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Started By
Message
TulaneLSU's Top 10 rides of OWA, Foley
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:38 pm
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:38 pm
Dear Friends,
Courage is doing what is good and just, despite the consequences of that action. Some mistakenly attribute courage to performing acts of danger. True courage, though, is grounded in faith in God, both in understanding what is good and just, as known through the Bible and Church Tradition, and in knowing that no matter what happens, God’s love is with us always. Simply performing a dangerous act does not define courage. There are plenty of people who walk into dangerous situations for the wrong reasons: they want fame, fortune, or respect. Others are indifferent; they do not care if they live or die. Others may perform feats of danger out of duty. True courage, though, is freely doing God’s good and peaceful work no matter how afraid we are of that act or its consequences.
A full life is a life that overcomes fear. A full life is confidence that God is always beside us. St. Paul had such confidence. He was a friend to many, including the Christians in Rome, who faced grave persecution. And he, like any good friend, wrote his friends letters. One of his best letters comes from his correspondence with those Christians. It contains one of my favorite lines ever penned: “I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[ neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
I live in a state of perpetual fear: that the Mob will get me, that I will descend from a bridge into the abyss, that my favorite Christopher Radko hand blown glass ornament will shatter after falling from one of our twelve Christmas trees. I pray daily that God might quell this fear, but Satan knows where my fears live and constantly puts forth old and new fears.
One of the battlefields on which I challenge Satan is the amusement park. It is on the rides of these parks where I tell Satan to get behind me. I admit these rides frighten me. I nearly become incontinent when I think about some of the roller coasters in this world, but these are the grooming grounds for the real battles in life. It is on these rides where I stand up to my fears and remember that God is in control. Should I die, but die in the loving arms of Christ, what have I lost? Should I lose every cent, every ornament, every shred of public respect I have but still be within Christ’s flock, what have I lost?
Mother recently purchased a large landholding and farmhouse in Elberta, Alabama. The area is bucolic, its pastoral flat lands and farms are closer to the Midwest than the Deep South. It is a promised land flowing with good things. Mother needed to attend to the lands recently, and asked if I would join her. I accepted.
After a couple of days of helping her do some interior and exterior Christmas decorating, she asked if I would not mind staying in a hotel. I think my Christmas enthusiasm was getting to be a bit much for her. So I Googled for nearby hotels. I do not like The Grand in Clear Point, and I was recently in Fairhope, so I settled on Foley, and specifically, on OWA. I figured I could ride the rides for a day, while giving Mother some space.
In my last installment about the Top 10 dishes at the Paula Dean Restaurant, which has since lost its P and D signage letters, thanks, I assume, to Hurricane Sally in September, I talked about this amusement park calling it AWO. That error was due to its almost palindrome-like nature. Each of the three letters looks the same forward as it does backward. How funny.
OWA is quite the facility and it seems that there are plans to expand and expand. At the present time, the downtown is rather depressing because at least half the storefronts are empty. It seems several of the places open this summer are now closed. So far, there has been a carousel of restaurants and retailers. One hopes that they can remedy that and find some . Just as at Disney, the downtown feel is artificial but quaint. As it is built to resemble something it is not, something with history, I will never feel at home in this sort of downtown. But I suppose some families who do not have a respect and appreciation for the importance of a downtown district may enjoy it and its attendant recreation of stereotypical small town 1950’s America, where apple pie aroma wafts in the background of a patriotic parade lined by kids with sparklers.
During the day, the streets glisten in the light. They are, like the stores, mostly empty, but everything is astoundingly clean, crisp, and new. The paint is bright without hints of fading. The sidewalks are not chipped or uneven. As someone who loves the patina of time, it, again, is just not my cup of hot chocolate. There must be tens of thousands of empty yet brand new retail space along these streets. I have read about those empty and new cities built in China and wonder if downtown OWA is a little like those cities.
Courage is doing what is good and just, despite the consequences of that action. Some mistakenly attribute courage to performing acts of danger. True courage, though, is grounded in faith in God, both in understanding what is good and just, as known through the Bible and Church Tradition, and in knowing that no matter what happens, God’s love is with us always. Simply performing a dangerous act does not define courage. There are plenty of people who walk into dangerous situations for the wrong reasons: they want fame, fortune, or respect. Others are indifferent; they do not care if they live or die. Others may perform feats of danger out of duty. True courage, though, is freely doing God’s good and peaceful work no matter how afraid we are of that act or its consequences.
