Thursday, October 29, 2009

Now That Was Fast

Today, work on the 151 ft. camelback hill for Intimidator has begun and by the end of today, it was topped off. Wow! How they managed to top it off so quickly is beyond me. XD. So far, Intimidator at Carowinds is really going up quick compared to:

1. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (Remember all those problems last summer/spring. i.e. On June 4, 2009, they had to take off the lift hill for anti roll backs (thus the slow speed in the first testing videos). On June 28, 2009, it valleyed (maybe they did it on purpose like Behemoth). On August 13, 2009, the banner ripped. Also the moving walkway problem (even though the coaster is open). The MW will be up by December I believe (according to Screamscape)).

2. Deja Vu clones (They were delayed until Fall 2001 XD)

3. Maverick (In May 2007, they had to remove the heartline roll)

4. X2 (Delayed until 2002 with it originally in 2001. I don't know what happened. XD)

5. Flying Turns (It started in 2005 and they are still working on it today)

So far, nothing is wrong with Intimidator or Intimidator 305 (even though Intimidator at Carowinds is moving faster than I305). Who knows? Maybe it will be like Manta and be complete before 2009 ends (Manta's track work was complete before 2008 ended)...

Chang Update #4

It has been a while since I last heard from Chang, but this is just in from Screamscape:

(10/29/09) A local source tells me that at this point about the only part of Chang still left standing is the lift hill, which is expected be taken down by this weekend.

How did they take the tall turnaround, dive loop, loop, and first drop without me looking?! XD. So yeah, by this weekend, Chang's location will be empty (except for maybe the footers).

Monday, October 26, 2009

Screamin' Eagle Rehab?

In 2010, the Screamin' Eagle wooden coaster may get a rehab which will involve repainting and installing used trains. These trains are from the Twisted Twins wooden coaster at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom (currently SBNO but people think it will never reopen due to the trains getting sent). Also, some stuff that was part of rides which formerly operated in SFKK were sent to SFSL too. Now here is a timeline:

July 3, 2009 - Twisted Twins trains were sent to Six Flags St. Louis which is not a good sign of the coaster reopening.

July 5, 2009 - Rumors begin to spread that Screamin' Eagle will use Twisted Twins' trains for a 2010 rehab.

August 1, 2009 - The drop cars from the Superman: Tower of Power were sent to SFSL.

October 24, 2009 - The trains for Twisted Twins are still in Six Flags St. Louis under the brake run for Batman: The Ride.

Keep an eye on this as I update it.

NOTE: If this occurs, I will change the post title.

The Updates of the Intimidators #5

Well, the two Intimidators have grown so fast. Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion had its drop support tower topped off last Thursday and clearing has begun for the entrance tunnel by Flight of Fear. The station is getting a red roof too. Intimidator at Carowinds has begun its second hill. It is topped off as of now and supports for the bottom are up. I would not be surprised if it is completed tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then at least by the end of the season. I305's webcam will be moved offseason. Stay tuned for another episode of The Updates of the Intimidators soon...

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Green Lantern (aka Chang) Timeline

This timeline this time is for the Chang relocation/Bonzai Beach. Keep an eye on this one as I update it in the following weeks:

July 31, 2009 - Screamscape reports of something that may occur in the 2010 season.

August 1, 2009 - Rumors begin to spread that Splashwater Kingdom might become Hurricane Harbor and will have a water park expansion. People suggest that the expansion may take over the old Northwest Territory site (Twisted Twins, Mile High Falls, Zepellin, and Turbo Bungy).

August 17, 2009 - The water park expansion might not happen until 2011.

August 18, 2009 - The water park may double in size.

September 2, 2009 - Rumors begin to spread that Chang, Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom's signature B&M Stand-Up coaster, may relocate to Six Flags Great America in 2011 as part of the 50th anniversary of the Six Flags chain which might mean that Iron Wolf will retire in 2010. If this is true, SFKK's water park expansion will take over Chang's old site.

September 14, 2009 - Rumors are that if Chang goes to SFGAm, they will keep both Iron Wolf and Chang running for the 2011 season.

September 15, 2009 - While Chang might not reopen until 2011, rumors are that work on the Chang relocation will begin this winter.

