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...