Sunday, June 28, 2009
Rollback on Rockit
Yesterday, a rollback occurred with Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit. It was after the double take and before the first block brake. The reason was because it was windy. People at IOACentral are crazy with anger and worry. I'm not worried. It's just part of the construction process. That is why they test the ride. The IOACentral people, however, are treating it as if it's a thing. One person says that "the spirits of Kong and Doc Brown must be truly cursing this ride." Give me a break! That's a silly joke. That person is such a worry wart. XD. Besides, it is still set to open July according to this quote: "I spoke to 2 of the engineers before I left the park on the night it failed. He said there aiming before August now." That obviously means during the month of July (next month). It's just not July 3rd anymore. I think they will make adjustments quickly. Now, another problem with the lift (or the train) would be something to worry about. Sheesh, what a bunch of worry warts! lol
Friday, June 26, 2009
Disney Trip Day 1 (EPCOT)
Day 1 (6/11/09) EPCOT
The Disney Pics have finally arrived. We started off with EPCOT:
Dad and I in front of the iconic Spaceship Earth.
Dad and I in Canada.
Mom and I in front of the hotel we stayed in. ;)
"Who is it?"
Me in a log cabin home to the Circlevision 360 show. I ended up leaving, because I thought it was raining later.
Mom and some beautiful landscaping.
Sir Gallagher, Sir Lancelot, a sweet lady, a host, and King Arthur.
Wait a second, this sweet lady is actually an evil witch. O_o. WHOA, HOW I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!!!! lol
"Wooh! I am the king, baby!" I'm not joking, he actually said that.
Now the thing that got me interested was some construction walls between the Morocco and France pavilions. What could it be? Landscaping? A new pavilion (Austria, Russia, Spain, Greece, etc.)?
Close-up. I later found out today that it was for landscaping.
A guy struggles to keep his balance.
"S'il vous plaît ne pas tomber!" It means "Please don't fall!" in French.
Oh my...
Well, to make the story short, he came back down.
We're in Japan! Yeah!
The Matsurika Drummers sound great!
Now that's what I call music culture!
Me in Norway... or Germany.
Me with Chum, a mako shark from "Finding Nemo ."
Me with Anchor, a hammerhead shark from "Finding Nemo ." Hammerheads are my favorite type of shark. I find their head structure interesting. Oh and, (ahem!) "Fish are friends, not food!"
And to wrap it up, a fireworks show.
The Disney Pics have finally arrived. We started off with EPCOT:
Dad and I in front of the iconic Spaceship Earth.
Dad and I in Canada.
Mom and I in front of the hotel we stayed in. ;)
"Who is it?"
Me in a log cabin home to the Circlevision 360 show. I ended up leaving, because I thought it was raining later.
Mom and some beautiful landscaping.
Sir Gallagher, Sir Lancelot, a sweet lady, a host, and King Arthur.
Wait a second, this sweet lady is actually an evil witch. O_o. WHOA, HOW I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!!!! lol
"Wooh! I am the king, baby!" I'm not joking, he actually said that.
Now the thing that got me interested was some construction walls between the Morocco and France pavilions. What could it be? Landscaping? A new pavilion (Austria, Russia, Spain, Greece, etc.)?
Close-up. I later found out today that it was for landscaping.
A guy struggles to keep his balance.
"S'il vous plaît ne pas tomber!" It means "Please don't fall!" in French.
Oh my...
Well, to make the story short, he came back down.
We're in Japan! Yeah!
The Matsurika Drummers sound great!
Now that's what I call music culture!
Me in Norway... or Germany.
Me with Chum, a mako shark from "
Me with Anchor, a hammerhead shark from "
And to wrap it up, a fireworks show.
Optimus Prime
I think that the new red B&M hypercoaster track will be going to Carowinds under the name "Optimus Prime," based on the film. In case you guys don't know, Optimus Prime is a character from Transformers. They haven't made a coaster like that. Carowinds used to be owned by Paramount, and since Transformers is made by Paramount, I think they can still do that. It would be great to see military green track at the B&M plant (Carowinds) to simulate Megatron, or the yellow B&M being sent to Carowinds as well simulating a training course with Bumblebee. It would be two dueling hypers, but I like my idea. The track will be red and have blue supports. The back rest will be blue and red, and the lap bars will be yellow with an Optimus Prime symbol.
Queue:
Riders would go through the same pathway used for the former log flume, showing many Transformers props, such as the 1976 Chevrolet Camaro (Bumblebee's disguise car). At one point, the queue goes under the track leading to the station and riders take a view of the splash down. The people could get wet.
Station:
The station is themed to the garage that has Bumblebee's disguise car. There is also a picture of Optimus Prime above the track leading to the lift hill.
Ride:
The nose car is themed to Optimus Prime. The train then ascends the 220 ft. lift hill in an enclosed tube over the area to the right of the walkway leading to Picnic Pavilion 3. The train then decends 223 ft. nearly colliding with PP3 before ascending another hill 170 ft. tall. The ride then drops toward the parking lot area that was fenced. The coaster then ascends a 130 ft. hill. Then the train enters a hammerhead turn near the South Gate followed by a 110 ft. block brake. The ride then drops 110 ft. returning to PP3 followed by a 70 ft. hill, a 270 degree helix, and the splash down. The coaster then heads for the final brake run descending slowly above the queue. It turns right and heads for the station.