A full life is a life that overcomes fear. A full life is confidence that God is always beside us. St. Paul had such confidence. He was a friend to many, including the Christians in Rome, who faced grave persecution. And he, like any good friend, wrote his friends letters. One of his best letters comes from his correspondence with those Christians. It contains one of my favorite lines ever penned: “I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[ neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
I live in a state of perpetual fear: that the Mob will get me, that I will descend from a bridge into the abyss, that my favorite Christopher Radko hand blown glass ornament will shatter after falling from one of our twelve Christmas trees. I pray daily that God might quell this fear, but Satan knows where my fears live and constantly puts forth old and new fears.
One of the battlefields on which I challenge Satan is the amusement park. It is on the rides of these parks where I tell Satan to get behind me. I admit these rides frighten me. I nearly become incontinent when I think about some of the roller coasters in this world, but these are the grooming grounds for the real battles in life. It is on these rides where I stand up to my fears and remember that God is in control. Should I die, but die in the loving arms of Christ, what have I lost? Should I lose every cent, every ornament, every shred of public respect I have but still be within Christ’s flock, what have I lost?
Mother recently purchased a large landholding and farmhouse in Elberta, Alabama. The area is bucolic, its pastoral flat lands and farms are closer to the Midwest than the Deep South. It is a promised land flowing with good things. Mother needed to attend to the lands recently, and asked if I would join her. I accepted.
After a couple of days of helping her do some interior and exterior Christmas decorating, she asked if I would not mind staying in a hotel. I think my Christmas enthusiasm was getting to be a bit much for her. So I Googled for nearby hotels. I do not like The Grand in Clear Point, and I was recently in Fairhope, so I settled on Foley, and specifically, on OWA. I figured I could ride the rides for a day, while giving Mother some space.
In my last installment about the Top 10 dishes at the Paula Dean Restaurant, which has since lost its P and D signage letters, thanks, I assume, to Hurricane Sally in September, I talked about this amusement park calling it AWO. That error was due to its almost palindrome-like nature. Each of the three letters looks the same forward as it does backward. How funny.
OWA is quite the facility and it seems that there are plans to expand and expand. At the present time, the downtown is rather depressing because at least half the storefronts are empty. It seems several of the places open this summer are now closed. So far, there has been a carousel of restaurants and retailers. One hopes that they can remedy that and find some . Just as at Disney, the downtown feel is artificial but quaint. As it is built to resemble something it is not, something with history, I will never feel at home in this sort of downtown. But I suppose some families who do not have a respect and appreciation for the importance of a downtown district may enjoy it and its attendant recreation of stereotypical small town 1950’s America, where apple pie aroma wafts in the background of a patriotic parade lined by kids with sparklers.
During the day, the streets glisten in the light. They are, like the stores, mostly empty, but everything is astoundingly clean, crisp, and new. The paint is bright without hints of fading. The sidewalks are not chipped or uneven. As someone who loves the patina of time, it, again, is just not my cup of hot chocolate. There must be tens of thousands of empty yet brand new retail space along these streets. I have read about those empty and new cities built in China and wonder if downtown OWA is a little like those cities.
This post was edited on 12/6/20 at 7:51 pm
11
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:38 pm to TulaneLSU
Mother arranged, after my research, a suite at the Marriott Courtyard Suites at OWA. It seems a relatively new facility and the front deskman upon my arrival was welcoming and polite. The lobby was clean, if basic. The parking lot and, later, the breakfast room, revealed that most of its guests came from one of two groups: middle-upper class families with children and obnoxious super-SUVs and migrant worker crews who spoke Spanish. The bedrooms were clean and spacious. I had a beautiful view of an open field from my bed. If I tried, I could also see the park at OWA.
The facilities were quite nice, and much more than one would expect for a suite that costs just $150/night. They were much nicer than those offered at the Birmingham Airport Holiday Inn. I played a shadow game of foosball, and did not give up a goal. I did not enter the gym, for fear that lingering respiratory particles might still linger. I also did not enjoy the outdoor patio area. These areas, at night, were quite unpleasant, as some of the occupants were smoking and drinking alcohol while grilling. With the right crowd, the patio could be a very nice place.
As you all know, I enjoy pizza when traveling, so I decided to try three pizzas from Trattoria, a pizzeria at OWA that AL.com has labeled “The best pizza in south Alabama.” I have not had many pizzas in south Alabama, but can say that I enjoyed a Godfather’s in Mobile. Another place that is often mentioned as having good pizza is Lillian’s of Orange Beach. I found Lillian’s below average.
