New For 2013

Silver Dollar City
-- Outlaw Run!, The world's steepest wooden coaster with an 81 degree first drop. Will feature two (or three) inversions.

Cedar Point
-- GateKeeper, will be the world's largest wing-rider. It will stand 170 feet tall, reach 67 mph, and travel along 4,164 feet of track. 6 inversions with a double key-hole element.

Six Flags St. Louis
-- Boomerang, the park will be receiving Six Flags Over Texas's used Vekoma Boomerang.

Santa Cruz Boardwalk
-- Undertow, the park replaces the steel Hurricane coaster with a new Maurer-Sohne spinner. The world can't have too many of those.

California's Great America
-- Gold Striker, the long-awaited new GCI wooden coaster will make its debut in 2013. 108 feet tall, 3,197 feet long, 54 mph.

Six Flags Magic Mountain
-- Full Throttle, a new type of launched coaster from Premier. 70 mph launch into a 160 vertical loop, a backward, and then forward launch up and over the same loop. Check out the video below.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas
-- Iron Rattler, Rattle is receiving the Texas Giant treatment. 171 foot drop at 81 degrees. The circuit will include a climbing barrel roll inversion.

Knott's Berry Farm
-- Coast Rider, a Mack Wild Mouse ride. Part of a revamped Boardwalk area. Will also add a flyer and scrambler ride.

Mount Olympus
-- Hades 360, the very popular wooden coaster gets an inversion and overbanked turn added for 2013. New Timberliner trains too.

Wildlife World and Aquarium
--unknown, the zoo is getting a small Chance 'Big Dipper' coaster.

Circus Circus
--El Loco, the park is adding their second coaster, and S&S 'El Loco' model. Should open by December.

Funplex
--FunCoaster, an SBF spinning mouse

Family Kingdom
--Twist 'n' Shout, the park is adding a new mouse ride, spinning or otherwise

Western Playland (NM)
--Hurricane, the small park has built the relocated Hurricane ride from Santa Cruz.

Puyallup Fair
--unknown, the seasonal Washington fair is receiving the unique Typhoon roller coaster from the Los Angeles fairgrounds.

Santa's Village AZoosment Park, IL
--WildCat, the small park is adding a Pinfari Zyklon that once operated at both Morey's Piers and Funtown in Indiana.

Akita Retail and Events Center
-- A new Las Vegas Strip shopping center looks to be the new home of a re-worked Speed: The Ride. This could be for 2014, but the ride is being moved/constructed now.

Dorney Park
-- GCI Wooden coaster... Please? It's been rumored for far too long.

Morey's Piers
-- When will they pull the trigger on that designed and ready GCI beauty? Looks more like 2014.

Kennywood
-- Sky Rocket will be three years old. Aren't they always rumored to be getting a new roller coaster?

Lagoon
-- Rumored to be due for a new coaster, perhaps of the larger variety this time around.

Waldameer
-- 2013's new thrill ride will be a Music Express

Six Flags Great Adventure
-- Safari Off-Road Adventure, a guided tour from the park through the former Wild Safari.

-- Hurricane Harbor will also be receiving a six lane mat racer.

Six Flags Over Texas
-- Texas Sky Screamer, a 400 foot swing tower.

Hurricane Harbor will also be getting a revamped Black Hole water slide. It will now be Black Hole of Doom 4-D.

Six Flags Over Georgia
-- Sky Screamer, a 240 foot swing tower

Nearby White Water will be getting a new "toilet bowl" slide.

Six Flags America, Six Flags New England
-- Bonzai Pipelines, a six shooter, floor dropping water slide tower.

Great Escape
-- Screamin' Eagles, a Larson flyer ride

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
-- Cirque Dreams Splashtastic, a new water circus show.

Six Flags Great America
-- igNight, evening light show

La Ronde
-- Aqua Twist, a new splash battle ride.

Darien Lake
-- Blast Off, what looks to be a 185 foot S&S tower. The park will also introduce a new night time show.

Worlds of Fun
-- Oceans of Fun will be merged into the park, making it one large park instead of two. New drop slide tower complex is also being added.

Kings Dominion
-- Will introduce an all new Planet Snoopy, making it the world's largest children's area.

Carowinds
-- Will be the next Cedar Fair Park to introduce Dinosaurs Alive!

Valley Fair
-- Dinosaurs Alive!

Holiday World
-- New teacup ride. New water slide complex called "Hyena Falls". Pilgrim's Plunge will be incorporated into Splashin' Safari and renamed Giraffrica. New summer lights show.

Beech Bend
-- Chance Revolution swing ride.

Michigan's Adventure
-- Lakeside Gliders, a flying scooters ride to be added in 2013.

Hersheypark
-- Sprayground, another interactive water play area will show up in 2013 to replace Roller Soaker. The park will also add two water slides to the existing tower complex.

Knoebels
-- StratosFEAR, a 150 foot freefall tower

Quassy
-- a 3 slide package from ProSlide

Lake Compounce
-- Adding a large wave pool to the water park.

Silverwood
-- Two new rides for 2013. A family-style Zamperla Barnstormer. The major addition is a an SBF/VISA giant inverting frisbee-type ride.

Wild Adventures
-- TailSpin, a Zamperla Mega Disk'O

Skyvue, Las Vegas
--The long-rumored 500 foot ferris wheel is finally under construction in Las Vegas. Looks incredible.

High Roller, Las Vegas
-- If that wasn't enough, Caesar's is building a 550 foot Ferris wheel down the road. Both scheduled to open late 2013.

We soon will see...

* This post was modified at 5/6/13 6:03:18 PM *

Geauga_Dog said:

Isn't it rumored that Fiesta Texas' Rattler is to get the Rocky Mountain treatment possibly for 2013?

Good call. I'll fix it...

Geauga_Dog said:

Isn't it rumored that Fiesta Texas' Rattler is to get the Rocky Mountain treatment possibly for 2013?

They should skip the Rocky Mountain treatment, and just remove that snooze-inducing helix.

looper77 said:

Geauga_Dog said:

Isn't it rumored that Fiesta Texas' Rattler is to get the Rocky Mountain treatment possibly for 2013?

They should skip the Rocky Mountain treatment, and just remove that snooze-inducing helix.

Intesting commen G-Dog. In many ways I agree. That toilet bowl triple helix on Rattler is a snooze, and a bit painful. Talk about an element that doesn't work as planned and gives no air time.

But thre rest of the ride is pretty bad all the way around (1st drop is OK, dive into the hillside tunnel is the best element) and the coaster desperately needs to Rocky Mountain treatment.

I'll bet the triple helix is drastically changed. On the new Texas Giant, while the track follows the basic path of the old TG, the course itself change quite a bit (at least the 1st 2/3). The new elements are awesome. So, while I'm sure the Rattler will still charge up the hill do do something resembling the old helix, I'm sure much better twists and turns will be added.

- Pat-O

Just sayin'.

Joe
Great_Ump

Eric_Gieszl said:

Magic Mountain and LA Times dropped the secret about the Premier launched coaster.

Though it's certainly not likely... Wouldn't it be funny if this Premier launched coaster ended up being Speed from the Sahara? Or even Chiller...

I can't say I'd be disappointed if that somehow ended up being the case.

- Pat-O

drachen said:

Eric_Gieszl said:

Magic Mountain and LA Times dropped the secret about the Premier launched coaster.

Though it's certainly not likely... Wouldn't it be funny if this Premier launched coaster ended up being Speed from the Sahara? Or even Chiller...

I can't say I'd be disappointed if that somehow ended up being the case.

I had no idea the Sahara casino closed. I regret not getting a ride on that coaster when I was last there in 2007. I do hope some park gives it a new home. I will miss the neat NASCAR theme they had at that place.

www.newsplusnotes.blogspot.com

* This post was modified at 4/9/12 6:18:27 PM *

Overbanked said:

Newsplusnotes just reported that Silver Dollar City is gonna get a new woodie for 2013. They also placed a link for visual confirmation. Interesting choice in passing up Ozark Wildcat at the nearby former Celebration City. Can't wait to hear further details.

www.newsplusnotes.blogspot.com

This place is ON THE MAP for me next year! hells yeah!

I haven't listened to their weekly In The Loop podcast yet but will do later tonight.

Joe
Great_Ump

Great_Ump said:

KDFansite teased on Facebook today that they were able to dig up some information that may be KD's '13 project.

I haven't listened to their weekly In The Loop podcast yet but will do later tonight.

Joe
Great_Ump

Windseeking Dinosaurs? :)

Joe
Great_Ump

Great_Ump said:

^I fell asleep before I could get a chance to listen last night. Will do at some point this week. I'm sure it'll be on Screamscape tomorrow.

Any word from KD?

Also, I updated the list today.

Overbanked said:

Interesting choice in passing up Ozark Wildcat at the nearby former Celebration City. Can't wait to hear further details.

They really couldn't move the Wildcat to SDC though. It's built on a pretty flat piece of land, something which pretty much doesn't exist at SDC at all. That pretty much eliminates any chance of moving it.

There are, however, rumors that something is happening with the Wildcat, but I don't know how reliable they are, so hesitate to say much more on that. But keep your ears open.

SirWillow said:

There are, however, rumors that something is happening with the Wildcat, but I don't know how reliable they are, so hesitate to say much more on that. But keep your ears open.

That is great to hear. I hate the thought of a relatively new GCI coaster meeting such an early demise. I hope the rumor's of it's move are true.

The roller coaster in this rendering looks to be a Zac Spin, which is a great ride for the edge of a pier on the ocean. Let's hope they stick to it...

SFMM coaster possibly has a name.

Speed: The Ride looks to be relocated to the other end of the Strip.

Brandon Carlson

rollercoastersfreak said:

I think Six Flags St. Louis needs a new coaster. The coaster we got was Evil Knievel now renamed American Thunder. We don't have anything real big. It'd be nice if we could get a hyper, a top hat, or even a stand up would be nice.

Brandon Carlson

I agree that SF St.Louis has a solid coaster collection, but they are lacking a signature coaster. I have yet to ride American Thunder, but plan to do so this year. If it is as good as I'm anticipating, then SF St.Louis will be worth the 11 hour drive. A hyper coaster would be the icing on the cake. Not to change the subject but, what would be a less crowded day at SF St. Louis;, a weekend in late May or a week day in the middle of June? Just trying to plan a visit with the smallest crowds.

Brandon Carlson

rollercoastersfreak said:

I've never been during the week before but I would guess they are pretty slow. The longest waits you will have will be on The Boss and Superman Tower of Power. Superman is pretty much like most drop towers. The Boss is a must ride. I feel its the best there. Mr. Freeze has a indoor line for the most part. American Thunder had a fairly short line usually. Weekends in June are fairly slow but Saturday night no matter when your there are pretty busy. It's definitly worth the trip though. I've had a season pass each season since 08' and I'm still getting one again this year. Hurricane Harbor isn't much different than others but they are adding in a looping waterslide this season. If you want for the classics though you would want to ride River King Mine Train and Screamin Eagle. And also don't waste your time on the swings. They may be tall but it is very unreliable and boring. At least season the swings maybe ran once twice a day. Any other questions just ask.

Brandon Carlson

Thanks for the info. I have been to SF St.Louis, but it was in 2001, so it has been a while. The day I was there The Boss had the longest line, but it was relatively new then. From the you tube videos American Thunder looks pretty awesome. I plan on crossing it off my list in the next couple months.

Brandon Carlson

It will be called White Lightning, and will stand 75 feet tall, with a 2000 foot length.

And, if I'm not mistaken, I see a double up, double down element. Very nice...

drachen said:

Updated today with the confirmation and name of the Fun Spot Orlando wooden coaster from GCII.

It will be called White Lightning, and will stand 75 feet tall, with a 2000 foot length.

And, if I'm not mistaken, I see a double up, double down element. Very nice...

Is this GCI's Big Fun model I saw from the IAPPA?

JetMech said:

Is this GCI's Big Fun model I saw from the IAPPA?

No, I believe this is a custom design for Fun Spot.

Either way, I think it's great that both GCII and Gravity Group offer this small/medium (smedium?) wooden coaster style. There are a lot of parks (Fun Spot, Quassy) that are in that market, and they end up being very fun rides.