Exit:
The exit path is to the left of the station. It leads to the pathway leading to PP3. Between the entrance and the exit will be games themed to Transformers such as Bumblebee's Toss.
Queue:
Riders would go through the same pathway used for the former log flume, showing many Transformers props, such as the 1976 Chevrolet Camaro (Bumblebee's disguise car). At one point, the queue goes under the track leading to the station and riders take a view of the splash down. The people could get wet.
Station:
The station is themed to the garage that has Bumblebee's disguise car. There is also a picture of Optimus Prime above the track leading to the lift hill.
Ride:
The nose car is themed to Optimus Prime. The train then ascends the 220 ft. lift hill in an enclosed tube over the area to the right of the walkway leading to Picnic Pavilion 3. The train then decends 223 ft. nearly colliding with PP3 before ascending another hill 170 ft. tall. The ride then drops toward the parking lot area that was fenced. The coaster then ascends a 130 ft. hill. Then the train enters a hammerhead turn near the South Gate followed by a 110 ft. block brake. The ride then drops 110 ft. returning to PP3 followed by a 70 ft. hill, a 270 degree helix, and the splash down. The coaster then heads for the final brake run descending slowly above the queue. It turns right and heads for the station.
Exit:
The exit path is to the left of the station. It leads to the pathway leading to PP3. Between the entrance and the exit will be games themed to Transformers such as Bumblebee's Toss.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
After Rockit
The new Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit roller coaster at Universal Studios Florida is rumored to have soft openings by early July and the grand opening by July 10-11. Everything (but the rings on the lift) is done. This post will discuss what I'll do after Rockit opens. After the coaster opens, I'm going to get my attention back to the new Harry Potter island debuting at IOA, I'll focus on the rumored B&M Hypercoaster debuting in Carowinds, the yellow B&M, what will replace E.T. in Japan, Fear Factor, and the rumored Sesame Street land debuting in Busch Gardens Africa.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter:
Last I heard from the new island is that the entrance is almost done and will be built by the Dueling Dragons (rumored to be rethemed to Tri-Wizarding Tournament), Hogsmeade began construction (saw it during the Band trip), and a mysterious wall is growing in front of Hogwarts Castle which, I believe, is the bottom of the castle. Screamscape says that Dueling Dragons will close by the end of the year to get rethemed to the Tri-Wizarding Tournament. Also the new island was rumored to take over Sinbad, but with the entrance being built, I believe it's cancelled.
B&M Hypercoaster in Carowinds:
Carowinds Connection says that the old log flume was removed last year to make room for, what screamscape calls, "something big and impressive," which I believe is a rumored B&M Hypercoaster. It is obvious, because red B&M appeared at the B&M Manufacturing Plant in Ohio last April. I think that will be for Carowinds.
Yellow B&M:
Last January, screamscape reports that yellow B&M track appeared at the B&M Manufacturing Plant in Ohio. It is said to be a sit-down. I still think its for Dorney Park and will open at the end of the year. Like I said, Talon (2001), Hydra (2005), and yellow B&M (2009). Think of that pattern. Of course it could be for Magic Mountain.
E.T.:
On May 10, 2009, E.T. Adventure in Universal Studios Japan closed. Wikipedia says that what will replace E.T. will be a future undisclosed roller coaster. It will be Hanna Barbera or the Mummy. Since HB is a simulator and Mummy's a coaster, I think it's the Mummy.
Fear Factor:
Last February, Fear Factor LIVE at USF closed until Spring Break. That is a sign of a rumored closure to me. I think by the end of the year, FFL will follow its Hollywood cousin and close. I still have hopes for Mamma Mia LIVE, but it's gonna cost a plethora of money.
Sesame Street at Busch Gardens:
Screamscape reported that last week, Busch Gardens filed construction permits that required 4 buildings, a coaster, and site demolition for Sesame Street to replace Land of the Dragons. I like Land of Dragons. Last April, a Sesame Street themed land opened at Busch Gardens Williamsburg under the name "Sesame Street Forest of Fun." This land includes a roller coaster, a freefall, buildings, a log flume, and playgrounds. The land opened April 3, 2009. Ever since it opened, plans sparked on a rumored Sesame Street land. Rumors began on August 28, 2006 when screamscape said that BGA might get a Sesame Street 4D attraction from USJ. On January 6, 2009, the Sesame Street land was rumored to replace Land of the Dragons by the end of 2009 and convert it to a Sesame Street safari land by 2010. On June 12, 2009, construction permits were filed for the new land. Better take your last visit to Land of the Dragons just in case it "flies away."
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter:
Last I heard from the new island is that the entrance is almost done and will be built by the Dueling Dragons (rumored to be rethemed to Tri-Wizarding Tournament), Hogsmeade began construction (saw it during the Band trip), and a mysterious wall is growing in front of Hogwarts Castle which, I believe, is the bottom of the castle. Screamscape says that Dueling Dragons will close by the end of the year to get rethemed to the Tri-Wizarding Tournament. Also the new island was rumored to take over Sinbad, but with the entrance being built, I believe it's cancelled.
B&M Hypercoaster in Carowinds:
Carowinds Connection says that the old log flume was removed last year to make room for, what screamscape calls, "something big and impressive," which I believe is a rumored B&M Hypercoaster. It is obvious, because red B&M appeared at the B&M Manufacturing Plant in Ohio last April. I think that will be for Carowinds.
