Port Aventura 2012

Over the past few months, I heard a rumor that Port Aventura, a park in Spain, could be building a new coaster for 2012 made by B&M. On the list of B&Ms on Wikipedia, someone even listed Port Aventura getting one for 2012 a few months back. Now it seems to be all but confirmed that the park is getting a B&M Hypercoaster.

Let me just say this: Silver Star at Europa Park will most likely be losing its record for the tallest B&M in the world. From Santiago at PACommunity (I guess this is translated?):

Well Guys, I have enough confirmed information already!,
and could say it's official (and not tell you because I know, but at this point, little can keep a secret).

SUPPLIER: Bolliger & Mabillard
OFFICIAL NAME OF PROCEDURE IN PA and Bolliger & Mabillard: Hyper Coaster Attraction
Camel humps: 5
1 Helix
1 CURVE AWESOME
1 tunnel
and as someone pointed out there: effects of water
HEIGHT: 80 METERS
LENGTH: 1500-1600 METERS

I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONFIRM THIS WITH SEVERAL SOURCES.

TOMORROW MAY BE THE SUBJECT OF THE TRAINS AND THEIR DISPOSAL, BUT OS AVANZO ALREADY MOUNTED IN OTHER ATTRACTIONS OF B & m

80 meters = Approximately 262 ft.
1500-1600 meters = Approximately 4921-5249 ft.

From zack_90 at ThemeParkReview:

New data, according to Santiago in PA-Community.com:

V train and the speed will be 135km/h.

135 km/h = Approximately 84 mph.

I wonder what they mean by the V train... could we be seeing another one of those trains that Cedar Fair implemented on Behemoth (Canada's Wonderland), Diamondback (Kings Island), and Intimidator (Carowinds), with staggered seats.

The coaster will be in the Chinese section of the park and will travel right next to Dragon Khan, their other B&M (Sit-down model).

I'm already loving this project. I enjoyed Silver Star, and Intimidator is one of my favorite coasters that I haven't ridden yet. Goliath at SFMM (Giovonala) was awesome too! This is making me drool...

Cedar Point Rumored for New 2012 Attraction Too

Well, it looks like Canada's Wonderland isn't the only Cedar Fair park slated for a possible 2012 coaster. Remember that post a few months back about what Cedar Point will do next? It seems that the rumor of a possible 2012 coaster is gaining steam. From Screamscape (and I was wondering when a Cedar Point 2012 rumor will come up):

Park News - (5/19/11) Screamscape sources have a few items worth noting from Cedar Point’s opening weekend. First off, Ocean Motion is said to be hoping to open by Memorial Day weekend, if they can get it finished. MaXair is down due to some kind of motor issue, an the park is working with Huss to get it fixed ASAP. While a Memorial Day Weekend reopening isn’t likely to be possible (hasn’t been ruled out) chances are that it probably wont be ready to open until closer to June 5th.
Also, when you visit the park this year you may want to take some time to get a ride in on Calypso and the old Turnpike cars. From the sound of things, the park may have something unique in store for this area of the park coming up, and will need to make some room for it. Even the Cadillac Cars may have to have their route adjusted. If the rumors holds water, even the old Pirate dark ride building may need to be removed to make way. All said and done, this is clearing out a pretty large area of the park… so I’m dying to know just what may replace it. Stay tuned!

Here is a better view of the area (with labels):






















That seems like a big area. One thing, however...:

If they were to combine the old Pirate ride building space with the Turnpike/Calypso/Cadillac (partial) space, will Blue Streak operate while that area is behind walls (via temporary path) or will it be closed during construction? Only time can tell. But either way, it's interesting!

And one question... what type of coaster will this be? I've thought of another option: Intamin's 12-inversion model (photo from The Coaster Critic):
















Knowing Cedar Point's love for Intamin (and having only 15 inversions compared to SFMM's 35 inversions) and world records (not to mention, possible envy with SFMM for taking their coaster crown record), I can definitely see this at Cedar Point.

