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What separates enthusiasts from the GP?

I'm a mix of GP and an enthusiast tbh. Most enthusiasts have a soft spot for nemesis and dislike rita. I'm one of few enthusiasts that actually prefers the smiler to nemmy. Idk why either, I just find it more interesting. The smiler and wicker man I can ride all day long as they're fun, enjoyable and unique experiences. Whilst I think the same about nemesis, it's a bit too intense to marathon
 
Let’s be honest here, enthusiasts are glued to their phones in queue lines basically seeing how accurate ride times is.
If inaccurate, straight on here to vent frustration.
 
Real enthusiasts can also be heard enthusiastically talking about technical coaster jargon and boring everyone else around them. I'm guilty of this. :p:cool:
 
I am definitely guilty of seeing what the ride times are like when I'm in queue. I also tend to keep an eye on ride times both before and after I've visited AT.

I think there probably needs to be a third category added to this discussion. Wimps, or as I prefer The Overly Anxious.

The latter group will often get themselves worked up over going on rides.... even the ones they like... Tend to research new rides extensively by watching videos etc, to get an idea of "how bad it is" before going on it. They will compare the height of drops, number of loops in a new ride to one they can "handle", so they are "prepared". Will avoid eating anything before a big ride "just in case".

And most importantly, will often keep their eyes closed on the bigger rides (especially on any lift hill that is deemed to be "very high", weirdly this may include Thi3teen), definitely during any drops, and mostly will just wonder when it is over.

Then after leaving the ride station, will rejoin the queue and repeat the performance. Except maybe keeping one eye open this time. o_O
 
One thing I've had in my mind recently is to put together a course to help people overcome their fear of roller coasters. Need to get around to making a start, please tell me if you think this is a good idea. (Also, if anyone likes the idea and wants to join me, drop me a PM)
 
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Ethan said:
How can that possibly be a GP list if nemesis is above the smiler
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It's a GP list due to the fact that Vampire and Dragon's Fury are ranked are their. In my opinion, they are top 30 coasters and I in my opinion would have put something else like Mumbo Jumbo their from my experiences. Fair enough though it's less GP than the last one I posted.
 
While people are free to think and say what they want, is it only me who’s never personally been a fan of the term “GP”? People can have different opinions, and while I admit that non-enthusiasts tend to have differing opinions to enthusiasts on the whole, that doesn’t necessarily make them “inferior” or warranting of a term like “GP”, in my opinion; they are simply people who don’t take a deep interest in theme parks like we do. The term “GP” makes them sound inferior, almost like some sort of alien race; in my eyes, “non-enthusiast” is perhaps a better term to use, and even then, I wouldn’t like to segregate non-enthusiasts apart from enthusiasts like that. Just because a list differs from the average consensus opinion among enthusiasts, it doesn’t mean that it’s inferior; it’s just a differing opinion from the norm.

Not everyone has the same opinions, and not everyone has to take a deep interest in theme parks, and that’s fine by me!
 
Matt N said:
While people are free to think and say what they want, is it only me who’s never personally been a fan of the term “GP”? People can have different opinions, and while I admit that non-enthusiasts tend to have differing opinions to enthusiasts on the whole, that doesn’t necessarily make them “inferior” or warranting of a term like “GP”, in my opinion; they are simply people who don’t take a deep interest in theme parks like we do. The term “GP” makes them sound inferior, almost like some sort of alien race; in my eyes, “non-enthusiast” is perhaps a better term to use, and even then, I wouldn’t like to segregate non-enthusiasts apart from enthusiasts like that. Just because a list differs from the average consensus opinion among enthusiasts, it doesn’t mean that it’s inferior; it’s just a differing opinion from the norm.
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Not just you. The term 'GP' and the context in which it is so regularly used is disgustingly elitist.

If a wine connoisseur were to turn to someone else who enjoys wine, but perhaps knows little of the intricate details regarding production, type, taste etc., and say "well your opinion is clearly invalid, what do you know?", I think most people would quite rightly be appalled.

Absolutely no different from this ludicrous "enthusiast vs GP" mentality :)
 
"GP" is a term I've only come across within the last couple of months (in theme park context anyway), though seems to be used a lot more among American enthusiasts than over here. It's an awful term. Non-enthusiast or non-geek will more than suffice. We're all members of the general public.

Anyhow, I think we're drifting a little off topic here!
 
I agree. But I do remember this term being used regularly since I started getting into theme parks. Around 2002.
 
As far as I've been a theme park enthusiast (2006) I've always heard the term GP used to describe those who aren't enthusiasts. I don't see the harm of it being used in that context as it's an easy term to apply.

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