Re: Lake Compounce | Phobia Phear Coaster | Premier Sky Rock
Here's my Friday's media event and Saturday's opening day report for anyone interested.
Some of you might have watched the Facebook live or Periscope videos I broadcasted from the park and already know that the weather wasn't ideal, but the park already postponed the media preview from Wednesday to Friday and since the coaster was opening to the public the following day the event had to go ahead no matter what the conditions. It was raining on and off throughtout the two hour drive up to Lake Compounce from New York City, but I managed to still make good time and the kid and I arrived at the park a half hour early. While we were waiting in the parking lot it really started to pour down and we were fearing the worst, but it wasn't that big of a deal as I was invited to be there at 3pm even though the event wasn't scheduled to kick off until two hours later. However, right at the top of the hour the rain let up a bit and we made our way to the entrance. Fortunately that was the last time we needed our umbrellas, as it only drizzled a bit once or twice the rest of the evening.
The coaster really stands out and can be seen from the Interstate, which could attract more guests. In the past you couldn't see much of the park other than the sky coaster and you would only know about the park when driving by through the I-84 exit sign.
The coaster is located at the top of the hill next to Boulder Dash's entrance where the Enterprise used to be, in between the Ghost Hunt dark shooter and the Ferris Wheel.
The first thing you notice as you approach the coaster is the fantastic sign.
Then there's this one that reminds me of a certain coaster at Cedar Point.
Since it was early and they were still testing the coaster, I thought it would be a good time to mount my cameras for some on-ride footage since hte park didn't have anything setup for it. However, I was informed that no on-ride filming would be permitted during the media event. This was a first for me as I've never been to a media day without any on-ride filming, so I arranged to return next Friday to do all my on-ride videos.
With about another hour and a half to kill I decided to give Periscope and Facebook Live streaming a try. The Periscope feed has expired, but here's the Facebook one:
[facebookpost]https://www.facebook.com/CoasterForce/videos/10153506653428639/[/facebookpost]
Since there was little else for me to do for the next hour or so until other guests would arrive, I managed to go ahead and film an interview with Jim Seay, the President of Premier Rides.
[youtubevid]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5MNenLBaZ8[/youtubevid]
With that out of the way it was time for Aidan and I to take a ride. It was the kid's first time on one of these and he ejoyed it, especially since it was the first time on a new coaster for him since he rode Cheetah Hunt in 2013. I also liked it as the new energy storage system seems to give it a better launch then the other three I've ridden. Not having those silly comfort straps also helps.
After a couple of rides preparations for the event were well under way. I noticed that they had some animals under the tent near the ride entrance and went to check them out. First up was a snake.
I don't remember what kind if was, but it's the first time I've had one wraped over my sholders. Aidan wasn't around so I don't have a photos of me with it, so this one will have to do.
In addition to that snake, they also had a huge python that you could pet.
Next up were some insects.
I got to hold one of these giant hissing cockroaches. Feeling it crawl around in the palm of my hand was a bit creepy.
There were also some big black scorpions under glass (sorry no photo) as well as...
...a huge tarantula.
After messing with the snakes and bugs, it was time for the event to kick off. Local TV stations were busy interviewing Jim, the park manager and the coaster nerds as they came down the exit ramp, so the kid and I grabbed something to eat before the line for food got too long. After eating it was time for another Periscope and Facebook Live video:
[facebookpost]https://www.facebook.com/CoasterForce/videos/10153506849033639/[/facebookpost]
My phone died during the Twitter feed, so we decided it was time to head back home since I was returning the next day for the public opening of the coaster.
OPENING DAY
After another two hour drive back to the park and I arrived at 10:45am, so I had 15 minutes to spare before the park opened which was just enough time to get my gear and make the treck up to the coaster and was greeted by a new sign.
The weather was a bit better then the previous day and within a couple of minutes a line at the coaster entrance had started to form.
They got to eat cake for breakfast while waiting for the coaster to open.
I skipped the cake and went to take the first ride of the year on my #1 coaster.
The park held a Share Your Phear contest leading up to the opening with the winners getting to be the first riders, who showed up right after my ride on Boulder Dash.
I barely had time to get my camcorder ready before the ribbon cutting ceremony began. Worth watching just to see some of their phobias. :lol:
[youtubevid]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwVF7EBEzSo[/youtubevid]
After the first riders took their go round it was time for everyone else to join in the fun.
[youtubevid]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKPH_zis8Go[/youtubevid]
Next up was my interview with Jerry Brick, the park manager.
[youtubevid]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35lH3mPgPm0[/youtubevid]
With all that out of the way it was time for me to hit the road back home, but not before taking one last photo.
I'll post my on-ride and ridercam videos after I return on Friday to film them.
