2015 - New Coaster - Rumor - (5/30/14) The early buzz for Six Flags Great Adventure is that the park may tap Rocky Mountain Construction to build another custom crazy creation like Goliath that will soon open at SF Great America, but bigger and meaner. The only clue as to the location is that our sources says that they would like for it to try and dive underground, traveling under 'the lake' at some point. If this is true, then look for this new coaster to go in the back of the park, perhaps near the old water-ski stands, or possibly over where the log ride sits. This also makes sense as the backside of the park could use a new major attraction, as almost every other new addition for the last several years has been placed either up front near the entrance (Superman, Green Lantern, Sky Screamer) or in the nearby north-east corner where we can now find Kingda Ka, Zumanjaro and El Toro. Off the top of my head the only new addition in the last decade to go elsewhere would be The Dark Knight indoor mouse coaster on the dead western side of the park where The Chiller used to be.
From the looks of this, it looks like this RMC monster will be in the back of the park and possibly be "bigger and meaner" than Goliath at SFGAm. It should be very interesting how they'll make this ride go under the lake, and where they will put this ride. Frankly, I'd rather see the Rapids go over the Log Flume (this is coming from a river rapids/water ride lover; I hated SFGAdv's Congo River Rapids there lol). While the log flume isn't the most exciting I've ridden, it's more interesting than that pathetic excuse for a water ride. Plus, it gives the west side more attention (it only has Nitro, DK, the Rapids, and Batman). Then again, if they take out the Rapids or Log Flume, that leaves this place with only ONE water ride. I'd rather see the old Water-Ski stands go then.
I'm very happy with this rumor. The fact that Rocky Mountain is expanding to the East Coast is making me very pleased, because there will now be one on my usual path to the North. The more we have these things, the better place this world will be.
So now let's bring up the list of Six Flags 2015 additions:
Six Flags America: Nothing rumored yet
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom: Nothing rumored yet
Six Flags Fiesta Texas: Nothing rumored yet
Six Flags Great Adventure: RMC Wooden Coaster
Six Flags Great America: Nothing rumored yet
Six Flags Magic Mountain: New Coaster OR RMC Iron Horse Conversion (Colossus)
Six Flags Mexico: Nothing rumored yet
Six Flags New England: RMC Iron Horse Conversion (Cyclone)
Six Flags Over Georgia: Nothing rumored yet
Six Flags Over Texas: Nothing rumored yet
Six Flags St Louis: Nothing rumored yet
La Ronde: Nothing rumored yet
Looks like another great year for RMC. I'd say Magic Mountain will build their Iron Horse conversion of Colossus in 2016 rather than 2015 just because of the supposed timeline (rumor has it, Iron Colossus supposed to take as long as New Texas Giant's conversion). Even so, there's still the rumor of Iron Cyclone at SFNE and now SFGAdv getting a RMC built from scratch for 2015. If you want to go one step further into the future (2016), then we could possibly have Iron Colossus. There's also that monstrous RMC going up in Kolmarden, Wildfire, the first RMC in Europe (in Sweden), also opening that year.
The next two years for RMC are looking more and more spectacular, and hopefully Busch taps them soon for an RMC in Florida.
A while back, I talked about possible future RMC Coaster Projects (though it's a little outdated now, because I think Holiday World is getting an RMC project). It looks like one is locked in for 2015:
SFNEOnline posted an article on a possible Iron Cyclone on May 20, 2014. They first mention an interview with SFNE's Communications Manager, Jennifer McGrath:
At around 0:46, Conn Jackson of CTV asked how often SFNE adds attractions. McGrath then says that next year's attraction will "knock everyone's socks off."
Then SFNEOnline mentions what they know so far:
SUMMARY OF EVERYTHING WE KNOW SO FAR:
Two new coasters coming within the next four years
Rumors have been going around since the fall that Six Flags New England’s next coaster would be from Rocky Mountain Construction
In the new year, rumors started spreading that Cyclone would get the Iron Horse treatment. These rumors continued to gain traction
When the park opened for the season, construction markers were spotted all around Cyclone
Construction instructions have been written on Cyclone’s supports
New colors are being tested on Cyclone’s station
SFNEOnline then goes over a little history. Apparently right after New England SkyScreamer was announced, rumors started spreading that the next attraction will be made by Rocky Mountain Construction, or RMC.
Then the park president John Winkler mentions that SFNE is in line to receive two new coasters in the next four years (2015-2018).
Once the park opened, orange markings have been reported all around Cyclone (13 according to SFNEOnline), even "some around the North End," "the paths around the ride," and even some "near Flashback" (these photos are courtesy of SFNEOnline):
SFNEOnline then talks about how there are markings on Cyclone's structure itself, some marked "cut here" (pics taken by Dennis on the site):
From SFNEOnline themselves:
If you can’t make this out, it says “Cut here” with a number below it. These are on most of the supports near the entrance to Cyclone. Based off of Dennis’ knowledge, this whole helix is slated to be lowered to about 6 feet based on the cut marks. He estimates that there are about 250 + cut here markings based off of the number in the above picture. They circle the whole entrance area. Even the lift hill has some markings on it.
This next picture is a little hard to make out. If you look closely you can see the number 7.5 with a line next to it. This is exactly 7.5 feet up on the second drop supports – about 20 feet in. This indicates potentially a steeper drop on second hill.
SFNEOnline then points out that Cyclone's station has been given new colors, and point out an ACE logo on Cyclone's station in the 2014 park map (they claim it could be a hint "to enthusiasts that they should be getting their last rides on Cyclone this year").
Additionally, I found this post from May 24 on the forum (from bizarro#1, who quotes from Dennis):
"...At the top of he lift hill, to my left on the walkway, I could see the orange marker with a number 9. And parallel with that is two more orange markers. All parallel to the lift hill. Maybe the lift hill is being moved to the left 20 or 30 feet??"
