The Coaster Critic's Blog

Top 3 Old School Looping Roller Coasters
Most enthusiasts top 10 lists are littered with modern thrill machines boasting the latest technological advances. Many don't even have a single roller coaster from the last millennium. There's nothing wrong with that, it's just important to recognize that there are some gems out there that don't hold any current world records.

This week I'm counting down the top 3 roller coasters that pre-date me. I'm also ashamed to admit that I skipped Space Mountain at Walt Disney World. I was too scared and was far from the roller coaster connoisseur that I am today. I was 8. Here's my list in order of old-schoolness:

3 - Loch Ness Monster @ Busch Gardens Europe (1978)

Busch Gardens Europe's Loch Ness Monster turned 30 this year. Even at its advanced age it still wows thousands every year. Using the Virginia park's natural terrain, Nessie features a steep 11-story drop to the Rhine River and the world's first (and currently only) set of interlocking loops. You really have to give Busch and Arrow credit. Back in '78 most looping coasters were mild loop and corkscrew coasters. Park goers were excited just to be turned upside down, so not much attention was payed to the layouts of these early steel loopers. Nessie also boasts an extra long downward helix in complete darkness. I gave it an 8 out 10. Read my full Loch Ness Monster review.

2 - Mind Bender @ Six Flags Over Georgia (1978)
Mind Bender is one of the acclaimed Anton Schwarzkopf's most popular creations. Like all of the Schwarzkopf loopers, Mind Bender uses a lapbar restraint system instead of the more common over the shoulder restraints. Its terrain layout features two vertical loops, an overbanked turn, a tunnel and a helix. It's a fun and still surprisingly forceful ride that still has trains returning to the station with happy riders.

3 - Demon @ Six Flags Great America (1976)
Demon completely caught me by surprise on my visit to Great America. It opened in 1976 as Turn of the Century. It was one of the first roller coasters to feature two corkscrews. Then in 1980, it was remodeled to include two more loops. Aside from the new, wildly popular vertical loops, the ride was re-themed with a new name, rock formations, tunnels, and a water fall of red blood.

The second tunnel had (at the time) a sophisticated lighting system.The lights are so disco-esque and 70's that it's not even funny. I'm so glad that Great America hasn't updated this ride. It was such a surprise and so much of a fun and fairly smooth ride that it nearly overshadowed the park's signature coaster, Raging Bull. Don't miss the equally corny and dated 'Demon' theme song that plays in the queue.

Check out my new favorite YouTube video. It's a commercial advertising the newly remodeled Demon at Great America for the 1980 season. Note that it was called Marriot's Great America, in the pre-Six Flags days.

The Best Batman-Themed Roller Coasters
With the Dark Knight movie on pace to set a new box office record (look out Titanic), I figured counting down the top Batman-themed roller coasters would be appropriate. This year's new Dark Knight coaster isn't getting the best reviews, but this week's Top 3 has the most popular Batman coasters around.

3 - Batman & Robin: The Chiller @ Six Flags Great Adventure
The Chiller operated at Great Adventure from 1998 until 2007. As the name suggests, it features a Batman and a Robin track that dueled at two points. While the Batman train performed a top hat, the Robin train did a cobra roll. Then, both of them did corkscrews together as they reached the pike, before they repeated the trip in reverse. Unfortunately, on both of my visits to the park it was closed. Likely because of the frequent downtime, Chiller was scrapped in 2007. Again, I never got ride it, but the theming looked pretty strong and the concept was definitely unique. Dueling launched shuttle coasters don't grow on trees.

2 - Batwing @ Six Flags America
Batwing is a Vekoma flying coaster that does an excellent job of simulating flight. Riders 'fly' face down while the track performs several inversions and swooping turns. It's easily one of Six Flags America's best rides. It's similar to Firehawk at Kings Island and Nighthawk at Carowinds.