Yellow B&M:
Last January, screamscape reports that yellow B&M track appeared at the B&M Manufacturing Plant in Ohio. It is said to be a sit-down. I still think its for Dorney Park and will open at the end of the year. Like I said, Talon (2001), Hydra (2005), and yellow B&M (2009). Think of that pattern. Of course it could be for Magic Mountain.
E.T.:
On May 10, 2009, E.T. Adventure in Universal Studios Japan closed. Wikipedia says that what will replace E.T. will be a future undisclosed roller coaster. It will be Hanna Barbera or the Mummy. Since HB is a simulator and Mummy's a coaster, I think it's the Mummy.
Fear Factor:
Last February, Fear Factor LIVE at USF closed until Spring Break. That is a sign of a rumored closure to me. I think by the end of the year, FFL will follow its Hollywood cousin and close. I still have hopes for Mamma Mia LIVE, but it's gonna cost a plethora of money.
Sesame Street at Busch Gardens:
Screamscape reported that last week, Busch Gardens filed construction permits that required 4 buildings, a coaster, and site demolition for Sesame Street to replace Land of the Dragons. I like Land of Dragons. Last April, a Sesame Street themed land opened at Busch Gardens Williamsburg under the name "Sesame Street Forest of Fun." This land includes a roller coaster, a freefall, buildings, a log flume, and playgrounds. The land opened April 3, 2009. Ever since it opened, plans sparked on a rumored Sesame Street land. Rumors began on August 28, 2006 when screamscape said that BGA might get a Sesame Street 4D attraction from USJ. On January 6, 2009, the Sesame Street land was rumored to replace Land of the Dragons by the end of 2009 and convert it to a Sesame Street safari land by 2010. On June 12, 2009, construction permits were filed for the new land. Better take your last visit to Land of the Dragons just in case it "flies away."
Monday, June 22, 2009
Universal Studios Massachusetts
Hollywood:
1. Shrek 4D (4D Film)
2. Terminator 2: 3D (3D Film)
3. E.T. Adventure (Dark Ride)
4. Beetlejuice's Graveyard Revue (Kari-Oke)
5. Animal Actors (Stage Show)
6. Star Trek: The Ride (Motion Simulator)
New York:
7. Day After Tomorrow: Experience It! (Disaster ride)
8. Transformers: The Ride (3D Thrill Ride)
9. Back to the Future: The Coaster (B&M Launch Coaster)
San Francisco:
10. Mamma Mia LIVE! (Kari-Oke)
11. Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride Starring... You! (Disaster ride)
Amity:
12. Jaws (Boat ride)
Krustyland:
13. Simpsons Ride (Motion Simulator)
Egypt:
14. Revenge of the Mummy: Floorless (Premier Rides Indoor Coaster (Floorless))
15. Egypt Jeep Ride ( Jeep Ride)
Europe:
16. Journey to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (River Rapids)
17. Journey to the Center of the Earth: The Ride (B&M Dive Machine)
18. Journey to the Center of the Earth 4D (4D Film)
KidZone:
19. Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster (Vekoma Kiddie Coaster)
20. Curious George (Playground)
21. Fievel's Playland (Playground)
The World of Coneheads:
22. Conehead's Thrilling Coaster (MACK Rides Wild Mouse Coaster)
23. Coneheads 4D (4D Film)
Waterworld:
24. Waterworld - A Live Sea War Spectacular (Stunt Show)
1. Shrek 4D (4D Film)
2. Terminator 2: 3D (3D Film)
3. E.T. Adventure (Dark Ride)
4. Beetlejuice's Graveyard Revue (Kari-Oke)
5. Animal Actors (Stage Show)
6. Star Trek: The Ride (Motion Simulator)
New York:
7. Day After Tomorrow: Experience It! (Disaster ride)
8. Transformers: The Ride (3D Thrill Ride)
9. Back to the Future: The Coaster (B&M Launch Coaster)
San Francisco:
10. Mamma Mia LIVE! (Kari-Oke)
11. Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride Starring... You! (Disaster ride)
Amity:
12. Jaws (Boat ride)
Krustyland:
13. Simpsons Ride (Motion Simulator)
Egypt:
14. Revenge of the Mummy: Floorless (Premier Rides Indoor Coaster (Floorless))
15. Egypt Jeep Ride ( Jeep Ride)
Europe:
16. Journey to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (River Rapids)
17. Journey to the Center of the Earth: The Ride (B&M Dive Machine)
18. Journey to the Center of the Earth 4D (4D Film)
KidZone:
19. Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster (Vekoma Kiddie Coaster)
20. Curious George (Playground)
21. Fievel's Playland (Playground)
The World of Coneheads:
22. Conehead's Thrilling Coaster (MACK Rides Wild Mouse Coaster)
23. Coneheads 4D (4D Film)
Waterworld:
24. Waterworld - A Live Sea War Spectacular (Stunt Show)
The Hammerhead Coaster
I'm making a B&M Dive Machine themed to another character I made up, the Hammerhead Shark from "Hammerhead", a film I made up. The queue will be a combination of SheiKra's queue and Manta's queue. Here is how the ride will be:
Queue:
Before you enter, you walk on a bridge over the bottom of the first drop and a lake with hammerheads. You then enter the building through the mouth of a hammerhead. The queue will be indoors. Once you enter, you enter the Hammerhead Institute, established by Hammerhead Sharks. You go through aquariums featuring different types of Hammerhead Sharks, a similar thing with Manta's queue. The queue layout will be like SheiKra's. You then enter a staircase featuring the slogan "We built this institute for peace with us hammerheads and human beings." People consider hammerheads unintelligent in reality, but in "Hammerhead, when intelligent animals and birds revolt against humans, hammerhead sharks are revealed to be intelligent all this time, saving humans. They even talk.
