Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Banner Complete!

Courtesy of Mookie at Orlando United:



















The big banner is complete as of yesterday. If you look at it, you can see that not much as changed, except that they added the "Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit" symbol under the Fast Forward sign.

The new banner looks better than the old one IMO. The old one looked good too, but the new one's Rockit sign sure looks WICKED!

Hopefully it won't be ripped again...

KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED PEOPLE!

Monday, December 14, 2009

New Banner Up (almost)!

Courtesy of universalist at IOACentral:
























YEAH! 5 squares on the lift are covered by the new banner (BTW Rockit is open)! I wonder when it will be done!


Saturday, December 12, 2009

Rockit closed and... New Banner?

Got some bad news and some good news...

BAD NEWS:

December 10, 2009 (Missourian quote):

"Rockit was closed today with a crane by it. Signs at entrance of the park beneath the turnstiles said "Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is currently closed for preventive maintenance." What the heck..."

Dang! Hopefully it will be open on my birthday!

GOOD NEWS:

I said that if they installed the new banner, I'd be satisfied. Daytonaguy responded:

"So do your "Happy Dance". A new banner was installed on Friday!"

WOOT! It's about time it come back. =D Hopefully air holes will be installed to prevent it from ripping again! XD

KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED PEOPLE!

Friday, December 4, 2009

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Perspective from Friend

My classmate rode Rockit in September and he said it is his favorite ride in USF. Last Thanksgiving, he rode it again, but there were technical difficulties with the ride, so he decided to go (he still deems it his favorite ride). It was a 2 and a half long wait and then the ride broke down. Yeah, it happens to some rides that just opened (namely first-of-its-kind types). During their first few weeks, for example, Spider-Man and Revenge of the Mummy had a plethora of technical difficulties as well. Still... I have been hearing stuff such as:

1. The moving walkway has not been working since the ride opened.
2. There have been recent breakdowns with the ride involving music, LEDs, etc.
3. Rough trains have been reported on the coaster as seen in this video posted by dshaytes:



4. Express is not open yet (and might not until next year).
5. I don't know what happened to the CityWalk entrance, but I don't think it is open yet.
6. It valleyed two times after it opened.
7. It did not open during HHN.

Hopefully, they will solve 1-6 (which will automatically solve 7) soon. In the meantime, the coaster is still open (and got its final train last month).

Stay tuned!

Big Bad Wolf Update #2























From
: http://www.slide.com/s/MDaplX49yz-wgiRBode1EWkbz-bYiXtA

As of now, the only thing left of the Big Bad Wolf roller coaster at BGW is the drop to the Rhine River. Wonder how it will look like when it is all gone...

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Big Bad Wolf Update #1

http://www.amusementpics.com/BGWNewsNotes.htm

The top pics show that not much is left of the former Big Bad Wolf roller coaster. The first lift, block brake before second lift, and signature drop are still there (as well as some scattered track). Other than that, the final brake run, the first turns, everything, have been removed.

Yeah, I still remember some pics showing the beginning of the 2009 season celebrating BBW's 25th anniversary. Then in the summer, those nasty rumors came and said that it will be removed. On July 24, 2009, the removal was confirmed. Even Screamscape was upset. On September 7, 2009, Big Bad Wolf was no more. Now, it is almost gone.

Wow, this is a sad time.

RIP Big Bad Wolf 1984-2009

=,(

I will scream in anger when they remove Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

BGA Pics Thanksgiving

Sorry about not posting this yesterday, but I came back from Busch Gardens. I posted all my pics on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=100000514490787#/album.php?aid=4453&id=100000514490787

And here are the pics:



















Welcome to Busch Gardens Africa, home to awesome exhibits, exemplary theming, and... THRILLING COASTERS!!!



















We first started our day on Montu. This is me and my brother, Charles, in front of it!



















Yes, I mean the coaster that is near the tram route.



















Montu is a B&M Inverted roller coaster like Dueling Dragons at IOA.



















Montu is fun, especially at night. The fact that you nearly touch the ground makes the ride scary! But that is part of the thrill! =)



















I found this pic with the train kinda cool.



















Ooooohhh... aaaaahhh... nice immelmann loop!
























This is a very cool pic here.



















OMG! A pharoah with two tiny heads! AHHHH!



















Next stop, SheiKra (a B&M Dive Machine). It is the best coaster in the park IMO. From the queue of SheiKra. Watch your step... it's a doozy!



















Rhino Rally was fun. Biff, the driver, cracked me up!



















Nice view.



















Ummm... we are the minions of the Great Grass Tiger!



















Make room for the Great Grass Tiger (just make sure he doesn't eat you =P)!
























Okay enough tigers! Sesame Street Safari of Fun time!



















I went up this treehouse to get a big view of the construction.



















I'm assuming that as of now, this part got the axe.



















In the main construction area, you can see a foundation for one of the buildings.



















Hmmm... rebar (possibly for more footers for the Air Grover roller coaster).



















Hey people! Your dragons are leaving for Sesame Street characters!



















Take one last look. Soon (by January 2010) this will all be gone...



















More rebar.



















Hmmm... what is this I see? A station building? I'm assuming it is for Air Grover.



















Another look at what may be the station for Air Grover.



















Sorry for the blur there.



















Another station pic.



















One last look at the Sesame Street main construction area.



















I'm assuming that part got the axe as well for the Sesame Street conversion.



















Now here is something for you coaster enthusiasts! Most may know this, but the support parallel to the lift track is actually for the lift chain. This is Gwazi's.



















Another look at the Gwazi lift chain support.



















