My Local Hidden Gem: Unpacking Fun Spot America Atlanta (Fayetteville)

 

Hey everyone!

So, I've always been a huge fan of amusement parks. There's just something about the thrill of the rides, the smell of cotton candy and the overall excitement that gets me every time. Growing up, my sister and I would eagerly anticipate our annual trip to the fair. We'd also catch glimpses of places like Miracle Strip Amusement Park on TV, and of course, the magic of Disney World. My parents even promised us a trip to Disney World when we moved to Florida, but alas, that was an empty promise that never happened. Funny enough, when I finally did go to Disney World a few years ago, it just wasn't really my scene. I'm more of a Six Flags or Universal kind of guy.

Living in the Atlanta area, Six Flags Over Georgia has always been my go-to for that adrenaline rush. I absolutely love Goliath and Twisted Cyclone, even if my body doesn't quite agree with the twists and turns like it used to! But, there's another park much closer to home – Fun Spot America Atlanta in Fayetteville. It used to be called Dixieland Fun Park and Fun Junction, a small spot with go-karts, mini-golf and some basic carnival rides.

Then, Fun Spot America took over and things started to change. They added a large gondola ferris wheel built by Technical Park and most recently, the incredible ArieForce One rollercoaster – an RMC coaster that's a real game-changer. They also have the older Hurricane Coaster, which is a decent little coaster built by Miler, but ArieForce One is the star of the show. Honestly, Fun Spot has always been a great place to spend an afternoon. It's not as big as Six Flags, but it's got its own charm.

Now, they did take out the mini-golf courses for ArieForce One, which was a bummer. Terry and I loved those courses, especially the one with the water feature. I understand needing space for a new coaster, but still...a bit sad to see them go. If you’ve been to Fun Spot's Florida parks, the Atlanta one is definitely different. It has so much potential, though. There’s even a small amphitheater that I think is a waste of space and could be replaced with another cool ride, maybe even the old Enterprise from Orlando which used to be the Wheelie at Six Flags Over Georgia. There’s also a lake on the property that could be used for something like paddle boats, which would be a nice addition.

One thing I really appreciate about Fun Spot Atlanta is the staff. Everyone is always super nice and helpful, which is a huge contrast to some experiences I’ve had at Six Flags. Customer service is a big plus at Fun Spot whereas Six Flags could benefit from training their employees to offer common courtesy.

Would I recommend Fun Spot Atlanta? It really depends on what you're looking for. If you want a few hours of fun and a great rollercoaster, absolutely. If you need the sheer number of attractions that Six Flags provides, then maybe not. If I were in charge, I'd add a swinging ship ride, like a Sea Dragon or Pirate by the lake, a Chance Yo-Yo or Wave Swinger, somewhere in the center of the park and maybe even a Skywheel now that it seems they have removed their ferris wheel. One of the Florida parks actually operated a Skywheel for a few years, though I don't believe it was actually owned by them. A skating rink could be cool also, especially since the local rink, Dazzles, closed years ago. A skating rink could be good for the park during the winter when outdoor attractions are closed. I would also love to see a new mini-golf course as an addition since it was actually one of the cool parts of the park prior to Aireforce coming in...as well as better pathways around the park because it's not exactly laid out very well.

Admission is free, but parking is $5, though they give you a $5 voucher to use inside. You can pay per ride or get a wristband, which is worth it if you plan on riding a lot.

So, what do you guys think? Have you been to Fun Spot Atlanta? What improvements would you make? I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below! Your insights really help keep this community going. If you’ve enjoyed reading my thoughts and if you are so inclined to help fuel future content, any small contribution to keep the blog going is incredibly appreciated.

Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you at the park!

You can also find me on the following social media platforms:
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The day I was attacked by 5 teens at Subway at 5225 Highway 85

Hey friends,

Today, I’m peeling back the curtain to share a story I haven’t spoken about before. It’s raw, it’s real and honestly, it’s something that has shifted how I approach safety and vigilance in my everyday life. A few Tuesdays ago, what started as a simple lunch stop turned into a whirlwind of chaos that left me physically hurt, mentally shaken and utterly resolved to take steps to ensure nothing like this happens again.

I wasn’t feeling well that morning and decided to call out from work. After a trip to the doctor, Terry wanted to grab lunch at Subway, located at 5225 Highway 85, Atlanta, GA. I tagged along inside, figuring it’d be a quick stop.