Pre-show:
As you walk through the queue, the leader of the hammerhead sharks tells the riders that humans are their allies now and "we hammerheads are only carnivores when it comes to fish and other marine organisms." An alarm sounds. The alarm can be seen as you walk through the stairs. The assistant hammerhead soliloquized, "The revolution has started again. This time the intelligent animals and birds are after both humans and hammerheads, boss. They infiltrated the institute." "WHAT?! It can't be! The revolution was stopped and land animals can't breathe underwater!" The leader hammerhead presses a lockdown button and yells "Commence lockdown!" The lockdown was disabled by a baboon and a crow wearing air helmets. The leader hammerhead turns to the riders and says, "You must save us and the human kind. The fate of our kind and human kind is at sake, and only you can stop the animals."
Ride:
After going through the queue, riders enter the station through a bridge over the queue. The track will be white-gray while the supports will be blue. The back rest will be dark-blue while the harnesses will be light-blue. The ride will be a floorless dive machine. To the left is another hammerhead aquarium. As you enter the vehicle, you can hear the leader hammerhead telling you safety tips. The ride leaves the station to turn around to the right just outside the building. You then enter a 220 ft. lift hill 45 degrees. The ride turns to the right again. The coaster then arrives at the top of the 220 ft. vertical drop and it holds you for 3-5 seconds and then drops you towards a lake full of hammerhead sharks under the bridge towards a new coaster element (standing 100 ft. tall) called the Hammerhead Roll. You go up and get flipped upside-down over the walkway and get flipped again and drop to the other side of the walkway, where the on-ride camera is. You then go up and head for a block brake and the second drop 150 ft. tall, 85 degrees to a tunnel, simulating the escape from sea to the land. Once you exit the tunnel, you enter a 80 ft. immelmann loop. The ride goes through a bunny hop leading to the splash down and hops over the walkway and turns right. The coaster goes through a 50 ft. cobra roll and a 270 degree helix leading to the final brakes. As you enter the exit portion of the station, an animatronic leader hammerhead thanks the riders for doing their job.
Hammerhead Gifts:
The riders enter the gift shop that shows your on-ride picture and toys of a hammerhead shark. There is also an on-ride video showing your experience of the coaster (the hanging of the first drop, the bottom of the first drop, after the hammerhead roll, the second drop, the splash down, and the final brakes).
Queue:
Before you enter, you walk on a bridge over the bottom of the first drop and a lake with hammerheads. You then enter the building through the mouth of a hammerhead. The queue will be indoors. Once you enter, you enter the Hammerhead Institute, established by Hammerhead Sharks. You go through aquariums featuring different types of Hammerhead Sharks, a similar thing with Manta's queue. The queue layout will be like SheiKra's. You then enter a staircase featuring the slogan "We built this institute for peace with us hammerheads and human beings." People consider hammerheads unintelligent in reality, but in "Hammerhead, when intelligent animals and birds revolt against humans, hammerhead sharks are revealed to be intelligent all this time, saving humans. They even talk.
Pre-show:
As you walk through the queue, the leader of the hammerhead sharks tells the riders that humans are their allies now and "we hammerheads are only carnivores when it comes to fish and other marine organisms." An alarm sounds. The alarm can be seen as you walk through the stairs. The assistant hammerhead soliloquized, "The revolution has started again. This time the intelligent animals and birds are after both humans and hammerheads, boss. They infiltrated the institute." "WHAT?! It can't be! The revolution was stopped and land animals can't breathe underwater!" The leader hammerhead presses a lockdown button and yells "Commence lockdown!" The lockdown was disabled by a baboon and a crow wearing air helmets. The leader hammerhead turns to the riders and says, "You must save us and the human kind. The fate of our kind and human kind is at sake, and only you can stop the animals."
Ride:
After going through the queue, riders enter the station through a bridge over the queue. The track will be white-gray while the supports will be blue. The back rest will be dark-blue while the harnesses will be light-blue. The ride will be a floorless dive machine. To the left is another hammerhead aquarium. As you enter the vehicle, you can hear the leader hammerhead telling you safety tips. The ride leaves the station to turn around to the right just outside the building. You then enter a 220 ft. lift hill 45 degrees. The ride turns to the right again. The coaster then arrives at the top of the 220 ft. vertical drop and it holds you for 3-5 seconds and then drops you towards a lake full of hammerhead sharks under the bridge towards a new coaster element (standing 100 ft. tall) called the Hammerhead Roll. You go up and get flipped upside-down over the walkway and get flipped again and drop to the other side of the walkway, where the on-ride camera is. You then go up and head for a block brake and the second drop 150 ft. tall, 85 degrees to a tunnel, simulating the escape from sea to the land. Once you exit the tunnel, you enter a 80 ft. immelmann loop. The ride goes through a bunny hop leading to the splash down and hops over the walkway and turns right. The coaster goes through a 50 ft. cobra roll and a 270 degree helix leading to the final brakes. As you enter the exit portion of the station, an animatronic leader hammerhead thanks the riders for doing their job.
