From Robert Niles on March 17, 2008 at 7:46 AM
Toad? Over Tatsu? Really?

From Robert Niles on March 17, 2008 at 7:52 AM
I also find it interesting that, as of this moment, the neck-and-neck battle between Maverick and Kingda Ka is getting the fewest votes. Of course, the other three match-ups all feature larger (by attendance) parks, so I suppose the relatively low number of votes makes sense.

From Mike West on March 17, 2008 at 8:57 AM
Why was Tatsu paired against a "b" ticket ride?

From Todd Houts on March 17, 2008 at 8:59 AM
I've got to agree with Robert - Toad over Tatsu? Maybe pitting what is arguably the best flying coasting (certainly better than the multiple superman clones)against such a beloved classic as Toad is going to unfairly knock Tatsu out in the first round. (Sad, because Tatsu is one of the few reasons I'd make the drive back up to Magic Mountain when I'm visiting LA.)

From Robert Niles on March 17, 2008 at 9:06 AM
The Disney fans are lurking, I suppose.

The matchups ended up the way they ended up, sorting the TPI ride ratings from 1-64, though I had to break a few ties based on what I thought were the better match-ups. I thought Toad would give Tatsu a fight, but never thought it would win. Shows what I know. Still, it's early in the day.

From Tim Strickland on March 17, 2008 at 9:57 AM
Very suprised in the Tatsu matchup, but I guess thats why the rides have to meet head to head to find out. This is great Robert.

From Robert OGrosky on March 17, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Mr Toad is a classic ride, Tatsu is just another flying coaster which can be found in alot of parks, the ride elements may be somewhat different, but it is still a flying coaster and not a classis dark ride that can be enjoyed by the whole family!!

Go TOAD!!!

From James Rao on March 17, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Here's the really big question: who in the world would pick Dr. Doom's Fearfall over Spider-Man????? I guess some folks just have to be contrary!

From Mike K on March 17, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Looks like Maverick is turning things around!

From brian lochridge on March 17, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Toad looks like an early Cinderella, think about it, it's like a team like Villanova (toad) a team with some good history but no one things there a threat, going up against an upstart team like USC (Tatsu) there young athletic everyone thinks they are going to win. I like the match up, makes things a-lot more interesting.

From Justin Spisto on March 17, 2008 at 12:10 PM
How is Lochness Monster not going to win. It is the best arrow looper still around.

From Robert Niles on March 17, 2008 at 2:09 PM
The Cedar Point fans are turning out.... Who else is spreading the word?

From Scottland Jacobson on March 17, 2008 at 3:39 PM
Us Toad lovers are just hanging on to the ride in the hopes that Disneyland doesn't dismantle it. It's a classic!!

And the vote between Dr. Doom and Spider Man was the hardest of all...

From Derek Potter on March 17, 2008 at 3:50 PM
Mr Toads Wild Ride??? are you kidding me??

The Cedar Point Fans are indeed turning out...can't imagine why huh Mike.

In all seriousness, Maverick is a better ride..why? It's a lot of fun, and it actually works.

From Justin Spisto on March 17, 2008 at 6:18 PM
Obviously the BGE fans aren't turning out for the LNM.

From Tim Strickland on March 17, 2008 at 7:14 PM
I really thought BGE would do well in this tournament too. LNM was one of my first, too bad it looks like its going down in the first round. Also, Tatsu is in my top 3 favorites, this toad ride must be pretty awesome. Cant wait for tomorrows matchups.

From Robert Niles on March 17, 2008 at 7:18 PM
So far it looks like the key to the match-ups is to look over to the right side of the page, at the parks' attendance order. At least today, readers are taking the ride from the more popular park. (With the one blow out coming in the match-up of two rides from the same park. Heck, the same land.)

We'll see if that dynamic holds.