I wonder why? Maybe to allow an expanded layout?
I also wonder what could happen to Flashback in the process. The ride has been on the chopping block ever since they installed Goliath RIGHT NEXT TO IT in 2012. This ride has to be gone soon, possibly relocated to some other park (maybe SFOG). I'm not sure they would necessarily use the ride space for an expanded Iron Cyclone layout, but it has to go soon, and this would be a great opportunity.
I'm intrigued as to how they will build an Iron Horse conversion on Cyclone. If this is true, this will be the most compact coaster RMC has worked on at this point (Cyclone is pretty compact). If they're moving the lift, that will allow more work on the layout (possibly a higher lift about 10-20 ft), and if Flashback goes, that could be more space for an awesome layout.
Regardless, I believe we have our next RMC project. Iron Cyclone will probably be a HUGE hit for the park. I do wonder who else could be getting an RMC next year. We have SFGAdv rumored to get one from scratch (like Outlaw Run and Goliath), Holiday World (I believe it's possible for Voyage), and that "Lake Monster" project for Darien Lake. They all seem like possible candidates for RMC projects in 2015. But I believe we will definitely see an RMC Iron Horse project come to SFNE on Cyclone.
Since my last post, 5 more entries have been added to the Holiday World 2015 (making it 9 entries in total):
DAY 5
For the first time since we left Plymouth, I have taken a few quiet moments to reflect. I am filled with wonderment at the thought that we will cross over such an immense sea. How many days will it be? My worries drift away with the gentle rocking of the ship.
DAY 6
Each evening, we women plan meals for the next day. We cook for the passengers, but not the crew. The children suggest in a sly manner that they desire salt fish for each meal. We smile, knowing what a fine game could be made out of an empty barrel.
DAY 7
The days and nights seem to run together as we continue toward the New World. The crew tells us we have taken a chance with our late departure from Plymouth. Those who know say October seas are rougher than in September.
DAY 8
We have learned the ship’s swabber gains a new assistant each Monday. This crew member is called the liar and is thus proclaimed for having told a public untruth. The liar must clean what the swabber will not, the beakhead and chains.
DAY 9
We miss the friends who were forced to stay behind when Speedwell twice took on water, delaying our departure. We must believe Mayflower will deliver us safely to the New World. We pray those left behind will join us someday.
http://www.holidayworld.com/66days/
Notice on Day 6 that they talk about playing with "an empty barrel"... it almost sounds like a barrel roll.
If I didn't know better, this ride could have at least one barrel roll... which starts to tell me this ride could be an RMC monster. The more I think of it, the more I believe Voyage will be getting the Iron Horse treatment, transforming it back into the glorious ride it once was when it opened.
You never know however. It could also mean a steel coaster with a barrel roll. We just don't know yet, and that is the point of speculation. The "Day 6" entry does seem to hint a barrel roll, and going by recent history, barrel roll is usually mentioned with RMC projects, like Outlaw Run at Silver Dollar City and Iron Rattler at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. I don't recall any steel coasters that mentioned "barrel roll" as one of their inversions, but again, you never know.
I'll come up with an Iron Voyage idea in the coming days.
I'm hearing more and more rumors that something big could be coming to this park in Indiana, Holiday World. Just recently the park has begun hinting on whatever could be coming, themed to ship diaries:
http://www.holidayworld.com/66days/
DAY 1
At last the day is here. After years of planning, we depart for the New World. The children can barely contain their excitement. I tell them they must be patient. And so must I. - See more at: http://www.holidayworld.com/66days/#sthash.9dS8oLT6.dpuf
DAY 2
The beauty of the ocean is indescribable. But still, its strength and power is frightening to me. We will not see land again for many days. - See more at: http://www.holidayworld.com/66days/#sthash.9dS8oLT6.dpuf
DAY 3
A member of the crew – a quartermaster – befriended the children today. He explained that gulls will not follow us far out to sea, teasing that we will forget the very likeness of a bird before we see land again. To comfort them, I was able to sketch a gull before the sun set, extinguishing our light.
DAY 4 (just today)
We are told to remain below, however the children beg to stay on the deck of what they call “our Mayflower.” They are full of good cheer and stare endlessly at first the sky and then the sea, dreaming of what is to come.
It seems like they're theming whatever ride this will be to the Mayflower. More evidence comes from Screamscape, where there are pictures posted of land clearing going on by Voyage:
2015 - New Attraction / Steel Coaster - (5/22/14) Have you been following along with 66 Days At Sea? So far it is playing along, as it should, like a set of diary entries as told by a mother making the journey across the Atlantic to the new world. It has got be thinking however… with the closure of Pilgrim’s Plunge (Giraffica), what would really be a great new attraction for the park, and unique to the area, would be some kind of water coaster attraction, similar to the Mack made Journey To Atlantis ride systems we’ve seen built at the SeaWorld parks. The combination flume / coaster ride concept could very well stand in to replicate the long journey at sea experience by the Pilgrims making the ocean crossing, with a well timed coaster portion of track to serve as a thrilling encounter with a storm at sea, before they make a final arrival (and splashdown) in the new world where guests exit into the Thanksgiving area of the park. (I like it!!) Of course the other rumors about just what may be on the way are running the gambit of options… from a thrilling new steel coaster ride through the woods (also a good idea), to a new Gravity Group wooden coaster concept with inversions (and Timberliner trains), to a wild idea that would see The Voyage closed early for the season in late July, only to reopen next season aften being given a New Texas Giant / Iron Rattler style makeover as a hybrid coaster experience with overbanked turns and inversions. To be honest, I can’t rule anything out at this point, as Holiday World has proven over the years to be mysterious and able to keep their secrets kept very close to the vest until they are ready to make the big announcement. So I can only say… stay tuned to 66DaysAtSea for the next couple months while we try to figure it out and decipher any clues they choose to drop. (5/20/14) The big news from Holiday World this week was the launch of a new teaser website about the 2015 addition at www.66daysatsea.com. Each day you can follow along with the journey as they approach the big announcement to be made on July 24th. Some other interesting comments can also be found on the HoliBlog. (4/30/14) Screamscape spies have sent in a couple of pictures showing off the approximate location of where Holiday World may have started clearing in the forest to make room for an unknown 2015 new coaster. It’s not much to look at yet, but gives us an idea of where to keep looking as the season goes on. As previously reported, this area is said to be in the vicinity of the second drop on The Voyage.