Either way, this looks like an interesting project. I hope this isn't another "false-hope" rumor though (2010 - Shoot the Rapids, 2011 - WindSeeker; again, not that they are bad additions. They look fun). SFMM has taken their world record and they need to build a 2012 coaster in order to catch up. If this is a new coaster, though, add this to the list of possible Cedar Fair parks getting new coasters for 2012:

Canada's Wonderland
Cedar Point
Dorney Park (Invertigo)

Canada's Wonderland 2012 Update #1

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=59016

Well, it seems that more photos have been posted by cwcoasterboy at ThemeParkReview. Speed City is still open, and some red stakes are under Dragon Fire (Arrow Corkscrew). They also take a look at Drop Tower's shortened queue. But, now it seems that the area will be bigger than just Speed City's space (if the attraction is leaving, supposedly). From cedarfair at CWMania:

Okay so my friends sister works for city of Vaughan and she told me today that Canada's Wonderland only buys building permit requests and doesn't actually fully state what they are building. Apparently they are relocating an emergency road and have a building permit for two structures.... Confused greatly.

I'm just going to take a guess that the emergency road getting relocated will probably be the one on the east side of Speed City and the two structures are a station and a maintenance shed.

As for the markers underneath Dragon Fire, this has caused some speculation that the ride could eventually leave the park. I'm not sure what to feel about this. On one hand, I doubt it is going, because I wouldn't count on Cedar Fair removing a coaster unless they have to. They're pretty in to coaster counts. On the other hand, with more and more Arrows being removed due to old age (Big Bad Wolf, Great American Scream Machine, etc.) I wouldn't be extremely surprised.

Another note I'd like to mention... apparently some markings are in the parking lot as well (this pic is from defence5 at CWMania):




















I believe CL stands for "column." And here is an overview of the site (before the parking lot marker was discovered). From coasterboy at CWMania (also cwcoasterboy at ThemeParkReview):

















This seems to give a neat idea about how big this may be. There also seems to be an open area by the Courtyard Group eating area.

As for the type of coaster, rumors seem to point to a B&M Floorless with 5 or 6 inversions. This rumor seems pretty familiar as at some point, there was apparently a weird rumor that a B&M Floorless could come to that same park (when it was owned by Paramount) themed to Footloose. XD

But either way, this project is very interesting. So that leaves this: What will happen to Speed City? Could this be the end of Dragon Fire? How long will this coaster be? Stay tuned!

Universal Announcing Something Big on May 19th: Rumor Roundup Time!

http://www.insidethemagic.net/2011/04/universal-orlando-to-announce-major-attraction-news-on-may-19-via-webcast/

Select media have been invited by Universal Orlando to tune in to a special webcast in which “major attraction news” will be revealed. The web announcement will take place on May 19 at 10:30am, so check back here and follow us on Twitter and Facebook to find out what Universal plans to announce.

The announcement (I’m sure by no coincidence) takes place the day before Star Tours: The Adventures Continue makes its big debut at nearby Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. Depending on the scale of this “major” announcement, Universal is likely interested in stealing some of the media spotlight away from Disney.

While no further details were given in our invitation to watch the announcement featuring the Universal Creative team, it is expected that the replacement of Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast will be unveiled.

UPDATE (5/5/11): The announcement has been confirmed to include the reveal of what will replace Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast, now being said to be “based on a blockbuster film.” In addition, Universal will announce “details about a major, high-tech enhancement to one of Universal Orlando’s single most popular attractions.” No further information about that is available.

Rumors and recent “UORHints” revealed by Universal Orlando seem to point to a ride themed around “Despicable Me” will be the replacement, but that has not yet been confirmed. And, of course, it’s possible that Universal has an entirely different surprise to announce, but we won’t find that out until May 19. Let the speculation begin!

