Disaster Transport is Dead and More 2013 Rumors

Two days ago, Disaster Transport at Cedar Point gave its last rider. As of yesterday the attraction is no more (and good riddance to that). Demolition is expected to begin Thursday (apparently).

More rumors are spreading on the theme of the coaster (possibly a mythological beast theme) and the name either Lotan or Gate Keeper:

2013 - Wing Coaster - Semi-Confirmed - (7/27/12) While the dragon / serpent / monster themes keep building up steam, we got another email this week backing up the Gate Keeper name once again. I suppose they could work together… but somehow I think the park will sell more T-Shirts and merchase with a beast themed logo like Behemoth, Leviathan or Hydra than they will with Gate Keeper.  (Unless they sell a shirt for your significant other to wear that says Key Master…)
    (7/26/12) Some interesting digging about another possible name for the 2013 Cedar Point coaster has come from CoasterFusion this week. They believe it could be named Lotan, named after a mythical 7-headed sea serpent / dragon beast that is the representation of floods, oceans and winter. 
    (7/25/12) The latest buzz from The Point seems to indicate that Sandusky could become home to a cousin of Canada’s Leviathan. I can only hope that this dragon will also demand his own cave lair and other fun environmental stuff to fly through. The dragon rumor has also been confirmed by our friends at CoasterFusion as well as some comments on the possible color of the coaster track being green… but with the sighting of the blue wing image on DT being so similar to the colors used on Leviathan, I’m hoping for another blue / cyan combo paint job myself.

I actually like the name "Gate Keeper." It makes sense (since, it's going through the park entrance), but also I think the name just sounds so cool! When I think of "Gate Keeper," I think of a Gothic-type of beast/dragon that guards the entrance to a castle or something else. "Lotan" is a great name too! I also wouldn't mind if they reused the Leviathan name (though I'd prefer Gate Keeper or Lotan).

That said, if it's called "Lotan," will this Wing Coaster possibly have 7 inversions? After all, the mythical Lotan has 7 heads. Could this be the equivalent of the number of inversions this ride might possibly have?

We shall see... I think this next month should be pretty interesting to say the least!

I'm Back From Another Amazing Trip...

Last year, I visited 3 parks (Carowinds, Kings Dominion, and Cedar Point)... this year I visited 5 PARKS (BGT, Kings Dominion, Hersheypark, Cedar Point, and Six Flags Great Adventure)... and yeah, pretty chill... or should I say SUPER AWESOME COMBO!

I've probably ridden around 50 coasters in this trip, including Hersheypark's newest addition, Skyrush (which on the wings is just a whip of an experience! I really loved it)! These last 4 weeks rocked (I came back Wednesday July 11th, and the trip started on June 16th)! Visited BGT on June 17th, Kings Dominion on June 20th, Hersheypark on June 22nd, Cedar Point on June 26th, and Six Flags Great Adventure on June 30th. I visited Hershey again on July 9th (just last Monday).

So for my ride lists:

BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA (6/17/2012)

Here we have just spent it as a normal BGT day, except we didn't go south... but north...:

1. Gwazi (Lion) - GCI Wooden Coaster (dueling)
2. Gwazi (Tiger) - GCI Wooden Coaster (dueling)
3. SheiKra - B&M Dive Machine
4. Tanganyika Tidal Wave (2x) - Intamin Shoot-the-Chutes
5. SheiKra (2nd time) - B&M Dive Machine
6. Kumba (2x) - B&M Sit-Down Coaster
7. Ubanga Banga Bumper Cars - Bumper cars ride
8. Skyride - Vonroll Sky ride
9. Cheetah Hunt - Intamin LSM Blitz
10. Montu - B&M Inverted Coaster
11. Phoenix - Intamin swinging ship ride
12. SheiKra (2x) - B&M Dive Machine

KINGS DOMINION (6/20/2012)

Last time we were here was last year. This year, we rode Eiffel Tower (so I now know how an observation tower in a park is, as this is my first one), we dug further into the water park (Pipeline Peak), and completed the ride collection credits with Crypt and the two water rides (Shenandoah Lumber Company and White Water Landing). We also knew what not to waste our time on (Anaconda) from last time. We also rode their WindSeeker (which opened this year):

1. Eiffel Tower - Observation tower
2. Intimidator 305 - Intamin Giga Coaster
3. Volcano - Intamin LSM Inverted
4. Crypt - HUSS Top Spin
5. Intimidator 305 (2nd time) - Intamin Giga Coaster
6. Scrambler - Scrambler ride
7. Baja Bends - Water slide combo
8. Pipeline Peak - Tubed/non-tubed water slide combo
9. Tornado - ProSlide Tornado
10. Triple Spin - Orbitron ride
11. Shockwave - TOGO Stand-Up Coaster
12. Drop Tower - Intamin Gyro Drop
13. WindSeeker - Mondial Wind Seeker
14. Hurler - Intl Coasters Wooden Coaster
15. Grizzly - TAG Wooden Coaster
16. Shenandoah Lumber Company - Log flume
17. White Water Landing - River rapids
18. Rebel Yell - PTC Wooden Coaster (back row just pushed this ride up from a 2-Star, to a high 2-Star! Just insane)
19. Dominator - B&M Floorless Coaster
20. Volcano (2nd time) - Intamin LSM Inverted
21. Crypt (2nd time) - HUSS Top Spin
22. Flight of Fear - Premier Indoor Poltergiest layout
23. Intimidator 305 (3rd time) - Intamin Giga Coaster

HERSHEYPARK (6/22/2012)

Huzzah! New park, new credits (very nice park BTW)! However, that day, it was raining around the area, and we ended up not doing everything we wanted, so we got an "after-sunset pass" and came back July 9th (towards the end of the trip) after 5:00 pm. This was a good day though. Skyrush was a great ride that day, but the restraints weren't changed (yes, they added more padding later) so it was kind of bad for the legs. After two rides, the restraints became too much to bear, and we ended up saying "no third Skyrush ride." But the airtime, speed, and whipping rocked (especially when you get the winged seats)! Next time however (July 9)... well, you'll see. After our second Skyrush ride, it ended up raining, so we watched "Rock the Jukebox" in Chevrolet Music Theater. Then we rode Fahrenheit, and it was great! It was forceful, and even had some nice airtime in the middle! Afterwards, the water park (which became my favorite water park at this point). Awesome slides, and Tidal Force won the award for "Through My Eyes' Best Water Ride). TF guarantees you get soaked with a giant splash which rains down on you after the splashdown. Then it rained, and everything was down for the rest of the day (well, other than the Music Express, a few others, and the Hershey Factory Tour). =( I liked the place though. Definitely a recommended place:

1. Skyrush - Intamin Winged Hyper Coaster
2. Sooperdooperlooper - Schwarzkopf Looping Coaster
3. Great Bear - B&M Inverted Coaster
4. Skyrush (2nd time) - Intamin Winged Hyper Coaster
5. Chevrolet Music Theater (Rock the Jukebox) - Musical
6. Fahrenheit (2x) - Intamin Vertical Lift
7. Vortex - Proslide Bowl
8. Whirlwind - Proslide Tornado
9. Tidal Force (2x) - Shoot-the-Chutes (AWESOME RIDE!!)
10. Hershey Chocolate World - Dark ride (outside the park)

CEDAR POINT (6/26/2012)

Here, we focused the day on riding our favorite coasters (Top Thrill Dragster, Millennium Force, Maverick, Magnum, etc). Also finally rode MaxAir (OMG, this ride kicked butt), Skyhawk (kicked butt too, but not as much as MaxAir!), and Power Tower (great drop tower combo). Also, like in KD, we avoided the crap rides (like Disaster Transport, though I did visit the area to take pics of new markings for the 2013 coaster)! However, some rides we just forgot or just didn't have time (like Blue Streak. =( I liked it last time). Maverick was down for a while, but went back up. Amazing as usual. Couldn't ride TTD at the end of the day, but this is the first time during the day! =) So we wrapped it up with Millennium Force (just as great!). Also got a new credit (Mine ride):

1. Raptor - B&M Inverted Coaster
2. MaxAir - HUSS Giant Frisbee
3. Troika - Troika ride
4. Wicked Twister - Intamin LSM Impulse
5. WindSeeker - Mondial Wind Seeker
6. Mantis - B&M Stand-Up Coaster
7. Top Thrill Dragster - Intamin Accelerator (Strata)
8. Millennium Force - Intamin Giga Coaster
9. Maverick - Intamin LSM Blitz
10. Mean Streak - Dinn Wooden Coaster
11. Cedar Creek Mine Ride - Arrow Mine Train
12. Skyhawk - S&S Screamin' Swing
13. Gemini - Arrow Hybrid Coaster
14. Magnum - Arrow Hyper Coaster
15. Power Tower - S&S Combo Drop Tower
16. MaxAir (2nd time) - HUSS Giant Frisbee
17. Millennium Force (2nd time) - Intamin Giga Coaster

SIX FLAGS GREAT ADVENTURE (6/30/2012)

So we were in New York City, and we went to another new park, filled with more new credits! Their best coasters, however, blow me away (Kingda Ka, El Toro, and Nitro)! Kingda Ka was short, but that launch packs a great punch! It was just super (probably, dare I say this, my favorite coaster. Smooth, forceful, insane speed and height. Could be longer but... the launch just makes it)! El Toro is a wooden coaster, but here's a twist! It's really smooth and packs an awesome punch (and AIRTIME)! I love my rough woodies, but El Toro just devoured every wooden coaster I've been on! Intamin Plug n' Play, come to Florida!! BGT I'm looking at you (big Timbuktu refurbishment maybe squeezing in one of these, destroying Rhino Rally even more (and relocate Phoenix and Scorpion)? YES PLEASE!)! Nitro = amazing Hypercoaster w/ AMAZING AIRTIME! Overall, great park. Also, in this SF park trip, we've been on 19 rides (counting re-rides), the most we've done at any Six Flags park! SFMM was 9 rides (counting re-rides) and SFOG was 4 rides (lines were awful there, but it was after BOA so...). SFGAdv = Epic win. Only issue is the water rides... the log flume was okay... the river rapids was just awful and stupid! I didn't get wet that much... probably least favorite in this park. If you're looking to waste your time, ride Congo Rapids! XP :

1. Kingda Ka - Intamin Accelerator (Strata)
2. El Toro - Intamin Plug n' Play Wooden Coaster
3. Rolling Thunder - Rosser/Cobb Wooden Coaster (lame ride...)
4. Kingda Ka (2x) - Intamin Accelerator (Strata)
5. Skyride - Vonroll Sky Ride
6. Congo Rapids - River rapids ride (WORST RIVER RAPIDS EVER!)
7. Nitro - B&M Hypercoaster
8. Batman: The Ride - B&M Inverted Coaster
9. Dark Knight - MACK Wild Mouse (indoors)
10. Skull Mountain - Intamin Custom (indoors)
11. Blackbeard's Lost Treasure Train - Zierer Kiddie Coaster
12. Saw Mill Log Flume - Log flume ride
13. Bizarro - B&M Floorless Coaster
14. Superman: Ultimate Flight - B&M Flying Coaster
15. Green Lantern - B&M Stand-Up Coaster (formerly Chang at Kentucky Kingdom. This is a nice ride!)
16. Nitro (2nd time) - B&M Hypercoaster
17. El Toro (2nd time) - Intamin Plug n' Play Wooden Coaster
18. Kingda Ka (4th time) - Intamin Accelerator (Strata)

HERSHEYPARK (7/9/2012)

So, here we had unfinished business. We accomplished a lot more that day! We first rode the ones we didn't ride. Also, Skyrush's new restraints (while they could still work on it a little) were much better. Afterwards, Skyrush took the throne as Hershey's best, as it should have (...so for the final phase of destroying Rhino Rally, we should tear out the whole ride for a version of Skyrush, but taller. Also, for a WindSeeker and a dark ride, all in a new area of BGT...):

1. Storm Runner - Intamin Accelerator
2. Sidewinder - Vekoma Boomerang
3. Tidal Force - Shoot-the-Chutes
4. Coastline Plunge - Water slide combo (w/ Vortex and Whirlwind)
           Riptide - Water slide
           Vortex - Proslide Bowl
           Surge - Water slide
           Whirlwind - Proslide Tornado
5. Wildcat - GCI Wooden Coaster
6. Lightning Racer (Thunder) - GCI Wooden Coaster (dueling) (Lightning won)
7. Lightning Racer (Lightning) - GCI Wooden Coaster (dueling) (Lightning won! Haha!)
8. Fahrenheit - Intamin Vertical Lift
9. Skyrush - Intamin Winged Hyper Coaster

Overall, GREAT TRIP! Go to these parks, they are wonderful! =)

Cedar Point 2013 To Bring A New Coaster

I shall revive my blog with a news update.


Disaster Transport and Space Spiral at Cedar Point have both been confirmed for removal (on July 13th) with DT closing by July 29th, and Space Spiral possibly closing around Labor Day:

Disaster Transport Final Dispatch: A Mission for the Kids
Sunday, July 29, 2012 at 9:00 PM
Cedar Point
Sandusky, Ohio


Disaster Transport Final Dispatch: A Mission for the Kids

Cedar Point and Give Kids The World are
partnering for another exciting event!

At Disaster Transport Final Dispatch: A Mission for the Kids, guests can become a part of history while helping children with life-threatening illnesses and their families make memories that last a lifetime.

Participation includes complimentary all-day park admission for non-season passholders, an hour of exclusive ride time on Disaster Transport, VIP access to a private reception, a commemorative event t-shirt, a special souvenir and eligibility for the the last ride with the lights on. The top three fundraisers will also receive prizes!

Here's what we have planned for Sunday, July 29:

9 p.m. Welcome Reception-- Enjoy light refreshments, music and a special presentation at the patio outside Disaster Transport.