Having said that, I don't think there is a major theme park in the country that also wouldn't benefit from a "smedium" wooden coaster like Wooden Warrior.

drachen said:

JetMech said:

Is this GCI's Big Fun model I saw from the IAPPA?

.

I don't think there is a major theme park in the country that also wouldn't benefit from a "smedium" wooden coaster like Wooden Warrior.

Amen to that!

Mike

beastmaster said:

drachen said:

I don't think there is a major theme park in the country that also wouldn't benefit from a "smedium" wooden coaster like Wooden Warrior.

Amen to that!

Mike

Seriously. Every park should get a 'smedium' wooden coaster like these two. Inexpensive, high on fun, and a great way to "train" 'tweeners.

drachen said:

JetMech said:

Is this GCI's Big Fun model I saw from the IAPPA?

No, I believe this is a custom design for Fun Spot.

Either way, I think it's great that both GCII and Gravity Group offer this small/medium (smedium?) wooden coaster style. There are a lot of parks (Fun Spot, Quassy) that are in that market, and they end up being very fun rides.

Having said that, I don't think there is a major theme park in the country that also wouldn't benefit from a "smedium" wooden coaster like Wooden Warrior.

Agree, based on the ROI it seems like a no brainer for smaller-medium sized parks. The visual impact of a wooden coaster in a small park is dramatic as a back drop let alone the ride.

theRock-steel said:

I have a question about the type of coaster that they are building at Silver Dollar City. I am not sure how it will ride. Having a steel track, will it "role" or will it feel more like its "sliding" ? I have been on Excalibur and Gemini but they are clearly different than the new Texas Giant. Maybe someone who has been to SFOT in the last year can give us an idea of what to expect there at Branson.

The new Silver Dollar City coaster is gonna be a wooden coaster with topper track (hybrid with steel supports); In contrast with the New Texas Giant which is a steel coaster, with the I-box steel track (hybrid with wooden supports).

Although the top layer of Rocky Mtn topper track is actually steel, it's on top of wooden stack, thus making it a wooden coaster.

www.rockymtnconstruction.com/images/topper10.jpg

* This post was modified at 5/30/12 2:13:41 PM *

Article follows. Update to list above.

Cedar Fair stands ready to spend big money on a new roller coaster for 2013 at Cedar Point that will change the park landscape.

Code-named “CP Alt.Winged,” the coaster will have the “longest drop, run the fastest and be the longest ride” of its kind, Cedar Fair CEO Matt Ouimet wrote in Feb. 15 memo to Cedar Fair’s board of directors.

The total projected cost of the project is $25 million, a price that includes removing the park’s Space Spiral and Disaster Transport rides and restructuring the park entrance.

Ouimet was unavailable for comment Tuesday.

To see photos of the Space Spiral and Disaster Transport, click HERE.

Lee Alexakos, corporate vice president of marketing, declined to confirm the information in the memo.

“We have not announced any plans for 2013 but we did announce a $25 million investment,” Alexakos said. “This will be one of the largest capital expenditures ever.”

Alexakos said that with any ride or attraction Cedar Point undertakes, the company is always looking to set records.

The Swiss-based Bolliger & Mabillard Consulting Engineers is set to design the new ride, which was described in the memo as having a “Front Gate Statement— a roller coaster that flies overhead, rolls and flies back— highly visible above guests entering the park.”

The firm designed Cedar Point’s Raptor.

A winged coaster is designed to suspend riders on wings to the sides of the rails so there is no track above or below the guest.

Engineering schematics show a proposed coaster with gravity defying twists, curves and rolls.

“Rob Decker (Cedar Fair VP of planning and design) and others have done a great job of creating a compelling, economically attractive new coaster for Cedar Point,” Ouimet wrote. “We believe this particular ride design with this particular manufacturer balances the desire for marketable innovation and risk associated with early adaptations of prototypes.”

Bolliger & Mabillard designed the first winged coaster for installation in Italy at a park known as Gardaland. The Six Flags Great American park outside of Chicago also has one of the company’s winged coasters, called X-Flight.

The new ride at Cedar Point could promise to be a work horse available to guests at almost any time they are in the park.

“Rob talked to operators of the first one in Italy and found no unanticipated negatives and very high ride reliability (less than 1 percent operational downtime).

Design plans show the new ride with a 170-foot tall lift that will fly overhead of park guests entering the park. It will have the longest track and longest ride time of any coaster of its style as it flies overhead, rolls and then fly back.

The huge roller coaster will dominate the front gate and the track will travel over a large parking area at the park.

“We have several coasters that cover parking lots,” Ouimet wrote. “Not necessarily ideal, but certainly acceptable given tight site constraints and the amount of land such attractions require.”

Disaster Transport and the Space Spiral both would have to come down if the site plan currently under consideration is chosen.

Part of the $25 million investment will also include renovations and upgrades at the park entrance from the parking lot.

Cedar Point general manger John Hildebrandt was not available for comment on Tuesday.

Link

Overbanked said:

The new Silver Dollar City coaster is gonna be a wooden coaster with topper track (hybrid with steel supports); In contrast with the New Texas Giant which is a steel coaster, with the I-box steel track (hybrid with wooden supports).

Although the top layer of Rocky Mtn topper track is actually steel, it's on top of wooden stack, thus making it a wooden coaster.

www.rockymtnconstruction.com/images/topper10.jpg

Yea, this topper track is just wider / thicker slats than all other woodens use. (Buy the way, the supports at SDC are wooden.)
Texas Giant must be one-of-a-kind. All of the other steel hybrids with wooden supports have rounded track, not the square "I-box". Of course the rumors about Mean Streak or Rattler getting that treatment are not confirmed yet. (Return trips to Missouri and Texas must be in the future.)

* This post was modified at 6/3/12 7:21:38 PM *

Silver Dollar City's new coaster is growing like a weed. There is now a count-down page for the announcement, coming in August.

http://www.silverdollarcity2013.com/

Additionally, a number of photos from www.coasterfriend.de show what's starting to look like zero-G roll on this wooden coaster. It's either an inversion or the craziest over-banked turn I've ever seen.

This is my must-ride so far for 2013.

More photos

Brandon Carlson

Sorry for some reason this link didn't feel like going in my last post.

rollercoastersfreak said:

If you scroll down to the bottom of this page, you will a possible rumor for a new ride at Six Flags St. Louis. Who knows if it will happen but an Intamin ZacSpin would be a nice addition to the park.

I wonder why they are avoiding putting a hyper or at least something with high capacity in that park. Isn't SF's slogan "Go Big?" A big signature coaster is what SFStL really needs, along with a few updated flats. Would make a great park even better.

G-Dog

Geauga_Dog said:

rollercoastersfreak said:

If you scroll down to the bottom of this page, you will a possible rumor for a new ride at Six Flags St. Louis. Who knows if it will happen but an Intamin ZacSpin would be a nice addition to the park.

I wonder why they are avoiding putting a hyper or at least something with high capacity in that park. Isn't SF's slogan "Go Big?" A big signature coaster is what SFStL really needs, along with a few updated flats. Would make a great park even better.

G-Dog

I was thinking the same thing. I love Six Flags St. Louis, but a huge hyper coaster would make the park complete. When you visit the park, you kind of forget that there's not a signature coaster, because there are several great coasters. A hyper coaster or rocket coaster would elevate that park to the next level.

Also, Just looked at the Fun Spot in Orl, Fl because of that image of a wooden coaster above. There is room behind the TINY park, but how in the world did they get permission for that thing?! There are hotels right next to it. That park is sooooo small, I can't believe they are getting a coaster.

Kind of gives me hope of somehow owning my own park one day! haha

rollercoastersfreak said:

If you scroll down to the bottom of this page, you will a possible rumor for a new ride at Six Flags St. Louis. Who knows if it will happen but an Intamin ZacSpin would be a nice addition to the park.

Brandon Carlson

I will add that to the rumor list up above. Thanks for the heads up.

Fun Spot Action Park, White Lightning - It appears to be getting bigger; that's good. I drove by there yesterday, but didn't see much except space. I haven't had good times with steel frame hybrids, but this would be the first by Great Coasters International. I think that's a good idea down here.

Silver Dollar City, Outlaw - What a massive first hill! I like the train going through the coaster supports. What's up with this "zero-g-roll" ?

Cedar Point, a B&M wing rider - I'm sure that this will be a big one. I'm glad to see this chain get involved with these. I hope to ride my first of these in Dollywood in the fall. I have also heard that Mean Streak is getting a makeover.

Six Flags Magic Mountain, Full Throttle (Premier launching) - I have moved my 2013 vacation all around in hopes to get this one in.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas - A "new" Rattler is welcome. Judge Roy Scream was the only wooden I liked in Texas in 2009.

Six Flags Great Adventure, Bizarro - The lines are short yes, but this ride is very popular. I don't think that it is going anywhere else.

Cyclone_Phil said:

I can only hope the Bizarro moving rumors are just rumors. There's a whole area on the 'batman' side of the park that can accommodate the wing rider. I don't see why they have to put all the big rides on one side of the park.

I will lose my mind if they try and take her from me!

Jen

GoYanks34 said:

Cyclone_Phil said:

I can only hope the Bizarro moving rumors are just rumors. There's a whole area on the 'batman' side of the park that can accommodate the wing rider. I don't see why they have to put all the big rides on one side of the park.

I will lose my mind if they try and take her from me!

Jen

Does Bizarro have something "different" going on "under the hood" than what was portrayed on Superfriends?

Paul

alpengeistno3 said:

GoYanks34 said:

Cyclone_Phil said:

I can only hope the Bizarro moving rumors are just rumors. There's a whole area on the 'batman' side of the park that can accommodate the wing rider. I don't see why they have to put all the big rides on one side of the park.

I will lose my mind if they try and take her from me!

Jen

Does Bizarro have something "different" going on "under the hood" than what was portrayed on Superfriends?

Paul

She'll ALWAYS be Medusa to me! :~)

Jen

GoYanks34 said:

alpengeistno3 said:

GoYanks34 said:

Cyclone_Phil said:

I can only hope the Bizarro moving rumors are just rumors. There's a whole area on the 'batman' side of the park that can accommodate the wing rider. I don't see why they have to put all the big rides on one side of the park.

I will lose my mind if they try and take her from me!

Jen

Does Bizarro have something "different" going on "under the hood" than what was portrayed on Superfriends?

Paul

She'll ALWAYS be Medusa to me! :~)

Jen

Here, here. I second that!!

Paul

In other news, I came across a video for Fun Spot Action Parks new GCI wooden coaster.

Also, the "inversion" on Silver Dollar City's new wooden coaster is taking shape. To me, it looks more like an over-banked Stengel dive, as it never completes the inversion. Undoubtedly, it will be considered an inversion when the ride opens.

And, undoubtedly, it will be incredible.

CP is making the tallest B and M wingrider. That is an excellent choice for the park. It should be fast, smooth, and thrilling - a even a better choice than floorless (as I consider the wingrider kind of an updated version of the floorless concept.

SFMM is adding multi-launched "Full Throttle" coaster (rumor???). This is a great contrast to the flying sensation of a wingrider (or so I imagine as I have not ridden one). This should be very forceful. I have also read that it should have a record-breaking loop and record-breaking length.

Okay, I realize that we all know that there is more to thrilling coasters than breaking records. Both parks get criticism for this. However, that is what these parks do and I say "BRING IT ON!!!"

MarathonRunner (a self-admitted bit of a CP fanboy)

MarathonRunner said:

CP and SFMM are at it again!!!!!! AWESOME! I almost feel like we have money again in this country.

CP is making the tallest B and M wingrider. That is an excellent choice for the park. It should be fast, smooth, and thrilling - a even a better choice than floorless (as I consider the wingrider kind of an updated version of the floorless concept.

SFMM is adding multi-launched "Full Throttle" coaster (rumor???). This is a great contrast to the flying sensation of a wingrider (or so I imagine as I have not ridden one). This should be very forceful. I have also read that it should have a record-breaking loop and record-breaking length.

Okay, I realize that we all know that there is more to thrilling coasters than breaking records. Both parks get criticism for this. However, that is what these parks do and I say "BRING IT ON!!!"