Well, obviously this announcement will involve Jimmy Neutron's replacement, which will indeed be Despicable Me (nice rhyme there).

Now the real question is... what about that so called "major, high-tech enhancement to one of Universal Orlando's single most popular attractions?" Well, check this out from Screamscape:

(2/17/11) I’ve heard an interesting rumors this week, claiming that at some point in the next 8-10 months we will likely see Spiderman close for an extensive rehab. I’m told that the plan is to replace the projection systems with new current digital projection systems, which may also result in the new of an improved 3-D system. Of course the switch to an all digital system will only make any future possible transformations of the attraction (if they give up the rights to Spiderman) a little easier to handle.
Now, if I’m not mistaken, didn’t they already install an all-digital version of Spiderman in the Japanese park, or did I hear that wrong? Anyone know for sure? In any case, they want the new and improved Spiderman ready to go before the new Spiderman film hits the theaters in Summer 2012.

Spider-Man with a new 3D system would be so awesome (even though the current one they have is good too)! That is what I'm currently leaning to at the moment.

Still, a majority of internet users have heard that apparently the announcement will be even bigger... (from BriMan at Orlando United):

According to various good people, if what they are saying is announced by UO, all of you will very happy.

From Spirit of 74 at Laughing Place:

Well, my info is that Potter Phase II has been approved and will be large and include two more signature attractions, plus UNI will be adding two majors at the old park, including the Transformers ride going into Hollywood and Singapore ... and a water park is happening too.

From JungleSkip at Orlando United:

Second biggest announcement. Not bigger than IoA/City Walk/Hotels

So, now I have to dig up the old rumor mill and take a look at all the rumors that have been spreading around the internet lately...

Avatar 4D:

Last November, Screamscape reported the possibility of Terminator becoming Avatar 4D. T2, unfortunately, as much as I hate to admit it, had its time. It's a fun 3D show, sure, but it had better times. And looking back when Avatar got released, it was the number one grossing film of all time. I doubt Universal would ignore Avatar. Also, there have been rumors lately that the Avatar concept has been approved and could be coming soon.

King Kong 360:

Around the time Neutron to Despicable Me rumors started to appear on Screamscape (in February), rumors also started spreading that Disaster will eventually go for a version of King Kong 360 from USH (of course longer). Disaster was a bore last time I went, and a Kong ride would be cool (I guess I consider this bringing back an old attraction), so "toodleoo" Disaster.

Transformers:

As seen in one of the quotes, apparently a version of Transformers from Hollywood could be coming to Orlando. I've always thought it would eventually come here despite us already having Spider-Man, even when in August 2009, a rumor started up about Transformers coming here... which was nothing but a mere mistake of a rumor. I have a gut feeling that Twister will end up getting removed for it, and they will expand the building underneath Rockit to the adjacent Sound Stage 33. Even though the Transformers films are kind of "meh..." in my book, I think a ride themed to it would be awesome (especially with the use of the Spider-Man system), and Twister had its time!

Harry Potter Phase II:

Also seen in the quote is information that the Harry Potter Phase II expansion has been approved. This has been long rumored since last summer. However, I doubt there will be a full announcement on the expansion... but just a sign of confirmation that expansion will happen (like a view of Diagon Alley with Hedwig flying over it, much like when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was first announced). Either way, I sense something related to this.

Fear Factor Replacement:

Fear Factor (as I've said a million times already) just needs to go. I hope this announcement will involve ANYTHING happening to Fear Factor (eg: Mamma Mia (=D), Rush Hour, wrecking ball, explosives, ANYTHING).

Mini Golf Course:

Well, just last week it has been reported that Universal could be looking to adding a golf course in CityWalk:

A tipster tells me that Universal Orlando is working on an adventure mini golf course, which would be built just west of the CityWalk theaters, in between the theaters and Universal Boulevard.

