How many of you are ACE (or another group for that matter)?

[Freddie1]

Well, just curious. I'm joining ACE in October.

[Harpo]

I joined ACE a few years ago, after thinking about it for a long time. I've only been to one ACE event, being the spring event in 2004. It was quite enjoyable -- in general, they were nice people.

Two things that really surprised me: One, at age 37 (at that time), I expected to be one of the oldest people there, but I wasn't even close to the oldest. Actually, I didn't think there were many at the event that were younger than me, although there certainly were some. Two, the auctions. As much as I adore roller coasters and amusement parks, I just couldn't believe some of the stuff people were bidding on, and the amount of money they were willing to pay for these items. I could see myself maybe paying a couple of bucks for a used coaster wheel, as a bit of a conversation piece, but people were spending rather big money on things like a coaster axle, which didn't look too significantly different from a toilet paper holder. Items that may be neat to have were going for far more money than I would have been willing to pay.

Of course, everyone has their own hobbies and collections. I'm sure I've paid more for 1st edition Sir Arthur Conan Doyle non-Sherlock Holmes books than most people would be willing to pay, so I certainly can't criticize the purchases, even if I don't quite understand them.

[okinawaboy11]

I'm in, and loving it.

[Your_Name_Here]

no thanks. I'm an independant coaster enthusiast.

[Harpo]

I guess I should have mentioned that the main reason I joined was for the magazines that come with the membership. Some of the articles are quite interesting.

Also, some parks provide significant discounts to ACE members. Some years, the discounts alone have completely covered the amount I paid for the membership.

[alpengeist04]

I know Paramount parks give ACE members a major discount. The last time I checked PKD gives you half off daily admissions. Plus, during certain events you get ERT.

[okinawaboy11]

Either way, I get military or ACE discout. :D

[David Ellis]

I am a member of the European Coaster Club (ECC) and the Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain (RCCGB). The ECC magazine, First Drop, is the best coaster magazine I have seen...indeed a third of the ECC is made up of US members, mostly of ACE, so they obviously rate our magazine too!

David.

[WoddenWarior]

I'm thinking about it. I would like to go to Stark Raven Mad sometime.

[KingdaKa1]

And proud of it! GO COASTER CON XXVII!!!