Harry Potter and Invertigo Removal

Wizarding World Phase 2:

From Screamscape:

???? - Wizarding World Expansion - Development Phase - (1/29/11) According to one rumor, Universal is looking into having the expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter finished by 2013… which is confidently the same time that Disney should be done with their Fantasyland expansion down the road. (I love it when they play nasty…)
As for the expansion, the plans are still being worked on, but the general idea is to take over the rest of Lost Continent, though at the same time they do not want to disturb the Mythos restaurant. (Just my 2 cents… but just place the new gateway to the Wizarding World just beyond the entrance of Mythos to avoid the clash.) The obvious and early idea here right now is to re-create a Diagon Alley environment… full of more theme appropriate shops to sell merchandise of course. An action show of some kind is being tossed around to replace Sinbad, and one possible storyline could involve the TriWizard Tournament. As for what may become of Poseidon’s Fury… the jury is still out, and many ideas are said to be on the table, however one possible idea under consideration would be an indoor steel coaster ride themed to Gringotts Wizarding Bank vaults seen in the first film. In case you’ve forgotten, check out the video embedded below.
(1/26/11) Screamscape sources tell us that survey markings are appearing in backstage areas behind the remainder of The Lost Continent as they attempt to map out how Phase 2 of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will take shape. It would be easy to convert Sinbad into a new live action show, but what kind of attraction could make good use of the Poseidon’s Fury structure?

I'd take the 2013 opening with a grain of salt, but with surveying apparently happening... hmmm... if this 2013 opening rumor is true, expect construction to begin in a matter of months.

I'd rather see a Ministry of Magic-themed show, instead of a Triwizard-themed show (though it would be fun too). But either case, this expansion is already sounding exciting to me. =D

Invertigo Removal:

From Screamscape:

Park News - (1/29/11) Cedar Fair has confirmed on the CGA website that Invertigo is indeed being removed from the park before it opens for the 2011 season, to be relocated to another Cedar Fair park. As for the Invertigo site… they say they have plans in the works.
I say that it better be a new coaster… something wickedly cool in steel… or that awesome GCI design they had all but confirmed a few years ago. If they try to put in another Windseeker there, you have my permission to riot.
(1/27/11) Screamscape sources tell us that California’s Great America will remove Invertigo before the start of the 2011 season. If true, we can look for it to start to coming down around February 1st. Unfortunately they have no plans for the site in 2011, and this means yet another coaster removed from the park, in a long series of such events, without having added a new coaster in the past ten years.
The good news is that apparently they are finally eyeballing the park for a major new attraction in either 2012 or 2013. One rumor is that the GCI wooden coaster that was designed could be back on track, possibly moved a bit to take up some of this location and avoid the complaints from the neighbors that delayed it before. Other rumors say that something entirely new may come in to replace Invertigo. Either way, if Invertigo is coming down, we wont have long to wait.

From the California's Great America website:

Invertigo Going to a New Home

After 12 years of service at California's Great America, Cedar Fair has decided to move the ride to another Cedar Fair park and open up a new opportunity for Great America.

This is a business decision that is taking into consideration all of the Cedar Fair properties and allowing us to infuse capital into another park while opening up a great opportunity for a new attraction at Great America.

Although we do not discuss future plans that are not definite, our Corporate Design team has evaluated the location and plans are underway for the future of the location.

This is not unusual as in 2003 the ride Stealth was removed and relocated to Carowinds in Charlotte, N.C., to make way for what is now known as Boomerang Bay water park.

Stay tuned for more details as they are available!

California's Great America is in Santa Clara, California (of course in California). And the park consists of 5 (er... 4) big coasters:

1. Vortex (B&M Stand-Up) - I hear this is one of the roughest B&Ms ever made, but it kind of looks like fun. I think a refurbishment will fix it.
2. Flight Deck (B&M Invert) - This coaster has a low-to-the-"ground" helix on top of a lake.
3. Demon (Arrow Corkscrew) - This was originally "Turn of the Century" when it opened.
4. Grizzly (??? Wooden Coaster) - I have no idea who the manufacturer is, but next to Vortex, I hear this is one of the most despised rides in the park (it looks cool though).
5. Invertigo (Vekoma Invertigo) - This coaster has a clone at Kings Island in Mason, Ohio. THIS RIDE IS NOW BEING REMOVED.

And three smaller ones:

6. Psycho Mouse (Arrow Wild Mouse)
7. Taxi Jam
8. Woodstock's Express

I'm just shocked though. They just reopened Invertigo last summer, and now they are removing it? =O I hope something big comes to this park. I would hate to see another Kentucky Kingdom/Geauga Lake/Astroworld tragedy. Unfortunately, many people are speculating that this is the first step in selling the park to the impending 49ers, whom the park had many issues with over the past few years (along with some cranky neighbors in office buildings next to the park that delayed the 2009 GCI wooden coaster (hey, newsflash! You chose to LIVE by a park... imbeciles -_________-)), as they want a stadium in the parking lot.

As for where Invertigo will go up, Screamscape posted this:

2012 - Invertigo - Rumor - (1/29/11) In case you missed the rumor from California’s Great America, it has been confirmed that their Invertigo coaster will be removed in the next few weeks to be sent to another Cedar Fair park. The early rumor, even before the removal was confirmed, was that it was going to Dorney Park for the 2012 season. This would make Dorney Park the only park in the country (world maybe too) to have 3 true Inverted coasters. (No, I’m not counting Suspended or Flying coasters) Stay tuned!