The chain accelerates once the train arrives on the lift hill (what do you know, a train has gone on top). Tiger was closed BTW (retracking). =( Kumba was closed due to technical difficulties but reopened later that night.

Well, that does it for your BGA update. Hopefully you all have had a great Thanksgivng and have enjoyed my update. Next time, I will visit Brazil and after that... UNIVERSAL ORLANDO TO RIDE HOLLYWOOD RIP RIDE ROCKIT!!!!

I will give you my review soon and the list of rides I rode...

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Oh... my... goodness...

Well, it is finally out... a commercial for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (by vetty at youtube). Wow, the background music is awesome and the island is cool.

Speaking of HP, here is an update from Orlando United:

http://www.orlandounited.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9&page=140

Courtesy of BriMan:



















What is that beautiful looking castle?



















To think, this was just home to the Dueling Dragons entrance. In 2008-2009, there was dirt. In March, vertical construction on Hogsmeade began. Facades started going up summer. Now, it is almost done.



















On December 21, 2007, mom took pics of me and my relatives from Brazil on the Flying Unicorn. The background of a pic with me showed ground clearing (for Hogwarts), but I did not take note, because I did not know of the HP island until the next day, the same day I found out about the Simpsons Ride. I remember when I was with Sara on June 6, 2008, and I saw supports for Hogwarts (I should've taken a picture). I did not know what it was for, but I speculated that it will be for Harry Potter. And in the May 8, 2009 Band Trip, Hogwarts was now concrete, the Flying Unicorn closed, Dueling Dragons had a temporary entrance, and Hogsmeade was under construction. It is just amazing that it went from dirt to this big land. I can't wait to go there on my birthday to ride Rockit and to see HP for the last time under construction.



















I don't know what this for, but some speculate it is the greenhouse or the walkthrough around Hogwarts.

Anyway, I'm going to Busch Gardens in a few hours.

Thanks BriMan for the pics.


Monday, November 23, 2009

Intimidator 305 Topped Off!



















"Do I dazzle you?" - Edward Cullen, Twilight

That's what I305 is saying, and it sure looks dazzling. The coaster was topped off 1:03 AM last night.

Credit goes to:

http://intimidator305.com/public/downloads/webcam.cfm

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Whoa! How unexpected!

Guess I spoke too soon...




















From: http://intimidator305.com/public/downloads/webcam.cfm

Guess the problems are worked out and they have begun topping off the lift for Intimidator 305. I did not expect it to happen at night (they usually work in the day) and instead expected tomorrow. But it is happening!

That pic looks climatic! It looks like a very climatic show (kinda like Fantasmic)!

Whoa! I can just stare at its progress all night, but I have school tomorrow so...

EDIT: As of 10:28 PM, the crown is getting lifted. Get back tomorrow!


False alarm again...

No topping off it seems for I305. From Coaster Crew Facebook:

"No topping off today. "

From Clint Novak:

"Problems with a crane"

Ah crap!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

The Updates of the Intimidators #6

Intimidator:

Well, it seems that the everything listed is complete as of today for TIMMY 232:

1. The Station track (9/1/09)
2. Turn-around to the station (9/2/09)
3. Final Brakes (9/15/09 - 9/16/09)
4. 232 ft. lift hill (9/16/09 - 10/13/09)
5. 211 ft. drop (10/15/09 - 10/20/09)
6. 178 ft. camelback hill (10/20/09 - 10/28/09)
7. 151 ft. camelback hill (10/29/09 - 11/2/09)
8. 90 ft. camelback hill (10/30/09 - 11/17/09)
9. 105 ft. camelback hill (11/2/09 - 11/3/09)
10. 121 ft. hammerhead (11/4/09 - 11/16/09)

Also, concrete for the bottom of the tunnel in the queue under the final brakes have been poured, and a concrete structure appeared recently under the webcam (I don't know if it was there before or not).

Intimidator 305:

Sunday, the 305 ft. lift hill will be topped off for TIMMY 305! They added additional lift track today as you can see in the webcam.

Man, both coasters are progressing, but TIMMY 232 should add new track soon.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Intimidator 305 Madness

















Courtesy of Panthers82 from the KDFansite: http://www.kdfansite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=714&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=2460

It is... INTIMIDATOR 305 MADNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

=O

That is the best pic yet! Ohhh... I feel like I'm gonna faint now...

Oh yeah, Timmy 305 is so getting topped off Sunday.

Intimidator 305 Surprise!

http://twitpic.com/q90m6

Hmmm... what is this I read? Hmmm... "Preparing for the topping off. Prob for Sunday."?

Umm... Da-Da-Da-Dummmmmmm! Da-Da-Da-Dummmmmmm!

Keep an eye on the I305 webcam on Sunday.

Here is a link, to some of my friends who may be reading my blog soon (as today, I got a Facebook account)...

http://intimidator305.com/

If you look at the top right (no, not the Kings Dominion logo, but to the left), you will find the webcam (yeah, the webcam at KD is kinda crappy compared to Carowinds').

KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED PEOPLE!

Hitler finds out about Chang's Removal/SFKK Timeline



That video cracked me up.

*Warning: this video will have swear words*

Now for some information to some "newbees" who do not know about Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom:

The First Years:

The park opened on May 23, 1987 leasing 10 acres (40,000 m2) at the Kentucky Exposition Center property. An extension of the State Fair, it closed before the end of the season. One of the original rides was a rollercoaster called Starchaser. The owners filed bankruptcy and auctioned off the rides.

