Silver Dollar City 2013

I have been following the construction of this wooden coaster in Silver Dollar City for a while... let me first tell you guys an interesting story.

It's of a new company on the scene... Rocky Mountain Construction, or RMC. This company is known for totally transforming Texas Giant in Six Flags Over Texas, with new steel railings, or topper track. Next year, they will transform Rattler in Six Flags Fiesta Texas and are building their first-ever wooden coaster from scratch... and this one has quite a bit of stuff worth looking into... and apparently there was a leak on this ride just yesterday. Oh, and rumors point to the name being "Outlaw."

For starters, the first drop looks incredibly mind-blowing (this is coming from MidwestInfoGuide's 6/27/2012 update):

Word has it, the first drop is 81 degrees. If what I rode at SFGAdv (El Toro with its 76 degree drop, different manufacturer but still) is ANY indication of how the ride's first drop will be... um... why on earth does this have to be more than 1000 miles from where I live (you know, Miami, all that stuff...)?

Apparently the speed on this thing is 68 mph, which puts it under El Toro as the second fastest wooden coaster on Earth (El Toro is at 70 mph). Voyage at Holiday World will come into third at 67 mph. Oh, what's this... El Toro's now the fastest woodie on Earth? Yes, the old record breaker (Son of Beast at 78 mph) is no more... Son of Beast was confirmed to be removed a few days ago... I'll get into that later.

Ha, funny about Son of Beast... that ride experience also had a record-breaking vertical loop... Outlaw, however, is rumored to have a double barrel roll, making this the first wooden coaster to have a "roll" inversion. The double barrel roll came from the leak, but another element of uniqueness caught my attention (first pic from Screamscape today. Second pic from chadster on Facebook (found this on ThemeParkReview) way back on July 8th):

Initially I thought this was going to be a zero-g-roll... but it looks more like an insane Stengel dive (which is also a world's first on a woodie)... that one element is really insane-looking! I'm really in love with Stengel dives, especially the ones on Maverick and Skyrush.

All this will be done on stagecoach-themed cars, with lap bars! And we don't have to wait too much longer either... the announcement will come on August 9th, just 9 days from now!

You can find more pics on Screamscape, ThemeParkReview, and MidwestInfoGuide.

Disaster Transport is Dead and More 2013 Rumors

Two days ago, Disaster Transport at Cedar Point gave its last rider. As of yesterday the attraction is no more (and good riddance to that). Demolition is expected to begin Thursday (apparently).

More rumors are spreading on the theme of the coaster (possibly a mythological beast theme) and the name either Lotan or Gate Keeper:

2013 - Wing Coaster - Semi-Confirmed - (7/27/12) While the dragon / serpent / monster themes keep building up steam, we got another email this week backing up the Gate Keeper name once again. I suppose they could work together… but somehow I think the park will sell more T-Shirts and merchase with a beast themed logo like Behemoth, Leviathan or Hydra than they will with Gate Keeper.  (Unless they sell a shirt for your significant other to wear that says Key Master…)
    (7/26/12) Some interesting digging about another possible name for the 2013 Cedar Point coaster has come from CoasterFusion this week. They believe it could be named Lotan, named after a mythical 7-headed sea serpent / dragon beast that is the representation of floods, oceans and winter. 
    (7/25/12) The latest buzz from The Point seems to indicate that Sandusky could become home to a cousin of Canada’s Leviathan. I can only hope that this dragon will also demand his own cave lair and other fun environmental stuff to fly through. The dragon rumor has also been confirmed by our friends at CoasterFusion as well as some comments on the possible color of the coaster track being green… but with the sighting of the blue wing image on DT being so similar to the colors used on Leviathan, I’m hoping for another blue / cyan combo paint job myself.

I actually like the name "Gate Keeper." It makes sense (since, it's going through the park entrance), but also I think the name just sounds so cool! When I think of "Gate Keeper," I think of a Gothic-type of beast/dragon that guards the entrance to a castle or something else. "Lotan" is a great name too! I also wouldn't mind if they reused the Leviathan name (though I'd prefer Gate Keeper or Lotan).

That said, if it's called "Lotan," will this Wing Coaster possibly have 7 inversions? After all, the mythical Lotan has 7 heads. Could this be the equivalent of the number of inversions this ride might possibly have?

We shall see... I think this next month should be pretty interesting to say the least!

I'm Back From Another Amazing Trip...

Last year, I visited 3 parks (Carowinds, Kings Dominion, and Cedar Point)... this year I visited 5 PARKS (BGT, Kings Dominion, Hersheypark, Cedar Point, and Six Flags Great Adventure)... and yeah, pretty chill... or should I say SUPER AWESOME COMBO!

I've probably ridden around 50 coasters in this trip, including Hersheypark's newest addition, Skyrush (which on the wings is just a whip of an experience! I really loved it)! These last 4 weeks rocked (I came back Wednesday July 11th, and the trip started on June 16th)! Visited BGT on June 17th, Kings Dominion on June 20th, Hersheypark on June 22nd, Cedar Point on June 26th, and Six Flags Great Adventure on June 30th. I visited Hershey again on July 9th (just last Monday).

So for my ride lists:

BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA (6/17/2012)

Here we have just spent it as a normal BGT day, except we didn't go south... but north...:

1. Gwazi (Lion) - GCI Wooden Coaster (dueling)
2. Gwazi (Tiger) - GCI Wooden Coaster (dueling)
3. SheiKra - B&M Dive Machine
4. Tanganyika Tidal Wave (2x) - Intamin Shoot-the-Chutes
5. SheiKra (2nd time) - B&M Dive Machine
6. Kumba (2x) - B&M Sit-Down Coaster
7. Ubanga Banga Bumper Cars - Bumper cars ride
8. Skyride - Vonroll Sky ride
9. Cheetah Hunt - Intamin LSM Blitz
10. Montu - B&M Inverted Coaster
11. Phoenix - Intamin swinging ship ride
12. SheiKra (2x) - B&M Dive Machine

KINGS DOMINION (6/20/2012)

Last time we were here was last year. This year, we rode Eiffel Tower (so I now know how an observation tower in a park is, as this is my first one), we dug further into the water park (Pipeline Peak), and completed the ride collection credits with Crypt and the two water rides (Shenandoah Lumber Company and White Water Landing). We also knew what not to waste our time on (Anaconda) from last time. We also rode their WindSeeker (which opened this year):

1. Eiffel Tower - Observation tower
2. Intimidator 305 - Intamin Giga Coaster
3. Volcano - Intamin LSM Inverted
4. Crypt - HUSS Top Spin
5. Intimidator 305 (2nd time) - Intamin Giga Coaster
6. Scrambler - Scrambler ride
7. Baja Bends - Water slide combo
8. Pipeline Peak - Tubed/non-tubed water slide combo
9. Tornado - ProSlide Tornado
10. Triple Spin - Orbitron ride
11. Shockwave - TOGO Stand-Up Coaster
12. Drop Tower - Intamin Gyro Drop
13. WindSeeker - Mondial Wind Seeker
14. Hurler - Intl Coasters Wooden Coaster
15. Grizzly - TAG Wooden Coaster
16. Shenandoah Lumber Company - Log flume
17. White Water Landing - River rapids
18. Rebel Yell - PTC Wooden Coaster (back row just pushed this ride up from a 2-Star, to a high 2-Star! Just insane)
19. Dominator - B&M Floorless Coaster
20. Volcano (2nd time) - Intamin LSM Inverted
21. Crypt (2nd time) - HUSS Top Spin
22. Flight of Fear - Premier Indoor Poltergiest layout
23. Intimidator 305 (3rd time) - Intamin Giga Coaster