After Mother dropped me off and I unpacked my luggage, I called Trattoria with a to-go order. It took them about half an hour to prepare the pizzas. I stayed outside, as there were people inside eating. On the edge of the building is a large window where one can watch the pizzaiola tossing dough. I sat and watched, waving to him and giving him a thumbs up each time he successfully caught the flying dough. After I gave him seven thumbs up, he stopped smiling at me and I was left to assume he started ignoring me and my encouragement. The pizzeria’s signage is excellent, I must add.
The first pizza I tried was the OWA Hot, which they say is soon to be famous. It is a specialty pizza and cost $22 I believe. One thing I also noticed was that tax on food at OWA was a whopping 12%! Rural Alabama has gone surprisingly big government.
The OWA Hot is a very odd pizza in that the menu claims San Marzano tomatoes are employed, but you could have fooled me. I did not taste them whatsoever, and I have a very keen sense for them. Also odd is that they put two different types of breadcrumbs on the pizza. Breadcrumbs do not belong on pizza. Only afterward did I realize that the owner of the pizzeria is a news anchor in Mobile, AL and grew up working in “pizzerias” in Chicago, home of the worst “pizza” in the world, even worse than Rome.
Anyway, I moved on to the Bull, which was essentially a meatlover’s pizza. It was better than OWA Hot, but was sloppy. Its price should dictate excellent meats, but these meats were low grade Sysco. Would it be that hard to order some quality pepperoni online from one of the excellent Italian delis on Arthur Avenue? The sauce was okay. The cheese was Sysco level mozzarella and was overdone. The crust was the best part of the pizza, although the edge on one half was mistakenly overdone, burned to a pure black along a quarter of the rim.
Having finished two pizzas, a third, the pepperoni was next. I could only stomach three more slices. It was not noteworthy and identical to the Bull, except with less meats and the dough being slightly undercooked.
For dessert I got the dessert ballz, which were supposed to come covered in chocolate and whipped cream, but did not. Though these were good, and highlighted the quality of the pizzeria’s dough, it is important to make the dish as described on the menu.
Mother was kind enough to make a goodie basket for me, and I enjoyed a few of these goodies later in the evening once the other dessert settled. She apparently wanted to make sure I did not get tempted by the sweets store at OWA, as the last time I went to such a store I built a triple digit bill. Mother, like I, hates that Alabama charges 10% sales tax on groceries, so she made sure I had plenty of groceries too.
I was quite excited through the night, and after vespers and prayer read Alvin Plantinga’s Knowledge and Christian Belief, which is a must for everyone. By the time I finished, the sun was rising and breakfast was served! I knew I would need my energy, so I started with hot chocolate.
The facilities were quite nice, and much more than one would expect for a suite that costs just $150/night. They were much nicer than those offered at the Birmingham Airport Holiday Inn. I played a shadow game of foosball, and did not give up a goal. I did not enter the gym, for fear that lingering respiratory particles might still linger. I also did not enjoy the outdoor patio area. These areas, at night, were quite unpleasant, as some of the occupants were smoking and drinking alcohol while grilling. With the right crowd, the patio could be a very nice place.
As you all know, I enjoy pizza when traveling, so I decided to try three pizzas from Trattoria, a pizzeria at OWA that AL.com has labeled “The best pizza in south Alabama.” I have not had many pizzas in south Alabama, but can say that I enjoyed a Godfather’s in Mobile. Another place that is often mentioned as having good pizza is Lillian’s of Orange Beach. I found Lillian’s below average.
After Mother dropped me off and I unpacked my luggage, I called Trattoria with a to-go order. It took them about half an hour to prepare the pizzas. I stayed outside, as there were people inside eating. On the edge of the building is a large window where one can watch the pizzaiola tossing dough. I sat and watched, waving to him and giving him a thumbs up each time he successfully caught the flying dough. After I gave him seven thumbs up, he stopped smiling at me and I was left to assume he started ignoring me and my encouragement. The pizzeria’s signage is excellent, I must add.
The first pizza I tried was the OWA Hot, which they say is soon to be famous. It is a specialty pizza and cost $22 I believe. One thing I also noticed was that tax on food at OWA was a whopping 12%! Rural Alabama has gone surprisingly big government.
The OWA Hot is a very odd pizza in that the menu claims San Marzano tomatoes are employed, but you could have fooled me. I did not taste them whatsoever, and I have a very keen sense for them. Also odd is that they put two different types of breadcrumbs on the pizza. Breadcrumbs do not belong on pizza. Only afterward did I realize that the owner of the pizzeria is a news anchor in Mobile, AL and grew up working in “pizzerias” in Chicago, home of the worst “pizza” in the world, even worse than Rome.
