Sorry for not posting much lately, but recently...
Intimidator:
Testing has begun on February 4, 2010. Here is a video made by Wormy at Carowinds Connection:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9jsFVrQsz4
Not too much anymore. Just landscaping, queue, entrance, etc. and well... Voíla!
Intimidator 305:
http://www.intimidator305.com/public/latest/gallery/
If you look at the first four pics, you can see that the train has indeed arrived. Only, it wasn't my latest UOTI when it came... it was February 11, 2010. I've also received report today that the first part is on top of the lift. I'm not sure if this means testing or not. Clint Novak is getting an update today.
SFKK Closes:
http://www.sixflags.com/national/footernav/kentuckykingdom.aspx
To be honest, I'm not really surprised of this outcome. With the Chang relocation, NW Territory closure, and they've had no ride since 2003, when a used Greezed Lightning came to the park. However, the park is having conflicts with the Kentucky Fairgrounds, not allowing any ride removals. Six Flags property includes Chang (ruled out, because it's already gone), T2 (from what I've heard, this is a very rough coaster, but I hope they save it. Sue me, I actually like rough coasters), Penguin's Blizzard River (a concrete river rapids, need I say more), some of Twisted Twins (the trains are gone, this is coming down), and Mile High Falls (they could relocate, I'm not sure). All others, including Thunder Run, the kiddie rides, and Greezed Lightning are part of fairgrounds. I hope Six Flags finds some way to get the rights of relocating their rides for SFKK.
Project 2011 at Busch Gardens:
A plethora of survey markers have appeared. There are some in the old Clydesdale Hamlet, outside the Skyride, by the opening of the Skyride, by the entrance of the Edge of Africa exhibit, in front of the Nairobi Train Station, and in the wet portion of Rhino Rally. Also, there will be a big February 25th announcement. Initially, Project 2011 sprang to my head, but last night it was actually said to be Sesame Street info. However, next month, there will be a bigger announcement. I betcha the coaster will be announced that day. Also, on February 10, 2010, a building permit has been filed for an animal interactive area. I'm assuming the queue will be something like Manta at SeaWorld with an animal exhibit and an alternative animal exhibit. On that same day, BGT updated their ride rehab page. It now states that the Skyride will close June 1st, 2010 to the end of the year or beyond (thus confirming rumors of the monorail side becoming the station), and the Serengeti Express will close April 17th to May 27th, right before the Skyride. This wasn't the first time the train was closed for construction, as back in 2004 (I think), they rerouted it for SheiKra construction. I wouldn't be surprised if something similar is happening. There are also rumors spreading that a new walkway will be added from the Edge of Africa to Nairobi (probably by Rhino Rally's entrance). Also, in yesterday's Behind the Thrills park update, there is a backhoe by the hippo exhibit. I'm assuming construction is starting.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
I305 Webcam Fixed
Forget about what I said last post:
The webcam is back, and it looks like old man winter has payed KD a visit.
Thank god it's back! =)
The webcam is back, and it looks like old man winter has payed KD a visit.
Thank god it's back! =)
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
The Updates of the Intimidators #7
Arrgh... I've been wanting to say this for a while. Uh... Ah yes... INTIMIDATOR 305's WEBCAM IS CRAP:
It has been like that for a WEEK! Argh! >=( Does Kings Dominion even realize how crappy the webcam is?! They should get something like Carowinds' webcam! I'm just sick of looking at this picture! I can't even see anything anymore!
Anyways, I've heard that the trains for I305 are on site (it may be a joke, but IDK). Carowinds' trains, I know, are on site as of January 11, 2010, so I expect testing to begin sometime this month. Queue and entrance work is occuring with Intimidator at Carowinds too.
I saw a video of I305 showing the coaster, and it seems like the gift shop is vertical.
I'll keep you updated... and I'll write a letter to KD saying that they better have a new better webcam! ARGH...
It has been like that for a WEEK! Argh! >=( Does Kings Dominion even realize how crappy the webcam is?! They should get something like Carowinds' webcam! I'm just sick of looking at this picture! I can't even see anything anymore!
