SFMM 2013 Construction Update #1

The plot thickens on SFMM's supposed 2013 coaster project (taking over Log Jammer's space). From bostonlva at ThemeParkReview:

Theme Park Review @ThemeParkReview
Six Flags Magic Mountain already working on their "next record breaker!" @SFMagicMountain #WestCoastBash

If this is referring to the 2013 attraction, then it could be a giga perhaps?

This could be something rather big if this is true. I'm already picturing a Skyrush-type Giga from Intamin towering over the Log Jammer plot (with those impressive trains) and hopefully it is full of intense turns, airtime hills, and possibly a tunnel.

Speaking of tunnels, it looks like the monorail track has been removed from the tunnel underneath Laughing Dragon and the path leading towards Superman's entrance (February 18th):

Link 1

Link 2

This has led to some speculation of the tunnel being reused for the supposed coaster. Let's update the overview (new details added, such as Superman's station, Laughing Dragon, and the old metro tunnel):













I will update this image as I get more information. If the plot expands (possibly will), I will get a new overview picture.

The old metro tunnel opens up new possibilities. Could it be reused for the new coaster with possibly an on-ride camera? I think it's possible (very possible). Adding a little more fuel to the fire, it looks like heavy equipment tracks are leading right into the tunnel (meaning that work could be going on inside) according to this update:

http://www.thecoasterguy.com/index.php/2012/02/19/trip-report-for-19-feb-2012/#more-2540

This project is really rising in the interesting meter!

In other news, Thrill Shot has been removed (after sitting a couple of years unused). Lex Luthor has also begun construction recently.

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! =)

Six Flags Ride Rotation Rumors

From JJ2K at Great Adventure History forums:

The mumblings I'm hearing from within the park all seem to be pointing to this season quite possibly being the last season for Bizarro. From what I have been able to piece together and again I can't confirm any of this but it does come from a collection of reliable sources is that all of the parks in the SF chain were asked to submit to corporate a coaster to be put on the "list" for ride rotation. Gadv was told they could not submit SUF because Gam had already put their SUF on the list so there was absolutely no other choice that could be made Bizarro was pretty much forced on the list.

More things I'm hearing suggest that the five "big parks": Gadv, MM, Gam, oT & oG are all required to give a coaster to the ride rotation program once every 5 years....Gam & MM have already done so. One source of mine claims however that gadv, MM & Gam have three coasters on their 5 year plans. The push that seems to be getting made right now for this year is that Bizarro is out...IMO its likely destination is between SFstl & SFoT. And 2013 we will be getting an all new B&M coaster in its spot.....I have my fingers crossed its a B&M 4D and NOT a wing rider.....but the hurtful pit in the bottom of my stomach tells me its a wing rider which makes me angry cause I've been actively posting that I wanted a B&M 4D since 2003! And you know if we get a wing rider it means you can kiss a B&M 4D goodbye

This kind of makes me worried about some of the rides at SFMM... hopefully X2, Riddler (though it's likely), Goliath, and Tatsu (very unlikely) stay far away from the list. And for SFOG, I don't want their Goliath on the list either (though it's very unlikely, since it's the signature ride of SFOG).

As of this moment, SFMM has submitted Deja Vu into the list (Goliath at SFNE) and SFGAm also submitted a coaster, Iron Wolf (Apocalypse at SFA). Now Bizarro (SFGAdv) may be removed as well. So here's some speculation from yours truly (with the bold meaning confirmed and italic meaning rumored):

SFMM: Deja Vu, Scream, and Riddler
SFGAdv: Bizarro... not so sure about the others
SFOT: Mr. Freeze, Flashback, and Pandemonium
SFOG: Georgia Scorcher... IDK about the others on this one either
SFGAm: Iron Wolf, Superman: Ultimate Flight, and Rajin' Cajun

I'm not sure that I like the concept of this that much. Some of the rides listed above (SFOG, SFMM) are either ones I like, or are ones (or ONE) that I haven't ridden yet, however I was in the park.

It should be interesting though to see where these rides end up (or if these rides even get moved). I'm also curious as to wondering what SFGAdv has in mind for Bizarro's plot. Could we be seeing another Wing Coaster or something new entirely (or even one of the other rides listed above)?

New Theme Park News

Again, I do apologize for neglecting the blog lately, but I have been terribly busy. Now I finally have the opportunity to update some things.

First off I will start with the name of B&M's new design that debuted this year. Yes it's official: it will be called the Wing Coaster. This pic is from IAAPA Trade Show 2011 (from ThemeParkReview):
























So we have our Wing Coaster name! I actually really like the name. =)

Dollywood:

So to start things off, let's look at our current Wing Coaster construction. Dollywood recently completed their Wild Eagle as of November 2, 2011. Here's two pics from ernierocker at ThemeParkReview from a recent backstage construction tour:





































This looks to be one of the most photogenic rides, especially when trees or flowers get added to that last pic.

Thorpe Park:

Swarm was also completed recently, on November 18, 2011 (from The Swarm - Developers Diary on Facebook):

















Keep in mind, when the plans were first seen, it showed some thematic elements installed, including an airplane at the bottom of the first drop (headchopper I think). With those installed, this will look incredible (not that it doesn't already, ESPECIALLY with that twist n' dive on top).

I know I keep saying this all the time, and it might sound repetitive, but FLORIDA NEEDS ONE (that and a hyper, giga, stand-up, and more Intamins and launched coasters)!!

Leviathan:

Getting out of the Wing Coaster zone, let's look at another one of B&M's impressive new coasters next year: the giga coaster, Leviathan, at Canada's Wonderland. Recently vertical construction started, and on the 18th, the 306 ft. lift hill has been topped off. It really towers over the park, and here are some pics from CWMania (the last one is from ThemeParkReview):






































































When I first saw the topped off lift hill, I dropped my jaw. The monster is literally dominating the look of the park, and I love it! This is the most exciting coaster next year for me! I hope I can experience this bad boy soon!

