New For 2016

Lake City Amusement Park - Open!
-- Opening in Guntersville, Alabama, this small park will boast a number of new rides, including two smaller steel roller coasters.

Sea World Orlando - Open!
--Mako, The park has announced that they will be adding a 200 foot, 73 mph, 4,760 foot long B&M coaster in 2016 that will be the tallest, longest, fastest in Orlando.

Busch Gardens Tampa - Open!
--Cobra's Curse, The park's Egypt area gets a new family attraction in the form of a heavily-themed spinning coaster from Mack Rides. 70 feet tall, 2100 feet long, with a max speed of 40 mph. It will feature two lifts, one of which is an elevator lift.

Universal Studios Hollywood - Open!
--Flight of the Hippogriff, As part of the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter area, a Mack family coaster is being added.

Adventureland - Open!
--Monster, and new Gerstlauer steel coaster will replace the retired Log Ride in 2016. It will feature a 133 foot tall vertical lift, a 101 degree beyond-vertical drop, several banked dives, and 5 unique inversions over 2500 feet of track.

Lake Compounce - Open!
--Phobia - Phear Coaster, The park is adding a Premier Sky Rocket 2 model coaster, themed to phobias. Like the others, it's 150 feet tall, 62 mph with two inversions.

Kentucky Kingdom - Open!
--Storm Chaser, the park has announced a $15 million transition for one side of the former Twisted Twins wooden coaster. 100 feet tall, 2 inversions, and two over-banked turns.

Playland's Castaway Cove
--Gale Force, a new launched concept from S&S will open in 2016. 125 feet tall, 1240 feet long, 2 inversions, 64 mph.

--Wild Waves, a 50 ft. E&F Miler steel coaster.

--Whirlwind, an SBF Visa Group small spinning coaster. Open!

Dollywood - Open!
--Lightning Rod, a launched wooden coaster concept from Rocky Mountain Contruction. Will also be the world's fastest wooden coaster at 73 mph. 165 foot drop, 3,800 feet of track, overbanked turns, and a quadruple down.

Six Flags Great Adventure - Open!
--The Joker, a 120 foot model S&S Free Spin coaster comes to the park's lakeside area, replacing two stadium structures.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom - Open!
--The Joker, ROAR! has permanently closed to make way for the latest Rocky Mountain steel coaster conversion. 3,200 feet long, 53 mph, with three inversions.

Cedar Point - Open!
--Valravn, a 223 foot tall, 75 mph, 3,415 foot long dive coaster from B&M. It will feature 3 inversions, 3 24-passenger trains with the newer soft restraints.

Beech Bend - Open!
--Spinning Out, a new, small spinning coaster from the SBF/Visa group.

Wildlife World (AZ) - Open!
--Family Roller Coaster, anchoring the new "Advnetureland" area of the park is a Chance family coaster. The park will also add a two-seater zip-line, and a 100 foot swing tower to it's growing collection of rides. Set to open in February.

Universal's Islands of Adventure - Open!
-- Hulk Reborn, no details from the park to date. But the Incredible Hulk is being completely rebuilt. Opening late Summer.

Cliff's Amusement Park - Open!
--Spin-O-Rama, the park is adding a small SBF Visa spinning coaster.

Lake City Amusement Park - Open!
--Cyclone, a, Interpark Zyklon/Galaxi type roller coaster.

--Orient Express, a Wisdom junior coaster.

DelGrosso's Amusement Park - Open!
--Laguna Splash, a water park expansion, with wave pool, lazy river, and lounge. It's all part of a $12.5 million makeover, including a new main entrance.

Universal Studios Hollywood - Open!
--Wizarding World of Harry Potter, It's Hollywood's turn to get their own Hogwarts and Diagon Alley.

Universal's Islands of Adventure - Open!
-- Skull Island:Reign of Kong, a new dark ride experience, will open in 2016, themed off of the 2005 movie.

Quassy Amusement Park - Open!
--Slide City, Quassy will be adding to their Splash Away Bay water park in 2016 and 2017. 2016 will offer 5 new slides and a water play structure. The park will also have new food offerings.

The park also added what looks to be a SBF VISA 'Reverse Time' ride, using the stock name.

Navy Pier - Open!
--Ferris Wheel, the small Chicago park will be replacing their 150 foot Vekoma wheel with a 196 foot one, with climate controlled, enclosed cabins.

Knott's Berry Farm - Open!
--GhostRider restoration, as part of the park's celebration of 75 years of Ghost Town, the 1998 wooden coaster will undergo a "comprehensive restoration". Screamin' Swing will close.

Kings Island - Open!
--Tropical Plunge, a seven story, six slide tower will be added to Soak City. The park will also be redoing the entrance to their parking lot, with a new 13 lane vehicle entrance.

Kings Dominion - Open!
--Delirium, the park will add a 40 passenger Mondial Revolution, in what looks to be the former Shockwave's location.

Canada's Wonderland - Open!
--Thunderhawk, The park is adding North America's first Gerstlauer Sky Roll ride - this being the largest of its kind.

