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.

Awesome B&M Wing Coasters Ahoy!

The B&M Wing Coasters, as some of you may know, are continuing to spread around the world, since Raptor's opening earlier this year. From going beyond 200 ft tall, utilizing a "keyhole" element, incline Immelmanns, vertical loops, and using a twist n' dive for a drop, as well as finally landing on American soil, these rides have made progress. Now let's see how the newest ones are doing:

Wild Eagle:

Right before it was announced, supports were going up for Wild Eagle at Dollywood, the tallest of the B&M Wing Coasters. I was stunned at how much work has occurred since then:

October 3, 2011 - The station track/bottom of the lift (which is VERY close to the ground) is already up.

October 4, 2011 - The trains are revealed.

October 5, 2011 - More of the lift has gone up.

October 6, 2011 - The lift hill is near its top.

October 7, 2011 - The lift hill has been topped off.

October 9, 2011 - The beginning of the drop is installed.

Here are some pics of the trains released by Dollywood:






























And here is the latest pic of the ride (from Bryce232 at ThemeParkReview):



















That looks impressive! But check out this image (from Dollywood):
















Oh my goodness, THAT is the true meaning of impressive my friends and acquaintances! I never thought Wild Eagle would utilize THIS much terrain! =O

This is the closest Wing Coaster to Florida... all the way in Tennessee. Come on IOA, build me a Wing Coaster!

X-Flight:

Track has arrived on site on Wednesday (from SFGAm's Facebook Account) (stairs have arrived on October 2nd):

































































As for what is going on in the main construction site (Splashwater Fall's old site), land clearing is in progress, and the entire area is gutted. Pretty much only the old Antique Cars station and garage remains (with the garage apparently staying).

Swarm:

http://www.ukparknews.co.uk/entry/cms/?p=6474

Vertical construction has also begun on Swarm. Here is an overview from yesterday (from bundy2989 at ThemeParkReview):

















I really can't wait to see the look of the Twist n' Dive! With us supposedly going to England next year, we *might* get to visit Thorpe Park, so Swarm may be my first Wing Coaster!

Hopefully IOA builds one of these bad boys in the future! >=)

THE SWARM - Thorpe Park 2012

So back in February, I reported the news of a B&M Wing Coaster going up at Thorpe Park in 2012. Looks like it is confirmed and will be called "The Swarm":

The UK's first winged rollercoaster, THE SWARM, takes you on a death defying flight through apocalyptic devastation.

Be picked up and dragged on the wings of THE SWARM as you’re left exposed and vulnerable to the extreme near misses and gut wrenching inversions as it rips through the sky on its mission of complete annihilation.

Experience the unique head first, inverted drop from 127ft as you are flung into this merciless flight for your life. War is coming... Spring 2012.

http://www.theswarm.co.uk/

Here is a video followed by concept art:
































Interesting Screamscape rumors:

2012 - The Swarm - Confirmed - (8/12/11) Go-Merlin has posted what may be the first picture of coaster pieces now on site for The Swarm at Thorpe Park.
(8/5/11) A great overview of The Swarm’s layout can be found here and a side view of the lift hill and first drop looks like that head-first drop may actually be a Twist ‘n Dive element, similar to the infamous inversion on the Manhattan Express in Las Vegas. While I’m still hoping we will see a rotating Wing Coaster at some point, I think this rules that out for this particular ride.
(8/4/11) Remember that odd mention of a “head-first” drop feature to be found on The Swarm? It just struck me as being kind of odd myself, and I’m not alone, as this has also sparked a new rumor, which does match up with some of the rumors I heard about B&M’s Wing Coaster project a year ago when it was first rumored for Italy.
According to the rumor, Raptor in Italy was just the first step in the Wing Coaster development project, as B&M were said to be planning on adding some kind of seat rotation element to future versions of the ride once they were able to get Raptor up and running and study all the stress and forces the new design would put on the winged seat design.
If The Swarm is indeed to be the next generation Wing Coaster design from B&M, it could be possible that the seats could rotate into a unique ‘head-first” position during the first drop of the ride, in much the same way that the seats on X2 (and other S&S 4th Dimension coaster) rotate. If this is true at all, expect to see the seats only move during this one element of the ride only… and will return to a standard riding position for the remainder of the ride.
Again, this is just a rumor, but it does match up with the rumors I was told a year ago about how B&M intended to add on elements and evolve this Wing Coaster design concept over the years with a series of baby steps.

