Coaster Con XLI Around the Corner • Parks Gear Up 2018

Rebel Yell Spring Issue The Official Newsletter of ACE Mid-Atlantic

Inside This Issue Someone say airtime? Media day guests were Tempeto’s rushes back into the station after its treated to some during a spring morning. signature and rather intense loop-the-loop maneuver. • Summertime Has Arrived • Inspiration from the Regional Rep. • Volunteer Opportunities • Prepping for Coaster Con XLI • Media Day • Losing a Coaster, Gaining Another • Winter Event at Six Flags America • Loch Ness Monster Turns 40 • A Look Around the Region • Group Photo

Connect w/ Us

• Questions? Feedback? Want to volunteer your time to help the region grow? Let us know by emailing us at acemidatlantic@ gmail.com or find us on social media.

Upcoming Events Photo: TT Media Day, Sam Marks It’s almost summertime and the biggest event of the season is just around the Summertime Is Here corner. Join us as we celebrate coasters and New Coasters and Unexpected Surprises camaraderie at Coaster Con. See you on the midway! Are you excited for Coaster Con? We’re Dominion invited ACE members out to just about ready to kick off one of the the park for their Twisted Timbers media REGIONAL most iconic events of the summertime. day event. A month later, they invited the In less than a month, members will be region out again for a photo shoot on the Wild West Fun Day at Adventure Park - New given the chance to experience a six day new beast. The reaction to the coaster Market, MD - June 16, 2018 excursion (nine if you’re adventurous) into so far? That it’s fantastic and fits right at the best the region has to offer. With stops home in King’s Dominion. Oceanfest Fun Day at Jolly Roger and at parks large and small, Coaster Con XLI Trimpers - Ocean City, MD - June 23 & 24, is expected to be a special homecoming Down the highway, Busch Gardens has 2018 forty years in the making. been celebrating the anniversary of their Loch Ness Monster coaster, which now NATIONAL Parks are already preparing for our enters its fortieth year. A time tested ride arrival with the completion and testing that was there when the club first formed, Coaster Con XLI at Six Flags America, King’s of various new rides and coasters for the park has been actively recruiting Dominion and Busch Gardens Williamsburg the 2018 season. Earlier this year, King’s people to share memories of the coaster - Largo, MD; Doswell, VA; Williamsburg, VA - Continued on Page 1 June 18 - 22, 2018 www.acemidatlantic.org Rebel Yell - Spring 2018 1 From the Backseat Want to Volunteer?

A Message from ACE Mid-Atlantic’s Do you want to be part of what the re- gion offers? Can you donate your time Regional Representative in making ideas happen? Perhaps, you have some fresh ideas of your own? Elizabeth Ringas ACE Mid-Atlantic is looking for some new volunteers to help give us a boost. Keep your face forward and your hands in calendar and stop in for it -- even if you’re We’re looking to improve on what we the air because it is going to be an amazing not going to be attending Con. This year offer for our region -- both in general ride this summer in the Mid-Atlantic and is also an election year. It is time for new and around Coaster Con festivities. I can’t wait to ride with you. Hundreds of leadership and I want you to really take ACE members from every region will join a moment and think about who would If this sounds up your alley, just email the Mid-Atlantic crew for a nine day journey be a great leader for our club. Review the us and our regional representative Eliz- that will include a sampling of the area’s candidate positions and learn what each of abeth Ringas will chat with you about finest. Not only is our region’s major parks them has to offer. Votes are due by July 15th the numerous volunteer opportunities available. getting new attractions but our smaller so don’t forget to choose! If these executive ones are too! Everyone will get a chance to positions have you thinking about a run The following are some of the commit- see Adventure Park USA’s new Skycoaster in a few years but you aren’t quite ready tees we need filled: as well as Central Park Funland’s family for national leadership yet, think about spinning coaster, Twist and Shout. A getaway stepping onto a national committee or • Midway Olympics (for during to the Ocean City boardwalk and its historic the regional team. It’s a great way to get Coaster Con) rides round out the fun! experience and learn how our club is run. • Social Media • Event Planning (and event flier In-between all the fun we’ll be having at Remember that we are a 100% volunteer making) Coaster Con this year, it’s also an important organization filled with people who have • Newsletter time to stay up-to-date on what’s going on amazing and different skills. We are on a with the club. If you’re going to be in the wonderful journey with members who see We hope to hear from you! vicinity of King’s Dominion on Wednesday, what we can be and new opportunities that June 16, plan to attend the business we can grow and nurture. Let’s harness that meeting. It is a great chance to hear about power to keep the club strong and chart out the direction of ACE and provide your own a path for the many more years ahead of us! input, so I encourage you to mark your