--Flying Eagles, a set of Larson Flying Scooters will also be added.

World's of Fun - Open!
--The park is adding five new rides to their Planet Snoopy area. They ride package includes Larson Flying Scooters and four kiddie flat rides.

Carowinds - Open!
--Carolina Harbor, the park has announced their supersized water park expansion, including new slides, activities areas, a new wave pool, food outlets, lounge areas, and a new entrance.

Six Flags Magic Mountain - Open!
--New Revolution, the classic Schwarzkopf coaster will receive new trains for 2016 - confirmed to have no shoulder restraints. Not a new ride per se, but worth noting here.

Six Flags Great America - Open!
--Justice League: Battle for Metropolis, the successful Sally shoot-'em-up dark ride gets another install.

Six Flags America - Open!
--Splashwater Falls, a new interactive water play area will be added to Hurricane Harbor.

Six Flags St. Louis - Open!
--Fireball, round 2 of Six Flags Larson Super Loop installs. This one of four in 2016.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas - Open!
--Fireball, Spinsanity, & Hurricane Force 5, Larson Super Loop, Tilt-a-Whirl, and Zamperla Disk 'O.

Six Flags New England - Open!
--Fireball, Larson Super Loop #3. In other news, Bizarro will once again become Superman, this time Superman: The Ride.

Great Escape - Open!
--Greezed Lightning, recycling an old name for the fourth of the new Six Flags Larson Super Loops.

Six Flags Over Georgia - Open!
--DC Super Friends & Bugs Bunny Boomtown, the park is creating two new kids/family areas. Between them, there will be 12 rides - some new and some rethemed. Highlights include Larson Flying Scooters, a small drop tower, and a re-themed Wile E. Coyote coaster.

White Water is also adding Wahoo Racer - a multi-lane mat racing water slide.

Six Flags Over Texas - Open!
Riddler's Revenge, Harley Quinn Spinsanity, & Catwoman Whip, looks like a Mondial Revolution, Huss Troika, and a Zamperla Endeavour.

La Ronde - Open!
--Phoenix & Gravitor, Larson Flying Scooters and a "Falling Star" type of ride - make and model to be determined.

Six Flags Mexico - Open!
--Justice League: Battle for Metropolis, the successful Sally shoot-'em-up dark ride gets another install, this time south of the border, and en Español...

Valleyfair - Open!
--Flying Eagles, the park will add a set of Larson Flying Scooters for their 40th anniversary in 2016. The traveling bike/stunt show will also be present next year.

California's Great America - Open!
--Mass Effect, a new 4-D attraction based on a popular video game series. No word yet on whether Vortex will be converted to a floorless coaster.

Silverwood - Open!
--Riptide Racer, a new-lane mat racing slide will be added to the water park. Naming contest underway.

Mall of America - Open!
--FlyOver America, the indoor park will add a new flying-based motion simulator attraction for Spring 2016.

Alabama's Splash Adventure - Open!
--Teacups and Drop Zone, two rides from Zamperla will arrive in 2016, as well as a new Pepsi Zone in the water park and "The General's Diner", a revamped restaurant in the ride park.

Kennywood - Open!
-- Noah's Ark Renovation, 2016 will bring renovations to the old Noah's Ark walk-through.

Holiday World - Open!
-- Legend gets a lot of work done by GCII. Expect a few tweaks to the layout, including the addition of a double-down.

Beech Bend - Open!
-- A major, four-slide water park expansion has been officially announced for the small Kentucky park.

Frontier City - Open!
--Gunslinger, a Zamperla Power Surge model flat ride will be added.

Darien Lake - Open!
--Rip Curl Racer, a new multi-lane mat racing slide.

Morey's Piers - Open!
--Expanded go-kart tracks, renovated Clown Maze, and the re-addition of the Zamperla Kang-a-Bounce ride. The Moreys also added a 27-hole mini-golf course just off the boardwalk.

Bay Beach Amusement Park - Open!
--Rockin' Tug and Bay Beast, a pair of Zamperla rides. Also, it seems as if a Falling Star will arrive later this year.

Hershey's Chocolate World - Open!
--While we wait to see if the park is adding anything for 2016, it's worth noting that Chocolate World is renovating their classic dark ride.

Indiana Beach - Open!
--Zero G, a 50 foot Larson Ring of Fire is being added to the midway, among many renovations Apex Parks is working on.

Lake Winnie - Open!
--Twister, a Moser Rides Maverick 21 model twisting and flipping ride.

Mt. Olympus - Open!
-- Great Pool of Delphi, a 27,000 square foot swimming pool, that can hold 2,000 swimmers.

Luna Park - Open!
--Endeavor, the U.S. Zamperla Showcase gets another ride, this being the 'Endeavour' model. I believe the one that operated briefly here last year was sold to Six Flags Over Texas. This is a replacement.

Perhaps 2017 will be more exciting for these parks. Check out the "New For 2017" post. http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/forums/roller-coasters-theme-parks/232789

Dorney Park
No major additions for 2016. New catering facilities are coming, and Thunderhawk is getting two new trains and some extended maintenance.

