Top Amusement Parks I’ve Been To:

Cedar Point (www.cedarpoint.com) – This one is a no-brainer. I’ve been going there (Sandusky, Ohio) since I was a little kid and every year it seems to get bigger and better. I remember when the Magnum XL-200 was the tallest and fastest roller coaster out there. Heck, now it is like the third or fourth in line there. My favorite there is still the Millennium Force, which is over 300-feet and goes over 90 MPH. Try it at night, go ahead, I dare you. The first hill in the dark still scares the crap out of me.

Kennywood (www.kennywood.com) – This is an oldie but goodie in Pittsburgh. They still have the old-time feeling but seem to come up with new rides every couple of years. The backbone of this park is the Jack Rabbit and Thunderbolt, but I’m a huge fan of Phantom’s Revenge. Throw in some Potato Patch fries for lunch or dinner, get soaked on the Raging Rapids and cap off the day with a trip through Noah’s Ark.

Busch Gardens (www.buschgardens.com) – I have been to this amusement park twice, but not for about 10-15 years. I remember that it was in an awesome area around Williamsburg, Va., and it was so clean. The people were friendly and helpful, and the lines weren’t bad at all. My favorite was the Loch Ness Monster, which loops you upside down twice and is one of the fastest (if not THE fastest) in the park. Make sure to try the jumbo baked potatoes at Grogan’s Grill in the Ireland section of Busch Gardens.

Disney World (www.disneyworld.com) – This one still is an amusement park, but it is more of a theme park to me. When I went with my daughter this past year, it was a little different feel than when I used to go. We went to all of the parks (except Epcot), but we hardly rode any rides. It has a ton of good rides at all of the parks, but this past trip I didn’t get to experience them like I wanted to. You can’t go wrong with Space Mountain, whether you are a kid or an adult. Another one that jumps out at me is Tower of Terror – pretty fun ride at Hollywood Studios. Disney’s FASTPASS is a huge hit and a great addition, which reduces time spent in lines.

HersheyPark (www.hersheypark.com) – I have been here a half-dozen times in my life, and who could go wrong being a damn amusement park where you can take a tour of the best chocolate ever! My favorite here is the Fahrenheit roller coaster. It freaks you out pretty good, but well worth it! If you go to HersheyPark, you have to make time for the Wildcat. It is old and isn’t the highest or fastest roller coaster you’ll ever ride, but it is a classic. Do it.

And Top Amusement Parks I’ve Heard I Should Go To:

• Six Flags Great America (www.sixflags.com)
• King’s Island (www.visitkingsisland.com)
• Legoland (www.legoland.com)

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I got a chance to watch the Home Run Derby last night for the first time with my daughter, even though she probably won’t remember a damn thing about it other than her getting ticked off that “Cutch” didn’t come through with more home runs. Gotta love it though when a 3 year old yells at the TV when you know damn well she truly has no idea why she is cheering and screaming like daddy! Needless to say, the wife gave me the look of “what the hell are you doing?” – oh well, not the first time and sure as heck won’t be the last.

Today is big day at the HD household as I am taking the afternoon off (sounds good right?) to take the little one and my wife to Kennywood. We haven’t gotten a chance to take her there yet but really looking forward to it. For those of you who don’t know what Kennywood is (www.kennywood.com), it is a legendary amusement park in Pittsburgh. If you have ever lived in Pittsburgh, you’ve been there. Try and tell me a better place in the world for French fries (Potato Patch fries!) than at the corner stand near the Thunderbolt! Damn, I can’t wait. Been forever since I’ve even been there so that makes me even more anxious! I know that it probably isn’t the smartest thing to do it try and force-feed a 3 year old some fries with chili and cheese and gravy on them, but whatever people. Live a little! THIS IS FREAKING KENNYWOOD! And to be honest, it is going to be great to have the day with my wife and daughter to enjoy the nice summer day compared to the heat we have been dealing with lately.

Did anyone see the new Good Afternoon America yesterday on ABC? I think it is a great concept but not sure how successful it is going to be. Then again, it is better than watching the 4 millionth loop of SportsCenter when my daughter lies down for a nap. I’m interested to see what kind of ratings the new show gets and if it lasts.

(July 8, 2012 – Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

After a long day I plan on NOT watching the All-Star game tonight. Seriously, the World Series home-field advantage is based off of who wins this damn thing? How in the hell can that be? Freaking John Kruk put his helmet on backwards to face Randy Johnson in the 1993 mid-summer classic (joke) yet this determines who gets potentially four home games for the world championship? I know, people, that it wasn’t the same 19 years ago when that happened but still, c’mon.

Time to get some Lucky Charms for the little one and then get her ready for the BIGGEST…DAY…EVER! Well at least in my mind. Kiddie Land, here we come!!!

HD (homedaddy)

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