In the second picture, notice how the big box track above transitions into the standard B&M box track. Apparently this is a new design for B&M: essentially, their version of I305's support structure. Once the big box track separates from the main track, the big box structure goes to the ground, acting as a support. Hopefully B&M uses this in one of their future hyper/giga designs!

Skyrush:

Don't worry Skyrush, haven't forgotten about you! Vertical construction has begun for the new Intamin hyper winged coaster at Hersheypark on November 17, 2011. On the 19th track was already installed (with vertical construction being worked on the turn after the main drop):



















Just that turn alone makes me drool with anticipation! I305's turn after the drop was pure awesomeness, and I think this will be neat as well! This ride experience will be very unique (remember how the trains look like? ;) )!!

The more they come, the more I want one in the Sunshine state (come on, at least a hyper)!!

Six Flags Magic Mountain 2013:

Now the rumor side of things begin. Recently, SFMM has removed one of their log flumes: Log Jammer. Rumors are pointing towards the replacement being a record breaking coaster... possibly a giga (from TheCoasterGuy):

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

It does seem possible to build a Giga, since the last coaster built that is Mega Coaster related is Goliath back in 2000. Also keep in mind, the farm in Buena Park is also rumored to build a Giga (yes, I mean Knott's) however the park will not get a new ride next year (according to a recent Cedar Fair press release). This makes me think it got delayed to 2013 (that or by next year, they mean when the 2012 season starts). So if it was delayed, we could be seeing a giga coaster war, almost similar to the 2009 coaster war in Florida (Rockit at Universal, Manta at SWO, and an all-new Space Mountain at MK). In short; if you go to SoCal, you will be in for quite a big treat in 2013!

Here is an overview of the Log Jammer plot of land to give a better idea of what may occur:

















I think some interesting rumors are coming soon.

Six Flags Updates

Six Flags Great Adventure:

From Screamscape:

2012 - New Flat Ride Package or Medium Thrill Ride - Rumor - (6/24/11) According to the latest rumors, Six Flags Great Adventure definitely seems to be leaning towards adding a Sky Screamer in 2012. While I don’t have a firm lock on the location (ie: a new site or replacing the Parachute tower ride) it does seem that everyone agrees that if SFGAdv gets one, it better be a damn tall ride. How tall exactly? Wouldn’t it be fun to be eye level with Kingda Ka? Just an idea… stay tuned.
(6/14/11) Yesterday we talked about a possible flat ride package in the works for Six Flags Great Adventure, though now I’m told that is just one of a couple of possible plans under consideration. Another plan is to bring in a Sky Screamer style ride (Star Flyer) as we’ve seen already become instant hits at Six Flags St. Louis and Discovery Kingdom this summer. While they could drop this ride in just about anywhere, there is one rumor claiming that they may consider removing the old parachute tower for it as well, but again… nothing is confirmed. Just ideas being thrown around at this point, so stay tuned.

I would rather put SkyScreamer in another place in the park other than the parachutes. I'd rather see expansion than replacement. I also hope there are other flats too. ;)

But on the subject on SkyScreamer, ever since the WindSeekers (Cedar Point, Kings Island, Knott's Berry Farm, and Canada's Wonderland), I'm getting a bit obsessed with Star Flyers and WindSeekers. SkyScreamer would be a wicked addition to SFGAdv! =)

Six Flags Magic Mountain:

From Screamscape:

2012 - New Thrill Ride - Rumor - (6/24/11) Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been sent a few rumors suggesting that Six Flags Magic Mountain may be working on adding their own version of the Sky Screamer (Star Flyer) to the park for 2012, which would be a big crazy with Knott’s putting in Windseeker just to the south. I’m happy to report that Screamscape sources have confirmed that this is a bogus rumor… something is in the works for SFMM for 2012, but not a Sky Screamer.

I don't really think it matters about Star Flyers and WindSeekers being too close. I mean, SFMM and Knott's both have B&M Inverted Coasters: Batman and Silver Bullet.

However, with SkyScreamer out of the rumor mill for SFMM, I will keep my fingers crossed for a really tall drop tower. I actually rode KD's Drop Tower (Intamin Gyro Drop) and I tied it with Dr. Doom as the best drop tower I've ridden. A Gyro Drop would look amazing at SFMM! =D

Six Flags America:

No Iron Wolf for 2012 after all it seems (Screamscape):

2012 - New Attraction - Rumor - (6/16/11) Good news for everyone it seems… as SFGAm’s Guest Services is quickly trying to put out the fire that Iron Wolf could be leaving their park anytime soon. According to letters sent out by the park, Iron Wolf “will be around for your enjoyment for years to come. There is no truth to the rumor that the Iron Wolf will be taken down or moved anytime in the near future.”
So good news for SFGAm and even better news for SFA… which seems to indicate that the new 2012 coaster may be a brand new ride instead of a hand-me down. Stay tuned!

So Iron Wolf is safe... for now. And this gives me new hopes that SFA will get a B&M Floorless or Wing Coaster! =D

Some Really Big Six Flags Rumors

Screamscape posted updates about 3 Six Flags parks getting new rides for 2012. And when I say "rides," I mean one gets a coaster and two get some flat rides. So those three: Six Flags Magic Mountain, Six Flags Great Adventure, and Six Flags America.

Six Flags Magic Mountain:

2012 - New Thrill Ride - Rumor - (6/13/11) While I don’t know too many details, I’m hearing that a new thrill ride is on the way to Magic Mountain for 2012 for sure. However… this will not be a coaster, or so I’m told. Since the park has been lacking a good tower ride for some time now, I’m kind of hoping they install a three or four leg S&S Space Shot / Combo tower creation myself as I think anything less may just lack the capacity needed here.

So Screamscape is reporting a SFMM 2012 thrill ride, and will not be a coaster. For some reason, this quote from Screamscape seems to shed some light on the subject:

(7/27/10) The latest rumors suggest that the clearing in the old Sierra Twist spot is for a new restaurant location only and not a new ride. Even more bad news… I’m hearing rumors suggesting that not only is Thrill Shot going to be removed later this year, but this may be the last season for Tidal Wave as well. Between the removed Tidal Wave and the former Freefall location, that does open up a large spot of land for something new at least.

