & More!

Grand Opening & Media Opportunities:
The grand opening celebration for WagonWheeler will be announced in the coming weeks. Members of the media are invited for exclusive previews and interviews- please register at [email protected]
For event details and updates, visit www.skylandranch.com

18/03/2025

Breaking: Six Flags Great Adventure is proud to introduce Jeremy Hacker as the park's first Executive Chef. Chef Hacker’s leadership and culinary expertise marks a new chapter in Six Flags Great Adventure’s commitment to elevating the park’s dining experience.

Chef Hacker’s career has been defined by a passion for creating innovative, high-quality dishes at popular establishments including PJ Whelihan’s and Xfinity Live. Known for his skill in seafood and Italian cuisine, he will lead the park’s culinary team to offer a variety of exciting dining options that complement the park’s world-class attractions.

"I’m excited to bring a fresh, dynamic approach to dining at Six Flags," Chef Hacker said. "Whether it's introducing new offerings or elevating classic dishes, my goal is to offer guests a memorable dining experience that matches the thrill of the park."

Chef Hacker, a resident of Elk Township, NJ, is a devoted husband and father of three.

For more information about Six Flags Great Adventure’s dining offerings, visit http://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure.



Source: Six Flags Great Adventure

18/03/2025

BREAKING NEWS 🚨

Herschend Entertainment is expanding their portfolio of parks by buying all of the US Palace Entertainment parks.

This will include parks such as Kennywood, Lake Compounce, Dutch Wonderland, and more!

This Is huge for the Industry and Herschend Entertainment!

https://www.hfecorp.com/whats-new/herschend-to-acquire-palace-entertainments-us-attractions-from-parques-reunidos/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1qiUiMPsuQWaHPkkc8EAP84xO8ywH2lcRe_D3j7Ob3SO66O2fkRp0QU_8_aem_NJXw0XkFCLvnA7VWxTmX5g

Herschend and Parques Reunidos have signed a definitive agreement under which Herschend will acquire all of Palace Entertainment’s U.S. entertainment properties from Parques Reunidos. This agreement represents a significant milestone for both organizations—supporting Herschend’s strategic expa...

17/03/2025

Breaking: Universal Orlando Resort is sharing an official first look inside Universal Epic Universe – the destination’s fourth incredible theme park grand opening on May 22, 2025. The new theme park will present a level of immersion and innovation that is unmatched as it unlocks the portals to five astounding worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk and Dark Universe – each filled with extraordinary adventures that go beyond guests’ wildest imagination.

Here is an official look at some of the breathtaking locations guests will be able to explore at Universal Epic Universe:


The Chronos – the icon of Universal Epic Universe
As guests start their day, they will pass through the stunning Chronos portal that serves as the gateway to the incredible adventures found in Epic Universe. The first world guests will encounter upon entering the Chronos is Celestial Park, where they can board a shooting comet for an exhilarating roller coaster adventure, dine on delectable cuisine, shop exclusive merchandise to commemorate their visit and more.


The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic

In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, guests will journey from a Muggle park in Paris into the breathtaking spectacle of 1920’s Place Cachée – a hidden, bustling shopping district in wizarding Paris. Within Place Cachée, guests will find numerous dining venues like Café L’air De La Sirène, chic shopping options like Les Galeries Mirifiques, a live, full-scale theatre experience, Le Cirque Arcanus and more. They’ll also journey from wizarding Paris to the British Ministry of Magic to witness the long-awaited trial of the infamous Dolores Umbridge in the thrilling ride, “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.”


SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

After guests emerge from the iconic green pipe into SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, they’ll be immersed into the worlds of beloved Nintendo characters Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, Donkey Kong and more. Within Universal Orlando’s most colorful and interactive experience yet, they’ll encounter familiar places inspired by Nintendo’s games, including Mt. Beanpole.


How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk

Upon entering the larger-than-life world of How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, guests will be captivated by a real-life version of the iconic sweeping vista straight from the wildly popular “How to Train Your Dragon” films. As they take in the vast sparkling lagoon, two 40-foot-tall Viking statues and an energetic village perched above churning seas, guests can embark on a variety of Viking adventures inspired by the beloved film series - including experiencing what it’s like to fly on a dragon on Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, competing to outscore and out soak fellow guests on Fyre Drill, posing for a photo with Toothless and so much more.


Dark Universe

In Dark Universe, guests will explore the shadowy village of Darkmoor – home to Universal Monster legends like Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster and more. The icon of this ominous world is Frankenstein Manor, where guests will venture deep into its catacombs and face a horde of enraged monsters on Universal Orlando’s most chilling attraction ever - Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.


For more information about Universal Epic Universe, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/EpicUniverse



Source: Universal Orlando Resort

15/03/2025