1 - Batman - The Ride @ Various Six Flags Parks
Bolliger & Mabillard changed the game in 1992 with this popular inverted coaster that's credited for revolutionizing the coaster industry. First built at Six Flags Great America near Chicago, the ride was so successful it was cloned at 8 other Six Flags parks. Then the same layout was applied to five other coasters around the world. Click here to see all the Batman clones. The ride is short and bit compact for today's standards, but as a prototype it is still quite impressive. The 2700' course is packed with 5 inversions including a loop, zero-g roll, loop, corkscrew and another corkscrew. Check out this onride video at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Best Bat-Villain Coasters
Riddler's Revenge is a record-holding stand-up looper at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Mr. Freeze is a launched shuttle coaster at Six Flags St. Louis. Joker's Jinx is a launched looper at Six Flags America. It's an outdoor version of Flight of Fear at Kings Dominion. Read a full review here.

What's your favorite Batman-themed coaster? Leave a comment below.

The Best of Top 3 Thursdays
For this week's Top 3 Thursday I'm doing a 'Best of' post. I'm recapping my favorite Top 3's and their number 1's.

Top 3 Most Annoying Things at an Amusement Park
I ranted about the most annoying things I find at my favorite places to be. Number 1 was line cutters.

Line Cutters
There's nothing worse than waiting in a long line, just to have some rude people push by you to "join their friends in the front of the line". It's enough to nearly ruin a visit.

I've decided to stop letting people cut in front of me. Somehow I manage to never have to cut in line or have my friends cut in line to join me. Ride queues are first come first serve people! If I'm in line ahead of you too bad.

The "Line Cutters Beware" T-shirt can be bought at Coaster-Net.

Read the other things that annoy me (and most likely you) at theme parks here.

Top 3 Movie Coaster Appearances
Corkscrew @ Playland Park
Final Destination 3 (2006)
Starring: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ryan Merriman, Chris Lemche, Gina Holden
The Corkscrew at Playland Park in Vancouver, British Columbia plays a major role in Final Destination 3. In reality, it's a very tame coaster (pictured here), but thanks to a nice dosage of CG effects, Devil's Flight is a monster of a coaster. One of the riders has a premonition of the disaster that's about to happen so she, and several other riders are released from the train before it departs. The remaining riders experience a ride from hell. Their restraints become inoperable and they are thrown from the ride at high speeds while the coaster does more loops than you would find at an entire park.

After the ride, the surviving riders are picked off one at a time because they cheated death by getting off of Devil's Flight before the accident. The deaths are some of the most gruesome imaginable, but it is an interesting twist on the teenage slasher flicks. Check out my full review.

Read the rest of the Top 3 Movie Coaster Appearances.

Top 3 Extreme Air Time Roller Coasters
In May 2007 I wrote about the most extreme moments of airtime on of the 150+ roller coasters I've ridden. My top choice wasn't a consistent air time ride like Knoebel's Phoenix, it was Cyclops at Mt. Olympus which offers one scary ejector-like pop of airtime.

Cyclops at Mt. Olympus
Wisconsin Dells, WI
You have to be 18 or older to ride in the back seat of the Cyclops at Mount Olympus. This must be because of the infamous drop towards the end of the ride. It's innocent looking enough, but has been known to launch riders in the back seat. I've read accounts of riders landing in the lap of the rider next to them. (See Timberman's review). These aren't exaggerations. I experienced it myself last Summer. It was as scary as advertised launching me higher than the seat divider.

On re-rides I would stay away from the back seat, I enjoy a thrill as much as the next guy, but the airtime on the end of Cyclops coupled with the age of the ride takes this airtime past my comfort level. The subterranean monster known as Hades is also at Mt. Olympus, check out my full Hades roller coaster review.

Read the rest of Top 3 Extreme Airtime Roller Coasters.

What's your favorite air time moment on a roller coaster or coaster movie appearance? What's the most annoying thing for you at an amusement park? Leave a comment below.