It remained closed through 1989, when Ed Hart and a group of investors purchased Kentucky Kingdom, and it reopened for the 1990 season. Starchaser was sold, but still onsite at the amusement park, and Hart purchased the indoor rollercoaster. Additionally new rides were added like Tin Lizzies, The Enterprise, Whirling Dervish, and The Vampire which some are still in operation today. In 1992, the Kentucky Kingdom made a large expansion and opened the Hurricane Bay water park.

Six Flags:

At the end of 1997, Kentucky Kingdom was sold to Premier Parks for $64 million, and opened as Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom later on June 21, 1998. In 1999, corporate Six Flags decided to retheme the expansion side of the park as "Gotham City," renaming and repainting several rides. Sometime in the same year, however, the idea was shelved and the rides retained their original names. In 2002 the ride Twisted Sisters was forced to be renamed to Twisted Twins upon a threat of a lawsuit from the band Twisted Sister. Before the opening of the 2007 season, Hurricane Bay was rebranded as Six Flags Splashwater Kingdom.

Kentucky Kingdom is one of the main tourism attractions for Louisville as in 1997 it totaled more visitors than Churchill Downs.

Trouble (this one will be a timeline):

June 21, 2007: A 13-year-old girl, by the name of Kaitlyn Lasitter, from Louisville, Kentucky had both feet severed above the ankle by a snapped cable, caused by an unidentified ride malfunction on the Superman: Tower of Power ride. In reaction to this accident, at least nine similar rides around the world were closed for inspection at Gröna Lund in Stockholm, Sweden, Kennywood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
and at parks run by Six Flags, Cedar Fair, and PARC Management.

July 3, 2007: The victim's family released a statement stating that her right foot had been successfully reattached.

July 13, 2007: The victim's family filed a lawsuit for unspecified damages against the park claiming that the park did not properly maintain the ride.

November 29, 2007: A judge in the Jefferson Circuit Court said that Six Flags could dismantle the ride beginning February 1, 2008.

December 1, 2007: The ride's cable was still in storage awaiting lab tests.

February 1, 2008: Superman: Tower of Power begins getting dismantled. As of March 2008, the tower was gone.

February 29, 2008: Twisted Twins, Mile High Falls, Zepellin, and Turbo Bungy are not listed in the park website, because the section with those rides (Northwest Territory) will not be open for the 2008 season.

May 7, 2008: SFKK slashed gate prices. A park spokesman said that Northwest Territory is done for, and will be turned into something. Nothing is announced about the fate of the area.

May 11, 2008: Rumors begin spreading around that SFKK will become a water park only place like Cedar Fair did with Geauga Lake the year before.

July 17, 2008: Rumors are that Northwest Territory will not reopen next year. It will either be fitted into something new, or the park, as a whole, will eventually close and become a water-park only place.

September 16, 2008: Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom sued Intamin AG (the manufacturer of Superman: Tower of Power) because of the Lasitter accident the year before.

April 25, 2009: The 2009 season begins and Northwest Territory was not open.

July 3, 2009: The trains for Twisted Twins were sent to Six Flags St. Louis, which is not a good sign of the coaster reopening.

July 5, 2009: Rumors are that the Screamin' Eagle wooden coaster will get a rehab in 2010 which might involve repainting the ride and putting the Twisted Twins trains on it.

July 9, 2009: Rumors are that Mile High Falls had a problem and may just be scrapped this winter.

July 11, 2009: The lift chain for Mile High Falls has been removed.

August 1, 2009: The drop cars from the former Superman: Tower of Power have been sent to Six Flags St. Louis.

September 2, 2009: Rumors begin to spice up that for the 50th anniversary of Six Flags, the rotation program will restart and that SFKK will retire their signature coaster, Chang (B&M Stand-Up), and relocate it to SFGAm.

Post not finished yet!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit POV



wwwCOASTERFORCEcom has posted an awesome POV of the new Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster at Universal Studios Florida. All POVs I have seen (other than the animated one of course) just started halfway up the vertical lift hill. This one started at the beginning.

That POV is awesome.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Intimidator is Almost There















More pics: http://carowindsconnection.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=2772&start=1890

User Wormy at Carowinds Connection took a picture showing Intimidator's 121 ft. hammerhead complete! It began November 4, 2009 and was complete today, November 16, 2009.

If you look at the webcam, they seemed to have topped off the 90 ft. return camelback hill!

Man, how they are moving fast! =)

Oh yeah, it will so be complete by the end of 2009!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Fear Factor Update

I got some good/bad news and some bad news.

Bad news: My letter did not go through. I'm not really allowed to send in letters to Universal displaying ideas. But hey, I understand.

Good/bad news: Here is a quote from myName3:

"I heard from a reliable source that the Fear Factor actors lost their positions. Before the company just relocated them to different locations. When they announced that it would go seasonal, the news reported that no one lost their jobs. If this is true then Universal is closing the show. The real question is will universal just have another empty spot (I am looking at you Herc and Zina and the toon theater!)

Since Universal didn’t have a very good summer because of the Rockit misfire the cheapest show would be the Wild West Show. Most of the scenery is already there."

My reaction:

While I do feel bad for the people who lost their jobs (dang this economy =( ), if this is true, I'm glad Fear Factor will be gone for good!

While it is a shame that they have some empty places like Hercules & Zena and the Toon Lagoon Theater (there might be something new there though), sue me but I'd rather they keep it empty then putting a Wild Wild Wild West show there (there is a reason why they closed it in the first place).

I'd rather see something NEW like... I don't know... something Broadway style, not like Creature From the Black Lagoon (even though I got to admit, it is an interesting idea).

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Universal Future Discussion

Well, since I am kinda bored and I want to shed some life here, I thought I would discuss the Universal Futures that were established by "Through My Eyes" on July 2008.