September 16, 2009 - Rumors are that Whizzer's days are numbered at SFGAm. The coaster's space is big enough for Chang.

September 17, 2009 - Many people believe that this weekend will be the last to experience Chang before the park relocates it. Whizzer may not be removed this or next season, even though it might have only a few years left.

September 20, 2009 - It was an ordinary day for the park, and guests were enjoying Chang. Little did they know, however, that this would be the last time they would experience Chang before they would relocate it.

September 21, 2009 - It has been CONFIRMED that Chang will be removed from the park for the "biggest water park expansion in Kentucky Kingdom's history." It is unknown where it will relocate, but it would most likely be SFGAm (although other rumors say that it will relocate to Six Flags America, Six Flags Great Adventure, or Six Flags St. Louis). The trains are removed.

September 25, 2009 - The name for the water park expansion is confirmed as "Bonzai Beach."

September 29, 2009 - The news press confirms Bonzai Beach. Rumors begin to spread that Chang will be rethemed to Green Lantern. OFF TOPIC: Back in January, I posted an idea for SFGAm's once rumored B&M Dive Machine theming it to Green Lantern. I think this is similar, except that Chang is getting it (I was hoping for Bizarro XD).

September 30, 2009 - A crane is standing in the parking lot and the walls of the station and maintenance shed are gone.

October 1, 2009 - Track removal begins with the final brake run and turnaround to it. Rumors are that Chang will turn into a floorless coaster if it goes to SFGAm replacing Demon, the car ride, and the former Splashwater Falls area with it rethemed to Diablo. If not, then it will relocate to Six Flags St. Louis behind Tidal Wave as a Stand-Up. The trains are said to have arrived at Six Flags Great America.

October 5, 2009 - The oblique loop has been removed.

October 8, 2009 - The block brake has been removed. The zero car and second car of one train is still present.

October 12, 2009 - All the remaining low-level track (the two corkscrews, second drop, etc.) have been removed. The Thrill Karts may be removed in 2010 for the Bonzai Beach expansion.

October 18, 2009 - The hammerhead is removed.

October 20, 2009 - The dive loop is removed.

October 24, 2009 - The first loop was removed.

October 25, 2009 - The drop is halfway gone.

October 29, 2009 - The lift hill is the only thing standing from Chang. Rumors are that Bonzai Beach may have water themed facades.

October 30, 2009 - The lift hill is down.

November 2, 2009 - The station track is removed, thus completing track removal.

November 5, 2009 - Chang pieces have arrived at Six Flags Great America (a staircase from the station and a support beam).

December 13, 2009 - Demolition on Space Shuttle America (a simulator that was SBNO since 2007, and is a possible site for Chang) has begun. The space shuttle is gone, and the only thing standing from SSA is some yellow building supports.

December 28, 2009 - There is nothing left from Space Shuttle America.

January 9, 2010 - Station floor is on site at SFGAm.

February 4, 2010 - Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom closes for good, due to leasing disputes, thus cancelling the Bonzai Beach expansion.

February 6, 2010 - The SFKK entrance sign is taken down.

February 7, 2010 - The SFKK rides are part of the Kentucky State Fair, so the park is foribben to remove them.

February 10, 2010 - Compagnie des Alpes has started talking with the KSF for a possible takeover of the Kentucky Kingdom property.

February 11, 2010 - 4 different theme park operators are planning on buying the old KK property. SF owns 15 acres of the KK property, including T2, Blizzard River, half of Deluge, Batman show, former Chang site (with the former lift hill portion sticking out), some of Twisted Twins, and Mile High Falls.

February 14, 2010 - KSF will not have a meeting with theme park operators until sometime in March.

February 15, 2010 - The custom Batman scenary and Looney Tunes signage is gone. Moving trucks are visible in the park itself. The rides are still in place.

February 22, 2010 - A lawsuit occurs with the KSF and SFKK, after KSF learns that SF is removing equipment last week.

February 23, 2010 - KSF accuses Six Flags of fraud regarding the removal of Chang, claiming that the Bonzai Beach expansion was never going to happen.

March 26, 2010 - Chang's trains are indeed on site at Great America.

March 28, 2010 - Iron Wolf is ready for 2010, but did not have Chang's trains on it as rumored.