Summertime Is Here - Continued from Page 1 as they promote its lasting appeal and At Adventure Park USA, Erik Stottylemeyer And what about the other parks in the ridership among the general public. What has just finished putting up his new region? Well, Go Karts Plus is offering will be in store for the reunification of ACE Skycoaster, a respectable sized piece that everyone a free ride on their Python and the Loch Ness Monster at Coaster Con? towers over I-70, creating a mesmerizing Pit coaster and the parks in Ocean City, We’ll have to wait and see. landscape. Known for his careful restoration Maryland are anticipating our return as we of the rides he brings in, members will be honor the legacy these seaside parks have Not to be outdone, Six Flags America is also treated to some good times on this new given many locals in the region, as well as awaiting our arrival. They’re putting the addition as well as the other classic coasters travelers from afar. finishing touches onWahoo River which there. will be a restored and expanded lazy river, Yes, this Coaster Con looks to be a good a type of ride that many members secretly At Central Park Funland, enthusiast and one, coupled with the fact that each park is love when they aren’t riding coasters. What manager Clint Novak has rushed to get debuting some great new stuff while also better way to relax in the summer sun than their new spinning coaster, Twist and Shout, preserving the classics. If you thought the taking a splash through the winding river? up and running in time for ACE’s arrival. As 2018 season couldn’t get better, we’re only a special treat for members, he’s offering a beginning. It’s not just large parks that have upped the free wristband to all individuals who stop ante this year. Family entertainment centers by during Monday night’s travel so they like Adventure Park USA and Central Park may experience this new beauty. Funland are looking to get in on the fun.