Little did we know, trouble was brewing. While we were inside, five African American boys entered the Subway. The lone employee—a young pregnant woman—immediately recognized them and told them to leave, reminding them that they’d been banned weeks ago for stealing money from her tip jar. Only one of the boys was allowed inside, but things didn’t end there.

When the employee asked their ages, the response was shocking. One boy claimed he was 13 and another 15, casually adding that they didn’t feel like going to school that day because they were there the day before. I couldn’t help but feel bad for the employee, who tried to reason with them, warning the lingering boy to steer clear of bad influences.

As Terry and I headed to our car, I could sense something was off. The boys were still outside, yelling and scheming. My instincts kicked in—I dialed 911, anticipating trouble. That’s when they rushed toward me, the old chubby white guy they thought they could bully and gang up on. The boys surrounded me, shouting taunts, screaming I was racist in spite of knowing nothing of me, daring me to swing at them. It was a surreal moment—the kind where time feels frozen. Terry shouted at me to get in the car, but I held my ground, refusing to become the aggressor, mostly because of their age and I didn't want to be the one that gets charged with assaulting a minor. Then it escalated. One boy slammed the car door on me—first against my leg, then grabbed my shoulders trying to slam me against the door from the inside. Another kicked Terry’s car door, breaking the handle and denting it. Amid the chaos, they realized I’d called 911 and tried to snatch my phone away. And here's where things get crystal clear: we’re in an open-carry state. While I wasn’t armed at the time, you better believe that going forward, I’ll open carry at times when I know I'm in a place or around people I know are dangerous. Holding a weapons carry permit is handy for concealed carry, which I do everywhere but work where it's not allowed. Even if I didn't have my permit—permit or no permit I would still carry.
This experience has been a wake-up call. From now on, my Ray-Ban smart glasses will be charged and ready to record photos or videos of anything remotely suspicious. Having an additional layer of protection and evidence brings me peace of mind.

The Lighthouse Garden Apartments where the boys ran to.

The Subway employee valiantly ran out to intervene, forcing the boys to scatter to a nearby apartment complex. Police eventually arrived, took our statements and promised(???) to patrol the area, looking for the boys from the security footage captured by the Chervon station and Subway—a promise that feels more like a brush-off. Adding to the frustration, our car insurance called me first and stated that if claimed they would refuse to cover any medical expenses I may have incurred since the car wasn’t moving. Also, the fact that our deductible is higher than the cost of repairs, this is completely on us since the police haven't been any help even though I gave them a pretty good idea of where the boys live, Lighthouse Garden Apartments, as well as the idea of cross-referencing attendance records of any teenagers in the local school that match the descriptions we gave and appeared in the security video in the parking lot. They kids have already made it clear their banning from not only the Subway but the entire property owned by the adjoined Chevron gas station over 2 months ago, will not stop them from being a problem. Also, the "Manager" of the Subway is never in when I call to speak to her, they didn't fill out an incident report and the law offices I called to ask advice on any recourse stated that the State of Georgia is about to have a bill signed by the republican governor, Kemp, making it almost impossible to sue a business whose security failed to keep their guests safe, meaning there will be little liability if you are injured or killed on their property.

Oh, and because life enjoys piling on, our brand new fridge’s ice maker broke down, the part that needs replacing was on backorder from Frigidaire and when it finally came in and the repairman was scheduled, he failed to show up—Frigidaire is sending another sometime soon, just another hiccup in a week of chaos.

Life isn’t always smooth sailing and sharing our struggles helps us find strength. Have you ever had an experience that shook your worldview? How did you bounce back? I’d love to hear your thoughts or stories in the comments below—it’s moments like these where connection means everything. And if you're interested in showing support, whether through a thoughtful comment, sharing this post or even a token of appreciation *help with the cost of the door repair* know that it’s deeply appreciated. Every ounce of support makes a difference.

Thank you for letting me share this journey with you.
Until next time

You can also find me on the following social media platforms:
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My Experience at Wicked at Atlanta Fox Theatre March 5, 2015 Matinee

In light of the recent release of the filmed version of the musical Wicked, I thought I would re-release my review of the first time the second national tour aka the Munchkinland Tour dropped into Atlanta.

In 2011, my friend Ernie and I unexpectedly saw a performance of Wicked at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, the actual first performance of Mamie Parris as Elphaba. When I heard the show was returning to Atlanta in 2015, I was ecstatic. I felt guilty that Terry hadn't seen the show before, and I knew he HAD to experience it. Like most gay men, we love The Wizard of Oz, so I was confident he would enjoy Wicked.