Of course, Thrill Shot is still in the park, but rumors are still spreading about its demise:

(2/21/11) The one rumor that keeps coming back over and over to me is that a new track for the Go-Karts may possibly be added to a section of the old Bugs Bunny National Park area. I’m not 100% of this one, so keep your eyes peeled for any activity in that area as spring approaches. One more odd rumor has come in as well, claiming that the park could be looking at bringing in the S&S Thrill Shot from SF Magic Mountain as well later this season.
On a side note, I’ve also heard a rumor that the old Great America Raceway (antique cars) ride may also not operate for the 2011 season. Given that the cars run around perimeter of the former shoot the chutes ride removed a couple of seasons ago, I’ve got a feeling that if this is true, this is likely going to be the site of the rumored 2012 coaster project.

Well, the Thrill Shot spot seems perfect for a drop tower or SkyScreamer clone. I would prefer a drop tower, but those SkyScreamers sound sick (Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Six Flags St. Louis).

Six Flags Great Adventure:

2012 - New Flat Ride Package - Rumor - (6/13/11) The latest buzz on Six Flags Great Adventure claims that the park may be looking to obtain a nice small Flat Ride package for the 2012 season to help offset some of the lost capacity as various other rides have been removed over the past several years.

Hmmm... I wonder if they are going to fill in some empty spaces in the park. I hope for bumper cars or something.

Six Flags America:

2012 - New Attraction - Rumor - (6/13/11) I’m really not too sure about this particular rumor… so take this with a grain of salt, but one e-mail sent in claims that Iron Wolf may be moved from SFGAm and sent to SFA as the new coaster for 2012, where I believe it would fit into the site rather easily. I’m just not sure if SFGAm is ready to let go of another coaster just yet, unless they’re getting something better to replace it, so for now just keep this one in the back of your mind.
(5/24/11) I’m not sure how solid this rumor is, but I’ve heard it said that B&M may be in talks with Six Flags America about a future project. Earlier this year we did hear that the park was on the short-list of parks for consideration for a new coaster as early as 2012. Stay tuned.
(4/18/11) I don’t have any details, but the early rumors suggest that Six Flags America may finally get a much needed new addition to the park in 2012. Stay tuned!

Park News - (6/10/11) In a surprising bit of news, Six Flags America has announced that Skull Mountain, the flume ride formerly known as the Typhoon Sea Coaster, will close forever after July 10th to make way for a large new attraction in 2012.The park will put on a few special opportunities to bid the ride farewell, such as placing a boat on the midway for pictures and a special Fair Thee Well Weekend sendoff on July 9-10, special pirate makeovers and even a “Last Ride” auction with the proceeds going to fund the National Roller Coaster Museum. You’ve been warned… so get to the park now for one last ride before Skull Mountain is forced to “Walk the plank!”
While we’re on the subject of Six Flags America, CoasterFusion has also published a very detailed trip report from the park this week, so click here and take a look at what’s going on this season at the park.

While I'd rather see a brand new B&M at Six Flags America than a relocated one, I've always thought (since the Chang fiasco at SFGAm) that if Iron Wolf were to be removed, it should be relocated, not scrapped. At least SFA is finally getting something related to a new coaster (relocated counts to me). =)

I kind of feel a little bad for SFGAm though... =/

X-Raptor No More, Green Lantern Update (Gadv and Magic Mountain), and Krake Update

X-Raptor is now Raptor:

Guess the name "X-Raptor" was temporary, as the name has now been changed to "Raptor."

http://www.gardalandraptor.it/index.php

And another interesting thing is a pic from the bottom left of this page which looks like a Wing-Rider/4D type train:

http://www.gardaland.it/it/genetix_lab/

And the LA3 Info:

Prot. RP/LP/GWC/2010
INFORMAZIONI CONFIDENZIALI

Costituzione forza di intervento

Il Comitato Scientifico di controllo del Progetto Genetix, riunitosi in data 15 novembre 2010, delibera quanta segue:

Premesso che...

1) I lavori legati al cantiere di Gardaland, in cui è in corso la construzione delle più imponenti ed estreme montagne russe d'Italia, hanno disturbato il sonno millenario di una misteriosa creatura sotterranea. La creatura, risvegliata dall'antico letargo, ha iniziato a devastare l'area circostante. La riattivazione delle sue funzioni vitali ha inoltre alterato i parametri ambientali di tutta la zona. Il Parco si è rivolto agli X-Labs affinché inviasse un team di scienziati con il compito di indagare sui sopracitati fenomeni. E' stato installato un laboratorio mobile nel perimetro del cantiere e un sofisticato sistema di videosorveglianza.

2) Rilevamenti ed analizi hanno portato alla scoperta di numerose uova nel terreno del cantiere. L'area è stata sottoposta a bonifica. Si ritiene che le uova siano state deposte dalla creatura alata. L'essere, di natura ancora sconosciuta, ha devastato ulteriormente l'area, procurando numerosi danni alle nostre installazioni e apparecchiature.

3) Alcune uova sono sfuggite all'attività di bonifica e hanno iniziato a schiudersi. Ogni uovo ha dato origine ad un componente organico. Nell'area del cantiere ha iniziato a formarsi lo scheletro di quello che sembra un organismo vivente di livello superiore. Nessuna ulteriore presenza di uova rilevata. Esiste la ragionevole certezza che la creatura abbia iniziato a deporre fuori da Gardaland le rimanenti uova necessarie per completare l'organismo vivente.

Tutto cio' premesso si delibera

1) La costituzione in data odierna di una "task force" di persone che possano sfidare e contrastare la maestosa creatura in fase di formazione a Gardaland. Il nome in codice della forza d'attacco sarà "Brave Bugs."