Michigan's Adventure
The park is long removed from a new roller coaster. Perhaps they are due. Or perhaps Cedar Fair doesn't feel they need one.

Sea World San Antonio, San Diego
The Sea World chain is adapting to a changing market. Would a major new attraction help?

Sesame Place
When will the small Pennsylvania park be up for a new attraction?

Dutch Wonderland
The vacated turnpike land has been sitting empty for two years.

Wild Adventures
No major new coasters in quite a while. Perhaps it will soon be time.

Elitch Gardens and Magic Springs could both be ready for a roller coaster. There was talk of moving the Skyloop from Magic Springs to Elitch Gardens.

When I think of independent parks that haven't added a roller coaster in a while, Sea Breeze, Clementon, Canobie, Funtown and a number of seaside parks come to mind.

These projects should probably be forgotten. But for now, we'll keep them on our radar.

Cliff's Amusement Park
--Unknown, There was talk that Cliff's was working to have Astroworld's Greezed Lightning (Schwarzkopf shuttle) opened at some point in 2014. But it didn't happen. There were rumors that this ride could end up back in Texas in 2016 or later. But now that seems unlikely. I don't know what's happening with it now.

Akita Retail and Events Center
-- A proposed Las Vegas Strip shopping center looked to be the new home of a re-worked Speed: The Ride. This was to be for 2014, but like almost everything else in Vegas, the project is stalled. Track and supports are on site.

Skyvue, Las Vegas
--The long-rumored 500 foot Ferris wheel was finally under construction in Las Vegas. Supports are up, but now it's stalled.

Morey's Piers
I don't know what else to call the proposed new wooden coaster other than "stalled" at this point. Perhaps "scrapped" is the more appropriate word now.

Miracle Strip Pier Park
--Starliner, From what I understand, GCI was to modify the 1963 John Allen design to meet the new park's needs. It would have been a new wooden coaster - not the classic. It was planned for 2015, bumped to 2016, and now... it seems as if the plans are scrapped as the park has closed and its assets sold off.

* This post was modified at 8/31/16 11:39:58 AM *

mucciared said:

Thanks for putting the work in Drachen. :) I can't believe Leviathan is already four years old. I have no doubt Wonderland will be adding a new coaster for 2016, right where they removed Skyrider.

Thanks! At Canada's Wonderland, I had that land earmarked (in my mind) for water park expansion. I hope you're right though.

Having said that, you can see a pattern with Cedar Fair. Leviathan in 2012, GateKeeper in 2013, Banshee in 2014, Carowinds in 2015. With so many other parks, I just can't see Canada's Wonderland getting something significant just yet.

Cedar Point looks like their getting something large in 2016, but I'm hoping they are the exception, as the flagship park. I'm thinking Kings Dominion would be the logical next park for something major, if history holds to form.

* This post was modified at 3/18/15 4:10:15 PM *

chitlins73 said:

Six Flags America did have a new coaster last year.

I suppose so. But two years removed from a relocated mouse coaster is still a plausible time to build something big.

But I must say when it comes to the Cedar Fair park Id love to see michigansadventure get a brand new unique coaster. The same for valley fair since they are the only cf park lacking an inverted type coaster.

And I wish some us park would finally install an intamin mega lite, Vekoma tilt, Vekoma motorbike, or the S&S launched (ala bullet coaster)

I dunno if they can just bulldoze the former stunt show stadium at SWO, but i always thought they could try to use that land for a hyper coaster that went under the lake. Basically I'm assuming there's a height limit for the park, so if they want a hyper, the only way to get the length is to have the drop deeper than the lift like AC at BGW. I could think they could call it the hammerhead for the element on the ride or Orca in honor of shamu and the killer whales they have.

KD, well if KI got an invert, I guess if a CF park were to get the next one [since it seems like CF could do a packaged deal] then it becomes where should they place it and there's either: tear down hurler or maybe remove the Dinos and use the land for it and maybe theme it after a former ride like some have suggested being king cobra and probably market the cobra roll as the world's tallest or something [as much as i hate cobra rolls on inverts it would be interesting].

SFGAdv, really needs something to replace the loss of RT, I wouldn't mind a pair of coasters like a scaled down version of twisted colossus by rmc, but only if they build it on the under appreciated batman side of the park.

BGT, sad to see Gwazi just sbno and still not torn down later this year, but if they can build a 330'+ drop tower, a giga might be an awesome thing to have or they could go with a winged coaster. As long as it's a steel coaster given their poor record on maintaining gwazi.

* This post was modified at 3/21/15 6:41:08 PM *

Cyclone_Phil said:

... a hyper coaster that went under the lake. Basically I'm assuming there's a height limit for the park, so if they want a hyper, the only way to get the length is to have the drop deeper than the lift like AC at BGW.

Not easily done in Orlando as the water table is just a few feet below the surface.

Can't believe this is the 4th one I've been a part of? Or 3rd? Either way, time flies and I don't like that!

