From cfc at ThemeParkReview... looks like Big Bad Wolf is no more:
"The old Drachen Fire station, which was infested with vampires last October. In the past, you couldn't see it from here--there was a Bavarian village and red ribbon of steel in the way."
"Now it's all gone."
"Well, except for the station . . ."
". . . and the Big Bad Wolf Memorial Stump."
"RIP, Big Bad Wolf."
I just hope whatever will replace Wolf will be great... like that rumored new land (with a B&M flying coaster or an Intamin blitz coaster (like whatever BGT is getting in 2011), and a freefall).
What is your Top 2 Favorite and Least Favorite Attractions at USF?
Mine?
Favorite:
1. A tie with Spider-Man and Hulk. Spidey has to be the best 3D dark ride in the world! Hulk's launch is awesome!
2. Dr. Doom's Fearfall. I love freefalls, what can I say?
Least Favorite:
1. Pteranodon Flyers. You can't go if you're taller than 56'' (without a child). That's lame. If it goes for the Helicopters simulator or a bigger coaster (or even a Vekoma junior suspended), I'll be all for it.
2. Poseidon's Fury. Seriously, they could've done it WAY better. And without the water vortex, it's even lamer.
What is your Top 2 Favorite and Least Favorite Attractions at USF?
Mine?
Favorite:
1. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit --> I love that vertical lift and the song choices. 2. Revenge of the Mummy/Simpsons --> Mummy was a scary ride, and that's what I like. Simpsons has to be the best motion simulator in the world! (I deem Spidey a 3D dark ride)
Least Favorite:
1. Fear Factor Live --> It's an atrocious waste of space. COME ON MAMMA MIA!!!!!! =D 2. Disaster --> It's not horrible. I think it's an okay attraction. But if something big replaces it (*cough*Transformers*cough*), I wouldn't mind, lol. Maybe it's because my cousin was in the film at the end that I like it.
This is the last update of the Intimidators. So, no more after this one, now that the coasters are pretty much set (Intimidator at Carowinds is open, while I305 opens at the end of the week).
Intimidator at Carowinds is open. See a POV from RollerCoasterExpert:
I'm very emotional. I've been watching the coaster since last summer. Now it is open. It looks very neat!
Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion opens tomorrow for Media Day (and just in time for April Fools), while officially opening to the public as well on April 2nd. Speaking of I305... here's a teaser video from Clint Novak of CoasterCrew (including some real POV of the coaster):
That second hill looks steeper than I thought it would. Also, once again... the webcam paused (since March 15th, 2010). But I don't care now... it's pretty much done now. Testing started March 14th, BTW.
So now that the Timmies are pretty much taken care of, all that's left is Busch Gardens Tampa... AND YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN RIGHT BUSCH?!?! DON'T LIE... I KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING!!! GIVE US THE DANG COASTER!!! I'm expecting an announcement from you, Busch... I know it! Sesame Street's done! And you said Intamin or Vekoma track would arrive after Sesame Street is done! And NO TRACK!!! BLEH! I expect an announcement from you, Busch, by the end of this school year... or else!
Sorry, I just had to do that... I'm too excited for that Blitz Coaster... XD
Anyways, this concludes "the Updates of the Intimidators." Glad you stuck around for my humor.
And now... I will start throwing buckets of water on Busch Gardens' head, unless they announce that coaster now! XD
X2 at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California (Coasterforce), an Arrow (S&S) 4th Dimension coaster. This was Arrow's last coaster, before merging with S&S Power.
Furius Baco at PortAventura in Spain (Coasterforce), an Intamin Wing Rider.
So look for the B&M prototype to be kinda like that. =)
2011 - Roller Coaster - Rumor - (3/27/10) B&M sure are going to be busy in Europe for the 2011 season, as they are also rumored to be installing their new top secret coaster project into Gardaland next year. While we don’t have a name for the design yet, it was described as being a B&M version of S&S’s 4th Dimension coaster concept… however the seats will not spin. Without the spinning seats however, I’m more inclined to say that the experience may be more like Intamin’s Wing Rider design used so far only once as Furius Baco at PortAventura. I’m told that Gardaland may place this new coaster where the former “jungle” themed ride used to be. (3/1/10) Screamscape sources tell us that Gardaland is working with B&M on a top secret new coaster project for 2011. Little is known at this point, but I hope to find out more soon.
Gardaland is in Italy.