MarathonRunner (a self-admitted bit of a CP fanboy)

Like button ^.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bufivAl3uck&feature=plcp

New Wooden Coaster at Silver Dollar City for 2013

drachen said:

Updated tonight, with the news of Son of Beast's removal. Kings Island will expand in that area. Whether anything new is coming in 2013 remains to be seen.

2013 is awfully early, especially if the new ride is to be a coaster. It took Busch 2 years to clear out BBW and complete Verbolten. All that SOB wood has got to make a bigger mess than that.

Paul

The big issue that will affect the timeline is how they choose to do the demolition, if they just attack it without caring to salvage the wood it'll go really quick. But if they want to reuse or sell the lumber I see a couple months for that process. I would love to see a new coaster there next season but I doubt it. I'm crossing my fingers for another massive B&M (people eater) for the following year. They could use more rides with high capacity. I also think they need more flat rides and a water coaster for the water park would be a nice addition also.

coastinj said:

Comparing the demise/construction of Bbw/verbolten to Sob/??? Is apples to oranges. Mainly due to topography, the majority of SOB was built built on flat land except for the lift hill/1st drop which was on a slopped hill, where as BBW was on a bigger tract of land, altitude wise.

Apples to oranges?!? Yeah, you're right in that SOB is twice the size, nearly 3 times the length, and in an area in close proximity to Top Gun. It should take LONGER to remove that ride even if they do decide to scrap the wood. You can't just bulldoze 218 feet of wood over and move on, lol!

Very unlikely to see a coaster of any sort on that land in 2013, 2014 at the soonest. 2015 if this was a decision that was just made.

Paul

* This post was modified at 7/28/12 11:04:54 PM *

alpengeistno3 said:

Very unlikely to see a coaster of any sort on that land in 2013, 2014 at the soonest. 2015 if this was a decision that was just made.

Paul

That's the kicker right there - when was the decision made? I think, and I have no inside knowledge on this, that the decision was made a long time ago. But until all litigation was cleared up, the ride had to remain standing.

2013 does seem early, but it wouldn't shock me. I think 2014 is much more realistic.

Outlaw Run - New for 2013! If this is legit:

1) This looks AWESOME!

2) It IS a wooden coaster after all. Unlike Texas Giant, it has wood track.

3) Aside from a crazy over-banked turn, the end of the ride says "Double Barrel Roll".

Yes, that was a DOUBLE BARREL ROLL!

* This post was modified at 11/1/12 9:04:44 PM *

drachen said:

Just "leaked" from Silver Dollar City...

Outlaw Run - New for 2013! If this is legit:

1) This looks AWESOME!

2) It's not a wooden coaster after all. Like Texas Giant, it's steel with wooden supports.

3) Aside from a crazy over-banked turn, the end of the ride says "Double Barrel Roll".

Yes, that was a DOUBLE BARREL ROLL!

I was just going to post this! HOLY SH!T!!! This coaster....may top El Toro (haven't ridden Voyage or Boulder Dash yet). This coaster....looks like a 10. Silver Dollar City here I comeeeee.

drachen said:

Just "leaked" from Silver Dollar City...

2) It's not a wooden coaster after all. Like Texas Giant, it's steel with wooden supports.

It is still a wooden coaster. Look at the pictures of the track that are out there. It is layered wood track, laminated together, with a topper track based on it. The foundation of the track itself is wood.

It is absolutely not a steel coaster, and certainly not one just because of the layout. :)

And yes, it's been quite fun to watch it go up. The official announcement is this Thursday, August 9.

Antonioiscool1 said:

Sixflags America officials said that there was an incoming roller coaster for the new 2013 season. Sixflags America is way back on new rides of all types even though they just got the "Apocalypse" for the 2012 season.

I hope Six Flags America gets a new coaster for 2013. Six Flags America is my home-park. Apocalypse was good,but there still needs to be more done there. I was thinking they could put a Intiman ZacSpin in Two-Face's old spot, and a floorless between Batwing and Superman. I don't see this park getting a wing-rider, so a floorless is good enough. they should get the floorless first. Mainly all SFA has been getting "new" lately are repainted/ re-themed rides, and new shows, which don't really effect my experience, because they invented the movie theater for a reason. I think shows are good only in Fight fest, but that's just my opinion. it's because I'm so sick of SFA removing rides, and a MAJOR coaster without replacing it, and leaving the station still standing three years after it's dismantling, and sick of getting "new" rides that are actually rides that were re-named, or a new show for the past 11 years!!!, everything but a good coaster. I always wondered why everyone from my school enjoys Kings Dominion better, and now I'm starting to see it.

As for six Flags St. Louis, I think they should get an Intiman ZacSpin, because Six Flags St.Louis needs a NEW coaster, a big one not a Zamperla Disk'o which was mentioned in the possible new ride survey. the other option was a Vekoma Invertigo. six Flags st. Louis in my opinion does not need another shuttle coaster, so ZacSpin is best. I don't think SF parks need to install boomerang types of coasters anymore, because every park has had or has some form of a Boomerang coaster, except for SFstL, but they have a shuttle coaster.

Marvin

* This post was modified at 8/7/12 8:38:58 AM *

I wonder if it's because Six Flags thinks it's not worth competing in the DC area. South of DC you have Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens. North of Baltimore you have Hershey and Dorney. Cedar Fair dominates that mid-Atlantic/midwest area...6F doesn't have much of a presence there. Most of their parks are in the South and NorthEast.

I wonder if it's something of a "gentlemen's agreement" that they won't cut each others' throat competing in a given region. Either that, or (more likely) 6F just realizes that they would have to make some MAJOR investments to compete with the above-mentioned parks for the Balto/DC coaster crowd.

In that light, maybe the most sensible thing TO do is get repurposed rides on-the-cheap and use them to build up a financial flow to create a unique "world-class" coaster.

That's what Cedar Fair did in KD. Prior to Cedar Fair's takeover in 2007, Kings Dominion had become largely irrelevant in the coaster-world. Most of their attractions were blatant attempts to promote Paramount's sh***y movies. KD's best coaster was Volcano, which was built almost a decade ago and seems to have a reputation for down-time with its LIM launch system.

When CF bought the park, they brought in a handful of rides from Geagua (including Dominator) to try to breathe some life into the park. Apparently it was enough to eventually finance I-305, which is what really puts KD "back on the map" in the post-modern coaster world.

Kind of how when you play RC Tycoon, you build a Shuttle Loop and a couple of other pre-made designs, then you use the proceeds to work on the coaster you REALLY want. :)

One can hope, anyway. We'll see in a year or two. It's the closest park to ME as well and it'd be nice if the park had at least one marquee thrill to offer.

* This post was modified at 8/7/12 10:15:28 AM *

SirWillow said:

drachen said:

Just "leaked" from Silver Dollar City...

2) It's not a wooden coaster after all. Like Texas Giant, it's steel with wooden supports.

It is still a wooden coaster. Look at the pictures of the track that are out there. It is layered wood track, laminated together, with a topper track based on it. The foundation of the track itself is wood.

It is absolutely not a steel coaster, and certainly not one just because of the layout. :)

And yes, it's been quite fun to watch it go up. The official announcement is this Thursday, August 9.

Right on Sir Willow, it's definitely a woodie. Wow, I go on a TR trip, and this news went under the radar. It looks freaking awesome! I like the name too, Outlaw Run, vs just Outlaw. The first woodie ever with TWO inversions, outward banking element, and that steep 81 degree drop first drop among other things, wow!

* This post was modified at 8/9/12 5:47:21 AM *

squirrels said:

SF America does seem to be the "red-headed stepchild" of the Six Flags family, doesn't it?

I wonder if it's because Six Flags thinks it's not worth competing in the DC area. South of DC you have Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens. North of Baltimore you have Hershey and Dorney. Cedar Fair dominates that mid-Atlantic/midwest area...6F doesn't have much of a presence there. Most of their parks are in the South and NorthEast.

I wonder if it's something of a "gentlemen's agreement" that they won't cut each others' throat competing in a given region. Either that, or (more likely) 6F just realizes that they would have to make some MAJOR investments to compete with the above-mentioned parks for the Balto/DC coaster crowd.

In that light, maybe the most sensible thing TO do is get repurposed rides on-the-cheap and use them to build up a financial flow to create a unique "world-class" coaster.

That's what Cedar Fair did in KD. Prior to Cedar Fair's takeover in 2007, Kings Dominion had become largely irrelevant in the coaster-world. Most of their attractions were blatant attempts to promote Paramount's sh***y movies. KD's best coaster was Volcano, which was built almost a decade ago and seems to have a reputation for down-time with its LIM launch system.

When CF bought the park, they brought in a handful of rides from Geagua (including Dominator) to try to breathe some life into the park. Apparently it was enough to eventually finance I-305, which is what really puts KD "back on the map" in the post-modern coaster world.

Kind of how when you play RC Tycoon, you build a Shuttle Loop and a couple of other pre-made designs, then you use the proceeds to work on the coaster you REALLY want. :)

One can hope, anyway. We'll see in a year or two. It's the closest park to ME as well and it'd be nice if the park had at least one marquee thrill to offer.

SFA seems to be in the same boat as California's GA as they face stiff competition from their competitors. I'm not saying SF should sell SFA, but how long are they going to keep the park going if it seems like they aren't going to do a thing about expanding it or give them new rides? They may as well just cut their 'losses'/care for it and let someone buy the place or relocate the coasters and use the land for whatever development use.
Basically let SF dominate CA and CF dominate the southeast.

It is wooden after all! And judging by the image below... it looks incredible!

Outlaw Run!

drachen said:

Official page from Silver Dollar City...

It is wooden after all! And judging by the image below... it looks incredible!

A wooden coaster with a corkscrew!!, I'm am so going to be there!!!

Fatsoccerguy191 said:

A wooden coaster with a corkscrew!!, I'm am so going to be there!!!

I think it's actually a barrell roll, not a corkscrew. But anyway - looks AMAZING. For once, living in MO is a good think for being a roller coaster fan!

Tomes said:

Fatsoccerguy191 said:

A wooden coaster with a corkscrew!!, I'm am so going to be there!!!

I think it's actually a barrell roll, not a corkscrew. But anyway - looks AMAZING. For once, living in MO is a good think for being a roller coaster fan!

Your right, it's to small to be a corkscrew is more stretched. It sill looks amazing, and is world record breakng!!

www.rcdb.com/10582.htm

www.newsplusnotes.blogspot.com

* This post was modified at 8/10/12 6:42:53 AM *

Overbanked said:

Wow, Outlaw Run is listed as having three inversions! Wow, I guess that 'first inversion' the 'outside banked turn' that's right after the first drop (I've never heard of a 'turn' as an inversion before). Either way, the Show Me state has shown the world a mind blowing coaster!

www.rcdb.com/10582.htm

www.newsplusnotes.blogspot.com

Wow, the whole family can ride on this, even small children, the height requirement is only 48". Son of Beasts Inversion was made of steel. There are made of wood, and there are three of those monsters!!!,Six Flags St. Louis better not Install Flashback now, because that is some great competition, and would be a shame :(

* This post was modified at 8/10/12 9:04:44 AM *

Brandon

* This post was modified at 8/11/12 10:47:34 AM *

* This post was modified at 8/11/12 10:49:42 AM *

From Rocky Mountain Construction Facebook Page

This is the ultimate hybrid coaster. If this works, it will be revolutionary.

I'm curious to see the wheels on the train - whether they are nylon or steel.

And of course, I can't wait to ride it next summer.

* This post was modified at 8/11/12 2:06:38 PM *

Gatekeeper looks incredible...

Cedar Point in 2013. Look at that double keyhole! I see at least six inversions. Leave it to Cedar Point to take a concept and blow everyone away with their version.

* This post was modified at 8/12/12 12:01:03 AM *

Here's a closer look at Gatekeeper (click on the pic to enlarge).

www.coaster101.com/2012/08/12/cedar-point-2013-gatekeeper-bm-wing-coaster/

* This post was modified at 8/12/12 10:04:15 AM *

The two keyholes are on the same inversion. The other inversion goes behind it. Simply stunning.

