June 2009
Looking Back... June 2009
30 June 2009 - 9:01pm
Promise kept
A week ago, we spent a long, hot day with a crew from the Travel Channel.
There was one delightful fellow who missed getting on camera ... twice.
Meet Ben.
He caught up with us as we were leaving Pilgrims Plunge. He’d just missed getting interviewed. He was charmingly disappointed.
At the end of the night, we sent the last train out of The Voyage, thinking it was next to last.
Ben comes bounding into the station.
“Hey! I remember you!”
Hey! I remember you!
It was his big chance. His big break. With that smile and personality, he’d take over the show.
Alas, ’twas not to be. The setting sun stole our light and the cameraman packed up and called it a day.
Looking for any way to cheer Ben up, I offered to take his photo and post it on our park blog. Here you go, Ben. You’re famous (sort of…).
The episodes of Extreme are expected to air this fall. We’ll keep you posted.
26 June 2009 - 11:22am
A memo from Will
This is one of those "good news - bad news" things. Will just shared this info with our staff, asking that we spread the word.
The good news is: We ordered (and have just received) two additional boats for Pilgrims Plunge. That takes us from five to seven boats. Added capacity. Needed added capacity, right? Let's keep those lines moving! And let's keep those riders riding!
The bad news is: Adjustments have to be made in the ride system to allow for the 40% increase in boats. That means some planned down-time.
According to Will: (The ride manufacturer's) plan is to work through the night (Monday) to make physical changes to the ride, including wiring, relays, etc. and then to make control system changes during the following day. Of course, after the changes are made, the ride will have to be tested in all modes of operation, all e-stops, etc. before we can consider it safe and ready for operation.
This will happen on Tuesday, June 30. We're hoping that Pilgrims Plunge will reopen later in the day on Tuesday, with at least a few hours to ride. But (as much as we wish we could) we can't promise.
We just wanted to post this information ahead of time so if you want to change your plans, you can.
Oh, and the other good news is the weather is supposed to improve after Sunday, so we'll have a bit of welcome relief from this remarkable heat and humidity.
24 June 2009 - 4:29pm
Don't throw your back out, Will!
The Travel Channel is here today shooting footage for two episodes of their Extreme show. Will is being interviewed about Pilgrims Plunge, ZOOMbabwe and Voyage.
In this video, he describes the in-the-dark experience on ZOOMbabwe.
11 June 2009 - 3:11pm
Pilgrims Plunge in HD
Our friend Sean from Ohio was here last week. We teasingly refer to him as a "well-known coaster enthusiast."
He has a video camera that shoots HD. (That stands for high-def, not HoliDog.)
9 June 2009 - 2:48pm
Dancing pups
Yeee-dawgie!
If you have little ones, they'll want to join in on HoliDog's Dance Party up at Holidog's FunTown.
