Over the past few weeks almost every seasonal park around the country has had their opening day, so the 2009 season is officially upon us. A few new roller coasters have opened or will open soon, and there are plenty of other updates to talk about as well. From Ohio to California there has been a lot happening lately, and I’m going to try to bring you up to speed as much as I can this evening. So sit down, strap in, and hold on as we start the 2009 season!

In Kansas at Worlds of Fun, Prowler opened to a lot of praise, as our very own staff member, Tom, can tell you. He has told the staff that it is his favorite wooden coaster so far, so it is evidently living up to and maybe exceeding expectations so far. Look forward to some pictures and possible a review/trip report as well in the future. Another wooden coaster that will be opening very soon is the much-anticipated Terminator Salvation: The Ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Shaun has been providing us with some great photo updates in the forums, and will be there for the ride’s opening day. The enthusiast community seems very excited about this particular ride, and hopefully it will live up to all of the hype and expectations.

Ohio has been a particularly hot area for new things at two of the biggest Cedar Fair parks, Kings Island and Cedar Point. Diamondback has been receiving a lot of praise since opening in mid-April at Kings Island, and it most certainly deserves it. I was lucky enough to experience the ride myself a few weeks ago, and it was an absolute blast! The airtime, while not ejector air, is great and keeps you out of your seat for probably 80% of the ride. The newer style open B&M trains really do heighten the sense of thrill during the ride, and make for a very free feeling. The lack of a seat belt makes you want to push down a little more than normal on your lap bar, which is very large and comfortable. The splashdown at the end is a great visual touch for people on the midways and waiting in line that greatly adds to the appeal of the ride. Like most B&Ms, Diamondback is a people-eater, so even a full queue won’t be a very long wait. This is definitely one of my favorite coasters so far, though I haven’t really taken the time to place it in my personal top ten. If you are headed out to Ohio and aren’t planning on stopping at Kings Island, you really should even if it is just for Diamondback. It is really that good.

Up north in Sandusky, Ohio at Cedar Point there have been a lot of cosmetic changes around the park, and from what I have seen of pictures so far, they are all looking great! One of the biggest changes is on the Main Midway right before the Coliseum. If you were a fan of the 70s you may be disappointed to see the ball fountain gone, but its replacement has really brightened up the area. In its place is a new “interactive” fountain on the ground with several jets that shoot up. Once the weather warms up a little more on the lake I’m sure the younger kids will love running through it to cool off. 2009 happens to be Magnum-XL 200s 20th birthday, and as one of the most popular rides in the world it was only right to have a large birthday celebration on opening day. In addition to a Red Cross VIP rider auction there was lots of free cake and ice cream in true birthday celebration style. Of course it wouldn’t be a birthday party without a present, and Magnum got quite the present, a brand new entrance sign. I know, it more than likely means no more constant walk-ons for us, but now the ride is finally receiving the attention that it deserves. There have also been a lot of new signs and banners put up around the park that look great. On the Frontier Trail guests will be treated to the Starlight Experience on nights the park closes at 10pm or later from the end of May until Halloweekends. This is a new light show that takes you through the four seasons in a display of lights and sound on the Trail. It sounds like a fun new addition, and I am looking forward to seeing it this summer.

There are a lot more new things at parks around the country (and world) this season, but those are the three biggest things that I have been able to compile for this Blogged post. Speaking of the Blog, keep your eyes here for the next several nights as I bring you a Live From the Road series of posts. From Tuesday through Saturday I’ll be visiting four parks, and each night I’m planning on posting a short trip report about my park experiences. I am really excited about this trip because except for tomorrow’s trip to Cedar Point, I have not been to any of the parks. On Tuesday I will be at Dollywood, Wednesday is Alabama Adventure, and then a short day at Lake Winnepesaukah on Friday. This road trip is all about great wooden roller coasters, and I am really looking forward to new rides and new parks. Check back after the weekend for a large photo update from all of the parks on my trip.

So with that, the 2009 season has officially begun! Get out there and enjoy the rides, weather, and friends at your favorite parks. Remember to check back often for the Live From the Road series the rest of the week! As always, thanks for reading and enjoy your summer!