Coaster Rankings

Okay, so yesterday, my dad and I thought of an idea to help rank our coasters, instead of a Top 5.

In the past few days, I've visited Disneyland Resort (Space Mountain, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and California Screamin') and Six Flags Magic Mountain (Revolution, X2, Viper, Tatsu, Riddler's Revenge, Goliath, Scream, and Batman: The Ride), and tonight, I present to you...

Kyle's Authoritative Ratings of Coasters:

I will state what the rankings mean:

0-Star - Kiddie Coasters, Okay Coasters, or "Meh..." Coasters
1-Star - Good Coasters
2-Star - Very Good Coasters
3-Star - Great Coasters
4-Star - Mind-Blowing Coasters
5-Star - Mind-Wrecking Coasters
6-Star - Mind-Crushing Coasters

So now, here is the rankings (along with the park name and type of coaster, with the manufacturer):

6-Star:

- Kingda Ka (Six Flags Great Adventure) - Intamin Strata Coaster
- Top Thrill Dragster (Cedar Point) - Intamin Strata Coaster
- X2 (Six Flags Magic Mountain) - S&S 4D
- Millennium Force (Cedar Point) - Intamin Giga Coaster
- Intimidator 305 (Kings Dominion) - Intamin Giga Coaster

5-Star:

- SheiKra (Busch Gardens Tampa) - B&M Dive Machine
- El Toro (Six Flags Great Adventure) - Intamin Plug n' Play Wooden Coaster
- Goliath (Six Flags Magic Mountain) - Giovanola Hyper Coaster
- Manta (SeaWorld Orlando) - B&M Flying Coaster
- Skyrush (Hersheypark) - Intamin Winged Hyper Coaster
- Tatsu (Six Flags Magic Mountain) - B&M Flying Coaster
- Nitro (Six Flags Great Adventure) - B&M Hypercoaster
- Nighthawk (Carowinds) - Vekoma Flying Dutchman
- Intimidator (Carowinds) - B&M Hypercoaster
- Maverick (Cedar Point) - Intamin LSM Blitz
- Fahrenheit (Hersheypark) - Intamin Vertical Lift
- Volcano: The Blast Coaster (Kings Dominion) - Intamin Launched Invert
- Blue Fire (Europa Park) - MACK LSM Launch Coaster
- Goliath (Six Flags Over Georgia) - B&M Hypercoaster

4-Star:

- Incredible Hulk Coaster (Islands of Adventure) - B&M Sit-Down Coaster (Launched)
- Montu (Busch Gardens Tampa) - B&M Inverted Coaster
- Silver Star (Europa Park) - B&M Hypercoaster
- Mantis (Cedar Point) - B&M Stand-Up Coaster
- Raptor (Cedar Point) - B&M Inverted Coaster
- Dragon Challenge (Islands of Adventure) - B&M Inverted Coaster (Dueling)
- Afterburn (Carowinds) - B&M Inverted Coaster
- Storm Runner (Hersheypark) - Intamin Accelerator
- Sidewinder (Hersheypark) - Vekoma Boomerang
- Carolina Cobra (Carowinds) - Vekoma Boomerang
- Wicked Twister (Cedar Point) - Intamin Impulse
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (Universal Studios Florida) - Maurer X-Car Coaster
- Bizarro (Six Flags Great Adventure) - B&M Floorless Coaster
- Superman: Ultimate Flight (Six Flags Great Adventure) - B&M Flying Coaster
- Green Lantern (Six Flags Great Adventure) - B&M Stand-Up Coaster
- Cheetah Hunt (Busch Gardens Tampa) - Intamin LSM Blitz
- Magnum XL-200 (Cedar Point) - Arrow Hypercoaster
- Dominator (Kings Dominion) - B&M Floorless Coaster
- Viper (Six Flags Magic Mountain) - Arrow Mega-Looper
- Shockwave (Kings Dominion) - TOGO Stand-Up Coaster

3-Star:

- Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom) - Vekoma Custom Coaster
- Revenge of the Mummy (Universal Studios Florida) - Premier Rides Launch Coaster (Indoors)
- California Screamin' (Disney California Adventure) - Intamin Looping Coaster (Launched)
- Great Bear (Hersheypark) - B&M Inverted Coaster
- Riddler's Revenge (Six Flags Magic Mountain) - B&M Stand-Up Coaster
- Scream (Six Flags Magic Mountain) - B&M Floorless Coaster
- Kumba (Busch Gardens Tampa) - B&M Sit-Down Coaster
- Kraken (SeaWorld Orlando) - B&M Floorless Coaster
- Mean Streak (Cedar Point) - Dinn Wooden Coaster
- Batman: The Ride (Six Flags Magic Mountain) - B&M Inverted Coaster
- Batman: The Ride (Six Flags Over Georgia) - B&M Inverted Coaster
- Batman: The Ride (Six Flags Great Adventure) - B&M Inverted Coaster

2-Star:

- Gwazi (Busch Gardens Tampa) - GCI Wooden Coaster (Dueling)
- Lightning Racer (Hersheypark) - GCI Wooden Coaster (Dueling)
- Wildcat (Hersheypark) - GCI Wooden Coaster
- Euro Mir (Europa Park) - MACK Spinning Coaster
- Flight of Fear (Kings Dominion) - Premier Rides Launched Coaster (Indoors)
- Hurler (Kings Dominion) - ICI Wooden Coaster
- Hurler (Carowinds) - ICI Wooden Coaster
- Grizzly (Kings Dominion) - PTC Wooden Coaster
- Gemini (Cedar Point) - Arrow SCS (Hybrid)
- Blue Streak (Cedar Point) - PTC Wooden Coaster
- Vortex (Carowinds) - B&M Stand-Up Coaster
- Rock 'n Rollercoaster (Disney's Hollywood Studios) - Vekoma LSM Launch Coaster (Indoors)
- Rebel Yell (Kings Dominion) - PTC Wooden Coaster (Racing)
- Mindbender (Six Flags Over Georgia) - Schwarzkopf Looping Coaster
- Sooperdooperlooper (Hersheypark) - Schwarzkopf Looping Coaster
- Carolina Cyclone (Carowinds) - Arrow Custom Looping Coaster
- Poseidon (Europa Park) - MACK Water Coaster
- Atlantica Supersplash (Europa Park) - MACK Supersplash
- Revolution (Six Flags Magic Mountain) - Schwarzkopf Looping Coaster
- Iron Dragon (Cedar Point) - Arrow Suspended Coaster
- Corkscrew (Cedar Point) - Arrow Custom Looping Coaster

1-Star:

- Scorpion (Busch Gardens Tampa) - Schwarzkopf Looping Coaster
- Backlot Stunt Coaster (Kings Dominion) - Premier Rides Family Launch Coaster
- Journey to Atlantis (SeaWorld Orlando) - MACK Water Coaster
- Eurosat (Europa Park) - MACK Custom Coaster
- Dark Knight (Six Flags Great Adventure) - MACK Wild Mouse (indoors) (well, for theming 1, ride 0-Star)
- Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom) - Vekoma Indoor Coaster
- Space Mountain (Disneyland) - Vekoma Indoor Coaster
- Thunder Road (Carowinds) - PTC Wooden Coaster (Racing)
- Skull Mountain (Six Flags Great Adventure) - Intamin Custom Family Coaster (indoors)
- Giant Dipper (Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk) - Arthur Looff Wooden Coaster

- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom) - Vekoma Mine Coaster
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Disneyland) - Arrow Mine Coaster
- Cedar Creek Mine Ride (Cedar Point) - Arrow Mine Coaster
- Matterhorn Bobsleds (Disneyland) - Arrow Bobsled Coaster
- Hurricane (Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk) - SDC Hurricane (DEFUNCT)
- Flight of the Hippogriff (Islands of Adventure) - Vekoma Kiddie Coaster
- Alpenexpress (Europa Park) - MACK Powered Coaster
- Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster (Universal Studios Florida) - Vekoma Roller Skater
---------------BAD COASTERS BELOW---------------

- Anaconda (Kings Dominion) - Arrow Looping Coaster (awful. Visually impressive, but is slow, rough, and just not a decent ride)
- Rolling Thunder (Six Flags Great Adventure) - Rosser/Cobb Wooden Coaster (only thing I liked was the restraints. With them not touching you, you might feel some vulnerability. Otherwise "blah" ride!)
- Python (Busch Gardens Tampa) - Arrow Corkscrew Coaster (DEFUNCT)
- Disaster Transport (Cedar Point) - Intamin Swiss Bob (Indoors) (DEFUNCT, and good riddance)

0-Star:

- Sand Serpent (Busch Gardens Tampa) - MACK Wild Mouse Coaster
- Matterhorn Blitz (Europa Park) - MACK Wild Mouse Coaster (with elevator)
- Primeval Whirl (Animal Kingdom) - MACK Spinning Coaster
- Swiss Bob Run (Europa Park) - MACK Bobsled Coaster
- Goofy's Barnstormer (Magic Kingdom) - Vekoma Roller Skater
- Air Grover (Busch Gardens Tampa) - Zierer Kiddie Coaster
- Blackbeard's Lost Treasure Train (Six Flags Great Adventure) - Zierer Kiddie Coaster

So here it is! =) BTW, I count water coasters, bobsled coasters, and defunct coasters.