It's a shame about the Morey's Piers coaster. I haven't seen anything new on that front either.

As far as some of the six flags parks. They are putting in those DUMB ring of fire "coasters"...so who knows if that affects parks like Six Flags Great Adventure getting a major addition next year.

As for 2016 at SFA, I'm banking on a flat ride of some sort. I'd love to see them continually improve their coaster lineup, however they have lots of leftover flat ride space that needs development.

As for personal preference, Mardi Gras is looking good with two years of development. I'd love for them to move across the park and clean up Coyote Creek next. It needs it pretty bad, in terms of updated theming.

Gotham City, as open as it is and a prime candidate for something large, still needs more development (power, etc.) in areas from what I understand. They'd also need to put in additional restrooms and stalls if they were going to do anything large (I wouldn't want to keep putting stuff behind and over by Batwing unless there were accommodations nearby).

As for KD, I have high hopes they are getting something. They've spent very little on the anniversary -- most of it was cleaning up the park which was a huge plus in my book. What better way to advertise your next 40 years than putting in a new coaster for your 41st (42 overall).

Personally, anything we don't already have would be nice, although I'm always advocating for something totally different, something you don't really see in the states.

My $.02.

Though I do wonder, given the recent remodels of the entrances at CP and Carowinds, will all the CF parks eventually get similar treatments? What they've done at the aforementioned parks are nice but wouldn't exactly fit in with the overall theme of the International Streets at KD and KI.

G-Dog

Shot Rod / New Coaster - (4/2/15) I believe we have the name to Dollywood's 2016 hot rod themed attraction. Herschend files for a new trademark to use the name SHOT ROD on March 19th, 2015. The description of the application says "Entertainment services in the nature of an amusement park ride, namely, a roller coaster with a classic car theme".

antikythera said:

I've heard some interesting rumors for SFA, however I'm not going to say much beyond that.

As for 2016 at SFA, I'm banking on a flat ride of some sort. I'd love to see them continually improve their coaster lineup, however they have lots of leftover flat ride space that needs development.

As for personal preference, Mardi Gras is looking good with two years of development. I'd love for them to move across the park and clean up Coyote Creek next. It needs it pretty bad, in terms of updated theming.

Gotham City, as open as it is and a prime candidate for something large, still needs more development (power, etc.) in areas from what I understand. They'd also need to put in additional restrooms and stalls if they were going to do anything large (I wouldn't want to keep putting stuff behind and over by Batwing unless there were accommodations nearby).

As for KD, I have high hopes they are getting something. They've spent very little on the anniversary -- most of it was cleaning up the park which was a huge plus in my book. What better way to advertise your next 40 years than putting in a new coaster for your 41st (42 overall).

Personally, anything we don't already have would be nice, although I'm always advocating for something totally different, something you don't really see in the states.

My $.02.

I'm hearing Gotham City make over for SFA for 2016. Nothing solid, but the rumors I've been hearing is they are looking to spruce the back end of the park up similarly to how they converted the Wild One area to Mardi Gras last year.

Joe
Great_Ump

Wildlife World

http://rcdb.com/2655.htm

* This post was modified at 4/7/15 12:16:39 AM *

antikythera said:
As for KD, I have high hopes they are getting something. They've spent very little on the anniversary -- most of it was cleaning up the park which was a huge plus in my book. What better way to advertise your next 40 years than putting in a new coaster for your 41st (42 overall).

Personally, anything we don't already have would be nice, although I'm always advocating for something totally different, something you don't really see in the states.

My $.02.

Kings Island celebrated their 40th anniversary by building a new front gate for the water park (whoopdedoo!) ... but of course, that was sandwiched in between adding two great coasters, Diamondback and Banshee... well, okay, one great coaster and one pretty good coaster. So any time they want to NOT add a new coaster, it's okay. There will be something awesome coming down the pike eventually.

From Seaworld:

Something is stirring beneath the surface at SeaWorld Orlando, preparing to rise from the ocean depths and soar to thrilling new heights. Get ready for the frenzy of SeaWorld’s new 200-foot-tall coaster. In 2016, this thriller will take its place atop the food chain as Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest coaster. More details on the new addition will surface in late-May. SeaWorld is a one-of-a-kind theme park with a variety of attractions including awe-inspiring animal encounters, thrilling rides and spectacular shows. Follow #nothingfaster as the frenzy starts.

I'm intrigued.

Sea World Coaster

* This post was modified at 4/24/15 12:04:04 PM *

It seems as if the park has confirmed the ride. So, I will adjust the list above.

drachen said:

I think Sea World should name the new coaster "Black Fish".

It seems as if the park has confirmed the ride. So, I will adjust the list above.

Maybe it's me but due to the rumor of it being a Mack ride and with all the fish themed coasters; BARRACUDA would be an awesome choice in my book.

beastmaster said:

Based on the last line of the release, maybe it'll actually be called FRENZY. Make it shark-themed.

I like it. A lot.

drachen said:

beastmaster said:

Based on the last line of the release, maybe it'll actually be called FRENZY. Make it shark-themed.