While the 4D concept will not happen for this ride, I do think that someday there will be a B&M 4D Coaster.

But even then, this ride looks cool (especially the Twist n' Dive element). =)

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.

X-Raptor Update #1

I remember this report from Screamscape a few months back...

(5/2/10) I’ve heard an interesting rumor claiming that the rumored prototype B&M coaster going to Gardaland may end up being even more of a “test track” than I had thought. The location of the park itself has come into play since it is only about a 4.5 hour drive from B&M’s headquarters Monthey, Switzerland. This close distance will allow for B&M to come onsite often as they work on this new concept, which may be done in two phases.
The first version of the new ride concept is still said to be somewhat like an S&S 4th Dimension coaster, but without the spinning seats, so I’m guessing it may end up being more similar to Intamin’s WingWalker design that so far has only been built once at PortAventura as Furius Baco. In B&M’s case, I’ve heard that they may very well want to produce their own version of the 4D concept, complete with spinning seats, but wanted to build a non-spinning prototype version of the train first. The goal here is to not only perfect a new train/track pairing design, but to also gather all the practical G-force and Accelerometer data from this new train deisgn before trying to implement any kind of crazy spinning seats.
So what is Gardaland getting out of this special arrangement? Not only do they get to have B&M’s first new prototype coaster design and all the eyeballs around the world that will follow it’s development, but I’ve heard that the park will be getting this ride for a cost not too much more than the cost of materials and labor. Of course this last part is only a rumor, and nothing anyone would ever likely verify as these kinds of deals are very secretive.

And these quotes may be outdated, but it could happen...

Speaking of B & M: 2011, there might be among the Swiss, a European Jubilee: Among other things, seems to be the Merlin Group Three Großachterbahnen the Swiss have purchased, including a new roller coaster for the Italian Gardaland genus as well as the English, Thorpe Park, the trains are based on those of the Senkrechtachterbahn Oblivion, with mean squares omitted. Instead, the inverted car seats are left and right to offer the rail. In addition, also seems to be finally secured the Bolliger & Mabillard-coaster for the Heath Park.

More interesting were rumours of a new coaster style for Gardaland (Castelnuovo del Garda, Italy). It would be similar in nature to Intamin's Wing Rider, Furious Baco at Port Aventura (Salu, Spain). B&M sort of already has this design with its Dive Machines. If the middle seats - those over the track - are removed and the outer seats lowered, you have a ride very similar to what was being described to us. This is a very interesting move by B&M, and we sincerely hope it is true as both of the above examples never really set the world alight for various reasons. Maybe it takes B&M to make the idea work. We also heard that following the Gardaland prototype, another version may make its way to Thorpe Park (Chertsey, England), Gardaland's sister park, sometime shortly afterwards. Finally, we understand B&M is working on a launched coaster for a surprising park in Europe...

And that leads us to another quote from Screamscape about Thorpe Park:

2011 to 2016 - 2 Coasters and More - In Planning - (7/11/10) Some interesting maps show off just where Thorpe Park is planning on putting their next two coasters, posted over at Total Thorpe Park. Don’t read too much into the layouts however, I’m sure those are mainly placeholder artwork, as it’s too soon to have final layouts for both rides just yet.
(7/2/10) According to this article Thorpe Park is planning on building two new roller coasters at the park between now and 2016, which was submitted to the local council outlining the next 5-years of growth for the park. In addition the park wants to add 5 new “round rides” (aka: Flat Rides) up to 25m tall. Of the two coasters, one is said to be up to 40m tall and the other up to 50m tall, so both would come in under Stealth’s impressive 62.5m top hat.

http://www.totalthorpepark.co.uk/features/future.shtml

http://egham.stainesnews.co.uk/2010/06/thorpe-park-plans-new-rollerco.html

And as for my Alton Towers SW7 post... why do I have this strange feeling that the B&M 4D will make it's way to Alton Towers as SW7...?