X Raptor Construction

Recently within the last month, vertical construction has begun on X Raptor at Gardaland.

September 29, 2010 - The first piece of track is installed in the station.

October 1, 2010 - More track is in the station, with the track before the lift hill installed. The final brake run and final turn is installed too.

October 7, 2010 - The bottom of the lift hill is installed.

October 11, 2010 - A portion of a turn is up above the station.

October 16, 2010 - Support beams for the Zero-G-Roll are up.

October 21, 2010 - The Zero-G-Roll is up, and some lift pieces are waiting to be installed.

October 22, 2010 - Some of the lift hill has been installed.

October 28, 2010 - A wide catwalk has been installed on the lift hill pieces that have gone up.

October 29, 2010 - An inline twist has gone up at the end of the ride. Three supports have gone up as well.

And here is the latest picture of the ride (from dibilele at Theme Park Review):



This looks beyond incredible! =D Hopefully one of these comes to America soon (like a Pteranodon-themed one at IOA, behind Thunder Falls Terrace in JP, and Pteranodon Flyers converted to Canopy Flyer with the new trains)! =D

UPDATE: I went on the website, and made screenshot of how it looks currently:

Hersheypark Update

From Screamscape:

2012 - Attraction 2012 - (10/20/10) The latest rumor about Hersheypark’s 12th coaster project seems to indicate that the station for the new ride may be located near or even on the site of the old skyride station near the front entrance. Speaking of the new coaster, I had a thought. Given the questions asked by the RIT labcoats were all about the role water plays in a ride and drop ride sensations, could we be seeing a new B&M Dive Machine here?
(10/19/10) The crazy Hersheypark marketing team is at it again with what seems to be another Nantimi style viral marketing plot. Over the weekend there were a few people in white lab coats approaching guests to conduct surveys invoving questions about Airtime, water elements in rides and questions about freefall / drop rides. Fortunately for us, the staff of Keystone Thrills were one such group of guests surveyed, and have reported on the event.
Each of these lab coat staff members were wearing nametags, claiming to be staff from the “Ride Institute of Technology”. And the end of the survey, guests were given some exit passes and another small envelope with puzzle pieces in it. If you put the puzzle together it featured the RIT logo, website address and a message, “See u in the spring. Ride on!” Looking at the picture of the puzzle you’ll also notice that two of the puzzle piece are shaped like backwards numbers, so if you looked at the back of the puzzle it would make the number “12”. 12… not only as coming in 2012… but also because this will likely be the park’s 12th coaster. Now I wonder if there was a message at all on the back too… mirror writing, black-light writing, anything…
As for the website, there is a short interesting story, but no hard clues I could find… nor did I really expect to at this point in the game. No kissing on the first date after all, though they do provide an e-mail address to write into as well. Don’t bother looking to see who registered the site either… it’s been protected to cover up the owner’s identity. Nothing jumping out at me in the html code either I’m afraid, but feel free to poke around yourself as well.
While you ponder all this, Keystone Thrills has also sent us a link to their latest construction update at the park, showing off the various markings now in place.

So now we know the following rumors/facts:

*2012 opening
*Going up in Comet Hollow
*Station in either Tilt-a-Whirl (which may be removed offseason) or old Skyway station (however, I doubt the Skyway rumor).
*Either B&M or Intamin
*Survey markings in Comet Hollow
*Creekside Catering removal
*Possible punch through Comet's structure
*212 ft.
*Possible new path from Rhineland to Comet Hollow.
*32 columns on the lake
*Possible Spring 2011 announcement
*Airtime
*Possible water elements
*Possible freefall-style drop
*Intamin Mega Lite or B&M Dive Machine

This project gets more interesting...

UPDATE: I found this on the Ride Institute of Technology website (I'm bolding up an interesting point):

In April of 1911, one year after Comet Halley blazed across the night sky, two of the nation's leading research scientists quietly handed in their resignations and founded the Ride Institute of Technology (RIT).

Working from a nondescript laboratory outside Princeton, New Jersey, Dr. Jeffrey Clayton and Dr. David Austin initiated a series of cutting-edge experiments under complete secrecy. These tests were known as Project Alpha, and would forever change the nascent theme park business.