2) I componenti di tale task force, che si distingueranno per particolare audacia e coraggio, verranno reluctati con specifiche selezioni presso Gardaland - Parco di Divertimenti nonché in alcune città d'Italia. Il comitato si riserva, inoltre, la facoltà di valutare eventuali altre modalità di selezione.

3) Compiti principali della task force saranno: a) coadiuvare gli scienziati X-Labs nell'attività di "ritrovamento e distruzione" delle uova deposte sul territorio dalla creatura alata b) ingaggiare e sfidare per prime la maestosa creatura.

4) Il reclutamento e le successive missioni avverranno con l'ausilio di un laboratorio mobile oppurtunamente equipaggiato.

5) Viene affidato il comando della task force al pluridecorato Col. Raymond Schwartz, il quale avrà la massima autorità e libertà nel definire caratteristiche e modalità di intervento della particolare forza d'attacco.

Translated:

Prot RP/LP/GWC/2010
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Constitution intervention force

The Scientific Committee of the Project Control Genetix, which met on 15 November 2010, resolved as follows:

Given that ...

1) The work related to the construction site of Gardaland, which is ongoing construction of the most impressive and extreme roller coaster of Italy, have disturbed the sleep of a mysterious creature millennial underground. The creature, from the ancient awakened dormant, began to devastate the surrounding area. Reactivation of vital functions has also altered the environmental parameters of the whole area. The park is for X-Labs to send a team of scientists with the task to investigate the above phenomena. It 'was a mobile laboratory installed in the perimeter of the yard and a sophisticated video surveillance system.

2) Measure and analyze led to the discovery of numerous eggs in the soil of the yard. The area has been subject to reclamation. It is believed that the eggs are laid by the winged creature. The being of nature is still unknown, further devastated the area, providing a lot of damage to our facilities and equipment.

3) Some eggs have escaped the remediation and have started to hatch. Each egg has given rise to an organic component. In the yard began to form the skeleton of what looks like a living organism to the next level. No further detected the presence of eggs. There is reasonable assurance that the creature has begun to lay the remaining eggs out of Ben needed to complete the living organism.

All that 'circumstances are acting

1) The establishment today of a task force of people who can challenge and counter the majestic creature in training at Gardaland. The code name for the strike force will be "Brave Bugs."

2) The components of this task force, which will be distinguished by particular bravery and courage, will reluctati with specific selections at Gardaland - Amusement Park as well as in some cities of Italy. The committee also reserves the right to assess any other mode of selection.

3) Main tasks of the task force will be: a) assist the scientists in the activity of X-Labs' discovery and destruction of eggs laid in the territory of the winged creature b) engage and challenge for the first majestic creature.

4) The recruitment and subsequent missions will be done with the help of a mobile laboratory equipped opportunely.

5) The command of the task force is given to the highly decorated Col. Raymond Schwartz, who will be the highest authority and freedom to define the characteristics and mode of action of the special strike force.

Interesting, interesting. S=)

Green Lantern Gadv:

The lift hill has been topped off as of today:

http://www.gadv.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=17924&st=300&p=421709&#entry421709

This is from Christian at Gadv.com:



This looks huge! I just hope they put grass underneath it... *cough*Scream at Magic Mountain*cough* (still a fun ride, just saying).

Can't wait to see how the skyline will look with the other parts of the ride! =D

Green Lantern Magic Mountain:

http://www.sixflags.com/magicMountain/rides/GreenLanternLA.aspx

Looks like construction has begun on SoCal's Green Lantern (Intamin ZacSpin). ZacSpins looks so fun, and this one is looking cool (which is why I hope the Orlando Thrill Park comes true)! =D

Krake:

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=56511&start=110#p990772

Since vertical construction has started on the station track and FBR, they put up the immelmann, the splash down, the airtime hill, and the lift hill. This is it as of today:



Looks kind of short compared to SheiKra (but not as short as Oblivion)... but eh, at least there's an airtime hill, and not to mention, it's a dive machine! =D

Six Flags Magic Mountain has 18 COASTERS!

I forgot to mention this, but as of last month, it looks like Cedar Point is no longer the "coaster capital of the world," as Six Flags Magic Mountain has announced that in 2011, they will be adding 2 NEW COASTERS as well as a Superman renovation (bringing the coaster count to 18), as part of Six Flags' 50th anniversary. So let me split things up:

Superman: Escape From Krypton

This is the long-rumored revamp of Superman: The Escape. As rumored, the cars will be running backwards up the tower, which will be repainted (BTW, it seems work has begun on repainting it). The top half of the tower will be painted red, and the bottom half (as well as the station track) will be blue, with the railings on both parts being yellow. This looks like fun... and thank god they didn't turn it into Bizarro (Scream deserves it more)!

Green Lantern:

Remember those "Project: 18" rumors. Guess this is the result: America's first Intamin ZacSpin coaster. And boy, is Six Flags in love with Green Lantern or what (first Great Adventure, now Magic Mountain)? XD In case you don't know what a ZacSpin is, here is an example:

http://www.rcdb.com/4309.htm?p=24897

This coaster is Insane at Gröna Lund in Sweden. That looks like fun (and thankfully, SFMM isn't the only park to get a ZacSpin in America in the near future, as rumor has it, Orlando Thrill Park might build one with the park)! =D

Little Flash:

Originally for installation in 2010 as "Mr. Six's DanceCoaster," this is a relocated kiddie coaster from the now-defunct Six Flags New Orleans. It was originally going to go up by Deja Vu, with site prep already going on, but it turns out it will go up near Bug's Bunny World. When the 3-coaster experience was announced, it was going to be called "Kid's Coaster" (which I thought was a silly name, even for a kiddie coaster), but the name was changed to "Little Flash."

Now for the schedule, at least according to Six Flags' Q3 Report.

Superman: Escape From Krypton will complete its transformation and open in Spring Break 2011.

Little Flash will open early May 2011.

Green Lantern will open by Memorial Weekend 2011.