I like it. A lot.

I just re-read it and they actually used the word "frenzy" twice.Could I be right? Hell, even a broken clock is right twice a day....right?

Usually SeaWorld/Busch parks name their coasters with straightforward (Manta, Great White, Lock Ness Monster) or exotic (Kumba, Montu, Griffon) names; Opposed to vaguish Six Flags names like Frenzy (Roar, Mind Eraser, Pandemonium, Great Chase etc)

I really do love Coastinj's name choice with Barracuda; A straightforward predatory fish name that hasn't been used yet; Too bad they likely will not name it that, with the shark theme and all.

2016 - New Roller Coaster - Rumor - (5/5/15) A series of photos posted to the "Six Flags Great Adventure Insider Updates" shows off not only the park's new El Diablo super loop under construction, but some Surveyor equipment elsewhere in the park which apparently is somewhere between the water tower and the Picnic Grove.
This is where things get interesting however, as one rumor for 2016 coming to light suggests that the park may be planning on adding their own B&M Launched Wing Coaster, similar in Holiday World's Thunderbird. According to the rumor, one line of thought may be to somehow reuse the old Chiller station structure for the new coaster (it's wide enough, as it did used to hold two side-by-side launched coasters) and maybe even have the coaster launch out and through the old Observatory structure, which is also still standing, with the rest of the layout running somewhere between here and the water tower area and back.
Sounds like a an interesting idea to me, as it would be nice to see this section of the park brought back to life again. We'll have to wait and see what other rumors develop this season.

Screamscape - Great Adventure

* This post was modified at 5/6/15 9:03:43 AM *

New Coaster / New Entrance - Rumor - (5/7/15)

The latest Kings Dominion video report from In The Loop reports on rumors for a possible 2016/2017 project and the possible removal of a coaster from the park. Yep... people have been waiting for this one to happen, but they believe that Shockwave could be removed at the end of the season, as the last standing TOGO Stand-Up Coaster on the continent.

It's about time for Kings Dominion to get a major new coaster, and according to their line of thought, King Dominion may be looking at getting a large new B&M coaster, along with a new main entrance, following along with what we've seen Cedar Fair do to both Cedar Point for Gatekeeper and Carowinds for Fury 325 this year. Watch the video and check out the graphic they sent along with it that shows off the possible location of where such a big new ride may go.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGPFLEBBhh8

* This post was modified at 5/7/15 1:18:59 AM *

But like I said, I hope they're on to something. Kings Dominion is due for something, and a wing rider would be a great fit.

IMO on a scale from awful to mediocre coasters at KD, I'll rank 1. Anaconda, 2. Hurler, and 3. Shockwave.

Overbanked said:

^^^I agree. I'll say that the Shockwave removal rumor has more weight than the new 2017 wing rider.

IMO on a scale from awful to mediocre coasters at KD, I'll rank 1. Anaconda, 2. Hurler, and 3. Shockwave.

What will be telling, if Shockwave closes, is when it closes. If it closes before the season ends, that could be an indication that something larger is taking its place - perhaps even Kings Dominion's dark ride, if it's their turn.

* This post was modified at 5/9/15 10:36:23 PM *

drachen said:

Overbanked said:

^^^I agree. I'll say that the Shockwave removal rumor has more weight than the new 2017 wing rider.

IMO on a scale from awful to mediocre coasters at KD, I'll rank 1. Anaconda, 2. Hurler, and 3. Shockwave.

What will be tell, if Shockwave closes, is when it closes. If it closes before the season ends, that could be an indication that something larger is taking its place - perhaps even Kings Dominion's dark ride, if it's their turn.

While ride maintenance has said countless times that Shockwave is easy to maintain and they have quite a few parts to cannibalize, the ride will have completed 30 full seasons once the year is over. That is more than a milestone for a steel coaster of its type and age.

I'd hate to see it go, however a wing coaster works well over pathways of which Shockwave currently sits perpendicular to (the length of Candy Apple Grove and the rightside path leading up to the Eiffel Tower and Peanuts Land (as I like to call it).

KD has been crafty in the past with fitting rides where they can, for better or worse (I'm looking at you Hypersonic and 305).

A wing rider over the water and/or near some woods also fits the bill well if we're talking about either Anaconda and/or Hurler going, both of which will hit 24 and 21 at the end of the season, respectively.

Anything is really up for the taking at KD, honestly.

* This post was modified at 5/9/15 10:03:01 PM *

KD - all kinds of rumors swirling about a new coaster, I've been given the impression that it'll be a few years, meaning at least three years (2018) before KD see's their next big coaster project.

SFA - I'm hearing Superman is due for a new set of trains.

Joe
Great_Ump

In more exciting news, Sea World Orlando has also announced that they will announce details about their 200+ foot coaster on May 27th.

* This post was modified at 5/12/15 11:47:43 PM *

Def seems like something is gonna happen, either a wing coaster near Chiller or something big down near the lake.

I'm not overly wild about the Mako name to tell you the truth. Uh oh, better get Mako(Maaco). It's okay I guess... Reef Hunter sounds too generic-ish for a coaster, and I dunno what the heck a Strikewinder is. The SS article is below.