10:30 - 11:30 p.m. Exclusive Ride Time-- Disaster Transport is officially closed to the public and open to all participants for ERT.

11:40 p.m. Final Lap-- Last ride with the lights on! The 50 participants who have raised the most money are guaranteed a spot. The first place fundraiser will have the privilege of choosing their seat first, followed by the second place fundraiser and so on until all seats are taken.

In addition to the $20 registration fee, a minimum of $50 must be raised in order to participate. Top fundraisers will be determined Friday, July 27 at Noon EST.

Online registration will close Friday, July 27 at Noon EST. Onsite. day-of registration will be available for $75 and includes all-day park admission for non-season passholders, an hour of exclusive ride time on Disaster Transport, VIP access to a private reception, a commemorative event t-shirt and a special souvenir. Onsite registrants are not eligible for the Final Lap.

Thank you for your support!

 https://www.firstgiving.com/gktw/finaldispatch


From the park's Facebook page:

Something big is happening. Disaster Transport & Space Spiral will be dismantled this season to make space for @!!$!(*%%. We're sad to see them go, but are excited as we fly into the future. Stay tuned for more!

 "Watch out for inversions and (!%!@@!#%(!@!!^ You didn't think we would give away 2013 THAT easy did you?"

Already teasing? Lemme guess, @!!$!(*%% = 2-1-14-19-8-5-5 = B-A-N-S-H-E-E. IDK, it just looks like that. I have no idea about the other one, but some say that means FALSE CLUES in inverted text.


Originally Mantis (B&M Stand-Up) was going to be called "Banshee," but apparently the word "banshee" had some negative connotations. So they changed the ride's name to "Mantis" (as it is today), and most of the original "Banshee" souvenirs were recalled, and burned (though there are still some around). I can't really imagine them naming this coaster "Banshee" after that scenario.


If what I heard last summer is true, Disaster Transport and Space Spiral's replacement WILL be a new B&M coaster. Funny, just a couple of weeks ago I was at Cedar Point, and imagined them imploding Space Spiral (almost like Freefall at SFOT back in 2008) and the tower falling on Disaster Transport's structure, destroying both attractions. I also saw quite a bit of markings around the Space Spiral/Disaster Transport area (especially in the dead end by DT's exit).


Just recently (May 30), the news leaked out about DT/SS getting removed for a new coaster that will stretch to the front of the park:

Cedar Fair stands ready to spend big money on a new roller coaster for 2013 at Cedar Point that will change the park landscape.

Code-named “CP Alt.Winged,” the coaster will have the “longest drop, run the fastest and be the longest ride” of its kind, Cedar Fair CEO Matt Ouimet wrote in Feb. 15 memo to Cedar Fair’s board of directors.

The total projected cost of the project is $25 million, a price that includes removing the park’s Space Spiral and Disaster Transport rides and restructuring the park entrance. 

Ouimet was unavailable for comment Tuesday.

To see photos of the Space Spiral and Disaster Transport, click HERE.

Lee Alexakos, corporate vice president of marketing, declined to confirm the information in the memo.

“We have not announced any plans for 2013 but we did announce a $25 million investment,” Alexakos said. “This will be one of the largest capital expenditures ever.”

Alexakos said that with any ride or attraction Cedar Point undertakes, the company is always looking to set records.

The Swiss-based Bolliger & Mabillard Consulting Engineers is set to design the new ride, which was described in the memo as having a “Front Gate Statement— a roller coaster that flies overhead, rolls and flies back— highly visible above guests entering the park.”

The firm designed Cedar Point’s Raptor.

A winged coaster is designed to suspend riders on wings to the sides of the rails so there is no track above or below the guest.

Engineering schematics show a proposed coaster with gravity defying twists, curves and rolls.

“Rob Decker (Cedar Fair VP of planning and design) and others have done a great job of creating a compelling, economically attractive new coaster for Cedar Point,” Ouimet wrote. “We believe this particular ride design with this particular manufacturer balances the desire for marketable innovation and risk associated with early adaptations of prototypes.”

Bolliger & Mabillard designed the first winged coaster for installation in Italy at a park known as Gardaland. The Six Flags Great American park outside of Chicago also has one of the company’s winged coasters, called X-Flight. 

The new ride at Cedar Point could promise to be a work horse available to guests at almost any time they are in the park.

“Rob talked to operators of the first one in Italy and found no unanticipated negatives and very high ride reliability (less than 1 percent operational downtime).

Design plans show the new ride with a 170-foot tall lift that will fly overhead of park guests entering the park. It will have the longest track and longest ride time of any coaster of its style as it flies overhead, rolls and then fly back.

The huge roller coaster will dominate the front gate and the track will travel over a large parking area at the park.

“We have several coasters that cover parking lots,” Ouimet wrote. “Not necessarily ideal, but certainly acceptable given tight site constraints and the amount of land such attractions require.”

Disaster Transport and the Space Spiral both would have to come down if the site plan currently under consideration is chosen.

Part of the $25 million investment will also include renovations and upgrades at the park entrance from the parking lot.

Cedar Point general manger John Hildebrandt was not available for comment on Tuesday.

http://www.sanduskyregister.com/sandusky/news/cedar-fair/memo-cedar-point-build-coaster-2013

The rumor mill is throwing roller coaster enthusiasts for a loop today.

And this particular loop is a doozy: Cedar Point is planning to remove Disaster Transport and Space Spiral to make room for a wing coaster that extends to the front of the park and above the main entrance, according to a Feb. 15 memo from new Cedar Fair CEO Matt Ouimet to the board of directors.

A wing coaster, as shown in the artist rendering above, is one on which pairs of riders sit on either side of the track, with nothing above or below them except air.

The only coasters at Cedar Point that I haven’t ridden this year are Mean Streak, because it’s kind of hard on my aging back, and Disaster Transport, because, well, it kind of sucks.

Someone at Cedar Point with much more influence than I have might think the same thing.

At the Erie County Chamber of Commerce Breakfast of Champions on April 24, Ouimet mentioned publicly that the company wasn’t thrilled with Disaster Transport, which gives more credence to this development.

“We believe strongly in the future of Cedar Point,” Ouimet said at the breakfast. “Our board of directors, at John’s (Hildebrandt) encouragement, have committed more than $25 million to Cedar Point for next season. I will leave it at that, for all to speculate what that is.”

And speculate the enthusiasts have done.

I've suspected for a while that Cedar Point's 2013 attraction would be a coaster. The loss of one roller coaster, WildCat, and Ouimet divulging the $25 million investment number all but clinched it. It was just a matter of waiting to see what type of coaster it would be.

Obviously, it would be something relatively different than what the park already has, and a flying coaster, Firehawk, being only 200 miles away at Cedar Fair-owned Kings Island seemed to preclude Cedar Point from doing a flyer, with other options available. So I assumed it would be a dive coaster.