For eight years, Dr. Clayton and Dr. Austin worked on Project Alpha in isolation and obscurity, endlessly rerunning experiments, testing hypotheses, and establishing the standards of an industry they were building from the ground up.

In the fall of 1918, RIT rented the penthouse suite of a downtown New York City hotel. Here, they invited the world's foremost ride engineers, ride operators, and theme park executives for an exclusive look at the results of Project Alpha.

The reception was astounding, and those in attendance recall pandemonium as the presentation concluded. Well-dressed executives stood on chairs shouting, and in their frenzy, offered fantastic sums for exclusive rights to the findings.

RIT turned down every bidder, and Dr. Clayton and Dr. Austin left New York under cover of darkness. They soon rented a new laboratory in a new state, where they began to hire additional scientists, physicists, and engineers.

As RIT expanded, its founders gradually removed themselves from day-to-day operations. In time, a new generation of scientists moved into leadership positions, and in their bid to grow further, they placed RIT firmly in the public eye.

Today, RIT stands as the undisputed leader in the advanced research and testing of theme park rides and attractions. We are the first and largest firm within our industry, and our clients include every iconic theme park in the world.

It's been nearly 12 years since we've released a major new study, but in the spring of 2011, we will unveil our most ambitious undertaking yet. We look forward to sharing our results with the world, and our forthcoming website will explain these findings further.

Thank you for visiting the Ride Institute of Technology.

So it has been 12 years. Well, if they count 2010, that makes their last project occur in 1998... which was when Great Bear, the B&M Invert of that park, opened. Hmmm...

So after reading that, I'd be willing to bet that this will be a B&M coaster. Like Lance, I think we could be seeing a Dive Machine in that park (hopefully so =D). But IMO, this isn't the only possibility that came to mind.

There's also a flying coaster possibility, as Manta at SeaWorld dips in a pond of water, with a splash effect. Not to mention, a 212 ft. flying coaster would be AWESOME (especially with an Alpengeist-style drop)! =D And then there is one last possibility:



I know it's too early to tell, but if X Raptor is successful in Gardaland, B&M can build something similar at Hersheypark for 2012. Busch expanded the Dive Machine design; Hersheypark can possibly expand this design. With the ride possibly having some water effects (which X Raptor is possibly having), I can also see this happening, as well as an expanded design, with some possible airtime, rotating seats, 212 ft. vertical drop, a tunnel, and a zero-g-roll.



A hyper coaster also seems possible, but I'm not sure with all that small land (for an out-and-back hyper at least).

So yep, those are my possibilities as of now.

Rip Ride Rockit Reopens!

http://www.facebook.com/UniversalOrlandoResort/posts/118968544831698

We are excited to let you know Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit has re-opened after being closed for maintenance. Enjoy the ride!

And some modified trains have been reported:

Park News - (10/28/10) Big surprise today for guests at Universal Studios Florida, as the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit coaster had reopened to the public as unexpectedly as it closed down six weeks ago. The reports sent in so far are a bit vague, but claim that the ride may have received all new trains (or possibly refurbished perhaps?) and that the ride experience was very much improved. When I asked Universal Orlando about the reopening of the coaster they had this to say, “We are excited that Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit has re-opened after its maintenance period.” Sorry, you were expecting more? At this point I think I’d be happy if it at least was giving off the butter smooth rides it was expected to in the first place.

That's nice to hear! =D I'm so excited for Thanksgiving!

And also for fun, here were some other crazy reports from Screamscape about this situation:

(10/13/10) I’m not quite sure what to make of this exactly, but a reader reports in that the survey crew was spotted taking measurements at the Hollywood Rockit coaster site near the lift hill tower and non-inverting loop. Could they be planning to rebuild some sections of the coaster? Certainly something could be done to improve this section of the ride to eliminate all the valleys that take place coming out of the non-inverting loop. Of course there are those ever-persistent rumors about some kind of structural problem that may have been found with the ride as well…
(10/12/10) I’m told that the staircase spotted by the Hollywood Rockit coaster is actually on wheels and not something new. Apparently they bring it out as needed.
(10/11/10) I’m not entirely sure what this means, but a new staircase was spotted in this picture (sent out over Twitter) set up at the Hollywood Rockit coaster in the general location where the ride has been known to valley the most. Anyone know if this is a temporary staircase or something they’re putting in for good?
(10/1/10) There is a big rumor flying around many of the Orlando centric fan sites claiming that the problems with the Hollywood Rockit are so severe, the park may end up removing the ride entirely. While anything is possible, the chances of this being true at this point so low that they are hardly worth mentioning. If true, we would more than likely be hearing stories about a huge lawsuit brewing between Universal and Maurer in Sentinel, but since that hasn’t happened yet, I think everyone should cool their jets a bit about the Rockit until we know more about what’s going on.
At this point all we really know is that there are problems and issues keeping the ride shut… and it’s no secret that this ride has hardly lived up to anyone expectations as far as providing an enjoyable ride experience to the guests. Anything beyond that is really wild speculation at this point. I’ll keep digging to see what more I can find out, but lets keep the sledgehammers in the tool shed for now.
(9/25/10) While nothing has been states about when the Rockit may reopen, sources tell us that Universal was seen cycling empty trains on it again late Thursday night after the park was closed.
(9/21/10) Universal has confirmed that the Hollywood Rockit will be closed a bit longer than expected (though they never gave a date for it to reopen) because they will now go ahead and perform the ride’s annual maintenance work while it’s already closed.
(9/20/10) Universal Orlando has made some some comments regarding the closure of the Hollywood Rockit coaster to the local news. They say that any issues from the September 2nd advisory from Maurer would have been dealt with weeks ago and not the cause of the current shutdown and that the ride is closed for “unrelated maintenance”. So what is the issue then? Universal isn’t saying, though the local news station sources claim that it is “structural” issues behind the current closure.
(9/17/10) I’ve got a public confirmation about one of the issues that has caused the temporary shutdown of the Hollywood Rockit. A technical service alert from Maurer Sohne was released this month that reports that the ‘coupling bar’ between the cars on all of the X-Car / Sky-Loop train systems are “not fatigue endurable”. In other words, they are showing signs of stress that could lead to a possible failure.
As such, Maruer will be redesigning the parts and offering up the fix in approximately 2-3 months. “Any operation of the Sky Loop or X-Car Coaster with tandem train must be immediately and strictly stopped until the examination has been evaluated!” So… the ride’s shut down for the short term at least because of this alone. “If you find any cracks (no matter what size or type) on the checked locations or any other irregularities, the system must be shut down immediately in order to prevent serious accidents prosing a danger to health and life of persons.”
(9/16/10) I’ve heard rumors indicating some bad news for Universal’s Hollywood Rockit coaster which has kept it shut not only the past couple of days, but may keep it shut for quite a bit longer. I’m not going to go into the nasty details about what’s being said without a little more proof, but if even half is true, it could be weeks before it opens again. More as we find out.

Could Terminator Actually Be Next...?

From Screamscape:

Park News - (10/28/10) While we wait for Transformers to open, my sources tell me another park attraction already has a huge target on its head to be removed next. With the options of possibility being quite short at this point, it probably comes as no surprise that Terminator 2: 3-D is said to be next on the hit list, though honestly I’m still surprised that they haven’t opted to replace Waterworld yet first. Choosing a replacement for Terminator may be a bit more tricky, as the attraction is actually built on the top floor of a large parking structure, which would put some serious limitations about what might replace it., unless they’ve got their eyes on a new 4D Theater concept that could be used to replace all the Terminator attractions world-wide. Anyone know more?

This is the Universal Studios Hollywood version of Terminator, and according to this update, it seems that it will most likely be the next ride at USH to go.

Screamscape also reported this about the Florida version in August:

(8/6/10) Universal Orlando has launched a new “Blue Sky” survey this week, one that mentions a lot of questions about certain popular movies: Lord of the Rings, Avatar, Twilight and Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, Hitchiker’s Guide To The Galaxy and more. They also ask if you’ve read certain books by Sci-Fi / Fantasy / Horror authors like Stephen King, JRR Tolkin, Douglas Adams, Isaac Asimov and Robert Heinlein.
However the end of the survey chooses to go into a lot of detailed questions about Lord of the Rings in general. Could Universal be thinking of nabbing up another big fantasy franchise for a future park addition? For me it also asked a bunch of questions about adding a Terminator attraction… which is strange since they have one, but it looks like they want new ideas for a new one. Perhaps it’s time to replace T2/3D but may want to replace it with a new Terminator themed attraction. Fine by me… I always wanted to see that once proposed Terminator themed indoor/outdoor roller coaster concept.