2 Rebel Yell - Spring 2018 How to Prep for Coaster Con XLI Getting the Most Out of the Weeklong Event

Many members have been to a plethora of friends. See a small group of people eating them allows our club to come back year ACE events, but when it comes to Coaster grub at a table? Ask if you can sit with them. after year. Security guards, ride operators Con, a good portion of newbies are never As you’re cutting your food, introduce and the rest of the staff give us a dream prepared for the enormity that the week yourself and find out where the group is event each year and thanking them allows offers in terms of things to do, people to from. Perhaps you’re from the same region, us to nurture that relationship for years to meet, and adventures to be had. If this is or the group is from across the country. come. your first time hitting the biggest ACE event Is their homepark a destination you’ve of the year, keep reading for a few pointers always wanted to visit? Ask them what their Tip 8 - Explore the Area on how to get the most out of the week. favorite ride is there or some pointers on how to navigate the park during peak times. Just because you’re at amusement parks for Tip 1 - Stay Hydrated The topics are endless when you’re talking most of the week doesn’t mean you can’t enthusiast to enthusiast. explore the local history and/or culture of When you’re hanging out for six full days in the host area. Each region has some pretty the summer sun, things can quickly begin Tip 4 - Take a Break cool things to do when you need to rest to dry up. Including you. Being in the Mid- and/or relax. See some new sights and Atlantic brings that stickily sweet nastiness You’ll have over six days to do what comes sounds while you grab something to eat at we like to call sweat due to all the humidity naturally to an enthusiast. Ride. But that that renown restaurant. The coasters will be the region receives. Traveling at highway doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take a there when you get back. speeds in a coaster chassis can only cool break once in a while to take everything in. you off so much. Water needs to do the There will be numerous times to participate Tip 9 - Volunteer other half of the job. If you’re not keen to in ERT and, further more, even more time jumping in a pool, swallow some refreshing to just take the park in as a whole. Never Want to really get the full Coaster Con H20. All parks offer free water (just ask any been to a show at the park? Get out of the experience? Volunteer your time! To put on food stand for some) and if you have a heat and sing along to the award winning Coaster Con is an arduous task, one that reusable cup from one of the parks, they’ll music. Never been to the outskirts of the requires cooperation between the host even fill it up with ice, too, to keep you well themed areas? Explore them. You’ll be parks and the national team. Volunteers hydrated into the night. surprised at what shop or small ride is from every region is crucial to the success of lurking behind the coasters. Least of all, Coaster Con. How can you help? Every way! Tip 2 - Stay Well Fed taking a well needed break can help you to Help during the midway games, during stay well enough to continue the week long lunch and dinner sessions, guide people Walking around the park can easily burn marathon. Without needed rest, the week through the park, and so much more. It’s those extra calories from the funnel cake can easily catch up on you and without due to the great members we have that you just scarfed down because you were warning. everyone is able to have such a fantastic next in line for . While you time so don’t miss your opportunity! may think that means you’ll have to dish out Tip 6 - Go on a Tour the dough for another one just to keep your Tip 10 - Have Fun energy up, remember that you don’t have Backstage tours are what enthusiasts live to! With either a lunch or dinner available for. When you have the opportunity to film This is by far the most important tip of for each day of the Con, you’ll bound to get a coaster or part of the park that the general them all. While the rest will keep you going enough food to keep you going for long public often doesn’t get to see, it can be an for the whole week, this tip allows you to spurts. Best part about the this bounty of exhilarating perk. Ever see the backside of do exactly what Coaster Con is all about. food? It’s also a buffet, meaning you can go Rebel Yell or the wheel house for Intimidator Having fun! The week is for you to find out back for seconds! Take time to fill you plate 305? What about viewing Superman from what makes being an enthusiast rewarding. up and then practice the following tip while the outfields of Six Flags America? It can’t be Making friends. Riding coasters. Preserving you’re chowing away on the good eats. denied that you’ll get some awesome shots history. It doesn’t matter what being an during any Coaster Con backstage tour. Just enthusiast means to you. What matters is Tip 3 - Talk to People make sure your camera or phone is charged. that you’re having fun while doing it. That’s You don’t want to miss these opportunities what got ACE started forty years ago and It may seem like this is a no brainer, but graciously provided by the host parks. it’s what will sustain ACE moving forward. we often see people timid at the idea of Passion about the hobby and wanting talking to someone they don’t know. Well, Tip 7 - Thank the Employees others to experience the same enjoyment rest assured. You have nothing to be afraid you’ve experienced over the years is what of. Being a part of ACE is all about making Many of these employees love interacting drives us to ensure that no matter the friends just as much as it’s about riding with ACE members as it makes their job generation or era, fun and education is coasters. ACE individuals are some of the more fun. They often take an interest in our around every corner. most passionate enthusiasts out there and club as we exude a sense of enthusiasm that that plays to your benefit in making new is unmatched. But even more so, thanking Rebel Yell - Spring 2018 3 Creating Friendships New Members for This Period

In honor of creating new friendships, we’d like to acknowledge the new recruits for the period. If you run into any of these individuals at the next ACE event, feel free to introduce yourself. Who knows, maybe you'll share a coaster ride together!

Bob Mertz Stacey Smith James Morozek Ashburn, VA Pasadena, MD Cumberland, MD

Will Free James Smith Kari Shumaker Mechanicsville, VA Pasadena, MD Cumberland, MD

Becky Angelili Andrew Serene Sara Rolf North Chesterfield, VA Jeffersonton, VA Milllersville, MD

Michael Angelili Taylor ByBee Ashley Rolf North Chesterfield, VA Midlothian, VA Millersville, MD

Cole Angelili Jonathan Rothfus Maxwell Pfeifle North Chesterfield, VA Portsmouth, VA Oakton, VA

John Kleindl Kamille Reaves Melissa Sproge Midland, VA Colonial Heighs, VA Lexington Park, MD

Brian Campbell Mike Rickert Kevin Sproge Abington, MD Reston, VA Lexington Park, MD

Kelie Free Rick Lasure Thomas McCaffrey Mechanicsville, VA Wilmington, DE Richmond, VA