Hammerhead Gifts:
The riders enter the gift shop that shows your on-ride picture and toys of a hammerhead shark. There is also an on-ride video showing your experience of the coaster (the hanging of the first drop, the bottom of the first drop, after the hammerhead roll, the second drop, the splash down, and the final brakes).
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Intimidator Timeline
There are rumors that Carowinds, a theme park on the border of North Carolina and South Carolina, is getting a B&M Hypercoaster next year. Last April, they have not only the yellow B&M track, but they have some red B&M track. I suspect it is the hypercoaster going to Carowinds. Here is a timeline I made:
October 27, 2008 - It is rumored that Carowinds will close down the Wild Thornberry's River Adventure to make room for something "big and impressive."
November 28, 2008 - The Wild Thornberry's River Adventure has been taken off the website.
December 4, 2008 - The log flume was put back up on the website (weird...).
December 9, 2008 - Carowinds announced the closure of Wild Thornberry's River Adventure to make room for the replacement rumored to be a B&M Hypercoaster. It may actually take up some of the parking lot as well. They might have already chosen a name, rumored to be "White Lightning."
January 27, 2009 - Some of the log flume has been ripped into pieces.
January 29, 2009 - Carowinds plans to get a new coaster opening 2010 replacing the log flume.
March 19, 2009 - The 2009 park map is out showing Carolina Cobra up and the log flume now gone.
April 4, 2009 - Some of the parking lot is now a restricted area by the South Gate. The old lift for the log flume is now a mound. Trees are still there. The only log flume track that remains is after the drop, the station, and before the lift. Dora train is getting rerouted due to the land clearing.
April 13, 2009 - The trees by the old lift are gone.
April 19, 2009 - Red B&M track appear at the B&M Manufacturing Plant in Ohio.
May 10, 2009 - The station for the Wild Thornberry's River Adventure is demolished along with the remaining log flume track.
May 31, 2009 - Dora's train has returned. Fences begin to go up around the Dora train. Footer writings appear to the right of South Gate.
June 2, 2009 - The area of what used to be the Wild Thornberry's River Adventure is now flat. The entrance sign of the log flume is now gone.
June 8, 2009 - The fences around the Dora train are complete and the ride reopens.
June 14, 2009 - They are digging holes in the restricted area of the parking lot. The old log flume site is cleared.
June 16, 2009 - Mounds are appearing in the log flume site.
June 18, 2009 - Footer markings appear by the Picnic Pavilion #3. They began digging up the parking lot by South Gate.
June 19, 2009 - They dug a trench on the old flume site.
June 23, 2009 - The old log flume area is now flat.
June 29, 2009 - Concrete boxes and pipes have arrived (possibly for drainage). They removed the remaining pieces of the old station for Wild Thornberry's River Adventure.
July 1, 2009 - They put one of the concrete boxes underground.
July 2, 2009 - A plethora of footer markers appear to the right of the pathway leading to PP3 by PP2. The footer truck has arrived.
July 5, 2009 - More concrete basins have been dug at the old log flume site.
July 6, 2009 - Rebars are being put underground. New platforms for the catwalk have appeared at the Ohio plant and the red B&M is still there while the yellow B&M is gone. Cement trucks are on site and began pouring concrete today.
July 9, 2009 - Footer holes are dug.
July 11, 2009 - The first footer has been poured. More rebar has been put underground.
July 16, 2009 - There are four footers on site. Trees are starting to come down by the Picnic Pavilions.
July 17, 2009 - They began digging in the parking lot. A fence has gone up by the Picnic Pavilions with signs on them. More footers are poured in the old log flume site. Construction is in full swing.
July 20, 2009 - White Lightning is a possible name of the new coaster.
July 24, 2009 - The B&M hypercoaster is rumored to be named either White Lighting or the Intimidator. The new roller coaster will be announced on August 26, 2009.
July 25, 2009 - Footers for the lift hill have been poured. Rebars are in the fenced off parking lot.
July 28, 2009 - Signs stating the announcement date have gone up on the construction walls.
August 5, 2009 - The red B&M Hypercoaster track from the Ohio plant has begun arriving at Carowinds behind Thunder Road thus confirming it will be a B&M Hypercoaster.
August 6, 2009 - 5 more pieces of track arrived.
August 12, 2009 - 7 more pieces of track arrived (including the station and turn-around to the station or lift). More footers are poured to the right of the pathway leading to PP3. There are only 6 trees left to the right of PP3.
August 13, 2009 - 2 more pieces arrived. The gray supports have arrived.
August 18, 2009 - Footers are poured in the parking lot.