I've never ridden a true wing coaster, but I have been on Griffon, a dive coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Riding on the outside of its 10-seat-wide train gives an experience somewhat similar to a wing coaster, because you hang over air, not the track. Needless to say, it's an interesting experience.

Also fueling the speculation is a development at another Cedar Fair property, Canada’s Wonderland. That park’s new coaster for 2012, Leviathan, features elements that are located in and above the guest parking lot and around the main entrance of the park, just like Cedar Point’s new coaster is expected to do.

In addition, you know Cedar Point wants to be able to at least argue its case as being the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World."

The first-ever entry to this blog was about the park’s last-minute removal of WildCat and the fact I thought it was a good long-term move. At the same time, losing one coaster also lost the park the claim of having the most roller coasters in the world, a title held by Six Flags Magic Mountain.

If this new development comes to fruition, Cedar Point still won’t be able to lay claim to the title of most coasters. (Gain one, lose one, leaving 16.) Six Flags Magic Mountain also has announced it will open an 18th coaster in 2013.

But I, for one, will take quality over quantity, substance over marketing, any day.

If Cedar Point adds a coaster type it doesn’t already have, I’ll still easily consider the park the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World." And with its high-quality and versatile lineup, it would be difficult to argue against it.

There are only four wing coasters in operation in the world: Raptor at Gardaland in Italy, The Swarm at Thorpe Park in the United Kingdom, Wild Eagle at Dollywood in Tennessee and X-Flight at Six Flags Great America in Illinois. The first in the world, Raptor, opened only a year ago.

Incidentally, the cost of the two wing coasters at U.S. parks are reported to be $20 million for Wild Eagle and $15 million for X-Flight, which seems to be in line with the $25 million Ouimet mentioned. (Assuming, as usual, Cedar Point wants the tallest, fastest and longest coaster of its type in the world, which would increase the ride's cost, in addition to the cost of removing the two rides.)

All four wing coasters in existence are manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, which designed and built Cedar Point’s Raptor and Mantis, as well as Diamondback at Kings Island. While I know a lot of people bemoan Mantis, I’m glad to see another B&M coaster coming, especially considering what seems to be excessive downtime on the Intamin coasters. (Millennium Force is still my favorite.)

And now would be a good time to mention the buzz that started a while ago when a photo surfaced of green wing-coaster track at a B&M fabricating plant in southwestern Ohio. (It could be for any number of other parks.) It's also a good time to mention it's been five long years and one major recession since a new coaster rolled its way to Cedar Point.

Some people wanted to see a 500-foot coaster, but I just don't see the point with Top Thrill Dragster already standing at 420 feet. Go skydiving if you want a towering drop from the sky, because that'd basically be all you'd get from such a coaster.

A new type of coaster will be good for the park in terms of its ability to draw guests, and sacrificing a couple of aging and underperforming rides for something fresh while adding some impact to that area of the park will be a good thing. (I spend a huge percentage of time in the back half of the park, roaming toward the front usually only when I want to ride Raptor or Wicked Twister or when I'm heading to my car.)

The elimination of Disaster Transport’s building also will allow for more and better views of the lake, which is an asset most parks simply don’t have.

Whatever the coaster ends up being and wherever it ends up going, it’s going to leave bigger footprints than the T. rex or Ruyangosaurus giganteus from Dinosaurs Alive! ever could.

http://www.sanduskyregister.com/sandusky/belaboring-point/cedar-point/blog-cedar-points-wing-coaster-answers-enthusiasts-prayer

There even seems to be a planned layout in the last link:

This looks like a combination of Swarm (dive possibly) and Wild Eagle (out-and-back layout). However one thing comes to question... it looks like after exiting the Disaster Transport area, there is a unique-looking element. Some say it could be the "Norwegian Lift" (well, what I would call it, LOL). Essentially, the train crests the lift, and goes through a twist n' dive, followed by an immelmann. This should be very interesting... I wonder what's for dinner at Cedar Point (LOL, I had to throw that in!)... and it also should be cool to see the dive loop... er immelmann... er whatever that is at the end (between the main entrance and Blue Streak) by Blue Streak's turnaround.

As for DT packing it's bags, goodbye, good riddance, so long, and farewell! Never been a fan of it... Space Spiral, however, IDK. It doesn't look to be part of the layout... =/

It should be exciting to see how all this folds out...

EDIT:

Just saying (this is from MudchopX at YouTube)...

SFMM and Cedar Point Heading to a 2013 Coaster Duel!

Looks like 2013 will be another monster coaster year, and the two coaster capitals of the world, SFMM and Cedar Point (now that SFMM removed Deja Vu, they're tied with Cedar Point, so yeah TWO), are preparing for the installation of big coasters. I'll first start with the rumor that came first:

Cedar Point 2013:

From Screamscape:

2013 - New Coaster - Rumor - (2/10/12) Still more rumors trickling in about the possible 2013 coaster plans in the works for The Point. Right now the good money bets are still on it being a B&M coaster once again, but this leads to a question about what style? While I think the park could certainly use a good Floorless mega-looper, there is also hope for a mega Floorless Dive Machine concept.
The rumor mill suggests that management (or at least Kinzel’s old management) did not care for the B&M Flyers. The park already has a plentiful supply of launched coaster concepts, so this really leaves only the new Wing Coaster idea as an alternate possibility, but with SFGAm building one in greater market, I have a feeling Cedar Point isn’t ready to jump on that bandwagon yet either.
(12/29/11) Another Screamscape source has confirmed hearing that a new B&M coaster is supposed to be in the works for The Point in 2013. So will it be something standard like a Floorless or a Dive Machine, one of the new Wing coasters or perhaps something we’ve never seen before?
(7/7/11) While it’s still a bit far out to say anything for sure, we’ve heard from a new source that the rumored 2013 coaster project for The Point will see B&M come back to the park at last with a new project. It’s hard to say exactly what it may be, so I suspect it could be one of the new Wing Coasters, though a Floorless with a ton of inversions or even a Dive Machine would also be a good fit. A location near the front of the park on the Disaster Transport / Space Spiral side was also mentioned.
(7/5/11) If your hoping for a new coaster at Cedar Point in 2012, I’m told you will probably have to wait for 2013. No word on just what it will be, but usually Cedar Point doesn’t disappoint, so it should be good.

Okay, I'm ready to speak out... I'm not sure if I mentioned this in the blog before, but it's time I say it: I was the one who sent the (7/7/11) report to Screamscape.

Last summer when I visited Cedar Point (around June 29th), I was taking snapshots of markings around the rapids area (back when there were 2012 rumors), and then a park security person came. He and I had a chat and he told me that 2012 would not bring in a new coaster, but something else (possibly a water park expansion). That water park expansion was proved true: with the confirmation of Dinosaurs ALIVE, Cedar Point also confirmed the addition of a mat racer slide in Soak City. Also, the markings were for Snoopy (I think).