Ben Gleockler Gil Petit Lauren Gleockler Grasonville, MD Wilmington, DE Stevensville, MD

Abigail Vaughan Troy Boughton Ryan Lent Finksburg, VA Hague, VA Boyds, MD

Carissa Casale Eugene Pursel Colten Gary Stafford, Va Centreville, VA LaVale, MD

Sara Serene Nico Ramierez Brooke Daniels Jeffersonton, VA Buena Vista, VA Stafford, VA

Maxwell Intagliata Ella Hazen James Elicker Williamsburg, VA Lynchburg, VA Monkton, MD

Jake Kouns Jonathan Hazen Luann Elicker Glen Allen, Va Lynchburg, VA Monkton, MD

Tyler Crum Andrew Pedneau Sean Schaper Leesburg, VA Olney, MD Northhampton, VA

Zachary Hallenbeck Mandisa Waters Thomas Schaper Fort Belvoir, VA Fredericksburg, VA Manassas, VA

Ryan Sproge Mike Austin Lexington Park, MD Fredericksburg, VA Know of someone who would love to join Melissa Bayliss Kimberly Brown the region? ACE offers a very affordable Alexandria, VA Gamrills, MD associate membership (as well as a trial membership). We would love for our region Kaitlyn Smith Kelly Turner to grow and create new friendships at the Pasadena, MD Columbia, MD same time.

4 Rebel Yell - Spring 2018 Members wait in line during a brisk and clear morning for some ride time.

Photo: Media Day, ACE Mid-Atlantic A Twisted Ride in Virginia Park Event - Twisted Timbers Media Day at King’s Dominion

When Kings’ Dominion announced in 2017 When I got to the station, I was assigned the that a hybrid was coming second to last row with another single rider, to the park, I had no expectations, just Kevin, from Ohio. The first thing I noticed curiosity. I fathomed about such a ride as was the restraints. I had no idea that they this would be my first experience on an were so hard and heavy to lift. I thanked RMC creation, despite being a longtime ACE Kevin for doing “the heavy lifting” of getting member. I am in the United States Navy and them snug around my waist! have been on submarines for approximately sixteen and a half years, stationed in During the first ride, I quickly realized how Photo: Check-in Sign, ACE Mid-Atlantic Portsmouth, VA. It is hard for me to travel wild this coaster is. My cell caught flight and around, so to fill the coaster void, I have left my pocket, and later during the ride’s watched numerous videos online of other many airtime moments, my sunglasses hybrids. I quickly learned that no amount came out, too, and landed on the restraint. of POVs would prepare me for what I was I grabbed the glasses and held on tight about to experience on my initial ride because, at this point, I was worried about through the Candy Apple Grove. my keys. It’s safe to say that I was focused on this problem for the entirety of the When I arrived at media day on March 23, ride so I did not really enjoy my first ride I was eager to be one of the first to ride experience on an RMC. Twisted Timbers. After checking in, we were directed to head over to the opening As we pulled into the , the people Photo: Media Day Welcome, Sam Marks ceremonies. Numerous individuals took the behind me asked if the airborne cell phone podium to talk about the new coaster, while was mine. They had luckily caught it as media day guests (and enthusiasts) got in it flew out over a camelback. I could not line to ride. As we began to chat among thank them enough and walked straight to ourselves, the first thing attendants asked the locker and placed my keys, sunglasses us to do was to remove all lose articles. As and wallet in the locker. I have never lost it was chilly this morning, I only decided anything on a ride, but Twisted Timbers was to take off my beanie and place that in determined to make it my first. the locker, thus leaving my sunglasses, my phone, wallet and my keys in my pocket. Continued on Page 4