HERSHEYPARK (6/22/2012)

Huzzah! New park, new credits (very nice park BTW)! However, that day, it was raining around the area, and we ended up not doing everything we wanted, so we got an "after-sunset pass" and came back July 9th (towards the end of the trip) after 5:00 pm. This was a good day though. Skyrush was a great ride that day, but the restraints weren't changed (yes, they added more padding later) so it was kind of bad for the legs. After two rides, the restraints became too much to bear, and we ended up saying "no third Skyrush ride." But the airtime, speed, and whipping rocked (especially when you get the winged seats)! Next time however (July 9)... well, you'll see. After our second Skyrush ride, it ended up raining, so we watched "Rock the Jukebox" in Chevrolet Music Theater. Then we rode Fahrenheit, and it was great! It was forceful, and even had some nice airtime in the middle! Afterwards, the water park (which became my favorite water park at this point). Awesome slides, and Tidal Force won the award for "Through My Eyes' Best Water Ride). TF guarantees you get soaked with a giant splash which rains down on you after the splashdown. Then it rained, and everything was down for the rest of the day (well, other than the Music Express, a few others, and the Hershey Factory Tour). =( I liked the place though. Definitely a recommended place:

1. Skyrush - Intamin Winged Hyper Coaster
2. Sooperdooperlooper - Schwarzkopf Looping Coaster
3. Great Bear - B&M Inverted Coaster
4. Skyrush (2nd time) - Intamin Winged Hyper Coaster
5. Chevrolet Music Theater (Rock the Jukebox) - Musical
6. Fahrenheit (2x) - Intamin Vertical Lift
7. Vortex - Proslide Bowl
8. Whirlwind - Proslide Tornado
9. Tidal Force (2x) - Shoot-the-Chutes (AWESOME RIDE!!)
10. Hershey Chocolate World - Dark ride (outside the park)

CEDAR POINT (6/26/2012)

Here, we focused the day on riding our favorite coasters (Top Thrill Dragster, Millennium Force, Maverick, Magnum, etc). Also finally rode MaxAir (OMG, this ride kicked butt), Skyhawk (kicked butt too, but not as much as MaxAir!), and Power Tower (great drop tower combo). Also, like in KD, we avoided the crap rides (like Disaster Transport, though I did visit the area to take pics of new markings for the 2013 coaster)! However, some rides we just forgot or just didn't have time (like Blue Streak. =( I liked it last time). Maverick was down for a while, but went back up. Amazing as usual. Couldn't ride TTD at the end of the day, but this is the first time during the day! =) So we wrapped it up with Millennium Force (just as great!). Also got a new credit (Mine ride):

1. Raptor - B&M Inverted Coaster
2. MaxAir - HUSS Giant Frisbee
3. Troika - Troika ride
4. Wicked Twister - Intamin LSM Impulse
5. WindSeeker - Mondial Wind Seeker
6. Mantis - B&M Stand-Up Coaster
7. Top Thrill Dragster - Intamin Accelerator (Strata)
8. Millennium Force - Intamin Giga Coaster
9. Maverick - Intamin LSM Blitz
10. Mean Streak - Dinn Wooden Coaster
11. Cedar Creek Mine Ride - Arrow Mine Train
12. Skyhawk - S&S Screamin' Swing
13. Gemini - Arrow Hybrid Coaster
14. Magnum - Arrow Hyper Coaster
15. Power Tower - S&S Combo Drop Tower
16. MaxAir (2nd time) - HUSS Giant Frisbee
17. Millennium Force (2nd time) - Intamin Giga Coaster

SIX FLAGS GREAT ADVENTURE (6/30/2012)

So we were in New York City, and we went to another new park, filled with more new credits! Their best coasters, however, blow me away (Kingda Ka, El Toro, and Nitro)! Kingda Ka was short, but that launch packs a great punch! It was just super (probably, dare I say this, my favorite coaster. Smooth, forceful, insane speed and height. Could be longer but... the launch just makes it)! El Toro is a wooden coaster, but here's a twist! It's really smooth and packs an awesome punch (and AIRTIME)! I love my rough woodies, but El Toro just devoured every wooden coaster I've been on! Intamin Plug n' Play, come to Florida!! BGT I'm looking at you (big Timbuktu refurbishment maybe squeezing in one of these, destroying Rhino Rally even more (and relocate Phoenix and Scorpion)? YES PLEASE!)! Nitro = amazing Hypercoaster w/ AMAZING AIRTIME! Overall, great park. Also, in this SF park trip, we've been on 19 rides (counting re-rides), the most we've done at any Six Flags park! SFMM was 9 rides (counting re-rides) and SFOG was 4 rides (lines were awful there, but it was after BOA so...). SFGAdv = Epic win. Only issue is the water rides... the log flume was okay... the river rapids was just awful and stupid! I didn't get wet that much... probably least favorite in this park. If you're looking to waste your time, ride Congo Rapids! XP :

1. Kingda Ka - Intamin Accelerator (Strata)
2. El Toro - Intamin Plug n' Play Wooden Coaster
3. Rolling Thunder - Rosser/Cobb Wooden Coaster (lame ride...)
4. Kingda Ka (2x) - Intamin Accelerator (Strata)
5. Skyride - Vonroll Sky Ride
6. Congo Rapids - River rapids ride (WORST RIVER RAPIDS EVER!)
7. Nitro - B&M Hypercoaster
8. Batman: The Ride - B&M Inverted Coaster
9. Dark Knight - MACK Wild Mouse (indoors)
10. Skull Mountain - Intamin Custom (indoors)
11. Blackbeard's Lost Treasure Train - Zierer Kiddie Coaster
12. Saw Mill Log Flume - Log flume ride
13. Bizarro - B&M Floorless Coaster
14. Superman: Ultimate Flight - B&M Flying Coaster
15. Green Lantern - B&M Stand-Up Coaster (formerly Chang at Kentucky Kingdom. This is a nice ride!)
16. Nitro (2nd time) - B&M Hypercoaster
17. El Toro (2nd time) - Intamin Plug n' Play Wooden Coaster
18. Kingda Ka (4th time) - Intamin Accelerator (Strata)

HERSHEYPARK (7/9/2012)

So, here we had unfinished business. We accomplished a lot more that day! We first rode the ones we didn't ride. Also, Skyrush's new restraints (while they could still work on it a little) were much better. Afterwards, Skyrush took the throne as Hershey's best, as it should have (...so for the final phase of destroying Rhino Rally, we should tear out the whole ride for a version of Skyrush, but taller. Also, for a WindSeeker and a dark ride, all in a new area of BGT...):

1. Storm Runner - Intamin Accelerator
2. Sidewinder - Vekoma Boomerang
3. Tidal Force - Shoot-the-Chutes
4. Coastline Plunge - Water slide combo (w/ Vortex and Whirlwind)
           Riptide - Water slide
           Vortex - Proslide Bowl
           Surge - Water slide
           Whirlwind - Proslide Tornado
5. Wildcat - GCI Wooden Coaster
6. Lightning Racer (Thunder) - GCI Wooden Coaster (dueling) (Lightning won)
7. Lightning Racer (Lightning) - GCI Wooden Coaster (dueling) (Lightning won! Haha!)
8. Fahrenheit - Intamin Vertical Lift
9. Skyrush - Intamin Winged Hyper Coaster

Overall, GREAT TRIP! Go to these parks, they are wonderful! =)

KD's Next Coaster: When, where, and what?