And here are some pics from Screamscape:



1. Superman: Escape From Krypton



2. Green Lantern



3. Little Flash and Others





4. Green Lantern Logo



5. Superman: Escape From Krypton construction pic from Sidra at ThemeParkReview.

Sounds like 2011 is an exciting year for Six Flags Magic Mountain (and the other Six Flags parks as well, other than Six Flags America, Mexico, and Great Escape who are getting NOTHING!). =D

Too bad they won't be ready by the time I go this Winter... =(

Chang Update #13

Okay, so recently, what's been going on at Six Flags Great Adventure?

August 25, 2010 - One of the trains from Riddler's Revenge has arrived in the backstage area by Nitro (the park's B&M hypercoaster).

August 26, 2010 - One of Chang's trains has appeared behind the Fly Me To the Moon theater.

September 3, 2010 - Chang's lift motor has appeared in the backstage area by Nitro. GASM's lift hill is gone.

September 11, 2010 - A holding area has been made by Kingda Ka for track. A spiral staircase has appeared in the construction site (from the block brake portion). A new generator is placed in the employee parking lot.

The loop and some of the drop from GASM remains.

And from Screamscape:

Park News - (8/27/10) From what I’m hearing, Riddler’s Revenge may have been missing it’s 3rd train for months now, as a source in the Chicago area reported seeing it at SFGAm along with Chang’s two trains last Spring. These trains are now being moved to New Jersey for SFGAdv. That’s all fine and dandy for the new “Chang Lantern” coaster there, but will Riddler be getting a replacement train at The Mountain anytime soon?

2011 - Chang / Green Lantern - Semi-Confirmed - (8/27/10) From what I’m hearing, Riddler’s Revenge may have been missing it’s 3rd train for months now, as a source in the Chicago area reported seeing it at SFGAm along with Chang’s two trains last Spring. These trains are now being moved to New Jersey for SFGAdv. That’s all fine and dandy for the new “Chang Lantern” coaster there, but will Riddler be getting a replacement train at The Mountain anytime soon?
Also, a new update on CoasterFusion shows off one of Chang’s trains having just arrived on site. While the restraints certainly look new, I have to disagree with their assessment about the paint job. It doesn’t look new to me… just cleaned.
(8/26/10) CoasterFusion has posted a pair of pictures showing off a trains for Chang that has arrived at the park, but something isn’t quite right. From the look of it, the train may actually have been borrowed from Riddler’s Revenge at SF Magic Mountain. Anyone know if Riddler is currently missing a train? (According to a quick request on Twitter, a reader report sthat they did notice only 2 trains on Riddler the other day.) On a side note, I was informed long ago that when Chang was moved to it’s new park, they were wanting to obtain a 3rd train for it. I had assumed they were looking for a new one, but perhaps they went for a used one. Chang’s trains also only had 7 rows per train, compared to the standard 8 cars per train normally used, and from what I’m told, there are only 7 cars on site.

Even More Project 18

From Screamscape:

2012 - Project: 18 - In Development - (9/2/10) Lots of rumors are starting to float in about just what Project: 18 may really be. Unfortunately they are running wild… talking about everything from a full blown B&M Dive Machine to unique medium sized coaster oddities like a ZacSpin or S&S El Loco. Of course the one theme most rumors have in common is that whatever it is, it should feature vertical or beyond-vertical drop(s).

Oh yeah... let's say "DIVE MACHINE!!!!" =D

More "Project 18" News!

From Screamscape:

2012 - Project: 18 - In Development - (9/1/10) I’m hearing that Project: 18 is alive and well… and prepared to transform the Gotham area of the park for 2012 by adding something unique. Not a lot is known yet… only that I’ve been told that it will not disappoint. Why? Because the new management knows that not only is the SoCal market perhaps their most difficult to please market due to the heavy competition from Universal, Knott’s, Legoland, SeaWorld and Disney, but the locals have also come to expect huge mindblowing projects from this park on a regular basis.

"Something unique"... "will not disappoint"... Sounds very interesting!

Can anyone say "Joker-themed B&M Dive Machine with a new layout"???? =D

What If...? #2

I heard that Six Flags Dubailand is building a B&M Dive Machine with their park called Screamin' Eagle. I've seen some concept art and it looks so cool! So now this topic is...:

What if... a Six Flags park in America will clone this coaster or add a Dive Machine to that particular Six Flags park for the 2012 season? Again, I'd like to remind you that this is just speculation. This will probably not happen. Or probably WILL happen. Who knows? So what Six Flags park in America would add a new B&M Dive Machine for the 2012 season?

Six Flags America could probably be ruled out (even though I hope not). I heard a rumor that a Tony Hawk's Big Spin clone could be coming to SFA in 2011 (though with Shapiro out, I'm not sure), so don't really expect much in 2012. I'm ruling out Six Flags Great Adventure since they're getting Chang for 2011 and possibly some flats, so don't expect much, if anything at all, for 2012. Six Flags New England is rumored for a new coaster for 2011, so that's ruled out too. I'm also ruling out Six Flags Over Georgia, since they're also rumored for a new coaster in 2011. Six Flags Over Texas can be ruled out too, because they're throwing in a lot of money on the Texas Giant refurbishment. Six Flags St. Louis is rumored for a Screamin' Eagle refurbishment, but I'm not ruling this out yet. It seems like a possibility, but not the MOST possible. Six Flags Fiesta Texas is rumored to refurbish Rattler in the 2010-2012 time period, so I'm probably going to rule this out too. Great Escape isn't rumored for much, so IDK. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom seems possible, but I'm not sure honestly. La Ronde just added Ednor from AstroWorld, so probably not. Mexico, I don't know why... but I doubt it.

So... who's left...? Six Flags Magic Mountain and Six Flags Great America. I'll first start with SFGAm (which, BTW, was rumored for a Dive Machine for 2009 along with SFGAdv).