2016 - New Roller Coaster - Confirmed - (5/22/15) MAKO… remember this name, as SeaWorld has filed for a new trademark to use this name for a new future attraction. While there is no way to know for sure which park or planned attraction, this name is a perfect fit for SeaWorld Orlando’s upcoming plans for a 200 foot tall coaster. To be fair, SeaWorld also files paperwork for a second name, “Reef Hunter” as well, but that just doesn’t sound like a coaster to me. And if that wasn't enough, a third name was also just filed for on May 15th called “Strikewinder”. Again...sounds kind of like a waterslide to me, but you never know...
Mako fits in perfectly with the kind of names used for coasters previously at the various SeaWorld brand parks, falling right in line with the likes of: The Great White, Steel Eel, Kraken and Manta. As for Reef Hunter… it almost sounds more like some interactive shoot-em up dark ride like Knott’s new Voyage of the Iron Reef. Or I could see Reef Hunter being used as the name for a new waterslide too perhaps at one of the waterparks like Aquatica. More as we find out.

http://www.screamscape.com/html/seaworld_florida.htm#coaster

Overbanked said:

Sea World filed for three trademark names; Mako, Reef Hunter, and Strikewinder. Obviously Mako sounds more appropriate for a big thrilling coaster.

I'm not overly wild about the Mako name to tell you the truth. Uh oh, better get Mako(Maaco). It's okay I guess... Reef Hunter sounds too generic-ish for a coaster, and I dunno what the heck a Strikewinder is. The SS article is below.

I just ate a Mako sandwich the other day. Good stuff.

That said, I do have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that, after I accidentally spilled the beans on Holiday World's Thunderbird project last year, my source there is no longer willing to feed me any new intel, so don't expect any more major hints from me concerning that park. Now, on to the bits of good news!

-Historically the intel I can manage to gather from various sources at various Six Flags parks has been inconsistent at best, so take these rumors and rumblings with a huge grain of salt. From what I've heard so far, three different Six Flags parks have been selected for RMC to come in and perform a make-over, a la Wicked Cyclone/Twisted Colossus, on one of their wooden coasters. The most likely candidate for a 2016 Iron Horse coaster is Six Flags Over Georgia, whose Georgia Cyclone has been the subject of various RMC rumors for quite a few seasons now. Another well-traveled RMC rumor concerns the Boss at Six Flags St. Louis being transformed into a hybrid creation by the amazing team of engineers at RMC. And finally, over the past two seasons I've heard that Six Flags America was slated to have their Wild One coaster rebuilt as Li Grande Zombi, which would feature such elements as a 270-degree stall, a 180-degree overbanked "Hammerhead Stall" turnaround, two heartline rolls, and a "barnstormer roll". The layout has already been finalized, and from what I've been told by three people at the park (all of whom are year-round employees of Six Flags), all they need to pull the trigger on the project is a budget approval. Keep your fingers crossed on this, because it sounds like this project might be just what SFA needs to get back in the game.

-As many of you know, Carowinds announced that they're closing Thunder Road later this year. Or did they? Wink Wink, Nudge Nudge....

-Knotts has been rumored to get a new coaster for a number of years now. In fact, did you know that Leviathan was supposed to go to Knott's, but due to opposition from Anaheim locals the project was moved to another Cedar Fair park instead, with some minor alterations to its design? As far as a new coaster goes, I've heard that the phantom horseman is a wily character, so it might be a good idea to watch him...

-Kings Dominion's got a few rumors flying around, because they're currently considering FOUR different proposals from various manufacturers. The most interesting proposal comes from Intamin AG, who pitched a pretty interesting design modification for Volcano to the park last year, but the park didn't have the money or time to take it into consideration for the next season. According to the proposal, Intamin would transform the coaster from an Inverted Impulse coaster to the world's only Inverted Accelerator coaster, which would enable the ride to hit speeds up to 101 mph. Of course, the course of the ride would also be changed dramatically to include a dark ride segment before and during the cable launch segment, which would lead directly into a snake loop sending the train careening down the mountain towards the ground before pulling up into a VERY forceful zero-g roll, followed by a number of sharp turns a la I305 and a loop that wraps around a re-designed entry bridge before re-entering the station. The track would be re-routed s that the ride is extended beyond simply flying around the volcano, which sounds awesome! The second and third proposals both come from renowned coaster designer B&M, who pitched both a Wing Coaster and an Inverted Coaster to the park for 2017. The Wing Coaster is designed to fit within the area currently occupied by Anaconda, and would feature the model's signature dive drop and a tunnel, but would also come with an extensive theming package for both the area within the ride's footprint and the area of the park surrounding the ride. (I've heard that the ride would be themed to a flight company whose tours into the jungle have encountered some strange occurrences; sounds interesting.) The second proposal isn't as detailed, but from what I've heard the invert would be a good fit for the area of land currently taken up by Hurler. And lastly, the fourth proposal comes from Maurer-Sohne, who are apparently looking for a park that's willing to have the company install a custom version of their SkyLoop roller coaster that features an LSM launch. This proposal sounds pretty fun, but I'd rather the park spring for a large B&M coaster.