We're in the middle of 2012, and Kings Dominion, while they are not overdue just yet, will soon be due for a new coaster. 2013 is rumored to be a Planet Snoopy expansion, while Volcano's station may get a redo, so it looks like no coaster next year (which is fine for now). However in 2014, it will be 4 years since Intimidator 305 opened (dang, that moved fast!). So this leaves the question: will KD open their next coaster in 2014 or possibly even a year later? It certainly seems possible for a 2014 coaster to be built, but probably no later than 2015.

Where will it go? Apparently reports have Shockwave being removed by the end of the season (from this morning):

Park News - (7/17/12) According to a post at CoasterCrewNetwork , the time may have come to remove Shockwave . To be honest, I’m surprised this Togo Stand-Up coaster has lasted this long as it’s sister ride (King Cobra) at Kings Island was removed years ago. If true, the only remaining Togo Stand-Up coaster in North America would be the SkyRider at Canada’s Wonderland which will likely find itself on the chopping block before too long as well.

The Dippin Dots guy told me today that Shockwave is on its way out the door. Now this is not throw some of my normal channles so I don't know if its true or not.

Later in the day, however, reports show Shockwave staying. Actually, IMO, removing Shockwave (despite the lack of lines) is a stupid idea, especially if they were putting up a new coaster (and I actually enjoy this ride. Unlike other stand-ups, this has awesome airtime. It also has great forces. If you ask me, take out Anaconda). Last season, the park repainted the ride (green and blue) and removing it so soon would mean all that money for the repaint would go to waste. Also, this ride doesn't take up the biggest space in the park... maybe an Intamin Impulse or something like Superman: Ultimate Flight (in SFDK) can fit good (though that can still be cool)... but I think the maximum that can fit in the area is probably a GCI Wooden Coaster (involving the end of Flying Ace and Snoopy's Splash Dance). Then again, SFGAm surprised me by plopping a Wing Coaster (X-Flight) in the old Splashwater Falls plot, so maybe this can happen here to. Still, I'd rather see Anaconda bite the dust, way before Shockwave.

However, let's evaluate the sections of the park. Congo has the most coasters in the park (Intimidator 305, Flight of Fear, Volcano, Backlot Stunt Coaster, and Anaconda) so no need for a coaster in that section (if they take out Anaconda, though, that will open up a large plot. Maybe a Wing or Flying Coaster that interacts with the lake). Maybe Old Virginia, possibly squeezing a coaster by White Water Canyon, and having it sneakily travel behind Dinosaurs ALIVE, Grizzly, and Hurler, and go back through the old Hypersonic lot. Or the Grove, where they can plot one taking over the rest of the old Hypersonic lot and the plot behind Hurler (of course, keeping the trees).

Another possibility is relocating the part of the water park before Rebel Yell with the rest of the water park (possibly an entrance by Hurler and Ricochet). That would open up a decent plot of land, and an even bigger plot would open if Anaconda gets torn out. However, I'd rather they not knock down Anaconda for a coaster there, as much as I dislike Anaconda. I'd want to see something else take Anaconda's space, possibly interacting with the lake.

What will it be? My gut tells me they want a "big" coaster again, so it can be a few possibilities. An Intamin Blitz can do wonders. I think a B&M would be perfect though, as there is only one (Dominator). A Wing Coaster would be an awesome addition, a Flying Coaster (though I think they should save one for Anaconda's replacement), or even a Hypercoaster (traveling from White Water Canyon to the back of Grizzly and Hurler). The difference with Canada's Wonderland installing Leviathan while they have Behemoth is that one has mostly airtime (Behemoth, just airtime hills) and the other has mostly speed (Leviathan, speed curves). I305 has mostly speed (mostly speed curves with airtime hills) and this hyper can have mostly airtime (just airtime hills). Though I think a Wing Coaster has a huge possibility (let's see how Cedar Point's 2013 Wing Coaster will go)!

I'm sure wherever the next coaster will go, the park will make as much necessary space as possible. Look at what Six Flags Great America did! They squeezed in a Wing Coaster in a plot that was home to a small shoot-the-chutes ride, and it still looks to pack a punch!

For now, we shall wait and see what happens next year... But 2014 should be an interesting year!

Cedar Point 2013 To Bring A New Coaster

I shall revive my blog with a news update.


Disaster Transport and Space Spiral at Cedar Point have both been confirmed for removal (on July 13th) with DT closing by July 29th, and Space Spiral possibly closing around Labor Day:

Disaster Transport Final Dispatch: A Mission for the Kids
Sunday, July 29, 2012 at 9:00 PM
Cedar Point
Sandusky, Ohio


Disaster Transport Final Dispatch: A Mission for the Kids

Cedar Point and Give Kids The World are
partnering for another exciting event!

At Disaster Transport Final Dispatch: A Mission for the Kids, guests can become a part of history while helping children with life-threatening illnesses and their families make memories that last a lifetime.

Participation includes complimentary all-day park admission for non-season passholders, an hour of exclusive ride time on Disaster Transport, VIP access to a private reception, a commemorative event t-shirt, a special souvenir and eligibility for the the last ride with the lights on. The top three fundraisers will also receive prizes!

Here's what we have planned for Sunday, July 29:

9 p.m. Welcome Reception-- Enjoy light refreshments, music and a special presentation at the patio outside Disaster Transport.

10:30 - 11:30 p.m. Exclusive Ride Time-- Disaster Transport is officially closed to the public and open to all participants for ERT.

11:40 p.m. Final Lap-- Last ride with the lights on! The 50 participants who have raised the most money are guaranteed a spot. The first place fundraiser will have the privilege of choosing their seat first, followed by the second place fundraiser and so on until all seats are taken.

In addition to the $20 registration fee, a minimum of $50 must be raised in order to participate. Top fundraisers will be determined Friday, July 27 at Noon EST.

Online registration will close Friday, July 27 at Noon EST. Onsite. day-of registration will be available for $75 and includes all-day park admission for non-season passholders, an hour of exclusive ride time on Disaster Transport, VIP access to a private reception, a commemorative event t-shirt and a special souvenir. Onsite registrants are not eligible for the Final Lap.

Thank you for your support!

 https://www.firstgiving.com/gktw/finaldispatch


From the park's Facebook page:

Something big is happening. Disaster Transport & Space Spiral will be dismantled this season to make space for @!!$!(*%%. We're sad to see them go, but are excited as we fly into the future. Stay tuned for more!