Universal Future #1:

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is really progressing. Hogwarts looks nearly complete and Hogsmeade is looking good too. The Hogwarts Express has arrived last week and boy does it look good? :) And yes, Dueling Dragons is still open.

Universal Future #2:

Already well known, UF2 has been brought back, because Jimmy Neutron may close in spring 2010. I am thinking of a plan to keep the ride alive. I am thinking of making shirts showing a picture of Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast and putting "Save it!" under the picture. I may post some concept art of the shirt soon.

Universal Future #3:

I was thinking of eliminating this since Rockit is open, but I decided to see how it is doing. Just being Curious George here! :P

Universal Future #4:

I discovered that Japan did not hear of the Simpsons, but I will not let this go as in Screamscape...

2011/2012 - Back To The Future Replacement - Rumor - (8/23/09) This rumor may be a bit ahead of it’s time, but one source suggests that Universal Japan is ready to retire their version of Back To The Future as well by 2011/2012. As The Simpon’s are not really hugely well known characters in Japan as they are in America, porting in a clone of the same Simpsons ride is not an option. However the rumor we’ve heard is a bit of a stunner, as our source claims that they may be looking an at option to license Batman from WB to create new simulator ride themed to The Dark Knight. DeLorean… meet The Tumbler. Now of course the really odd question is... can Spiderman and Batman co-exist in the same park, being from two different comic book companies? Maybe not in the USA, but I do think it would work in Japan where they are both viewed as just American Superhero comics. Plus we know that at one point in time Universal was attempting to build a Batman themed attraction for Islands of Adventure when the park was first just a concept.

So BTTF may still close, but it WILL NOT be replaced by the Simpsons Ride. I wish the Japanese knew the Simpsons :( (but Dark Knight would still be cool). They could always cut the dome of BTTF in half for that Dark Knight ride (as I stated in an early post) keeping Back to the Future on the other side. Japan's BTTF is the only one left and once we lose it... BTTF: The Ride will be gone... forever.

Universal Future #5:

Fear Factor recently was rumored to close for good. I really hope this is true. As I mentioned a plethora of times already, I hate that show. I sent a letter the other day to convince Universal to tear out that piece of barf and replace it with Mamma Mia.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Chang Update #6

Screamscape:

"2011 - Chang / B&M Stand-Up Coaster - Rumor - (11/5/09) A Screamscape source reports seeing a few pieces of Chang’s yellow track as well as one of the trains in an area behind the employee parking lot."

So guess that pretty much confirms that Chang is going to Six Flags Great America. They better use the floorless idea and put the old stand-up trains on Iron Wolf! >:(

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Chang Update #5

http://sfkkonline.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4222#post4222

Scroll down and you can see that the lift hill has been taken down with only the station track remaining for Chang.

It is still unknown where Chang will be.

Jimmy Neutron Update #2

I was investigating the rumored Neutron closure in 2010 and people's opinions on the ride. In this forum at Orlando United, "Favorite/Least Favorite USF Attractions", 42 people dislike a ride. 7 people dislike Shrek 4D (I like Shrek.), 11 people dislike Twister (for some stupid Youtube reasons like "Oh, Twister sucks because it replaced Ghostbusters," or "Oh, Simpsons suck because it replaced Back to the Future." Sometimes, people are kinda dumb.), 8 people dislike Jimmy Neutron, 3 people dislike Back to the Future (because they complained it was rough leading to its closure), 1 person dislikes Revenge of the Mummy (probably scared of coasters XD), 1 person dislikes Jaws, 2 people dislike Disaster, 3 people dislike Animal Actors, 4 people dislike Fear Factor (now this one, I agree *Mamma Mia please*), 1 person dislikes Kid Zone (again, because of a Youtube thing), and 1 person dislikes E.T. Adventure (shame on him XD).

19% of the people hate Neutron. Here is an example of one of the comments:

Cusiisabeast (April 21, 2009):

Favorites: ROTM, MIB, TSR
Least Favorites:
Fear Factor Live-The WROST Theme Park attraction in history
Twister- I like it, and want it gone at the same time
Jimmy Neutron- Do they even show JN anymore?
Animal Actors- What a borefest....zzzzzzzzzz

Um... bolded statement. Do you have to look at Sunday at 7:30 am to find out?! Oh, you want a "yes" or "no" statement?! All right!

YES, IT IS STILL SHOWING (JUST NOT NEW EPISODES ANYMORE SINCE 2006) AT EXACTLY 7:30 AM!!!!!!!!!!!!

I saw it this morning (Who Framed Jimmy Neutron?/Flippy) at 7:30 am! People, do you even bother to look at the TV?! Sorry about the screaming, but that was kinda dumb. =\

I still have high hopes that Universal renews the contract and eliminates this stress within me...

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Now That Was Fast

Today, work on the 151 ft. camelback hill for Intimidator has begun and by the end of today, it was topped off. Wow! How they managed to top it off so quickly is beyond me. XD. So far, Intimidator at Carowinds is really going up quick compared to:

1. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (Remember all those problems last summer/spring. i.e. On June 4, 2009, they had to take off the lift hill for anti roll backs (thus the slow speed in the first testing videos). On June 28, 2009, it valleyed (maybe they did it on purpose like Behemoth). On August 13, 2009, the banner ripped. Also the moving walkway problem (even though the coaster is open). The MW will be up by December I believe (according to Screamscape)).