Ummm... WHOA!!!! =O
EDIT: I also remember these updates late last year and early this year:
(1/7/10) Early rumors are starting to drop here and there indicating that B&M is hard at work on some kind of new coaster design. I suppose it’s about time anyway since B&M haven’t really invented a new design since we saw the first Flying coasters open back in 2002. So I guess the real question is… what’s left? We’ve got Standing, Sitting, Flying, Floorless, Inverted and Diving… so perhaps they are ready to full embrace the Launched coaster concept, as Incredible Hulk was a special one-shot only creation. (11/24/09) If you take a listen to the Season Pass Podcast with John Wardley, he mentions near the end of the interview (aprox 56:40) that he is “working with B&M on their next new product.” Hmmm… let the speculation begin!
"2012 - Transformers - Confirmed - (3/29/10) Another inside source has reconfirmed to us that it looks like the Transformers ride may indeed have been pushed back to 2012 for Hollywood, thus pitting the battling bots up against the Cars themed Radiator Springs Racers opening at Disney’s California Adventures park that same year."
Well, looks like another Simpsons Ride issue has occurred.
On the bright side... I sense a war in 2012 in California:
Disneyland Resort: Cars Land Universal Studios Hollywood: Transformers Knotts: ??? Six Flags Magic Mountain: ???
"2011 - Transformers - Confirmed - (3/27/10 We have received word from an insider than Special Effects Soundstage and Backdraft are both set to close down on April 1tth to begin construction for the new Transformers ride. While Transformers is still supposed to open for 2011, lots of rumors have been floating around lately claiming it may have bene pushed back until 2012 at USH, allowing for the first version to open in Singapore in 2011 and work out all the bugs first."
Good news: Transformers is moving along.
Bad news: There might be another Simpsons Ride issue (back in the planning stages, BTTF's closure kept getting pushed back even to 2008, but closed 2007. BTTF was originally closing 2006, and the Simpsons Ride was supposed to be a 2007 addition, but due to issues with the performers, those events were pushed a year).
I'm still trying to wonder why Florida can't get Transformers. Don't say it's because of Spidey. Again, if Disney can build three omni-mover dark rides (especially two in the same park!), then Universal can build Transformers.
From ThrillsCentral, it looks like Intimidator is open. That's a POV of it. Gotta say, it looks nice.
With Sesame Street Safari of Fun at Busch Gardens Tampa open, as well as Intimidator at Carowinds, all that's left is Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion to open, and then I'll shift my complete attention to Project 2011 at Busch Gardens Tampa and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure.
Well, looks like Iron Wolf is ready for 2010. You can see that there are no Chang trains on it. Dang it! **bangs head** I just hope they convert Chang to a floorless (or send it to another park) and put the Chang trains on Iron Wolf later (2011?).
So unless they add the trains later to Iron Wolf... looks like B&M's first coaster is doomed. I just hope that if they remove it, they relocate it to another park, and they do not scrap it. It's a legend. Yeah it's rough from what I've heard... but IT'S A DANG LEGEND!!!!!
Yesterday, Sesame Street Safari of Fun had it's media day. I gotta say, it's an improvement over the old Land of the Dragons area. I still kinda miss Land of the Dragons. Oh well, at least they have more rides there (including Air Grover. I'd ride any coaster, even kiddie ones, sorry Listener! =P).
I just hope the next time they make an announcement, it will be about Project 2011. =) I'm DYING for more news! =D
Of course, it doesn't officially open until tomorrow.
"Grand Opening Of The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter At Universal Orlando Resort Set For June 18
Universal Orlando Also Unveils Details for the Highly Anticipated New Attraction: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
ORLANDO, Fla. (March 25, 2010) - One of the most widely anticipated theme park entertainment experiences ever created - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort - is set for a public grand opening on June 18.
Today, Universal Orlando Resort also revealed details about what is expected to be one the most exciting theme park experiences ever created: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. It will be one of three themed attractions within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the heart of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This all new adventure combines a powerful storyline with spectacular new technology so effectively that guests will be completely immersed in the experience.
And as they live their adventure, guests will feel things no one has ever felt inside a theme park attraction, move in ways no one has ever moved, experience film like no one else ever has, explore vast sets punctuated by amazing special effects - and have an adventure only possible in Harry Potter's world.
The new attraction lies deep within Hogwarts castle, a majestic structure that towers over The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - the only place in the world where the wonder, excitement and adventure of the Harry Potter books and films comes to life.
The Adventure
Imagine...