 "Watch out for inversions and (!%!@@!#%(!@!!^ You didn't think we would give away 2013 THAT easy did you?"

Already teasing? Lemme guess, @!!$!(*%% = 2-1-14-19-8-5-5 = B-A-N-S-H-E-E. IDK, it just looks like that. I have no idea about the other one, but some say that means FALSE CLUES in inverted text.


Originally Mantis (B&M Stand-Up) was going to be called "Banshee," but apparently the word "banshee" had some negative connotations. So they changed the ride's name to "Mantis" (as it is today), and most of the original "Banshee" souvenirs were recalled, and burned (though there are still some around). I can't really imagine them naming this coaster "Banshee" after that scenario.


If what I heard last summer is true, Disaster Transport and Space Spiral's replacement WILL be a new B&M coaster. Funny, just a couple of weeks ago I was at Cedar Point, and imagined them imploding Space Spiral (almost like Freefall at SFOT back in 2008) and the tower falling on Disaster Transport's structure, destroying both attractions. I also saw quite a bit of markings around the Space Spiral/Disaster Transport area (especially in the dead end by DT's exit).


Just recently (May 30), the news leaked out about DT/SS getting removed for a new coaster that will stretch to the front of the park:

Cedar Fair stands ready to spend big money on a new roller coaster for 2013 at Cedar Point that will change the park landscape.

Code-named “CP Alt.Winged,” the coaster will have the “longest drop, run the fastest and be the longest ride” of its kind, Cedar Fair CEO Matt Ouimet wrote in Feb. 15 memo to Cedar Fair’s board of directors.

The total projected cost of the project is $25 million, a price that includes removing the park’s Space Spiral and Disaster Transport rides and restructuring the park entrance. 

Ouimet was unavailable for comment Tuesday.

To see photos of the Space Spiral and Disaster Transport, click HERE.

Lee Alexakos, corporate vice president of marketing, declined to confirm the information in the memo.

“We have not announced any plans for 2013 but we did announce a $25 million investment,” Alexakos said. “This will be one of the largest capital expenditures ever.”

Alexakos said that with any ride or attraction Cedar Point undertakes, the company is always looking to set records.

The Swiss-based Bolliger & Mabillard Consulting Engineers is set to design the new ride, which was described in the memo as having a “Front Gate Statement— a roller coaster that flies overhead, rolls and flies back— highly visible above guests entering the park.”

The firm designed Cedar Point’s Raptor.

A winged coaster is designed to suspend riders on wings to the sides of the rails so there is no track above or below the guest.

Engineering schematics show a proposed coaster with gravity defying twists, curves and rolls.

“Rob Decker (Cedar Fair VP of planning and design) and others have done a great job of creating a compelling, economically attractive new coaster for Cedar Point,” Ouimet wrote. “We believe this particular ride design with this particular manufacturer balances the desire for marketable innovation and risk associated with early adaptations of prototypes.”

Bolliger & Mabillard designed the first winged coaster for installation in Italy at a park known as Gardaland. The Six Flags Great American park outside of Chicago also has one of the company’s winged coasters, called X-Flight. 

The new ride at Cedar Point could promise to be a work horse available to guests at almost any time they are in the park.

“Rob talked to operators of the first one in Italy and found no unanticipated negatives and very high ride reliability (less than 1 percent operational downtime).

Design plans show the new ride with a 170-foot tall lift that will fly overhead of park guests entering the park. It will have the longest track and longest ride time of any coaster of its style as it flies overhead, rolls and then fly back.

The huge roller coaster will dominate the front gate and the track will travel over a large parking area at the park.

“We have several coasters that cover parking lots,” Ouimet wrote. “Not necessarily ideal, but certainly acceptable given tight site constraints and the amount of land such attractions require.”

Disaster Transport and the Space Spiral both would have to come down if the site plan currently under consideration is chosen.

Part of the $25 million investment will also include renovations and upgrades at the park entrance from the parking lot.

Cedar Point general manger John Hildebrandt was not available for comment on Tuesday.

http://www.sanduskyregister.com/sandusky/news/cedar-fair/memo-cedar-point-build-coaster-2013

The rumor mill is throwing roller coaster enthusiasts for a loop today.

And this particular loop is a doozy: Cedar Point is planning to remove Disaster Transport and Space Spiral to make room for a wing coaster that extends to the front of the park and above the main entrance, according to a Feb. 15 memo from new Cedar Fair CEO Matt Ouimet to the board of directors.

A wing coaster, as shown in the artist rendering above, is one on which pairs of riders sit on either side of the track, with nothing above or below them except air.

The only coasters at Cedar Point that I haven’t ridden this year are Mean Streak, because it’s kind of hard on my aging back, and Disaster Transport, because, well, it kind of sucks.

Someone at Cedar Point with much more influence than I have might think the same thing.

At the Erie County Chamber of Commerce Breakfast of Champions on April 24, Ouimet mentioned publicly that the company wasn’t thrilled with Disaster Transport, which gives more credence to this development.

“We believe strongly in the future of Cedar Point,” Ouimet said at the breakfast. “Our board of directors, at John’s (Hildebrandt) encouragement, have committed more than $25 million to Cedar Point for next season. I will leave it at that, for all to speculate what that is.”

And speculate the enthusiasts have done.

I've suspected for a while that Cedar Point's 2013 attraction would be a coaster. The loss of one roller coaster, WildCat, and Ouimet divulging the $25 million investment number all but clinched it. It was just a matter of waiting to see what type of coaster it would be.

Obviously, it would be something relatively different than what the park already has, and a flying coaster, Firehawk, being only 200 miles away at Cedar Fair-owned Kings Island seemed to preclude Cedar Point from doing a flyer, with other options available. So I assumed it would be a dive coaster.

I've never ridden a true wing coaster, but I have been on Griffon, a dive coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Riding on the outside of its 10-seat-wide train gives an experience somewhat similar to a wing coaster, because you hang over air, not the track. Needless to say, it's an interesting experience.

Also fueling the speculation is a development at another Cedar Fair property, Canada’s Wonderland. That park’s new coaster for 2012, Leviathan, features elements that are located in and above the guest parking lot and around the main entrance of the park, just like Cedar Point’s new coaster is expected to do.

In addition, you know Cedar Point wants to be able to at least argue its case as being the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World."

The first-ever entry to this blog was about the park’s last-minute removal of WildCat and the fact I thought it was a good long-term move. At the same time, losing one coaster also lost the park the claim of having the most roller coasters in the world, a title held by Six Flags Magic Mountain.

If this new development comes to fruition, Cedar Point still won’t be able to lay claim to the title of most coasters. (Gain one, lose one, leaving 16.) Six Flags Magic Mountain also has announced it will open an 18th coaster in 2013.

But I, for one, will take quality over quantity, substance over marketing, any day.

If Cedar Point adds a coaster type it doesn’t already have, I’ll still easily consider the park the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World." And with its high-quality and versatile lineup, it would be difficult to argue against it.

There are only four wing coasters in operation in the world: Raptor at Gardaland in Italy, The Swarm at Thorpe Park in the United Kingdom, Wild Eagle at Dollywood in Tennessee and X-Flight at Six Flags Great America in Illinois. The first in the world, Raptor, opened only a year ago.