He then told me that 2013 would bring a new coaster, and he stated that the manufacturer was the one "who made Raptor and Mantis" (I recall him saying that), which means B&M. The design is unknown at this point, so it could be anything (I'm guessing it will be a Wing Coaster, despite Screamscape's doubts). He also said to look for a location in the front of the park, by Disaster Transport/Space Spiral.

I wasn't really sure when to send Screamscape the rumor (whether it be a week, a month, two months, etc), but as my trip up north ended (around the July 5-July 7 time frame) rumors started spreading of Dinosaurs ALIVE for 2012 and the coaster coming 2013, so I decided to send the rumor to Screamscape as I got home. Sure enough, signs are pointing to the rumor being true. Recently (as you can see above from Screamscape) rumors are continuing to spread of a B&M coaster coming in 2013. And what the security person said about 2012 came true too (the mat racer). This makes you wonder the only thing left... when would we start seeing construction in the lot behind Disaster Transport/Space Spiral? Time will tell.

This is also logical: the last coaster Cedar Point installed was Maverick (2007) and the last B&M Cedar Point installed was Mantis (way back in 1996!). The past few coaster installations (Millennium Force, Wicked Twister, TTD, Maverick) have all been Intamins. I think they're overdue for a B&M coaster (though I wouldn't mind another Intamin monster, I think it's time for B&M to come back to the Point).

Six Flags Magic Mountain 2013:

Remember the report of Log Jammer closing. Demolition began recently, and the old Metro Station has been demolished too. And just like the latest CP 2013 rumor, Screamscape also reported a little something this morning for SFMM:

2013 - New Coaster - (2/10/12) It’s still a bit too early to lock in anything for the SFMM 2013 project just yet, but with demolition fully under way, what we have heard so far is what it wont be. Screamscape sources confirm that this is not expected to be a B&M coaster of any kind, so throw out all those long rumored Dive Machine rumors that have been brewing forever. (Which is just disappointing, the terrain of the Log Jammer site would have made for a great themed Dive Machine...)
(2/7/12) Demolition work has begun at Six Flags Magic Mountain on the old Log Jammer ride area. The station building itself is fairly removed, though from the midway it may look more intact than it is due to the façade out front still standing. The splashdown lagoon is being torn up and they’ve even begun work to demolish the old Metro monorail station across the midway from the Log Jammer as well, along with a few sections of the Metro’s nearby beamways.
(1/27/12) The first 2012 edition of the SFMM GoBigCam video blog ends with what some are thinking could possibly be a clue about the park’s 2013 attraction. While the theme of the video is about working out, the hostess ends it by posing in front of a Wonder Woman backdrop and says, “Maybe by 2013 I’ll look like that,” in reference to Wonder Woman. With Six Flags seeming to have a renewed focus on ride’s themed after the DC Comics characters, could it be time for a Wonder Woman themed coaster all these years?
Now in all seriousness, this “clue” is probably way way WAY off track here. After all, the new 2013 coaster is supposed to take over the Log Jammer spot, which is located no where near the DC Universe section of the park. So I really don’t put any stock into this idea at all. I’ve got a feeling we could be seeing something with a more unique theme coming in 2013.
(11/3/11) Sue Carpenter, spokeswoman for Six Flags Magic Mountain confirmed to the local news that the Log Jammer is now closed, to be removed to make way for a future park expansion project which will be announced sometime in 2012. So at least we know where to keep our eyes focused for the park’s 2013 ride plans… lets just hope they try to work in some of the natural landscaping and water features leftover from the Log Jammer into the new ride.
(11/2/11) With the demise of the Log Jammer happening any day now, you can take one last look at the ride as it stands today over at Theme Park Review, as well as catch some pictures of Déjà Vu coming down.
(10/28/11) Sad news today regarding the fate of the Log Jammer at SFMM. I’ve been told that a sign in a ‘break room’ at SFMM indicated that the Log Jammer only had a few days left to run. The basic gist of seems to be that the Log Jammer will be no more following Halloween.
(10/19/11) Its been a few weeks, and I’m sorry to say that the rumors about the possible removal of Log Jammer from SFMM have not let up. As wrong as it seems to remove a classic “log ride” from any park… I’m starting to get worried the rumor could be true. If so… get your last rides in while you still can, or regret it forever.
(9/19/11) To be honest, this is the first I’ve heard of the following rumor… and I have yet to get the story fully double-checked with any other sources at this point, so I have to remain skeptical about it still. That said, a report has come in claiming that Magic Mountain may be considering the possible removal of the popular Log Jammer flume ride. I really hope not, as it get hot beyond belief in the summer at The Mountain, and that park really needs more water rides, not less. Even today, I think the Log Jammer probably has the most consistently long line of all the park’s water rides. If anyone has anything else to share about this, please do let me know.

So we can rule out a Dive Machine (or any other B&M) for this creation (though it would have been nice). IMO, this tells me that this coaster will be what TheCoasterGuy reported a while back (when Log Jammer was confirmed to get the axe):

Brand new gigacoaster to be built were Log Jammer sits today @SFMagicMountain. Will debut for 2013 season.

With B&M out, it looks like this masterpiece will be sent by the Intamin gods, in the form of a Giga Coaster. I hope for a combination of I305's intense turns and Millennium Force airtime hills (and possibly mix a little Skyrush in it, with the new winged trains, and stengel dives). I also doubt this ride will be Wonder Woman themed, but you never know.

Here's an update from February 6th that shows some interesting things:

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1144657#p1144657

Apparently the pump house and the main entrance building for Log Jammer is still up. Could they be reusing it (they could demolish all this later, but still worth noting)? They could theme this giga to some monster in the wilderness (like a Sasquatch or something). I'm just interested in seeing how that area will look like within the next year, with the Log Jammer plot and Metro plot now open:














This plot is looking bigger and bigger, and when you add Flashback's plot (behind the metro station) to the mix, it looks even larger (though a water park expansion would look good in Flashback's plot).

I hope to hear some more about this 2013 coaster war soon! =)

Other Cedar Fair Announcements

Carowinds:

Carowinds will be building their own WindSeeker in 2012 in the Carolina RFD section of the park (presumably in one of the lakes by Nighthawk):

WindSeeker will send riders soaring 301 feet above the park at over 30 miles per hour and provide dramatic views of the greater Charlotte region.

WindSeeker’s three minute ride begins when the ride’s carriage, featuring 32 two passenger swings, slowly rotates while climbing to the top of a 301-foot tower. Riders will experience a sense of weightlessness as the swings reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour and the arms extend outward at a 45-degree angle.

Located in: Carolina RFD

http://www.carowinds.com/public/park/rides/thrill_rides/windseeker.cfm






























































Kings Dominion:

For 2012, Kings Dominion will also build a WindSeeker (presumably in the space occupied by El Dorado, which has been put up for sale) as well as Dinosaurs Alive (by Grizzly):

WindSeeker is a 301-foot-tall tower that spins riders nearly 30 stories above the Central Virginia Countryside. Seated in two-person swings that will allow their feet to dangle, riders slowly begin rotating in a circular motion as the swings ascend the tower. At the top, the swings reach speeds between 25-30 mph, flaring out almost 45 degrees from the tower.