...meeting Harry, Ron and Hermione as if they were in person ...soaring over Hogwarts castle with Harry ...being swept into a Quidditch match ...feeling the chilling effect of a Dementor ...exploring your favorite places inside Hogwarts castle ...living adventures you've only been able to imagine - until now.
The Story Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey draws you into the excitement and chaos of Harry's life. As you venture through Hogwarts castle, you meet Harry, Ron and Hermione who convince you to skip a planned lecture and follow them. Upon taking their advice, you travel by Floo powder, and begin the adventure as you soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more.
"Guests will experience firsthand a completely new adventure featuring the iconic characters, amazing creatures and recognizable locations they've only read in the books or seen in the films," said Thierry Coup, creative director for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The Location The Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey experience starts as soon as you walk through the gates of Hogwarts. Within the towering Hogwarts castle, you explore a truly magical place. You journey through iconic locations taken from the films and take in the extraordinary detail of each scene. They include:
Dumbledore's office: Here, you meet the Headmaster as he welcomes you to Hogwarts Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom: Where you first meet Harry, Ron and Hermione
Gryffindor common room: You meet three additional characters who prepare you for your journey
Room of Requirement: Here, with hundreds of floating candles above, you take your seat on an enchanted bench and begin the Forbidden Journey
Other locations: In addition, guests will pass through the Dungeon passageway and hallways of Hogwarts where they will have the chance to see hundreds of wizard portraits from the films, including several magical talking portraits created exclusively for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including the four founders of Hogwarts. Guests will even get a glimpse of the Sorting Hat.
The Innovation This is more than just an attraction and it is unlike any theme park experience ever created. It's a revolutionary, 360-degree theme park experience and first-ever combination of live-action, advanced robotic technology and innovative filmmaking - specially designed and developed for this brand-new adventure.
"We have created an entirely new way to place our guests into the heart of one of the most compelling stories of our time," said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative. "What we have done will forever change the theme park attraction experience."
The attraction's newly created ride system envelops guests in filmed action scenes and moves those scenes with them as they travel through the ride, allowing more time in the center of the adventure and with their favorite characters. This fusion of robotic technology and filmed scenes has never been achieved until now. In some cases, technology had to be invented to achieve the highest level of guest experience. The combination of pioneering, state-of-the-art technology, innovative filmmaking and surprises around every corner make this attraction the embodiment of the Harry Potter book and film series-and the future of theme park entertainment.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Quick Facts Storyline: As you venture through Hogwarts, you meet Harry, Ron and Hermione, who convince you to skip a planned lecture and follow them. Upon taking their advice you travel by Floo powder, and begin your adventure as you soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more. First-ever combination of advanced robotic ride system technology with innovative, immersive filmmaking Award-winning composer John Williams oversaw the creation of the attraction's score The queue includes the following Harry Potter book and film elements: Headmaster Dumbledore's office, Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, Gryffindor common room, Room of Requirement, and the greenhouse; talking portraits including the Fat Lady and the never-before-seen four founders: Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Helga Hufflepuff and Rowena Ravenclaw; the Sorting Hat, the One-Eyed Witch statue and the Mirror of Erised Duration of ride: The full attraction experience, including the queue, takes about an hour Number of scenes in the attraction: 12 Characters (featuring Harry Potter film talent): Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Albus Dumbledore, Rubeus Hagrid and Draco Malfoy You may also catch a glimpse of Fred and George Weasley, Ginny Weasley and Neville Longbottom For the latest news about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com.
Universal Orlando Resort There are many ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation - but there is only one Universal Orlando Resort. It is a completely separate destination featuring two theme parks, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex. It's the only Orlando destination where you are not just entertained - you are part of the most exhilarating entertainment ever created. You can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, battle aliens alongside Agent J, and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D. You can be courageous, be outrageous - and be extraordinary.
Warner Bros. Consumer Products Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
Harry Potter continues to be a global phenomenon. The series of books by author J.K. Rowling has been translated into 68 languages with more than 400 million copies sold in over 200 territories around the world. The films, produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, have grossed more than $5.4 billion at the box office worldwide, making Harry Potter the largest-grossing film franchise in history."
"2011 - Chang / B&M Stand-Up Coaster - Rumor - (3/26/10) Okay… lets go back and look at that Six Flags Great America news video I posted one more time. I missed it the first time through, but an eagle-eyed reader noticed somevery very family off to the side of the video at the 1:05 mark. Check out this screen capture (cropped and zoomed in for your benefit) and notice anything familiar about that black/yellow/red thing on the left side of the screen. Okay… now take a look at this picture at RCDB. Yep… it looks like we’ve found the first proof that one of Chang’s trains are now on site at SFGAm."