(4/26/14) It is still early to know for sure what Holiday World has planned for 2015, but according to one source, the park may finally be looking to add their first large steel coaster. They also claim that some early ground work (or site testing) may be going on in the woods out back by Voyager.
(10/10/12) Holiday World talks to the local news about their new Happy Halloween Weekends event and also confirms that they will likely not have a new project for 2013. But they also mention that they have big projects in the works for 2014, 2015 and 2016 already.
Judging by the rumors, I believe there are two main options:
1. Holiday World goes for their first major steel coaster.
I believe they are pretty overdue for a new coaster, since Voyage, their last installment, opened in 2006. I also think it is time they get their first major steel coaster. As for what type?
Well, it's pretty out there, since, again, they have yet to install any major steel coasters. I'd guess a looper of some kind, possibly a B&M. I'm not sure what particular type HW would install. It could be anything, from a Floorless to even one of the new Wing Coasters.
Flyers haven't been installed in the USA for a long time, so I wouldn't count on it. That being said, it could happen, as we did see Kings Island resurrect the B&M Inverted in the USA with Banshee this year. HW could very well do the same with the Flying Coaster.
Though with that said, Kings Island did just install Banshee nearby, so I'd guess they want something unique to that competing market. That takes out Inverted Coasters.
A hyper just doesn't seem right for a park like Holiday World, unless it was a mini-hyper like Hollywood Dream. That park is pretty family oriented, so I would guess they don't want anything too big. Also, the park should start entering the inversion market, since they, again, have no inversions *cough*variety*cough*. So I'd say no hyper.
A Stand-Up is unlikely, because the popularity of those things have been gone since the beginning of the millennium. Unless they buy a Stand-Up from some other park (like a SF or Cedar Fair park) which would be a slap in the face (plus I don't think HW would even consider getting a relocated coaster), it just won't happen.
A Dive Machine, unless it's like Krake at Heide Park, I cannot see going to this park. Again, this place is family-oriented, and a dive machine the size of SheiKra and Griffon would be pretty extreme for this park. A Dive Machine, though, would stick out in the region.
A Sit-Down, I can see happening, around Kumba and Wildfire caliber. But I'd say they would want a Floorless over a Sit-Down.
A Floorless is very likely. It would stick out in the region, and give HW some of the inversions it needs. It has a similar situation with the flying coaster; not much installed in the USA as of lately. KI brought back the Inverted, like I said. HW could do the same with a Floorless. I definitely can see this happening. This would be my first option.
A Wing is also likely. It's a popular product, that's continuing to be installed in other parks. As of now, I've heard nothing about Wing Coasters being installed next year, but a SF park could be planning a surprise (like SFGAm's installations of X-Flight and Goliath). The only issue with this is that two nearby parks have gotten Wing Coasters recently: SFGAm with X-Flight and Cedar Point with GateKeeper. I'd guess they want something a little more... well, unique in the region. Though, like I said, Wing Coasters are getting popular as of lately, so that's my next option.
Of course, there are other steel coaster possibilities, but I think they would go with either a B&M Floorless or a B&M Wing Coaster. But here's what I really really think will happen. This is another growing product, that has installed some of their products and have become huge successes.
2.
Voyage has been rejected the Timberliners they were supposed to get for years, and the ride just isn't as great as it was in it's heyday (according to some, it was epic and it was just eight years ago). So what better way to remedy this denial, than to transform it into something even more spectacular.
If you haven't figured it out from the word "transform," here it is:
IRON VOYAGE - An RMC Iron Horse retrack of Voyage. Keep the height, but steepen the drop to 80-85 degrees. Keep the first two airtime hills as they are, as well as the portion with the first three tunnels. During the next sections, add beyond 90 degree banked turns, and possibly a barrel roll in the section that goes over the lift.
I'll look at the layout a bit, but from what I've seen, I think this ride has potential for a kick-ass layout much like Texas Giant and Iron Rattler. It could very well also restore the ride to it's awesome glory that it had when it opened.
Also it looks like the announcement will come sometime in late July, which would be a nice cue to close Voyage (according to the Screamscape). Also seeing that the land clearing is taking place by Voyage (with the addition being in the Thanksgiving section too), could this be evidence of an expanded layout of some kind in the works?
So, that's my two cents. I am pretty sure it will be one of these two options, but Holiday World apparently can be unpredictable. We'll probably see more evidence in the coming months, so stay tuned with this rather interesting project.
We all know these past few years that Six Flags has been throwing Star Flyers, mostly by the name "Skyscreamer," to their parks in response to Cedar Fair's installment of WindSeekers.
In 2011, Six Flags St Louis and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom got the first Skyscreamers, 236 ft and 150 ft respectively.
In 2012, La Ronde, Six Flags Great Adventure, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas got Skyscreamers, 148 ft, 242 ft, and 200 ft respectively, with La Ronde getting the name "Vol Ultime."
In 2013, Six Flags Over Georgia got a 242 ft version, while Six Flags Over Texas got a 400 ft version, named Texas SkyScreamer. This took the record for the tallest in the world.
In 2014, that record was beaten by Six Flags New England with New England Skyscreamer, opening later this month at 409 ft.