Anyways, I've heard that the trains for I305 are on site (it may be a joke, but IDK). Carowinds' trains, I know, are on site as of January 11, 2010, so I expect testing to begin sometime this month. Queue and entrance work is occuring with Intimidator at Carowinds too.
I saw a video of I305 showing the coaster, and it seems like the gift shop is vertical.
I'll keep you updated... and I'll write a letter to KD saying that they better have a new better webcam! ARGH...
Saturday, January 30, 2010
BGA 2011 Update
"2011/2012 - The Next Coaster - Rumor - (1/27/10) According to one source, Busch officials had at one time taken a particular interest in Hersheypark’s Storm Runner, so whatever they’re planning may use that concept as a starting point perhaps.
(1/26/10) While we don’t know much about BGT’s next big coaster, a popular rumor going around says that it very well could be an Intamin creation this time around. Kind of shocking considering that Busch has always stuck with B&M for their big coasters, but then again… the reason they may be looking outside the normal channels is that this may be a launched coaster experience. Of course, they could have just as well gone with Premier Rides as well, since I know they were looking to work with them for that indoor/outdoor coaster project that was put on hold for SeaWorld San Diego. Busch has worked with Intamin in the past, but typically only on their older water rides such as the Rapids or Tidal Wave. However Busch had seemed to move away from Intamin to work with Mack Rides instead for virtually all of the water rides built in the last decade (ie: All three Journey To Atlantis rides). Another question I would have to raise involve Intamin’s somewhat snug coaster restraints compared to others, a factor that could cause some problems in the tourist heavy Central Florida market which seems a fairly large share of overweight guests. I’m not even going to get into the technical aspects here, before we know what kind of launch system we’re talking about, as Intamin has made some reliable launch systems... and some not so reliable. Stay tuned!"
So it's gonna be an Intamin accelerator. Cool! Also:
http://www.bgtguide.com/media/markers/marker_1.htm
http://www.rollercoasterpro.com/updates/bga1.21.10/index2.shtml
http://www.rollercoasterpro.com/updates/bga1.21.10/index3.shtml
There are markers in the Clydesdale Hamlet, wet portion of Rhino Rally, outside the Skyride, and in front of the Nairobi Train Station.
Also, here is a POV of Storm Runner:
(1/26/10) While we don’t know much about BGT’s next big coaster, a popular rumor going around says that it very well could be an Intamin creation this time around. Kind of shocking considering that Busch has always stuck with B&M for their big coasters, but then again… the reason they may be looking outside the normal channels is that this may be a launched coaster experience. Of course, they could have just as well gone with Premier Rides as well, since I know they were looking to work with them for that indoor/outdoor coaster project that was put on hold for SeaWorld San Diego. Busch has worked with Intamin in the past, but typically only on their older water rides such as the Rapids or Tidal Wave. However Busch had seemed to move away from Intamin to work with Mack Rides instead for virtually all of the water rides built in the last decade (ie: All three Journey To Atlantis rides). Another question I would have to raise involve Intamin’s somewhat snug coaster restraints compared to others, a factor that could cause some problems in the tourist heavy Central Florida market which seems a fairly large share of overweight guests. I’m not even going to get into the technical aspects here, before we know what kind of launch system we’re talking about, as Intamin has made some reliable launch systems... and some not so reliable. Stay tuned!"
So it's gonna be an Intamin accelerator. Cool! Also:
http://www.bgtguide.com/media/markers/marker_1.htm
http://www.rollercoasterpro.com/updates/bga1.21.10/index2.shtml
http://www.rollercoasterpro.com/updates/bga1.21.10/index3.shtml
There are markers in the Clydesdale Hamlet, wet portion of Rhino Rally, outside the Skyride, and in front of the Nairobi Train Station.
Also, here is a POV of Storm Runner:
Monday, January 18, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wild Wild 2011 BGA Coaster Rumors...
"2011/2012 - The Next Coaster - Rumor - (1/14/10) The latest buzz about the proposed BGT 2011 coaster is that it may very well venture out over the premium parking lot as well as run all the way out to Rhino Rally. Sounds huge… which is a great thing. On the flip-side however, I’ve also heard that this will not be a B&M Hypercoaster… and may not be a B&M coaster at all. Hmmm…. I’ll have to ponder that for a bit.