Now for my thoughts: For some reason, I don't know why but I'm starting think that Terminator could be next. It got a little old lately. =/ I doubt they will replace T2 with another Terminator attraction. IDK, it seems to me that if they were to replace Terminator with something, it would be something non-Terminator related.

Anyways, I'll keep you updated...

UPDATE: I'm starting to think that this rumor may indeed be true. This might or might not be involved, but Six Flags Magic Mountain built Terminator Salvation: The Ride in 2009:

http://www.rcdb.com/4173.htm

Now that's got me thinking, why would there be two Terminator attractions in the same competitive market?

This increases the possibility of removal. And I also remember this Screamscape report back in May:

2013 - Rumor - Transformers - (5/7/10) Is Univesal Studios Japan looking to get in on the Transformers ride action? According to a mystery e-mail I got today, the park may be looking into closing their Terminator 2/3-D attraction in the future to may way for a Transformers ride as early as 2013. After all, we know the Japanese love giant robots. My only concern however is that the Transformers ride is supposed to be fairly similar, technology wise, to the Spiderman ride, and at Universal Studios Japan, Spiderman is virtually next door to T2/3D.

While I certainly doubt that Transformers will end up replacing T2 in Japan (if it does arrive, it will probably replace the Backdraft attraction, since the one in Hollywood is taking over their Backdraft attraction, and Universal usually does something similar if the ride has a clone), I've got to wonder if this rumor will be involved with the other two rumors (of Hollywood and Florida's version getting the axe).

As for a possible 4D attraction, I'd be all for a new one... as long as it is not World of Warcraft... =|

Orlando Thrill Park???

From WFTV News:

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The City of Orlando is considering plans from a group which would bring a new amusement park to the city.

The Baker Leisure Group, which specializes in building theme parks, is helping a group of investors with the project to build “The Orlando Thrill Park.” The park would sit on 70 acres of land located along International Drive and would feature several roller coasters.

The plan is still in very early stages and it will be weeks before a proposed plan reaches Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and city commissioners. The group would buy land currently up for sale in a wooded area near Festival Bay Mall and the Prime Outlets (see map), and fill it with tall roller coasters and other attractions.

“I think it would be a great idea. It would be something for the community to be involved in,” said Jeroline Adkinson, president of the Tangelo Park Homeowners Association.

Representatives with the Baker Leisure Group, who is working with a group of investors, will meet with the Tangelo Park community on Thursday to discuss the plans. The group has previously worked with Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld developers.

WFTV learned the developers of the Orlando Thrill Park are interested in building roller coasters so tall they would require approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

On Monday, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said the plan sounds exciting but he does not know much about the proposal yet.

“We’re always excited for new opportunities, especially since we’ve had some challenging economic times. Anything that’s out there that can bring jobs, we’re happy about,” said Mayor Dyer.

Developers also plan to conduct a noise study in the area.

From Screamscape:

(10/14/10) The latest information about the Orlando Thrill Park claims that the site may feature 15 rides, with coasters that will feature interlocking loops and top-hats, but the biggest ride is said to stand 425 feet tall. I’ve also been sent a few graphics (see below) showing off the parks layout, the heights listed for specific ride areas, and photos showing off the kinds of rides they want to add. Included are rides like Top Thrill Dragster (filling the 425 ft category), an S&S 4th Dimension coaster, a pair of 312 ft tall S&S Towers, an Intamin ZacSpin coaster drawing and some unknown coaster designs.
(10/13/10) A new mini amusement park / attraction is apparently being discussed for a 70 acre forested plot of land on I-Drive, just south of the Festival Bay mall. According to the local news, the current name is “The Orlando Thrill Park” and they expect to fill it with big coasters and other thrill rides. How big will the rides be? With 70 acres to play with, they certainly have room for just about anything, and according to the article, they have also mentioned that some rides will be big enough that the FAA will have to give approval, which generally means anything 200 ft or taller. With the Baker Leisure Group involved here, I’ve got to wonder if they’re planning on buying up some of the rides from the former Hard Rock Park and moving them down to Orlando.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Festival+Bay+Mall,+Orlando,+FL&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=49.624204,114.169922&ie=UTF8&hq=Festival+Bay+Mall+at+International+Drive&hnear=Festival+Bay+Mall+at+International+Drive,+Orlando,+Orang

And here is the mall next to where the park will be built. If you scroll south, you see a heavily wooded area. That is where the park is supposedly going up.