2. Deja Vu clones (They were delayed until Fall 2001 XD)

3. Maverick (In May 2007, they had to remove the heartline roll)

4. X2 (Delayed until 2002 with it originally in 2001. I don't know what happened. XD)

5. Flying Turns (It started in 2005 and they are still working on it today)

So far, nothing is wrong with Intimidator or Intimidator 305 (even though Intimidator at Carowinds is moving faster than I305). Who knows? Maybe it will be like Manta and be complete before 2009 ends (Manta's track work was complete before 2008 ended)...

Chang Update #4

It has been a while since I last heard from Chang, but this is just in from Screamscape:

(10/29/09) A local source tells me that at this point about the only part of Chang still left standing is the lift hill, which is expected be taken down by this weekend.

How did they take the tall turnaround, dive loop, loop, and first drop without me looking?! XD. So yeah, by this weekend, Chang's location will be empty (except for maybe the footers).

Monday, October 26, 2009

Screamin' Eagle Rehab?

In 2010, the Screamin' Eagle wooden coaster may get a rehab which will involve repainting and installing used trains. These trains are from the Twisted Twins wooden coaster at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom (currently SBNO but people think it will never reopen due to the trains getting sent). Also, some stuff that was part of rides which formerly operated in SFKK were sent to SFSL too. Now here is a timeline:

July 3, 2009 - Twisted Twins trains were sent to Six Flags St. Louis which is not a good sign of the coaster reopening.

July 5, 2009 - Rumors begin to spread that Screamin' Eagle will use Twisted Twins' trains for a 2010 rehab.

August 1, 2009 - The drop cars from the Superman: Tower of Power were sent to SFSL.

October 24, 2009 - The trains for Twisted Twins are still in Six Flags St. Louis under the brake run for Batman: The Ride.

Keep an eye on this as I update it.

NOTE: If this occurs, I will change the post title.

The Updates of the Intimidators #5

Well, the two Intimidators have grown so fast. Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion had its drop support tower topped off last Thursday and clearing has begun for the entrance tunnel by Flight of Fear. The station is getting a red roof too. Intimidator at Carowinds has begun its second hill. It is topped off as of now and supports for the bottom are up. I would not be surprised if it is completed tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then at least by the end of the season. I305's webcam will be moved offseason. Stay tuned for another episode of The Updates of the Intimidators soon...

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Green Lantern (aka Chang) Timeline

This timeline this time is for the Chang relocation/Bonzai Beach. Keep an eye on this one as I update it in the following weeks:

July 31, 2009 - Screamscape reports of something that may occur in the 2010 season.

August 1, 2009 - Rumors begin to spread that Splashwater Kingdom might become Hurricane Harbor and will have a water park expansion. People suggest that the expansion may take over the old Northwest Territory site (Twisted Twins, Mile High Falls, Zepellin, and Turbo Bungy).

August 17, 2009 - The water park expansion might not happen until 2011.

August 18, 2009 - The water park may double in size.

September 2, 2009 - Rumors begin to spread that Chang, Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom's signature B&M Stand-Up coaster, may relocate to Six Flags Great America in 2011 as part of the 50th anniversary of the Six Flags chain which might mean that Iron Wolf will retire in 2010. If this is true, SFKK's water park expansion will take over Chang's old site.

September 14, 2009 - Rumors are that if Chang goes to SFGAm, they will keep both Iron Wolf and Chang running for the 2011 season.

September 15, 2009 - While Chang might not reopen until 2011, rumors are that work on the Chang relocation will begin this winter.

September 16, 2009 - Rumors are that Whizzer's days are numbered at SFGAm. The coaster's space is big enough for Chang.

September 17, 2009 - Many people believe that this weekend will be the last to experience Chang before the park relocates it. Whizzer may not be removed this or next season, even though it might have only a few years left.

September 20, 2009 - It was an ordinary day for the park, and guests were enjoying Chang. Little did they know, however, that this would be the last time they would experience Chang before they would relocate it.

September 21, 2009 - It has been CONFIRMED that Chang will be removed from the park for the "biggest water park expansion in Kentucky Kingdom's history." It is unknown where it will relocate, but it would most likely be SFGAm (although other rumors say that it will relocate to Six Flags America, Six Flags Great Adventure, or Six Flags St. Louis). The trains are removed.

September 25, 2009 - The name for the water park expansion is confirmed as "Bonzai Beach."

September 29, 2009 - The news press confirms Bonzai Beach. Rumors begin to spread that Chang will be rethemed to Green Lantern. OFF TOPIC: Back in January, I posted an idea for SFGAm's once rumored B&M Dive Machine theming it to Green Lantern. I think this is similar, except that Chang is getting it (I was hoping for Bizarro XD).

September 30, 2009 - A crane is standing in the parking lot and the walls of the station and maintenance shed are gone.

October 1, 2009 - Track removal begins with the final brake run and turnaround to it. Rumors are that Chang will turn into a floorless coaster if it goes to SFGAm replacing Demon, the car ride, and the former Splashwater Falls area with it rethemed to Diablo. If not, then it will relocate to Six Flags St. Louis behind Tidal Wave as a Stand-Up. The trains are said to have arrived at Six Flags Great America.

October 5, 2009 - The oblique loop has been removed.

October 8, 2009 - The block brake has been removed. The zero car and second car of one train is still present.

October 12, 2009 - All the remaining low-level track (the two corkscrews, second drop, etc.) have been removed. The Thrill Karts may be removed in 2010 for the Bonzai Beach expansion.

October 18, 2009 - The hammerhead is removed.

October 20, 2009 - The dive loop is removed.

October 24, 2009 - The first loop was removed.

October 25, 2009 - The drop is halfway gone.

October 29, 2009 - The lift hill is the only thing standing from Chang. Rumors are that Bonzai Beach may have water themed facades.