I don't know which coaster I'm anticipating more - Outlaw Run or Gatekeeper.

I will update the list above when I read some stats.

But what's with that backwards section on the video? They couldn't...no bleeping way!..be implying the ride goes backwards after completing its forward circuit. I know, I shouldn't even HINT at something like that :)

I don't know if I'll make it to CP or SDC next year. You all know my woodie leanings, but I've also not been on a Wing Rider. So I just can't
determine which of these fine-looking machines holds more appeal for me.

I'm torn.

Mi..the Outlaw Run half

ke..the Gatekeeper half

beastmaster said:

Yum.

But what's with that backwards section on the video? They couldn't...no bleeping way!..be implying the ride goes backwards after completing its forward circuit. I know, I shouldn't even HINT at something like that :)

I don't know if I'll make it to CP or SDC next year. You all know my woodie leanings, but I've also not been on a Wing Rider. So I just can't
determine which of these fine-looking machines holds more appeal for me.

I'm torn.

Mi..the Outlaw Run half

ke..the Gatekeeper half

Always go with wood, unless we are talking a new Intamin hyper/giga

beastmaster said:

I don't know if I'll make it to CP or SDC next year. You all know my woodie leanings, but I've also not been on a Wing Rider. So I just can't
determine which of these fine-looking machines holds more appeal for me.

I'm torn.

Mi..the Outlaw Run half

ke..the Gatekeeper half

Luckily enough for me, I should get to both. In-laws have plans for a family getaway to a lake in northern Arkansas - less than two hours from Silver Dollar City.

As for Cedar Point, I haven't been since 2003. Maverick wasn't enough to get me out there in 2007, and I've had other priorities since. For quite some time I've said that I'll wait to get back to Cedar Point until they build another roller coaster. I hope to make it out there next spring.

Outlaw looks awesome though. DAT DROP!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2IM9h2Gyo4

rollercoastersfreak said:

I hope I will be abortion make it to Cedar Point next summer again.

Can we leave party politics out of this conversation, please? ;)

Joe
Great_Ump

Could Knott's be clearing this space for a long-rumored giga? Or will we see a winged coaster make it's way to the park?

Knott's Perilous Plunge's days are numbered

looper77 said:

Orange County Register is reporting that Perilous Plunge is going bye-bye after Labor Day!

Could Knott's be clearing this space for a long-rumored giga? Or will we see a winged coaster make it's way to the park?

That or maybe they're just tired of all the baggage and upkeep that ride has and are just getting rid of it for that reason.

It's not a very large space- doubt it's much bigger than what the station would require for those rides let alone the rest of what you're hoping.

SirWillow said:

It's not a very large space- doubt it's much bigger than what the station would require for those rides let alone the rest of what you're hoping.

You're right, it's not a very large space. But it is certainly large enough for a station and brake run.

These mega-coasters don't need a large footprint, especially if they are of the out and back variety. Knott's will likely build this on to of other rides and attractions.

SirWillow said:

looper77 said:

Orange County Register is reporting that Perilous Plunge is going bye-bye after Labor Day!

Could Knott's be clearing this space for a long-rumored giga? Or will we see a winged coaster make it's way to the park?

That or maybe they're just tired of all the baggage and upkeep that ride has and are just getting rid of it for that reason.

It's not a very large space- doubt it's much bigger than what the station would require for those rides let alone the rest of what you're hoping.

A coaster does not always have to fit into a confined space. Look at what Cedar Point is doing with Gatekeeper. It is not confined to the former Disaster Transport area. Or just look at Knott's alone. Hardly any of their coasters fit into a "box." Hershey has done this as well. Comet Hollow hardly looked like the place for a 200-foot-tall coaster but they did it. Whether Hershey did that successfully with Skyrush is another story...

I'm not saying they are getting a coaster for sure, but enthusiasts need to think outside of that "box" when it comes to where new coasters are placed.

looper77 said:

A coaster does not always have to fit into a confined space. Look at what Cedar Point is doing with Gatekeeper. It is not confined to the former Disaster Transport area. Or just look at Knott's alone. Hardly any of their coasters fit into a "box." Hershey has done this as well. Comet Hollow hardly looked like the place for a 200-foot-tall coaster but they did it. Whether Hershey did that successfully with Skyrush is another story...

LMAO! SO true!

I'm not saying they are getting a coaster for sure, but enthusiasts need to think outside of that "box" when it comes to where new coasters are placed.

And if you went along the perimeter in that part of the park there are only a few buildings next to the ride so they could easily be cleared out as well. Then you'd have plenty of space. Here's a pic I took on the observation tower that I didn't post but gives a good idea of how much space they could have there if they wanted to.

The pool is the end of Perilous Plunge
right click and choose view image for a better look

Jen

Great_Ump said:

rollercoastersfreak said:

I hope I will be abortion make it to Cedar Point next summer again.

Can we leave party politics out of this conversation, please? ;)

Joe
Great_Ump

Sorry my phone auto corrected it.

- Info from Premier about SFMM's new coaster

- Six Flags St. Louis's lame announcement. Not only are they getting a recycled boomerang coaster, and not only are they getting a ride that Worlds of Fun already has, but they are using the same name that Worlds of Fun uses for theirs, Boomerang.

Congrats SFStL, you win the award for the most head-scratching announcement. I like how they are trying to pump everyone up for the ride in the press release.

Six Flags St. Louis today announced plans to add a new steel coaster, Boomerang, to the park’s already extensive line-up of thrills. In 2013, Boomerang will become the park’s ninth coaster, bringing a new experience to guests with its unique combination of thrill elements. Six Flags St. Louis is currently home to more roller coasters than any other theme park in Missouri.

Boomerang combines a mix of twists, turns and loops unlike any other coaster experience at the park. The 28-passenger trains are pulled up 125 feet backward to the top of the first lift hill and then released to shoot out through the 1,650 feet of track at up to 50 mph. Guests will sail through a half loop, then into a right half cork screw, a left half cork screw and finally another half loop. And just when guests think they are done, the trains fly through a full loop before climbing a second lift hill. Staying true to its name, Boomerang takes guests full circle to where they began sweeping through the spirals, loops, twists and turns again.

“Boomerang puts a new twist, literally, on the coaster thrills at Six Flags St. Louis,” said Dave Roemer, Six Flags St. Louis park president. “We already offer more rollers coasters than any other theme park in Missouri, now we are adding new elements like the cobra roll and half loops to bring our guests new thrills!”

Boomerang is scheduled to open spring 2013 and it will be located in the Illinois section of the park.

Jen

SFGAdv new ride teaser

drachen said:

- Six Flags St. Louis's lame announcement. Not only are they getting a recycled boomerang coaster, and not only are they getting a ride that Worlds of Fun already has, but they are using the same name that Worlds of Fun uses for theirs, Boomerang.

Congrats SFStL, you win the award for the most head-scratching announcement. I like how they are trying to pump everyone up for the ride in the press release.

SFStl and WoF are about four hours apart right?

If so, I don't think it's that big of a deal.

How many other clones are much closer in distance to one another?

You have the Flight of Fear and Joker's Jinx just 90 miles apart.

HersheyPark has a Boomerang and is less than four hours from the Boomerang in Ocean City MD.

Aren't there two B&M Batmans in less than an hour's drive?

I just don't see this being that big of a deal.

Joe
Great_Ump

Great_Ump said:

drachen said:

- Six Flags St. Louis's lame announcement. Not only are they getting a recycled boomerang coaster, and not only are they getting a ride that Worlds of Fun already has, but they are using the same name that Worlds of Fun uses for theirs, Boomerang.

Congrats SFStL, you win the award for the most head-scratching announcement. I like how they are trying to pump everyone up for the ride in the press release.

SFStl and WoF are about four hours apart right?

If so, I don't think it's that big of a deal.

How many other clones are much closer in distance to one another?

You have the Flight of Fear and Joker's Jinx just 90 miles apart.

HersheyPark has a Boomerang and is less than four hours from the Boomerang in Ocean City MD.

Aren't there two B&M Batmans in less than an hour's drive?

I just don't see this being that big of a deal.

Joe
Great_Ump

You have a good point here. I doesn't surprise me anymore that Six Flags would do that. At this point they would take anything and get all holly jolly about it.. I hope they at least change the restraints to the one's that Carolina Cobra at Carowinds have, but I would not be surprised if they don't , because after seeing the transformation from Iron Wolf to Apocalypse, nothing happened really except for new paint, and themeing.

It's okay because people of Missouri have many great theme parks near them. I've never been to Six Flags St. Louis before, but it looks pretty good, American Thunder looks cool, and BATMAN: The Ride,and Mr Freeze are pretty good rides too. From what I've searched, Silver Dollar City is just three hours away from Six Flags St.Louis, and with World of Fun being 4 hours away, and for enthusiasts around there, I guess the 9 hour way to Dollywood wouldn't be that bad :P. Six Flags St. Louis could soon lose GP from doing this!!, especially with Outlaw Run coming to Silver Dollar City.

I heard there recently was a survey at Six Flags St. Louis for a possible new 2013 attraction, and a Vekoma Invertigo was one of them. The Invertigo must have won, and Six Flags probably wanted to get the closest thing to an Invertigo they could get. So that's probably why they are installing the Boomerang, because it's not like they can take Goliath down from Six Flags New England, they just got it this year. If Six Flags America still had Two-Face, we probably would have had that snatched from us for Six Flags St. Louis.

I think if they were going to install a Boomerang, they should have taken Six Flags New England's Flashback instead, because they already have a new Giant Inverted Boomerang, but no, instead they decided to take Six Flags Over Texas'.

* This post was modified at 8/25/12 8:13:00 PM *

GoYanks34 said:

Got an e-mail from SFGAdv that they will be making a major announcement about their new attraction on 8/30 and it better NOT involve removing Medusa! See the link below.

Jen

It's probably going to be a wing rider, at least I hope;)

* This post was modified at 8/25/12 9:22:42 PM *

drachen said:

Updated today, 8/24/12

- Six Flags St. Louis's lame announcement. Not only are they getting a recycled boomerang coaster, and not only are they getting a ride that Worlds of Fun already has, but they are using the same name that Worlds of Fun uses for theirs, Boomerang.

However, if they are getting the new trains and restraints on it, like Hershey's Sidewinder has, then that is a major difference. It takes the coaster from being decent to a really good ride.

www.newsplusnotes.blogspot.com

* This post was modified at 8/27/12 6:03:28 PM *

Love the name. It's not anything especially unique or monumental, but will be a fun ride in a very cool spot, and a definite upgrade over what was formerly residing there.

I'm ever-so-slightly disappointed they didn't go for something a little more custom (esp. after the bang-up job the did on Haunted Castle) but I know this will be great for the guests and is a solid addition.

As has been mentioned here, Thursday August 30th is 2012 Six Flags Announcement Day. I posted some predictions on Facebook. I thought I'd post them here too.

Some of these are all but confirmed, some are educated guess, and some are complete shots in the dark...

Great Escape - a new vertical swing tower, and the removal of Alpine Bobsleds.

La Ronde - I have no idea, but I will guess a small coaster.

Six Flags America - either a six lane mat racer water slide or a six seater flume ride to replace the one they lost last year. I'm leaning toward the mat racer.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom - a new animal attraction/show to replace the killer whale they shipped out.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas - Iron Rattler, the new and improved Ratter wooden (or steel) roller coaster, courtesy of Rocky Mountain Construction.

Six Flags Great Adventure - with the closure of the Wild Safari drive-through, the safari will be incorporated into the amusement park, via a ride

Six Flags Great America - a tall, vertical swing tower

Six Flags Magic Mountain - Full Throttle, a new launched coaster from Premier Rides, that will likely break some sort of record - sounds fast.

Six Flags Mexico - I have no idea, so I'm going to go with swing tower.

Six Flags New England - a new vertical swing tower, possibly 400 feet tall. Keep an eye out for new trains for Goliath too.

Six Flags Over Georgia - a new vertical swing tower

Six Flags Over Texas - a new vertical swing tower, though a new roller coaster wouldn't surprise me. If so, it would be one very well-kept secret.