Incidentally, the cost of the two wing coasters at U.S. parks are reported to be $20 million for Wild Eagle and $15 million for X-Flight, which seems to be in line with the $25 million Ouimet mentioned. (Assuming, as usual, Cedar Point wants the tallest, fastest and longest coaster of its type in the world, which would increase the ride's cost, in addition to the cost of removing the two rides.)

All four wing coasters in existence are manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, which designed and built Cedar Point’s Raptor and Mantis, as well as Diamondback at Kings Island. While I know a lot of people bemoan Mantis, I’m glad to see another B&M coaster coming, especially considering what seems to be excessive downtime on the Intamin coasters. (Millennium Force is still my favorite.)

And now would be a good time to mention the buzz that started a while ago when a photo surfaced of green wing-coaster track at a B&M fabricating plant in southwestern Ohio. (It could be for any number of other parks.) It's also a good time to mention it's been five long years and one major recession since a new coaster rolled its way to Cedar Point.

Some people wanted to see a 500-foot coaster, but I just don't see the point with Top Thrill Dragster already standing at 420 feet. Go skydiving if you want a towering drop from the sky, because that'd basically be all you'd get from such a coaster.

A new type of coaster will be good for the park in terms of its ability to draw guests, and sacrificing a couple of aging and underperforming rides for something fresh while adding some impact to that area of the park will be a good thing. (I spend a huge percentage of time in the back half of the park, roaming toward the front usually only when I want to ride Raptor or Wicked Twister or when I'm heading to my car.)

The elimination of Disaster Transport’s building also will allow for more and better views of the lake, which is an asset most parks simply don’t have.

Whatever the coaster ends up being and wherever it ends up going, it’s going to leave bigger footprints than the T. rex or Ruyangosaurus giganteus from Dinosaurs Alive! ever could.

http://www.sanduskyregister.com/sandusky/belaboring-point/cedar-point/blog-cedar-points-wing-coaster-answers-enthusiasts-prayer

There even seems to be a planned layout in the last link:

This looks like a combination of Swarm (dive possibly) and Wild Eagle (out-and-back layout). However one thing comes to question... it looks like after exiting the Disaster Transport area, there is a unique-looking element. Some say it could be the "Norwegian Lift" (well, what I would call it, LOL). Essentially, the train crests the lift, and goes through a twist n' dive, followed by an immelmann. This should be very interesting... I wonder what's for dinner at Cedar Point (LOL, I had to throw that in!)... and it also should be cool to see the dive loop... er immelmann... er whatever that is at the end (between the main entrance and Blue Streak) by Blue Streak's turnaround.

As for DT packing it's bags, goodbye, good riddance, so long, and farewell! Never been a fan of it... Space Spiral, however, IDK. It doesn't look to be part of the layout... =/

It should be exciting to see how all this folds out...

EDIT:

Just saying (this is from MudchopX at YouTube)...

WWOHP in Japan?

So rumor has it (from Screamscape) in addition to the Hollywood version, a Japanese version of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter could be coming soon to USJ:

???? - Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Rumor - (4/19/12) A mysterious pecking sound at my window tonight revealed an interesting new development. According to a brief message, delivered by Owl-Mail… I’ve been told that before the year is over we may see the announcement of yet another Wizarding World of Harry Potter project. This time for Universal Studios Japan. This begs the question, what attraction(s) will Universal Japan have to remove to make room for the new Wizarding World?

If this is true, I have this feeling it will go up somewhere in the northwest corner of the park in one of two scenarios:

1) Storage lot next to WaterWorld, taking out WaterWorld itself
2) Taking out WaterWorld and JAWS

I think scenario #1 (my preferred) seems the most likely. However, scenario #2 seems possible as well, since both attractions have versions (JAWS in Orlando and WaterWorld in Hollywood) that are being (or are rumored to be) taken out for Potter related attractions (JAWS for a Potter expansion at Orlando, and WaterWorld being taken out for the Hollywood version of the WWOHP). Screamscape reported this tidbit a few days ago about the WaterWorld in Hollywood:

2015 - Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Confirmed - (4/16/12) While no one seems sure of the exact timetable here, if you visit the park this year to see Transformers (and you should!) also make sure to get your butt planted for a viewing of Waterworld before you leave. It seems a fairly sure thing now that Waterworld will be removed sooner than later to make way for the start of construction Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

That's actually my scenario for Potter in Hollywood (taking out WaterWorld and the rumored to be demolished Gibson)!

So to give you a general idea of the area, I've created a map of both scenarios:



























It should be interesting to see which attractions will be taken out. However, I think it is safe to say that all these scenarios involves the end WaterWorld.

We shall see.

So what's up people...

I really do apologize for neglecting this awesome blog, but school's been throwing insane stuff at me lately (our school has a show coming up "Mosaic", and PreCalculus has been slaughtering me lately...). I'll try to do the best I can to give you guys updates on parks and working around this.

Just letting the people who think I've given up on this blog (well, not sure if there are any, but... you never know. Barely anyone reads my blog anyways XP) that I care for the blog (why would I create it if I didn't care?) and I will continue giving you updates on rumors, construction, and news.

Stay cool all! Updates are coming shortly!!

SFMM 2013 Construction Update #1

The plot thickens on SFMM's supposed 2013 coaster project (taking over Log Jammer's space). From bostonlva at ThemeParkReview:

Theme Park Review @ThemeParkReview
Six Flags Magic Mountain already working on their "next record breaker!" @SFMagicMountain #WestCoastBash

If this is referring to the 2013 attraction, then it could be a giga perhaps?

This could be something rather big if this is true. I'm already picturing a Skyrush-type Giga from Intamin towering over the Log Jammer plot (with those impressive trains) and hopefully it is full of intense turns, airtime hills, and possibly a tunnel.

Speaking of tunnels, it looks like the monorail track has been removed from the tunnel underneath Laughing Dragon and the path leading towards Superman's entrance (February 18th):

Link 1

Link 2

This has led to some speculation of the tunnel being reused for the supposed coaster. Let's update the overview (new details added, such as Superman's station, Laughing Dragon, and the old metro tunnel):













I will update this image as I get more information. If the plot expands (possibly will), I will get a new overview picture.

The old metro tunnel opens up new possibilities. Could it be reused for the new coaster with possibly an on-ride camera? I think it's possible (very possible). Adding a little more fuel to the fire, it looks like heavy equipment tracks are leading right into the tunnel (meaning that work could be going on inside) according to this update:

http://www.thecoasterguy.com/index.php/2012/02/19/trip-report-for-19-feb-2012/#more-2540

This project is really rising in the interesting meter!

In other news, Thrill Shot has been removed (after sitting a couple of years unused). Lex Luthor has also begun construction recently.

Skyrush Almost Done

The latest update from Keystone Thrills as of February 10 (yesterday) shows that Skyrush, the new Intamin "winged" hypercoaster, is almost done (from Ccron10 at Keystone Thrills):

http://keystonethrills.megabb.com/t365-hersheypark-skyrush-construction-update-86#6028

The lift hill has been topped off on January 30, 2012. At this point, they have cap the first two airtime hills, and add other track pieces, and then it's pretty much done! The station is starting to look nice too!