Counting Down The Best Roller Coasters From Down Under
For the triumphant return of Top 3 Thursdays, I figured I would countdown the top three roller coasters in Australia. As I've never ridden a coaster outside of the U.S., I invited an Aussie, Ash from ThemeParkNewsDirect, to provide this week's Top 3. I did some metric system conversions for my U.S. readers.

2 - Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster at Warner Bros. Movie World - Australia's best themed roller coaster, hands down. After the station you enter a haunted house themed to from the motion picture. After that you enter a vertical lift, then drop backwards into a laser filled room with music. You then turn forwards and proceed to enjoy the class wild mouse layout.

1 - Superman Escape at Warner Bros. Movie World - 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) in 2 seconds. After the launch you fly up 40 meters (pretty high) and then into a series of 2 air-time hills before coming to a smooth stop. Oh, did I mention that there's also a pre-launch theme that you are in a subway during an earthquake and Superman has to push you out? It has been rated Australia's best roller coaster and 16th best in the world for 2007 – There's no question why.

Top 3 Disney Roller Coasters
Disney's not known for its roller coasters. Disney theme parks are more centered around the atmosphere, theming, and the whole "Disney experience." They're packed with flat rides, kiddie rides, family attractions, shows, but they're not so well-known for their roller coasters. At least not among hardcore enthusiasts. This is why I write very little about Disney news and won't be visiting a park until my daughter is old enough to enjoy one.

No disrespect to Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, and their many clones but, this week I'll be counting down the best roller coasters (for enthusiasts) that Mickey has to offer.

3 - Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Disney MGM Studios
Maybe the developers of the new Hard Rock Park rode Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and saw something they could capitalize on. R'n'R is an indoor launch coaster that boasts five audio scores synchronized to the ride and played through a 32,000 watt audio system with over 900 speakers . To see the layout of the track check out this image of Xpress at Walibi World, according to RCDB its identical.

2 - California Screamin' at Disney's California Adventures
California Screamin' is a steel launch coaster that looks like a pretty unique ride. It's got a circuit that's the second longest in the U.S. (after Millennium Force), a launch, a loop, covered hills, and its designed to look like a wooden coaster. Its 46th on Mitch's Coaster poll and it looks like a lot of fun. Check out this onride video of California Screamin'.

1 - Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom
With a $100 million dollar price tag Expedition Everest was one of the most anticipated roller coasters to debut last year. I have to give Disney props for E.E., not only is it heavy on theming with a 200-plus foot massive mountain, but it's got an innovative design that features a mid-course switch track and reverse section. There's also several encounters with a yeti.


Check out this onride coaster video of Expedition Everest:


Any feedback on this week's Top 3 Thursday? Leave a comment below.

Top 3 Family Roller Coasters
This week's Top 3 is fun for all ages. Not all roller coasters push the limits of human g-force tolerance like Kingda Ka. Family roller coasters are crowd-pleasers that are usually pretty tame.

Italian Job Stunt Coaster at Kings Island
Several former Paramount parks (Kings Island, Kings Dominion and Canada's Wonderland) are home to launch coasters with Mini Cooper trains themed after the Italian Job movies. Feature three tame, but fun launch sections, Hollywood pyrotechnics, and a twisted trip through a tunnel.

Journey to Atlantis at SeaWorld Orlando
Most flume-type rides aren't roller coasters, but the new Mack water coasters are the exception. Water coasters are hybrids because they offer both flume and tracked sections. Also, check out the clones at SeaWorld San Antonio and SeaWorld San Diego.

Mr. Six's Pandemonium at Six Flags New England
Despite it's terrible name, Mr. Six's Pandemonium is by far one of the best family roller coasters I've ever ridden. The ride length, unique layout, spinning cars, and the fact that you can get a slightly different ride depending on your weight distribution make this a great coaster. Check out my full review of Mr. Six's Pandemonium at Six Flags New England.