So what will become of these rides in 2015? Will we continue to see these rides installed? At this point, the only Six Flags parks yet to receive a SkyScreamer are:
Six Flags America
Six Flags Great America
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Six Flags Mexico
I suspect that at least two, if not all of these parks, will get a SkyScreamer. If all of them get one next year, then that will finally finish off the collection of SkyScreamers.
Six Flags America is starting to get more attention with the installations of Apocalypse in 2012 and Mardi Gras in 2014 with Rajun Cajin. In 2015, I do think they could get a SkyScreamer, probably around the 242 ft category, maybe even in the Mardi Gras section (I'm not aware of the layout so give me some insight).
Six Flags Great America is also possible in 2015, especially since they just removed Rajun Cajin to SFA, which is a perfect spot for a SkyScreamer. I would guess the 200 ft caliber.
Six Flags Mexico could also get a 150 ft one, and much like Vol Ultime at La Ronde, have a different name.
Could there be a 400 ft though next year, like Texas and New England? I suppose so, but given the cost, I'm not so sure. But if there is any Six Flags park that would get a 400 ft SkyScreamer, I can think of one place:
Six Flags Magic Mountain
WindSeeker just left Knott's, now's a perfect opportunity to get a SkyScreamer. Also they really like spending money at SFMM, their signature park. I'd guess they would place this in either Thrill Shot's old pad or the site of Deja Vu/Mr. Six. I'd also expect a paint scheme like Texas and New England SkyScreamer, possibly giving it the name "Magic Mountain SkyScreamer." Thrill Shot, though, is probably my favorite option, while they save the Deja Vu spot for a Giga.
I would say all of these will open in 2015 to complete the SkyScreamer collection.
B&M Wing Coaster additions, now, seem more likely and more possible than Giga Coaster additions. They cost less, and some would make great fits for certain parks.
So let's go over the installations so far:
Raptor - Gardaland (Italy) - 2011
Swarm - Thorpe Park (UK) - 2012
Wild Eagle - Dollywood - 2012
X-Flight - Six Flags Great America - 2012
Gatekeeper - Cedar Point - 2013
Parrot Coaster - Chimelong Ocean Kingdom - 2014
Flug Der Damonen - Heide Park - 2014
This collection is still moving forward, with even some parks rumored to get one next year. Let's go over them shall we:
Six Flags Great Adventure
This seems a bit more likely for SFGAdv. It has been a rumor for a while, and I can definitely see one coming here. That or an RMC would stand out on the East Coast. If true, look for it to come in 2015.
Six Flags Over Texas
Another great possibility for a Wing Coaster. They just relocated Flashback to SFSL and for a while now, they have their eyes set on the nearby abandoned plaza just by the old Flashback site. A Wing Coaster would work nicely there, and be a first for Texas. I would expect the 2015/2016 timeframe.
Kings Dominion
This is a rumor, and I definitely believe that KD would be the next Cedar Fair park to get a Wing Coaster. In 2013, Cedar Point opened Gatekeeper, the chain's first Wing Coaster, and the crowds liked the ride. I believe this will come in 2016. No rumors yet for a 2015 installment, but it is only May, so you never know. Gatekeeper's plans were leaked on May 2012. So maybe in the next couple of months we might hear stuff about a KD Wing Coaster if it were to come in 2015. There's also a Premier SkyLoop coming to BGW in 2015, so a Wing Coaster could give that ride some competition. If it is a Wing Coaster, I would also expect a similar ride to Gatekeeper, even changing up the front entrance (like Cedar Point in 2013 and Carowinds in 2015), possibly starting in the Old Virginia section (either by or replacing the log flume) extending from there over the entrance (again, like Gatekeeper at Cedar Point) to the parking lot by Dominator and back.
These are likely candidates for 2015 installments in my opinion.
So we will now talk about the next possible parks in line to receive Giga Coasters. At this point, there are 4 in existance (with a 5th one coming next year):
2000: Millennium Force - Cedar Point - Intamin
2000: Steel Dragon 2000 - Nagashima Spa Land - Morgan
2010: Intimidator 305 - Kings Dominion - Intamin
2012: Leviathan - Canada's Wonderland - B&M
2015: Centurion (no official name) - Carowinds - B&M (rumored)
Parks are still getting Gigas... but keep in mind, these things can be pretty expensive. Millennium costed $25 million, Steel Dragon costed $52 million (OMG), I305 costed $25 million, Leviathan costed $28 million, and Centurion is supposedly going to cost $30 million (I'd expect a longer ride than Leviathan in that case, but that's another story). At this point, the next one is Centurion... but what else could be coming?
Here are the options in this case:
Knott's Berry Farm
In 2011, rumors started spreading of a 340 ft coaster with a 328 ft drop of 85 degrees, 6000 ft long and speeds of around 100 mph, made by Intamin. After that, some land clearing was occurring by Ghostrider... but nothing really materialized from that construction. The rumors died off, but in summer 2012, rumors came back alive again. Some rumors shifted to this ride being a B&M, like Leviathan. Rumors started to boil up for a 2013 installment when Perilous Plunge was confirmed for removal in August... unfortunately, while there was a 2013 coaster, it was a simple wild mouse with a themed boardwalk area. While that is great for families (Knott's does cater to families), the park needs a coaster (or really a new ride in general) soon, especially with their newest installment (WindSeeker) moving to Worlds of Fun this year. At this point, the park is focused on freshening up attractions, such as the Calico Mine Ride, and the rumor of a giga became a running gag these days. But could 2016/2017 finally be the year we see this Giga come to life? Who knows? According to Screamscape, as of late 2012, the park may still get that Giga in the future. Southern California could use some more airtime. Funny, the Knott's situation with a Giga almost reminds me of Busch Gardens Tampa's rumored 2009 coaster. They were to get a B&M Hyper like Apollo's Chariot by Jungala, but that was scrapped with the In-Bev buyout in 2008. In late 2009, however, the rumors came back to life, this time becoming Cheetah Hunt in 2011 (Intamin LSM). This looks pretty similar to Knott's. Supposed to get an Intamin Giga in 2012/2013, now probably getting a B&M Giga, possibly in the 2016/2017 range.
