Park Updates #8

Manta Confirmed for SeaWorld San Diego:

From SeaWorld Blog:

The new 2012 attraction will blend the exhilaration of a coaster with the grace and beauty of marine life.

Manta is coming to SeaWorld San Diego. The new mega-attraction, which will open in 2012, will combine the thrill of a launch coaster with an amazing marine-life exhibit.

“We are very excited to unveil Manta,” said SeaWorld park president, John Reilly. “This new launch coaster, the first of its kind for SeaWorld San Diego, will take riders on twists, turns and drops, while also immersing them into the world of the bat ray and other incredible marine creatures.”

Swooping, diving and twisting, Manta will not only inspire visitors with its 100,000-gallon underwater animal habitat, but take them on an unforgettable ride on a coaster shaped like a giant manta ray.

Manta also will feature a unique “launch station” where the passengers will start the ride enclosed in a launch tunnel with larger-than-life images of rays projected on a 270-degree enveloping screen. This stunning introduction to the world of the rays also will visually enhance the physical acceleration as the ride launches down the track. This state-of-the-art projection system will be the first of its kind in the United States.

“We are delighted to bring energizing new attractions to our guests year after year, and Manta does just that and more,” said Reilly. “It combines the thrilling excitement of a coaster, with the wonderful educational experience of an incredible marine-life exhibit. Our visitors are going to love Manta.”

Riders and non-riders alike will be able to immerse themselves the graceful beauty of bat rays and fishes. Forbidden Reef, an existing SeaWorld attraction where guests can feed and touch bat rays, will be incorporated and enhanced as part of Manta.

“With Manta, our guests will be able to see and interact with 65 bat rays, 10 guitar fish, and hundreds of fishes,” said SeaWorld San Diego curator of fishes, Thad Dirksen. “The below-water viewing area will include eight acrylic windows and a reef design. The above-water interaction area will allow our guests more opportunities to touch and feed the rays.”

http://www.insideseaworld.com/seaworld-san-diego-announces-new-manta-coaster

This link also shows some concept art and an on-ride video.

Manta SoCal looks like fun. I've enjoyed the one in Florida and Blue Fire at Europa Park, and this one will look very enjoyable.

Thorpe Park 2012:

Recently, Thorpe Park has been teasing about their 2012 coaster project. Now it looks like this will be the next B&M Wing Coaster:

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=53056&start=60#p999885

Now before you say something... check out the pics of the side elevation... where it looks like the ride will flip ON TOP OF THE LIFT HILL! =O B&M has never done that before! And it looks like there will be four inversions:

1. The half loop on top of the lift hill (used as a drop)
2. Zero-G-Roll
3. Corkscrew
4. In-line twist

Those sound GREAT to me! Now I'm REALLY praying for one of these to come to America! =D

And it looks like there will be a post-apocalyptic theme (there are some ruined vehicles that act as theming, like a helicopter, airplane, and some ruined trucks(for shopping purposes)). The track will be painted light military green and dark green (according to a post on Page 9 of the above link).

Just in case there is any doubt this is B&M, check this out (Screamscape):

2012 - LC12 - In Development - (2/10/11) According to a posting at UK Park News, Thorpe Park has confirmed through a planning application that their 2012 coaster project is from B&M to be located on a new development island “adjacent to Stealth” and will be just under 40 meters tall. One item though that I have to question… why does this statement say refer to B&M as being a “German manufacturer”?
The error aside… If I were a betting man, I’d be placing all my chips on this being one of the new B&M 4th Dimension / WingWalker style designs (like Raptor at Gardaland) with some all new more progressive design elements.

From UK Park News:

That’s right! In a recent press release, it has been confirmed that renowned Roller Coaster manufacturers, Bolliger & Mabillard, have been commissioned to build a unique, 40m high Roller Coaster for the 2012 season!

The full press release can be read below

“In line with THORPE PARK’s Medium Term Development Plan, application for full planning permission for a new rollercoaster in 2012 has been submitted to Runnymede Borough Council. This can be viewed on the Runnymede Borough Council website, www.runnymede.gov.uk (ref: RU.11/0101).