And more news from WESH.com:

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A new amusement park may be coming to the heart of Orlando.

The park hopes to bring rides so big, they may require the approval of the Federal Aviation Administration.

The plan led to a packed meeting Thursday night for the residents who could have the park in their back yards.

The residents of Tangelo Park raised concerns about noise and traffic that could come with the theme park. That could make for a tough sell for developers of the Orlando Thrill Park.

The majority of the residents who showed up for the community meeting weren't thrilled about a theme park full of roller coasters.

"We are going to be blocked in and blocked out," resident Clara Adams said.

Adams lives on Vanguard Street, which borders the 78-acre overgrown property that Baker Leisure Group would like to transform into a thrill-seeker's dream.

Roller coasters more than 400 feet tall would dwarf another attraction, Fun Spot, which is only one block away.

"We want to see this whole street and this whole community grow. We believe all boats rise," Fun Spot spokesman Mark Brisson said.

More competition may complement Fun Spot, but Tangelo Park residents said the area can't handle it.

Adams said the slideshow and presentation at the meeting proved her point.

"It made me more against it because they are not doing anything for the roads," Adams said.

But developers said all entrances and exits would be off International Drive, and tall walls around the property would cut down on the noise.

"We have to address it, but we are just in the planning stages right now. That's why we are here," developer Doug Rutledge said.

"We will mitigate the noise factor," Baker Leisure Group spokesman Steve Baker said. "I don't think that's going to be a problem."

Developers said it will take two years to build the park, which its developers said will employ more than 1,000 people.

But they have a long way to go. This was the first of several community meetings, and there will be a couple of public hearings, as well.

Meanwhile, the developers will conduct noise and traffic studies.

http://www.wesh.com/money/25399525/detail.html

I sure hope this park will be built, and it will include the coasters Screamscape mentioned, ESPECIALLY the Top Thrill Dragster-style ride! If so, I will most likely be visiting the park once it opens!! =D

And whoa, TWO YEARS??? If so, I'd imagine construction will begin in like a month or two.

I am PRAYING this will happen. A 425 ft. Intamin strata, an S&S 4D coaster (BTW, this winter, I'm riding X2, a 4D coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain), a 312 ft. drop tower, an Intamin ZacSpin (which, funny that, is SFMM's Project 18: Green Lantern, the first ZacSpin in America), and some other unknown coaster (it almost looks like a B&M version of a vertical lift coaster)??? I'm already drooling...

So guess after Cheetah Hunt... there's going to be even more Intamins coming to Florida in the near future... =D

"Cheetah Hunt" Confirmed!

So the new coaster at BGT has finally been confirmed today (and with a shocking name change):

http://www.buschgardens.com/bgt/buschgardens2011.aspx

Turns out the ride will not be called Cheetaka after all, but instead will be called "Cheetah Hunt." Article here:

Busch Gardens Tampa officially announced their new 2011 attraction this morning, Cheetah Hunt. The new high speed roller coaster will also have a related animal exhibit called Cheetah Run. The attraction is set to open Spring 2011.

The centerpiece of the new attraction is Cheetah Hunt, a Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) Launch Coaster that uses the force of repelling magnets to launch riders from 0 to 60 in a matter of seconds – not once, but three times.

This one-of-a-kind, multiple launch-point coaster will board in Busch Gardens’ historic monorail station, which has been completely renovated as part of the new attraction.

The first launch propels the train out of the station and into the grasslands that surround the new area. Moments later, a second burst of speed accelerates riders to 60 mph and up into the ride’s signature tower element that climbs more than 10 stories above the African landscape before plunging 130 feet into a subterranean trench.

Cheetah Hunt covers a lot of ground, setting a new distance record for Busch Gardens’ roller coasters at 4,429 feet of track. After leaving the Crown Colony Plaza area, it races across a portion of the Serengeti Plain, staying close to the ground to give guests the experience of a cheetah sprinting across the plains. Elements such as over-banked turns, air-time parabolas and a heart line roll inversion imitate the agile creature chasing its prey, leaping and pouncing into the Nairobi area, where the train twists through a rocky gorge that was formerly part of Rhino Rally.