Busch Gardens Tampa
Speaking of BGT, I also suspect this park will get a Giga coaster in 2016. This is more likely, because it is a rumor lately, and we have Gwazi biting the dust soon. Plus with the coaster delayed from 2015 to 2016, I would say BGT is preparing for something MASSIVE to replace Gwazi. We also saw that BGT isn't afraid of building rides over 300 ft. A giga would also advertise more in Florida, with the rising crowds in Orlando. If it comes in 2016, this would put this monstrosity with whatever Universal is planning for KidZone in 2016. They also could be keeping an eye on Centurion at Carowinds, and possibly get inspired by that. Also like SoCal, Florida just needs an airtime machine. It would incredibly crazy if Knott's and BGT get a Giga the same year though (2016). XD
Kings Island
This is definitely more down the line, since Kings Island got their new coaster this year, Banshee, a B&M Inverted. If anything, I suspect it would happen in the 2018-2020 category. That being said, however, I do believe that after Knott's, Kings Island is likely to get a giga. It would definitely be a B&M in that case, because Cedar Point has Millennium Force, an Intamin giga. Two Intamin gigas in the same state by Cedar Fair... as appetizing as that sounds, it seems a little improbable.
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Also a little more down the line, SFMM should also get a giga, particularly the first in the Six Flags chain. I believe they would go with Intamin on this one. I also believe this would happen after Iron Colossus is built and after a few new other rides are installed (maybe a mega-Skyscreamer with some other flats). Maybe around 2018 or something. XP
I thought I'd do something different with speculating possible new coasters for parks. I'll be looking at the popularity of ride systems: RMC Coasters/Iron Horse Conversions, Giga Coasters, and Wing Coasters.
I'll first start with RMC. At this point, RMC has created (or will create) the following:
New Texas Giant (Iron Horse Conversion) - Six Flags Over Texas - 2011
Outlaw Run (Wooden Coaster) - Silver Dollar City - 2013
Iron Rattler (Iron Horse Conversion) - Six Flags Fiesta Texas - 2013
Two new rides are opening this year, and one is also confirmed for 2016 (the first European RMC too). But what could possibly be in store for these rides next year? I think they are huge successes, and I don't think they are stopping these anytime soon (hopefully one day, one will come to the Sunshine State).
That being said, however, I think we will limit most of these possibilities to Six Flags parks, since RMC does have a busy schedule (they'll probably go to Cedar Fair at one point, but for now it's the Six Flags parks). This doesn't count stuff though that are already rumors (like Darien Lake).
So, let's begin:
Six Flags Great Adventure
This park just removed Rolling Thunder (worst coaster there IMO. Good riddance), so now would be a good time to add a wooden coaster. This park is rumored for a coaster in 2015, in addition to Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom (the long-rumored drop tower finally opening this year). The only problem with an RMC is that it would be close in similarity (and intensity) to the neighboring El Toro, so I would guess they would build it in Movietown (that area needs work, BADLY). But, if they add an inverting RMC (like Goliath), this would be the first ride like that on the East Coast.
Six Flags New England
Like GADV, if they add an RMC, it would also be the first ride of that caliber on the East Coast. Apparently, there is a rumor spreading about Iron Cyclone happening in 2015. Looking at the coaster, I would expect a longer layout, possibly dominating Flashback (Vekoma Boomerang; get this, the park just got Deja Vu... er Goliath, in 2012, a Giant Inverted Boomering (better). Flashback needs to go). The north side did just get attention with the 2014 installment of New England Skyscreamer (400 ft). Iron Cyclone would just help that section even more. SFNE is also supposed to get two new coasters within the next five years. If Iron Cyclone doesn't happen in 2015, I suspect a built-from-scratch RMC Woodie would happen in 2017.
Six Flags St Louis
This park does need attention, especially with their 2013 addition being a used Boomerang from SFOT (Flashback). There's a rumor spreading about an Iron Boss conversion, but it has almost died off unfortunately. Iron Boss, however (looking at the layout and what they could do), could do wonders for this neglected park.
Darien Lake
Out of the Six Flags parks range, Darien Lake was rumored to get an RMC in 2014 called "Lake Monster." This would replace Predator and have a Wing-Over Drop (almost like the Wing Coasters, but look at Medusa Steel Coaster's drop. That's what I believe). The lift of Predator was supposed to stay (the only part of the ride that would remain intact). I believe this could happen for 2015, because this park needs a new coaster. This would surely also capture the attention of many!
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Rumors have been spreading since 2010 (during the Texas Giant conversion) that SFMM would give Cyclone the same treatment. This timeline, however, would be similar to that of NTAG, with the ride closing two years (fall Year -2 to summer Year 0). Could we finally see this in 2016? I'd say it's possible. Rumors range from restoring the ride to it's original glory to combining two sides together into one big coaster. If this happens, it could be the main treat of all these RMC installations.
Busch Gardens Tampa
Again, stepping out of the SF parks, because this is a rumor. The 2016 installment at BGT could be a RMC Wooden Coaster (or, like I said, a giga). This would make a lot of sense, since Gwazi is supposed to be on the chopping block for this. Replace a woodie with a woodie. This isn't like Son of Beast at Kings Island, where the ride had a horrible publicity. While Gwazi is in horrible condition (ride wise and capacity wise), it didn't receive any publicity about an accident yet. So a woodie would work fine here! Plus, it could stick out from Florida's coasters. As much as I believe Florida has enough inversions, I wouldn't mind if it was a wooden coaster with inversions. That would attract a lot of attention in Florida, and also change the general view of wooden coasters in Florida.