August 26, 2009 - The B&M Hypercoaster is confirmed as the Intimidator. Standing 232 ft. tall (making it the tallest coaster in the south), it will open Spring 2010. The station will be at the old log flume site. Exiting the station, the train (themed to Dale Earkhardt's black race car) will go up a 232 ft. lift hill. Reaching the top, the train will drop 211 ft. into the fenced off parking area. It will then reach a 178 ft. hill turning to the right, followed by a 151 ft. camelback hill. It will then enter a 121 ft. hammerhead turn at the South Gate. Turning back, the train will enter 105 ft. and 90 ft. camelback hills all leading to the block brake exiting the fenced off parking area. Exiting the block, the coaster will enter a 62 ft. hill which banks into a diving helix to the right of the Picnic Pavilions. It will be followed by a 52 ft. hill turning right. It will then enter a 48 ft. hill onto the final brakes dipping down slowly. It then makes a left u-turn and enters the station. The train will feature staggered seating just like two other hypercoasters: Behemoth at Canada's Wonderland (2008) and Diamondback at Kings Island (2009).
October 27, 2008 - It is rumored that Carowinds will close down the Wild Thornberry's River Adventure to make room for something "big and impressive."
November 28, 2008 - The Wild Thornberry's River Adventure has been taken off the website.
December 4, 2008 - The log flume was put back up on the website (weird...).
December 9, 2008 - Carowinds announced the closure of Wild Thornberry's River Adventure to make room for the replacement rumored to be a B&M Hypercoaster. It may actually take up some of the parking lot as well. They might have already chosen a name, rumored to be "White Lightning."
January 27, 2009 - Some of the log flume has been ripped into pieces.
January 29, 2009 - Carowinds plans to get a new coaster opening 2010 replacing the log flume.
March 19, 2009 - The 2009 park map is out showing Carolina Cobra up and the log flume now gone.
April 4, 2009 - Some of the parking lot is now a restricted area by the South Gate. The old lift for the log flume is now a mound. Trees are still there. The only log flume track that remains is after the drop, the station, and before the lift. Dora train is getting rerouted due to the land clearing.
April 13, 2009 - The trees by the old lift are gone.
April 19, 2009 - Red B&M track appear at the B&M Manufacturing Plant in Ohio.
May 10, 2009 - The station for the Wild Thornberry's River Adventure is demolished along with the remaining log flume track.
May 31, 2009 - Dora's train has returned. Fences begin to go up around the Dora train. Footer writings appear to the right of South Gate.
June 2, 2009 - The area of what used to be the Wild Thornberry's River Adventure is now flat. The entrance sign of the log flume is now gone.
June 8, 2009 - The fences around the Dora train are complete and the ride reopens.
June 14, 2009 - They are digging holes in the restricted area of the parking lot. The old log flume site is cleared.
June 16, 2009 - Mounds are appearing in the log flume site.
June 18, 2009 - Footer markings appear by the Picnic Pavilion #3. They began digging up the parking lot by South Gate.
June 19, 2009 - They dug a trench on the old flume site.
June 23, 2009 - The old log flume area is now flat.
June 29, 2009 - Concrete boxes and pipes have arrived (possibly for drainage). They removed the remaining pieces of the old station for Wild Thornberry's River Adventure.
July 1, 2009 - They put one of the concrete boxes underground.
July 2, 2009 - A plethora of footer markers appear to the right of the pathway leading to PP3 by PP2. The footer truck has arrived.
July 5, 2009 - More concrete basins have been dug at the old log flume site.
July 6, 2009 - Rebars are being put underground. New platforms for the catwalk have appeared at the Ohio plant and the red B&M is still there while the yellow B&M is gone. Cement trucks are on site and began pouring concrete today.
July 9, 2009 - Footer holes are dug.
July 11, 2009 - The first footer has been poured. More rebar has been put underground.
July 16, 2009 - There are four footers on site. Trees are starting to come down by the Picnic Pavilions.
July 17, 2009 - They began digging in the parking lot. A fence has gone up by the Picnic Pavilions with signs on them. More footers are poured in the old log flume site. Construction is in full swing.
July 20, 2009 - White Lightning is a possible name of the new coaster.
July 24, 2009 - The B&M hypercoaster is rumored to be named either White Lighting or the Intimidator. The new roller coaster will be announced on August 26, 2009.
July 25, 2009 - Footers for the lift hill have been poured. Rebars are in the fenced off parking lot.
July 28, 2009 - Signs stating the announcement date have gone up on the construction walls.
August 5, 2009 - The red B&M Hypercoaster track from the Ohio plant has begun arriving at Carowinds behind Thunder Road thus confirming it will be a B&M Hypercoaster.
August 6, 2009 - 5 more pieces of track arrived.
August 12, 2009 - 7 more pieces of track arrived (including the station and turn-around to the station or lift). More footers are poured to the right of the pathway leading to PP3. There are only 6 trees left to the right of PP3.
August 13, 2009 - 2 more pieces arrived. The gray supports have arrived.
August 18, 2009 - Footers are poured in the parking lot.
August 26, 2009 - The B&M Hypercoaster is confirmed as the Intimidator. Standing 232 ft. tall (making it the tallest coaster in the south), it will open Spring 2010. The station will be at the old log flume site. Exiting the station, the train (themed to Dale Earkhardt's black race car) will go up a 232 ft. lift hill. Reaching the top, the train will drop 211 ft. into the fenced off parking area. It will then reach a 178 ft. hill turning to the right, followed by a 151 ft. camelback hill. It will then enter a 121 ft. hammerhead turn at the South Gate. Turning back, the train will enter 105 ft. and 90 ft. camelback hills all leading to the block brake exiting the fenced off parking area. Exiting the block, the coaster will enter a 62 ft. hill which banks into a diving helix to the right of the Picnic Pavilions. It will be followed by a 52 ft. hill turning right. It will then enter a 48 ft. hill onto the final brakes dipping down slowly. It then makes a left u-turn and enters the station. The train will feature staggered seating just like two other hypercoasters: Behemoth at Canada's Wonderland (2008) and Diamondback at Kings Island (2009).