Photo: Media Day, Sam Marks

Rebel Yell - Spring 2018 5 For the second ride, I was assigned to the As the ride nears the end, it begins to feeling of freedom as you traverse the track. fourth row. With nothing in my pockets do my favorite part: the three trick track There were many instances where this now, I could really begin to enjoy this ride. sections. This is my favorite because it’s a allowed for me to enjoy the ride with my As we went up the hill all I could think was completely unique sensation, one that you hands up. how smooth the chain lift was compared to have to prepare yourself for as you move its predecessor . As we got to the top left just to go the opposite way again. The Twisted Timbers is now my favorite ride in and began to preform the barrel drop roll, third inversion rounds out the ride before the Mid-Atlantic. It has so much to offer and I knew this ride was going to perform. Past the final airtime hill and then the brake run. I would ride it every day for hours on end the overbanked turn and cambelback hills, if I could. I am excited for ACE members to the ride really picks up speed. After numerous spins on it during the come to our region and ride this coaster media day festivities, I have to say I prefer during Coaster Con XLI. Sharing a ride with As the ride makes it way back toward the front of the coaster, however the back other members during ERT should be fun. It the station, it passes by some nice definitely has better airtime moments. will also be my first time on the ride at night headchoppper moments before throwing when the park provides nighttime ERT on you perpendicular and through the In the end, I was blown away by this it. - Jeremy Delong purposefully designed structure of steel coaster. The theming in the queue line and and wood. It’s quite relentless in the way it the coaster itself is well designed from start handles those laterals around the track. to finish. The single lap bar gives you the

Photo: Media Day, Sam Marks Photo: Media Day, Sam Marks Photo: Media Day, Sam Marks

Saying Goodbye to the Jett Star ACE Event Recap - ACE Day at Central Park Funland in Fredricksburg, VA

On Sunday, October 15th, sixteen ACE over a large swath of the establishment. members and their guests stopped in It’ll feature a figure eight track that spins for our official event at the park, to say around as it lights up the venue. Many were goodbye to the iconic Jett Star rollercoaster. excited to hear about this future addition. It had been announced earlier in the season that it was departing in favor of a new After lunch, everyone enjoyed the attraction: a clip and climb play area. opportunity to be a kid with final rides on the Jett Star roller coaster, mini bowling, Feelings were mixed about the departure and laser tag. This little park packs a Photo: Jett Star. ACE Mid-Atlantic as it was a nice kiddie coaster that adorned surprising punch of activities to fill your the little entertainment center for years. day. The reign of the coaster at Central Park Funland was officially going to end. Or so Thank you to the Central Park Funland team we thought... for their support and hospitality to ACE!

During lunch, general manager Clint Novak The announcement of the play area and Twist announced that 2018 would welcome and Shout is the largest capital investment for a new Crazy 8 style roller coaster to the the small entertainment center and it looks family entertainment center! The first of like it will pay off this summer when families its kind in the region, this new coaster will are rolling with thrills! be called Twist and Shout and will take

Photo: Jett Star, ACE Mid-Atlantic 6 Rebel Yell - Spring 2018 Lights, Fun and Hot Cocoa / S’mores ACE Event Recap - Coastin’ Through the Snow at Six Flags America

With a slight winter chill in the air, seventy- After the mandatory group picture, In-between the entertainment, some eight ACE members and their guests attendees headed into a busy schedule of took the opportunity to enjoy a few more gathered for the annual Mid-Atlantic shows. With four holiday offerings, it was a rides while others caught up with friends. Coastin’ Through the Snow event. This lot to take in! A heartfelt showing of Home Dusk welcomed us together for hot cocoa offseason gathering helps to celebrate the for the Holidays was the perfect start to during the tree lighting ceremony, a holidays together with coasters, shows, remind us what is truly important during wonderful tradition that magically lights and friends. This tradition began at Busch the holidays. It also left us with a few great the entire park. Gardens Williamsburg and has been held at laughs. Six Flags America over the last two seasons. Our night concluded with a showing of Following the show, attendees were Christmas Crashers, featuring everyone’s The park welcomed us for a quick check surprised with vouchers to roast a s’more. favorite stunt team. Thank you to Six Flags in before we headed in for our choice of They also enjoyed a quick sighting of Six America for their hospitality to help ACE ride on either Wild One or Roar. As the park Flags CEO, Jim Reid-Anderson visiting the Mid-Atlantic enjoy some holiday time opened to the public, we gathered for an cast after the show. together. informal lunch meet up which included social time and door prizes in the Saloon.