Six Flags St. Louis - the recycled Flashback (Vekoma boomerang) from Six Flags Over Texas, with a flat ride or water slide thrown in to sweeten the deal.

It almost feels like Christmas, doesn't it? We'll know Thursday what I got right...

Now that I figured out that there is some interest in SDC and Outlaw Run, feel free to ignore my other post, lol. My ability to use the search feature here is seriously lacking.

-Tim

Overbanked said:

^^^Drach, I think that you accidentally boldfaced the entire thread.

I don't know how I did that...

Sometimes I have trouble controlling the volume of my voice!

And I agree, that Outlaw Run is deserving of a thread of its own. This one is just to track what's coming next year. Perhaps change the name of that thread to mention Outlaw Run?

Info, and some sweet images can be found at the link below.

Here are some of the photos:

Gold Striker

* This post was modified at 8/29/12 3:52:09 PM *

beastmaster said:

^^THAT looks pretty &*%$#'n sweet!

I agree. It kinda' makes you wish Morey's would pull the trigger on their design, or that Dorney would finally build one. We need more GCI's out this way.

Seriously, though, I believe that. Outlaw Run appears as though it will be awesomely intense, but too short. *SOMETIMES* a longer ride without those intense moments can be a much more pleasurable experience.

For example, my feelings about El Toro are well-known. But which of GAdv's coasters do I find the most fun? Nitro.

Mike

I've also never been this excited about visiting Great America. As much as I'm looking forward to the ride itself (and I am, a TON, Thunderhead remains my #1 and Apocalypse is a top ten) - I'm just as glad to see an investment being made in this park again.

We all talk about the stepchildren of the SF chain, but there's no debate when it comes to Paramount and now Cedar Fair. I was all but convinced this park would end up as a parking lot (or yet another office park) for many years, and all evidence seemed to point that way. Given how the 49ers situation has finally come to an amiable head, and seeing a major addition, there may be some hope for this park yet. I think it's got a ways to go before it becomes a true destination, but this is a huge and reassuring step in that direction.

If there's one thing that GCI has proven, it's that they can thrill GP and enthusiasts alike. I may be a bit premature, but I expect nothing less from Gold Striker.

By the way where is California's Great America at? If I get stationed in San Diego it may be possible to go there next year if it's close enough.

rollercoastersfreak said:

By the way where is California's Great America at? If I get stationed in San Diego it may be possible to go there next year if it's close enough.

The Internet is your friend.

But it's in Santa Clara.

I didn't look that up. :))

Mike

* This post was modified at 8/29/12 9:31:03 PM *

Here's an off-ride view of Gold Striker.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3doDAoOtMsU&list=HL1346316444&feature=mh-lolz

* This post was modified at 8/30/12 4:55:53 AM *

Overbanked said:
I like the name and logo; That ornery old curmudgeon prospector looks like a really mean dude; Talk about someone with a (gold) chip on his shoulder! Badum-CHING!

He looks like Stinky Pete the Old Prospector from Toy Story 2. Maybe they can get Kelsey Grammer to do the recorded spiel.

Mike

http://content.sixflags.com/newfor2013/greatadventure/safari-off-road-adventure/

Jen

* This post was modified at 8/30/12 7:32:16 AM *

- Full Throttle - record breaking loop/2 forward launches/1 backward launch

- Iron Rattler - 4 Deep banked turns/1 barrel roll

- SFOT - 400ft Sky Screamer (wow, this is kind cool)

Looks like six flags is going to hit it out of the parkkkkkk with Great Adventure when they announce a new ride there, either this year or next year (most likely next year). It will have to be a record breaker since it's Great Adventure.

Had to get a little home park comment in! haha

Second...omg, I may be going back to Great Adventure next year. The safari at Animal Kingdom blew me away and while I'm not going to pretend for a second that Great Adventure's will be on par with that one, this is exactly the type of attraction that would draw me back to that park. Kudos to Six Flags for this and its the attraction I'm most looking forward to in 2013 so far.

Only two roller coasters this year...

Full Throttle at Magic Mountain:

Iron Rattler at Fiesta Texas:

But they are two very intriguing rides.

* This post was modified at 8/30/12 10:35:29 AM *

* This post was modified at 8/30/12 9:21:38 AM *

Coaster316 said:

First...thanks to Drachen for keeping up this list. Great job.

Second...omg, I may be going back to Great Adventure next year. The safari at Animal Kingdom blew me away and while I'm not going to pretend for a second that Great Adventure's will be on par with that one, this is exactly the type of attraction that would draw me back to that park. Kudos to Six Flags for this and its the attraction I'm most looking forward to in 2013 so far.

No problem, I'm glad to do it! It helps me keep everything straight too!

I agree with your thoughts on Great Adventure's new attraction. I've never done the safari because I've never felt like driving through. I'll be sure to take a ride through now.

We all love new roller coasters, but this is a nice, family attraction that Great Adventure needs.

Coaster316 said:
Second...omg, I may be going back to Great Adventure next year. The safari at Animal Kingdom blew me away and while I'm not going to pretend for a second that Great Adventure's will be on par with that one, this is exactly the type of attraction that would draw me back to that park. Kudos to Six Flags for this and its the attraction I'm most looking forward to in 2013 so far.

Yahoo article on Six Flags Safari, touted as "world's largest theme park" (yeah)
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/njs-six-flags-safari-park-114155506.html

"Six Flags Great Adventure told The Associated Press on Thursday it is combining its animal safari with its amusement and water parks into one attraction that it claims will be the world's largest theme park next year, about 10 acres larger than Disney's Animal Kingdom in Orlando."

RobLec said:

Yahoo article on Six Flags Safari, touted as "world's largest theme park" (yeah)
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/njs-six-flags-safari-park-114155506.html

"Six Flags Great Adventure told The Associated Press on Thursday it is combining its animal safari with its amusement and water parks into one attraction that it claims will be the world's largest theme park next year, about 10 acres larger than Disney's Animal Kingdom in Orlando."

That sounds about right for Six Flags Marketing Department!

Just like Full Throttle is the world's tallest looping coaster. Not only will GateKeeper at Cedar Point be taller, but so is Viper, which resides just a short walk away from this ride.

I love the park and was planning a return trip anyway. This announcement has actually pushed my trip up to THIS year since I don't feel the need to wait anymore.

Looking forward to November!

RobLec said:

Coaster316 said:
Second...omg, I may be going back to Great Adventure next year. The safari at Animal Kingdom blew me away and while I'm not going to pretend for a second that Great Adventure's will be on par with that one, this is exactly the type of attraction that would draw me back to that park. Kudos to Six Flags for this and its the attraction I'm most looking forward to in 2013 so far.

Yahoo article on Six Flags Safari, touted as "world's largest theme park" (yeah)
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/njs-six-flags-safari-park-114155506.html

"Six Flags Great Adventure told The Associated Press on Thursday it is combining its animal safari with its amusement and water parks into one attraction that it claims will be the world's largest theme park next year, about 10 acres larger than Disney's Animal Kingdom in Orlando."

* This post was modified at 8/30/12 3:09:55 PM *

Is it just me, or is the double-sided peak of the loop not one of the most ingenious things you've ever seen? It's as much eye candy as Outlaw Run's double twist, and a heck of a lot closer to home. Kudos all around.

drachen said:

Updated today with the addition of Undertow at Santa Cruz...

As has been mentioned here, Thursday August 30th is 2012 Six Flags Announcement Day. I posted some predictions on Facebook. I thought I'd post them here too.

Some of these are all but confirmed, some are educated guess, and some are complete shots in the dark...

Great Escape - a new vertical swing tower, and the removal of Alpine Bobsleds.

La Ronde - I have no idea, but I will guess a small coaster.

Six Flags America - either a six lane mat racer water slide or a six seater flume ride to replace the one they lost last year. I'm leaning toward the mat racer.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom - a new animal attraction/show to replace the killer whale they shipped out.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas - Iron Rattler, the new and improved Ratter wooden (or steel) roller coaster, courtesy of Rocky Mountain Construction.

Six Flags Great Adventure - with the closure of the Wild Safari drive-through, the safari will be incorporated into the amusement park, via a ride

Six Flags Great America - a tall, vertical swing tower

Six Flags Magic Mountain - Full Throttle, a new launched coaster from Premier Rides, that will likely break some sort of record - sounds fast.

Six Flags Mexico - I have no idea, so I'm going to go with swing tower.

Six Flags New England - a new vertical swing tower, possibly 400 feet tall. Keep an eye out for new trains for Goliath too.

Six Flags Over Georgia - a new vertical swing tower

Six Flags Over Texas - a new vertical swing tower, though a new roller coaster wouldn't surprise me. If so, it would be one very well-kept secret.

Six Flags St. Louis - the recycled Flashback (Vekoma boomerang) from Six Flags Over Texas, with a flat ride or water slide thrown in to sweeten the deal.

It almost feels like Christmas, doesn't it? We'll know Thursday what I got right...

Well, a lot of those things you have mentioned have been confirmed, but a few were differnet.

Six Flags New England: Bonzai Pipeline, a double-looping water slide will be installed in 2013

Six Flags America: Bonzai Pipeline, a new double-looping water slide.

Six Flags St. Louis is confirmed to recieve Flashback, and will be re-named to 'Boomerang", not a very creative name, they should have kept Flashback's name.

Six Flags Great Escape: The Screamin Eagle will be installed.

Six Flags Magic Mountain: New Premeir Launched coaster , world record breaking.

Six Flags Great America: Some New show.

Six Flags Mexico: Fright Fest.

Six Flags La Ronde: A new show I think.

Six Flags Over Georgia: A SkyScreamer ride.

I don't know the rest.

Cyclone_Phil said:

That is good news. Thanks for the update.

They are now offering current season pass holders an upgrade to a "gold" pass which includes the waterpark for free if you validate it by 10/28/12. The price for current season pass holders is $59.99 - not bad at all but there is no option for season parking so I e-mailed them about it. They best still be offering it.

I still wish we were getting a coaster :~(

At least there has been no mention of removing Medusa. That makes me happy. I suppose they have a lot of construction and revamping the layout to do and once they have that settled they'll know how much room they'll have for my new dive coaster in 2014! :~)

Jen

GoYanks34 said:

Cyclone_Phil said:

That is good news. Thanks for the update.

They are now offering current season pass holders an upgrade to a "gold" pass which includes the waterpark for free if you validate it by 10/28/12. The price for current season pass holders is $59.99 - not bad at all but there is no option for season parking so I e-mailed them about it. They best still be offering it.

Jen

My understanding was that upgrade including the waterpark is if you buy four or more passes. I may be wrong..wouldn't be the first time.

Mike

beastmaster said:

GoYanks34 said:

Cyclone_Phil said:

That is good news. Thanks for the update.

They are now offering current season pass holders an upgrade to a "gold" pass which includes the waterpark for free if you validate it by 10/28/12. The price for current season pass holders is $59.99 - not bad at all but there is no option for season parking so I e-mailed them about it. They best still be offering it.

Jen

My understanding was that upgrade including the waterpark is if you buy four or more passes. I may be wrong..wouldn't be the first time.

Mike

It says on the current season pass holder page:

Get Free Upgrade to Premium with Free Water Park and One Season Parking Pass

For a limited time, purchase a Season Pass and get a free upgrade to a Premium Pass which includes free Hurricane Harbor. Buy four or more Season Passes and you'll also receive one free Season Parking Pass (valid at Six Flags Great Adventure/Hurricane Harbor). You must process your photo IDs at the park by October 28, 2012 to receive these bonus offers!

I take that as you get the waterpark upgrade but not the parking pass if you don't buy 4

Jen

* This post was modified at 8/30/12 10:20:37 PM *

GoYanks34 said:

Cyclone_Phil said:

That is good news. Thanks for the update.

They are now offering current season pass holders an upgrade to a "gold" pass which includes the waterpark for free if you validate it by 10/28/12. The price for current season pass holders is $59.99 - not bad at all but there is no option for season parking so I e-mailed them about it. They best still be offering it.

I still wish we were getting a coaster :~(

At least there has been no mention of removing Medusa. That makes me happy. I suppose they have a lot of construction and revamping the layout to do and once they have that settled they'll know how much room they'll have for my new dive coaster in 2014! :~)

Jen

Cyclone_Phil said:

GoYanks34 said:

Cyclone_Phil said:

That is good news. Thanks for the update.