UPDATED: 6/17/2011 - I have been to Carowinds and I updated my rankings.
UPDATED: 8/7/2011 - I have been to Kings Dominion and Cedar Point. I also rode Cheetah Hunt recently.
UPDATED: 11/24/2011 - I visited Six Flags Over Georgia as part of a band trip at the end of October. I only rode 3 coasters though (I also rode Acrophobia).
UPDATED: 7/15/2012 - I visited Hersheypark and Six Flags Great Adventure just recently (Skyrush, Kingda Ka, El Toro, Fahrenheit, and Nitro all rock BTW). Also, new Cedar Point credit (Cedar Creek Mine Ride). Also, Disaster Transport and Hurricane (SCBB) are going to be removed (and good riddance to the former).

Park Updates #8

Well, I'm in the middle of my California trip (in Sacramento) and I thought I'd catch what I missed lately:

SoCal Harry Potter:

From Screamscape:

???? - Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Under Consideration - (12/17/10) While there is a huge push right now to bring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Universal Hollywood, I’ve also heard from some insiders that not all members of management are hot to jump on the bandwagon. It’s not that they aren’t impressed with the Wizarding World, but more to do with the timeline the Hollywood park would face if they were to approve the project.
Even if a deal is signed, the land designed and budgets approved, your still facing the fact that a West coast version wouldn’t be ready to open until at least 2014 at the earliest. With the final film in the series set to launch a little over 6 months, it would be 3 more years until guests could walk the corridors of Hogwarts. So to these more concerned management members, they have to address the elephant in the room and ask, does Harry Potter have the staying power to stay a hot property for 3 solid years beyond the release of the final film?
In most cases, the answer would be no… something new is always ready to come along, but there is a chance that Harry Potter could become a timeless and endearing entertainment series for the ages, much like Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Back To The Future. Still, the ever enticing profit margin reports from Universal Orlando are proof enough for most Execs that they need to pursue this. After all, you’ve got to take risks in business from time to time…
That all said… one does also have to ask, is Harry Potter’s story all over and done? Are there other tales that JK Rowling may have left in her pen that may take place in the Wizarding World, outside of the goings of Mr. Potter? Even JK Rowling isn’t sure it seems, as she apparently told Oprah not long ago that she could definitely write an eighth or a ninth book but, “I think I am done, but you never know.”

Honestly, IMO, HP does have the staying power to last 3 years (and possibly more).

And even if it didn't, I would still say build it. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been the greatest success for Universal since 1999, when they added Islands of Adventure, CityWalk, and the resort (the hotels). I really don't see a reason why they can't build it in Hollywood.

As for my idea, now I think it makes sense to put up Forbidden Journey where the Gibson Ampitheater sits, and Flight of the Hippogriff in between that and the Waterworld site. They can put up Hogsmeade after Hippogriff, and a Dragon Challenge clone where Waterworld currently sits.

If USH were to do that, I'd be all for it. =)

Cheetah Hunt Construction:

Well, it seems like track work has shifted to the old wet portion of Rhino Rally, where the drop from the block brake and most of the canyon track has been installed recently. As of today, footers for what seem to be the third launch and the block brake have been poured. Footers have also been poured for the heartline roll. As for the third trench, rebar is going in for the footers, so looks like footer pouring will begin pretty soon in that area.

Foundations are also getting poured for the entrance theming (they started on December 16), as seen in the concept art leaked out in September, and as of today, work has begun on the entrance itself. And another thing I didn't notice was that the old Skyride sign was removed (as of July 6, when they were starting construction in the old monorail station). I actually thought it was still there, until I saw a pic from RCPro's latest update. XD

Another thing I've noticed is that some Rhino Rally props are still in the canyon (such as the big waterfall, the falling water scene, and the old jeep). Could they be reusing them for this new coaster? Hmmm...

This is REALLY starting to excite me... =D

Kentucky Kingdom New Coaster:

It seems that Ed Hart wants a B&M coaster when he reopens the park in 2012, according to one of his recent videos. Here is what Screamscape has to say about it:

Park News - (12/21/10) An interview with Ed Hart about Kentucky Kingdom has been posted to ParkThoughts. The big surprise is that Ed claims that the new coaster he wants for the park will be a B&M, though the exact type was not mentioned. With so many other B&M’s in the Ohio area (Diamondback, Mantis, Raptor) I would almost thing that Ed might want to look into a coaster design not already used in the area.
That knocks out Hypers, Stand-Ups and Inverted designs, and due to height restrictions a Dive Machine is right now as well (unless they go deep underground), so to me that leaves Floorless, Flying and the new Wing Rider style design under construction in Europe right now.
Any of these would be a good idea, but I think a really classy Flyer may be a great idea for the park, and as SeaWorld has shown with Manta, a nice intense Flyer with lots of low to the ground elements can be a fantastic addition. Plus it would blow away Firehawk at nearby Kings Island, which is always a plus.
Other news from Ed Hart included: a dedicated parking lot for the park, with free parking for guests, plus the prices of food will be competitive with outside food vendors in order to keep guests IN the park rather than leaving to eat elsewhere.

I really like the Flying Coaster idea (partially because of my love for Manta and Tatsu, which I've ridden recently at SFMM). Ed also mentions that it would go up in the old entrance area.

I'm really looking forward to how this park will be brought back from the dead. A redone Twisted Twins, a new B&M coaster, a big water park expansion... I'm just wondering what he will do with Greezed Lightning (currently sitting in the park entrance).

Either way, this is getting interesting... =) It's hard to believe that this park, which I thought would be demolished, is coming back from the dead with some great additions.

HP Phase II:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/wizarding-world-of-harry-potter/os-universal-harry-potter-20101215,0,1982334.story

When "60 Minutes" profiled Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg earlier this month, the TV piece included a look at some of Zuckerberg's personal posts online. They showed that the 26-year-old billionaire, whose website has more than 500 million users, had recently been in Orlando — visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

It was yet another jolt of publicity for Universal Orlando, which has been basking in a global spotlight since Wizarding World's formal opening in mid-June. The rides, shops and eateries themed around J.K. Rowling's beloved boy wizard have triggered a renaissance at Universal this year, snapping an extended slump and powering the resort to the strongest performance in its 20-year history.

"It has definitely exceeded our expectations," said Alice Norsworthy, Universal's executive vice president for marketing and sales.

But now, as it concludes 2010 and prepares for a new year, Universal faces a new challenge: keeping Potter's magic alive. Already, resort executives are wrestling with questions such as when to expand Wizarding World and how to keep business balanced between Islands and Universal Studios Florida — the park without Potter.

Experts say how Universal answers such questions will ultimately determine whether it is able to hold on to the gains it has made this year.

"The challenge will be to create a continuous buzz," said Abe Pizam, dean of the University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management. "It's difficult to maintain the high level of [initial] interest. You have to create buzz on a regular basis."

36% attendance jump

It is difficult to overstate how dramatic Universal's turnaround has been. Last Christmas, Orlando's No. 2 theme-park resort was limping to the end of a year in which attendance tumbled by 1.3 million people to 9.3 million — its first year with fewer than 10 million visitors since Islands of Adventure opened in 1999.

This year's yuletide is far merrier. Attendance for the third quarter — which began days after Wizarding World formally opened June 18 — skyrocketed 36 percent, as Universal drew an extra 1 million people in just three months. It has continued to climb through the fall.

"I can't remember the last time anyone saw a 36 percent increase in attendance," said Dennis Speigel, president of International Theme Park Services, a Cincinnati consultancy.

Wizarding World's effect has been even more pronounced in areas beyond attendance. Universal's merchandise revenue more than doubled to $48.7 million, fueled by sales of magic wands and other Potter souvenirs. Food-and-beverage sales jumped 59 percent to $43.4 million on the popularity of butterbeer. And non-theme-park revenue rose 61 percent to $48.2 million, thanks primarily to sales of vacation packages through Universal's travel unit that offered early entry to Wizarding World.

The resort's CityWalk nightlife district has benefitted, as well. When " Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1" arrived in theaters last month, Universal scheduled midnight shows on all 20 screens in CityWalk's movie megaplex. The resort said every showing sold out.

Universal has had to make adjustments on the fly to manage the crowds. The resort has at times distributed to guests receipts with return times just to enter the Wizarding World section of Islands of Adventure. Inside, it halted sales of liquor over the summer so workers in the "Hog's Head" tavern could more quickly fill mugs of butterbeer.

It has faced some complaints. Some fans, for instance, have criticized the small size of Wizarding World's shops, where long lines routinely spill outside. And some experts say the limited capacity has likely cost Universal sales as frustrated guests forgo purchases.