April 22, 2010 - What seems to be Chang's track has appeared in a crane yard in Kentucky.

April 23, 2010 - The bottom of Chang's lift is on site at SFGAm.

April 27, 2010 - Turns out Six Flags was in no hurry to transport Chang to Great America, due to it not reopening till 2011. In other words, the pieces in the crane yard just haven't been transported yet.

May 3, 2010 - Survey markings have appeared on the parking lot by Hurricane Harbor.

May 20, 2010 - Signs have been posted around the park claiming that a public hearing involving a zoning variance request from the park for a future attraction is coming soon.

May 22, 2010 - It seems that Six Flags is to approve a height variance for a 150.17 ft. roller coaster, which seems to match Chang's height, going up in the old Space Shuttle America site. There are still rumors that the ride will be converted to a floorless coaster, and Chang's trains will be given to Iron Wolf.

May 26, 2010 - The height variance is approved, and it seems that Chang will go up in SSA's site, and go out into the parking lot, and by the front entrance.

June 20, 2010 - There has been an odd rumor spreading that plans for Chang going up in SFGAm have been canceled, and instead it will go to Great Adventure either taking over the Great American Scream Machine coaster, or go up by the river rapids.

June 21, 2010 - The blue train for GASM has finished rehab. It will remain in the maintenance building and will never ride again.

June 22, 2010 - The rumor is semi-confirmed, as GASM's closing date will be July 2, 2010. In 2011, Chang will go up and take its place. As for SFGAm, there will possibly be a waterpark expansion, taking over the SSA site.

June 23, 2010 - SFGAm has canceled plans to add a new coaster for 2011.

July 2, 2010 - Unexpectedly, GASM remains open.

July 5, 2010 - While GASM remained open July 2, Six Flags Great Adventure has confirmed that they will remove the coaster. Its last day will be July 18.

July 6, 2010 - Chang has officially been canceled for SFGAm.

July 9, 2010 - The trains for GASM are up for sale.

July 11, 2010 - Rumors of a Green Lantern theme have come back, due to the new film coming out next year. Survey markings appear next to Superman Ultimate Flight.

July 14, 2010 - The Green Lantern rumors seem to be false.

July 18, 2010 - Great American Scream Machine's last day occurs. Survey markings appear in the parking lot, and around GASM.

July 19, 2010 - Power has been cut, the trains have been removed, and a construction fence is going up around the ride.

July 21, 2010 - Superman's parameter fence is getting removed. Track demolition begins, as the transfer track, the straightaway before the turn to the lift, and the entire final brake run is gone.

July 22, 2010 - The station, queue, and ride photo buildings are all gone.

July 23, 2010 - Chang will indeed go up replacing GASM, with a lift hill wrapping around Superman Ultimate Flight's lift. The track pieces from the body of the coaster are gone.

July 25, 2010 - The corkscrews are now separate from the ride.

July 26, 2010 - The corkscrews are gone.

July 27, 2010 - The batwing is gone.

July 28, 2010 - The third iconic loop is gone.

July 29, 2010 - The second iconic loop is gone.

August 2, 2010 - The track after the first loop is gone.

August 4, 2010 - The remaining lone support beams have been taken out, as land clearing begins. The Great American Scream Machine has been whited out from the park ride board.

August 6, 2010 - The lift hill is starting to come down.

August 7, 2010 - Documents have been revealed, showing off the coaster's footprint.

August 10, 2010 - A crane is on site, removing the lift. During the day, nearby rides like ErUPtion and Parachutes have been closed. Once dismantling stopped, they reopened.

August 13, 2010 - About half the lift track is gone, and it seems some of the footers are getting recycled, possibly as landscape for Chang.

August 15, 2010 - The blue train for GASM is leaving the park.

August 17. 2010 - The full area for Chang is revealed, with some space still empty (where GASM's lift, drop, and first loop are).

August 18, 2010 - An interesting document has been revealed about the 2011 Green Lantern film. On Page 23, they seem to mention a cross-promotion between the film and Six Flags for $1 million that will give Six Flags the rights to build a coaster themed to the Green Lantern, though in that page, it shows Superman: The Escape (which is getting refurbished for 2011) at Six Flags Magic Mountain. It is speculated that this could be Chang's new identity.

