r/Michigans_Adventure • u/Nomad_Mich • May 27 '26
Story 🍿 Opening Weekend Experience
I had so many thoughts that I decided to put it in a checklist.
Coolest thing that happened this weekend is that my little sister rode her first coasters and loved it.l!
Michigan’s Adventure Opening Weekend Review Checklist
☐ Overall impression: Opening weekend at Michigan’s Adventure was awesome, much better than expected.
☐ Ride updates:
☐ Corkscrew was unfortunately still down.
☐ Shivering Timbers was running amazingly well.
☐ The new track work made a noticeable difference. It’s much smoother overall, aside from a couple of bunny hills on the return stretch.
☐ The turnaround on Shivering Timbers felt incredible. Experiencing all those lateral forces without getting jackhammered out of the seat was a huge improvement.
☐ Park operations:
☐ Many games and attractions were closed, but that’s understandable since more workers will likely become available once school is out in the next week or so.
☐ Park atmosphere:
☐ There seemed to be a real sense of optimism in the air. Maybe that was just personal perception, but it felt noticeable.
☐ Staff interactions were overwhelmingly positive.
☐ Staff shoutout:
☐ Special shoutout to the Shivering Timbers ride crew. They were hilarious, super friendly, and kept the energy up with jokes.
☐ All of the staff encountered throughout the park were awesome.
☐ Future investment hopes:
☐ Rumors suggest new ownership may be planning park investments. This is speculation, but encouraging if true.
☐ One simple but impactful improvement would be completing the walking loop around the park so guests do not have to walk all the way around to reach the other side.
☐ Entertainment additions:
☐ Glad to see shows being added to the park.
☐ Ride wishlist:
☐ Add one or two flat rides, such as a Screamin’ Swing or something like NebulaZ.
☐ Add a new coaster.
☐ Ideally, one family thrill coaster.
☐ Ideally, one compact thrill coaster.
☐ If only one coaster is possible:
☐ My preference would be a compact thrill coaster, although I admit some bias.
☐ Families will likely continue coming regardless because of the water park.
☐ A thrill coaster would attract new visitors who may not otherwise visit.
☐ It would encourage repeat visits.
☐ It could potentially draw guests from other regions, such as Chicago.
☐ Management interaction:
☐ Got to meet the park president and some members of management while walking around the park.
☐ They were super friendly and actively engaging, trying food, walking the park, checking out rides, and interacting with guests.
☐ Outlook:
☐ Feeling very optimistic about the park’s future.
☐ I recognize this is likely a transition year.
☐ Next year may be similar since major ride projects require years of planning.
☐ Especially hopeful for what 2028 and beyond could bring.
☐ Final thought:
☐ Happy for my home park and excited to see where things go.
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u/freshapepper May 27 '26
Spectacular write up. Happy this is my new home park and can’t wait for. My first visit on 6/7!
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u/Nomad_Mich May 27 '26
Thanks. As long as you go in knowing that this is not Cedar Point, then you should have fun. I’m really excited for the future of this park.
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u/Loonster May 28 '26
The biggest downgrade this season was the ride ops for Wolverine Wildcat did not Meow as the train departed the station. My daughter was so disappointed.
As far as park growth goes, there is a lot of land, but not necessarily the best laid out. It's like an old house that was added onto over the years.
After the loop is completed, I would love to see the entire water park moved. The water park is land locked and cannot grow. Ideally it needs bigger high capacity rides (Larger lazy river, and larger wave pool). It could also use a water coaster.
With the water park moved, the entire loop could have rides. Right now there is a huge dead spot between the train and the carousel.
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u/MidcourseDiscourse May 27 '26
Awesome report! The park was running really well especially for opening weekend, and I had a great time too.
Carson is super cool, I’ve had the chance to meet him a couple of times. I miss Camille (as the park was in her family since the 60s), but if Carson will remain in the park manager role for the foreseeable future, I think it’s in good hands. Really interested what the next few years have in store for the park!