Anyway, I moved on to the Bull, which was essentially a meatlover’s pizza. It was better than OWA Hot, but was sloppy. Its price should dictate excellent meats, but these meats were low grade Sysco. Would it be that hard to order some quality pepperoni online from one of the excellent Italian delis on Arthur Avenue? The sauce was okay. The cheese was Sysco level mozzarella and was overdone. The crust was the best part of the pizza, although the edge on one half was mistakenly overdone, burned to a pure black along a quarter of the rim.
Having finished two pizzas, a third, the pepperoni was next. I could only stomach three more slices. It was not noteworthy and identical to the Bull, except with less meats and the dough being slightly undercooked.
For dessert I got the dessert ballz, which were supposed to come covered in chocolate and whipped cream, but did not. Though these were good, and highlighted the quality of the pizzeria’s dough, it is important to make the dish as described on the menu.
Mother was kind enough to make a goodie basket for me, and I enjoyed a few of these goodies later in the evening once the other dessert settled. She apparently wanted to make sure I did not get tempted by the sweets store at OWA, as the last time I went to such a store I built a triple digit bill. Mother, like I, hates that Alabama charges 10% sales tax on groceries, so she made sure I had plenty of groceries too.
I was quite excited through the night, and after vespers and prayer read Alvin Plantinga’s Knowledge and Christian Belief, which is a must for everyone. By the time I finished, the sun was rising and breakfast was served! I knew I would need my energy, so I started with hot chocolate.
This post was edited on 12/6/20 at 7:49 pm
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:38 pm to TulaneLSU
It is rare that I stay in a facility where a meal is included, but the Courtyard has included breakfast in the stay. I was the first in-line and I was able to meet the chef, a delightful masked lady who told me that in normal times, they have a hot breakfast buffet. Instead, they have prepackaged foods. I grabbed a few items and went back to my room. There were just enough items to make TulaneLSU’s Top 10 pandemic breakfast items at Courtyard Suite’s breakfast bar:
10. Orange juice
9. Rice Krispies
8. Apple cinnamon muffin
7. Half and half (with instant grits)
6. Reduced fat milk
5. Fried chicken biscuit
4. Nature Valley chocolate chunk granola bar
3. Frosted Mini Wheats
2. Blueberry muffins
1.Fresh apple
My day at OWA was spectacular. Cleanliness of the park was exceptional, just as at Disney. Most of the visitors were genteel and well dressed. One wonders if the warmer weather of later months might bring about more wanton wears, but most of the visitors had relatively respectable, if cheap, clothing.
I was greatly disappointed, almost to the point of leaving the park, that so many people did not abide by the signs indicating that masks were required on rides. I would hope that civic responsibility and concern for thy neighbor were good enough motivators to encourage the public of Alabama to wear masks. However, I am sad to report that these selfish people rarely wore masks. I was one of a very few, perhaps only 5% of patrons, who wore a mask. I wore my N95 to protect me and others the entire day, not removing it until I was out of the park entirely. Masks work to reduce spread and deaths caused by this deadly virus, and the continued attack on masks is misguided, selfish, and evidence that many Americans who believe they are patriotic are, in fact, entitled snots who foolishly believe rights proceed obligations, even if the truth is rights mean absolutely nothing without obligation.
The good news is that bathrooms were extremely clean and there was appropriate spacing of toilets and sinks. Even better were alcohol rub dispensers scattered throughout the park. I had an excellent system of using these dispensers immediately after every ride. After five rides, I went to the bathroom for a thorough hand washing, just as our friend, stout, recommends. Staff, in general, are all wearing N-95 masks, though, a few of them had the masks below their noses. I corrected their errors when I saw them. Most of the workers are apathetic about wiping down the rides afterwards, with a cursory wipe with a nasty rag of the ride seats after each ride. I suspect if they simply sprayed the areas where a person’s hands touch and did not wipe would be the most sanitary as well as efficient way to clean. The reuse of those rags is disgusting and probably makes it worse.
That evening I hoped to join some live entertainment. One of the offerings is a show performed by Brandon Styles, a magician and entertainer who does variety shows. Before going, though, I wanted to get a lay for the land and make sure they were taking appropriate precautions in a covid-19 world. Unfortunately, they did not require masks for its indoor patrons and there were really no precautions at all that I could see, so I decided not to buy a ticket. I have no doubt Styles would have entertained.