WindSeeker will be joining Kings Dominion’s “300-Foot Club,” Intimidator 305, Drop Tower and the Eiffel Tower. These iconic and elite attractions help Kings Dominion stand tall above the rest as the Premier Amusement Park in the Mid-Atlantic.

Year Opened
2012

Location
Grove Section of the Park near Juke Box Diner

Ride Stats
Height – 301 feet
Diameter – 81 feet
Diameter with swing arms extended – 110 feet
Swing Arm Angle – 45 degrees

Seating
Number of seats – 32 two-person swings; 64 total riders
Restraint System – Individual over-the-head lap bar with interlocking seat belt
Capacity – 960 riders per hour

Speed
Rotation Speed – 25-30 mph (8 rotations per minute)
Ride Time – approximately 3 minutes

Cost
$6.5 million

Special Features
Arms are installed with an elaborate LED lighting package, which will make for a dramatic and exciting ride for riders and spectators.

On-board Audio playing 18 different music tracks during the ride

Manufacturer
Mondial, a Dutch-based ride manufacturer

http://www.kingsdominion.com/rides-attractions/ride-detail.cfm/ride_alias/Windseeker/ride_category/Thrill-Rides

Dinosaurs Alive! is a multi-sensory and interactive dinosaur park that brings inspiration, science and technology together at Kings Dominion. Guests also hear the sounds and see the movements of 36 full-size creations made to replicate nearly every feature of the dinosaurs.

Location
Old Virginia

Entrance
Near Grizzly roller coaster

Attraction area
6-Acres

Distance of walking path
3000 feet

Number of Dinosaurs
36

Interactive Dinosaurs
3

Types of Dinosaurs
Huayangosaurus Deinonychus Triceratops
Mamenchiasaurus Tenontosaurus Tyrannosaurus Rex
Ruyangosaurus Giganteous Hererasaurus Amargasaurus
Parasaurolophus Carnotosaurus Monoclonius
Ouranosaurus Baryonyx Dyoplosaurus
Olorosaurus Irritator Pachycepholsaurus
Pachyrhinosaurus Spinosaurus Albertosaurus
Kosmoceratops Allosaurus Yangchuanosaurus
Mojoceratops Stegosaurus Chasmosaurus

Scenes Pack Attack Predator Ridge
Fish Eaters Frills, Clubs, Platees
Predataor Trap Flash Flood
Kids Paleontological Dig Site


Dinosaurs Alive! is a pay-per-experience attraction and is not included with general admission or a season pass to Kings Dominion.

Manufacturer
Dinosaurs Unearthed
British Columbia, Canada

http://www.kingsdominion.com/rides-attractions/ride-detail.cfm/ride_alias/Dinosaurs-Alive/ride_category/Family-Attractions
























































Kings Island:

For next year, Kings Island will transform their Boomerang Bay water park into Soak City (like Cedar Point, Knott's, and Valleyfair):

The Kings Island amusement park in Mason announced a major expansion at its Boomerang Bay water park, changing its name to Soak City.

Kings Island, which is owned by Cedar Fair Entertainment said it will add 3,000 square feet to its wave pool and make enhancements to its volley ball courts and lawn areas. It also will add 1,000 lounge chairs, more shaded areas for pool-goers and new family dressing rooms. The new improvements will be ready for the 2012 season, the park said.

The water park expansion is the latest enhancement at Kings Island, located just north of Cincinnati. The park this year added a swing attraction called Windseeker and the Dinosaurs Alive animatronic dinosaur park.

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2011/09/02/kings-island-to-double-size-of-water.html













Dorney Park:

Looks like Dorney Park has confirmed Stinger, the former Invertigo coaster from CGA:

Feel your heart pump with adrenaline after experiencing this scorpion's sting! Sit back and find yourself dangling from the scorpion tail seated face-to-face with your friends as you each sit witness to the others terror. You'll scream your face off as you are lifted up a 138-foot lift hill and then released to soar at speeds reaching 55 miles per hour through three inversions both forward and then backward.

http://www.dorneypark.com/public/park/rides/roller_coasters/stinger.cfm

Cedar Point:

Next year, Cedar Point will also build Dinosaurs Alive on Millennium Island (on the right side of the island, which contains part of Millennium Force and Shoot the Rapids) as well as a new water slide:

Cedar Point announced Friday morning that it will take the Sandusky amusement park back to prehistoric times.

Dinosaurs Alive! on Adventure Island will be introduced to the park in summer 2012, park officials say. The new attraction will be located on four acres on the wooded island in the lagoon area where the Paddlewheel has operated.

In addition to the dinosaur exhibit, park officials say a mat-race slide will be added to Soak City next summer.

The new dinosaur exhibit will cost about $1 million and will include 50 life-size animatronic dinosaurs. A Dinosaurs Alive! exhibit was installed at Kings Island this year, and has been popular, park officials said.

"We are extremely excited about introducing Dinosaurs Alive! to our guests next summer," John Hildebrandt, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point, said in a statement Friday morning. "Our guests will have the opportunity to visit the Jurassic Age up close and see some amazing creatures that called it home. Dinosaurs Alive! will be educational and fun, too."

There will be an additional admission fee of $5 for the Dinosaurs Alive! attraction.

http://www.sanduskyregister.com/sandusky/news/2011/aug/19/dinosaurs-alive-coming-cedar-point-2012

Of all the above announcements I'm most excited about, I'm excited about the two new WindSeekers the most (Worlds of Fun is also rumored to get one next year)! I really enjoyed the Cedar Point one, and I honestly wouldn't mind if one eventually came to the Sunshine State! =)

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)

Cedar Point 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Updates of the WindSeekers #1

So, this starts a new series, similar to the Update of the Intimidators, but this time with WindSeekers! Let's see what's going on:

Cedar Point:

http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/fun/webcams/index.cfm

The webcam is now up (November 4, 2010), and it seems that the removal of the Ocean Motion flat ride has started. As of today, the Ocean Motion looks gone, and land clearing seems like it has begun.

Canada's Wonderland:

On September 9, 2010, the Jet Stream flat ride was up for sale, as it seems that WindSeeker will replace it. On October 10, 2010, Jet Stream closed, and on October 16, 2010, six days after, signs saying "Future Site of WindSeeker" and the station/queue cover is gone (and the wings on the ride were clipped). As of October 24, 2010, Jet Stream was gone. I think there is some construction now. Here is the latest:

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=38407&start=1570#p958813

Kings Island:

On November 2, 2010, it looks like the Diamondback webcam went offline. IDK if this is involved or not, but I sense they could be moving it to show WindSeeker construction. This version also is now under construction, though not much yet. Some trees have been removed on November 8, 2010 in the middle of a path (see this link for info):

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150116472123368&set=a.226729858367.174830.155893938367

Knott's Berry Farm:

So far this seems to be the only version that has yet to start construction. The Sky Cabin is still sitting there dormant (at least as of the latest update). But I sense that construction will start soon, as the others have already started.