October 30, 2009 - The lift hill is down.

November 2, 2009 - The station track is removed, thus completing track removal.

November 5, 2009 - Chang pieces have arrived at Six Flags Great America (a staircase from the station and a support beam).

December 13, 2009 - Demolition on Space Shuttle America (a simulator that was SBNO since 2007, and is a possible site for Chang) has begun. The space shuttle is gone, and the only thing standing from SSA is some yellow building supports.

December 28, 2009 - There is nothing left from Space Shuttle America.

January 9, 2010 - Station floor is on site at SFGAm.

February 4, 2010 - Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom closes for good, due to leasing disputes, thus cancelling the Bonzai Beach expansion.

February 6, 2010 - The SFKK entrance sign is taken down.

February 7, 2010 - The SFKK rides are part of the Kentucky State Fair, so the park is foribben to remove them.

February 10, 2010 - Compagnie des Alpes has started talking with the KSF for a possible takeover of the Kentucky Kingdom property.

February 11, 2010 - 4 different theme park operators are planning on buying the old KK property. SF owns 15 acres of the KK property, including T2, Blizzard River, half of Deluge, Batman show, former Chang site (with the former lift hill portion sticking out), some of Twisted Twins, and Mile High Falls.

February 14, 2010 - KSF will not have a meeting with theme park operators until sometime in March.

February 15, 2010 - The custom Batman scenary and Looney Tunes signage is gone. Moving trucks are visible in the park itself. The rides are still in place.

February 22, 2010 - A lawsuit occurs with the KSF and SFKK, after KSF learns that SF is removing equipment last week.

February 23, 2010 - KSF accuses Six Flags of fraud regarding the removal of Chang, claiming that the Bonzai Beach expansion was never going to happen.

March 26, 2010 - Chang's trains are indeed on site at Great America.

March 28, 2010 - Iron Wolf is ready for 2010, but did not have Chang's trains on it as rumored.

April 22, 2010 - What seems to be Chang's track has appeared in a crane yard in Kentucky.

April 23, 2010 - The bottom of Chang's lift is on site at SFGAm.

April 27, 2010 - Turns out Six Flags was in no hurry to transport Chang to Great America, due to it not reopening till 2011. In other words, the pieces in the crane yard just haven't been transported yet.

May 3, 2010 - Survey markings have appeared on the parking lot by Hurricane Harbor.

May 20, 2010 - Signs have been posted around the park claiming that a public hearing involving a zoning variance request from the park for a future attraction is coming soon.

May 22, 2010 - It seems that Six Flags is to approve a height variance for a 150.17 ft. roller coaster, which seems to match Chang's height, going up in the old Space Shuttle America site. There are still rumors that the ride will be converted to a floorless coaster, and Chang's trains will be given to Iron Wolf.

May 26, 2010 - The height variance is approved, and it seems that Chang will go up in SSA's site, and go out into the parking lot, and by the front entrance.

June 20, 2010 - There has been an odd rumor spreading that plans for Chang going up in SFGAm have been canceled, and instead it will go to Great Adventure either taking over the Great American Scream Machine coaster, or go up by the river rapids.

June 21, 2010 - The blue train for GASM has finished rehab. It will remain in the maintenance building and will never ride again.

June 22, 2010 - The rumor is semi-confirmed, as GASM's closing date will be July 2, 2010. In 2011, Chang will go up and take its place. As for SFGAm, there will possibly be a waterpark expansion, taking over the SSA site.

June 23, 2010 - SFGAm has canceled plans to add a new coaster for 2011.

July 2, 2010 - Unexpectedly, GASM remains open.

July 5, 2010 - While GASM remained open July 2, Six Flags Great Adventure has confirmed that they will remove the coaster. Its last day will be July 18.

July 6, 2010 - Chang has officially been canceled for SFGAm.

July 9, 2010 - The trains for GASM are up for sale.

July 11, 2010 - Rumors of a Green Lantern theme have come back, due to the new film coming out next year. Survey markings appear next to Superman Ultimate Flight.

July 14, 2010 - The Green Lantern rumors seem to be false.

July 18, 2010 - Great American Scream Machine's last day occurs. Survey markings appear in the parking lot, and around GASM.

July 19, 2010 - Power has been cut, the trains have been removed, and a construction fence is going up around the ride.

July 21, 2010 - Superman's parameter fence is getting removed. Track demolition begins, as the transfer track, the straightaway before the turn to the lift, and the entire final brake run is gone.

July 22, 2010 - The station, queue, and ride photo buildings are all gone.

July 23, 2010 - Chang will indeed go up replacing GASM, with a lift hill wrapping around Superman Ultimate Flight's lift. The track pieces from the body of the coaster are gone.

July 25, 2010 - The corkscrews are now separate from the ride.

July 26, 2010 - The corkscrews are gone.

July 27, 2010 - The batwing is gone.

July 28, 2010 - The third iconic loop is gone.

July 29, 2010 - The second iconic loop is gone.

August 2, 2010 - The track after the first loop is gone.

August 4, 2010 - The remaining lone support beams have been taken out, as land clearing begins. The Great American Scream Machine has been whited out from the park ride board.

August 6, 2010 - The lift hill is starting to come down.

August 7, 2010 - Documents have been revealed, showing off the coaster's footprint.

August 10, 2010 - A crane is on site, removing the lift. During the day, nearby rides like ErUPtion and Parachutes have been closed. Once dismantling stopped, they reopened.

August 13, 2010 - About half the lift track is gone, and it seems some of the footers are getting recycled, possibly as landscape for Chang.

August 15, 2010 - The blue train for GASM is leaving the park.