This is a pretty cool looking hypercoaster, and I like how they're using the space behind Comet (aka the creek up to the former Creekside Catering space). I can't wait to see how the trains look like!

Speaking of trains, they appeared on a Skyrush contest promo:









It looks like the restraints on these trains will be much like Blue Fire's restraints.

Can't wait for completion!

Leviathan Complete

On February 7, 2012, the last piece of Leviathan at Canada's Wonderland, B&M's first Giga Coaster, has been installed. Here's a video of this moment from Canada's Wonderland Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=339784509394799

And kunpc1 at CWMania posted some nice photos too:

http://www.cwmania.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=51608#p51608

Here are some photos from the above link:















































































































































I am just in ultimate AWE of these photos. The station is receiving stone work/theming too. I can't think of the last time Cedar Fair themed a station (I guess Maverick in 2007). That 4th photo is the old Cyber Central arcade, which will become a gift shop for Leviathan.

And overall... this looks menacing. This looks to be the new signature attraction of Canada's Wonderland, and I hope more of these go up in other parks (like Knott's possibly, or even Kings Island). The colors are nice looking too!

Now, hopefully testing starts at the end of February, or early March!

BGT Drop Tower Rumors

More rumors have been spreading about a drop tower at Busch Gardens (Screamscape):

2012 / 2013 - Drop Tower - Rumor - (1/30/12) Legend from CoasterCrew was visiting BGT over the weekend and managed to grab a photo of survey work in progress at the Sandstorm ride. Looks like the rumors about it being replaced with something new may be coming true. Lets just hope they decide to give Sandstorm a new home somewhere else… maybe by Montu or Kumba, because Sandstorm is really the only good flat ride in the entire park.
(12/12/11) The latest word on the rumored drop tower ride proposed for the Sandstorm location claims that the ride may not be planned to open until late 2012 at the earliest, so it sounds like this may be intended more as a 2013 attraction.
(9/21/11) Possibly backing up the rumor of a drop tower coming to the Tampa park, a reader reports that during the grand opening of Cheetah Hunt, they had a moment to speak with “the rides designer (forget his name)”, which I’m guessing may have been Mark Rose. In any case, when they asked him about what was coming next to the park he simply said to watch for what the other parks were getting to figure out what was coming next. Though with the problems the park had putting in Mach Tower in Williamsburg, I’m kind of surprised they would be ready to drop one into Tampa before they’ve had a good bit of time to give the first one a good shakedown. Anyway… this is all still just a rumor at this point, so stay tuned!

Here's the picture of the survey markings from Legend at Coaster Crew Facebook:



















http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2522674791462&set=a.1639550073896.2079092.1391101425&type=1&theater

It looks like the drop tower, if true, will indeed go up in SandStorm's location, as originally rumored. I hope they relocate SandStorm, like maybe in Jungala, or by Kumba/Congo River Rapids. They could really use a ride like SandStorm.

I wonder if the area around the drop tower location (SandStorm's current location) would be redone (like Stanleyville-SheiKra, Crown Colony-Cheetah Hunt, Oktoberfest-Mäch Tower), with maybe new facades. I can see it happen, and possibly a redo of the Desert Grill restaurant (with new tables, though the current ones are decent).

I really hope this gets built! BGT needs a drop tower. I'm kind of leaning towards Intamin for this one, but maybe it could be Moser (the ones who did Mäch Tower in Williamsburg). If it were Intamin, it could almost be like Cheetah Hunt to Verbolten (Cheetah Hunt is an Intamin, Verbolten is a Zierer).

Hopefully more info comes soon!

SFMM and Cedar Point Heading to a 2013 Coaster Duel!

Looks like 2013 will be another monster coaster year, and the two coaster capitals of the world, SFMM and Cedar Point (now that SFMM removed Deja Vu, they're tied with Cedar Point, so yeah TWO), are preparing for the installation of big coasters. I'll first start with the rumor that came first:

Cedar Point 2013:

From Screamscape:

2013 - New Coaster - Rumor - (2/10/12) Still more rumors trickling in about the possible 2013 coaster plans in the works for The Point. Right now the good money bets are still on it being a B&M coaster once again, but this leads to a question about what style? While I think the park could certainly use a good Floorless mega-looper, there is also hope for a mega Floorless Dive Machine concept.
The rumor mill suggests that management (or at least Kinzel’s old management) did not care for the B&M Flyers. The park already has a plentiful supply of launched coaster concepts, so this really leaves only the new Wing Coaster idea as an alternate possibility, but with SFGAm building one in greater market, I have a feeling Cedar Point isn’t ready to jump on that bandwagon yet either.
(12/29/11) Another Screamscape source has confirmed hearing that a new B&M coaster is supposed to be in the works for The Point in 2013. So will it be something standard like a Floorless or a Dive Machine, one of the new Wing coasters or perhaps something we’ve never seen before?
(7/7/11) While it’s still a bit far out to say anything for sure, we’ve heard from a new source that the rumored 2013 coaster project for The Point will see B&M come back to the park at last with a new project. It’s hard to say exactly what it may be, so I suspect it could be one of the new Wing Coasters, though a Floorless with a ton of inversions or even a Dive Machine would also be a good fit. A location near the front of the park on the Disaster Transport / Space Spiral side was also mentioned.
(7/5/11) If your hoping for a new coaster at Cedar Point in 2012, I’m told you will probably have to wait for 2013. No word on just what it will be, but usually Cedar Point doesn’t disappoint, so it should be good.

Okay, I'm ready to speak out... I'm not sure if I mentioned this in the blog before, but it's time I say it: I was the one who sent the (7/7/11) report to Screamscape.

Last summer when I visited Cedar Point (around June 29th), I was taking snapshots of markings around the rapids area (back when there were 2012 rumors), and then a park security person came. He and I had a chat and he told me that 2012 would not bring in a new coaster, but something else (possibly a water park expansion). That water park expansion was proved true: with the confirmation of Dinosaurs ALIVE, Cedar Point also confirmed the addition of a mat racer slide in Soak City. Also, the markings were for Snoopy (I think).

He then told me that 2013 would bring a new coaster, and he stated that the manufacturer was the one "who made Raptor and Mantis" (I recall him saying that), which means B&M. The design is unknown at this point, so it could be anything (I'm guessing it will be a Wing Coaster, despite Screamscape's doubts). He also said to look for a location in the front of the park, by Disaster Transport/Space Spiral.

I wasn't really sure when to send Screamscape the rumor (whether it be a week, a month, two months, etc), but as my trip up north ended (around the July 5-July 7 time frame) rumors started spreading of Dinosaurs ALIVE for 2012 and the coaster coming 2013, so I decided to send the rumor to Screamscape as I got home. Sure enough, signs are pointing to the rumor being true. Recently (as you can see above from Screamscape) rumors are continuing to spread of a B&M coaster coming in 2013. And what the security person said about 2012 came true too (the mat racer). This makes you wonder the only thing left... when would we start seeing construction in the lot behind Disaster Transport/Space Spiral? Time will tell.