If you want to see a more detailed look at the old Monorail station building, SkyRide station and the area is passes over on the way to Rhino Rally, check out the video embedded below.
(1/12/10) One of our readers has sent in a couple of great shots they happened to get at Busch Gardens Tampa last month, catching a group of land surveyors in action checking out the land next to Rhino Ralley on the Skyway station side. Hmmm… coincidence?
This leads into our next rumor about the BGT 2011 coaster project, claiming that it may actually stretch all the way from the old Skyway/Monorail building over to Rhino Rally’s water ride section. In fact… one rumor claims that the park may actually be ready to give up on the wet portion of that ride all together, opening up the site to future development. Hmmm… coincidence? More to come!!"
Here are some pics from Screamscape:
All right, wild rumors are spreading about the BGA coaster. More updates from Screamscape have been posted, including one today. Only two bad rumors:
1. The wet portion of Rhino Rally may be removed (the best part of the ride IMO).
2. B&M might not be involved with the coaster.
Okay, so the current rumors of the coaster are:
Station: In the old Monorail side of the Skyride.
Layout: From the old Monorail station, over Rhino Rally's wet portion and the premium parking lot.
Manufacturer: Might or might not be B&M
Opening: 2011
Park Section: Nairobi
Park: Busch Gardens Africa (obviously!)
So, I will continue giving you more of the latest soon. Tomorrow, I'm going to Orlando. Saturday, I'm going to Universal Studios Florida (Rockit!), and Sunday, I'm going to Islands of Adventure!!!! =D
If you want to see a more detailed look at the old Monorail station building, SkyRide station and the area is passes over on the way to Rhino Rally, check out the video embedded below.
(1/12/10) One of our readers has sent in a couple of great shots they happened to get at Busch Gardens Tampa last month, catching a group of land surveyors in action checking out the land next to Rhino Ralley on the Skyway station side. Hmmm… coincidence?
This leads into our next rumor about the BGT 2011 coaster project, claiming that it may actually stretch all the way from the old Skyway/Monorail building over to Rhino Rally’s water ride section. In fact… one rumor claims that the park may actually be ready to give up on the wet portion of that ride all together, opening up the site to future development. Hmmm… coincidence? More to come!!"
Here are some pics from Screamscape:
All right, wild rumors are spreading about the BGA coaster. More updates from Screamscape have been posted, including one today. Only two bad rumors:
1. The wet portion of Rhino Rally may be removed (the best part of the ride IMO).
2. B&M might not be involved with the coaster.
Okay, so the current rumors of the coaster are:
Station: In the old Monorail side of the Skyride.
Layout: From the old Monorail station, over Rhino Rally's wet portion and the premium parking lot.
Manufacturer: Might or might not be B&M
Opening: 2011
Park Section: Nairobi
Park: Busch Gardens Africa (obviously!)
So, I will continue giving you more of the latest soon. Tomorrow, I'm going to Orlando. Saturday, I'm going to Universal Studios Florida (Rockit!), and Sunday, I'm going to Islands of Adventure!!!! =D
Monday, January 11, 2010
I'm Back... With a Rewind
Well, I returned from Brazil last week (sorry for not posting this earlier, but I was occupied). I have a huge list of news for you:
Spider-Man 4 Scrapped:
http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2010/01/11/columbia-scraps-plans-for-%E2%80%9Cspider-man-4%E2%80%9D-in-2011-will-reboot-franchise-in-2012-without-tobey-maguire-and-director-sam-raimi/
That sucks. =( But at least we have something to look forward too =) ...
Intimidators Complete:
December 21, 2009 - Intimidator at Carowinds is complete.
December 26, 2009 - Station roof starting to go up, gift shop looks complete, and maintenance shed roof up for Carowinds.
January 4, 2010 - After being in a crappy situation, the webcam for I305 is back, and Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion is almost done.
January 6, 2010 - Both sets of big cranes for both coasters are gone.
