originally posted on 9/2/2022 1:28:00 AM
Photo: Lauren Hawkins. View full-sized image.
Bright sunshine beamed down on the White Mountains and Glen,
New Hampshire, for ACE Plays at Story Land. With that sunshine came heat and
humidity, but the enthusiasm of all 29 attendees was unaffected.
At check-in, ACEers and their guests received their name
badges, door prize tickets and the first surprise from the park — goodie bags,
which included a heavily embroidered Roar-O-Saurus cap, a plush “Rory,”
a park map and a coupon good for a choice of ice cream, fudge or a pretzel from
several locations throughout the park. (Those who chose the ice cream from The
Farm Stand received a very generous portion!)
Each attendee received a goodie bag that included an embroidered hat.
Photos: Rus Ozana. View full-sized image.
Roar-O-Saurus.
View full-sized image.
With no formal gatherings until the group meal, attendees
were free to explore the wet, dry and enclosed (i.e., air conditioned)
attractions and rides throughout the park.
There were two indoor shows, both geared toward the younger
set: “Camp Fairy Tale” and “Farm Follies Show: Vegetable Spectacular.” And
while a bit corny/campy, they were quite entertaining. (This author missed the
“It’s Magic” show but heard it was very good.)
Although the Bamboo Chutes log flume was down until
mid-afternoon, not surprisingly, Splash Battle, Dr. Geyser’s Remarkable Raft
Ride, the Oceans of Fun Sprayground and Mini-Geysers Water Play area (the last
two aimed primarily at the younger set) were very popular for getting wet — or
drenched.
Cooling off on Dr. Geyser’s Remarkable Raft Ride.
Photo: Rus Ozana. View full-sized image.
Popular, of course, was Polar Coaster, the family-friendly
junior coaster. With its lift hill following the uphill terrain to the top,
Wilbur and Waldo (the two trains) gave a speedy ride, with good laterals on the
curves and helix before reaching the brake run.
The lunch began at 3:30 and included assorted wraps, soft
drinks and desserts (you want HOW much whipped cream on that? OK!). General Manager
Eric Dziedzic and Director of Marketing Lauren Hawkins were on hand to answer
questions about the park, rides and other topics.
There was a small assortment of items from the regional
rep’s stash of giveaways, and Story Land offered up some Roar-O-Saurus
parts as door prizes (making great paperweights or the beginnings of one’s own
roller coaster train).
With appetites satisfied, the announcement was made that it
was time for the group photo and ERT on Roar-O-Saurus. Before attendees
left the dining area, the second surprise of the day was revealed — when the
one hour of ERT was finished, the group would be led inside the coaster structure
for photo ops.
The first group photo was taken with the group mercifully
shaded, a short distance away from but with the coaster structure as a backdrop
and with the train at the top of the lift hill. Double rides (two circuits)
were offered to each trainload of riders. With the size of the group, the only
waiting necessary was for a particular seat, so almost every circuit ran with a
full train.
Although some riders needed a respite from Rory’s
aggressive-in-spots layout, with the announcement that it was time for the “last
ride” of ERT, the train and queue were once again full.
Being inside a coaster is always fun.
Photo: Rus Ozana. View full-sized image.
Photo: Lauren Hawkins. View full-sized image.
With the final ride completed, attendees were led single
file out of the station and through the structure of Roar-O-Saurus. The
open area inside the final turnaround before the station was there for all sorts
of photographs and selfies. Another group photo was taken with the two ride
operators included.
Many thanks to Dziedzic, Hawkins and the entire staff of
Story Land, “Where Fantasy Lives!” and where ACE got to play for the day.
— Rus Ozana, ACE New England Regional Representative
#ACENews