[arby]

I just registered (early, for once ).

I plan on making this a day trip. I'll leave early Saturday morning (probably 4 AM) and return Saturday afternoon. If anybody is interested in riding along, let me know.

[Jarsh]

Last reminder (because I'll probably forget) to register for Winter Warm Up! We've got lots of goodies in store as well as a few surprises for those in attendance!

Registration closes at 11:59pm (ET) this Saturday!

[arby]

...and last chance for anybody to let me know if you need a ride for a day trip. One person contacted me from Statesville so I'll be driving from southeast Charlotte -> Statesville -> Dollywood. If you are along the way or near that route, let me know. I haven't planned it out yet to see exactly when I need to leave but will probably be leaving the Charlotte area around 3 AM.

[Jarsh]

Just and FYI since you are doing a day trip - I'm still working on the final schedule, but there is a potential that the event will run until 5:00 that afternoon. Also, check in will start at 7:30 and run until 8:00. Depending on the number of folks attending (currently over 100) we will probably start the check in a little early, but even if you arrive after 8:00, the materials will still be on the check in table for you.

If the event doesn't end at 5:00, it will end around 3:30 which is when the tour is scheduled to be over.

All the finalized details will be in the confirmation email I send you next week.

[arby]

That sounds good - thanks for the heads up on the ending time! It's no problem for me as I usually drive 18 - 20 hours a day on long road trips. My current work schedule prevents me from leaving until late Friday, anyway, so might as well sleep a few hours first.

I look forward to seeing some of you there! Sounds like a great Winter Warm Up.

[aoriole19]

If you can swing by Boston,MA and bring me, let me know

[arby]

Sure, that's not too far out of my way.

[coasterbruh]

You taking the party-RV?

[ColetD]

As much as I'd like to be heading there next weekend.. I'll be out of the country and somewhere very warm. So sad.
I was just looking at my pics from last year's WWU and reminiscing at how much fun it was for my first ACE event. Please take lots of pics for the rest of us and have fun!

Oh, and if Arby is taking the Carowinds Connection Coaster Coach.. I'll be very sad I missed out! I definitely remember that conversation and am still willing to beg and plead with Mrs. Arby if necessary in the future. Haha

[arby]

LOL - no party RV this time. My wife isn't going and wouldn't let me take it for just one rider... Maybe some time in the future. I'll be taking my 'dinghy' instead.

[FamousAmos]

Colet, you can be sure I'll have some video of the event
I promise I won't film anyone eating this time
I don't know if I can promise anything else yet.

[FamousAmos]

Since we'll be at Dollywood this time...

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[chknwing]

^ yo seriously? 3am?

[coasterbruh]

Overall, WWU was really good this year. Everyone park rep was really enthusiastic about the park and what they do. I swear I would watch a show of just byron from Alabama splash adventure lol. I really did like the intimate setting of the conference room and felt we could have, well I could have stayed for hours more asking more questions. I do have to say, if last year was your first WWU you would have been not as impressed with the food as carowinds really raised the bar HOWEVER . . . the food this year was just as good. Just not as big of a selection as carowinds had. I cant wait for next year . . . where eVer it mAy be.

[arby]

I do want to send a shout out to Carowinds for raising the bar for Winter Warm Up. They level they raised the event last year has made the last two years the best ever. More parks are getting involved and the event the last two years has reached a new level.

Thank you, Jarsh, for putting this together and please relay our sincere thanks to all of the park reps who attended and the parks who were involved with the event.

EDIT: Here are some pictures of the Lightning Rod construction tour. They don't do justice to how insane this coaster will be.


Thank you, Dreammore, for hosting us!


The 'Dolly Parton' feature...


Part of the LIM mechanism.




Rocky Mountain Construction workers hard at work.


What guy doesn't like cranes?


A subtle shout-out. Thanks, Dollywood!


They are in the home stretch


No, the track is not finished yet.


There will be gorgeous views as you launch up the lift hill.


The top of the lift hill. This structure will have a roof on it. It is designed to hopefully encourage bees to build their nests inside the roof and not under the track structure.


The first dip. The frame underneath it is not quite completed yet to provide access for construction equipment.


The top of the first drop.


This will be an exciting plunge into the valley as you hit speeds of 73 mph at the bottom.


Note all the trees...


The first turn before plunging back into the valley.


A somewhat close-up view of the first head chopper. (I forgot my telephoto lens)


More confirmation that the track is not complete yet... This would suck if the track were completed.


This will be a true wooden coaster using RMC topper track.


This is calculated at 91 degrees but may be slightly more depending on track deflection from a loaded train.



A couple more random shots.


A closeup view of RMC topper track.


Onto the train. It arrived the day before just in time for us to see it.


The lead car is revealed.


It is nicely themed to a 50s hot rod.


Lightning Rod will use polyurethane wheels.


A real rumble seat perhaps?


You will want all four green lights to be green...


Lightning Rod will use the newly redesigned seat harnesses.