Although I wish I did, I do not have time to detail everything about the day, but I want to highlight that the park is a Christmas wonderland. There were few explicitly Christian Christmas decorations in town, but they did have excellent Christmas hymns and carols, and not just that pop radio junk like “White Christmas” and “All I Want for Christmas.” I include also TulaneLSU’s Top 10 Christmas decorations at OWA:
10. Gingerbread Christmas tree
9. Candy cane family
8. Garland and ribbon
7. LED Christmas tree
6. Chipmunk
5. Snowflake
4. LED Polar Bear
3. Rudolph, Frosty, and Santa’s Elf
2. Santa
1.Christmas carolers
10. Orange juice
9. Rice Krispies
8. Apple cinnamon muffin
7. Half and half (with instant grits)
6. Reduced fat milk
5. Fried chicken biscuit
4. Nature Valley chocolate chunk granola bar
3. Frosted Mini Wheats
2. Blueberry muffins
1.Fresh apple
My day at OWA was spectacular. Cleanliness of the park was exceptional, just as at Disney. Most of the visitors were genteel and well dressed. One wonders if the warmer weather of later months might bring about more wanton wears, but most of the visitors had relatively respectable, if cheap, clothing.
I was greatly disappointed, almost to the point of leaving the park, that so many people did not abide by the signs indicating that masks were required on rides. I would hope that civic responsibility and concern for thy neighbor were good enough motivators to encourage the public of Alabama to wear masks. However, I am sad to report that these selfish people rarely wore masks. I was one of a very few, perhaps only 5% of patrons, who wore a mask. I wore my N95 to protect me and others the entire day, not removing it until I was out of the park entirely. Masks work to reduce spread and deaths caused by this deadly virus, and the continued attack on masks is misguided, selfish, and evidence that many Americans who believe they are patriotic are, in fact, entitled snots who foolishly believe rights proceed obligations, even if the truth is rights mean absolutely nothing without obligation.
The good news is that bathrooms were extremely clean and there was appropriate spacing of toilets and sinks. Even better were alcohol rub dispensers scattered throughout the park. I had an excellent system of using these dispensers immediately after every ride. After five rides, I went to the bathroom for a thorough hand washing, just as our friend, stout, recommends. Staff, in general, are all wearing N-95 masks, though, a few of them had the masks below their noses. I corrected their errors when I saw them. Most of the workers are apathetic about wiping down the rides afterwards, with a cursory wipe with a nasty rag of the ride seats after each ride. I suspect if they simply sprayed the areas where a person’s hands touch and did not wipe would be the most sanitary as well as efficient way to clean. The reuse of those rags is disgusting and probably makes it worse.
That evening I hoped to join some live entertainment. One of the offerings is a show performed by Brandon Styles, a magician and entertainer who does variety shows. Before going, though, I wanted to get a lay for the land and make sure they were taking appropriate precautions in a covid-19 world. Unfortunately, they did not require masks for its indoor patrons and there were really no precautions at all that I could see, so I decided not to buy a ticket. I have no doubt Styles would have entertained.
Although I wish I did, I do not have time to detail everything about the day, but I want to highlight that the park is a Christmas wonderland. There were few explicitly Christian Christmas decorations in town, but they did have excellent Christmas hymns and carols, and not just that pop radio junk like “White Christmas” and “All I Want for Christmas.” I include also TulaneLSU’s Top 10 Christmas decorations at OWA:
10. Gingerbread Christmas tree
9. Candy cane family
8. Garland and ribbon
7. LED Christmas tree
6. Chipmunk
5. Snowflake
4. LED Polar Bear
3. Rudolph, Frosty, and Santa’s Elf
2. Santa
1.Christmas carolers
This post was edited on 12/6/20 at 8:10 pm
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:38 pm to TulaneLSU
Friends, although it meant vomiting four times throughout the day, for your sakes, I decided I was going to ride every single ride at OWA. To do otherwise would be to forsake my duty to give you a fair review of all the rides. I will confess, at no fault of my own, that I was unable to ride Zip Zap Race. There is a height limit which I nearly doubled. Although I pleased with the conductor to let me ride, first by pretending to be short by walking on my knees, and second, by asking if I could just have my legs hanging out, she refused. I was able to conquer some of my fears to punctuate the fact that no matter where we go, God is with us and God’s love will not let us go. Friends, TulaneLSU’s Top 10 rides at OWA:
22. Twister (13/40)
Fun level: 0
Fear factor: 5
Ride appearance and maintenance: 8
Will not get sick level: 0
It nearly ruined my day, but not even a sweater soaked in my own vomit would ruin this day. This ride was brutal, torture for anyone with equilibrium issues. I will never ride this again, not because it is scary but because it messes with the inner ear.