"The undersizing was a major issue," Speigel said. "It cost them money."

But Universal executives, who call the shops "retail theater," said they were designed to look just as they are described in the Potter books and appear in Potter movies. The authenticity, they say, is what has made Wizarding World so popular in the first place.

"That's how crowded it is; that's how chaotic it is [in the books and movies]. I think that is what helps to create the demand," said John Sprouls, Universal's chief executive officer. "I don't think we have any concerns about leaving revenue on the table."

Add to Universal Studios?

Few, if any, experts expect the frenzy to subside in the immediate future.

John Puchalla, an analyst with Moody's Investors Service, predicts Universal's attendance will continue climbing by 15 percent or more through the first half of 2011. He expects it will turn slightly negative in the second half of the year — but only because Universal will be facing tough comparisons against this year's grand-opening crowds.

"We believe the attendance lift generated from the June 2010 opening of [Wizarding World] will continue for the next several years," Puchalla wrote in a research note last month.

Still, amid all the attention being paid to Potter and Islands of Adventure, Universal is taking steps to prop up Universal Studios, which is the resort's original theme park and was, until Wizarding World opened, its busiest. The resort's lowest-priced annual passes for 2011 prohibit entry to Islands of Adventure over the summer — but permit admission to Universal Studios.

Executives have also begun discussing how and when to add to Wizarding World. Among the debates: whether to add something more to Universal Studios first.

Puchalla expects Universal to spend about $80 million on construction in 2011. Though that would be significantly less than the $105 million a year it averaged from 2007 to 2010 — when it built Wizarding World in Islands and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and The Simpsons Ride in Universal Studios — it would still be about twice the annual capital spending that Universal averaged during the middle part of the decade.

Although they won't discuss specific plans, Universal executives say additions to Wizarding World will happen at some point. The resort's licensing contract with Warner Bros. requires it to incorporate elements from the final Potter films, the last of which will open in theaters in July.

"We intend to very gladly live up to all those commitments," Sprouls said.

I wonder what USF will do if they were to expand before Potter... hopefully the end of Fear Factor. >=D And maybe they will expand to that plot of land behind the Simpsons Ride (Back to the Future-themed MACK LSM anyone?).

As for one of the last sentence... I wonder if that will involve a Gringotts-themed indoor coaster, with a dragon animatronic? Hopefully so. =D And maybe a Ministry of Magic walkthrough in Poseidon Fury's place (of course, WAY better than what is currently there)? Oh yeah... *drools*

Either way, all this is making me smile... with a BIG grin! =D

Krake and Cheetah Hunt

Krake:

Heide Park posted a pic of Krake's train being made:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=476440646628&set=a.145015986628.111800.120907856628



That train looks so... dive machine-y... so... BEAUTIFUL!!! I don't really see floor (but they're not done with the train, so who knows), so could this be floorless (correct me if this has been announced or not)?

I would love to see one of these new Dive Machines go up in America in the near future (I came up with one for SeaWorld Orlando... and with one rumored to be going up at Hersheypark, hmmm...). =D

Cheetah Hunt:

The Windcatcher Tower "figure-8" is complete as of yesterday, and they've started on the 130 ft. drop into the second trench.

I'm going to California this winter break (leaving tomorrow) and when I return, I'm going to see Cheetah Hunt! =D Can't wait!

Park Updates #7

Harry Potter USH:

From Screamscape:

???? - Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Under Consideration - (12/13/10) The buzz about the possibility of a second Wizarding World of Harry Potter coming to Universal Hollywood has got some of the big Hollywood gossip hounds talking now. The news we revealed even made the headlines over at Perez Hilton, though for some reason they chose to link to our news indirectly through a posting at MuggleNet instead of coming right to the source, but what can you do, right?
Of course from what I’ve been told, Universal is 100% at this point, and like the Universal Orlando project, the fate of it all lies once again in the hand of JK Rowling. Of course this may not be the end-all either as there may be another mystery project in development between Universal Creative and JK Rowling as well… hmmm. More on this later.

Well, if this is true, HP is bound to come to California soon... I hope so! With me being a huge Harry Potter fan, I think "the more Potter, the better!" =D

Trike Encounter Returns:

Well, after months of speculation, the Trike Encounter in Jurassic Park (at IOA) has reopened today:

http://orlandoparksnews.blogspot.com/2010/12/breaking-news-triceratops-discovery.html

Well, JP does need more things to do... I hope this is their first step. Then maybe a Raptor Encounter, a Pteranodon Flyers redo to Canopy Flyers, and a B&M 4D/Wing Rider using the Pteranodon theme.

I305:

From Screamscape Twitter:

PKD Fans, John Pagel (PR Mgr) will be live on In The Loop tonight at 8pm EST, talking about Intimidator 305.

I can't see the video tonight (because its almost bedtime), but I wonder if this involves the rumored reprofile. I can't wait to see.

Cheetah Hunt:

As of now, the track has been complete from the final brake run, through the station, the first launch, first turn, first trench, second launch, and half of the Windcatcher Tower (with the supports for it up too). I wonder if before winter break, they will complete the tower and the second trench, or if they'll just complete the tower.

Either way, I'm getting excited! =D

X-Raptor:

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=56021&start=400#p971151

As of December 5, 2010, X Raptor is complete, with the over-banked turn after the first drop up.

Hmmm... I wonder when I'll see one of these go up in the USA (I know, I keep saying it)...

Orlando Thrill Park Revealed

10 days ago, Orlando Thrill Park's proposed rides have been revealed.

http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/themeparks/la-trb-orlando-thrill-park-20102411,0,7012370.story?track=rss

With 14 rides, including eight roller coasters, the proposed Orlando Thrill Park hopes to cater to enthusiasts underserved by Florida's theme parks.

Photo gallery: View the 14 proposed Orlando Thrill Park rides

Scheduled to open in summer 2013, the proposed amusement park would include rides from several manufacturers, including Intamin, Vekoma, Chance Morgan, Mack, S&S Power, U.S. ThrillRides and Mondial, according to Chuck Bell, spokesman for the Orlando Thrill Park.

Plans for the 77-acre park call for an assortment of towering thrill rides and every variety of roller coaster -- including hydraulic launched, inverted, flying, motorbike and 4th dimension coasters -- with room set aside for future development. View a photo gallery of the 14 rides proposed for Orlando Thrill Park.

Located on International Drive across the I-4 corridor from Universal Studios Florida, Orlando Thrill Park would be a 5-mile drive from SeaWorld Orlando and about 10 miles from Walt Disney World.

Developers hope to secure financing in the coming months and submit plans for city approval by summer 2011, Bell said. Neighbors have raised concerns about noise and traffic.

During a pair of interviews, Bell stressed that the preliminary plans were subject to change and that the detailed park layout and proposed ride mix would continue to evolve with the project.

Bell pointed to two parks as inspiration for Orlando Thrill Park: Cedar Point in Ohio and Six Flags Magic Mountain in California, which have been dueling for a decade over the title of "Roller Coaster Capital of the World."

But with half as many coasters as Cedar Point and Magic Mountain, OTP's ride inventory would likely look a lot like Knott's Berry Farm in California -- without the Wild West theme, Bell acknowledged. Indeed, eight of the 14 rides envisioned for Orlando Thrill Park can be found at Cedar Point, Magic Mountain and/or Knott's.

Orlando Thrill Park hopes to fill a void created by the absence of any Six Flags or Cedar Fair amusement parks in Florida. Indeed, the Orlando-area parks -- Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens -- are dominated by theme rather than thrills.

"We're not trying to out-Disney Disney," Bell said. "We know we can't do that."

The hope, he said, would be to steal a day from tourists on weeklong vacations to Orlando and draw locals from throughout Florida. Bell anticipates Orlando Thrill Park could attract 2 million annual visitors out of the roughly 50 million (nearly 47 million last year, says the local tourist bureau) who come to the Orlando area every year. The project includes plans for a 3,300-space multi-story parking structure.

Florida certainly has its share of top-notch coasters: the SheiKra floorless dive machine at Busch Gardens Tampa, the Manta flying coaster at SeaWorld Orlando, the Incredible Hulk launched coaster at Universal's Islands of Adventure and Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

But only one central Florida park would compete with Orlando Thrill Park's eight proposed coasters: Busch Gardens Tampa, which also claims eight. SeaWorld has only four coasters. and Universal boasts only seven coasters between its two parks. And it’s the same for Disney, which counts a mere seven coasters among its four parks. (All counts are according to Roller Coaster Database)

Orlando Thrill Park would have no themed environments, no costumed characters, no dark rides and few if any shows, Bell said. Instead, it would be all about the biggest, tallest, fastest, longest, steepest and greatest thrills.

No price tag has been pinned to the new park, but by my estimate the ride inventory alone would top $100 million. Bell said he hopes OTP would serve as a proving ground for the latest and greatest from the amusement industry, showcasing one-of-a-kind, prototype, record-breaking, envelope-pushing, adrenaline-based extreme rides.