January 9, 2010 - Intimidator 305 is complete with the first bunny hill.
BGA Hyper?!:
From Screamscape:
"2011/2012 - The Next Coaster - Rumor - (1/11/10) Sources tell us that Busch Gardens Tampa has tentative plans in place right now to close down the Skyride in June for up to 7 months. Apparently, if all goes well, this will be to make way for a large project for 2011. So… why close the Skyride? Apparently one of the ideas on table is to reuse the old Monorail side of the shared building to possibly serve as a station for the new attraction.
(1/7/10) Giving a little more credit to the rumor that BGT may be getting ready to build their next new coaster comes a reader report from IAAPA. While this doesn’t mean anything for sure, our source tells us that they happened upon the B&M booth just as some kind of meeting was ending between B&M and a bunch of Busch Entertainment execs.
(12/22/09) While nothing is 100% firm just yet, it seems Busch Gardens Tampa may be trying to pull a very big rabbit out of their hat for the 2011 season. Stay tuned!
(11/9/09) I’ve been sent a report claiming that last week BGT had floated up some balloons over the park for a height check of a proposed new attraction. Could the park be ready to finally deliver the long awaited B&M Hypercoaster project in 2011 or 2012?"
Now, I thought these plans were scrapped, but BGT may be in the talks for their long-rumored B&M Hypercoaster project (it's about time Florida gets one of these). Now today, the latest rumor (seen above) claims that the Skyride will close June for 7 months to reuse the old monorail section as the station. At first, I found that illogical... but it could work. They just have to keep the lift hill away from the Skyride itself, and... well, that's that.
P.S.: The Rockit banner survived the Friday 12/18 storm and they are starting to run it in cold conditions!
Spider-Man 4 Scrapped:
http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2010/01/11/columbia-scraps-plans-for-%E2%80%9Cspider-man-4%E2%80%9D-in-2011-will-reboot-franchise-in-2012-without-tobey-maguire-and-director-sam-raimi/
That sucks. =( But at least we have something to look forward too =) ...
Intimidators Complete:
December 21, 2009 - Intimidator at Carowinds is complete.
December 26, 2009 - Station roof starting to go up, gift shop looks complete, and maintenance shed roof up for Carowinds.
January 4, 2010 - After being in a crappy situation, the webcam for I305 is back, and Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion is almost done.
January 6, 2010 - Both sets of big cranes for both coasters are gone.
January 9, 2010 - Intimidator 305 is complete with the first bunny hill.
BGA Hyper?!:
From Screamscape:
"2011/2012 - The Next Coaster - Rumor - (1/11/10) Sources tell us that Busch Gardens Tampa has tentative plans in place right now to close down the Skyride in June for up to 7 months. Apparently, if all goes well, this will be to make way for a large project for 2011. So… why close the Skyride? Apparently one of the ideas on table is to reuse the old Monorail side of the shared building to possibly serve as a station for the new attraction.
(1/7/10) Giving a little more credit to the rumor that BGT may be getting ready to build their next new coaster comes a reader report from IAAPA. While this doesn’t mean anything for sure, our source tells us that they happened upon the B&M booth just as some kind of meeting was ending between B&M and a bunch of Busch Entertainment execs.
(12/22/09) While nothing is 100% firm just yet, it seems Busch Gardens Tampa may be trying to pull a very big rabbit out of their hat for the 2011 season. Stay tuned!
(11/9/09) I’ve been sent a report claiming that last week BGT had floated up some balloons over the park for a height check of a proposed new attraction. Could the park be ready to finally deliver the long awaited B&M Hypercoaster project in 2011 or 2012?"
Now, I thought these plans were scrapped, but BGT may be in the talks for their long-rumored B&M Hypercoaster project (it's about time Florida gets one of these). Now today, the latest rumor (seen above) claims that the Skyride will close June for 7 months to reuse the old monorail section as the station. At first, I found that illogical... but it could work. They just have to keep the lift hill away from the Skyride itself, and... well, that's that.
P.S.: The Rockit banner survived the Friday 12/18 storm and they are starting to run it in cold conditions!
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