Photo: Stunt Show, Nathan Brown Photo: Wild One ERT, Nathan Brown Photo: Gathering, Nathan Brown

Loch Ness Turns 40 Years Old Reflecting on the Ride That Stood by ACE as It Formed

The Loch Ness Monster shares a special The ride, at its time, was the tallest, fastest bond with ACE. The coaster, which turns and one of the few to have a completely Some Facts About the Ride forty this year, opened the same year that enclosed helix. Over the years, the ride ACE was officially formed at Busch Gardens has remained a crowd pleaser due to its • The only interlocking loop coaster left in Williamsburg in 1978. all ages ridability. In appreciation for this the world. Orient Express and Lightning achievement, the park has held numerous Loops no longer exist. This longstanding favorite began its life events during each of its milestone • The ride sits about 130 feet above lake as the park’s first major rollercoaster birthdays, including the most recent one level with its lowest point being around six (something large and uniquely built from where ACE was invited out to be a part of feet above lake level. the ground up) and features a number of the festivities. • Over 50 million riders have taken a lap on elements that are rarely found in today’s Nessie. rides including it’s famous interlocking Aside from being the park’s most iconic • The ride opened up on June 6, 1978, a few loops. rollercoaster, it is also an ACE Coaster days before ACE showed up for Coaster Landmark, being given the honor when Con I. The ride which utilizes two trains, originally ACE was there in 2003 for Coaster Con • ACE has given the ride the official Coaster ran with four. It was quickly realized that XXVI. Landmark status, meaning that the ride is four would be too much for the block runs historically significant. so it was downsized to three. Nowadays, Members who are longing to ride it can do • Members will have a chance to ride the the third train is used for spare parts on the so during ACE’s upcoming Coaster Con XLI legendary beast at Coaster Con XLI! remaining two trains. which will feature ERT on it, as well as other surprises commemorating it.

Rebel Yell - Spring 2018 7 Photo: Loch Ness Anniversary Photo, ACE Mid-Atlantic

ACE Mid-Atlantic members take a moment for a slightly goofy picture in front of Loch Ness Monster, in celebration of its fortieth anniversary.

Around the Region and Back ACE Mid-Atlantic Team

Mountain Coaster Fun checked over, cleaned up and made Regional Representative Bill Gavin led a group of ACE members to ready to ride again each spring. Elizabeth Ringas Wisp Mountain Resort in McHenry, MD for our annual off-season event. The only Waving Into the Season Assistant Regional Representatives mountain coaster in the Mid-Atlantic, The region held its informal WAVE meet Jennifer Bock members were treated to four rides down up at each major park to help bring in Corey Brown its steel track to keep the thrills going the new season. This tradition includes Bill Galvin while the area defrosted for spring. a group takeover of favorite rides in the John Mellot park so that members can get to know Evangelos Ringas New Manager at King’s Dominion each other and have someone to ride Vanessa Thomas The park has a new chief in town and his with. These WAVEs are also held at the name is Tony Johnson. He replaces Gary end of the season to help close out the Paper Registrations Chadwick as the park’s general manager. parks. Billy Tyson He’ll be welcoming ACE during its stay at King’s Dominion for Coaster Con XLI. Marriage at Six Flags America Regional Archivist Couples were given the opportunity to Shannon Somerville Visiting Pennsylvania get married on Voodoo Drop at Six Flags Members made the trek up to America. The couples were ordained Website Management Hersheypark for National’s Eastcoaster. before being strapped in for a ceremonial Wesley Friend This single day, offseason event allows drop toward the ground. members to catch up and get the latest About the Organization information on what’s happening at both Running Around a Park American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) is a area parks and those in adjacent regions. Individuals were given the chance to non-profit organization with nearly 7000 About thirty plus members from the Mid- do a fun run through King’s Dominion members in the United States and more Atlantic region showed up. during their Run and Ride Race Series. than a dozen other countries. The mission This event allowed participants to choose of ACE is to create fellowship among its Trains Getting Spruced Up between either running for a mile or a members, promote the continued operation Every season, Six Flags America sends half marathon. of roller coasters and to continue to foster their trains from Roar and Wild One to PTC and promote the conservation, appreciation, for refurbishment. They get thoroughly knowledge, and enjoyment of the classic and the contemporary

@acemidatlantic 8 Rebel Yell - Spring 2018 #ridewithace