-Dollywood, as you all are aware, is getting a new roller coaster in 2016 called Shot Rod. I can tell you that the ride is being designed and built by RMC, but I can't tell you anything other than that (I do know more, but to preserve the integrity of my source at HFE I won't blab. It's built by RMC and themed to 1950s American cars, specifically 1950s Chevrolet Bel Airs.)

So, there you have it: my juicy intel for next season and seasons to come (so far!). This post is already pretty long, so I"ll just throw up additional tidbits in shorter responses to this thread. Until next time, have a great season!

* This post was modified at 5/29/15 8:48:35 AM *

Mako - RCDB

Look at what the last US Intamin coaster was. Skyrush in 2012. Last Cedar Fair/Six Flags Intamin coaster? I-305 in 2010!! Coincidence? I think not.

I said this on Facebook somewhere, but it seems worth mentioning here as well. B&M coasters all feel the same because they are all very good rides. No one from GP will argue with that. And if I was running a park, I would rather pay a little more for a sure thing than take my chances on the Intamin Russian Roulette wheel of 1st year coaster mishaps.

Paul

* This post was modified at 5/28/15 12:56:34 AM *

Florida’s thrill leader, Busch Gardens® Tampa, puts a new SPIN on family thrills in 2016 with Cobra's Curse!

This isn’t your ordinary spin coaster. This one-of-a-kind family spin coaster takes riders on a whirlwind of family fun and an adventure of exciting explorations. After ascending on a vertical lift, just like an elevator, riders will come face-to-face with an 80-foot snake icon and trek over the park’s Serengeti Plain.

This family-friendly ride puts guests in the middle of a mysterious Egyptian archeological excavation that takes them on the ride of their life.

Overbanked said:

Besides the theming, the coaster's layout looks very generic. You would've thought they would've atleast added a Diamondback splashdown for some flare. Atleast Florida finally got a hypercoaster.

I like the new hyper (finally florida gets one especially when they could've had this instead of cheetah hunt at bgt). I was surprised they didn't have a splashdown, which would've been nice to have when manta has the water jets shooting up. Still a little disappointed it isn't going over the 'dead' area at the atlantis stadium and they are putting it behind kraken.
--
Happy to hear about bgt's coaster, but cobra's curse? Why not pharaoh's curse since they are removing the king tut walk thru exhibit? Oh well name aside, the elevator lift looks cool.

Kd: shockwave would be surprising to go given the parts, easy maintenance and small footprint working against putting any large sized coaster there. If anything i could see a couple of flat rides on its spot or maybe something like that spinning coaster hershey has. The dark ride also sounds kind of reasonable.
i would honestly love the idea of a volcano redo, but for now, i would rather replace anaconda or hurler instead. I would also be curious on how much land the new volcano would need and if they would need to remove fof or avalanche for a possible expansion.
Anaconda sits on a big spot of land and a new ride could use up more of the inner space that is untouched by anaconda.
Hurler i would rather see replaced by a gci coaster than a steel.
I saw the vid and am intrigued by the idea of the area highlighted and putting the ride entrance near avalanche. Whether it be an invert or a winged coaster, i would love seeing a coaster over the entrance welcoming guests into the park. Heck, what a better way of starting the day than with a 'flyover'. I dunno why they would have grizzly's logo shown as i would think it is safe unlike the typical trio of shockwave, hurler and anaconda.

* This post was modified at 6/2/15 2:07:07 PM *

Rocky Mountain Construction has posted job openings in Tennessee, Kentucky, and California. Two out of three are pretty clear. California... we shall see.

drachen said:

Rocky Mountain Construction has posted job openings in Tennessee, Kentucky, and California. Two out of three are pretty clear. California... we shall see.

I take it that Twisted Twins and the new Shot Rod at Dollywood are the Rocky Mtn related coasters.

The Cali Rocky Mtn coaster will most likely be work on an existing coaster, and not a brand new coaster; I'm predicting that the coaster will be Roar at SFDK.

Overbanked said:

The Cali Rocky Mtn coaster will most likely be work on an existing coaster, and not a brand new coaster; I'm predicting that the coaster will be Roar at SFDK.

Which would be an absolute shame, as ROAR! is a pretty fantastic wooden coaster as is. I rode it as recently as 2013, and I thought it was still running great.

If Six Flags or Discovery Kingdom wants to convert ROAR!, it just means that they're getting very lazy about wanting to maintain wooden roller coasters.

I hope ROAR! is left alone.

I would be pretty shocked to see a brand new Rocky Mtn coaster in Cali. The only reason why I came up with that prediction is because of the Six Flags involvement with Rocky Mtn, and the rumors of ROAR! being bumpy.

The Cali coaster that I personally think should get the treatment (from my exp riding it) is GhostRider, but for whatever reason, Cedar Fair seems to be very gun-shy in dealing with Rocky Mtn.