Recently, rumor has it that 2012 will bring a new coaster. In 2011, they are getting a water park expansion (at least, that's what I think). BTW, if you haven't been following this, I'll post the updates so far:

2012 - New Ride - Rumor - (8/27/10) The early rumors for 2012 still claim that the park is right on track to finally get a new big coaster once again. No word on just what it might be yet, so stay tuned.
(8/3/10) It’s been some time, but there is an early rumor suggesting that a new coaster may finally be on the way to the park for 2012. The only problem is… it’s not expected to “the big one” that everyone has been hoping to get for some time now. After all, the last big coaster added to the park was back in 2003! A decade is a long time to wait for a new large coaster my friends…
(7/22/10) According to one reader, they spotted survey crews doing work in the former Splashwater Falls area. Looks like they may be working on something here after all, but for 2012 or 2011?
(7/19/10) Remember that rumor about a new flume ride in development for the park? If the latest rumor is true, they could be speaking to Mack about building a new Super Splash ride for them to replace the old Splashwater Falls ride for as early as 2012. More when we find out.

2011 - New Attraction(s) - Rumor - (8/27/10) SFGAm has posted a teaser for a 2011 announcement to their Facebook page that looks like a Puzzle. While they promise to remove a piece at a time as clues to the new attraction, one of our readers (credit to squirrelnut1416) did some URL digging and discovered that the image files were hosted on another site, and stupidly dated to match the day they would be uncovered. Daily files from the first day all the way through to August 31st were discovered on a host server, all easily accessed by the public from the too-easy to decipher file names.
All these files were hosted on the HFConcepts.com website (HeadFirst Concepts, a marketing and social media company... but one apparently not used to today’s ARG playing web-savvy coaster enthusiasts.) During the course of the day, the files have since been removed, but I did see the final image file myself first hand as well. Most of it was still covered up, but it was clear that the new addition is for Hurricane Harbor (you could make out part of the palm tree logo) where the top tag line read something to the extent of “The best water”, “just got bigger”. Then there is something about a new slide that will have a “near vertical” feature.
(8/5/10) The latest rumors suggest that SFGAm will make their 2011 on or near September 1st. On top of the rumored new project for the former Splash Water Falls site, we’ve heard a few rehabs and upgrade rumors are also being talked about such as some kind of ‘re-birth’ of for The Demon, new paint on Superman and Batmat (the later may get the identical paint job that SFMM’s version got last year), and possibly the return of backwards riding on American Eagle. All rumors still… but they all sound good too.
(8/3/10) The latest rumors from SFGAm suggest that the rumored waterpark expansion in 2011 could be delayed in favor of something new to take over the former Splash Water Falls site.
(6/22/10) Screamscape sources have confirmed that Chang is now no longer being planned for the park in 2011. New expansion plans are currently in the works and seem to involve the same basic plot of land… but with a focus on expanding Hurricane Harbor instead. Nothing has been finalized yet it seems, as all the plans are still in the air, though we have heard of one plan to add a water-coaster style slide to the park, possibly similar in style to the Wildebeest slide added to Holiday World this year. More as we find out.
(6/21/10) A new rumor has come up over the weekend at SFGAdv (New Jersey) that claims that the park may now be planning to replace their Great American Scream Machine coaster with CHANG. Up until now Chang has been all but confirmed for Six Flags Great America, with even a few pieces and the trains already spotted on site. The meetings to obtain the needed height variance permit are all but over... with the final approval meeting expected to take place today... Monday, June 21st.
While I haven’t seen it myself, I’ve heard a rumor that the Six Flags issue may have been unexpectedly removed from the agenda for tonight’s meeting, which only adds fuel to the fire that Chang could now be looking for a new home. Of course the online version of the agenda still shows it there, waiting to be finalized. I had been told that as soon as Al Weber took control of Six Flags, he began to made huge and immediate changes to the plans set in place for the 2011 season by Shaprio. I guess we’ll know more once the Monday meeting is over if the proposal to add Chang has been dropped or not. Stay tuned!
(5/3/09) According to a reader, some small Orange survey flags have been spotted in the area near the Sky Trek Tower, the Go-Karts and through the Space Shuttle America area. This is where the rumored expansion of Hurricane Harbor was rumored to be going so there could possibly be a connection.
(6/26/08) Screamscape sources have reinforced that Six Flags Great America will focus on expanding Hurricane Harbor in the near future, adding at least one major new attraction to the water park. However… I’ve also heard that they are thinking about turning the waterpark into a “second gate” where it will no longer be included free with your daily admission to Six Flags Great America. If I had to guess, they’ll probably add something that they’ve tested out at another park… so if I had to guess I’d be looking at either a Tony Hawk’s Halfpipe slide like what was added to Six Flags America in 2008 or if your lucky, a copy of Deluge, the hydromagnetic powered water coaster.

The water park expansion is rumored to take over the SSA site (where Chang was supposed to go up before it got sent to Great Adventure), and a new ride is rumored to take over the Splashwater Falls site. I also remember reading a rumor that the Go-Karts would get relocated to the old Splashwater Falls site. Let's say the water park expansion ends up going up somewhere else (like rerouting Six Flags Blvd around American Eagle, which frees up a lot of land), a Dive Machine (like Screamin' Eagle) can fit nicely in the old SSA site and relocate the Go-Karts to the SWF site, and that frees up a lot of land. They can even retheme that whole area altogether to accompany the new Dive Machine (and relocate the Sky Trek tower entrance). I also know of this rumor:

???? - Whizzer Replacement - Rumor - (7/19/10) Lots of interesting rumors were sent in regarding the possible future of SFGAm. This is all more long-term planning rumors, and nothing that is going to happen right away, so all of this can be taken with the grain of salt, as ideas constantly change as time goes by.
First off the disappointing news what we all knew would come someday. Yes… the Whizzer is going to close… someday. I know we’ve heard that rumor almost every year for the last decade or so, but the honest truth is that it is going to happen someday… sooner than we would like to think. It’s well know that the Whizzer is not only old, but difficult to get spare parts for, so most of the time they have to have stuff custom made, which isn’t cheap. The good news however is that in an attempt to be a little proactive, Six Flags is said to have asked Mack to look into recreating the Whizzer’s layout for when the time comes to replace it, they could possibly build an all new version for everyone to enjoy. Again… this is just something rumored to have been looked at, and there is no word if this was something done under Shapiro’s era or Weber’s new regime.