August 17. 2010 - The full area for Chang is revealed, with some space still empty (where GASM's lift, drop, and first loop are).

August 18, 2010 - An interesting document has been revealed about the 2011 Green Lantern film. On Page 23, they seem to mention a cross-promotion between the film and Six Flags for $1 million that will give Six Flags the rights to build a coaster themed to the Green Lantern, though in that page, it shows Superman: The Escape (which is getting refurbished for 2011) at Six Flags Magic Mountain. It is speculated that this could be Chang's new identity.

August 22, 2010 - A great majority of GASM's lift is gone.

August 25, 2010 - One of the trains from Riddler's Revenge has arrived in the backstage area by Nitro (the park's B&M hypercoaster).

August 26, 2010 - One of Chang's trains has appeared behind the former Fly Me To the Moon theater.

September 3, 2010 - Chang's lift motor has appeared in the backstage area by Nitro. GASM's lift hill is gone.

September 11, 2010 - A holding area has been made by Kingda Ka for track. A spiral staircase has appeared in the construction site (from the block brake portion). A new generator is placed in the employee parking lot.

September 13, 2010 - All the Chang track from SFGAm is gone.

September 15, 2010 - The first and final loop is gone. The pieces should be gone by tomorrow.

September 16, 2010 - Chang has finally been confirmed for Great Adventure as the Green Lantern. It will have green track and black supports.

September 20, 2010 - Support beams and the base of Chang's yellow lift are on site in the holding area by Kingda Ka.

September 25, 2010 - More Chang track is on site, painted green.

October 1, 2010 - The preferred parking lot by Superman: Ultimate Flight has been fenced off for Green Lantern construction. Station, transfer, and final brake run pieces are on site. The crown of the lift is on site too.

October 31, 2010 - Some of the parking is now getting dug up for foundations for Green Lantern. It seems that everything for Green Lantern is on site in the parking lot.

November 10, 2010 - Footers are getting poured for Green Lantern's final brake run, transfer track area, station, the turn on top of the lift, the first loop, and the turn to the dive loop, as well as other places.

P.S.: (This was first updated on March 26, 2010, with Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom closing.)
(This was updated on November 1, 2010, with the Great American Scream Machine removal and Green Lantern official announcement.)
(This was updated on November 10, 2010, with a new update.)

Friday, October 16, 2009

E.T. Update

Screamscape:

2010 - New Attraction - Confirmed - (10/16/09) I’m not sure if this is related or not, but I’ve heard the name “Project Peachy” thrown around in reference to something at Universal Studios Japan. I’m thinking that this might be a reference to the new attraction going into the old E.T. building, but I’m not sure. It was rumored the ride’s theme was based on a Japanese Anime show, but I’m a bit out of touch on what’s hip in Anime these days, so does “Peachy” seem like a reference to anything in particular? (Other than Mario Brothers…)
I’ve also heard that at one point the Japanese were possibly looking into getting their own version of Revenge of the Mummy. I’m not sure if this is an evolution of that line of thought, or if the Mummy still intends to set foot in Japan someday. Certainly Mummy has become a staple attraction in the Universal playbook, with new versions confirmed for both Universal Studios Singapore and Dubailand.

I don't know what this "Project Peachy" is, but I have to agree with Screamscape. I'm shocked that USJ does not have the Revenge of the Mummy coaster. They need the Mummy! Please! I know they already have Hollywood Dream. If they have Revenge of the Mummy, the park will be even more popular! :D

Anyways, rumors were at first that Hannah-Barbera would come, then a Sailor Moon ride (I never heard of that Animé), and now this "Project Peachy." I heard of similar names like "Project Coin" a.k.a. Revenge of the Mummy (Florida), "Project Rumble" a.k.a. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (Florida), and "Project Fish" a.k.a. Simpsons Ride (Florida).


Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Is Universal Getting Their Own "Bizarro"...

... in the form of First Task? This is in from Screamscape:

2010 - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - (10/14/09) New pictures from the Wizarding World can be seen at Orlando United and the queue for Dueling Dragons has been altered so that guests now enter and exit through the ride’s exit area, bypassing the main castle area entirely. While we’re talking about Dueling Dragon’s, it seems that it may work like for this some time, as the only real way to allow the work in the queue to begin without closing down the ride entirely. The plan is to keep the ride’s downtime to a minimum, so I wouldn’t count on seeing the queue again until they close the ride and rebrand it in 2010 as Dragon Challenge. From what I’ve heard, one of the items that will be done at the very end when the close the ride, will be to redecorate the trains themselves, as new fiberglass wheel covers and a decorative front piece will replace the current Red/Blue Dragon pieces. There is also a very interesting rumor claiming that some kind of audio system could be added to the train as well, which would be great if it holds true. Anyone know more?

If you read the bolded statement, you will notice that some audio effects may be added to the Dueling Dragons train. I hope this happens! BTW, the reason why I brought up Bizarro is because it has audio effects as well. It is the retheme that Medusa at Six Flags Great Adventure and Superman: Ride of Steel at Six Flags New England got last year.

Anyways, the queue for Dueling Dragons has been closed off and operates only through the exit for work to begin on First Task.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Intimidator Topped Off!

Today, October 13, 2009, Carowinds has topped off the Intimidator roller coaster! After being delayed by the awful rain storms, the lift is indeed topped off! WOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Check out Carowinds Connection for pics:

http://carowindsconnection.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=2772&start=1365

And here are a pic from that page:


Friday, October 9, 2009

Secret Weapon 6 Revealed

In this faraway park, Alton Towers, England, an Intamin AG roller coaster has been revealed. There have been 3 (or 5 if you count cancelled) Secret Weapons:

Secret Weapon 3:

Nemesis (B&M Inverted Coaster)
Opened: 3/19/1994
Height: 42 ft.
Drop: 104 ft.
Speed: 50 mph
Length: 2349 ft.