The German manufacturer Bolliger and Mabillard have been commissioned to build the unique new rollercoaster due to their consistent record of delivering extreme rides of the highest quality. Subject to planning permission, the ride will open in Spring 2012 and will be located on one of the new development islands adjacent to Stealth, measuring just under 40 metres in height.

Mike Vallis, Divisional Director, comments:

“THORPE PARK has developed significantly over the last decade to create the ‘must do’ destination for thrill seekers in the UK. We have focussed our investment on delivering exciting new rides and attractions including SAW – The Ride: the world’s first horror movie themed rollercoaster, Stealth: one of Europe’s fastest rollercoasters, Colossus: the world’s first 10 looping rollercoaster and Nemesis Inferno the 4.5 G-force experience.

This new development for 2012 will further add to the Park’s impressive ride portfolio and firmly establish the THORPE PARK as the nation’s Thrill Capital with a wide range of adrenaline pumping rides.”

http://www.ukparknews.co.uk/entry/cms/?p=3016

Yep, it will be the next B&M Wing Coaster. =)

Invertigo Dorney Park:

Last week, Dorney Park sent plans to the local township for a new coaster to replace the old Laser site:

Mum's the word on a new ride slated to join Dorney Park's lineup of belly-dropping, giggle-inducing thrillers, and park representatives say enthusiasts will have to wait until summer 2012 to try it out.

Dorney Park's parent corporation, Cedar Fair L.P., submitted a plan to South Whitehall Township for a new 138-foot-high amusement ride. But the plan doesn't mention what kind of a ride it is, and the park's general manager, Jason McClure, said his lips are sealed.

"We are keeping our focus on 2011 and all the new things we have in store with Planet Snoopy," McClure said.

The park's opening day will reveal the results of an $8 million top-to-bottom makeover of 10-year-old Camp Snoopy, the 3.5-acre children's area named after the too-cool beagle from Charles Schulz's "Peanuts" comic strip. The renovation will bring six new rides, an amphitheater, a souvenir store and a "soda pop shop" featuring root beer floats.

Dorney representatives will take questions about the proposed 2012 addition from the South Whitehall Planning Commission on Feb. 17, but even that won't demystify the new ride.

"The Planning Commission can ask us a variety of questions… but it's premature to get into a lot of detail," McClure said.

That hasn't stopped people from speculating that the incoming ride will be a coaster from California's Great America called Invertigo. The coaster happens to be 138 feet tall and is being relocated to another park within Cedar Fair's amusement park empire, according to a Great America news release issued last week.

Invertigo takes riders sitting face to face up a 138-foot-tall tower, then on several loops and twists both forward and backward through three inversions.

The rumor of the swap surfaced last week on a theme-park fan site called Screamscape.com, but Dorney spokesman Chuck Hutchison said the rumors are just that — rumors.

Invertigo reopened in July almost a year after a mechanical failure left two dozen people trapped 80 feet in the air for at least three hours, according to CNN. All of the trapped riders were rescued and no one was injured.

Under Dorney's proposal for a new ride, several kiddie rides would be removed, as well as a basketball game, concrete midways and a portion of a paved service drive, affecting about 1.7 acres of the 187-acre property zoned as commercial recreation.

Three Dorney rides are listed for sale on Ital International LLC, which dubs itself as the amusement industry's most comprehensive new and used ride brokerage source. The Antique Cars and Dune Buggy rides are both listed for $18,000, and the Kiddie Merry-Go-Round is listed for $25,000.

The ride is slated for the western portion of the park, just north of Lincoln Avenue and Dorney Park Road and south of the mammoth Steel Force coaster, where the old Laser coaster used to be.

The Laser was removed in 2008 after 22 years of double-loop thrills. The portable coaster, anchored by tanks of water, was originally named Colossus.

The site of the new ride, where Laser stood, is on the edge of a 100-year flood plain. The location caused heated debate at the township level when Dorney sought approval for Laser. It was eventually approved with a host of conditions attached.

If Invertigo greets fans in 2012, it would be the park's third inverted coaster, making Dorney Park the only amusement park in the country to have three true inverted coasters, according to a post on Screamscape.com.

McClure said the park will release more information on the ride this summer.