This is also logical: the last coaster Cedar Point installed was Maverick (2007) and the last B&M Cedar Point installed was Mantis (way back in 1996!). The past few coaster installations (Millennium Force, Wicked Twister, TTD, Maverick) have all been Intamins. I think they're overdue for a B&M coaster (though I wouldn't mind another Intamin monster, I think it's time for B&M to come back to the Point).

Six Flags Magic Mountain 2013:

Remember the report of Log Jammer closing. Demolition began recently, and the old Metro Station has been demolished too. And just like the latest CP 2013 rumor, Screamscape also reported a little something this morning for SFMM:

2013 - New Coaster - (2/10/12) It’s still a bit too early to lock in anything for the SFMM 2013 project just yet, but with demolition fully under way, what we have heard so far is what it wont be. Screamscape sources confirm that this is not expected to be a B&M coaster of any kind, so throw out all those long rumored Dive Machine rumors that have been brewing forever. (Which is just disappointing, the terrain of the Log Jammer site would have made for a great themed Dive Machine...)
(2/7/12) Demolition work has begun at Six Flags Magic Mountain on the old Log Jammer ride area. The station building itself is fairly removed, though from the midway it may look more intact than it is due to the façade out front still standing. The splashdown lagoon is being torn up and they’ve even begun work to demolish the old Metro monorail station across the midway from the Log Jammer as well, along with a few sections of the Metro’s nearby beamways.
(1/27/12) The first 2012 edition of the SFMM GoBigCam video blog ends with what some are thinking could possibly be a clue about the park’s 2013 attraction. While the theme of the video is about working out, the hostess ends it by posing in front of a Wonder Woman backdrop and says, “Maybe by 2013 I’ll look like that,” in reference to Wonder Woman. With Six Flags seeming to have a renewed focus on ride’s themed after the DC Comics characters, could it be time for a Wonder Woman themed coaster all these years?
Now in all seriousness, this “clue” is probably way way WAY off track here. After all, the new 2013 coaster is supposed to take over the Log Jammer spot, which is located no where near the DC Universe section of the park. So I really don’t put any stock into this idea at all. I’ve got a feeling we could be seeing something with a more unique theme coming in 2013.
(11/3/11) Sue Carpenter, spokeswoman for Six Flags Magic Mountain confirmed to the local news that the Log Jammer is now closed, to be removed to make way for a future park expansion project which will be announced sometime in 2012. So at least we know where to keep our eyes focused for the park’s 2013 ride plans… lets just hope they try to work in some of the natural landscaping and water features leftover from the Log Jammer into the new ride.
(11/2/11) With the demise of the Log Jammer happening any day now, you can take one last look at the ride as it stands today over at Theme Park Review, as well as catch some pictures of Déjà Vu coming down.
(10/28/11) Sad news today regarding the fate of the Log Jammer at SFMM. I’ve been told that a sign in a ‘break room’ at SFMM indicated that the Log Jammer only had a few days left to run. The basic gist of seems to be that the Log Jammer will be no more following Halloween.
(10/19/11) Its been a few weeks, and I’m sorry to say that the rumors about the possible removal of Log Jammer from SFMM have not let up. As wrong as it seems to remove a classic “log ride” from any park… I’m starting to get worried the rumor could be true. If so… get your last rides in while you still can, or regret it forever.
(9/19/11) To be honest, this is the first I’ve heard of the following rumor… and I have yet to get the story fully double-checked with any other sources at this point, so I have to remain skeptical about it still. That said, a report has come in claiming that Magic Mountain may be considering the possible removal of the popular Log Jammer flume ride. I really hope not, as it get hot beyond belief in the summer at The Mountain, and that park really needs more water rides, not less. Even today, I think the Log Jammer probably has the most consistently long line of all the park’s water rides. If anyone has anything else to share about this, please do let me know.

So we can rule out a Dive Machine (or any other B&M) for this creation (though it would have been nice). IMO, this tells me that this coaster will be what TheCoasterGuy reported a while back (when Log Jammer was confirmed to get the axe):

Brand new gigacoaster to be built were Log Jammer sits today @SFMagicMountain. Will debut for 2013 season.

With B&M out, it looks like this masterpiece will be sent by the Intamin gods, in the form of a Giga Coaster. I hope for a combination of I305's intense turns and Millennium Force airtime hills (and possibly mix a little Skyrush in it, with the new winged trains, and stengel dives). I also doubt this ride will be Wonder Woman themed, but you never know.

Here's an update from February 6th that shows some interesting things:

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1144657#p1144657

Apparently the pump house and the main entrance building for Log Jammer is still up. Could they be reusing it (they could demolish all this later, but still worth noting)? They could theme this giga to some monster in the wilderness (like a Sasquatch or something). I'm just interested in seeing how that area will look like within the next year, with the Log Jammer plot and Metro plot now open:














This plot is looking bigger and bigger, and when you add Flashback's plot (behind the metro station) to the mix, it looks even larger (though a water park expansion would look good in Flashback's plot).

I hope to hear some more about this 2013 coaster war soon! =)

JAWS Getting Demolished

Since the last update, demolition of the JAWS/Amity plot is going full steam ahead.

As of yesterday, the iconic boathouse portion of the ride has been demolished (according to a recent post by hatetofly at Orlando United, and a photo by King K at Orlando United):

http://www.orlandounited.com/forums/showthread.php?6723-The-Amity-Demolition-New-Ride-Construction-Thread&p=216436#post216436

http://www.orlandounited.com/forums/showthread.php?6723-The-Amity-Demolition-New-Ride-Construction-Thread&p=216438#post216438

They're also demolishing some of the Amity structures, as a hole was made on one of the buildings as of the 23rd.

Meanwhile, it looks like markers are appearing in the backstage road behind Revenge of the Mummy and SS33, leading from the JAWS/Amity area all the way to the Sinbad area (according to the latest Screamscape update):

2014 - Jaws Replacement / Potter Phase 2 / Project 722 - (1/26/12) Screamscape sources tell us that those new survey markers spotted backstage behind Universal Studios Florida actually do run down towards the backstage area behind the Sinbad stunt show at Islands of Adventure.
(1/23/12) According to once source demolition work in the old Jaws area has been going full steam ahead this week, as Amity will soon be nothing more than a giant muddy crater as the work crews are said to be moving quite fast on this. Elsewhere, sources tell us that a bunch of survey markings can now be found all along the main backstage road leading towards the Jaws / Amity area. No word yet on if they stretch all the way from Amity to the Wizarding World at IOA or not, but this sounds like the start of the Hogwarts Express to me. So far markings have been spotted in the area behind Soundstage 33 and down behind the Revenge of the Mummy attraction building.

I think we're all in agreement that this is the route for the Hogwarts Express, connecting the JAWS/Amity area to the original WWOHP.

Also worth noting, on January 20, Universal filed a permit for the demolition of two buildings in the Lost Continent:

On January 20th, 2012, Universal filed permits for the demolition of building 234A and a tent located within The Lost Continent. A quick look at some old construction plans and aerial imagery reveals that building 234A is “The Frozen Desert” building and the tent is directly behind it. Both structures are located just outside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which begs the question, could we be seeing early demolition work in preparation for the Wizarding World’s expansion?