Honorable Mentions: Tony Hawk's Big Spin Coasters at Six Flags St. Louis & Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Roller Soaker at Hersheypark.

Chime in with your favorite family coaster. Leave a comment below. Picture 1 & 2 courtesy of CoasterImage.

Due to my vast international coaster experience, I'm more than qualified to countdown the Top 3 Roller Coasters in the UK. Just kidding. I've been out of the U.S., but not to any theme parks. This week's countdown is based on Mitch Hawker's Poll, CoasterForce.com, general buzz on the 'Net, and my keen sense of quality roller coasters.

3 - Speed: No Limits at Oakwood Theme Park (South Wales)
Speed is a Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter similar to Mystery Mine at Dollywood. It features a beyond 90-degree drop (97-degrees) and two loops (a vertical loop and a heartline roll). Check out this onride video of Speed at Oakwood Theme Park.

2 - Megafobia at Oakwood Theme Park (South Wales)
I've heard a lot about this CCI wooden coaster. Megafobia was designed by Custom Coasters International, the same company that we can thank for creating Boulderdash. Megafobia's an airtime packed ride that's known to have a pretty short queue. Here's an onride video of Megafobia.

1 - Nemesis at Alton Towers (Staffordshire, England)
Nemesis is easily the biggest name on the other side of pond. It's a thrilling B&M inverted coaster that hugs the terrain of Alton Towers. At Nemesis' highest point it's only 42' tall. Take note you Cedar Point stat freaks that think bigger and faster is always better. Nemesis was #3 in Mitch Hawker's Coaster Poll. That's quite an accomplishment.

Check out this onride video of Nemesis at Alton Towers.


Got a comment about this week's Top 3 Thursday? Any Brits want to chime in with their own experiences? Leave a comment below.

Top 3 Most Annoying Things at Amusement Parks
This week's topic is pretty self-explanatory. I love visiting theme parks, but here are the least enjoyable things about my visits.

3 - Coaster Misinformation
I can't count the number of times that I've been in line and overheard the most insane, unrealistic, and impossible things about the coaster I'm in line for. They are said like fact, not just an educated guess. I can't tell if people believe these things or they're making them up on the spot to kill time in line.

I know that I'm a coaster geek and I know a lot more than the average person about roller coasters, so 99% of the time I restrain myself from correcting people. I don't want to come across like that comic book geek from The Simpsons.

2 - Paying for Parking
You're already being raked over the coals with current park admission prices these days (unless you've been using my tips to find theme park coupons). But parks also charge in excess of $10 for parking. I'd love to look at a park's bottom line to see what the parking revenue goes to.

1- Line Cutters
There's nothing worse than waiting in a long line, just to have some rude people push by you to "join their friends in the front of the line". It's enough to nearly ruin a visit.

I've decided to stop letting people cut in front of me. Somehow I manage to never have to cut in line or have my friends cut in line to join me. Ride queues are first come first serve people! If I'm in line ahead of you too bad.

The "Line Cutters Beware" T-shirt can be bought at Coaster-Net.
Got a comment about this week's annoying Top 3? Got a suggestion for next week's Top 3? What's the most annoying thing you experience at theme parks? Leave a comment below.

Top 3 Beach Amusement Parks
Can't decide whether to take your next trip to the beach or to an amusement park? Why not do both. This Thursday I'm counting down my Top 3 Beach Amusement Parks.

Pacific Park - Santa Monica Pier, California
This world famous beach amusement park has been featured in a number of movies including Cellular and the most recent season of 24. Its lone roller coaster is a Morgan steel coaster dubbed the Santa Monica West Coaster. It seems pretty tame, but gives great views of the Santa Monica Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The 85-foot ferris wheel is world's only solar powered ferris wheel. More info at PacPark.com.

Astroland Amusement Park - Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York
Astroland is home to the legendary Coney Island Cyclone. It has been cloned many times, but there's nothing like riding the original. Or at least that's what I hear. Unfortunately, I still haven't been myself. Plus, you've got the Big Apple to enjoy while you're in the neighborhood. More info at Astroland.com.

