Being from Santa Cruz California the Beach and Boardwalk has a old wooden coaster. I've rode it multiple times. A couple of times when we went to the park in San Jose (can't remember the name it was then) we went on rides including the loop coaster. The Beach and Boardwalk also has an original genuine wood horse merry go round. If you have ever seen the Dirty Harry movie Sudden Impact it's in the movie. Anyway, I used to like these rides. Probably wouldn't go on a coaster again though.
I lived in Long Beach, California at a time when the wooden roller coaster at the Pike was still in place but had been closed after an accident. The Pike was open, but only a few of the rides and fewer than half of the midway booths. It was mostly used as a backdrop for movies, as they were often filming movies there. I can't remember which movie it was now, but one movie was made there that was supposed to have been Coney Island, although it was actually filmed at the Pike, on the other coast. The biggest draw was the arcade. For me and my son, the biggest draw was the bumper cars. Since we were generally the only people on the bumper cars, the ride operator would often let us go for as long as wanted.
There was a world-reknowned amusement park in Chicago, Riverview Park, which had 8 different roller coasters, most all of wooden structure, I believe, including the famous "Bobs". A huge tower arose at the far end of a large 4-foot deep pool of water, perhaps a block long, stretching toward the far end. The tower housed elevators which raised a boat-load of riders high above the pool, into which the boat rode downwards on an an inclined ramp. I think it was called the "Chutes", or "Shoot the Chutes", a remarkable ride I have never heard of elsewhere. The boat hit the water fast and hard, creating a huge sidewards wave..... I have pictures saved of the place and will get them together this evening. Frank
The Bobs were the only roller coaster there which had unenclosed cars, just a bar clamping down tightly onto your lap. Also, the roughest one there, a long ride, few ever rode twice in succession, as I did one time. Most thrilling coaster I've been on, but be aware, since so long ago, far more intense rides have been devised, though I haven't seen them. Here's a ride on the Bobs: HOLD ON! I think this was a promotional film made when the ride was new, because there were few buildings in the background yet, north side Chicago, and the ride looked spotless. A glimpse of the Pair-O-Chutes tower can be seen in one part. My sister went on that once, never again, I never did. Frank
I love Fairgrounds, always have...the atmosphere, the smell of Candy Floss and toffee apples.. everything about it. However I've always been scared of the roller coasters and the ferris wheels... so I never used to go on those after the first time lol....although on my 60th Birthday 2 years ago , I did go on the London Eye, but that is totally enclosed and goes very slowly..so it was fabulous to be up so high and see all over London from so high up.. I Think the last time I was at a fairground was about 2 years ago..but I no longer go on any of the rides.. ..
Well, when I lived in So California, I spent a day at Magic Mountain in Valencia, which is now known as Six Flags Magic Mountain. I rode both major roller coasters there, Goliath and Colossus. Anyway, that's what both are called now. During the week of Veteran's Day, Knott's Berry Farm was free to all Veteran's and their spouse. Other family members could get in for a very nice discount. Wife and I rode on GhostRider and I darn near passed-out. I truly felt like I was going to be thrown out of the seat. When I got off, I was actually crying (some) and said to my wife......."absolutely never again!". I also remember, again while living in So California, going on all the rides at Disneyland and a few at Fairs. At Disneyland, went on Michael Jackson's Thriller Ride (inside Roller Coaster) and boy was that kind of scary. Once, went on a double Ferris Wheel. Which was two small Ferris Wheels at each end. The operator had to stop the bottom two for riders to get off, while the top two continued to go around. Ok, now today..........no more, absolutely "no more" amusement park rides, unless they might be inside a building. Heck, we don't even go on any Water Slides when we go to a Water Park. There are two river type rides at water parks that we will go on. One, we wear a ski life jacket and float swiftly down and the other we lay in an Inner Tube and do the same.
Try this if you are ever in Northern Ohio. It claims to be the "Roller Coaster Capital of the World". I got whiplash on one of these and was incapacitated for more than a day. https://www.cedarpoint.com/
My father was the master electrician for all the buildings at The State Fair of Texas -or over 20 years. so, during the season of the fair being open, my brother and I were at the fair grounds a lot. And we lived for all the rides on the Midway. Would not consider riding any of them now days- least I think not. Perhaps i have cowered over the years
I watch extreme water parks on Travel channel sometimes. You would never get me on one of those steep water slides. I don't think I would go on any wild rides or coasters again. I'd go on a more mellow ride.
Since we are going to try again to make it to Disney World ( reservations for November have been made...) I know the wife will want to ride only a couple of things. "It's a Small World" and " Pirates of the Caribbean " and my personal favorite, " Jungle Cruise Ride ". Other than those mentioned, I plan to 'ride' a park bench with a treat and watch the world go by.
Years ago a coworker loaned me a video he and his wife obtained for Disneyworld for adults. In other words, people with no kids. It was fun to watch. I hope you go and have a real nice time. You might find some other rides while you are there too.
From what I read, there are 56 different Dining experiences at Disney Springs, so who needs rides! We are going before Thanksgiving, so the crowds will be easier to handle. The Christmas lights will be up, looking forward to that. The memories we have of the boys at Disney World will be with us always. The two of us now are starting our own memories to be discussed and treasured later.
I remember Riverview, they closed it down when I was a teenager I think. It was awsome for it's time.