It looks quite similar to Invertigo at CGA:

2012 - Invertigo - Rumor - (2/3/11) Dorney Park has now submitted plans to the local township for a 138 foot tall ride for the 2012 season. Funny how that proposed attraction height matches up almost perfectly with the Invertigo coaster being removed from California’s Great America. The proposed site will take up the former site of the removed Laser coaster, as well as some surrounding area, removing a few kiddie rides in the process.

Hmmm...

Cheetah Hunt Construction:

Looks like track is nearly complete, as the only bit of track left is the drop, second trench, and the first half of the first s-bend (which according to pics looks to be going OVER the Skyride =O). It's looking really good.

Raptor Begins Testing:

You heard that right, testing has begun on Raptor at Gardaland recently (from paolobrescio):



http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=56021&start=530#p996406

Oh my, those trains look so awesome! =D And also...

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=56021&start=600#p999878

They've added some theme elements to one of the turns. Looks good! =)

Harry Potter Phase 2:

From Teebin at Orlando United:

Hmm... about two weeks ago, two baby sand hill cranes that were born on the property next door almost a year ago were sent packing by their parents. One of them was sent west to meet with a very well known theme park design group on the west coast regarding a more distant pacific new project. The other, so it was hinted to me took an eastern flight of 6 hours or so... to propose/present a whole lot/small lot (I do not know) of somethings re: a non-sPACIFIC project. Said crane is hesitant about a breakfast of neeps and tatties for several days. The parent cranes maintain a constant presence in the area since I have lived here and appear to breed "industry" cranes. Have a nice day.

It looks to me like the first crane he mentioned went for Universal Singapore or Dubai (or even South Korea) and the other could be for London, England, to meet with JK Rowling for Harry Potter Phase II. And to prove my point about that last one, from Disneyhead at Orlando United:

OK, Teebin beat me to it, but what I am hearing is that the plans are drawn up and have been presented to JK. They are waiting for her approval. The expansion plan presented includes one major attraction and at least one minor attraction. And that is all I know about it. I have no clue what the area will be or what any of the attractions concepts are.

Yep... definitely starting to reach the grips of reality. =D

Let me just say that the Lost Continent, unfortunately, has become a shell of its former self. Poseidon's Fury was my least favorite attraction at IOA (though last time it was a little bit better, but still lame), and I'd take a Gringotts indoor coaster over this attraction anyday. While I haven't tried Mythos, I wouldn't mind seeing Leaky Cauldron going up (though they can keep it to, like Screamscape says) in its place. And while Sinbad is a fun show, it unfortunately can't save this poor island. And a Triwizard show would be awesome! =D

Well, next time I'm at Universal (assuming I won't be there for a long time after that), I'm going to have to experience the Lost Continent and Terminator one last time.

Recently...

I came back from California recently, so I'm going to be looking at the things that have happened since my last update.

Cheetah Hunt:

Vertical construction has restarted, as they recently put up the third launch, some of the airtime "parabola" after it, the rest of the midcourse, and part of the heartline roll.

I got to see this beast for myself on Jan 2, and oh my, it is looking very impressive! =D Unfortunately, I've ridden Rhino Rally and it has been degraded due to the recent removal of the wet portion... =( But at least we're getting something worthwhile! I hope once the coaster is done, they will redo Rhino Rally with a new thrill portion (with a more reliable manufacturer this time), new Rally cars, and new animal displays.

But one thing that interested me during my ride on Rhino Rally, was that right before the fork that used to go to the wet portion, I saw a backhoe and orange line fences. Now, this could be anything, but hmmm...

Anyways, from what I read on the forums, it seems that the reopening date for the Skyride is locked in as APRIL 22! If this is the case, I'd be willing to bet the ride will be nearly ready by then, with a Memorial Day opening.

Gwazi:

Just a day after I left BGT, Gwazi was reported to be down until the end of the month, with retracking occurring on one of the camelback hill. Recently there have been rumors that the supposed Millennium Flyers are ready to be added. On January 7th, Screamscape Twitter reported this:

Anyone @ BGT? Word is they were unloading new green coaster cars this morning near GWAZI. Millennium Flyers at last?

