Loop-O-Plane at Balloons, Tunes, & BBQ (Off-Ride POV) SouthernLeisure 2013-09-09 | The intense Loop-O-Plane ride at the carnival section of Balloons, Tunes, and BBQ. The ride operator was very evil (as if anyone wouldn't be operating this awesome ride), keeping the two passenger cars up in the air for 15 seconds at the most when they reached the peak of their ascent whenever the ride was almost over. That is why I made a promise to myself to always ride one of these whenever I spot one at a fair now!
Bumper Cars - Beech Bend Park (Off-Ride) SouthernLeisure 2019-09-09 | For a park not on the radar of most, Beech Bend has several hidden gems in its line up. Of course you've got the Great Coasters International wooden coaster "Kentucky Rumbler", one of the most dizzying spinning wild mice coasters in the United States, the rare Hi-Lite Rides "Scat 2", the intense Zamperla "Air Race", and the quirky old-fashioned "Haunted House" dark ride.But out of all them, the one that seldom gets attention by enthusiasts is their bumper cars. Which is a shame, because these are by far the best bumper cars (that aren't manufactured by Lusse, that is) I have ever ridden! With no divider and surprisingly fast speeds, these modern fiberglass bumper cars can actually be a smash-n-bashin' good time for anyone!
Sky Wheel - SOKY Fair 2019 [Miller Spectacular Shows] (On-Ride) SouthernLeisure 2019-07-24 | Once proclaimed the "King of the Midway", the Sky Wheel is now an extremely rare breed of vintage flat rides. From the 1950's to the 1980's Sky Wheels were a staple at a majority of carnivals, fairs and even major amusement parks such as Cedar Point.Infamous for their deceiving appearance as a gentle ride, this "double ferris wheel" is actually quite the thriller, with the seats moderately rocking back and forth. At full speed, you can even catch some floater airtime as the boom supporting the two wheeks rotates! Definitely a must-ride at any fair.
X-Scream - SOKY Fair 2017 [Miller Spectacular Shows] (Off-Ride) SouthernLeisure 2017-07-29 | X-Scream (also sold as the oddly-named Indian Creek) is a ride manufactured and sold by Preston & Barbieri, though it was imported and sold in the United States under Majestic Manufacturing. Though it offers a thrilling experience, I can see why this ride never became a huge success; due to its design, the duration it requires to safely load and offload passengers is quite long.10 minutes after this footage, this model in particular started exhibiting problems in having its 4 cars properly align when the ride was coming to a stop. It took about 15 minutes before the ride was operational once more.
Aladdin - SOKY Fair 2017 [Miller Spectacular Shows] (On-Ride) SouthernLeisure 2017-07-29 | This year's Southern Kentucky Fair was hosted by Miller Spectacular Shows, a company on the fair circuit that owns quite a notable collection of rare flat rides in the United States.One such example is Aladdin, manufactured by Wisdom Rides. It's quite an oddity of a ride, as it looks somewhat similar to a Mack Hully Gully, but the actual experience can be more accurately described as a gentler experience similar to what one would experience on a Paratrooper.
Aladdin - SOKY Fair 2017 [Miller Spectacular Shows] (Off-Ride) SouthernLeisure 2017-07-29 | This year's Southern Kentucky Fair was hosted by Miller Spectacular Shows, a company on the fair circuit that owns quite a notable collection of rare flat rides in the United States.One such example is Aladdin, manufactured by Wisdom Rides. It's quite an oddity of a ride, as it looks somewhat similar to a Mack Hully Gully, but the actual experience can be more accurately described as a gentler experience similar to what one would experience on a Paratrooper.
Escape From Pompeii - Busch Gardens Williamsburg SouthernLeisure 2017-06-23 | Short off-ride clip of Busch Gardens Williamsburg's fabulously themed Intamin shoot-the-chute, featuring some unlucky riders getting soaked three times: Once by the ride's splashdown, and twice by those dreaded water cannons.
Toboggan (On-Ride) POV - Lakemont Park SouthernLeisure 2016-06-25 | Once upon a time, Chance Toboggans could be seen in several carnivals and fairs nationwide. Designed to take up as little space as possible, they were the first roller coasters to feature a 90-degree lift hill. Today only two pieces of these are still in existance, with one at Little Amerricka and the other at Lakemont Park.It is probably safe to say why these portable coasters died down in popularity on the fair circuit. DISCLAIMER: This footage was shot with having the park's permission. Do not attempt to sneak cellphones, cameras, or other forms of recording devices on board. If caught, you will be forced off the ride, or possibly even ejected from the park.
Failed Skyliner POV - Lakemont Park SouthernLeisure 2016-06-25 | A failed on-ride video taken onboard the Skyliner at Lakemont Park. The first drop was shockingly rough, so much so I inadvertently ended the recording prematurely. Oh well.(Funny thing: Both my phone's video recorder and photo capture had become distorted, and I feared that I would have to buy a new phone. Turns out the first drop would end up fixing it!)DISCLAIMER: This footage was shot with having the park's permission. Do not attempt to sneak cellphones, cameras, or other forms of recording devices on board. If caught, you will be forced off the ride, or possibly even ejected from the park.
Sea Dragon - Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon SouthernLeisure 2016-06-01 | Beech Bend's Chance Sea Dragon swinging ship is more notable than its similar counterparts, not just due to its more intense operation, but also thanks to its association with Michael Jackson! This was the very same Sea Dragon that Micheal bought and operated at his Neverland Ranch theme park, and it was even said that it was his favorite ride! Bought by Beech Bend Park shortly after his death, it would reopen shortly before the end of the 2009 summer season. The park still pays tribute to the legendary music star by exclusively using a playlist consisting of his greatest hits.
Sizzler - Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon SouthernLeisure 2016-06-01 | Beech Bend Park's Sizzler is your typical scrambler-esque ride found at many local fairs, amusement parks, and even a few theme parks. Manufactured by Wisdom Rides, the Sizzler is considerably more forceful than the Eli Bridge Scrambler, and is even capable of being operated in reverse.
Tempesto (Off-Ride) Busch Gardens Williamsburg SouthernLeisure 2015-06-11 | A little video for those who have not seen this contraption in action, seeing as it has been tempermental so far.
Hip Hop Drop - Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon SouthernLeisure 2014-05-28 | The kiddie drop tower/froghopper for the whole family. Unlike Zero-G, Hip Hop Drop will drop people more than once, providing a funny "bouncing" feeling, which connects back to its name quite well. I like how they relocated this season quite close to Zero-G; it not only allows parents to drop their children off and ride the "big kid" version of the ride knowing they are safe, but it also will provide great coming memories for kids for building up the courage to then conquer Zero-G.
Flying Bobs - Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon SouthernLeisure 2014-05-28 | The popular swinging musical roundabout. Beech Bend Park used to originally have a Mack Matterhorn from the 1970's before it was sold off when the park closed in 1984. The Flying Bobs is one of the very few original Allan Herschell Flying Bobs left in existence, and it has undergone many various rehabs, the most major of which was in 2009 where it was SBNO the entire operating season, but as this video shows, it still is a popular and exciting ride after all these years.
Tornado - Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon SouthernLeisure 2014-05-28 | The Wisdom Tornado at Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon. I really don't get the appeal of this ride, it's like a suspended-tea cups ride with cars that are quite difficult to rotate thanks to the odd shape of them. Probably my least favorite ride there.
Grand Carousel - Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon SouthernLeisure 2013-05-29 | Do not mind the random Hispanic girl that runs in front of the camera and wants to ride...