At the far end of this three-quarter-mile path, a third burst of speed rockets the train back across the plain toward the station in a thrill-ride experience unlike anything Busch Gardens’ guests have ever experienced.

Cheetah Run

But this one-of-a-kind coaster experience is only a portion of the new realm. Building on Busch Gardens’ unrivaled ability to combine thrills with immersive animal encounters, Cheetah Run will set a new standard for bringing nature and humans together in a really unique way.

Located in the area that formerly housed the Budweiser Clydesdales, this expansive new habitat will give visitors the opportunity to get closer to cheetahs than ever before with elevated, glass-paneled viewing areas. Even more exciting will be the chance to witness the world’s fastest land animal in action. Busch Gardens’ trainers will conduct daily sprints with the cheetahs for an awesome opportunity to see one of nature’s true wonders in full form!

Families can also explore interactive touch screens to learn even more about these big cats and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s work on their behalf. Through the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, the adventure parks have been helping wild cheetahs since 2005.

The Realm

While thrill-seekers race across the plain on Cheetah Hunt, and even non-riders appreciate the beauty and grace of the cheetah in Cheetah Run, the realm surrounding this new mega-attraction offers many more opportunities for adventure and exploration.

Built at the crossroads where Morocco, Egypt and the Edge of Africa all come together, the plaza will be a bustling, colorful celebration inspired by the sights and sounds of the cultures that feed into it. Busch Gardens’ famous Crown Colony House Restaurant will remain a focal point of the area as well with a new, terraced entrance that will feature additional outdoor seating and natural landscaping.

Cheetah Hunt and Cheetah Run open in spring 2011. Together, they form a unique experience – the kind you’ll only find at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

http://www.orlandounited.com/?p=308

And here's some concept art they posted:



1. Cheetah Hunt's second launch and the Cheetah Run animal exhibit



2. Launch Tower with the Realm entrance



3. Some concept art that reminds me of Manta concept art



4. Cheetah Run exhibit

And here are the stats (according to layout):

First Launch (with heavy theming)
Over-banked turn
First Trench
Second Launch
103 ft. Launch Tower (Circle-8)
130 ft. drop into second trench (27 ft. underground!!)
Second Trench (goes under train)
Airtime
Third Trench (goes under new path)
Heartline Roll
Two straightaways
Waterfall near-miss
Trick Tracks
Third Launch
"Parabola" hill
Airtime
Airtime
Final Brake Run

The old monorail building also, from the looks of it, has an Egyptian-style theme.

Okay, so this coaster is REALLY exciting. Glad to see its finally confirmed (despite the name change. I think the new name is somewhat decent. I mean, hey, it's better than "Dragon Challenge" or "Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit" =P)! =D

And from the looks of things, it also confirms INTAMIN AG as the manufacturer (as rumored), making it the first Intamin coaster installation in Florida (=D), and will have the cheetah theme that has been rumored all along. And the Crown Colony area will become "The Realm." For some reason, I sensed a SheiKra-style retheme of this area for quite some time, ever since the coaster has been rumored (BTW, in case you don't know, there was an orangutan exhibit in SheiKra's place before SheiKra went up. They were removed in 2004 (though I think they came back with Jungala in 2008) to start SheiKra construction. Along with that came a retheme of the Stanleyville area).

Now it's official... I'm going to BGT next summer!!!! =D

And I also print-screened what may be the coolest silhouette scene I've ever seen (no pun intended):



CHEETAH HUNT FTW!!!! =D

My Final Cheetaka Theory

With the announcement coming today, I thought I'd post this final speculation.