They are now offering current season pass holders an upgrade to a "gold" pass which includes the waterpark for free if you validate it by 10/28/12. The price for current season pass holders is $59.99 - not bad at all but there is no option for season parking so I e-mailed them about it. They best still be offering it.

I still wish we were getting a coaster :~(

At least there has been no mention of removing Medusa. That makes me happy. I suppose they have a lot of construction and revamping the layout to do and once they have that settled they'll know how much room they'll have for my new dive coaster in 2014! :~)

Jen

Thanks. Yeah I would not want to lose Bizzaro even if it was replaced with a wing coaster. The park can build the new coaster over on the Nitro/Batman side. Nothing should be taken. I would rather keep what is there and give another park the new ride. Or heck, tear down screeching lumber and build something there if possible :)

Hell, I'd even take a coat of paint and some WD40 on rotting lumber to make it ride-able and nice to look at again! It's so sad b/c that used to be such a great coaster and when you look at the upkeep of the other racing woodies it's practically criminal what they've done (or not done).

Jen

Paul

RobLec said:

Yahoo article on Six Flags Safari, touted as "world's largest theme park" (yeah)
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/njs-six-flags-safari-park-114155506.html

Does anyone remember when Great Adventure used to market itself as "bigger than Disney" way back when? I think I was a kid, so maybe 20 years ago or more? Did they just say Disney or maybe Disneyland? Anyone?

Either way, that's a pretty good article. Thanks for the link, Rob.

GoYanks34 said:

beastmaster said:

GoYanks34 said:

Cyclone_Phil said:

That is good news. Thanks for the update.

They are now offering current season pass holders an upgrade to a "gold" pass which includes the waterpark for free if you validate it by 10/28/12. The price for current season pass holders is $59.99 - not bad at all but there is no option for season parking so I e-mailed them about it. They best still be offering it.

Jen

My understanding was that upgrade including the waterpark is if you buy four or more passes. I may be wrong..wouldn't be the first time.

Mike

It says on the current season pass holder page:

Get Free Upgrade to Premium with Free Water Park and One Season Parking Pass

For a limited time, purchase a Season Pass and get a free upgrade to a Premium Pass which includes free Hurricane Harbor. Buy four or more Season Passes and you'll also receive one free Season Parking Pass (valid at Six Flags Great Adventure/Hurricane Harbor). You must process your photo IDs at the park by October 28, 2012 to receive these bonus offers!

I take that as you get the waterpark upgrade but not the parking pass if you don't buy 4

Jen

Yeah, I guess I misread it. I may go down for a few hours Sunday before a Labor Day bash in Toms River . Might stop by Guest Relations and make sure..possibly buy then. I may wait til October, though, because I need money for KW/CP in two weeks.

Mike

Coaster316 said:

RobLec said:

Yahoo article on Six Flags Safari, touted as "world's largest theme park" (yeah)
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/njs-six-flags-safari-park-114155506.html

Does anyone remember when Great Adventure used to market itself as "bigger than Disney" way back when? I think I was a kid, so maybe 20 years ago or more? Did they just say Disney or maybe Disneyland? Anyone?

Either way, that's a pretty good article. Thanks for the link, Rob.

Yes! I remember that. It was bigger than Disneyland.

Jen

beastmaster said:

GoYanks34 said:

beastmaster said:

GoYanks34 said:

Cyclone_Phil said:

That is good news. Thanks for the update.

They are now offering current season pass holders an upgrade to a "gold" pass which includes the waterpark for free if you validate it by 10/28/12. The price for current season pass holders is $59.99 - not bad at all but there is no option for season parking so I e-mailed them about it. They best still be offering it.

Jen

My understanding was that upgrade including the waterpark is if you buy four or more passes. I may be wrong..wouldn't be the first time.

Mike

It says on the current season pass holder page:

Get Free Upgrade to Premium with Free Water Park and One Season Parking Pass

For a limited time, purchase a Season Pass and get a free upgrade to a Premium Pass which includes free Hurricane Harbor. Buy four or more Season Passes and you'll also receive one free Season Parking Pass (valid at Six Flags Great Adventure/Hurricane Harbor). You must process your photo IDs at the park by October 28, 2012 to receive these bonus offers!

I take that as you get the waterpark upgrade but not the parking pass if you don't buy 4

Jen

Yeah, I guess I misread it. I may go down for a few hours Sunday before a Labor Day bash in Toms River . Might stop by Guest Relations and make sure..possibly buy then. I may wait til October, though, because I need money for KW/CP in two weeks.

Mike

If you go ask them about adding season parking to the pass and how we can do that. Thanks!

Jen

GoYanks34 said:

If you go ask them about adding season parking to the pass and how we can do that. Thanks!

Jen

Last year I bought my pass in late September and added the parking in October on a separate visit. You can always add it after purchasing the pass, is what I was told.

Mike

GoYanks34 said:

I still wish we were getting a coaster :~(

Jen

BOO HOO HOO.

You SFGAdv fanboys blow my mind sometimes.

P.S. I'm just picking on you. Don't take this post too seriously.

Joe
Great_Ump

Great_Ump said:

BOO HOO HOO.

You SFGAdv fanboys blow my mind sometimes.

P.S. I'm just picking on you. Don't take this post too seriously.

Joe
Great_Ump

Don't cry, Joe. SFA's getting a WATERSLIDE!!!

And Jen's not a fanBOY ;)

Mike

beastmaster said:

Great_Ump said:

BOO HOO HOO.

You SFGAdv fanboys blow my mind sometimes.

P.S. I'm just picking on you. Don't take this post too seriously.

Joe
Great_Ump

Don't cry, Joe. SFA's getting a WATERSLIDE!!!

And Jen's not a fanBOY ;)

Mike

Yeah Joe, I'm a SFGAdv FANGIRL! Get it right!

Hope you enjoy your new waterslide! :~)

Jen

Three things about the vid; I like the way he enthusiastically talks about Boomerang at SFSTL, like it's a unique one of a kind attraction or something. I don't think that the savvy STL thrillseekers are buying it.

Iron Rattlers barrel roll inversion is not the first of it's kind; I get that nothing supposedly exists outside of the world of Six Flags, well then again I just that you can say that it's the first woodie-esque steelie with a barrel roll.

Full Throttle's top hat is not the first of it's kind, although IMO, they should have named that element a 'loop hat', going over the loop and all.

Here's the vid.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMmlxJzuOM0&feature=player_embedded

* This post was modified at 9/1/12 3:28:20 AM *

WoF 2013

* This post was modified at 9/1/12 10:12:08 PM *

It seems like those KBF giga coaster rumors are falling flat; Even if they do erect a tall giga in that spot, it would severely ruin the atmosphere of the park, with those towering columns and all, with such little bit of room. I never bought into that rumor at all.

The footprint area is a nice medium size, with more square footage than the boomerang. IMO it would be a good spot for a sub-2000 ft long compact Eurofighter.

www.ocregister.com/news/ride-370291-plunge-knott.html

* This post was modified at 9/4/12 1:23:03 AM *

John_Knotts said:

^ The Knotts giga is no longer happening. It looks like the park is going to add a smaller, more compact ride instead. Looking forward to seeing what they come up with!

"no longer?" You're assuming that there was actually a chance of it happening to begin with. Outside of pipe dreams from enthusiasts who have some up with some "creative" ways to attempt to make it work there has never been any indication from Knott's that they've even considered a hyper, let alone done any actually though, planning, etc. on one.

You can't have an "any longer" if there was never any thought on Knott's part about it to begin with.

:P

Cyclone_Phil said:

I'm kinda disappointed that's all this will be and I guess it kinda makes sense since they had a giant Snoopy in a spacesuit 'balloon' near the front. If it was about space, I still would've hoped for at least a spaceshot as the single new thrill ride for the park. I haven't seen the images, but are they going to expand this planet snoopy over the picnic area?
I was also hoping they'd bring the old dominion train ride back, but oh well...

I haven't seen the images either, but I assume they will be uniting the former Kidzville/Hanna Barbara area with the current Planet Snoopy (which used to be Nickelodeon Universe). Rumor has it that the Snoopy Splash Dance will be taken out and there will be a possible remodel/removal of the stages in Kidzville and under Shockwave.

I was getting a chuckle reading all the Facebook speculation of a record breaking rocket coaster (or any kind of coaster). If the park hasn't broken ground on it yet, it clearly was not going to happen in 2013.

Paul

I guess it was expecting too much for a rocket coaster, but at the very least I would've thought a Spaceshot could've been built to fit the theme of the rocket and be the big new thrill ride for that year. I don't think the whole 'giant planet snoopy' is going to go over very will with the hardcore thrill junkies.

* This post was modified at 9/13/12 1:10:40 AM *

Paul

alpengeistno3 said:

Phil, check out Kings Dominion's Facebook page if you want to see how the "hardcore" fans feel about getting duped.

Paul

IMO, no one got "duped." Disappointed, sure. But KD never even said in their various teasers that the new attraction was even a ride, much less a coaster. Sure, I thought/hoped it would be one, but I certainly don't feel cheated. They siad it would "break records." Well, it will be the largest Peanuts-themed area in any amusement park. That qualifies in my book.

One thing I noticed was that the area will have an open-air food marketplace with a stand selling fresh fruit. Are we about to see the arrival of the $5 banana?

Mike

Now I guess the breaking records thing was a little much for just Planet Snoopy, and I also think people were getting ahead of themselves if they expected a lot ie: new coaster.
Now I admit I was hoping for something extreme as well (even a space shot at the very least as it won't need that much space), but I'm not going to go too overboard about it. I think it'll be nice to see what they do with the new attractions and retheming.

Speaking of FB, someone had a great link to what happened to KD's train years ago. I had no idea they ended up at BGT. Pretty neat info.

* This post was modified at 9/13/12 12:01:17 PM *

Thanks.

As far as the New for 2013 at KD, I can understand people being disappointed. I only heard the Planet Snoopy rumors, but the way they had the countdown and then even the day before posted "What is thrilling to you?" on their facebook page when referencing the 2013 announcement, even I had some moments where I thought we might get something different.

I do think the Planet Snoopy makeover is overdo and am sad that it sounds like we are losing the cave for good (wouldn't Charlie Brown's Hideout have worked here?).

Jeff

beastmaster said:

alpengeistno3 said:

Phil, check out Kings Dominion's Facebook page if you want to see how the "hardcore" fans feel about getting duped.

Paul

IMO, no one got "duped." Disappointed, sure. But KD never even said in their various teasers that the new attraction was even a ride, much less a coaster. Sure, I thought/hoped it would be one, but I certainly don't feel cheated. They siad it would "break records." Well, it will be the largest Peanuts-themed area in any amusement park. That qualifies in my book.

Mike

Sure, they did break a record (do think they will apply to Guiness for this "record" to be included? That is the book that really counts.), but hyping up a Planet Snoopy makeover with the claim "breaking records" understandably does not sit well with most of the park's clientele, no matter how much the area needs it. The irony is that other than combining the existing kiddie areas and some cosmetic rebranding, it sounds like there is very little being added. I don't KI needs to suddenly feel threatened by a teacup ride!

Sounds like KD did a better hype job than SFGrav did with DK, when it comes to disappointing people. I'd think you, of all people would be the first to see that.

Paul

alpengeistno3 said:

beastmaster said:

alpengeistno3 said:

Phil, check out Kings Dominion's Facebook page if you want to see how the "hardcore" fans feel about getting duped.

Paul

IMO, no one got "duped." Disappointed, sure. But KD never even said in their various teasers that the new attraction was even a ride, much less a coaster. Sure, I thought/hoped it would be one, but I certainly don't feel cheated. They siad it would "break records." Well, it will be the largest Peanuts-themed area in any amusement park. That qualifies in my book.

Mike

Sure, they did break a record (do think they will apply to Guiness for this "record" to be included? That is the book that really counts.), but hyping up a Planet Snoopy makeover with the claim "breaking records" understandably does not sit well with most of the park's clientele, no matter how much the area needs it. The irony is that other than combining the existing kiddie areas and some cosmetic rebranding, it sounds like there is very little being added. I don't KI needs to suddenly feel threatened by a teacup ride!