Secret Weapon 4:

Oblivion (B&M Dive Machine)
Opened: 3/14/1998
Height: 65 ft.
Drop: 180 ft.
Speed: 68 mph
Length: 1222 ft.

Secret Weapon 5:

Air
(B&M Flying Coaster)
Opened: 3/16/2002
Height: 65 ft.
Drop: 65 ft.
Speed: 46 mph
Length: 2755 ft.

And now there is...

Secret Weapon 6:

Surrender (Intamin AG (first time on "Secret Weapons") ???)
Opening: 3/2010

The stats are unknown. It is said to be a world's first.

Corkscrew, an Arrow Dynamics looper, closed last year in 2008. In its place will house Surrender. I like the name; it sounds so treacherous! :O Also, for the first time on a "secret weapon," Alton Towers is not using B&M, but using Intamin! Whoa! I thought it was going to be B&M, but little did I know, I was far-out WRONG! XD.

I wonder when Florida will get an Intamin...

Chang Update #3

CoasterCard:

"Quick update: The MCBR and the track leading into it have been removed and are sitting in the area between the exit path and the Gotham Theater. Also the zero car and second car of one train are still on the premises for what that's worth..."

So if you have been counting, here are the removed parts for Chang:

*Final Brake Run
*Turn-around to FBR
*Inclined loop
*Track leading to block brake
*Block Brake

False alarm...

Sadly, the Intimidator lift hill has not been topped off today (I knew it was too good to be true). But more steel has risen. If you look at Diamondback and Behemoth (as well as the Intimidator concept art), there is a long lift support parallel to the lift track. The last piece of Intimidator's lift support is connected with the final lift support.

It is still a shame they did not top it off today... but I figure it will be the first thing next week. :)

Tilted Brake Runs

Here are some coasters I know that have tilted brake runs:

1. Maverick (Cedar Point)
2. Behemoth (Canada's Wonderland)
3. Diamondback (Kings Island)
4. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (Universal Studios Florida)

Upcoming:

5. Intimidator (Carowinds)
6. Intimidator 305 (Kings Dominion)

Thursday, October 8, 2009

The Updates of the Intimidators #4

Intimidator:

They installed another piece of lift track today. It looks like they put up the last support. Also, this quote from Carowinds Facebook:

"The lift hill will be capped tomorrow! Today we added additional track."

If this is true, expect them topping off the lift tomorrow! WOOT!!! :D

BTW, how did they put that lift hill up so quickly? Work on Diamondback's lift hill began October 3rd last year (I think) and they topped it off October 30th. It took an entire month to finish the lift on Diamondback, while on Intimidator (if this is true) it will take just 2 weeks! :O

Intimidator 305:

Do not worry, I305 is making progress as well. Almost all the first drop is installed. Also on the webcam at night, they just have darkness. But now, some of the drop supports are lighted. Whoa! Something tells me by the end of the season, the first drop may be complete.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Chang and Intimidator

Chang:

CoasterCard: "Quick Update: The Inclined Loop has been removed and is sitting in the parking lot. If I had a camera I would get some pics but as of now I do not have access to one..."

The incline loop for Chang has been removed today. It is still unknown where Chang will relocate, but it is rumored to be rethemed to Green Lantern (the 2011 film).

Intimidator:

The Intimidator roller coaster at Carowinds is progressing. The webcam is in a new angle as of Sunday, October 4th. Another piece of lift hill track is in the construction site. The supports for the station roof is up.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Universal Future #2 Returns

I know this is Wikipedia, but I was researching stuff like how Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast began planning when I came across this disturbing sentence:

"Closure
The contract for "Nicktoon Blast" expires in 2010, which may cause the ride to close if the contract is not renewed. However, it is possible that Universal may renew their contract with Nickelodeon in order to allow the attraction to run the same number of years as Hanna-Barbera, which ran for 13 years."

So plans to remove it are still alive and well? I hope JNNB lasts for a little bit more. I know some people think it is not appropriate for adults, but my whole family liked it. I find it shocking that if Universal does not renew the contract, it's over. Not to mention the fact that Jimmy Neutron is one of the only family attractions at USF outside KidZone. Also, when BTTF was being converted to Simpsons Ride, Jimmy Neutron served as a substitute favorite for USF to me. Even though Simpsons Ride is my new favorite, JNNB is still a great attraction to me.


Friday, October 2, 2009

The Updates of the Intimidators #3

Well, here is the third episode of "The Updates of the Intimidators" detailing updates on Intimidator at Carowinds and Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion.

Intimidator:

On September 28, 2009, the lift hill piece on the ground has gone up thus beginning construction on the 232 ft. lift hill.

On September 29, 2009, the second lift hill support has gone up, a third crane has gone up, and they have begun vertical construction on the station building.

On October 1, 2009, the second set of lift hill track has gone up. The third lift hill support has gone up.

I believe that lift may be topped off in a couple of weeks (probably topped by Halloween)!

Intimidator 305:

On September 26, 2009, the bottom of the first drop and the start of the first turn has gone up and the first lift hill supports have gone up over the week.

Now, in Clint Novak's latest Coaster Crew update for I305 on youtube, he says there will be a ski show in the middle of the ride in 2011. I can't see it in all, but it will further advance Kings Dominion into becoming Cedar Point! WOOT!!!!!!!!!!!