"To us they're just giant Tinkertoys," Bell said. "After a while, we'll just sell the old rides and add new prototypes."

Photo Gallery

So the rides are:

1. S&S 4D Coaster (I'm riding X2, an S&S 4D, this winter when I visit California)
2. Intamin Inverted Accelerator (while this isn't anywhere near how this will be, I'm riding the Xcelerator at Knott's Berry Farm this winter as well)
3. Intamin ZacSpin (2nd ZacSpin in America)
4. Vekoma/Chance Morgan Dive Pretzel (a prototype =D)
5. Vekoma Stingray (like the ZacSpin, it is unique to America)
6. Vekoma SLC (which I hear are pretty rough)
7. MACK LSM Launch (which is also unique to America... and it really excites me, because I LOVE Blue Fire)
8. Vekoma Motorbike
9. Chance Morgan Unicoaster
10. Intamin Mega Splash (I'm also riding this type of ride at Knott's; Perilous Plunge, if it's not too cold)
11. Mondial Revolution
12. S&S Power Drop Tower (I'm riding Supreme Scream... and 312 ft??? OMG! =O)
13. US Thrill Rides SkyQuest
14. Mondial Splash Over

Sounds like an AWESOME ride count! I gotta admit, if I had to choose what I'm looking forward to the most, it would be the inverted strata, MACK Launch, S&S 4D, and Dive Pretzel! =D

BGT 2011/2012

From emily7793 at Orlando United:

I was speaking with someone today who had spoken to workers at Rhino Rally, and according to them, here are some changes that will be happening in the upcoming year or two:

1)Firing the Men of Note
2)Removing the Real Music, Big Bands and Glory at the Gardens concert series starting in 2012, and replacing them with more contemporary and international concert series.
3)Expanding Rhino Rally after Cheetah Hunt opens, since it just lost it's water portion in May 2010.
4)Re-vamping Rhino Rally, SkyRide and the Train to give them a new contemporary flavoring.
5)Replacing Rock A Doo Wop next year, and Dance to the Music and Critter Castaways in 2012. RADW is rumored to be replaced with a break-dancing show.
6)Re-vamping the Garden Gate Cafe (former Hospitality House).
7)Either replacing or re-vamping the Christmas shows for next year to make them more contemporary and more secular.
8)Putting a new show in Moroccan Palace after Jungle Fantasy's run.
9)The opening of Cheetah Hunt (new roller coaster) next year, which is accompanied by a new animal exhibit: Cheetah Run.
10)Replacing Tut's Tomb with a contemporary attraction.

Thoughts? Some of this seems realistic, but I can't see any changes to the Garden Gate Cafe since it's just opened.

The bolded parts really makes me excited. I haven't ridden Rhino Rally after the wet portion was removed, but I'm going to assume from what I've read (and from my experience in August 1, 2008 with the wet portion down), that it is a pathetic attraction. An expansion will really be exciting (hopefully it includes a new thrill section, but with more reliable technology).

And Tut's Tomb is a waste of space, so hopefully something happens to that too. Can't see anything big going up in that space, but I hope they can do something with the adjacent Egypt Train Station (as far as I know, the only time I heard it was open was when the Nairobi Station was down last summer, while work on Cheetah Hunt was occurring) and the restrooms by Montu to accompany its removal (it still looks like a pretty small space) (*cough*dark ride*cough*).

But it should be interesting to see what happens...

What Could Knott's Be Dealing With...?

Over the past few days I have been reading rumors of what Knott's supposed 2012 coaster may be. There are plenty of rumors that have been spreading around ThemeParkReview. So the rumors are:

MACK LSM Launch Coaster:

It was started about a month ago in the Rumor Superthread (in TPR) by Team Thriller:

I sat with one of the main designers of Mack on Blue Fire on my last trip to Europa Park. (He also as worked with Intanim on some of their coasters as helped actually design Blue Fire) But he told me a Mack Launch Coaster (just like Blue Fire) is heading to a park in California in the next few years. He couldn't tell me which one though, but he told me the park has already purchased it.

While my best guess is SeaWorld San Diego (there have been rumors of Project Reef Runner launch coaster for 2014), Knott's could also be a possibility. Of course, they already have three launch rides (Xcelerator, Pony Express, and Montezooma's Revenge), so that might not be the best market to go after (not that I would hate to see it happen, I would love more MACK launches. Just saying).

Intamin Giga Coaster:

Ranger Rick at MiceChat posted an interesting rumor last summer of a 300 ft. coaster that is housed in Kingdom of the Dinosaurs and would go to the Sky Cabin, and into the backstage area in the south side (which would also mean the removal of Perilous Plunge and the Sky Cabin, which was removed but for WindSeeker instead). This seems likely with Intimidator 305 being a success over in Virginia, and Knott's lacking a true airtime coaster (I haven't been on Xcelerator... but I will this Winter Break). Another rumor was brought up by SharkTums at ThemeParkReview (see a previous post for more info) about a Giga.

B&M Hypercoaster:

This also seems likely, with Cedar Fair spending a plethora of money on B&M hypers in the last few years (Behemoth at Canada's Wonderland, Diamondback at Kings Island, and Intimidator at Carowinds) and, once again, they lack the airtime coaster category.

For now, I'm sticking with the Giga and Hyper (though I also wouldn't mind a MACK Launch like Blue Fire).

WWoHP Universal Studios Hollywood?

From Screamscape:

Park News - (12/3/10) While there has been a lot of talk lately about possible future attractions under development at Universal, there is one big fish in particular out there that the Hollywood park is just dying to get their hands on. The runaway success of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Florida has many Hollywood execs convinced that getting their own version of the Potterverse in Hollywood would be akin to finding the Holy Grail. Normally the big question for Universal Hollywood is trying to determine just where they could put it, given their extreme lack of space. However, with the huge profit margins on record for the Florida version, the question isn’t so much where to put it, but rather what to demolish to make room for it. With those kinds of numbers, I’m told that Universal is ready to put nearly anything and everything under the wrecking ball to make it happen in California.

Not a surprise since the WWoHP in Florida is successful (about a great majority of my friends have experienced and loved the island, and many more are coming). Hopefully this comes true! =D

As for where it may go up, I came up with this possibility: among the attraction removals that will occur in the next decade at USH (part of the Evolution Plan) are Terminator, WaterWorld, and the old Creature theater. When WaterWorld closes, it frees up a plethora of space, which could be used for a version of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff. Hogsmeade can go up in between the WaterWorld site and the Gibson Ampitheater. The Gibson Ampitheater can be torn out for a Dragon Challenge (still prefer First Task) clone (with some difference in height).

As for how it may affect the Backlot Tour... they can relocate some of the sets (like they said they would in the Evolution Plan), and, to prevent noise issues, they can put a sound wall bordering the tour route, and fill the coaster's supports with sand (similar to what they did with the Florida version, after the complaints from Dr. Phillip's High School nearby).

So yeah... hope it's true! =D

I305 Reprofile??

From Screamscape:

Park News - (12/2/10) RCPro has posted a great story about what kind of changes we can expect to see take place on Intimidator 305 over the off season. This report also matches up with what I’ve also heard from my our sources as well. In short… the turnaround and second hill will be reprofiled to remove the excessive G-forces. The good news is that the plan is to remove the brakes from the first drop and let the coaster run wild as intended.

From Mike T at RCPro:

It seems like we're the only people in the enthusiast community that actually know whats going on with the reprofile. So once again... Intimidator 305 was designed to reach speeds of 94 miles per hour, which was the ultimate goal in designing the attraction. Unfortunately when you design a roller coaster of that height with space constraints you tend to run into issues that aren't always going to render as expected - as with the first 270 degree high speed turn. The issue that the park is having with the turn is both mechanical and detrimental to passengers. From a mechanical perspective it's wearing out the road wheels rather quickly, and from a guest perspective the turn is offering an uncomfortable force thats causing riders to black out.

The immediate solution to this issue was to install temporary trim brakes on the first hill, solving these issues but slowing the ride down to a pace that it wasn't designed for. So when the park closed for the season, IntaRide and the team and Kings Dominion began the reprofiling process that will eventually call for the removal of the trim brakes and a return to its previous top speed. Essentially what the park wants to do is widen the turn's diameter to provide a more comfortable riding experience, as well as to reduce excessive wear on the trains themselves.

The bottom line is that Intamin has always been known for pushing the limits - that's their style, and from the sounds of it that's what they will continue to do in the very near future. Back in 2007 when RCPro uncovered the true issues surrounding Maverick's Heartline Roll removal, the circumstances were very similar. High stress on not only the trains but the riders were discovered in preliminary tests - resulting in a modified section of track replacing the element all together.

But regardless of the current situation that Intimidator 305 seems to be in, our immediate sources tell us that the attraction will be better than ever when it reopens for the 2011 season, providing rides that sustain the insane pace that the coaster is known for. This will also be the first time that riders can test out the new restraints with trains moving at their designed velocity.