We all know that the ride will most likely have a cheetah theme. The first clue to it was a cheetah topiary found in front of the Clydesdale Hamlet back in March (due to the construction occurring, they reportedly relocated it to the Adventure Island overflow lot). The second clue to the theme was the trademark filing, "Cheetaka," back in April (around the same time I found the documents). Then in late May, they started selling cheetah animals in the Caravan Crossing gift shop. Then in September, they posted a job opening for “Large carnivore experience required, cheetah experience preferred.” Learn more from this report:

(9/7/10) Busch Gardens has released another teaser video about the new 2011 coaster (aka: Cheetaka) which I’ve embedded below. Of course more of those top secret plans seem to have leaked out once again and can be seen posted to ParkSecrets this week. These new images confirm the Cheetaka name, show off the new theme of the station and have some new layout close-ups of certain sections of the ride itself. Of course, if all this wasn’t enough to convince you of the Cheetah theme for the ride, BGT has also now posted a new job opening for a Zoological Supervisor for someone with “Large carnivore experience required, cheetah experience preferred.”
Want more? Check out this week’s construction updates over at BGT Nation.

And the final clue is in the final teaser video released Monday. It shows the coaster going through Rhino Rally's old wet portion, and then it zooms out to show this...



...what seems to be a cheetah-themed train.

Now here is my final prediction on the layout, according to the teaser videos...

The coaster will start inside the old monorail station and into a highly-themed first launch on an arch. You then enter an over-banked turn, and into the first trench. Then the second launch, and the train goes up a circle-8 launch tower (with a nice headchopper effect from the banner on top), and into the second trench (going under the train). Then comes a small airtime hill. Exiting that hill, you enter a third trench (going under the new path to Nairobi and EOA), and into a heartline roll over the train. Then you enter the old wet portion of Rhino Rally. First there will be a straight-away, and then you drop right. Then comes another straight-away, and a near-miss moment with a waterfall, followed by some trick tracks. Then you enter the third launch, and into a large airtime hill exiting the wet portion and back to the Veldt. Then there will be a small airtime hill over the new path (Nairobi/EOA), and then some low-to-the-ground turns, and into one final small airtime hill, and into the final brake run by the Skyride.

Well, this is my prediction. I can't wait for the announcement today (but at the same time, I got PSAT)! =D

Oh, and here is one final look at the website before it turns into the Cheetaka website:

More On HP Phase 2

From Teebin at Orlando United:

Ok kids... this probably has nothing to do with WWoHP... but a contract has been picked up for demolition of something big at UOR. I have no idea what it is and it could be backstage stuff, one of the older buildings perhaps. Perhaps the supervisors building behind Sinbad or PF that has been spoken of. This is not comptroller hype, it is a word spoken into my ear just a short time ago. It sounded big because I know details I cannot repeat here. It is happening... contract awarded... so what is it? Any guesses?

If this does have to do with WWOHP Phase 2, I think it might be the supervisor building he mentioned. If I can assume correct, I believe he could be referring to this building:



If this is the building (and if this is involved with Phase 2), then that pretty much exposes where Phase 2 will go up.

This should be interesting.

Park Updates #5

Green Lantern:

http://coasterfusion.com/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?9492.210

So it seems that green track (aka Chang track with a new look) is on site (and has been for a 2-3 weeks). It seems to be in a fenced off portion of the parking lot by Kingda Ka. They also seem to have closed off some of the premium parking lot for work on the area soon to hold Green Lantern's lift hill to begin (it will be parallel to Superman Ultimate Flight). In fact, from the looks of those pics, they seem to have already begun tearing out some of the concrete on the parking lot.

Cheetaka:

It seems that the 4th teaser video has been released (October 4th), showing the part of the ride entering the old wet portion of Rhino Rally. It includes an inversion (a heartline roll over the railroad), two straight-aways, a near-miss with a waterfall, and some trick tracks. It also seems that after the 3rd launch, you go up a massive (literally massive) airtime hill as you head back to the station. And here's this neat theory from Shellemonster at Orlando United:

Interesting indeed, Busch is really trying something new here. It's like a terrain coaster with launches. I love how this takes us in and around the veldt because what isn't shown in these videos is the fact that we will be flying close by through animal exhibits.

Like at SeaWorld where you become the manta ray on Manta, it seems like we will become a cheetah on Cheetaka. You prowl out of the station, jump up to get a good vantage point to select your prey (figure8 tower), launch off chasing the prey, circle it, and wrestle it to death in the valley, then return from the kill. Maybe I'm reading too much into this...

And as for construction, it seems that some bars were installed in the second trench (currently being excavated), and it seems that work has begun on tearing out the old wet portion of Rhino Rally.

