Thursday, March 30-2006 was Six Flags over Georgia's media day for Goliath. While the new coaster officially opens April 1st, the media day is designed to let the local news stations get footage before the official opening.
In addition to the media event, which began at 10 am, I was lucky enough to get signed up for some early B-roll filming.
I woke up Thursday morning at 4:30 and set out to tackle the "giant among coasters."
We were supposed to arrive by 6 so that filming could begin as soon as we had light. I arrived at about 5:50 and most of the 75 people were already there.
Shortly after 6 we headed towards Goliath. I took this as we passed Scorcher- it is a bit creepy to see rides just sitting there all alone at dawn.
Goliath's station has a nuclear power plant feel to it.
Thumbs up from the ride op- we are ready to go.
But first the on-ride cameras had to be set-up. This seemed like a very complicated procedure and they had to be adjusted quite often. I guess 70+ MPH winds can shake it up a bit.
It was great! Goliath is smooth, intense, and FAST. This is one of the on-ride photos that I photographed myself. The camera is positioned right after a few large hills at the end of the ride.
Something missing? Not to worry, it was fixed by the time the news people arrived.
My Clark Howard approach to on-ride pics does not produce very good quality results.
SF gave out free on-ride photos in the afternoon. I got this one of me enjoying a ride in the last row all by myself.
After about 10 rides I was feeling hungry. I went over to Dee Jay's Diner and they had free breakfast!
After a couple more rides it was almost 10, time for the grand opening show.
For pre-show entertainment they had a mini circus show. This guy hammered objects into his nose.
And played with a bit of fire.
By now everyone has arrived and it was time for the main event.
Introducing..
GOLIATH!
Six Flag's PR Manager (Jim Taylor- left) and GM (Melinda Ashcraft- right) spoke briefly about the new ride as well as the exciting changes at Six Flags in 2006.
After the show I decided to get some lunch at the park's newest restaurant- Daddy O's. It was very good and may even top the Miner's Cookhouse as my top in-park restaurant.
More adjustments to the camera.
After another 15 Goliath rides I decided to pay Gotham a visit.
Wait times were reasonable.
Very reasonable!
At 3 and 5 the park ran it's newest show, Rhythm & Grooves. The cast was very energetic and put on a great performance.
I ended the day with 27 Goliath rides, 8 on Batman, 6 on Scorcher, and 8 on Mindbender.
When I got home I found out that I had made it onto CBS!
Goliath is a fantastic addition to the park. The intensity doesn't let up until you step off, but it is extremely smooth at the same time. Flying over the Georgia Scorcher is a lot of fun and you can't help but scream. This is sure to become a favorite for all who ride.
Thanks very much to Jim and Melinda from Six Flags for a great time and to my region's ACE rep, Robert, for setting things up.