I've got to admit, I felt that it would go to Dorney Park when the announcement occurred. My gut tells me it is where Laser once stood. The space seems perfect for a ride like this. Also, there are some kiddie rides adjacent to the site up for sale:

Park News - (12/3/10) It looks like Dorney Park has put three (1 / 2 / 3) of its small kiddie rides up for sale on Ital Intl, all of which I believe are located in the same general area of the park, along with the Steel First kiddie coaster. Could they be clearing the area out for a new future development?

I'm getting pretty interested in what Dorney Park is getting for 2012 (guess Hersheypark's 2012 coaster is getting some competition), and what the future of California's Great America holds. Will the park survive? Or will the park die in the hands of the 49ers and cranky neighbors? Wait and see!

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

Attraction 2012 Construction Begins

From Magnum PA at Theme Park Review (January 21, 2011):

Drove past the park today. Five observations I made about the proposed coaster site.

1) It looks like the creek has been pretty much drained, not a whole lot of water in it at this point. Don't know if that's typical for this time of the year or if it means construction is starting soon.

2) It looks as if a path is being constructed from Comet Hollow, under the Comet, and back into that area. I think a walking path from Comet Hollow to the park entrance would be a great idea.

3) There is a crane inside the park near the stroller rental, which, of course, is right next to the construction site.

4) A new wider double gate has been added to the park's fence along Park Blvd. I don't remember seeing it before, and it's all shiny and new. I'm assuming it will be the construction entrance for the area, as there are tire tracks all over the ground there.

5) Finally, there was a man running what looked like electric wire through the area near the dam.

It seems to me that we can expect construction to begin soon, if it hasn't already.

There's also a video/photo update here:

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=42955&start=660#p990503

Looks like an interesting project to follow. I'm still betting on either a B&M Dive Machine, Wing Coaster, Flying Coaster, or Hypercoaster, or an expanded Intamin Mega Lite!

Six Flags Magic Mountain 2011 News

Superman:

From Screamscape:

2011 - Superman: Escape From Krypton - (1/15/11) According to the latest rumor to come my way, a new monkey wrench may have been thrown into Intamin’s latest project: Superman: Escape from Krypton. I’m not exactly sure where the exact problem area is, but I’ve been told that the new cars are apparently a little bit bigger. While they fit on the track just fine, the proper clearance envelope needed for an outstretched rider’s arm to fit safely through the launch tunnel has now been compromised either on the sides or the top.
At this point there are only two ways to fix the problem: widen the tunnel or restrict the riders arm movements. The quick and dirty fix idea under consideration is to attach some kind of “cage” where needed to keep your arms down. Personally I was hoping they would opt to fix the tunnel, taking the time to extend it and maybe add some lighting and fog effects as well.

Ouch... hopefully this gets resolved soon. That ride looks fun!

The park has confirmed the reopening as March 19 (though with the problems, I'm not sure...). The ride has also been repainted as of December 21, 2010. I saw it when I went to SFMM recently, and the colors look cool.

Green Lantern:

http://themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=983615#p983615

Markers have been found in Batman's extended queue, where Green Lantern will go up. It also looks like some land clearing is already occurring.

This is pretty exciting! I haven't been on a ZacSpin before, but Insane at Gröna Land looks cool, and so does Green Lantern.

Also, as of yesterday, they might have taken out a statue by Batman for Green Lantern construction (according to a post on TPR).

Little Flash:

They've recently torn out the Sierra Falls, where Little Flash will go up. I expect them to start vertical construction soon (with the pieces on site since April).

EDIT: About the Superman thing, looks like they've started testing (from coolrider560):



Guess the problem rumor is false (unless the other side is the one with the problem).

More BGT News

Cheetah Hunt:

It looks like they put up half of the parabola hill as of yesterday. I've got to admit, after seeing RCPro's pictures, it looks like it screams "AIRTIME!!" =)

I also remember seeing some of the teasers a few months back, and the parabola hill looked big, and full of airtime. I love airtime, and I hope this gives plenty of it. =D

Gwazi:

Looks like they've started testing both sides of the ride, and put up a cool-looking Millennium Flyer fence on the train. It looks very cool... I had to drool looking at it... lol. XD

I hope once the ride opens, it will be dueling like nuts again (last two times, Tiger was down, and it wasn't dueling as much the other times. I don't remember. =/). It will be pretty cool! =D

More Cheetah Hunt Vertical Activity and Gwazi Update

Yesterday, they put up the inversion for Cheetah Hunt, which doesn't look like a heartline roll, but a corkscrew.

These are from RCPro's latest update:












































































This looks fantastic! =D My best guess as to what will go up next is either the Parabola which also goes over the train or the track going out of third trench and into the inversion. Either way, this looks very impressive!

As for Gwazi, according to the update, water dummies are now on the new trains, which indicates that testing is right around the corner. This pic is also from the RCPro update:



















I hope I can put up my pics from the day I was there, because I got some awesome angles of the Windcatcher Tower! =D

Anyways, I'll keep you updated!

Green Lantern (Great Adventure) Goes Vertical

Looks like vertical construction has begun on Green Lantern at Six Flags Great Adventure two days ago. These are from their Facebook Account:



This is from January 12. This next one is from today:



This is looking pretty good. =D