Buying tickets turned into quite an ordeal. We waited a bit too long to purchase them, as I was waiting on my tax refund. Getting tickets for a popular show three weeks before the performance is not a good idea. Finding two seats together was a challenge. The Fox Theatre’s website charged a $20 fee on top of each ticket's cost. As a server, $40 is sometimes considered a "good lunch," and I'd rather not pay unnecessary fees. Plus, I'm super cheap. I decided to stop by the box office one morning on my way to work. Almost every show was sold out, and if they weren't, the only available seats were singles in different sections. The gentleman at the ticket booth told me the best option was the March 5th, 1 pm show, Orchestra Right, Row X, seats 18 and 20, at $98 per ticket. Knowing the balcony overhangs Row N, I figured these seats weren't bad at all. I've seen Phantom from every part of the Fox and can say that any further back in the orchestra, once you get into those double-letter seats, it's uncomfortable, and the views are obstructed. These seats were definitely a good choice, considering our best options. I bought those tickets and headed to work. Once I got to the restaurant, I requested the day off for the show. There was no way I was paying $98 per ticket and missing it for a possible $40 shift. I got the day off!

Terry started feeling bad the night before and was coughing, so we went to the pharmacy and stocked up on Alka-Seltzer Cold & Flu for daytime and nighttime. I loaded my shirt pockets with cough drops and a couple of Dayquil pills for when the Alka-Seltzer wore off. We headed towards Midtown by noon, and the temperature was around 65 degrees, a bit windy, and starting to look drizzly. Parking at the Fox is a complete cluster, especially during the day. You're competing for spots among cars parked for people at work and other theatergoers. T-minus 20 minutes before curtain, and Terry and I were still trying to park. We saw a lot with $20 parking, but it was full. I told Terry to head towards the Walgreens and Publix area, hoping we'd find paid parking. Nope, there was none. We decided to chance it and use the Publix parking lot, hoping we wouldn't get towed or booted.

We made it in about 10 minutes before the show started. We used to make mad dashes to buy t-shirts and programs but stopped the unnecessary spending years ago. Straight to our seats we went. Those seats weren't bad at all. I couldn't help but feel bad for those crammed into the first 20 rows on the right and left of the orchestra section because those were most definitely obstructed views. This was the fourth time Wicked played Atlanta, but the first time for the 2nd national tour. The official website stated there was no difference between the first and second national tours aside from the cast members. I knew this wasn't completely true, considering I had known since this production originated in Chicago that it had been scaled down a bit. Having seen the 1st national tour, I noticed differences in the staging and sets, such as the Flying Monkeys not climbing the proscenium, Morrible being off-stage during her announcement in "Defying Gravity," and no bridge above the stage. Despite the differences, the production value and spectacle of the show were just as enjoyable as before.

I filled Terry in on things to look for throughout the show but didn't give away key moments or spoil the twists at the end. He was completely shocked that I was so good at keeping all the spoilers to myself and letting him witness everything firsthand. When we opened our Encore Atlanta magazines (the Fox's version of a Playbill), we saw two "At This Performance" notices: Glinda would be played by Beka Burnham and Elphaba by Emily Koch. I LOVE watching understudies and standbys. While some see them as the villains who stole the starring role from the regular actor, I see them as unexpected stars deserving their chance to shine. As a former understudy myself, I understand the excitement of getting the chance to perform. Understudies are unique; they often morph the best parts of other performers into their own. Both Beka and Emily were amazing. I know I'd get flak for this, but I personally thought they were much better vocally than Idina and Kristin's performances on the Original Broadway Cast recording.

Emily Koch as Elphaba

John Davidson as the Wizard was also good. I've been a fan of his since his days on "That's Incredible" and "Hollywood Squares." At 73 years old, he danced like he was still in his 30s, 40s or 50s. Vocally, he was a bit shaky since I saw him in "State Fair" on Broadway, but considering his age, it's impressive. Madame Morrible, played by Kristine Zbornik, was more than suitable. She conveyed an agenda from the beginning, with nothing sweet about her other than her excellent performance. Liana Hunt's Nessarose was fabulous. Lee Slobotkin's Boq was tragically hilarious and adorable. Former boy band O-Town member, Ashley Parker Angel, played Fiyero. His vocal choices were well-placed and unique. My favorite Ashley Parker Angel moments were during "As Long As You're Mine," where he seemed more genuine than a few others I've heard in this role.

