Not a lot of surprises for me this year. When it comes to "best non-new <fill in the blank>, we've seemed to settle into a bit of stasis the past few years with the winners being somewhat predictable. I tend to focus more on the "best new ride" categories, as they at least change from year to year. Probably the biggest downside to the Golden Tickets for me is that because major groundbreaking rides are rarely a yearly occurrence, the list can feel a bit stagnant for long stretches.
As far as Millennium Force and The Beast go, I've only ridden them a handful of times each so I'll defer to your veteran expertise. :) I enjoyed both of them but I'm certainly not in a position to say how they rank compared to the many on the list I've never ridden before.
As with pretty much all awards, I think the Golden Tickets are more valuable as a discussion tool than as a definitive statement on what rides are the best. It's always fun to see the reactions to the list when it comes out.
Arthur, what is your opinion of Phoenix? I have only ridden it once about 7 years ago. I don't really remember it much at all. I remember my rides on Twister and Flying Turns, but not Phoenix.
I totally respect your opinions on Millennium Force and The Beast. Since I have lived near both parks for my whole life, I have so many good memories of riding both coasters that a lot of nostalgia probably clouds my judgement a little. I've ridden both in fog, with full moons, in the rain, when it was hot or cold, and on school trips. If someone loves tight twists and turns and lateral forces, then these coasters are not for you. I could throw Magnum in here as well for me - I rode it so much in the 90's.
I also have only ridden about 200 different coasters so far, so there are a number of great ones I can't even consider in my top lists since I haven't ridden them yet.
Greg, I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that I have yet to visit Knoebels. I know. It's almost unfathomable. Unfortunately, there are many parks that I really want to get to, but just have not made the trip thus far. Knoebels is high on the list.
Not a lot of surprises for me this year. When it comes to "best non-new <fill in the blank>, we've seemed to settle into a bit of stasis the past few years with the winners being somewhat predictable. I tend to focus more on the "best new ride" categories, as they at least change from year to year. Probably the biggest downside to the Golden Tickets for me is that because major groundbreaking rides are rarely a yearly occurrence, the list can feel a bit stagnant for long stretches.
As far as Millennium Force and The Beast go, I've only ridden them a handful of times each so I'll defer to your veteran expertise. :) I enjoyed both of them but I'm certainly not in a position to say how they rank compared to the many on the list I've never ridden before.
As with pretty much all awards, I think the Golden Tickets are more valuable as a discussion tool than as a definitive statement on what rides are the best. It's always fun to see the reactions to the list when it comes out.
As always Tim, I enjoy and appreciate your keen insights. And yes, awards are great jumping-off points to spur discussion. (Ahem, The Beast.)
Arthur, what is your opinion of Phoenix? I have only ridden it once about 7 years ago. I don't really remember it much at all. I remember my rides on Twister and Flying Turns, but not Phoenix.
I totally respect your opinions on Millennium Force and The Beast. Since I have lived near both parks for my whole life, I have so many good memories of riding both coasters that a lot of nostalgia probably clouds my judgement a little. I've ridden both in fog, with full moons, in the rain, when it was hot or cold, and on school trips. If someone loves tight twists and turns and lateral forces, then these coasters are not for you. I could throw Magnum in here as well for me - I rode it so much in the 90's.
I also have only ridden about 200 different coasters so far, so there are a number of great ones I can't even consider in my top lists since I haven't ridden them yet.
Greg, I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that I have yet to visit Knoebels. I know. It's almost unfathomable. Unfortunately, there are many parks that I really want to get to, but just have not made the trip thus far. Knoebels is high on the list.
The wit And creativity of the author, add a major dimension to the quality of writing!
What a kind thing to say! Thanks.