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! >=)

Dollywood to Build Wild Eagle

Within the past few months (I intended to report it on the blog but kept forgetting), blue B&M track has appeared at Dollywood in Tennessee. Now it is confirmed, after months of rumors, that Dollywood will build America's first Wing Coaster, as well as the largest of its kind:

Dollywood's big announcement at Boomsday about a roller coaster that'll give riders a chance to feel like they're flying is already a work in progress.

Brian Mitchell is one of the few folks that braved the weather and visited Dollywood on Monday.

"I just love Dollywood. I'm from Virginia, and I just cant find anywhere other than Dollywood...anywhere reasonable," said Brian Mitchell.

The weather didn't bring the typical holiday crowds to the park this Labor day, but before you know it, park employees are expecting people to pile in, so that they can visit the newest attraction.

"We announced the largest expansion of Dollywood ever at Boomsday last night," said Pete Owens, Public Relations Director at Dollywood.

It's called the "Wild Eagle" and the $19 million roller coaster is the first one of its kind in the U.S.

"Instead of riding on the center part of the roller coaster like you are used to, you ride out on one of the wings on either sides," said Owens.

At 61 miles per hour, you'll have the chance to experience what it's like to sit on the wings of a flying wild eagle.

"It's much more of a swooping motion like you would be on the wings of a bird," said Owens.

The ride that will debut when the park opens for the season next March is already getting global attention.

"I've had emails over the last couple of days anticipating the announcement we were going to make last night from people as far away as England and Germany telling me that they were planning on coming," said Owens.

Mitchell said he's planning on coming back, too. He's been following the clues about the coaster for a while on the Dollywood website.

"I'm just looking forward to sensation...having to freedom to fly like a wild eagle," said Mitchell.

For all of you that sent a text to the Dollywood short code Sunday, check your phones on Tuesday. The winner will be contacted sometime throughout the day and will have to reply before the end of the day to receive lifetime passes for up to seven family members in the household.

http://www.wbir.com/news/article/182807/2/Dollywood-takes-to-flight-with-new-coaster-Wild-Eagle
































































HEIGHT FROM ENTRANCE GRADE: 210 ft.
HEIGHT FROM STATION GRADE: 190 ft.
DROP: 135 ft.

This looks like an awesome addition to Dollywood, and I really hope one of these comes to Florida in the future! =D

Much Needed Blog Post (Wing Coasters too!)

Sorry for not posting much lately, but I was in Band Camp (yes I'm back in band) and school just started recently. I unfortunately was tangled up in all this (still had fun though) and I totally forgot to post updates on recent new 2012 coaster announcements (a bunch of Six Flags park announcements, Canada's Wonderland, Carowinds, Kings Dominion, Dollywood, Kings Island, and Cedar Point).

Now it is time to discuss the evolution of the Wing Coaster from B&M. We all know about Thorpe Park with Swarm, but now Dollywood in Tennessee and Six Flags Great America (two possibilities that I posted about) have announced America's first two Wing Coasters (with Dollywood's opening first). I'll post about them later, but I can at least give you the names:

WILD EAGLE for Dollywood
X-FLIGHT for Six Flags Great America

I have a lot to post later, so just hold your horses! ;)