So to complete the timeline. Here's what I believe we can see happen:
New Texas Giant (Iron Horse Conversion) - Six Flags Over Texas - 2011
Outlaw Run (Wooden Coaster) - Silver Dollar City - 2013
Iron Rattler (Iron Horse Conversion) - Six Flags Fiesta Texas - 2013
Falcon's Fury is almost done, but the grand opening of this ride has recently been delayed by the park. From BGT's Twitter:
"Due to construction delays, the grand opening of #FalconsFury has been delayed. We’ll post more info as it’s available, so check back soon."
So it looks like the opening will have to wait a bit longer. Meanwhile the park did post a nice POV of the drop tower (going upwards was sped up, but downwards was normal):
They actually did the tilting RIGHT! I rid Acrophobia in SFOG, and that does tilt... I just didn't feel it though (for some reason). This one, though, is straight down and will probably feel a LOT more effective! Regardless of delays, Falcon's Fury looks to be another winner for BGT.
But what will come after? Reports are now spreading that the next major addition (probably a coaster) won't come until 2016. Gwazi, however, is apparently set to close by the end of 2014. That means that whatever they have planned, it's probably going to be massive. Since Falcon's Fury broke the 300 ft barrier, we now know BGT isn't afraid of creating thrill rides taller than 300 ft. So could we be seeing the first Giga Coaster coming to a SeaWorld Entertainment park? It's been rumored for a while, ever since Busch executives went to Canada's Wonderland to check on Leviathan, a B&M Giga, back in October (Screamscape):
2015/2016 - Gigacoaster - Rumor - (10/7/13) According to a local area source members of the ride engineering department from Busch Gardens Tampa were spotted at Canada’s Wonderland over the weekend. While neither park is a stranger big rides, especially B&M coasters, the one big thing that you can find at Canada’s Wonderland and no where else in the world would be Leviathan, a B&M Gigacoaster. Is BGT ready to build the coaster coaster in Central Florida to break the 300 foot height limit? Stay tuned!
I would say a Giga Coaster is definitely possible, especially with Gwazi closing by the end of the year for this 2016 addition. They would have all of 2015 to transform the Gwazi area into an immersive land to accompany this new addition, including a rumored transformation of Gwazi Park. I also think the park could be keeping an eye on Carowinds' 2015 addition ("Centurion", a B&M Giga; not an official name but we know it's a giga). Once Carowinds opens Centurion, BGT could try to take whatever height/speed/length record Centurion has into their 2016 addition. That would be a GREAT marketing tool, and would definitely give this park even more attention than it already does. Another benefit is the park and the state finally getting the airtime coaster they need!
The only other option I can see for their 2016 coaster is... a RMC Wooden Coaster. While the state does have more inversions than needed, I would absolutely love it if they build a RMC coaster in the caliber of Outlaw Run at Silver Dollar City and Goliath at Six Flags Great America. These coasters have received amazing reviews, some ranking them as their best coasters (even the redos of New Texas Giant and Iron Rattler). I heard RMC also constructed El Toro (Disclaimer: constructed NOT made. ET was made by Intamin, another great company). If anything related to that amazing woodie comes to Florida, I would NOT mind waiting for a Giga. Also, like the Giga, BGT would get a lot of attention in the Southeast if they install a RMC Inverting Woodie. Plus, Gwazi is BGT's only woodie, and really the only well-known woodie in Florida, and it's supposedly on the chopping block (ever since they permanently closed half the ride in 2012).
I would be slightly disappointed if they got another steel coaster with inversions (For example, as much as I'm intrigued by them, B&M Wing Coasters). While I would love the ride (I do love inversions), the state has enough for the time being, unless it's RMC inversions. I also do believe that these two additions can also attract some of the huge crowds going to Universal and Disney (that they are sure to get in the next few years).
Walt Disney World:
Snow White Mine Train coaster is opening at the end of May at last. So what's next for Disney?
Pandora: The World of Avatar.
Yes, this new section (opening 2017) has finally begun construction at Animal Kingdom, in the beginning of the year with the closure of Camp Minnie-Mickey. We finally have Disney's response to the growing success of Universal's Harry Potter expansions.
But what else?
I barely follow Disney that much, but I've heard the possibility of refurbishing Hollywood Studios (almost like what they did to California Adventure in 2007-2012), mainly a Star Wars section dominating Indiana Jones and Muppets, as well as the Backlot Tour getting demolished for a Pixar Place expansion (possibly with that long-rumored Monsters Inc indoor coaster). That could help Disney as well! But the only problem here, is that not much about this has come as of late. I do see this happening at one point... when Disney gets it together with the construction! XP
SeaWorld Orlando:
We saw SWO get their newest major addition in 2013, Antarctica, which opened to... well, less than stellar reviews. What could the next addition to this marine life park?
Well, I'm not sure if this is happening anytime soon or not, but rumors have been spreading that the next addition to SWO is a B&M Hypercoaster on the southern side (or border) of the park. If true, I'd expect this by 2017, after BGT completes their 2016 coaster. For those not familiar, the northern side of SWO is home to Manta, JTA, Kraken, and Antarctica, while the Southern side is home to Shamu Stadium, the kids area, the old Clydesdale Hamlet/Hospitality House, and Wild Arctic. So the Southern side, from the looks of it, is dying for some attention. A hyper is a great choice IMO! While BGT builds an intense B&M Giga, or an inverting RMC Woodie, SWO can provide a nice alternative: a not-as-intense, 150-225 ft range airtime coaster.
Here's the rumors from P@n!K_Sw1tC# at Orlando United to give a better idea:
I can, in confidence, say that a hyper coaster is in the works for the south side of the park. The location in question is the Port of Call/ Bayside Stadium area near the parking lot. BGW is scheduled to get a premier rides Superman clone (SFDK) near Apollo's Chariot.