Morey's Piers - Wildwood, New Jersey
Morey's Piers is located about an hour south of Atlantic City on the South Jersey shore. The park features six roller coasters including the Vekoma suspended looping coaster known as the Great Nor'Easter and (in my opinion) a Top 20 wooden coaster called Great White. The view of the Atlantic Ocean from the lift hill is breath-taking. There's also 100 rides and attractions. Not to mention the boardwalk with plenty of food and shopping options. More info at MoreysPiers.com.

Do you have a favorite Beach Amusement Parks that I didn't mention? Got tips for first-time visitors to any of these parks? Leave comments below. Images courtesy of CoasterImage.

Top 3 Theme Park News Sites
Theme park news sites offer the latest coaster-related news. On these sites you’ll find announcements and updates on new attractions, forums buzzing with rumor even video game downloads for theme park games like Roller Coaster Tycoon. Most of them aim to be a one-stop-shop for theme park information.

Below, you’ll find links to the best Theme Park News Sites on the Web.

ThrillNetwork
ThrillNetwork is often considered the premier theme park news site on the Web. It has a heavy focus on news, but boasts an active forum community and offers everything from game downloads to an extensive park and ride database. Subscribe to their RSS feed and stay on top of the latest news in the theme park industry. Also check out the In The Loop podcast.


Scream Scape
Scream Scape has a strictly news focus. It doesn’t have numerous features like image galleries and game downloads that many other sites have. On the other hand, Scream Scape is one of the most sited and trusted sources on the Web for theme park information. They must be doing something right. Plus, they have a blog!

RollerCoasterPro
RollerCoasterPro has one of the best designed and, in my opinion, best looking theme park sites on the Web. RCPro goes beyond the typical features boasting coaster videos for your iPod and interactive features like coaster drafts, Roller Coaster Tycoon contests and more.

What are your favorite theme park news sites? Leave a comment below.

Everyone's been to a Six Flags, Paramount, or Disney theme park. But what about the smaller amusement parks. This Thursday I'm counting down my top 3 small amusement parks. My three amusement parks are off the beaten path, have only three major roller coasters, and have a rich history.

Lake Compounce - Bristol, CT
Lake Compounce is home to Boulder Dash, an amazing wooden coaster that's built on the side of a mountain. Boulder Dash has attracted enthusiasts like myself from all over the country. Once you're there though you realize that Lake Compounce is a beautiful park. Other Reasons to Visit: The Lake, Free Soda Fountains!!!, Wildcat

Knoebels Amusement Park - Elysburg, PA
Knoebels is an oasis of fun literally in the middle of nowhere in the Keystone State. It's home to another acclaimed roller coaster known as Phoenix. It's a wooden coaster that's on many enthusiast's top 10 lists because of its insane airtime. It's neighbor, Twister is #6 on my Top 10 Wooden Coasters. Knoebels has a great old-school amusement park atmosphere and charm. Other Reasons to Visit: The Haunted Mansion, Flying Turns, Even Hersheypark can get old

Holiday World - Santa Claus, IN
Holiday World's original claim to fame was that it was America's first theme park opening as Santa Claus Land years before Disneyland. But, today its claim to fame is The Voyage. It's a relentless wooden coaster odyssey that's non-stop excitement. Again, it's in a pretty isolated area. I had to fly to Louisville, KY and then drive about an hour to get to it, but it was more than worth the trip. Also home to the critically acclaimed Raven. Other pluses include a super friendly staff, cleanliness, and appreciation for the coaster enthusiast community. Holiday World's growing and might not be on a list like this in a few years. For now though it's my favorite smaller amusement park. Other Reasons to Visit: Free Soda Fountains!!!, Legend (#10 Woodie), Water park

Don't take my word for it. Knoebels and Holiday World took home some top honors at last year's Golden Ticket Awards.