Disney Trip Aftermath
On June 14, 2009, I've returned from my Disney trip. I went to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. The rides marked in bold are my favorite (I like the Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios favorite more than the EPCOT). Here is what I rode:
EPCOT:
1. Spaceship Earth
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom (King Arthur and the Holy Grail)
4. America
5. Japan (Matsuriza Taiko Drums)
6. Morocco
7. France (L'impressions de France)
8. China
9. Norway (Maelstromm)
10. Mexico (Fiesta Tour)
11. Mission: Space (Green team)
12. Universe of Energy
13. The Seas with Nemo & Friends
14. Living with the Land
15. Honey, I Shrank the Audience
Hollywood Studios:
1. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
2. Star Tours
3. American Idol Experience
4. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
5. Magic of Disney Animation
6. Voyage of the Little Mermaid
7. Studio Backlot Tour
8. Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show
9. Beauty & the Beast LIVE!
10. Great Movie Ride
11. Journey to Narnia: Prince Caspian
12. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (2nd time)
13. Rock N' Rollercoaster
14. Toy Story Midway Mania
Animal Kingdom:
1. It's Tough to be a Bug
2. Kali River Rapids (2x)
3. Maharajah Jungle Trek
4. Kilimanjaro Safaris
5. Expedition Everest
6. Primeval Whirl
7. Expedition Everest
8. Flights of Wonder
9. DINOSAUR
10. Expedition Everest
11. Wildlife Express Train
12. Affection Section
13. Tree of Life
P.S.: Originally after the Tree of Life, we were going to ride the Kali River Rapids, but it broke down and there was a wind storm. So we left. By the time we got to I-4 to return to the hotel, it was slightly raining. I felt that there was a tornado.
P.S.S.: I got a Tower of Terror on-ride photo.
P.S.S.S.: My favorite rides I have gone on in all theme parks are now:
Expedition Everest, Tower of Terror, Hulk, Spider-Man, Simpsons Ride, and SheiKra.
P.S.S.S.S.: Originally in EPCOT, we were going to ride Test Track, but it was broken down. By the time we got out of HISTA (Honey, I Shrank the Audience), it was closing time. Same with Soarin', but it had a long queue time.
EPCOT:
1. Spaceship Earth
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom (King Arthur and the Holy Grail)
4. America
5. Japan (Matsuriza Taiko Drums)
6. Morocco
7. France (L'impressions de France)
8. China
9. Norway (Maelstromm)
10. Mexico (Fiesta Tour)
11. Mission: Space (Green team)
12. Universe of Energy
13. The Seas with Nemo & Friends
14. Living with the Land
15. Honey, I Shrank the Audience
Hollywood Studios:
1. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
2. Star Tours
3. American Idol Experience
4. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
5. Magic of Disney Animation
6. Voyage of the Little Mermaid
7. Studio Backlot Tour
8. Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show
9. Beauty & the Beast LIVE!
10. Great Movie Ride
11. Journey to Narnia: Prince Caspian
12. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (2nd time)
13. Rock N' Rollercoaster
14. Toy Story Midway Mania
Animal Kingdom:
1. It's Tough to be a Bug
2. Kali River Rapids (2x)
3. Maharajah Jungle Trek
4. Kilimanjaro Safaris
5. Expedition Everest
6. Primeval Whirl
7. Expedition Everest
8. Flights of Wonder
9. DINOSAUR
10. Expedition Everest
11. Wildlife Express Train
12. Affection Section
13. Tree of Life
P.S.: Originally after the Tree of Life, we were going to ride the Kali River Rapids, but it broke down and there was a wind storm. So we left. By the time we got to I-4 to return to the hotel, it was slightly raining. I felt that there was a tornado.
P.S.S.: I got a Tower of Terror on-ride photo.
P.S.S.S.: My favorite rides I have gone on in all theme parks are now:
Expedition Everest, Tower of Terror, Hulk, Spider-Man, Simpsons Ride, and SheiKra.
P.S.S.S.S.: Originally in EPCOT, we were going to ride Test Track, but it was broken down. By the time we got out of HISTA (Honey, I Shrank the Audience), it was closing time. Same with Soarin', but it had a long queue time.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
The Disney Trip (1/24/09)
The pictures have arrived. Here are some pics from my birthday trip to Disney:
Here is Space Mountain. Right now, it is getting a rehab that will last all year. Anyway, this was taken from the monorail.
Well, we have arrived at Magic Kingdom. I think the WDW Railroad should be renamed Magic Kingdom Railroad, since the entire place we're in is WDW, and the railroad here is for Magic Kingdom only. Here is my plan, the resort should have a resort-wide railroad connecting all parks and name that WDW Railroad.
The floral Mickey kinda looks like a dollar bill with Mickey. So here is what I like to call the "Mickey Dollar Bill."
That's myself filming dad in front of the Cinderella Castle with his iPhone.
That's me in the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway queue.
That's me driving on the speedway.