Yesterday, they were installing the anti-rollbacks supposedly from when they were tested the borrowed Millennium Flyers back in March of last year. As of today, the retracking seems to be complete, and an interesting sign and banner has appeared in front of Gwazi:

http://www.rollercoasterpro.com/updates/bgt1.11.11/index1.shtml

If this involves the Millennium Flyer rumor, we may be seeing the new trains in a matter of days.

Krake:

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=56511&start=80#p983938

Vertical construction has begun on the Krake Dive Machine at Heide Park. I gotta say, "so far, so good." =D

I can't wait to see how this turns out...

Ocean Park Stand-Up:

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=48745&start=1210#p982627

Looks like Ocean Park, China, is getting the first B&M Stand-Up since Georgia Scorcher at SFOG in 1999. And from the looks of it... it looks exactly like the mysterious yellow B&M track that appeared in 2009, and has been in the speculation station ever since. I've got to say I'm pretty impressed! =D I've recently ridden Riddler's Revenge at Six Flags Magic Mountain, and I thought it was so fun! It's great that stand-ups are back in production! =D

And from the looks of things, this may be B&M's first attempt at a zero-g-roll on a stand-up. Okay, so first a vertical loop on a flyer (Starry Night Ripper), a dive loop on an invert (Parc Asterix 2012), a 4D coaster (X Raptor), and a zero-g-roll (?) on a Dive Machine (Krake). Now this! =D

I pray a stand-up comes to Florida... =D So in short... NOW the mystery of the yellow B&M is history...

SeaWorld San Diego 2012:

From Screamscape:

2012 - Manta Coaster Attraction and Exhibit - In Development - (1/10/11) One of our readers has dug up a little more info on the 2012 Manta themed coaster project going in. According to this link the project is out for bidding through to Jan. 21st and is officially listed as “Sea World Manta Exhibit & Ride Attraction 2012”.
(1/7/11) I received a strange e-mail today that contained a few very wonderful images that claim to be what SeaWorld California has in store for 2012. If I had to guess, it looks like the former 2010 coaster project that the park once had in development (Project: Abyss/ Project: Reef Runner) with Premier Rides has went in a new direction with a new company. Judging from the one drawing of the train itself and the indications of two separate launches on the layout drawings, I’d say without a doubt we are looking at the next Mack Launched Coaster. Though in this case, a much smaller sibling to the amazing BlueFire coaster system that premiered at Europa Park in 2009. It also looks like they’re adding a small little “Manta” style Sting Ray decoration piece to the front of the train, so at least we know the theme they are going for as well.
The layout has two clearly labeled launch zones, one right after the train turns to the right out of the station area, and the other about half way through the ride. I’m not sure if there are any inversions on this ride or not, though I see a spot that could be a zero-g roll or corkscrew possibly, though the old 2010 concept did not have any inversions. And like the old concept, I’m assuming that this new ride may feature both indoor and outdoor elements, but I’m not sure if they will attempt a splash-down effect at some point or not.
Looking back at the old artwork and layouts I had for the former coaster project, if we assume the park is still looking to locate this new coaster in the same basic location, I can plop down the layout drawing over an aerial picture of the park to get a pretty good idea of just about where the 2012 coaster project will be located. As before, putting the old empty ‘bowl’ site across from the Skyride to good use, as well as seeming to involve the demolition of the park’s very old former Japanese Village building, about the only thing remaining from the old Pearl Dive show from the 70’s to mid 80’s. The location of the nearby Forbidden Reef Ray and Eel caverns also fits right in with a Manta style theme as well. Of course this is all assumption that they are using the same site as the cancelled 2010 coaster project from Premier Rides, but given that these two projects share numerous design similarities, I’d say it’s a pretty good bet I’m on the right track. More as I dig it up and keep your eyes open in the park, as I assume they’ll have to begin construction on a project this size within the next 3-4 months to get it open in time for 2012.

BTW, I found the link to the Manta exhibit permit! =D

Anyways, this also seems interesting... I would love to see another MACK Launch coaster like Blue Fire! =D BTW, I just want to point something out, the SeaWorld parks are really getting into multi-launch coasters:

1. Cheetah Hunt (BGT) (Intamin Blitz) (2011)
2. Manta (??) (SWSD) (MACK LSM) (2012)
3. ?? (BGW) (??) (2012)

Just wanted to point it out...