Do you have a question or comment about this week's Top Three Thursday? Got a suggestion for a Top 3 Thursday? Leave a comment below.

Ever get lifted out of your seat on a roller coaster? This is a result of the negative g-forces that are experienced on roller coasters. It's a large part of the perceived danger that makes roller coasters fun and thrilling. This Thursday I'm listing my Top 3 Airtime Roller Coasters.

Cyclops at Mt. Olympus
Wisconsin Dells, WI
You have to be 18 or older to ride in the back seat of the Cyclops at Mount Olympus. This must be because of the infamous drop towards the end of the ride. It's innocent looking enough, but has been known to launch riders in the back seat. I've read accounts of riders landing in the lap of the rider next to them. (See Timberman's review). These aren't exaggerations. I experienced it myself last Summer. It was as scary as advertised launching me higher than the seat divider.

On re-rides I would stay away from the back seat, I enjoy a thrill as much as the next guy, but the airtime on the end of Cyclops coupled with the age of the ride takes this airtime past my comfort level. The subterranean monster known as Hades is also at Mt. Olympus, check out my full Hades roller coaster review.

Phoenix at Knoebels
Elysburg, PA
On Knoebels legendary Phoenix there's no belt buckle and the lap bar is a good 4 to 6 inches from your legs. Why? You ask. To accentuate the coaster's "nothing but airtime" layout. And by airtime I mean completely out of your seat at least 8 or 9 times. I guarantee you the screams you hear on the Phoenix's trains on this seemingly tame coaster are genuine, as riders fear that on the next dip they may be catapulted from the train. Check out my full Phoenix review including an onride video.

El Toro at Six Flags Great Adventure
Jackson, New Jersey
El Toro is an enigma. A wooden roller coaster with a smooth as glass ride and more airtime than most parks can offer on all of their roller coasters combined. The last drop, which is one of the smallest of the entire ride, offers the sickest airtime I've ever experienced. It's so forceful that you feel if the restraints weren't there you'd end up being flung into the tiger exhibit over in the Golden Kingdom section.

Luckily, riders are stapled into the seats by ride ops on El Toro. Hardcore enthusiasts hate being pressed into their seats, but on this ride I don't blame Six Flags Great Adventure. If you want to experience airtime ride El Toro. Check out my full El Toro review.

Honorable Mentions - Superman Ride of Steel at Six Flags New England, Apollo's Chariot at Busch Gardens Europe, and Voyage at Holiday World

Image 1 courtesy of CoasterImage
Do you have a favorite airtime roller coaster or moment of airtime? Leave a comment below.

Top 3 International Coasters Debuting in 2007
America debuts amazing new roller coasters every year, but it's not really accurate to say the U.S. is on the cutting edge in coaster design anymore. This Thursday I'm going to countdown the three biggest roller coasters to debut oversees in 2007.

Troy at Toverland
Sevenum, Netherlands
Great Coasters International is designing a wooden coaster that's reminiscent of their hit, Thunderhead. From the illustration, it looks to be a very fun coaster. It's scheduled to open on June 23rd. Toverland is also home to a Vekoma motorbike coaster called Booster Bike!

Kirnu at Linnanmaki
Helsinki, Finland
Kirnu is a new Intamin 4th Dimension coaster design that just opened at Linnanmaki. On 4th dimension roller coasters, two riders are positioned on either side of the track. Their seats allow them to spin freely on their own axis. I'm sure it won't be long before Intamin brings one of these to our shores.

Furios Baco at PortAventura
Salou, Spain
Furios Baco is an Intamin Accelerator coaster that will be opening at PortAventura in Spain. It will feature 4D-style seating with riders positioned on either side of the track, but the seats will not spin. It will propel riders from 0 to 80 in 3.5 seconds. Portions of Furios Baco will be over water.. PortAventura is also home to the former inversion record holder, Dragon Khan.