Another pic.
That's me and my best friend, dad. Then again, we are father and son.
That's Rafiki. In case you don't know, he's a character from the Lion King.
Well, that's Jack Sparrow.
The other pirate soliloquizes, "What are you doing to me, you bully?! WAHH!" He is a pirate just like you. Elementary pirate.
That's me by the Splash Mountain entrance.
That's me on the Jungle Cruise.
Another one on the Jungle Cruise.
This pic kinda reminds me of the camp in "Tarzan."
Giraffes.
Scared adventurers.
Oh my god! A CANNIBAL! I knew this expedition was a bad idea!
We are arriving to our death-dying doom!
Dad and I on Splash Mountain.
Now I don't know why, but the temperature at Disney was warm even though around this time, it was 20 degrees.
Us in the Haunted Mansion queue.
Me with the Haunted Mansion in the background.
Me with some wrong handwriting on Tom Sawyer Island. Let me say it right: "Welcome. If you like dark caves, mystery mines, bottomless pits, shaky bridges, and big rocks, you have come to the best place I know. If you don't like creepy old scary places, don't worry... Huck Finn and myself was plenty scared too. Huck was more scared than me... Tom was not Huck."
Dad and I emerge from the house.
This picture is as if we're still in Adventureland. But we're on Tom Sawyer Island.
Well, we're still on TSI.
Dad looks horrified. Why? It is because... da-dum... WE ARE ON THE SHAKY BRIDGE!
I try to escape and...
I did it!
Why are we on these stocks? Angry citizens put us there. Now they are torturing us.
They are especially torturing me! They made me angry!
This was taken in the exit of Buzz Lightyear. Now let me tell you a story. I used to work for the alien. Above is my employee picture.
But I was framed to work for Buzz's nemesis, Emperor Zurg. So I was sent to jail with Zurg. I escaped and caused havoc on Earth. That's why I was tortured by the townspeople. I am now planning to prove my innocence.
Well, here it is. Me with Mickey and Minnie at the Judge's Tent. By the way, the story I made about me with Zurg was just a joke. XD
All hail my birthday! Now that was when it was chilly.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority, also closing for a yearly rehab with Space Mountain.
To wrap it up, here is myself under a "Celebrate Today!" banner.
We're going to go to Disney this Thursday. This time we're going to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and (for the first time) Animal Kingdom.
Here is Space Mountain. Right now, it is getting a rehab that will last all year. Anyway, this was taken from the monorail.
Well, we have arrived at Magic Kingdom. I think the WDW Railroad should be renamed Magic Kingdom Railroad, since the entire place we're in is WDW, and the railroad here is for Magic Kingdom only. Here is my plan, the resort should have a resort-wide railroad connecting all parks and name that WDW Railroad.
The floral Mickey kinda looks like a dollar bill with Mickey. So here is what I like to call the "Mickey Dollar Bill."
That's myself filming dad in front of the Cinderella Castle with his iPhone.
That's me in the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway queue.
That's me driving on the speedway.
Another pic.
That's me and my best friend, dad. Then again, we are father and son.
That's Rafiki. In case you don't know, he's a character from the Lion King.
Well, that's Jack Sparrow.
The other pirate soliloquizes, "What are you doing to me, you bully?! WAHH!" He is a pirate just like you. Elementary pirate.
That's me by the Splash Mountain entrance.
That's me on the Jungle Cruise.
Another one on the Jungle Cruise.
This pic kinda reminds me of the camp in "Tarzan."
Giraffes.
Scared adventurers.
Oh my god! A CANNIBAL! I knew this expedition was a bad idea!
We are arriving to our death-dying doom!
Dad and I on Splash Mountain.
Now I don't know why, but the temperature at Disney was warm even though around this time, it was 20 degrees.
Us in the Haunted Mansion queue.
Me with the Haunted Mansion in the background.
Me with some wrong handwriting on Tom Sawyer Island. Let me say it right: "Welcome. If you like dark caves, mystery mines, bottomless pits, shaky bridges, and big rocks, you have come to the best place I know. If you don't like creepy old scary places, don't worry... Huck Finn and myself was plenty scared too. Huck was more scared than me... Tom was not Huck."
Dad and I emerge from the house.
This picture is as if we're still in Adventureland. But we're on Tom Sawyer Island.
Well, we're still on TSI.
Dad looks horrified. Why? It is because... da-dum... WE ARE ON THE SHAKY BRIDGE!
I try to escape and...
I did it!
Why are we on these stocks? Angry citizens put us there. Now they are torturing us.
They are especially torturing me! They made me angry!
This was taken in the exit of Buzz Lightyear. Now let me tell you a story. I used to work for the alien. Above is my employee picture.
But I was framed to work for Buzz's nemesis, Emperor Zurg. So I was sent to jail with Zurg. I escaped and caused havoc on Earth. That's why I was tortured by the townspeople. I am now planning to prove my innocence.
Well, here it is. Me with Mickey and Minnie at the Judge's Tent. By the way, the story I made about me with Zurg was just a joke. XD
All hail my birthday! Now that was when it was chilly.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority, also closing for a yearly rehab with Space Mountain.
To wrap it up, here is myself under a "Celebrate Today!" banner.
We're going to go to Disney this Thursday. This time we're going to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and (for the first time) Animal Kingdom.
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