Meanwhile, check this out:

Next week, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Discovery Cove in Orlando will both announce major new attractions coming to the parks in 2011.

But this message will be shared in a different way than many of the parks’ previous new attraction announcements. In an effort to grow and support its eager online Fan base, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove will announce the new attractions on their Facebook pages FIRST via video messages from the parks’ executives the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 13.

Stay tuned to these Facebook pages (make sure you "Like" them!) and you will be amongst the first to receive the big news:

www.Facebook.com/BuschGardensTampaBay

www.Facebook.com/DiscoveryCove

http://www.seaworldparksblog.com/busch-gardens-and-discovery-cove-make-major-announcements-next-week

Hmmm... isn't BGT rumored for a new addition in 2011...? Yep, it's pretty much safe to say that this announcement will be for Cheetaka. BTW, as for Discovery Cove, they are building an expansion, but I'm more excited for Cheetaka. =D

X-Raptor:

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=56021&start=190

Vertical construction has begun on X-Raptor. It seems that station track is up, as well as some of the break run and final turn. Now I'm just wondering when the trains will be revealed and what the layout is. =D

Heide Park:

From Screamscape:

2011 - B&M Coaster - Rumor - (10/8/10) Now this may be an odd shot in the dark here, but I’m starting to really think we may be seeing something new and unique about this Heide Park B&M coaster. In addition to this being listed as a Dive Machine style coaster, but using what appears to be standard sized coaster track, something else seems to be sticking out as being different. Take a look again at the picture of the track found on site previously and take a good look at those two straight track pieces… with what looks like fins sticking up on them.
A few others have pointed this out before, but these seem to be magnetic brake fins, not unlike the style of brake fins we’ve seen Intamin using for the past few years. Others have pointed this out as well, that this is new for B&M as every other B&M coaster with magnetic brakes uses a very different system that has a horizonal fin run through the magnetic braking channels mounted close to the center of the tracks. (See Here)
B&M doesn’t experiment or change things lightly so there has to be a reason for switching to this new narrow-profile system, putting the fins on the tracks instead. I wouldn’t think adding the mag-brake units to the trains was a benefit, as they have to be heavier than the fins, so the real purpose here must have been to open up some space under the center of the train for something new perhaps. About the only thing I can think of that would go there would be hardware for either a new style lift system (cable lift?) or could we be seeing brand new B&M launch system technology put to use here?

So could we be seeing the first launched B&M Dive Machine???? *drops jaw* If that's the case, I might just have to visit this place soon... =D

After Cheetaka...

Well, we all know that BGT is building a new coaster for 2011. So now, what should BGT build next? I know it's too early (especially the fact that the coaster hasn't even been announced yet), but it's fun to speculate. So what should BGT build? I came up with the following:

1. Simulator - An example is the old Akbar simulator, which failed. They should reuse it as another simulator, because BGT is lacking indoor rides. This year, BGW opened a simulator called "Europe in the Air." I would love to see something similar in the Akbar building taking you over Africa, seeing the wonders of Africa, like the Pyramids of Egypt, a Moroccan village, the Nile, and other areas of Africa.

2. Dark Ride - This is another ride BGT is lacking, while BGW isn't lacking. In 2005, BGW opened the Curse of DarKastle, a 3D thrill ride similar to Spider-Man. It would be neat if something like that were to go up in the Egypt section (tearing out some of the premium parking lot, while making the rest handicapped).

3. Flat Rides - Another thing BGT lacks, while BGW has (in fact, I think the only flats at BGT are the Phoenix, which I have no real desire to ride =P, the Ubanga-Banga Bumper Cars, my favorite flat ride in the park, Sandstorm, another decent flat ride, and the Caravan Carousel. And most are in Timbuktu). I recently found out that BGW is building a drop tower by the name of Mäch Tower. I would love to see something similar come to BGT, like maybe in Stanleyville. Like maybe by the Stanleyville Train Station and the bridge from Bird Gardens/Sesame Street into Stanleyville. Here's what I mean:



It would be about 240 ft., which is taller than SheiKra. This would look so cool next to SheiKra.

And how should the ride be, you ask? It should use the same technology as Mäch Tower: a Gyro-style drop tower by Moser Rides (who made Wild Surge too), rotates on top, and drops.

Well, these are my ideas.