Also, check out this coaster video of Hollywood Dream: The Ride at Universal Studios Japan. Located in Osaka, Japan this B&M Mega Coaster has the elements of a hypercoaster, but doesn't break the 200 foot barrier. It looks like a lot of fun and those lights on the train are insane. Only in Japan I tell you, only in Japan!

Got a question or comment about this week's Top 3 Thursdays? Leave 'em below.

The Best Dark Rides
Different from indoor roller coasters, dark rides are indoor rides consisting of a vehicle traveling past animated scenes. This week I'm going to list my top three dark rides. I'm going to forgoe the ranking system (1-3) as it's tough to compare the more tradional dark rides to the state-of-art 3D varieties of today.

Curse of Darkastle at Busch Gardens Europe
Darkastle is often compared to the Spider-Man ride at Islands of Adventure because it uses similar technology to take its riders on a journey. I feel Darkastle is more on par with Spider-Man than most would admit. Of course it doesn't boast the lovable arachnid hero, but it does have a pretty cool story of a Bavarian castle frozen in time. More on Busch Gardens Europe...>>>

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Islands of Adventure
Spider-Man takes riders on an adventure in a Daily Bugle vehicle known as the Scoop. Riders join Spidey as he battles Doctor Octopus, Scream, Electro, Hydro-Man, and the Hobgoblin. Via the 3-D effects and onboard technology riders feel the heat of Doc Ock's blasters and Hobgoblin's exploding pumpkins. The Spider-Man ride helps to make Islands of Adventure a must visit destination. It truly is amazing.

Haunted Mansion at Knoebels Amusement Park
The Haunted Mansion at Knoebels (Elysburg, PA) is more of a traditional dark ride. It uses darkness, walls, and a tight twisting path to scare riders half to death. While I don't know the ride time, I remember it being a pretty long and scary ride. Haunted Mansion takes many of the best aspects of Morey's Piers dark rides and combines them. I don't want to give too much away, but as you would expect its dark and things jump out at you. The house has quite a bit of variety from ghosts to aliens, to weird haunting lights, and the usual dark ride fare. Knoebels' Haunted Mansion is consistently rated among the best dark rides in the country.

Any questions, comments, or suggestions on Top 3 Thursdays or dark rides? Leave 'em below. Also, visit the Darkride and Funhouse Enthusiasts (DAFE) site for more info. Image 2 courtesy of CoasterImage.com

I'm often asked about the best time to visit theme parks. After reading this week's Top 3 Thursday you'll be able to find beautiful sights like this empty queue for Magnum XL-200 at Cedar Point. In order of worst to best, here are the best days to visit theme parks.

#3 - Weekdays During the Summer
If you have to go to a park during the summer months, do yourself a favor and visit during a weekday. Although you may have to take off from work, your visit will be worth it. You'll actually be able to get on and off of the attractions and experience more of the park in less time.

#2 - Weekends Early or Late in the Season
Even though parks will run special Halloween promotions late in the season and opening weekend promotions early in the season, crowds are much smaller on the first and last days of the season. Look for discounted admission coupons late in the season and discounted season pass promotion early in the season.

#1 - Weekdays Early or Late in the Season
Weekdays early (March, April, and early May) and late (September and October) are the best time to visit theme parks. Many parks will only have weekends open during these times of the year, but some do offer weekdays. These days are your best bet for smaller crowds as cooler temperatures usually prevail. Also, kids invade theme parks in massive numbers when school's out.

Tips to Remember:
#1 Saturdays are the worst, especially for popular parks. Avoid them like the plague!
#2 Weekdays are better than Weekends
#3 Cooler months are better than warmer months
#4 Bad weather forecasts can lessen crowds
#5 Some parks offer Twilight Admission. Enter the park late afternoon (usually 4 PM) and admission is reduced 40 to 50%.

Any questions or comments? Leave 'em below.