Wow, this is exciting!! =D

BGW Expansion

I'm just wondering why I didn't post this yet. It is announced.

http://www.buschgardens.com/bgw/CP/?page=BigNews

The expansion for Busch Gardens Williamsburg will be a 2-year expansion with Mäch Tower (the drop tower) and Vanishing Point in 2011, as well as an Oktoberfest retheme. Let's first start with...

Mäch Tower:

This will be a drop tower made by Moser Rides and will stand nearly 240 ft. tall. Here is the fact sheet:

http://www.buschgardensnews.com/bignews/Fact_Sheet_Final.pdf

It includes a speed of 60 mph, and will last 3 minutes. The elements will include a rotating carousel, on-board audio, and seat vibrations, and will carry 30 passengers.

As of November 10, the Katapult flat ride (which it is replacing) is reportedly sitting in the employee parking lot. When Christmastown opened last week, the site is cleared and work is occurring on Mäch Tower.

Vanishing Point:

This is the new water slide at Water Country USA, which will stand 75 ft. tall. It will have two wave paths:

1. You step on a sky box, and the floor drops underneath you, and takes you through some twists.

2. You challenge a 300 ft. long speed slide, with a vertical drop.

Which do you prefer?

New 2012 Multi-Launch Coaster:

This is the thing that interests me. BGW has confirmed a multi-launch coaster for 2012, with some "firsts." Some recent reports from Screamscape:

2012 - New Multi-Launch Coaster - (12/1/10) Screamscape sources are sorting through the news articles and permit applications BGW has submitted for the big 2012 coaster project. The new permits call for a new large 26,000 sqft ‘event building’ that will be 80 feet “above the existing grade” along with a themed bridge 95 feet above the grade. The new ride will make use of the former Big Bad Wolf station building as well. The former BBW ravine area will be “flattened” and a balloon test will be held on Dec 8th to show off how the new building and bridge will look from outside the park limits. With a building this big, it seems almost a given that the ride will feature some kind of indoor segment, which would be a nice addition if done well.
(9/20/10) While not many details were given, Busch Gardens did confirm that a new “multi-launching, high speed, electromagnetic roller coaster” would replace the former Big Bad Wolf coaster in 2012. Other sources have told us that the Big Bad Wolf’s incredible hillside landscape would be put to good use for this new ride as well, and while many are assuming it will be Intamin like Cheetaka in Florida… this ride could end up being a big surprise project from B&M. Could B&M be ready to move into the realm of Lauched coasters? The Magic 8-Ball has predicted that this technology was in the works for some time now. So B&M or Intamin? We’ll have to wait and see.

An indoor segment... okay this park has a B&M Hypercoaster, a drop tower, a simulator still open, and a dark ride... and now (while I think this will be like Cheetah Hunt's ride system but adjusted) they're getting a coaster with indoor segments??? Okay, now I'm officially jealous of Williamsburg! >=(

But seriously, this ride already is looking like it will be epic! =D

I'll keep you updated...

More Knott's Rumors

It's been a while since I last heard of a possible 2012 coaster project for Knott's Berry Farm. But now, looks like the rumor mill is back on, with something bigger than I expected (from SharkTums at ThemeParkReview):

Isn't the strong rumor that they're getting an Intimidator...of the 305 nature?

Okay, after reading this I'm going to cry... because it won't be up when we go this winter!!! >=(

But seriously, I really hope this is true! I still haven't gone on I305 yet, but I think Knott's is lacking in the "airtime" category (*cough*hypers, mega-lites, GIGAS*cough*) unless you count Xcelerator.

Either way, it will be VERY exciting to see this come true... =D

Interesting Rockit Find

White Rabbit posted this interesting find on Orlando United:

Document Filed on November 29, 2005

The things that interests me are these quotes from the document:

A personalized audio system for an amusement ride includes an audio selection system, a guest identification system and a ride vehicle enabled to reproduce audio selections made using the selection system in a specific seat of the ride vehicle corresponding to the seat occupied by the guest who selected the audio during that guest's ride on the amusement ride.

A personalized audio system for a dark ride, high-speed ride, roller coaster or other ride system allows guests to individually select an audio track or song for playback during the ride. The guests enter an audio selection into a selection system associated with an amusement ride they intend to ride prior to being seated in a ride vehicle of the ride. An audio reproduction system reproduces the guests' audio selections for the particular guest occupying a ride vehicle seat. A guest identification system is used to coordinate delivery of the guest's audio selection from the selection system to the correct seat in the ride vehicle. A guest's audio selection is thus delivered to the audio reproduction system for the ride vehicle seat occupied by the guest and then the audio selection is played during the amusement ride operation. The audio reproduction systems are designed so that guest's selections do not interfere with each other.

Sounds a lot like what Rockit is today (well, almost). So Rockit might have been in the planning since 2005?? Hmmm... I really like interesting things like that...

X Raptor Update #4

While the drop is not up yet, there is still something interesting under the airtime hill. It seems like there will be a concrete arch. Hmmm... makes me wonder if this will be the entrance for this ride.

Anyways, while this next one is outdated (last week), I still think it's worth showing (from matteocrepaldi at ThemeParkReview):














It looks like most of the layout is finished! I can't wait to see the drop up and the trains on site! =D

Son of Beast Update #2

From Screamscape:

Son Of Beast Status - Closed Until Further Notice - (11/24/10) Is there a glimmer of hope for Son of Beast? Well… not for 2011, but according to an anonymous source who was at IAAPA last week, they claim to have overhead a conversation between someone from Cedar Fair and the Rocky Mountain guys about possibly doing work on Son of Beast in the future. Of course this may be every coaster fanboys dream rumor being talked about as well... so take this with a grain of salt until we hear something more serious.
(8/13/10) We’ve heard from several sources that the work taking place in the Son of Beast station building is indeed for a new Halloween Haunt attraction and not part of a covert effort to get the ride running again.

Is there still hope? Oh I hope (not a pun) so... maybe it's not "Doom and Gloom" after all! =D Just keep your fingers crossed!

Blog Enhancements

As of yesterday, I started adding labels to my posts to better organize my blog. I'm in May 2010, and my goal is to have it done before I go to California in December. Hopefully I can complete it by then! =D

Terminator Replacement Rumors

From Screamscape:

2014 - Avatar 4D - Rumor - (11/24/10) Over the last few weeks I’ve been hearing whispers of a possible attraction concept in the works to replace Terminator 2: 3-D at Universal Hollywood. Ironicly enough, today the LA Times also reported that T2:3-D in Hollywood is on the short list of attractions on the chopping block over the next few years. The Orlando version of the attraction has also been rumored to be up for replacement as well for the past few years.
If the rumors are true, Universal may be in talks with James Cameron once again about creating a new 4D attraction, this time based on the Avatar film series. Yes… I said series. There are now two more films in the works, tentatively planned to be shot back to back and released in 2014 and 2015. The hope is to release the new Avatar attraction into the parks in time to take advantage of all the hype these two films generate, so I’d look for it to open by Summer 2014 if they go through with it.

While I'd rather see an Avatar ride than a show, I'm all for any kind of Avatar attraction (the film was epic, when I saw it back in February)! =D

So now Terminator's removal actually makes sense now (the main reason why I doubted this rumor was that the replacement would be Transformers, which I could not see replace T2. I can see Transformers replacing Disaster or Twister). I wouldn't be surprised to see an Avatar attraction in the future (the film is the highest grossing film in the world). I think Universal will do this right! =)

As for Terminator, while I don't care for the attraction these days, I guess I'm going to have to watch it one last time this Thanksgiving when I go, just in case they remove it in the near future.

Now if only they burn Fear Factor down soon...

Universal Studios Hollywood 20-Year Plan

From LA Times:

A long-term plan for Universal Studios Hollywood envisions adding seven new theme park attractions over the next two decades while removing or relocating several studio backlot tour favorites, including the "Jaws" lake, the "War of the Worlds" disaster scene and the famed "Psycho" house and Bates Motel.

The $3 billion NBC Universal Evolution Plan lays out a proposed blueprint for the 391-acre Universal City property in the San Fernando Valley, including new movie studio production facilities, CityWalk retail space and a residential neighborhood.

Additionally, the plan calls for 146,000 square feet of new attractions at the movie and television theme park. Inside the park, the 20-year plan also calls for three current attractions to be replaced: the "Terminator 2: 3D" special effects show, the "WaterWorld" stunt show and former "Fear Factor Live" theater.

Both the "T2" and "WaterWorld" shows, based on 1990s movies, have long been candidates for replacement. The former "Fear Factor" stage, which currently houses the relocated "Special Effects Stage," has played host to a number of theatrical duds over the years, including "Spider-Man Rocks" and "Creature from the Black Lagoon: The Musical."

