originally posted on 1/6/2023 1:57:00 AM
Photo: Vanessa Thomas Collection. View full-sized image.
On Saturday, December 3, the ACE Pacific Southwest region
held its first Holiday in the Desert at Wildlife World in Litchfield Park,
Arizona, and at Castles ‘n’ Coasters in Phoenix, Arizona. As luck would have
it, Mother Nature decided to shower the event not with the usual desert
sunshine but rather with (much-needed) rain. While the rain made it a challenge
to ride as much as attendees had hoped, it couldn’t completely dampen the fun
of 22 ACE members and guests who traveled from across Arizona, California,
Nevada and Illinois to share in the joy of the holidays and the shared love of
coasters.
Photo: Doug Perry. View full-sized image.
The event started with rides on Family Roller Coaster.
Photo: Doug Perry. View full-sized image.
The morning began overcast but dry at Wildlife World Zoo,
Aquarium and Safari Park, which has a small collection of amusement rides,
including Family Roller Coaster by Chance Rides. At Wildlife World, each
ride (including the coaster) usually requires an extra ticket to enjoy.
However, as event attendees arrived at the coaster, they were surprised to
learn that a ride manager had granted the group unlimited free rides on the
coaster. With the surprise ERT, many rode the short but fun coaster over and
over again, surrounded by llamas who grazed around and underneath the rails and
occasionally looked on in mild interest as the coaster train passed by. Michael
Horwood of Tucson, who achieved a significant milestone that morning — his
1,500th roller coaster credit! — was also celebrated.
Michael Horwood hit a major milestone at the event.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
Photo: Jill Nordstrom. View full-sized image.
Photo: Eric Sakowski. View full-sized image.
Just before gathering for lunch at Dillons BBQ restaurant
and just as it began to sprinkle, attendees grabbed a quick group photo in
front of the park’s log flume. Several members also took the opportunity to
catch a ride on the unique log flume, which travels around some primate islands
and carries riders through the aquarium’s South Pacific reef tunnel before
diving down three stories.
Photo: Vanessa Thomas. View full-sized image.
After the meal and conversation, Assistant Regional Rep Doug
Perry conducted a short trivia contest featuring questions about the region and
the two parks hosting us that day. Winners of the trivia contest and a door
prize drawing received ACE shirts and extra Wildlife World ride tickets.
Photo: Doug Perry. View full-sized image.
Photo: Vanessa Thomas. View full-sized image.
In the afternoon, the group traveled to Castles ‘n’
Coasters, which hosts two Hopkins roller coasters, Desert Storm and
Patriot. Some of the rides were operating at 2 p.m. when the park opened,
though Patriot was not among them. However, ACEers were informed upon
arrival that all of the rides would close at 3 p.m. Despite the falling rain,
attendees grabbed as many rides as possible on Desert Storm (which ran
slightly faster in the rain, noted one park employee) and other attractions
before time was up.
Desert Storm ran briefly — but fast!
Photo: Vanessa Thomas. View full-sized image.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
Shortly after 3 p.m., park employees Gail Comer and Marc
Taylor graciously joined the group in the lightly falling rain to lead a tour,
which included a behind-the-scenes look at Desert Storm, as well as
stops at the carousel, Sea Dragon, Sky Diver drop tower and Patriot.
Castles ‘n’ Coasters also gifted each attendee with a $10
game card for use in the three-level indoor arcade, which gave everyone the
opportunity to challenge others on a variety of games, including Skee-Ball; air
hockey; pinball; classic games such as Tetris, Donkey Kong and Ms. Pac-Man;
racing games; and an XD dark ride motion simulator.
Photo: Vanessa Thomas. View full-sized image.
Because of the weather, attendees took advantage of the games in the arcade.
Photo: Vanessa Thomas. View full-sized image.
While the rain might have shortened the day’s activities and
the opportunities to ride, it might have also whetted the appetite of many of
the attendees to return again soon to enjoy even more time in these parks and
perhaps to add the upcoming Mattel Adventure Park to the list of places to
visit the next time they find themselves in the Phoenix area — on hopefully a
slightly drier day.
— Vanessa Thomas, ACE Pacific Southwest Assistant Regional Representative
Photo: Vanessa Thomas Collection. View full-sized image.
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