Expect a B&M hyper at SeaWorld within the next couple of years. This has been in planning since the construction of Antarctica. If there's one thing I'll give the SWPaE crew credit for, it's that they generally come up with the best coaster designs in each of those ride's respective categories. Although the hyper is going to be targeted towards the family - I can guarantee you in won't be a flop.
So we're looking at a 2016-2017 range. If it was coming in 2015, we would have heard rumors by now, maybe even an announcement (Manta was announced May 2008; Antarctica was announced Nov 2011 with details announced April 2012), and seen construction (no I don't mean the fenced off Bayside Stadium. I heard that was for events apparently). 2017 also seems to fit SWO's 4-year major attraction pattern:
2009: Manta
2013: Antarctica
2017: New B&M Hyper
The Hyper in SWO can also go head-to-head against Avatar opening in Animal Kingdom, while not exactly the *best* competition (think about it, THEMED mega attraction catering to tourists VS a hypercoaster catering to us enthusiasts. Tourists are bigger. Unless the coaster has inversions on a woodie or is a giga, like what I believe is coming to BGT). It will at least attract a few of the crowd.
Universal:
We all know Universal's big mega-weapon, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley, is opening this summer! This will probably bring in even greater crowds than when the original WWoHP opened in 2010. Here, we have a very innovative new coaster, Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts (obviously themed to the Gringotts vaults in the book/film). Gringotts will be essentially a combination of Spider-Man and the Mummy. We also have a connection between IOA and USF with the Hogwarts Express. I cannot tell you how excited I am about this expansion! I was a little sad when JAWS had to go, but, as I believed before, this expansion will probably be worth the loss! Diagon Alley will supposedly open in June.
Diagon Alley however is just the beginning (or really it was Despicable Me and Transformers; heck, I'd say WWoHP Hogsmeade started it). Comcast is really spending money on this place ever since they bought it in 2011, and it seems that they aren't stopping anytime soon... and it shows with the latest rumors.
Last we heard, Universal will open a Jurassic Park expansion in 2015, King Kong in 2016, and the KidZone redo in 2017.
Now, we have JP's expansion put on hold, King Kong coming in 2015, and the KidZone redo in 2016!
For King Kong, land clearing is apparently underway already, with permits being filed for a show building in the plot between JPRA/Thunder Falls and Ripsaw Falls. There is also loads of markings in the forest between the two rides. I saw the markings myself, and some have the word "Save" written on them (they're white markings). I believe that this means either: they will leave those alone and repurpose them for Skull Island, or relocate them either temporarily or permanently when work begins in the viewable area.
These are the permits found on March 22 by BriMan at Orlando United:
So being bored on Saturday night, I stumbled across this. Some plans were filed to the South Florida Water Management that gives a good idea on what the show building and project area for Kong will be. I threw up this together based on the filings. The red outline is the project outline, and the shaded light pink area is the apparent show building.
It looks like they are all set and ready to go with King Kong. I'm more excited that they are supposedly completing this within a year. For comparison's sake, work on Diagon Alley (including the removal of Jaws and Amity) lasted from January 2012-June 2014 (with all buildings up by the end of 2013), and work on Transformers (which included tearing down SS44 and building a 2-story building in its place) lasted from June 2012-June 2013. This is apparently following a similar timeline to Transformers, but this time not only do you have a different ride system as opposed to a clone, but also you have a heavily themed area. And they expect this done by next year? Insanity... madness... Comcast really isn't wasting anytime with this place.
What's even more intriguing is KidZone. Not only are there rumors of a 2016 opening for whatever is going there, but work is also supposed to begin by the end of 2014 (according to rumors from April 4, 2014) from Parkscope: "UOR Rumor: KidZone Replacement Imminent Over the past few days we've heard chatter from multiple sources about KidZone going the way of the dodo. Now that we feel we have adequate confirmation, or at least as much confirmation you can get on a thing like this, we feel comfortable sharing what we've heard with you, our loyal readers. The info we've heard from quite a few people point to the vast majority of KidZone being leveled in the fall to make way for a large scale/large budget project. Attractions that seem destined for the bulldozer are A Day in the Park with Barney, Curious George, and Fievel's Playland. It is unknown whether or not Woody's Nuthouse Coaster will stay and be rethemed, be moved, or be thrown out with the rest. Old school Universal fans will be happy to hear that both ET and Animal Actors should survive the wrath of Universal Orlando's extreme makeover. We've been told that the scale of the project is large, some even calling it Potter-like. As to what we're going to see come in, well, that's anyone's guess. No one seems to know the theme of the new area, and if they do they certainly aren't sharing. We've been discussing the possibilities, and everything from Dreamworks to Scooby Doo to Fast and Furious have been brought up. One thing's for sure, Universal isn't slowing down, nor did we expect them too. With this project and the King Kong project seemingly ready to roll once Cabana Bay and Diagon Alley wrap up, Universal is poised to continue to truck ahead. As always, continue to follow @Parkscope for news updates."
This definitely does not sound like a simple KidZone redo. I would expect just a KidZone redo (like Planet Snoopy rethemes, except Universal standard) but I should know better. This won't be a Universal standard; it will be a COMCAST Universal standard. Especially with the timeline lasting from Fall 2014-Spring/Summer 2016. Again, looking at the construction timelines of Universal projects, this will have a longer construction period than Transformers or King Kong. Judging by that logic, I believe we'll be seeing an even larger addition come to KidZone in 2016. According to the rumors, we can say goodbye to Barney (YES! I hate Barney), Curious George (NO! Not the ballhouse :'( ), and Fievel's Playland (based on an outdated animated film, need I say more). No fate on Nuthouse Coaster just yet, but why scrap it? It offers a nice family coaster experience in the other park, and I can see it being relocated somewhere else in the park, maybe towards Springfield/Krustyland. Also according to the rumors, we will also see E.T. and Animal Actors stay (thank god. If they kill another classic like E.T., nostalgic dudes and park fans will swarm the place like angry bees, and Spielberg would be pissed!). If it's really "Potter-like" like what they say in the article, I would expect it to be not as massive as Diagon Alley, but much more massive than Transformers/Kong.