The theme park plan also calls for the eventual removal of the Flintstones carnival midway games. No replacements for any of the theme park attractions have been announced. The "King Kong 360 3-D" drive-through movie, which made its debut this summer, and the Transformers special effects dark ride, scheduled to open in 2012, are not part of the growth plan.

Under the envisioned plan, the Studio Tour could see even bigger changes over the next 20 years. The footprint of the proposed 124-acre residential neighborhood would force the demolition or relocation of the Whoville village, the "Curse of the Mummy" revolving tunnel, the "War of the Worlds" plane crash set and the Falls Lake blue screen pond. Wisteria Lane from "Desperate Housewives" and the iconic "Psycho" house would be relocated to other areas of the backlot.

Under the plan, four new backlot attractions could be added to the Studio Tour, including proposed buildings near the seaside "Jaws" village of Amity and the "Fast & the Furious" special effects car show. The other two proposed backlot attractions are envisioned for areas not currently on the tour.

Next door to the theme park in the CityWalk retail center, Universal imagines a 3,000-seat theater that could host a permanent entertainment troupe such as Blue Man Group, which currently performs at the Universal CityWalk in Orlando, Fla.

Los Angeles city planners recently released a 39,000-page draft environmental impact report identifying possible effects of the proposed development, including increased traffic, on the surrounding area.

http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/themeparks/la-trb-universal-studios-hollywood-20101119,1,6285543.story

So according to these plans, the Studio Tour is getting improved, a new CityWalk venue, and... oho! Terminator and Waterworld getting replaced, as well as the old Castle Theater.

Makes me wonder if Terminator in Florida is next to go too...

B&M Track Plant Trivia

Maybe it's the new blue B&M track, but I'm starting to look back at the B&M track reported late last year. From Screamscape (for more info):

(12/21/09) One of our readers has posted a few new pictures taken outside the plant that makes all the world’s B&M coaster track. While there wasn’t all that much to see in the snow, there were a couple of pieces of Blue-ish track in the background here, as well as some small support pieces on the ground here.

And it seems to match this pic (a little) from Gutterflower at ThemeParkReview of the new Starry Night Ripper (B&M Flyer) at World Joyland, China:



















So I guess that track was for this new coaster (BTW, this B&M flyer is the first to have a regular loop). I gotta say, this coaster looks cool! =D

Guess This Solves the Yellow B&M Mystery...

Haha, looks like I was wrong about it and X-Raptor being the same. From Screamscape:

(2/1/10) I don’t know much about this rumor, but we’ve heard that B&M maybe actually be building a brand new Stand-Up coaster for Ocean Park as early as 2011. Anyone know more?

From Nosferatu at ThemeParkReview:

It hasn't been confirmed yet, but First Drop reported it was for the expansion of Ocean Park in Hong Kong!

And this pic looks to be the expansion of this park:



















And that track looks yellow... which matches the color of the yellow B&M spotted last year (this pic is from ThemeParkReview):



















So guess this exposes the mystery... cool! =D

Parc Asterix 2012

Looks like B&M is getting pretty busy in Europe within the next two years. First Gardaland's prototype (X-Raptor), Heide Park's Dive Machine (Krake)... and now this (from Screamscape):

2012 - B&M Inverted Coaster - Rumor - (11/15/10) The latest issue of First Drop magazine confirms the long standing rumor that Parc Asterix is ready to build a B&M Inverted coaster the 2012 season. According to the article the ride will have an Egyptian theme and be the anchor for a new themed area. You can find a picture of the layout the posted here, which looks to have a unique layout as well as a reported “underwater tunnel” feature. You can even find a NoLimits coaster layout preview of what the ride may be like here.
(3/27/10) Screamscape sources have confirmed to us that Parc Asterix will be adding a new B&M Inverted coaster for their 2011 season, and not an Intamin ride.
(3/1/10) Its been awhile since we’re heard much from Parc Asterix, but I’m hearing that a new themed serious thrill coaster is in the park’s future for 2011. Lord knows that the park is long overdue for a new coaster as the last one installed was way back in 2001, which was the Trace Du Hourra bobsled coaster from Mack. So far Intamin’s name is dropped most often, so I’ve got to wonder if perhaps they are looking to build their own version of Maverick.

And is that a dive loop I see... on an Inverted coaster...???

This looks incredible! It also looks like there will be an underwater tunnel! =D

And as for the theme... hmmm... blue-ish paint, yellow supports, and an Egyptian theme... doesn't that sound familiar to us BGT fans... =P **cough**Montu**cough**

And from Screamscape (today):

B&M - (11/22/10) One of our readers went by the B&M track production facility this week and found a whole yard full of new mysterious Blue track for an unknown project. Nothing odd to see about this track, as it all looks to be fairly standard B&M track size and style.
While the exact nature of the B&M Track Tags are somewhat of a mystery, I’ve been working on trying to break the code for some time and have a few speculative hints I can share. I’ve come to believe that when the Customer section reads “X-WORKS” it means that the track is for an international destination. I still believe that the letter codes at the start of the “Part No.” are also an indication of what kind of coaster this will be. This track is coded as “IC” which I believe stands for Inverted Coaster. Since this track does not match the color used for the only 2011 Inverted Coaster project known, Starry Night Ripper in China, then I can only assume that we are looking at a 2012 coaster project. The latest issue of First Drop magazine mentions that Parc Asterix is planning a new B&M Inverted coaster for 2012, so this could be it.

These next pics are coming from Screamscape:
































This, I gotta say, looks like it is indeed for an inverted coaster... and it even gets us closer to solving the B&M Mystery Yellow Track that was spotted last year... =D

I305 and Cheetah Hunt Updates

Intimidator 305:

From redfoot12 at KDFansite:

So it looks like Robb Alvey from TPR spoke with Sandor Kernacs from Intamin at IAAPA. He posted the following:

"Sandor tells me there will be some changes in i305, and I'm not allowed to mention what I was told, but let me tell you the locals will not be disappointed!!!"

Hmmm... so something big is possibly happening with I305!!

Hopefully this is an overbanked turn addition, and the removal of the trims. =D

Cheetah Hunt:

So recently vertical construction has finally begun on Cheetah Hunt. Here's some links to RCPro's recent updates:

http://www.rcprocommunity.com/showthread.php?2421-RCPro-Busch-Gardens-Tampa-Update-Mega-Thread!-New-update-11-20-10&p=39543&viewfull=1#post39543

http://www.rollercoasterpro.com/updates/bgt11.19.10/

http://www.rollercoasterpro.com/updates/bgt11.15.10/

Here's an Orlando United update:

http://www.orlandounited.com/?p=547

And a JohnnyUpsideDown update:

http://www.johnnyupsidedown.com/cheetahunt4.html

So the final brake run, transfer track, and station track is now up. Can't wait till they start on the launch tower! =D

Speaking of which, BGT posted an update behind the construction walls, where they describe the launch tower as the "Windcatcher Tower." Could this be the name of the launch tower??

It seems pretty cool! =D Can't wait!

More On Hersheypark 2012

From Screamscape:

2012 - Attraction 2012 - (11/19/10) Screamscape sources tell us that the station for the 2012 coaster will indeed take over the current Tilt-A-Whirl site, with the ride’s queue taking over the site of the nearby bathroom in Comet Hollow. While we don’t know the entire layout, our source says to expect to see it go down past the Comet’s entrance and follow the creek up to the existing dam area by the picnic pavilion near the Comet’s turnaround.

I wonder if construction has already started... I remember hearing that construction for Diamondback started in October 2007, with a 2009 opening. While I don't think this is as big as Diamondback, I'm pretty sure this coaster's construction will start pretty soon.

Hersheypark 2012 Rumor

From deathbydinn at ThemeParkReview:

Just something I noticed, in the IAAPA video that was recently posted the person Robb interviewed from Maurer said that they were in discussions for something in America that they can't talk about until April and since Hershey is announcing it next spring..perhaps they're working with Maurer on something?

So Maurer could make this? Hmmm... well after the problems with Rockit at Universal, I'm not sure if this is possible... but I would LOVE for that to happen (but who knows, maybe it could be for Kentucky Kingdom's promised 2012 coaster). Coasterfreak101 at ThemeParkReview made a cool idea for one too:

There's nothing saying that Maurer can't use those new four-across X-car trains and make themselves a good hyper.

In case you don't know, these are the 4-across X-Car trains:

http://www.maurer-rides.com/x-train/



In the middle of the train, there is floor, but in the outer train, there is NO FLOOR (which makes it like a Wing-Rider)!!! =O

Okay, this I hope is true (despite Rockit's problems). So I hope for either the following:

A B&M Dive Machine.
A B&M Wing Rider (X Raptor).
A B&M Flyer.
A Maurer "Hyper."
An Intamin Mega Lite.

So many possiblities... =D

Kentucky Kingdom News

Recently, Ed Hart promised a new coaster for a revived Kentucky Kingdom:

The Kentucky State Fair Board will be asked next month to consider a $50 million bond issue to help upgrade and reopen the Kentucky Kingdom amusement park next to the Kentucky Exposition Center.