21. Happy Haulers (14/40)
Fun level: 0
Fear factor: 0
Ride appearance and maintenance: 4
Will not get sick level: 10
This ride should only be for children. I nearly became stuck in it and it moved slower than I walk. It was boring, but at least I did not vomit. That is the only reason I rate it higher than Twister.
20. Zip Zap Race (15/40)
Fun level: 0
Fear factor: 0
Ride appearance and maintenance: 5
Will not get sick level: 10
This ride was the only OWA ride I did not ride, but only due to me being forbidden by staff members. I did not see any of the toddlers getting sick, but they all seemed to enjoy it. Because I did not get to have fun, I gave it a 0. For young kids, I imagine this might be a top ride.
19. Alabama Wham’a (16/40)
Fun level: 4
Fear factor: 7
Ride appearance and maintenance: 5
Will not get sick level: 0
Of the three rides that caused me to vomit, this was the last. It is a lightning fast Ferris wheel that pivots on an axis allowing it to move in multiple directions. I get dizzy and nauseous just thinking about it now.
18. Air Racer (17/40)
Fun level: 1
Fear factor: 10
Ride appearance and maintenance: 6
Will not get sick level: 0
Another vomit-inducing ride, the Air Race tricks you into believing that you are safe with a tightly fit seat. Little do you suspect that these pods will spin at an ever alarming rate, probably hitting a G or two. Your vestibular system does not deserve this torture.
17. Flying Tigers (18/40)
Fun level: 2
Fear factor: 3
Ride appearance and maintenance: 4
Will not get sick level: 9
A fantastically named ride, the reality does not live up to the name’s promise. Travelers traverse a very small oval and never witness any speed or variation. It was one of the more boring rides.
16. Swinging Fun (19/40)
Fun level: 3
Fear factor: 7
Ride appearance and maintenance: 6
Will not get sick level: 3
This ride may have been closest to making me vomit but without actually causing me to do so. It is a deceptive little ride. I do not see how so many young children ride on it without crying. My stomach never that day felt the butterflies it did as it did on Swinging Fun.
15. Gully Washer (20/40)
Fun level: 5
Fear factor: 5
Ride appearance and maintenance: 5
Will not get sick level: 5
The conductor told me to put away my camera. The ride itself was average with only a few episodes of feeling weightless. The bench drops suddenly, but never far enough to endanger feeling queasy.
14. Flying Aces (21/40)
Fun level: 5
Fear factor: 3
Ride appearance and maintenance: 3
Will not get sick level: 10
If this ride had some level of user control, it might bolt into the Top 10. The seats are not made for tall adults. They actually had to stop the ride for a few minutes to help me out. The speed, height, and view from the ride are the stuff of legends. Any child should love this one, and if you are under six feet, I suspect you will too.
13. Flutter By (22/40)
Fun level: 7
Fear factor: 2
Ride appearance and maintenance: 5
Will not get sick level: 8
This ride gives the user altitude control. The faster you pedal, the higher you go. I maxed it out and loved every second.
12. Rockin’ Raft (23/40)
Fun level: 7
Fear factor: 6
Ride appearance and maintenance: 5
Will not get sick level: 5
A surprisingly fast kid’s ride. If it moved any faster, I could not rate it as highly. It pivots and spins and climbs, a real adrenaline pumper.
11. Sky Balloons (24/40)
Fun level: 5
Fear factor: 8
Ride appearance and maintenance: 8
Will not get sick level: 3
It goes high, and the user has the ability to make it a frightening ride. Like Tea Cups, you have a circular handle in the middle that spins the vessel. One, if he so chooses, has the ability to spin faster than any sane person would want to spin. Although I did not vomit, I could see a wayward child getting enough spin to cause others in his vessel to vomit. I recommend riding alone.
This post was edited on 12/6/20 at 7:43 pm
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:38 pm to TulaneLSU
10. Aero Zoom (25/40)
Fun level: 8
Fear factor: 2
Ride appearance and maintenance: 6
Will not get sick level: 9
Another user controlled ride that climbs to good heights, Aero Zoom is one of the best “children’s” rides at OWA. Push the bar forward and you will be whisked away to Interlaken, soaring high above the hills of Baldwin County. Once the thrill or fear is too much, just bring the bar closer and you will return to a safer height.