A permit application (ENG2011-00237) for site work to prepare for the course is in the pipeline in the City of Orlando's planning office. (At least it was when I searched the office's online database today.) The designer of the course appears to be Adventure Golf Design & Development of Traverse City, Michigan. They're the folks behind the Congo Golf courses you might have seen around Central Florida.

No word on when construction might begin, or when the course would open.

Thoughts?

http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201104/2442/

From HHNRumors:

As you may have read on http://themeparkinsider.com Universal is going to be adding a Mini Golf Course to City Walk. I decided against posting about this since it's (yet again) not HHN related. However, things changed when I saw that hole 18 is supposedly "Haunted House" themed. Granted, it is a mini golf course and I can't imagine how "haunted" this particular hole can be. Especially considering hole 16 is to have a "Green House" theme.

And this is the area where it may go up (pic from kingeric at Orlando United):



















While I don't do mini golf, I can see this become a success for CityWalk. =)

Universal Water Park, "Wondersea Island":

Universal has trademarked the name "Wondersea Island" for "Entertainment services in the nature of water parks."
















For the past few years, there have been rumors spreading about the possible doom of Wet N' Wild and a new Universal Water Park going up around 2015-2016. The trademarking seems to let the cat out of the bag on this one. While I love water parks, I haven't been to many... pretty much only Säntispark in St. Gallen, Switzerland. This, however, might be one of the water parks I'll visit very often (if what I think about this is true)!

So, that's my two cents on what may be announced on May 19th.

Canada's Wonderland 2012?

Remember those rumors of a new coaster coming to Canada's Wonderland in 2011? Well, that never happened of course, with WindSeeker coming. Now there are rumors that 2012 will be the year Canada's Wonderland gets their next coaster (from Dr. Ake at CWMania):

I've heard 2 rumours for 2012:
1. A wooden coaster going in the forest of White Water Canyon
2. An unknown type of coaster taking the place of Speed City

Hopefully one of them is true lol

I've come to the conclusion that the following seems most likely:

1. GCI Wooden Coaster - This looks really possible. Keep in mind the rumor from last summer that Cedar Fair could be building more woodies in their parks in the future and one of the rumors (from Screamscape) was that for 2011, a GCI Woodie would go up. I can definitely see it happening in 2012.

2. B&M Dive Machine - CW can attract the GP with the only Dive Machine in Canada. I would also love to see more Dive Machines in North America.

3. B&M Floorless Coaster - This park needs a coaster with a lot of inversions, as it seems to lack in that category.

4. Intamin Blitz - The park also needs some kind of launched coaster.

5. B&M Wing Coaster - It seems possible, as there have yet to be any Wing Riders in America. A Wing Coaster would fit perfectly in the park.

6. Intamin Giga - Due to the success of I305 in Virginia, I can probably see Canada's Wonderland building a giga. But I'm leaning towards a B&M Floorless, GCI, or Intamin Blitz (or even B&M Wing Coaster).

As for the location, it seems that the second one is more likely, as you can see in this picture (from Rye Rye at CWMania):

I went to the park today with BMO and have some exciting news (I hope) Drop towers queue has been completely redone with a new covering system, new concrete and rails. They have also made it considerably shorter and further back into the treed area. Just in front of the go carts is a covered chain link fence stretching over to Dragon Fire. Signs stating - "We Are Preparing For Your Future Enjoyment" Dirt has been cleared into piles behind the fence. There is also a wooden fence separating the area from the go carts. I believe this is temporary because it is not painted. Hopefully this will become a huge attraction over the coming months.

Unless the coaster is small in space (Intamin Impulse, Intamin ZacSpin, S&S Screaming Squirrel, etc), it seems that Speed City could be out of here soon (however, IDK if it was running or not).

It should be interesting to see what this develops into.

EDIT: At first I thought Speed City was closed, but after reading the quote again, it seems that there is a wooden fence next to Speed City, separating the construction zone. So for now, Speed City is still open... but who knows how long...?