Sounds like KD did a better hype job than SFGrav did with DK, when it comes to disappointing people. I'd think you, of all people would be the first to see that.

Paul

I agree and think the way they "teased" it was incredibly misleading. Let's face it, most people are never happy when the new attraction doesn't involve a coaster or unique/awesome flat ride but the largest Planet Snoopy? Really? And I thought the revamped safari at Gadv was a let down with their teaser, LOL!

Jen

Paul

* This post was modified at 10/2/12 8:09:04 PM *

Interesting to note: Lake Compounce, while having yet to announce anything for 2013, does make note on their site that Wild Cat is now closed for the season. Could they be doing some long-overdue work on it? Hope so...

www.amusementtoday.com/holiday-world-to-invest-6-5-million-in-new-projects-for-2013/

Overbanked said:

Holiday World really loves some waterslides. Why don't they just go the route of Alabama Adventure, take down all of the dry rides, and expand it into a giant waterpark? Seriously though, more slides?

www.amusementtoday.com/holiday-world-to-invest-6-5-million-in-new-projects-for-2013/

Considering the huge success of Wildebeast and Mammoth, (possibly even moreso than Voyage based on the crowds that each currently draws), is it really that surprising that HW would put in another slide? (plus they are "cheap" expenditures compared to coasters)

I hate to say it, but Hershey could stand to learn from said strategy.

Paul

* This post was modified at 10/23/12 10:39:46 PM *

This ride is in my plans for some point next summer. I haven't anticipated a new coaster like this in a long time.

www.knotts.com/what-s-new/new-family-attractions-for-2013

Overbanked said:

Knott's announced it's family attractions for 2013, very typical stuff. I'm not feeling the choice of family coaster, esp with the more unique Sierra Sidewinder already there.

And Jaguar!, and Pony Express...

I adjusted the list above, but I didn't do it very enthusiastically.

I just posted an idea on Knott's Berry Farm's wall. I want to ask everyone to go read it, and if you agree, "Like" it. I don't think they will change their mind on the new wild mouse for next year, but hey, it's worth a shot!

http://www.facebook.com/KnottsBerryFarm

* This post was modified at 11/1/12 11:30:15 PM *

HADES 360
Coming in 2013!

World’s First upside down wooden rollercoaster!

Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park announces plans to unveil its newest addition and structural landmark as the famous underground wooden coaster Hades will transform to become the world first all wooden rollercoaster with an upside down roll coming spring 2013.

Hades 360 will be a unique technological marvel integrating the underground uniqueness of Hades and adding a 360 degree upside down loop and a 135 degree over-banked turn. Plus Hades 360 will also be equipped with a new state of the art rollercoaster train, giving riders the feel of riding on a steel coaster. Utilizing this state-of-the-art train by Gravity Group, Hades 360 will be the world’s longest underground and have world’s only upside down roll on an all wooden rollercoaster. Hades 360 will be the first to deliver an awe-inspiring wooden coaster thrill all while in the vast world of Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park.

With its unique construction, Hades 360 will have:
• The World’s First completely upside down roll on an all wooden coaster
• The World’s longest underground track measuring 800 feet underground
• A 90 degree turn underground in complete darkness
• A 135 degree over-banked turn
• A staggering drop of 140 feet with an amazing drop angle of 65 degrees
• Total length of 4,725 feet
• A 160 foot incline to the top drop
• A blazing top speed of 70 mph

Hades 360 will be a force to be reckoned with and a unique technological marvel, taking the classic wooden support structure and technically integrating an upside down roll into the existing track. The upgrade to Hades 360 will be engineered and constructed by Gravity Group, the same group that designed the original Hades. The Hades 360 transformation will exceed far beyond any mortal’s expectations. This innovation is so new in the amusement industry, it has never been done before.

I don't know how I feel about this. I liked Hades a lot as it was.

It's also hard to place where the inversion and overbanked turn will be on the ride.

Good news? Timberliners...

* This post was modified at 11/13/12 2:29:07 PM *

I follow Mt. Olympus for some odd reason on Facebook and they posted pics a few days ago of the turnaround coming out of the tunnel with a crane nearby. Perhaps that is where the inversion is going? Regardless, this sound sinteresting and it's good to see new innovations coming about in the wooden coaster world.

ray_p said:

So does this mean that my 200th coaster is now defunct? I assume that this renovation means "new credit" if ridden again? ;)

I follow Mt. Olympus for some odd reason on Facebook and they posted pics a few days ago of the turnaround coming out of the tunnel with a crane nearby. Perhaps that is where the inversion is going? Regardless, this sound sinteresting and it's good to see new innovations coming about in the wooden coaster world.

I don't know if I would personally count Hades 360 as another coaster. I'll have to see how I feel after I ride it.

You are right about the location of the inversion. The hill after the tunnel is being removed to make way for it. I always thought that hill was odd, as the train seemed to have barely enough momentum to clear it.

The overbanked turn looks like it directly precedes the return through the tunnel.

I'm just going to list the modifications, so I don't think it really is a new credit, but to each their own.

Far as I'm concerned, I have some unfinished business in the Midwest next year. I'm definitely gonna try to hit up Hades 360, the other two Wisconsin Dells coasters that I didn't ride yet, Zeus, and Hellcat. Also the new to me SFGAm would fit nicely on that trip.

* This post was modified at 11/14/12 10:48:42 AM *

Eric_Gieszl said:

I was debating what to do with this coaster in the database on this site. I'm not going to give it a new listing like Texas Giant or Iron Rattler.

I'm just going to list the modifications, so I don't think it really is a new credit, but to each their own.

Good idea. I, personally, won't count it as a new coaster when I get to ride it. It's still mostly Hades, which two changes to the turnaround. Undoubtedly, many will count this as two, but I won't go into that argument again.

If Drachen Fire was still Drachen Fire after removing one inversion, and if Son of Beast was still Son of Beast after removing the loop, then Hades should still be Hades for adding an element. It's still the same ride, in the same location - just altered a bit.

Overbanked said:

Far as I'm concerned, I have some unfinished business in the Midwest next year. I'm definitely gonna try to hit hit Hades 360, the other two Wisconsin Dells coasters that I didn't ride yet, Zeus, and Hellcat. Also the new to me SFGAm would fit nicely on that trip.

Absolutely - go for it. Hades, Zeus, are worth it. Great America is a fantastic park - but I hope, for your sake that the crowds are minimal.

* This post was modified at 11/18/12 7:08:25 AM *

frontrow said:

Beech Bend is supposed to announce something tomorrow. It's supposed to be a unique thrill ride for the area that will be new for 2013.

It's going to be a Chance Revolution. The claw type flat ride.

I also added the (lame) additions for Hersheypark in 2013.

Quassy is getting 3 new slides from Proslide. Two "Freefall" and one Bullet Bowl.

Absimilliard said:

Lake Compounce confirmed they are adding a large wave pool to their water park. They are also keeping their small one.

Quassy is getting 3 new slides from Proslide. Two "Freefall" and one Bullet Bowl.

Thanks for the heads up!

Updated the list today to include said changes, and to add Knoebels' freefall tower.

I also removed the Houston Earth Quest park concept, as that is clearly not happening now, litigation pending...

* This post was modified at 1/8/13 12:04:54 PM *

www.newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2013/01/silverwoods-big-2013-plans.html

It would be great if the S&S El Loco coaster Adventuredome rumor comes true for 2013, because I really liked Steel Hawg at Ind Beach. It's would be a rather interesting choice when you consider the lack of family coasters there, but hey I'm not complaining. :)

It's the Flying Scooters at Michigan's Adventure!

I've been waiting to ride one since King's Island removed their Flying Eagles (10ish years ago now?).

Kudos to Cedar Fair for delivering them a classic flat ride, even if it couldn't be a coaster!

www.blooloop.com/ViewNews.aspx?ID=21632

* This post was modified at 1/21/13 9:59:58 PM *

Overbanked said:

Family Kingdom Amusement Park in South Carolina is planning to add a wild mouse for 2013 along with three small flats.

www.blooloop.com/ViewNews.aspx?ID=21632

Thanks for the heads up!

I also added Funplex's (NJ) new spinning mouse, and cleaned up the list a little...

www.newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-smiler-coming-to-alton-towers.html

* This post was modified at 1/22/13 12:54:55 PM *

Also, Silverwood has made their announcements:

Yet to be named, and manufactured by SBF/VISA. This thing looks wicked.

This thing looks pretty neat - an airplane themed Zamperla Barnstormer.

* This post was modified at 1/22/13 11:36:28 PM *

TOUCHDOWN!

The other angle...

* This post was modified at 2/7/13 11:29:01 AM *

It will replace the Rim Runner shoot the chutes ride, which I always thought was an odd ride for an indoor park. It should be open in December.

beastmaster said:

That looks pretty neat.

It would look great on some Jersey Shore boardwalk, like maybe Seaside Heights?

Drop the concrete footers deep into the shallow ocean floor and you have a hurricane-proof ride too!

And a partial POV from SDC!

That turn through the lift looks insanely fun...

* This post was modified at 2/8/13 2:55:26 PM *

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ojp4XmL9Q3s

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDShBancqlc/UR2CaSpmzbI/AAAAAAAAaEU/PqJDPwC5woQ/s1600/SFFTIronRattlerLayout.jpg

* This post was modified at 2/14/13 8:42:25 PM *

Overbanked said:

Iron Rattler's layout. That Steel Hawg-esque 'reverse overbanked turn' sounds interesting as it will face outside instead of inside.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDShBancqlc/UR2CaSpmzbI/AAAAAAAAaEU/PqJDPwC5woQ/s1600/SFFTIronRattlerLayout.jpg

Here you go...

Here are some other recent shots from Rocky Mountain's Facebook page. Yeah, this ride looks phenomenal...

drachen said:

In this day and age, these leaks are inevitable...

Gatekeeper looks incredible...

Cedar Point in 2013. Look at that double keyhole! I see at least six inversions. Leave it to Cedar Point to take a concept and blow everyone away with their version.

www.newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2013/02/gold-strikers-new-world-record-revealed.html

Overbanked said:

Cali's Great America has announced that Gold Striker will have a record longest covered initial descent tunnel (174 feet long). Good stuff, I love myself some tunnels. :)

www.newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2013/02/gold-strikers-new-world-record-revealed.html

Yeah, yeah, we know...:)

Overbanked said:

Cali's Great America has announced that Gold Striker will have a record longest covered initial descent tunnel (174 feet long). Good stuff, I love myself some tunnels. :)

www.newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2013/02/gold-strikers-new-world-record-revealed.html

LOL at Great America's "last ditch" effort to drum up some headlines over what is a pretty basic wooden coaster design. You mean they didn't know this was a "record" when they 1st made the announcement?

Paul

alpengeistno3 said:

LOL at Great America's "last ditch" effort to drum up some headlines over what is a pretty basic wooden coaster design. You mean they didn't know this was a "record" when they 1st made the announcement?

Paul

I actually think this layout looks fantastic, and it has me extremely jealous that Dorney doesn't have one of these yet (as well as the fact that Morey's hasn't built theirs...)

Valleyfair!, Worlds of Fun, and Great America have all gotten gorgeous new GCI's in recent years. It's time for Dorney, Cedar Point, and Kings Island to get one too (in that order).

I think that Gold Striker will have quite a good start - dropping, turning, and dropping again in the dark. It's certainly very unique.

drachen said:

alpengeistno3 said:

LOL at Great America's "last ditch" effort to drum up some headlines over what is a pretty basic wooden coaster design. You mean they didn't know this was a "record" when they 1st made the announcement?

Paul

I actually think this layout looks fantastic, and it has me extremely jealous that Dorney doesn't have one of these yet (as well as the fact that Morey's hasn't built theirs...)

Valleyfair!, Worlds of Fun, and Great America have all gotten gorgeous new GCI's in recent years. It's time for Dorney, Cedar Point, and Kings Island to get one too (in that order).

I think that Gold Striker will have quite a good start - dropping, turning, and dropping again in the dark. It's certainly very unique.