August 22, 2010 - A great majority of GASM's lift is gone.

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 former 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.

September 13, 2010 - All the Chang track from SFGAm is gone.

September 15, 2010 - The first and final loop is gone. The pieces should be gone by tomorrow.

September 16, 2010 - Chang has finally been confirmed for Great Adventure as the Green Lantern. It will have green track and black supports.

September 20, 2010 - Support beams and the base of Chang's yellow lift are on site in the holding area by Kingda Ka.

September 25, 2010 - More Chang track is on site, painted green.

October 1, 2010 - The preferred parking lot by Superman: Ultimate Flight has been fenced off for Green Lantern construction. Station, transfer, and final brake run pieces are on site. The crown of the lift is on site too.

October 31, 2010 - Some of the parking is now getting dug up for foundations for Green Lantern. It seems that everything for Green Lantern is on site in the parking lot.

November 10, 2010 - Footers are getting poured for Green Lantern's final brake run, transfer track area, station, the turn on top of the lift, the first loop, and the turn to the dive loop, as well as other places.

P.S.: (This was first updated on March 26, 2010, with Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom closing.)
(This was updated on November 1, 2010, with the Great American Scream Machine removal and Green Lantern official announcement.)
(This was updated on November 10, 2010, with a new update.)

Friday, October 16, 2009

E.T. Update

Screamscape:

2010 - New Attraction - Confirmed - (10/16/09) I’m not sure if this is related or not, but I’ve heard the name “Project Peachy” thrown around in reference to something at Universal Studios Japan. I’m thinking that this might be a reference to the new attraction going into the old E.T. building, but I’m not sure. It was rumored the ride’s theme was based on a Japanese Anime show, but I’m a bit out of touch on what’s hip in Anime these days, so does “Peachy” seem like a reference to anything in particular? (Other than Mario Brothers…)
I’ve also heard that at one point the Japanese were possibly looking into getting their own version of Revenge of the Mummy. I’m not sure if this is an evolution of that line of thought, or if the Mummy still intends to set foot in Japan someday. Certainly Mummy has become a staple attraction in the Universal playbook, with new versions confirmed for both Universal Studios Singapore and Dubailand.

I don't know what this "Project Peachy" is, but I have to agree with Screamscape. I'm shocked that USJ does not have the Revenge of the Mummy coaster. They need the Mummy! Please! I know they already have Hollywood Dream. If they have Revenge of the Mummy, the park will be even more popular! :D

Anyways, rumors were at first that Hannah-Barbera would come, then a Sailor Moon ride (I never heard of that Animé), and now this "Project Peachy." I heard of similar names like "Project Coin" a.k.a. Revenge of the Mummy (Florida), "Project Rumble" a.k.a. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (Florida), and "Project Fish" a.k.a. Simpsons Ride (Florida).


Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Is Universal Getting Their Own "Bizarro"...

... in the form of First Task? This is in from Screamscape:

2010 - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - (10/14/09) New pictures from the Wizarding World can be seen at Orlando United and the queue for Dueling Dragons has been altered so that guests now enter and exit through the ride’s exit area, bypassing the main castle area entirely. While we’re talking about Dueling Dragon’s, it seems that it may work like for this some time, as the only real way to allow the work in the queue to begin without closing down the ride entirely. The plan is to keep the ride’s downtime to a minimum, so I wouldn’t count on seeing the queue again until they close the ride and rebrand it in 2010 as Dragon Challenge. From what I’ve heard, one of the items that will be done at the very end when the close the ride, will be to redecorate the trains themselves, as new fiberglass wheel covers and a decorative front piece will replace the current Red/Blue Dragon pieces. There is also a very interesting rumor claiming that some kind of audio system could be added to the train as well, which would be great if it holds true. Anyone know more?

If you read the bolded statement, you will notice that some audio effects may be added to the Dueling Dragons train. I hope this happens! BTW, the reason why I brought up Bizarro is because it has audio effects as well. It is the retheme that Medusa at Six Flags Great Adventure and Superman: Ride of Steel at Six Flags New England got last year.

Anyways, the queue for Dueling Dragons has been closed off and operates only through the exit for work to begin on First Task.