As for construction starting in the fall, I wonder how this will affect the houses in HHN. When I first went to HHN in 2013, I found two houses in KidZone (La Llorona and Walking Dead). Could the entrances of these houses be relocated? Or will they just stay while construction is taking place?
I'm going with the first option, because if these entrances remain the same while they demolish everything, not only will it take longer to do work, it will also congest that whole area. I think they could relocate the entrances to two places:
1. Double the entrance of Afterlife's house with La Llorona's house. I think it's possible to do so with a few modifications here and there. The entrance in question is between MIB and Simpsons (also one of the entrances used for Gradbash students).
2. Create a new entrance for Walking Dead's house. Where? In between the Simpsons and Kwik-E-Mart (where the wall showing Chief Wiggum and Bart is).
I will make a better diagram of this later. Of course, they could work on KidZone during the day, while in the night they stop and go with the later option for HHN.
Either way, the news of these two projects definitely proves what I've been saying: Comcast is NOT wasting time. Remember some of us thinking Comcast will destroy Universal; now it seems that they're improving it drastically! There's even rumors of a 5th resort hotel being built between Royal Pacific and Cabana Bay (the new one opening in 2014), as well as a new water park where Wet N' Wild is (apparently it will be VERY ground breaking!). I said this a few times, and I'll say it again:
"Come 2020, and this haven will look much different than when the first spring of success was spawned."
What do I mean by that? Well (in not so fancy terms :P), by the end of this decade, Universal will look different compared to when the "spring of success," the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade, opened in 2010.
While I have yet to have official plans for this, I think there's a safe bet that I will be going to a trip again this summer. It will be an out-of-state trip, but which one: driving in the north like in 2011 or 2012, or an international trip to Europe like in 2010? ...or even both?
The answer is both.
By far the best summer trip I think I will have yet, it will take place from the beginning of July to the beginning of August. It will first involve a flight from Miami to Zurich (why Miami? Orlando doesn't go to Zurich), a tour of Switzerland. Then Paris, London, and Amsterdam. Then a flight back to New York from Frankfurt and a trip down South like the "driving in the north"-style trips. That means, new theme park opportunities!
All Out-of-state Summer Trips with theme parks (not counting the California winter trip):
2010:
Europa Park
2011:
Carowinds
Kings Dominion
Cedar Point
2012:
Busch Gardens Tampa
Kings Dominion
Hersheypark
Cedar Point
Six Flags Great Adventure
Unfortunately, we could not go to such places in 2013, as we were busy with our expensive moving from Pembroke Pines to Oviedo as I prepared for my first semester at UCF. I was able to get new credits in 2013, but only two at Fun Spot America in September: White Lightning and Freedom Flyer.
But this summer, we're back to traveling!
So what parks?
2014:
Universal (doesn't count as a trip since we're right there, but I think we should start the trip there with a full day)
Thorpe Park
Heide Park
Kings Dominion (the only park from the north trips that we're going this year)
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Dollywood
So the new ones are Thorpe Park, Heide Park, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and Dollywood. That also means that, unless something goes incredibly wrong at the park, there will be 3 B&M Wing Coasters (the company's newest model) that will be in the journey. I've always wanted to try one of these, and now I finally will in this trip; not one but THREE (Swarm, Flug der Damonen, and Wild Eagle). I've mainly followed at least two of them in my blog, Wild Eagle and Swarm. Other coasters in our expedition?
Krake, the dive machine I followed a while back at Heide Park. Verbolten, the addition at Busch Gardens Williamsburg that I also followed until it opened in 2012. Griffon also in BGW, a Dive Machine almost like SheiKra that I've always wanted to try. Apollo's Chariot also in BGW, the first Hypercoaster built by B&M. Colossus in Heide Park, currently the tallest wooden coaster in the world now that Son of Beast is gone, and also an Intamin Plug n' Play like El Toro (my favorite wooden coaster EVER!). Colossus in Thorpe Park, a 10-inversion coaster. And many other new additions, as well as some of my favorite coasters in Kings Dominion, like Intimidator 305, Volcano, and Dominator.
This summer, I will expand my Europe coaster collection. At this point, the only true park in Europe I went to (not counting Conny-Land. Fun place, but Cobra didn't open, so it didn't have any coasters) is Europa Park in Rust, Germany. By far one of my favorite theme parks, combining themed attractions and kick-ass coasters. Now I will add another German park (Heide Park) and an English park (Thorpe Park). I will also complete the 2 main parks of Virginia; I already did Kings Dominion, and now I will do Busch Gardens Williamsburg, let alone WITH KD). I will also finally go to Dollywood, a park that always intrigued me.
I'm also very excited about the non-theme park places we will visit, particularly Paris. Lately I've been getting into Disney's 1996 animated film, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," featured in 1482 Paris centered around the Notre Dame cathedral (where a hunchback child named Quasimodo was kept). Obviously it is a fictional piece (also based off a book by Victor Hugo, whose museum I plan on visiting), but Notre Dame almost seemed like the real thing in Paris. I would be pretty excited to finally see the real cathedral. I also am excited to see the Eiffel Tower (the real one not the KD one XP). In Amsterdam, I also would love to see the house where Anne Frank hid from the Nazis. I was always into World War II and the stories (even the malicious horrors like what happened in the Holocaust). I'm also excited about seeing London.
So could this 2014 summer trip be one of, if not the, best coaster trips yet. I would say YES! Not to mention, since in 2013 we couldn't go anywhere, this trip will definitely be welcomed! I really can't wait until this trip takes off! Just two more months!!
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!