4 WindSeekers Confirmed!

Cedar Point:

http://www.freep.com/article/20100824/BLOG20/100824062/1437/Cedar-Point-swings-on-beach

Cedar Point has announced a new ride for 2011 -- a giant 30-story-tall swing on its Lake Erie beach.

The $5 million ride will evoke the park's history, because for many years Cedar Point had a huge swinging ride actually IN Lake Erie. Old photos show riders in bathing costumes swinging around, over and into the waves.

The new ride, Wind Seeker, will be nearly as tall as the Millenium Force roller coaster, said spokesman Robin Innes. It will be 301 feet tall. Each swing will have two people in it, feet dangling. At its top spinning speed, it will go 25 to 30 miles per hour.

The ride replaces Ocean Motion, which will be torn down at the end of this season.

Mondial is the manufacturer.

Canada's Wonderland:

http://www.680news.com/news/local/article/92803--canada-s-wonderland-to-debut-new-ride-for-2011

TORONTO, Ont. - Canada's Wonderland plans to soar to new heights in 2011.

It's unveiled plans for its newest ride called "Windseeker."

Canada's Wonderland spokesperson Dineen Beaven shared the news during "Breakfast Television" on Citytv Tuesday morning.

"It's a 301-foot tower ride, which is essentially a swing. It's a lot of fun, we cannot wait to premiere this. To put it into perspective [...] currently our tallest rides are Behemoth and Drop Tower [are] at 230 feet," Beaven said.

She said it will be the tallest ride at the park.

Construction on the $5-million ride will start this fall.

Knott's Berry Farm:

http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/windseeker-thrill-ri-7426/

The 301-foot-tall WindSeeker promises to change Knott’s Berry Farm’s skyline when the spinning swing ride debuts at the Buena Park theme park in 2011.

WindSeeker will carry 64 riders in twin-seat gondolas to the top of the tower, where the ride’s metal arms will extend out at a 45-degree angle and spin for one minute at 30 mph.

The $5 million WindSeeker thrill ride replaces the venerable but aging Sky Cabin, a 225-foot-tall gyro observation tower built in 1976 and painted in patriotic red, white and blue. In recent years, the sedate observation deck has become better known for getting stuck in mid-ascent than for its commanding views. Knott’s removed the nostalgic Sky Jump parachute drop from the tower in 1999, leaving only the Sky Cabin.

The WindSeeker tower will retain the Sky Cabin’s signature Knott’s “K” at the top of the ride.

WindSeeker will be just a bit shorter Knott’s 312-foot-tall Supreme Scream turbo drop ride, touted as the tallest freestanding structure in Orange County when it was built in 1998.

Cedar Fair, Knott’s parent company, will install identical WindSeekers in 2011 at Cedar Point and Kings Island in Ohio and Canada’s Wonderland in Ontario.

The ride’s Dutch manufacturer, Mondial, is embroiled in a bitter patent dispute with an Australian competitor over the ride’s design. FunTime’s Star Flyer looks like a classic wave swinger ride with seats suspended from chains while Mondial’s WindSeeker features steel arms designed for higher wind conditions.

WindSeeker had been an open secret on theme park websites like Screamscape and Westcoaster before FunTime spoiled Cedar Fair’s surprise last week by taking their patent infringement claim public.

So you think that's all??? Haha... forgot to post yesterday... Kings Island will also get a thrill ride for 2011 (this was confirmed in the news yesterday)... and it will ALSO be WindSeeker:

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100824/NEWS01/308240026/Kings-Island-s-new-ride-WindSeeker

MASON – Kings Island calls its new ride WindSeeker, and it’s no ordinary swing set.

Announced Tuesday, the ride is a 301-foot-tall tower that will spin 64 riders in two-person swings at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, flaring out 45 degrees from the tower.

WindSeeker will open for the 2011 season in the Coney Mall section of the park near the Vortex roller coaster exit, according to park officials.

Kings Island spokesman Don Helbig said the new ride will add to a left-to-right panorama of tall attractions as viewed from Interstate 71 – Drop Zone at 315 feet tall, the Eiffel Tower at 313 feet, Diamondback at 230 feet and WindSeeker.

The ride also adds some pizzazz to a classic area of the park. Home to the Racer roller coaster, Coney Mall's old-fashioned feel and ubiquitous white wood is a nod to the venerable amusement park on the Ohio River where Kings Island has its roots.

“That’s one of the things our guests have said over the years, ‘We’d like to see more attractions in Coney Mall,’” Helbig said.

And here are some pictures of WindSeeker (first one's Cedar Point. Second is Canada's Wonderland. Third is Knott's Berry Farm. Last is Kings Island):









They all look so cool... GOOD NEWS: There is a possibility that we could be going to Knott's next summer, which possibly means that I will ride the Knott's version! =D

Anyways... time to start a new series... "The Update of the WindSeekers."

=D Can't wait for next summer!

The Mondial Wind Seeker

http://www.parkworld-online.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/1596/Mondial_unveils_Wind_Seeker.html

This is the rumored ride for Cedar Point (replacing Ocean Motion), Canada's Wonderland, and Knott's Berry Farm (replacing Sky Cabin) opening in 2011. It looks pretty cool.

Cedar Point News

From Screamscape:

2011 - Stratosoar / Thrill Ride - Semi-Confirmed - (8/11/10) While other Cedar Fair parks were opening their presents to Snoopy over the weekend, chocked full of announcements about Planet Snoopy areas with several new rides coming next year, Cedar Point guests were not so lucky. According to CP’s own blog coverage, the big present was opened and contained... Cookies. Yep... just cookies, so we’re playing the wait game again to find out about Stratosoar.
(8/6/10) The latest rumors about StratoSoar is that the Star Flyer style ride will hold 64 riders at once and stand 300 feet tall. I’ve also heard that the new ride could replace Ocean Motion, the park’s swing ship, located right next to the beach.
(8/5/10) We’ve heard from a few readers that Cedar Point has set up a giant present box addressed to Snoopy near Planet Snoopy with instructions not to open it until August 8th. As predicted, this should be next year’s new attraction announcement. While the Stratosoar rumor is the strongest right now, it’s funny how the coaster rumor keeps popping up. Is it just a fanboy dream or a deliberate attempt at misinformation spearheaded by The Point? Perhaps a little of both… and maybe… just maybe… there could be some truth to it. To help keep their record intact, I have heard a new rumor claiming that the park just mightadd a new kiddie coaster to the Planet Snoopy area as well since SFMM is adding a kiddie coaster next year. Gotta keep that coaster count up you know.
(8/3/10) Thanks to one of our readers for the tip, I’ve confirmed that Cedar Fair has filed Trademark application for the name “Stratosoar” on July 16th. Hmm… sounds like a perfect name for a gigantic Star Flyer style ride, doesn’t it? (Of course, since it was filed by Cedar Fair, it could be for any park in the chain… but The Point makes the most sense right now.