Back in the day, my top five musicals were "The Phantom of the Opera," "Miss Saigon," "Starlight Express," "RENT," and "CATS." Most people know that "The Phantom of the Opera" was at the top of that list. Having seen Wicked, I can honestly say that Wicked now rivals Phantom for my top pick. After the curtain call, John Davidson, Ashley Parker Angel, and Lee Slobotkin, acting as their model, explained that cast members in costume were taking donations and selling special items in the lobby, with proceeds going to Equity Fights AIDS. One of the items was a large showcard (poster) autographed by each cast member for $60. I usually don't buy showcards, but I definitely wanted this one. As I headed to the lobby, I made my purchase/donation, and Terry and I rushed out the front of the Fox, hoping to find the car where we left it.

It was about 4 pm, and the temperature had dropped at least 20 degrees from when we arrived. We had no jackets or hoodies, so I went into power-walk mode—six blocks of zigzagging across streets. We made it to the Publix parking lot, and the car was still there! We started the car, and the temperature read 39 degrees. I checked AccuWeather, and it was pretty accurate, except the windchill made it feel like 24 degrees.

On a side note, if you've ever wondered about the difference between seeing a matinee and an evening show at the Fox, there's not really a difference other than you enter and exit the show in daylight rather than darkness. The daytime crowd also seems more respectful and well-behaved, and I noticed no offensive old lady perfumes like Odyssey by Avon.

MARTA Bus 196-4 Minute Walk From My House

When Terry and I started house hunting before the economy tanked, one of our non-negotiable requirements was proximity to public transportation. I don't enjoy driving and didn't want to rely on Terry all the time. Our agent, Lily, found several homes on the MARTA line, but most involved lengthy bus rides and equally long train journeys.

Eventually, Lily found a community in Clayton County right across the street from a bus stop. This stop offered a 15-minute ride to the airport, running 2-3 times an hour, seven days a week, with the last bus just after midnight. Although it wasn't MARTA, C-Tran had an agreement with them, so a paid ride on C-Tran provided free access to MARTA trains and transfers.

I used C-Tran countless times and found it extremely reliable. Whether covering a shift at work or heading to Cargo-Master, it was dependable. After my layoff, I had to rely on the bus again for job hunting. Fortunately, I could collect unemployment as jobs were scarce. During this time, county officials started riding the buses with clipboards to evaluate services and conduct verbal surveys with riders, including myself.

People often ask why I prefer public transportation over driving. I find driving stressful and prefer not to deal with traffic. I have a phobia of causing or being involved in accidents. The costs of car upkeep, insurance, and gas are also factors. Plus, using public transport allows me to listen to music, write, knit, or focus on things I wouldn't have time for at home.

In late 2009, it was announced that the Clayton County bus system would be discontinued. Rallies were held as people's ability to commute to work was jeopardized. The 8-mile ride to the Airport MARTA Station would now cost $30, making it an impractical expense for many. By March 31, 2010, C-Tran bus stops vanished overnight, cutting off people from work. This decision also complicated the crime situation in Clayton County, with burglary and robbery rates spiking.

Some enterprising individuals saw an opportunity in this grim situation. Two independent bus lines, including QuickTransit, emerged but failed due to mechanical issues. Southside Transportation, a trucking company, converted to a people-moving business but struggled with timeliness. Waiting for Southside often involved encounters with police, drug dealers, and panhandlers, making the experience unpleasant.

I began working at Macaroni Grill, and fortunately, the manager scheduled me for the same shifts as Terry, so we could commute together. We also gave rides to co-workers, who contributed to gas money. I eventually found two reliable drivers, Phil and Eddie, who charged $3-$4 for rides to the train station. Phil worked from 5 AM-6 PM, and Eddie covered evenings and Sundays.

Phil's van was uncomfortable and his manners were awful. He charged $4 but was often late and rude to passengers. On one occasion, he refused to let an older lady out of the van, which felt like kidnapping. His driving was reckless, and I found Uber to be a better option when Terry couldn't drive me.

Today is March 21, 2015. I work in Sandy Springs, Georgia, and for the first time in years, I won't need to rely on Uber or Phil. I'll be taking the new MARTA bus (Bus 196) to the train and then another bus (Bus 5 or Bus 87) to work. This change will save me money, reducing my daily commute cost from $16 with Uber and MARTA or $9 with Phil to just $5 round trip with the new bus stop. Investing in weekly passes, I now pay $23.75 for unlimited MARTA rides.

Aside from my personal preferences for public transportation, I believe the new MARTA lines in Clayton County will provide residents with better access to higher-paying jobs and a more reliable commute.