I use to love the GCII's when they were rolling out (see what I did there?) in the mid to late 90's. There were fantastic designs and provided excellent rides.

My biggest complaint is that GCII's just don't age well at all. I'd love to say that it's a park's maintenance department not performing the TLC these machines require, but, it's pretty widespread among their older coasters.

Wildcat, Roar East, and Gwazi are un-ridable for me. I've been on Wildcat each of the past two seasons as I've been to HP with friends who had not been on it before. Even Lightning Racer, my #1 woodie before El Toro and Voyage came along is teeter-tottering on the brink of becoming unrideable in my opinion.

With so many choices now from Gravity Group to Rocky Mountain, I simply would not build a GCII traditional twister design if I were a decision maker for a park.

Joe
Great_Ump

drachen said:

alpengeistno3 said:

LOL at Great America's "last ditch" effort to drum up some headlines over what is a pretty basic wooden coaster design. You mean they didn't know this was a "record" when they 1st made the announcement?

Paul

I actually think this layout looks fantastic, and it has me extremely jealous that Dorney doesn't have one of these yet (as well as the fact that Morey's hasn't built theirs...)

Valleyfair!, Worlds of Fun, and Great America have all gotten gorgeous new GCI's in recent years. It's time for Dorney, Cedar Point, and Kings Island to get one too (in that order).

I think that Gold Striker will have quite a good start - dropping, turning, and dropping again in the dark. It's certainly very unique.

I guess my words were misconstrued. I never meant to say anything implying it was not a great looking ride. I love GCI's twisted layouts. But from a headline grabbing standpoint, you have Iron Rattler, Outlaw Run, and Gatekeeper getting all the buzz. Gold Striker is "just another wooden twister from GCI." Then CGA comes out with this "longest tunnel on an initial descent" world record thing. I didn't know tunnels were considered for world records (better check the newest edition of Guiness). It is probably true, but worded too clumsily to be taken seriously, kind of like KD's Planet Snoopy announcement last year.

Paul

www.newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2013/03/spinning-into-wild-adventures.html

In other news, I removed American Dream Meadowlands from the list. It's now scheduled for a Fall 2014 opening.

An interesting note...

I started this thread a little less than a year ago, because we already had somewhat of an idea of what was on the way. So far this year, I can't really say I have any idea what's coming next year.

The only solid rumors so far are at Lagoon and at Morey's Piers. Kings Island may be on tap for Son of Beast's replacement. I'll put it all together soon.

In other photo news... I saw these incredible Iron Rattler photos on Facebook. Check them out...

And here's one of Orlando's new wooden coaster at Fun Spot, along with the new family inverted coaster:

* This post was modified at 3/13/13 12:58:48 PM *

drachen said:

Also, Silverwood has made their announcements:

Yet to be named, and manufactured by SBF/VISA. This thing looks wicked.

This thing looks pretty neat - an airplane themed Zamperla Barnstormer.

Silverwood has named these new flats 'SpinCycle' and 'Barnstormer' respectively.

* This post was modified at 3/13/13 9:44:05 PM *

http://www.kspr.com/videogallery/74793159/News/RAW-VIDEO-Outlaw-Run-roller-coaster-ride

POV outlaw run

MrDeedum said:

Media and employees got to ride Outlaw Run today! Check out the POV camera view on the link! I get to ride it Friday morning!

http://www.kspr.com/videogallery/74793159/News/RAW-VIDEO-Outlaw-Run-roller-coaster-ride

You were there? We must have crossed paths then. I got in 7 rides during the employee ride time, all over the train from front to back. Very smooth, fast, and a fantastic ride (and no, I'm not saying that because I work there). My only complaint is I wish it was a bit longer. SDC definitely has a big winner on it's hands.

And the pizza they were serving at the new wood fired pizzeria was also really good.

beastmaster said:

Damn, that's a short ride! I didn't know the barrel rolls were the last elements before the brake run.

That seriously is short and it takes 28 seconds until the ride really begins at the drop (which looks decent enough) and ends about 5 seconds before the video. A 37 second wooden coaster doesn't do it for me at all. It only beats KK by 10 seconds in duration (from launch to brake run). That's nothing to brag about IMO.

Jen

beastmaster said:

Damn, that's a short ride! I didn't know the barrel rolls were the last elements before the brake run.

I will respectfully disagree with you and Jenn. Could they have done more after the second barrel role? Sure. Maybe a helix would have finished off the ride.

But from crest of the lift to brake run, I clocked it at 40 seconds (24 seconds to 1:04 in the video). That's not bad. And for me, it's more about what the ride does in those 40 seconds.

For comparison's sake, El Toro has about 60 seconds of action, with a longer lull between crest of the lift to drop.

Outlaw Run 68MPH
162ft ft drop
2937 ft of track length

Voyage 67MPH
154 ft drop
6442 ft of track length

Overbanked said:

Outlaw Run actually has a taller drop and more speed than Voyage, a coaster that's more than TWICE as long. That's why Outlaw Run is so weirdly short as it's seemingly a lil' too fast for it's own good.

Outlaw Run 68MPH
162ft ft drop
2937 ft of track length

Voyage 67MPH
154 ft drop
6442 ft of track length

Exactly - it looks like it has a lot of potential but way too short IMO. We'll have to get some ride reports in to see how it's judged.

Jen

drachen said:

beastmaster said:

Damn, that's a short ride! I didn't know the barrel rolls were the last elements before the brake run.

I will respectfully disagree with you and Jenn. Could they have done more after the second barrel role? Sure. Maybe a helix would have finished off the ride.

But from crest of the lift to brake run, I clocked it at 40 seconds (24 seconds to 1:04 in the video). That's not bad. And for me, it's more about what the ride does in those 40 seconds.

For comparison's sake, El Toro has about 60 seconds of action, with a longer lull between crest of the lift to drop.

I started clocking it when it began to descend down the hill - the only important element in my book, LOL!

I'll let Mike comment on the ET comparison :-)

Jen

We clocked it in line at 50 seconds from the crest of the lift hill til rolling into the brakes.

I'd like to see it do more, but it's actually dodging other parts of the park and some of the maintenance facilities at the park. If you look to the right off the lift hill the mule and animal barns are there. The very hilly terrain and a number of caves and caverns in the area can also be problematic. (remember, the park itself is build on and around a very large cavern- Marvel Cave)

So yes, it would have been nice to have it a bit longer, but I'm not sure how feasible it would have been.

KK for example, is well worth an hour wait to me. then again, that ride may be an exception because it offers world class speed and the whole "my friends are scared sh!tless" thing haha.

Regardless though, it's worth the wait when the ride is intense.

* This post was modified at 4/3/13 2:17:43 AM *

Overbanked said:

It's seems like Iron Rattler will be another one of those 'fast and furious' Outlaw Run-esque type of coasters. It's just dawned on me concerning the VERY significant (-1814 ft)track length reduction with Rattler (5080 ft) turnt Iron Rattler (3266 ft). Not to mention the 5MPH speed increase (from 65 to 70) and the former draggy lumbering helix turnt Talladega Superspeedway on top of the cliff. This thing is gonna fly man.

Cyclone_Phil said:

That much of a decrease? That seems like a shame. Was it to save on the cost or was it because the steel tracks (can make sharper turns etc) made the added length unnecessary?

I'm not sure why so much track length was taken out.
That's basically like an Eurofighter length of track taken out. Hopefully someone that's familiar with this matter can chime in.

www.silverwoodthemepark.com/rides/spincycle.php

Overbanked said:

Cyclone_Phil said:

That much of a decrease? That seems like a shame. Was it to save on the cost or was it because the steel tracks (can make sharper turns etc) made the added length unnecessary?

I'm not sure why so much track length was taken out.
That's basically like an Eurofighter length of track taken out. Hopefully someone that's familiar with this matter can chime in.

I'm not that familiar with the matter, but I know "just enough to be dangerous" :) It is a simple matter of reprofiling. I assume the triple helix has been shortened (haven't seen the renderings up close, so I don't know by how much.) That would take a significant amount away from the length. Considering how boring that part was, it will most likely be an improvement.

Paul

* This post was modified at 4/4/13 8:52:35 PM *

theRock-steel said:

My original plan was to go back to Missouri next year since I missed out on Silver Dollar City last time. Another trip to Texas would have to wait. Now I don't think so. New Texas Giant, Iron Rattler, Boardwalk Bullet, and Iron Shark seem to offer more than a new park for me in the form of SDC. What are your thoughts?

In order to hit those coasters you're visiting how many parks? Three of them, spread around a pretty large state. To give you a comparable trip with SDC, you'd add in Worlds of Fun in Kansas City and/or Six Flags St. Louis. I don't know if you've been to those or not yet, but that's a heck of a lot to offer. :)

SirWillow said:

To give you a comparable trip with SDC, you'd add in Worlds of Fun in Kansas City and/or Six Flags St. Louis. I don't know if you've been to those or not yet, but that's a heck of a lot to offer. :)

I've penciled in two days at each park:
6/3-4 at SDC, 6/5-6 at WoF.

As of now, I'll be solo-in' it...

MABrider said:

I'll be doing the SDC and WoF trip the first week of June.
I've never been to either, I've been to SFStL.

I've penciled in two days at each park:
6/3-4 at SDC, 6/5-6 at WoF.

As of now, I'll be solo-in' it...

When you come by SDC, you better make sure you stop by the train and say Hi to me. :) I'm sure I will be working on both of those days, either as a conductor or vising during your stop in the woods. :P I have to have the weekend before and after off, so I can pretty much guarantee I'll be out there working on those days.

The one thing with SDC- if you're only doing the rides, you'll probably be done in one day pretty easy. But if you add in the cave and the shows, then it should be easy to fill those 2 days. You'll be there right in between 2 of the bigger "festivals" so there won't be as many shows and entertainment, but there will be some. It'll also translate into lighter crowds for you when you're there.

And that could mean good news for Outlaw Run, which is very much worth reriding as many times as you can. :)

The only unknowns at this point are whether or not the relocated Speed coaster in Vegas will open this year, as well as the yearly speculation of Flying Turns. Time will tell.

I did remove the new coaster from Steel Pier in Atlantic City, since that is clearly not happening this year. It will make an appearance on the next thread as a rumor again.

All told, it looks like I'll get to three of these new rides this year - GateKeeper, Undertow, and Gold Striker. Iron Rattler is a slim chance. We'll see.

SirWillow said:

MABrider said:

I'll be doing the SDC and WoF trip the first week of June.
I've never been to either, I've been to SFStL.

I've penciled in two days at each park:
6/3-4 at SDC, 6/5-6 at WoF.

As of now, I'll be solo-in' it...

When you come by SDC, you better make sure you stop by the train and say Hi to me. :) I'm sure I will be working on both of those days, either as a conductor or vising during your stop in the woods. :P I have to have the weekend before and after off, so I can pretty much guarantee I'll be out there working on those days.

The one thing with SDC- if you're only doing the rides, you'll probably be done in one day pretty easy. But if you add in the cave and the shows, then it should be easy to fill those 2 days. You'll be there right in between 2 of the bigger "festivals" so there won't be as many shows and entertainment, but there will be some. It'll also translate into lighter crowds for you when you're there.

And that could mean good news for Outlaw Run, which is very much worth reriding as many times as you can. :)

Duly noted, George, I'll be looking for ya!

I picked that week in between festivals deliberately; one learns to do things like that after years of these kinds of trips.
I "know" SDC has so much more than the rides; I expect I will like moseying around at my own pace...is that redundant?...for two days.
In between my 19 circuits on Outlaw Run, that is!
:-)

drachen said:

All told, it looks like I'll get to three of these new rides this year - GateKeeper, Undertow, and Gold Striker. Iron Rattler is a slim chance. We'll see.

My new rides this year: White Lightning, Freedom Flyer, Coast Rider, and Full Throttle. I have high expectations for two of them.

These rides honestly give a different experience, depending on the side you pick. I think the only way to get a good feel for what GateKeeper, or any wing rider, can do is to ride it 8 times... twice on each side in the front, twice on each side in the back.

* This post was modified at 5/6/13 10:35:16 PM *

Iron Rattler Images, Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Thanks for posting those, Eric.