Is Stratosaur the name of this Star Flyer???

Whoa... 300 ft is pretty tall... too bad it isn't a coaster, but this is still cool... =D

Park Updates #2

Six Flags Great Adventure:

Tomorrow is the last day for the Great American Scream Machine coaster, as after that... it's gone (but thankfully a cool looking replacement is rumored to be on the way). If I were you (people who usually visit SFGAdv), I'd go to the park tomorrow for one last ride, because after that... like I said, it's gone.

And it looks like the ride has 0% chance of getting relocated, because according to this link...

http://www.irmpri.com/product.htm

...the trains are for sale (which indicates that the ride will be scrapped). Yup... pretty sad. This quote makes it sadder...:

The only constant in life is change - and this season, Great Adventure is in for a big change. The Great American Scream Machine, the anchor of Great Adventure for years, will be closed on July 18th after a special send-off event, and taken down.

When the ride opened in 1989, it was the world's tallest and fastest roller coaster until Magnum XL-200 opened about a month later, but it remained the tallest and fastest looping coaster for a whole season. It was Great Adventure's most popular roller coaster for several years, and had the most inversions in the park of any roller coaster, even to its final season. When it first opened, its long queue was always filled due to its strategic location in front of the parking lot, and at the time, it was one of the smoothest, coolest roller coasters in the world.

But over the years, the ride has aged badly and is now considered one of the more rough coasters in the park, and even on the most crowded days, it is avoided by the general public due to its often-times rough ride. However, this ride will sometimes give you a smooth ride, and lately, it's been doing this, perhaps as a final parting gift to its adoring fans. While I find it rough, somehow, it always finds its way into my routine when I visit the park, and even if it was rough, I never regretted riding it.

While the coaster is not very popular now-a-days, it deserves both this video and a good send-off event because of its tremendous importance to Great Adventure. Great Adventure's attendance was at all time lows during the late 80's, and Great American Scream Machine saved the park from an untimely closing.

Not only this, but the Scream Machine is also very important to me because it was the first roller coaster I rode at Six Flags Great Adventure.

So, thank you Scream Machine, for all the memories, and for saving our park. You'll be dearly missed.

Tch! I wish I'd ride it, but I don't see myself going to New Jersey soon (because of this HORRIBLE economy).

Busch Gardens Tampa:

More sheet piles seem to be driven in, right in front of the old Monorail station. It seems that there will be another trench for the 2011 coaster. Half of the old platform of the monorail is gone.

Something tells me that this coaster will be just sick! =D

Gardaland:

Gardaland's 2011 B&M prototype is revealed... X-Raptor. Here's some facts:

- The station will be underground
- 800m long track
- 30m tall
- 90° high speed turn
- Close encounters with objects
- Will go over water with special water effects added
- 2 elements where passengers will feel zero gravity

And here's concept art:



That looks incredible! =D Hopefully one of these comes to America.

Cedar Point:

From Screamscape:

2011 - Thrill Ride - Semi-Confirmed - (7/15/10) There have been a ton of crazy rumors swirling about just what may be on the way to Cedar Point in 2011. While many of the early rumors suggested that it could be a new coaster from Intamin, the latest batch of rumors suggest that this new Intamin ride may actually not be a coaster at all. If the latest rumors are true, we could be seeing them install a new Intamin version of a Star Flyer style tower ride. Given that this is The Point we can probably count on it being ridiculously huge, perhaps somewhere between Power Tower and Top Thrill Dragster in height.
Of course, this hasn’t stopped the coaster rumors, as rumors of new wooden coaster are still swirling in a revival of the old “boardwalk’ rumors from years ago, talking about placing a new woodie along the beachside of the park near Wicked Twister and Disaster Transport. Point Pixels has posted new pictures of the survey markings which are now close to the Ocean Motion and the Extreme Sports Stadium near Wicked Twister’s rear spike, as well as stakes right in the beach sand too. Now all we really need is someone to mark out where all these are on an overhead photo of the park so we can see just how large an area they’re marking off.

Turns out that there might be a wooden coaster going up by Wicked Twister and Disaster Transport. I actually had this theory...

Last year Cedar Point has removed their Demon Drop ride (it's now open at Dorney Park). That space seems big enough for a queue line. A station can go up behind that building between the entrance and the old Demon Drop site. The lift can go up by Disaster Transport. The majority of the layout could go up behind Wicked Twister and Disaster Transport, while the rest can go up behind the old Demon Drop site and by Disaster Transport, and maybe an overbanked turn over the entrance of the ride.

As for the wooden coaster rumor, keep in mind this quote:

(7/7/10) Screamscape sources tell us that we may see more new wood coasters built at a Cedar Fair parks in the next few years. So far the results have been good and with the rising cost of steel in the world marketplace, they are looking more attractive than ever.

That heightens the possibility of a woodie going up at Cedar Point.

And from DrAwsome at Orlando United:

I have done som looking around and here is the info that i have found out about the new attraction.
1) it will be located near the beach
2) it will bring back memories
3) it will be a thrill ride targeting the teen market
4) An announcement will be made in August
5) It will NOT be built by Intamin/Intaride
This info was REPORTEDLY in the local news paper but not available online. Didn't if you guys knew all of these little bits.

Expect an announcement this August for Cedar Point 2011.

Legoland Florida:

Well, an open house was held on July 8. Here's the list of rides of the new Legoland Florida (from Tbad556 at Orlando United):

With all of the information already released, I figured I would try to gather and organize all of the attractions, shows, etc. into one post. Here's what I got:

Rides
-Observatory Tower (Fun Town)
-TECHNIC Coaster (Extreme)
-Wave Racers (Extreme)
-Dragon Coaster (Castle)
-Royal Joust (Castle)
-Kid Power Towers (Imagination Zone)
-Unnamed Boat Attraction (LEGO City)
-Beetle Bounce (Land of Adventure)
-Lost Kingdom Adventure (Land of Adventure)
-Unnamed Wooden Roller Coaster (Land of Adventure)

Shows/Other Attractions
-LEGO Factory Tour (Fun Town)
-A Clutch Powers 4D Adventure (Fun Town)
-LEGOLAND Stunt and Water Ski Show (Extreme)
-The Hideaways [Play Area] (Castle)
-LEGO MINDSTORMS (Imagination Zone)
-Build and Test (Imagination Zone)
-Driving School (LEGO City)
-Fun Town Fire Academy (LEGO City)

Shops
-The Big Shop (The Beginning)

Miniland USA Models
-Las Vegas
-New York City
-Washington D.C.
-Kennedy Space Center
-Daytona Speedway

Another quote from Tbad:

* Starliner is confirmed to be getting disassembled but preserved to be sold.
* The "Unnamed Wooden Coaster" in Land of Adventure is Triple Hurricane from Cypress Gardens. It still has no name from what I currently have heard.
* Demolition to start Monday

From rewster at Orlando United (July 15):

Cranes have begun the disassembling of the Starliner today, sadly.

Buh-bye Starliner.