This is a screen capture from the video, courtesy of Screamscape.
Ummm... HA! TAKE THAT KENTUCKY STATE FAIR!
Anyway, some people speculate...
* That they will use this train on Iron Wolf, and Chang will be a floorless coaster replacing Space Shuttle America (which was demolished last December and was SBNO since 2007).
My thoughts: If they will convert Chang to a floorless and send it to SFGAm for 2011, then so be it. But if they leave Chang a stand-up, then just send it to another park!
"MASON — The Son of Beast will remain idle for this season, Kings Island announced Thursday evening, March 18.
The world’s tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster has caused trouble for the amusement park since it opened in 2000 and has cost nearly $30 million for construction and subsequent repairs, according to the Kings Island vice president and general manager, Greg Scheid.
When the park opens April 17, park goers will find Planet Snoopy – a new kids’ area themed to Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the PEANUTS gang – and major thrill rides but no Son of Beast.
On June 23, 2009, the coaster was abruptly shut down for the year after a 39-year-old Mason woman reported she had a burst blood vessel in her brain as a result of riding the coaster.
Scheid said he’s not ready to give up on the major investment just yet. Structurally, he said the ride is sound but he is not pleased with the thrill ride’s performance.
Since the roller coaster opened, six incidents involving injury have been reported. After each incident, the Ohio Department of Agriculture, which oversees all amusement park rides in the state, has inspected the ride and cleared it for reopening.
Scheid said he has asked three engineering firms to submit proposals for a long-term fix. One firm’s proposal was unsatisfactory, he said, and he is waiting for the others.
Last fall, a forensic engineer provided video testimony in a civil lawsuit that Kings Island was “negligent” and “put passengers at risk” by using a Band-Aid approach to fixing the ride.
Jennifer Wright of Defiance sued park owners Cedar Fair after she and 26 others were injured on the ride July 7, 2006.
The jury awarded Wright $76,364 in compensatory damages, and then park officials struck an undisclosed settlement with Wright on punitive damages, before the jury could hear the engineer’s testimony.
Scheid said the park hasn’t talked about tearing down the ride.
“It’s more of a how do we make it right,” he said."
"Son Of Beast Status - Closed Until Further Notice - (3/18/10) While the last news article to touch upon the fate of Son of Beast seemed to imply that there was little chance of it opening again, this alternate article actually says that the park hopes to reopen the coaster later in the season and that the park is currently in talks with companies about long term fixes to the ride."
"Son Of Beast Status - Closed Until Further Notice - (3/17/10) Kings Island reports that as of right there are no plans to reopen Son of Beast for the foreseeable future. KI’s GM, Greg Scheid commented, “Eight days after I took over, the accident occurred. We have struggled with it ever since. We have smoothed out the ride. Most people will say they are comfortable with the ride, but I am not comfortable with the ride.”"
More markers have appeared across the site of Project 2011. Some of them say path, basically screaming, IMO, that the pathway from Nairobi to EOA is happening. The path markers I know are to the left of the Nairobi Train Station, over the railroad (which might make it a bridge), and across the site.
I'll post an overview of what the path may be soon...
Remember last time we went to BGT? Gwazi's tiger side was being retracked. Then Lion was being retracked, as Busch is slowly improving the ride experience on Gwazi, the dueling GCI woodies in the park. Last Sunday, Lion was testing... with water dummies. And some new anti-rollbacks are on site. Friday, Millennium Flyers have been reported on the track. People have been wanting these babies on that coaster for a while. I think it could work... but awwww... I'm gonna miss the roughness. Hopefully it will still be loud. If it is, then I'm happy.
The Millennium Flyer is said to have been borrowed, AND, if all goes well, the park might get some for their own.
KaTonga Closing:
This August, KaTonga is said to be replaced by an ice show. IMO, KaTonga was okay. Not as good as the musicals I've seen, but definitely not horrible. Just okay.