Developer Ed Hart, who was designated in May by the fair board as the park's preferred operator, said his proposal calls for park revenue to pay off the bonds over the next 20-plus years, covering an annual debt of about $3million.

He said the park's reopening is dependent on a public-private partnership. He described the state's contribution as an investment in a community facility worth about $200million.

Among Hart's plans are spending $20million to add a major ride and to double the size of the water park.

“My goal is to see Kentucky Kingdom flourish again, and it can. It will pay for itself,” said Hart, who headed a group that owned Kentucky Kingdom from 1988-97. He sold the park in 1997, for about $80million, to Six Flags, which closed it early this year.

Six Flags has filed for bankruptcy in Delaware. The court is expected soon to approve agreements with the fair board under which Six Flags would end its obligations for the park.

In an interview earlier this week, Hart said he will submit a business plan and a proposed lease for operating the park when the fair board meets in October.

Fair board president Harold Workman said the bond issue and the investment in the park make sense, but would require General Assembly approval in 2011.

He noted that a new state-funded economic impact study found that the return on the investment would be “pretty significant, a little better than I thought it might be.”

The $50,000 study done by the AECOM consulting firm and paid for by the fair board and the Kentucky Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet, found that revenue from a reopened Kentucky Kingdom would be around $11million and include more than $1million in annual lease payments from Hart, new tax revenue and money taken in by hotels and restaurants near the fairgrounds.

The study said the park's reopening would eventually create about 1,200 jobs, primarily hospitality positions and some construction employment.

Hart said he is proposing that the state spend $8million of the bond money to add a “marquee” roller coaster. (The park plans to keep six existing coasters.)

Another $12million would go to expand Hurricane Bay water park, which was renamed Splashwater Kingdom, doubling its size and adding 16 water slides along with four new water towers. Other improvements would include a wave lagoon and a quarter-mile adventure river.

Hart's proposal calls for most of the rest of the bond money to cover upgrades of park infrastructure.

Both Hart and Workman said the goal is to have the park reopened by Memorial Day 2011.

Hart pledged the reopened park will have free parking, other good deals such as free use of inner tubes, and $1 for all drinks. He said the cost of admission and season passes would be “very competitive” with other regional theme parks.

He projected that the park would draw at least 1 million paid visitors in its first full year. Some of that gain would be achieved by sharply increasing advertising in regional cities, such as Cincinnati and Nashville, Hart said.

He is proposing an initial annual lease payment to the fair board of around $1.2million. The lease would let Hart rent about 50 acres at the expo center for theme park facilities, with nearly all of the land outside of Ring Road.

The proposed lease also would permit Kentucky Kingdom to use about 20 now-vacant acres for parking in the old Ashton Adair neighborhood owned by the fair board. A new park entrance would be developed off Phillips Lane, west of Gate 1.

Hart said the business plan will call for him to set aside a “significant sum” every year — a figure he declined to disclose — for investing in new rides and other park improvements.

Chad Carlton, Mayor Jerry Abramson's spokesman, said the theme park would be a major job creator and have a positive impact on the region's economy. “We very much would like to see (the park) reopened as soon as is practical.”

Hart already has paid $3million to the fair board, which under a deal between the board and Six Flags, used $2.35million to give to Six Flags to acquire about 20 acres of amusement park land that Six Flags owns outside the road circling the exposition center. The rest of the $3million will go for maintenance, security and other costs. The state deal with Six Flags is subject to expected bankruptcy court approval.

However, it seems that it will not open until 2012:

Kentucky Kingdom will not be open next summer, as originally hoped, but instead will aim for a 2012 reopening.

The delay is tied to the need to get the General Assembly’s approval of bonds that would be issued to finance improvements at the amusement park, which was abruptly abandoned by the Six Flags system earlier this year, in proper order.

The State Fair Board intends to recommend that the 2011 legislature, which convenes in January, authorize the sale of an estimated $50 million tax-exempt bond issue to pay for the upgrades, including at least two major new attractions and an expanded water park.

The state would have little financial risk with the bonds and Harold Workman, fair board president, said, “Every public official we have met with supports the park’s reopening” at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

The bond debt, likely to be around $3 million a year for 20 or more years, would be retired out of revenue generated by Kentucky Kingdom, which will be operated by the Kentucky Kingdom Redevelopment Co. headed by investor Ed Hart.

Hart had been scheduled to present a preliminary business plan for the revamped park’s operation to the fair board at a meeting Thursday. But the fair board postponed the presentation and gave Hart until March 31 to refine the plan, to negotiate a lease for the park and to give the legislature time to consider the bonds. The fair board owns about 60 acres where the park will operate.

Hart declined to comment beyond a news release issued jointly with the fair board after the agency’s meeting.

Hart said recently that he had at least a preliminary business plan ready for the fair board’s consideration. Hart said in the prepared statement that “we share in the disappointment that the park will not be ready to open next spring.…We will certainly do our best to bring Kentucky Kingdom back as soon as is reasonably possible.”

Workman told the board that all signs point to the park’s resumption of full operation in 2012.

He said in an interview that the board initially held out hope to have the park open perhaps as early as summer 2011, because it hadn’t ruled out financing the park’s improvements through conventional lending sources. But he said prevailing commercial interest rates are prohibitive to large borrowing.

He also acknowledged that the fair board approached the city about issuing tax-exempt bonds for the park’s makeover but that city officials indicated that they felt they already had a “full plate.” In addition, the park is on state, not city, property.

Hart said in the statement that keeping an interim agreement with the fair board in place for as long as five more months will give him time to fix more precisely the costs of repair and replacement of the park rides, buildings, equipment and infrastructure.

“Kentucky Kingdom is like a small city. It takes time to prepare it for opening,” Hart said in the statement.

Hart previously operated Kentucky Kingdom throughout most of the 1990s and sold the park to Six Flags for about $80 million in 1997.

In an interview, Workman said federal bankruptcy court in Delaware has approved all the transactions between the fair board and Six Flags, which is in bankruptcy proceedings. The approvals give the fair board clear title to all the remnants of Kentucky Kingdom. The board has agreed, for now, to share the ownership of the rides and property with Hart to provide collateral for $3 million that he has paid the fair board.

The board used $2.35 million of the payment was given to Six Flags so the fair board would acquire about 20 acres of amusement park land that the company owned outside the road circling the exposition center. The rest of the money is going for maintenance, security and other costs.

Hart’s preliminary business plan predicts that the park would draw at least 1 million paid visitors in its first full year, with Hart intending to promote the park across the region. He has proposed an annual lease payment to the fair board of around $1.2 million.

Hart intends to develop a new entrance into Kentucky Kingdom off Phillips Lane and to offer free parking rather than have patrons pay $8 to park at the fairgrounds.

The business plan calls for spending $20.3 million of the $50 million from the proposed bond issue for new attractions, including about $8 million for a new roller coaster. The rest of the budget calls for: $9.3 million to repair existing rides; $3.8 million for site work and water park expansion; $2.4 million for new buildings; $2.1 million for repair and relocation of existing rides; $2.1 million to replace existing equipment; $2.3 million for a new parking lot off Phillips Lane; $2.4 million for repair of existing buildings; and most of the rest for contractors, demolition, contingencies, landscaping and signs.

A recent state-funded study found that economic impact of a reopened Kentucky Kingdom could be about $11 million a year, including tax revenue and money taken in by hotels and restaurants near the fairgrounds.

Workman said he is confident that the park’s economic benefits “will make a strong case for funding, when we approach the legislature in January.”

“We have made great progress” since Six Flags walked away from its long-term lease early this year, Workman said.

“A lot of issues have been worked out, and the board is committed to reopening Kentucky Kingdom. But there is still a lot of work to do,” said fair board chairman Ron Carmicle.

Link

Now, something very nice is coming out of this. From Screamscape:

Park News - (11/17/10) A few new videos (five I think) have been added to the Kentucky Kingdom YouTube page, where they answer a few more questions about rides and the project’s status. One question addresses the intended new use of the 10 acres used for the old entrance (for bigger/taller rides!), as well as questions about Chang, Quake and Twisted Twins. Oh… and Chang’s replacement is promised to be an “equal if not better than Chang”. The old Chang site will however be used to expand the waterpark.
Twisted Twins, which may have it’s name changed back to Double Trouble perhaps (the intended name Ed Hart had for it) will undergo a $3 million refurbishment and reprofile, as well as have brand new trains purchased for it.
(11/15/10) According to the official Kentucky Kingdom facebook page, the new park operators do plan on restoring and reopening the Twisted Twins wooden coaster. In a public response to a question about that coaster, the official answer was, “At this point, our plan calls to completely renovate it and re-open the dual wooden coasters!”
(11/13/10) Kentucky Kingdom has launched an all new website at KentuckyKingdom.com. While there isn’t much to see, perhaps the most interesting thing is that they have put a picture of a Maurer X-Car coaster right on the front page. A hint about the park’s intended new coaster project perhaps?

