Taylor Carmines - Reviews

I still remember the marketing campaign for "The Blast Coaster"- on TV and Pepsi cans all over the Mid-Atlantic. It would take several years before my first trip to KD to experience it, and now that i...

I still remember the marketing campaign for "The Blast Coaster"- on TV and Pepsi cans all over the Mid-Atlantic. It would take several years before my first trip to KD to experience it, and now that it's gone I'm glad I was able to get several rides in over a couple different visits. First things first: the launch was awesome. As my first launched inverted coasted (and to this day, one of only two I've ridden), I was blown away by the straight-up "eruption" up and out of the top of ol' Smurf Mountain. I will admit, the layout was a bit aimless after reaching the high point, but a few well-placed heartline rolls were sufficient while enjoying the views of the park and the very expansive parking lot. Being a 2-by launched train, capacity wasn't great but luckily I rode Volcano late enough in its life to avoid any lengthy lines. RIP

I've known about Millennium Force ever since it opened- but the closest I had gotten to experiencing it was in Rollercoaster Tycoon. Somehow, I'd never gotten around to watching any POV videos of the ...

I've known about Millennium Force ever since it opened- but the closest I had gotten to experiencing it was in Rollercoaster Tycoon. Somehow, I'd never gotten around to watching any POV videos of the layout on YouTube. So going in pretty much blind, I was absolutely blown away by the combination of intensity and yet also smoothness of this classic. Given the train has to be going 70+ for damn near the entirety of the circuit, it's a good thing the track is as long as it is- otherwise, the ride would be over in a flash. While I'm sure the current tallest/fasted shuttle-type coasters bring a whole different level of intensity in terms of acceleration and speed, the fact that MF offers still-very-fast with a long, a truly classic layout is really remarkable. Maybe some of this is rationalizing because Top Thrill was down all day when I was there, but my front row ride on MF was definitely a highlight of the day and all of my coaster-riding experiences.