9. Leap Frog (26/40)
Fun level: 10
Fear factor: 6
Ride appearance and maintenance: 7
Will not get sick level: 3
No ride is more deceptive than Leap Frog. It is billed as a child’s ride, but a little ramp device leaves the rider with an unexpecting bounce, so great that you might mistake your ride with Dr. Dre’s 1964 Chevy Impala from Let Me Ride.
8. Flying Carousel (27/40)
Fun level: 8
Fear factor: 4
Ride appearance and maintenance: 10
Will not get sick level: 5
It may be the most beautiful ride in the park. Flying Carousel moves fast and will excite even the most experienced amusement rider. If you go into the ride thinking it is a carousel with horses, like the beautiful Jubilee Steam Gallopers, you will be disappointed. Take it for what it is -- a beautiful, heighty, and fast swinging carousel -- and you will leave satisfied.
7. Crazy Mouse (28/40)
Fun level: 9
Fear factor: 8
Ride appearance and maintenance: 7
Will not get sick level: 4
It may be a replica of Primeval Whirl at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Crazy Mouse is fast, fun, but not so obnoxious as to make you sick. Being close to the park’s entrance makes it one of the ground’s most popular rides, so expect long lines, even when the park is not very crowded, which is almost always, not crowded that is.
6. Freedom Flyer (29/40)
Fun level: 10
Fear factor: 5
Ride appearance and maintenance: 5
Will not get sick level: 9
If you want to soar like an eagle, enjoying a relaxing and panoramic view, including the fields of Baldwin and the condos of Gulf Shores, Freedom Flyer is your ride. It is the most remote of all rides and is rarely crowded. Unfortunately, it breaks often, leaving riders dangling 100 feet in the air until someone fixes it.
5. Mystic Mansion (30/40)
Fun level: 10
Fear factor: 4
Ride appearance and maintenance: 6
Will not get sick level: 10
A blend of Disney’s interactive Toy Story shoot em up game and the Haunted Mansion, Mystic Mansion is remarkably good as an interactive haunted ride.
4. Southern Express (31/40)
Fun level: 10
Fear factor: 8
Ride appearance and maintenance: 8
Will not get sick level: 5
As I screamed with laughter, I was taken back to my many childhood rides aboard the roller coaster called the Ladybug at the City Park Carousel Gardens. Fun for both children and adults, do not discount Southern Express’s location in the kid zone. It is a great mini roller coaster.
3. Wave Rider (33/40)
Fun level: 10
Fear factor: 10
Ride appearance and maintenance: 8
Will not get sick level: 5
Few roller coasters make you feel like you are onboard a ship, but Wave Rider with its back and forth motion accomplishes that rare feat. Captain Mike would love this ride.
2. Tea Time
Fun level: 10
Fear factor: 5
Ride appearance and maintenance: 10
Will not get sick level: 10
A classy, timeless ride in which users have some control overs the internal rotation of the teacups, Tea Time is perfect for Episcopalian riders. Most southern Alabamians do not appreciate a nice spot of tea, so the lines here are not long. The refined who find themselves at OWA will love it.
1. Rollin’ Thunder (37/40)
Fun level: 10
Fear factor: 9
Ride appearance and maintenance: 10
Will not get sick level: 8
As I climbed up the tower, I prayed the entire time. “God, grant that I might live and face all my fears with the assurance that you are with me and your rod shall protect me.” With that prayer, I was hurled downward, in circles and in corkscrews. The entire movement was exhilarating. If only this experience would be the exposure therapy to allow me to cross one of the New Orleans bridges over the Mississippi. Perhaps one day?
Faith, Hope, and Love,
TulaneLSU
Fun level: 8
Fear factor: 2
Ride appearance and maintenance: 6
Will not get sick level: 9
Another user controlled ride that climbs to good heights, Aero Zoom is one of the best “children’s” rides at OWA. Push the bar forward and you will be whisked away to Interlaken, soaring high above the hills of Baldwin County. Once the thrill or fear is too much, just bring the bar closer and you will return to a safer height.
9. Leap Frog (26/40)
Fun level: 10
Fear factor: 6
Ride appearance and maintenance: 7
Will not get sick level: 3
No ride is more deceptive than Leap Frog. It is billed as a child’s ride, but a little ramp device leaves the rider with an unexpecting bounce, so great that you might mistake your ride with Dr. Dre’s 1964 Chevy Impala from Let Me Ride.
8. Flying Carousel (27/40)
Fun level: 8
Fear factor: 4
Ride appearance and maintenance: 10
Will not get sick level: 5
It may be the most beautiful ride in the park. Flying Carousel moves fast and will excite even the most experienced amusement rider. If you go into the ride thinking it is a carousel with horses, like the beautiful Jubilee Steam Gallopers, you will be disappointed. Take it for what it is -- a beautiful, heighty, and fast swinging carousel -- and you will leave satisfied.