Say this was done under Shapiro's era and not Weber, they could probably build the Dive Machine in that spot too (even though I hope not... we need to spare the classics).

As for Magic Mountain, there have been rumors of a "Project 18." I still say this is for a new coaster, because there are 17 now, and with another one, there's 18. I also have this feeling that the rumored Tidal Wave removal might have some connection and that the coaster (let's say a Dive Machine like Screamin' Eagle) could interact a bit with Riddler's Revenge and also take over the old Freefall site.

Another possibility is Cyclone Bay. The recent new coasters (Terminator Salvation and Mr. Six's DanceCoaster) have gone up in that section. What if this is all a part of a 3-coaster expansion of that portion of the park? Terminator Salvation in 2009, Mr. Six in 2011, and an unknown coaster for 2012 (let's say Dive Machine) (which is the main weapon). There's some land behind Deja Vu (IDK if it's owned by the park or not). There's also a possibility of removing one of the coasters (I hope not though).

Deja Vu could be removed (since it's the only Deja Vu left, and was originally going to be removed with the other two). If it does, it opens a plethora of land, perfect for a Dive Machine (and possibly use that "Explore" themed land concept).

Ninja. Seems rather doubtful, but again THIS IS JUST SPECULATION!!!! Recently Arrow Suspended coasters have been disappearing (Big Bad Wolf and Eagle's Fortress are examples). If this is gone, it opens a plot of land. Maybe not for a Dive Machine, but for something.

Viper. With it being one of the only Arrow Mega-Loopers left, this does seem like a possibility. If it goes, it opens a decent-looking plot of land. Not to mention, if a Dive Machine goes up, it would look pretty cool next to X2. =D

I personally prefer either my Tidal Wave idea or my Cyclone Bay idea (without replacing Deja Vu) (they can even relocate the backstage area (behind Vu) by Viper or X2).

EDIT: I now realize that removing one of the coasters is not a possibility. It will destroy the purpose of "Project 18."

What If...? #1

This is my first episode of "What If...?," a new series of blog posts stating the possibilities of what parks could add.

Here it goes:

What if... Universal Studios Hollywood were to build a clone of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit? It seems like a suitable outdoor coaster addition to USH. HRRR is a pretty quiet coaster, so I doubt the noise will affect the film and TV production.

Where would it go up? I'm not sure where it would go up. I did come up with this possibility... reusing the old Castle Theater (being used for a temporary special effects show) for the station/queue line, and the vertical lift can be behind the Animal Actors show (which will become indoors not to disturb the animals), and the drop should go up over a service road followed by the Double Take. They can also take out Coke Soak for the first two block brakes. They can put up the treble clef out behind the Terminator building. They can put up the jump cut by the double take, and the crowd surfer can punch through the old Castle Theater building. The final half (third block brake, drop tuning, plot twist, and final brake run) can go up in between another service road and the Simpsons Ride building.

I'm just bringing this up because of the possibility of Six Flags Magic Mountain and Knott's Berry Farm adding coasters and how long USH has gone without building a coaster (and not to mention SeaWorld San Diego is rumored to build a new coaster soon). This is just speculation and will probably not happen... or probably will. Who knows? I'm just bringing some speculation.

Possible SFMM Dive Machine Location?

I studied the Tidal Wave and Freefall site today... if a Dive Machine were to go up in that area, they could try to squeeze some of the portions around Riddler's Revenge (temporarily closing that coaster while they work), and possibly tear out half the Tidal Wave lake, using the other half as a splashdown (expanding it). This is just a theory though.

Six Flags Magic Mountain News!

Just a head's up, a similar coaster to Superman The Escape (Tower of Terror at Dreamworld, Australia) will be running backwards:

2010 - Tower of Terror II - Confirmed - (8/7/10) Dreamworld has officially announced that after years of thrilling guests, they are going to reinvent their Tower of Terror ride when they close it on August 18th. Four weeks later the ride will reopen with an all new twist as Tower of Terror II. The cars have now been turned around and you will launch backwards up the giant tower and float weightless at the top while looking face-first at the ground below before plunging back down to earth.
In a way it’s very ironic that we’ve been hearing this same rumor for Superman: The Escape at Six Flags Magic Mountain for the past two years… only to have Dreamworld swoop in to beat them out. Years ago, when Superman was under construction to become the world’s first 100mph launched coaster, it suffered technical problems for months allow Dreamworld’s Tower of Terror to swoop in and take the record first then as well.

And also, looks like STE may not be "Bizarro'd" after all:

Six Flags Magic Mountain has quietly closed the Superman free-fall coaster in preparation for a makeover of the ride scheduled to reopen in spring 2011.

A sign posted outside the ride promises “something BIG is happening” to the Superman: The Escape coaster, according to photos posted by Screamscape.

The $20-million magnetic launch shuttle coaster opened in 1997, boasting a top speed of 100 mph, a gravitational force of 4.5 Gs and 6.5 seconds of weightlessness, according to Roller Coaster Database.

Magic Mountain officials have released few details about the planned overhaul, saying only that the Fortress of Solitude ice cave entrance will remain and the Superman figure will return to the top of the 415-foot tall ride.

Amusement park officials quickly denied Internet rumors that the ride would receive a Bizarro retheming based on Superman’s evil clone.

Roller coasters at two of Magic Mountain’s sister parks — Six Flags New England in Massachusetts and Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey — received Bizarro makeovers in 2009 that added fog, fire and sound effects as well as garish purple color schemes.

The Valencia amusement park will also add a kiddie coaster in spring 2011, relocated from a now-shuttered Six Flags park in New Orleans. Mr. Six’s DanceCoaster was announced as a new addition for 2010 and later postponed because of construction delays.