So yeah, I find this interesting. =D Here are some older updates, to give you a general idea:

(3/1/10) Remember that coaster that indoor/outdoor launched coaster project that was put on hold for SeaWorld San Diego? I’ve heard that “Project: Reef Runner” may be back on the 5 year Masterplan, but not to look for it until around 2014 at this point. Given the amount of time involved and the fact that there are new owners in charge too, I’d look for the track layout to likely be modified as well from the drawings that were previously leaked for this adventure ride down into a deep abyss…
(7/18/08) Bad news from SeaWorld San Diego for the coaster enthusiasts. That wonderful looking 2010 themed coaster project has been put on hold while all the InBev issues are settled and we find out about if they will attempt to sell off the Busch parks to a new owner. Instead in 2010 the park will apparently bump up their plans to renovate the long running Dolphin show instead. Given the changes that the SeaWorld parks have already made to their Dolphin shows in Texas and Florida in the last few years (Viva in Texas and Blue Horizons in Florida) where try to mix a little Cirque with their Dolphin fun, I’d say to look for this new show to move along this same basic concept.
(6/3/08) Today we get to sneak a peek at the new thrill ride that SeaWorld has planned for 2010 with the aid of a proposed layout for the new attraction. From the look of things it appears to be an indoor and outdoor coaster attraction as previously rumored. Given that our last rumor indicated that Premier Rides may be behind this attraction, the design seems very similar to what we’ve seen Premier do for Universal’s Mummy coasters, including what I’m guessing are slow dark ride sections, a backwards drop and at least one LIM launch. I’ve also included a current aerial image showing off the area of the park where this attraction will go.
(10/25/07) Another name has also dropped into the swirling rumor pot for SeaWorld’s 2010 thrill ride... and this one comes with a reputation - Premier Rides. Yes... Premier Rides, the company known primarily for their LIM launched steel roller coasters. From more family oriented rides like the Italian Job coasters, to the indoor unique Revenge of the Mummy coasters up to your standard outdoor unthemed giant launched coasters (Mr. Freeze, Speed: The Ride). The common trait for virtually every Premier Ride coaster however is a magnetic LIM launch system... something they really wrote the book on. Given the land issues involved at SeaWorld California, a LIM coaster would be the perfect space saving solution.

BGW 2012:

From Screamscape:

2012 - New Multi-Launch Coaster - (1/6/11) A meeting about the new coaster took place with the local planning commission. From what I’ve been told, the park confirmed that the coaster would reuse the old Big Bad Wolf station building, and the first of several launches would be inside the ‘event building’. The coaster itself was described as following a similar pattern as Big Bad Wolf towards the end. The large themed bridge part of the project will also go in near the old BBW brake run. The meeting took place on January 5th and I’m told we can expect to see a video of the meeting posted here in the near future.
(1/5/11) Busch Gardens Williamsburg sent out a survey earlier today that asks a question about their big 2012 coaster plans. The survey first gives a brief theme description of the coaster: “See if you can brave the Black Forest on Busch Garden’s all-new roller coaster in the Germany area. What starts as a nice ride through the countryside quickly launches into a lightning-fast, multi-sensory dash through crazy turns, hidden hazards and heart-pounding drops. Inspired by the famed autobahn, the ride combines fast launches, special effects and indoor and outdoor elements to makei t a one-of-a-kind coaster experience.”
They then ask for the guests to vote on the following four names: Revenge of the Black Forest, Uber Bahn, Black Forest Turbo or Verbolten. Maybe it’s me, but other than Verbolten, the other names just leave me cold. Maybe Uber Bahn would work too, but it sounds more like the next album from Rammstein. Hmmm… I think I stumbled onto something. Wouldn’t Rammstein make a great coaster name too?

I prefer Verbolten as a name.

Anyways, I think it is a pretty safe bet that this may be similar to Cheetah Hunt, except with indoor portions, which will be cool! =D

EDIT: Looks like the yellow B&M will be a floorless coaster and be called "Hair Raiser."