7. Crazy Mouse (28/40)
Fun level: 9
Fear factor: 8
Ride appearance and maintenance: 7
Will not get sick level: 4
It may be a replica of Primeval Whirl at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Crazy Mouse is fast, fun, but not so obnoxious as to make you sick. Being close to the park’s entrance makes it one of the ground’s most popular rides, so expect long lines, even when the park is not very crowded, which is almost always, not crowded that is.
6. Freedom Flyer (29/40)
Fun level: 10
Fear factor: 5
Ride appearance and maintenance: 5
Will not get sick level: 9
If you want to soar like an eagle, enjoying a relaxing and panoramic view, including the fields of Baldwin and the condos of Gulf Shores, Freedom Flyer is your ride. It is the most remote of all rides and is rarely crowded. Unfortunately, it breaks often, leaving riders dangling 100 feet in the air until someone fixes it.
5. Mystic Mansion (30/40)
Fun level: 10
Fear factor: 4
Ride appearance and maintenance: 6
Will not get sick level: 10
A blend of Disney’s interactive Toy Story shoot em up game and the Haunted Mansion, Mystic Mansion is remarkably good as an interactive haunted ride.
4. Southern Express (31/40)
Fun level: 10
Fear factor: 8
Ride appearance and maintenance: 8
Will not get sick level: 5
As I screamed with laughter, I was taken back to my many childhood rides aboard the roller coaster called the Ladybug at the City Park Carousel Gardens. Fun for both children and adults, do not discount Southern Express’s location in the kid zone. It is a great mini roller coaster.
3. Wave Rider (33/40)
Fun level: 10
Fear factor: 10
Ride appearance and maintenance: 8
Will not get sick level: 5
Few roller coasters make you feel like you are onboard a ship, but Wave Rider with its back and forth motion accomplishes that rare feat. Captain Mike would love this ride.
2. Tea Time
Fun level: 10
Fear factor: 5
Ride appearance and maintenance: 10
Will not get sick level: 10
A classy, timeless ride in which users have some control overs the internal rotation of the teacups, Tea Time is perfect for Episcopalian riders. Most southern Alabamians do not appreciate a nice spot of tea, so the lines here are not long. The refined who find themselves at OWA will love it.
1. Rollin’ Thunder (37/40)
Fun level: 10
Fear factor: 9
Ride appearance and maintenance: 10
Will not get sick level: 8
As I climbed up the tower, I prayed the entire time. “God, grant that I might live and face all my fears with the assurance that you are with me and your rod shall protect me.” With that prayer, I was hurled downward, in circles and in corkscrews. The entire movement was exhilarating. If only this experience would be the exposure therapy to allow me to cross one of the New Orleans bridges over the Mississippi. Perhaps one day?
Faith, Hope, and Love,
TulaneLSU
This post was edited on 12/6/20 at 7:54 pm
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:39 pm to TulaneLSU
Caddyshack 2
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:39 pm to TulaneLSU
your record machine is skipping baw
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:39 pm to TulaneLSU
We gonna get the words from Mrs Dash again? 
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:40 pm to jdd48
:popcorn
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:42 pm to Hogwarts
Those dessert balls look disgusting
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:44 pm to TulaneLSU
LOL. I need to buy you an alcoholic beverage.
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:45 pm to TulaneLSU
We passed OWA a few weeks ago on our way back from Gulf Shores. The kids asked if we could go, but I said no.
We may take them another time. Is it nicely decorated for Christmas? It might be worth a drive soon.
We may take them another time. Is it nicely decorated for Christmas? It might be worth a drive soon.
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:47 pm to TulaneLSU
I can smell the mistletoe
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:48 pm to TulaneLSU
Do you not have a job?
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:48 pm to TulaneLSU
Looks like a nice excursion.
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:49 pm to TulaneLSU
Friend,
You should run on down to Papa Rocco's, its the best.
Yours,
Rip
You should run on down to Papa Rocco's, its the best.
Yours,
Rip
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:49 pm to TulaneLSU
quote:
The area is bucolic.
You had me at bucolic. Why go any further?
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:50 pm to TulaneLSU
You eat a shite ton of pizza
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:51 pm to TulaneLSU
Everybody hates you nerd.
Downvoted
Downvoted
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:52 pm to TulaneLSU
This is a step down from the Stacey Dash thread.
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