So with the replacement of Chang said to be better than it... hmmm? And rumor has it, they may reprofile Twisted Twins and rename it Double Trouble. That's great news! =D

I'm still waiting to see what this new coaster may be...

Cedar Point 2012

Well, with WindSeeker going up at Cedar Point for 2011, it makes us coaster geeks wonder what is coming 2012. It has been 3 years since Cedar Point's last new coaster (I remember thinking there would be a coaster for 2010, but instead it was Shoot the Rapids, and last summer, I was thinking there would be a 2011 coaster, but instead it was WindSeeker), with Maverick being the last one in 2007. For a huge coaster park like Cedar Point, that is pretty frustrating (not that the other additions were stupid, they look fun. Just saying...). 2012 seems like an appropriate window not only because of how long they have gone without a new coaster, but Six Flags Magic Mountain (in a previous blog post) has took the coaster crown from Cedar Point, by adding Little Flash and Green Lantern.

So 2012 seems like the correct time for a new coaster, but what will it be? I remember reading rumors of an Intamin prototype last summer for next year (but again, it was WindSeeker). I wonder if that rumor is still alive, and if it will come in 2012 (things like a new prototype from a coaster manufacturer take time). I've also read rumors back in 2009 (for the 2010 season) there could be a GCI Wooden Coaster like the one CGA was supposed to get (in 2009) in 2010, which seems like another possibility for 2012.

And another question is where it will go up? Recently, Ocean Motion has been confirmed to move to the old Demon Drop site to make room for WindSeeker. But some rumors are spreading that it will be for one year (though I half doubt it, half wonder). If they were to remove Ocean Motion right before the 2011 season ends, they could reuse that space as a queue for a new coaster (with the station further in the parking lot behind it), and they could tear out that parking lot for the coaster, as well as some of the beach behind Disaster Transport. The coaster can even go over Disaster Transport itself, and wrap around the Space Spiral observation tower, and include a 500 ft. tower after the first launch (by Space Spiral).

Another possibility is Chaos. Recently there have been rumors that this may be Chaos's last season (the ride was up for sale for a year). While it's location is by no means big enough for a coaster, it could become the station area, with a launch over the pathway by Space Spiral, as well as right by the tower itself, and possibly a 500 ft tower (not Kingda Ka/TTD type, but a huge airtime hill) into the portion of the parking lot I mentioned in the other idea (including some of the beach behind Disaster Transport and over Disaster Transport, but this time around, they go with some airtime hills over the pathway by Space Spiral and over Disaster Transport's entrance.

Now say the Demon Drop area is the site for a new coaster for 2012 (if it were to happen), I can foresee this scenario in construction:

As of now, Ocean Motion has been confirmed to move to the old Demon Drop site for 2011, so if it were to be removed soon, it would not be in the beginning of 2011. With the parking lot behind it involved with this coaster (my idea that is), I can see the parking lot torn out sometime this off-season, and land clearing and footer work occurring throughout the 2011 season. Near the end of the season, once they announce the coaster, Ocean Motion closes for good, and they start work on the queue.

This is all just speculation, keep that in mind. I just think the 2012 season seems like an appropriate time for a new coaster.

Six Flags Magic Mountain has 18 COASTERS!

I forgot to mention this, but as of last month, it looks like Cedar Point is no longer the "coaster capital of the world," as Six Flags Magic Mountain has announced that in 2011, they will be adding 2 NEW COASTERS as well as a Superman renovation (bringing the coaster count to 18), as part of Six Flags' 50th anniversary. So let me split things up:

Superman: Escape From Krypton

This is the long-rumored revamp of Superman: The Escape. As rumored, the cars will be running backwards up the tower, which will be repainted (BTW, it seems work has begun on repainting it). The top half of the tower will be painted red, and the bottom half (as well as the station track) will be blue, with the railings on both parts being yellow. This looks like fun... and thank god they didn't turn it into Bizarro (Scream deserves it more)!

Green Lantern:

Remember those "Project: 18" rumors. Guess this is the result: America's first Intamin ZacSpin coaster. And boy, is Six Flags in love with Green Lantern or what (first Great Adventure, now Magic Mountain)? XD In case you don't know what a ZacSpin is, here is an example:

http://www.rcdb.com/4309.htm?p=24897

This coaster is Insane at Gröna Lund in Sweden. That looks like fun (and thankfully, SFMM isn't the only park to get a ZacSpin in America in the near future, as rumor has it, Orlando Thrill Park might build one with the park)! =D

Little Flash:

Originally for installation in 2010 as "Mr. Six's DanceCoaster," this is a relocated kiddie coaster from the now-defunct Six Flags New Orleans. It was originally going to go up by Deja Vu, with site prep already going on, but it turns out it will go up near Bug's Bunny World. When the 3-coaster experience was announced, it was going to be called "Kid's Coaster" (which I thought was a silly name, even for a kiddie coaster), but the name was changed to "Little Flash."

Now for the schedule, at least according to Six Flags' Q3 Report.

Superman: Escape From Krypton will complete its transformation and open in Spring Break 2011.

Little Flash will open early May 2011.

Green Lantern will open by Memorial Weekend 2011.

And here are some pics from Screamscape:



1. Superman: Escape From Krypton



2. Green Lantern



3. Little Flash and Others





4. Green Lantern Logo



5. Superman: Escape From Krypton construction pic from Sidra at ThemeParkReview.

Sounds like 2011 is an exciting year for Six Flags Magic Mountain (and the other Six Flags parks as well, other than Six Flags America, Mexico, and Great Escape who are getting NOTHING!). =D

Too bad they won't be ready by the time I go this Winter... =(

Park Updates #6

Orlando Thrill Park:

From Screamscape:

Central Florida News - (11/13/10) One of our readers who got a closer look at the plans for the Orlando Thrill Park identified a few more rides for us. One was an Intamin Mega-Splash, very much like Perilous Plunge at Knott’s Berry Farm, another was a Chance Revolution flat ride and the most exciting was a Vekoma Stingray coaster, an ultra compact Flyer design with a vertical lift hill. One of the slides also clearly shows off the classic layout of a Vekoma “SLC” Inverted coaster, like The Hangman at Wild Adventuers. (...)
(11/12/10) Some new artwork for the proposed Orlando Thrill Park was shown off to local residents this week, and you can find some pictures of it posted here. Included are some overhead layout drawings of the proposed coasters, but I’m not sure if you can gleem too much information from these. Perhaps the most reveling clues were some of the text shots that described one of the coasters as a ‘Motobike Launch Coaster / 55 ft height” and the monster 425 ft coaster is listed as “Inverted Accelerator Coaster / 425 ft height”. That note right there may give you shivers… as an Inverted version of Kingda Ka or Top Thrill Dragster could be a real treat. Anyone go to this meeting and snap some better shots of the map for themselves?

Okay, the time I hear that an inverted Intamin Strata is coming to Florida is when I start drooling over this... oh, how I hope this is true! =D

And here is the link to the artwork:

http://www.wftv.com/slideshow/news/25759223/detail.html

According to the artwork it seems to include the following (from quotes):

1. "Ride 1 Inverted Accelerator Coaster 425 ft height" (world's first Intamin Inverted Strata)
2. "Ride 5 Motorbike Launch Coaster 55 ft height" (Vekoma Motorbike)
3. "Ride 3 ZacSpin Coaster 82 ft height" (Intamin ZacSpin, 2nd in America)
4. "Ride 7 Stingray Flying Coaster 106 ft height" (Vekoma Stingray)
5. "Ride 8 Drop Tower 312 ft height" (*manufacturer guess unknown* Drop Tower)
6. "Ride ? Revolution 74 ft height" (Chance Revolution)
7. "Ride 4 Mega Splash 121 ft height" (Intamin Mega Splash)
8. Vekoma SLC

There are also some unknown rides, possibly some kind of hyper coaster made by B&M or Intamin (oh please let this be true!! =D) and another Intamin Blitz coaster (Maverick, Cheetah Hunt).

Sounds good to me! =D

Busch Gardens Tampa:

Track has yet to go up, but a plethora of footers have been poured in the first trench/first launch/second launch area, with the bridge (that goes over it) frame taking shape. There is also work going on inside the old Clydesdale Hamlet, which will become home to Cheetah Run. As for the construction in the middle, it seems that land clearing has expanded from the second trench to the third trench (which recently got metal frames). In the upper portion, footers have also been poured in the old wet portion of Rhino Rally. Also, according to BGTNation's latest update, it seems that vertical construction will start NEXT WEEK. I'm just wondering why vertical construction hasn't started now.

In any case, I'm VERY excited!

Gardaland:

More track has gone up for X Raptor, featuring a third inversion:

http://www.theparks.it/gardaland-p1/notizie/2010/11/ufficializzata-la-terza-inversione-per-x-raptor-n875/

It seems to be an inline twist. Sounds like this ride is going to be pretty intense.