The junior coaster will keep the current red and black color scheme and stay in the same planned location in the northwest corner of the park but will likely receive a new name and theme, officials said.

http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/superman-magic-mount-7321/

Well, thank god! But I hope they at least do the backwards rumor though... imagine launching backwards! =D

And... hmmm... looks like 2011 could be big for SFMM... Mr. Six's DanceCoaster, STE refurbishment... and now this report from Screamscape:

Park News - (8/6/10) I’ve been sent an interesting rumor about the future of SFMM as rumors of a new project are starting to emerge. Nothing specific… we only have a name right now. Project: 18. You know what that means… but is it real or just a fanboy dream?

Hmmm... Project 18 eh (though I believe it could be for 2012)? Doesn't the park have 17 coasters (counting Mr. Six's DanceCoaster as a future coaster)? And with another one, there will be 18... hmmm...

I think we're dealing with a cool coaster for SFMM. As for the type, I don't know, but hopefully it's a B&M Dive Machine! The world needs more of them! =D

I also remember a report from Screamscape saying that they could be building a coaster on the mountain, but the rumor was when Shapiro was in, and, of course, he's out now so who knows...

I also remember this rumor a few weeks back...:

(7/27/10) The latest rumors suggest that the clearing in the old Sierra Twist spot is for a new restaurant location only and not a new ride. Even more bad news… I’m hearing rumors suggesting that not only is Thrill Shot going to be removed later this year, but this may be the last season for Tidal Wave as well. Between the removed Tidal Wave and the former Freefall location, that does open up a large spot of land for something new at least.

Could this be involved? It looks pretty small though (especially with Riddler's Revenge in the way)... at least according to Bing's birds-eye views...

I do have this feeling that it could be an amazing-looking coaster...

*keeps fingers crossed for a B&M Dive Machine*

What's Going on With Superman The Escape?

Recently, Superman The Escape at Six Flags Magic Mountain went down (4th of July weekend) and will not reopen until 2011. It's unknown why, but it is said that the ride could be either partially or completely rethemed to... BIZARRO, a conversion given on Superman: Ride of Steel (SFNE) and Medusa (SFGAdv) in 2009. Personally, I hope this is false. STE doesn't need to be turned into Bizarro. Why not put it in another coaster, like Scream? Scream seems to be the ride that needs the Bizarro treatment the most. And it's easy too; all they need to do is copy some of the effects installed on Medusa, and give a similar repaint, and well, voíla!

Anyways, back to STE/Bizarro, I recall hearing back in December 2009 that the Superman figure has been taken down for a "repaint," which increases the possibility of a retheme. Here's some old rumors (when Bizarro started to be rumored):

2011 - Bizarro / Superman - Rumor - (2/10/10) While the whole subject of adding a Bizarro side to Superman is suddenly very popular, I’m told that the issue of a backwards car hitting the emergency brakes is not as bad as first thought. First hand accounts from many who have experienced it claim that it was not at all a jarring experience, but more like what riders have become accustomed to today by the quick but smooth stops on other rides with magnetic brakes, such as Xcelerator at Knott’s. However the jury is still out on if the ride would ever run backwards or not since the entire ride system may have to be put under review one again before being cleared to run that way.
(2/8/10) A reader was kind enough to point out a major flaw in the concept of transforming Superman: The Escape into having a backwards running “Bizarro” side. While I believe that the force of the launch could be handled in reverse, even with the addition of a new Over The Shoulder (OTS) restraint system if deemed necessary, the true problem lies with Superman’s emergency brake run behind the station.
Most people have not experienced this system in action, and even fewer have witnessed it from the outside since the station is clear of all guests until the train returns to the loading station, but in the rare case that Superman’s LSM powered braking system fails to stop a car that is rushing backwards into the station, the car will pass through a hanging barrier and into a section of track lined with natural earth magnets that will stop it in it’s tracks very quickly. You can see this short section of outdoor track behind the station in this aerial photo of the ride posted to Joyrides.
If a “Bizarro” car, running backwards, were to ever blast through into this emergency brake run, the riders would likely be thrown forward into their restraints (lap bars or even OTS if added) with such extreme force, that it would not only hurt, but also possibly cause serious injury.
(2/5/10) According to a post on Coasterdom, based on an interesting Tweet by Six Flags, it seems that some new changes are in the works for Superman: The Escape. While this could have something to do with why the Superman figure has been missing from the top of the tower for so long, they believe that last years rumors of a conversion of Superman into a Bizarro themed ride are also very possibly coming to pass.
I heard this rumor myself from my own sources and as I understood it the idea from last year was that one side of Superman would be altered to feature a new Bizarro themed car that may run backwards. Then they would finally get both sides of the ride able to launch simultaneously once again, as this has been a major headache for the ride from Day 1. Anyone know more?

And some newer reports:

(7/10/10) I’m not quite sure what the reason is, but following the end of the busy July 4th weekend, Superman: The Escape has been shut down. A barrier is up blocking the entrance with a sign now that says that the ride is closed for “routine annual maintenance work” which will “ensure your future enjoyment for years to come”. While a closure for a few days to fix a problem isn’t too crazy an explanation, the “annual maintenance” line sounds like complete crap since they would have done that during the slow off season.
According to another source however, something is up with the ride that could keep it closed until sometime in 2011. Given the perfect timing of shutting it down following the busy weekend, this sounds more like a planned closure. Of course with all the rumors about cost-cutting across the Six Flags chain, I’ve got to wonder if they’ve opted to close it simply to reap the savings on the electric bill for the park as Superman does require a lot of juice to operate. Of course there were those crazy “Bizarro” transformation rumors earlier this year as well... hmmm... anyone else know more?

(7/21/10) We’ve heard a report that a sign may have been placed in front of Superman: The Escape now claiming that it wont reopen until Spring 2011. Can anyone confirm this and get a picture?

(7/22/10) It’s been confirmed that there is now a sign in front of Superman: The Escape confirming that it will remain closed until Spring 2011 because “Something BIG is happening.” You can find a picture of the sign posted here. The funny thing is that most people are still buzzing about a Bizarro tie-in being on the way for the ride next year… I guess we’ll find out if it’s true or not.