Project 2011:
It is said right now that the manufacturer may be Vekoma (track may arrive once Sesame Street is done) or Intamin, and have dark ride elements, leading to a Maverick-style launch, and have an animal exhibit. More survey markers have appeared in the area between Nairobi and Edge of Africa. Also, a cheetah topiary has appeared by the Clydesdales, hinting that the coaster could have a cheetah theme and we could be dealing with a very fast coaster. The latest Screamscape update states:
"2011/2012 - The Next Coaster - Rumor - (3/5/10) I’m told that BGT has placed the frame for a new topiary of a Cheetah out near the old stable area. Given that this area may be very close to rumored station for the 2011 coaster, everyone is wondering if this is a hint as to the theme of the ride. I’ve got to admit, I’ve heard that the coaster could very well have a Cheetah theme too, which was thought to go along with the coaster’s multiple launch zones and overall theme. The popular rumor is that this new coaster was inspired by Maverick at Cedar Point, and will be low to the ground and very fast. You can see a picture of the new topiary at Florida Thrills. As for the rest of the rumors… well several sources have confirmed hearing that the water portion of Rhino Rally is on the way out. To make up for it, new animal display areas will be added to Rhino Rally, which will expand further out into the Serengeti instead. As for the old water portion of the ride… we’ve heard from a couple of people that sections of it may be reused for the new 2011 speed coaster project to house one of the themed launch zones. For whatever reason, this themed area may involve some water, putting some of the Rhino Rally equipment to use somehow. As for the Rally… I’ve also heard speculation that new vehicles may be under consideration. The old fleet is certainly showing it’s age, and I’m told that management was always reluctant to replace them due to the damage caused daily by the water portion of the ride. With the water portion on the way out… new Rally trucks could be on the way in. Taking a nod from some of the newest Busch park creations, they want this coaster to have an extensive queue that will include animal habitats and displays along the way. Realizing that the Edge of Africa area is right next to the proposed new station building, don’t be surprised to see some of this area redesigned and repurpose to serve as the queue for the new coaster. To allow for this and possibly to send traffic around the construction area, we may see a new pathway built to take guests from the pathway near Rhino Rally and the Train Station over to the Edge of Africa. So the bottom line here is that this whole unknown project that is just starting may very well turn into several projects that we’ll see open up over the next 2-4 years. A new coaster, a greatly expanded and changed Rhino Rally experience as well as an expanded Edge of Africa, and possibly much more. The train for example, could be changed too. Various survey markers near the Skyway station are apparently labeled “C/L Rail”, where C/L stands for Center Line, indicating a possible new layout for how the train will wind through this area of the park."
"A good friend works for Cedar Fair. He stated the winter storms at both parks have had some impact on construction. However, Carowinds is ahead of schedule and their coaster will open on time. KD was supposed to start testing this week, and that hasn't happened because of issues with the pull through. If testing does not start by next week, the April 2 opening will be in jeopardy and may be pushed back until April 17."
Uh-oh, another Maverick/Rip Ride Rockit problem...? =|
From bill_s at KDFansite 3/6/2010: "I think it was clear there was some problem at the top of the lift, where the pull-through train spent so much time. I noticed one morning a bucket from the crane next to that spot, on the side away from the webcam and not seen on it, as well as the morning I reported the train was on the drop either going up or down." OMG... THEY'RE TAKING OFF THE LIFT LIKE THEY DID WITH ROCKIT LAST JUNE?! O_o
Only joking guys... Sometimes I just have silly flashbacks to when they had all those problems with Rockit.
I really hope there is not a problem with Timmy 305...
Universal has updated their Bing Maps. It shows...
* The Simpsons Ride open.
* Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit under construction. They started the Double Take at that point. In another view, the Double Take is done, station track is up, and the first drop is up.
* Music Plaza up, replacing the Boneyard.
* Harry Potter under construction. Hogsmeade supports rising, DD entrance relocated, Forbidden Journey up. Flying Unicorn is closed.
* Earthquake is Disaster.
SeaWorld updated theirs too. It shows...
* Aquatica open.
* Manta under construction. I think it's April when it was taken, because landscaping with the first portion of the ride is done.
Disney updated theirs as well...
* Everest is open.
* Looks like American Idol is starting.
* Toy Story Mania is open.
BGT still hasn't updated yet, as far as I saw. Jungala is still under construction.
My name is Kyle and I am a University of Central Florida alumnus in Digital Media. I have been a long-time roller coaster/park enthusiast; however I used to be afraid of coasters. That all changed after I rode Dragon Challenge for the first time in 2006 (RIP) on the Ice/Hungarian Horntail side. Since then, it's been upward from here; fast forward to today, and I've ridden some of the tallest and fastest coasters in the world. I've also visited parks throughout North America and Europe. And I'm not done yet; in fact, I intend to design a theme park myself!