Given the proximity of both buildings to the Hogwarts Express prop, and their direct line of access to the back of house roadway connecting both parks, it kind of makes you wonder if this is in any way related to the rumors of a ‘real’ Hogwarts Express train running between the current Wizarding World and its expansion in the former Amity area of Universal Studios. If they were to build an actual Hogwarts Express train ride, it stands to reason that they’d either keep the existing train prop on display outside the station, or remove it and re-purpose the area it once occupied as the station, to avoid confusion among returning guests.

But perhaps we’re looking too far into this, and there’s an entirely different reason why these two structures are being removed. I guess only time will tell. Below you’ll find several images detailing the exact location of these two structures as well as the demolition permits. What do you think?

http://parkrumors.com/lost-continent-demolition-evidence-for-hogwarts-express/

The bolded part is exactly what I think is going to happen. I think the Hogwarts Express display/Frozen Desert building/Tent will all be removed for the Hogsmeade Station, with the entrance possibly taking over the Hogwarts Express display. The train would leave the station and travel between Dragon Challenge and Sinbad, transitioning into an indoor tunnel, with the entrance disguised as a cave entrance (outdoors for the part before). The tunnel would include the rumored 360 3D effects, and last for a majority of the train ride. It would travel behind the Sinbad theater and into the backstage road. It would enter the JAWS area at Kings Cross station (the plans state for the station (or another attraction) to be in the southeast plot of Amity, so maybe the station can go over the walkway (queue or track)).

This is getting interesting! Hope to hear more!!

Big Announcement on January 25th

So Universal announced something really big on the 25th of January (haha, 1 day after my birthday). Before you freak out, no this has NOTHING to do with the Potter expansion into the JAWS/Amity plot (more info on that later). Now check out the article in Orlando United:

http://orlandounited.com/2012/01/25/universal-2012-yeartobehere/

This year, Universal Orlando Resort will debut more adventure, excitement, laughter and awe-inspiring moments than ever before – making 2012 an extraordinary year to be here.

There will be something for everyone and every family. From a new Blue Man Group show and newly re-created experience inside one of Universal Orlando’s most popular attractions to a stunning parade, spectacular nighttime show and brand-new blockbuster attraction based on an incredibly popular film – Universal Orlando Resort is bringing guests more new entertainment across our entire destination in 2012 than during any other year in our history.

The new experiences will begin debuting in February. Guests will discover the exhilarating entertainment of a new Blue Man Group show; marvel at breathtaking new animation and effects in The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man; dance and celebrate with their favorite animated characters during Universal’s Superstar Parade and relive memorable moments from Universal Pictures most powerful and beloved films during the nighttime show Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories. And coming this summer – families will laugh together as they are transformed into minions for an incredible adventure inside the new Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction.

Universal Orlando will also be marking the Universal Pictures Centennial Anniversary Celebration during 2012 with a series of events to be announced throughout the year.

“We are about to offer our guests a historic range of incredible new entertainment experiences,” said Alice Norsworthy, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Universal Orlando Resort. “This year will be filled with excitement and entertainment for the entire family.”

The new 2012 experiences at Universal Orlando Resort include:

Blue Man Group ~ Opening February 2012 at Universal CityWalk

Universal Orlando’s Blue Man Group show is taking their unique and captivating mash-up of high energy music, comedy, audience participation and collective exhilaration to another level. Featuring a new show environment, new music, new technology and new experiences, the show will allow audiences to join the Blue Men as they discover, engage and explore the world’s obsession with cutting-edge technology. Signature Blue Man Group moments combine with breathtakingly fun new pieces for an explosive evening of entertainment. New show elements include the curious Blue Men interacting with enormous “GiPads,” a funny and insightful look at contemporary communication vehicles, and a pulsating new finale with an original Blue Man Group music score that will have guests jumping to their feet. Look closely – you may even see the Blue Men take a spin on one of Universal Orlando’s most popular attractions.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ~ Experience March 2012 at Islands of Adventure

Universal Orlando is transforming what is already one of the most amazing attraction experiences ever created into what will feel like an all-new adventure. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man will soon feature all-new, 4K digital high-definition animation, new high tech 3-D glasses and upgrades to the set, audio and lighting systems. The re-animation of the ride film will include an entirely new level of detail for guests to discover, including a cameo by legendary comic book icon and Spider-Man co-creator, Stan Lee.

Universal’s Superstar Parade ~ Opening Spring 2012 at Universal Studios Florida

Some of today’s most beloved characters and stories will bring new adventure to the streets of Universal Studios during Universal’s Superstar Parade – an all-new daily parade that features larger-than-life floats, state-of-the-art technology and hundreds of energetic street performers. Guests will sing and dance along with characters like the minions from Despicable Me, E.B. from the hit comedy, Hop, Nickelodeon’s Dora & Diego and SpongeBob SquarePants during the interactive experience. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy performances and character meet and greets prior to the parade at select locations throughout the day.

Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories ~ Opening Spring 2012 at Universal Studios Florida

Narrated by award-winning actor and recent Golden Globe – Cecil B. DeMille honoree, Morgan Freeman, Universal Orlando’s brand-new nighttime show, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular, will celebrate the most powerful and emotional moments from Universal Pictures’ most iconic films – all on cutting-edge waterfall screens within the Universal Studios lagoon and surrounded by colorful fountains and pyrotechnics. The experience will take guests on a journey through epic cinematic moments filled with heroes, horror, laughter, good vs. evil and triumph. The new show opens this spring, runs all summer and then on select nights through the end of the year.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ~ Opening Summer 2012 at Universal Studios Florida

Universal Orlando’s newest attraction, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, will take guests on an unforgettable 3-D adventure with their favorite characters from the hit film – Gru, Margo, Edith, Agnes and the mischievous minions. The experience begins when guests enter Gru’s home, where they learn that they’re being recruited to become minions and undergo “minion training.” Things don’t go as planned, and guests find themselves on a wildly hysterical journey with Gru and his daughters. Once guests make it through training, they join an interactive, minion-inspired dance party where they can show off their best moves.

Universal’s Creative team is working closely with Chris Meledandri’s Illumination Entertainment to bring this all-new adventure to life in the most authentic way possible. In fact, the beloved characters in the attraction will be voiced by the film’s original cast: Steve Carell (Gru), Miranda Cosgrove (Margo), Dana Gaier (Edith) and Elsie Fisher (Agnes). The ride’s experience is being developed by the same creative team that brought you the award-winning film, Despicable Me. The motion-picture event Despicable Me 2 arrives in theaters on July 3, 2013.

There's actually more in the link, including concept art and some other additions (Wet N' Wild, Hollywood Drive-In Golf, and SpongeBob photo op).

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem looks impressive, especially some of the theming (like Gru's living room). This is probably the most exciting addition in 2012, and a very worthy replacement to JNNB.

The show (Cinematic Spectacular) looks nice, and a perfect addition to the park, for guests to stay after dark!

And the new look of the Spider-Man villains are plain sick! As unpopular as Scream is, I always loved her role in the ride, trying to slice us. Can't wait to see her like THIS!

I'm stoked for more announcements (like the Potter announcement)! Bring it on Uni!