Lake Compounce fans - we need your help!
A mysterious 10’ x 10’ wooden box appeared at the park this morning near Enterprise. No one knows what is in the box! Everything we do know comes from a strange note that was found saying that a new clue will be placed on the box every day until July 10th when the contents will be revealed!
We are stumped! Do you have any idea? Lots of rumors are out there...follow along with this mystery

* This post was modified at 7/1/15 4:06:51 PM *

Overbanked said:

^^^You're speaking from experience of riding it; You're probably right, and it's most likely not going to get the Rocky Mtn treatment. Maybe the rumors I've heard about ROAR! being a bumpy not too good ride is offbase.

I would be pretty shocked to see a brand new Rocky Mtn coaster in Cali. The only reason why I came up with that prediction is because of the Six Flags involvement with Rocky Mtn, and the rumors of ROAR! being bumpy.

The Cali coaster that I personally think should get the treatment (from my exp riding it) is GhostRider, but for whatever reason, Cedar Fair seems to be very gun-shy in dealing with Rocky Mtn.

I'd agree on Ghost Rider needing the work. The last time I rode it (it's been a few years) the lines were short on a busy day because it was getting so bad in the wear and tear on the passengers. I could ride it, but it was rough even for me, and I usually don't mind to much roughness (e.g. i loved Gwazi)

It's been a very long time since I was on Roar, but loved it when last I rode. It's small and compact enough it would seem like a hard one to redo anyways.

drachen said:

Lake Compounce is making an announcement on July 10th...

Lake Compounce fans - we need your help!
A mysterious 10’ x 10’ wooden box appeared at the park this morning near Enterprise. No one knows what is in the box! Everything we do know comes from a strange note that was found saying that a new clue will be placed on the box every day until July 10th when the contents will be revealed!
We are stumped! Do you have any idea? Lots of rumors are out there...follow along with this mystery

Maybe they're getting one of those new Huss Enterprise designs to replace the one they have.

beastmaster said:

Maybe they're getting one of those new Huss Enterprise designs to replace the one they have.

I thought of that too, and it would be welcomed, even though I enjoy the classic Enterprise.

The 10' x 10' thing is throwing me off...

Here comes the Monster!

RCDB is listing it as a Gerstlauer creation. I think it looks fantastic.

* This post was modified at 7/8/15 5:49:19 PM *

Also, Lake Compounce's final clue is this...

* This post was modified at 7/9/15 11:47:33 AM *

Well, have we got a ride for you. Coming in 2016, Lake Compounce unleashes Phobia Phear Coaster. It’s a certifiable monster of technology, the first triple launch coaster in New England using electromagnetic propulsion. As you rip through the mad maze of rails, you’ll ride upside down 150 feet in the air, hit manic speeds of 65 mph and take a supranatural 180 degree vertical twist.

If you’re a bit shakey when you finish the ride, don’t worry. This is one time a healthy phobia is a rational thing.

More images to come...

* This post was modified at 7/10/15 12:26:30 PM *

http://www.timesheraldonline.com/general-news/20150716/six-flags-announces-closure-of-roar-roller-coaster

* This post was modified at 7/16/15 8:05:54 PM *

John_Knotts said:

I'm very happy about the Roar RMC. This wicked little twister should make for the most awesome I-box experience yet!

I'm almost the opposite reaction. While I love the RMC rides I've been on so far, I hate seeing Roar disappear. Unlike the other conversions/ replacements, there isn't anything wrong with Roar. It's not a horrible beater like the Texas coasters were, it isn't a neglected piece of junk like Colossus was. It's still, by accounts I read, a great riding coaster.

It's one thing to redo a ride for improvement. It's another to do it just for the sake of doing something. Sad to see a very good coaster disappearing.

Yes, there was nothing really wrong with the ride, but nothing really right about it either. Average airtime at best, no stand out elements at all, and a pale, pale comparison to it's newer rival at CGA.

I also just saw that it actually ranked #68 on Mitch's last poll. One below Ghostrider!

Now we're probably looking at a top 10 steel coaster that I will actually travel to ride.

* This post was modified at 7/17/15 12:52:15 PM *

SirWillow said:

John_Knotts said:

I'm very happy about the Roar RMC. This wicked little twister should make for the most awesome I-box experience yet!

I'm almost the opposite reaction. While I love the RMC rides I've been on so far, I hate seeing Roar disappear. Unlike the other conversions/ replacements, there isn't anything wrong with Roar. It's not a horrible beater like the Texas coasters were, it isn't a neglected piece of junk like Colossus was. It's still, by accounts I read, a great riding coaster.

It's one thing to redo a ride for improvement. It's another to do it just for the sake of doing something. Sad to see a very good coaster disappearing.

Well said. I agree completely. This is a stark change for Six Flags. If a young, very good wooden coaster can be a candidate for an RMC conversion, what Six Flags wooden coaster is safe? Any? The wooden coaster fan in me is very concerned.

I really liked Roar West. It was fantastic in 2003 when I first rode, and it was just as good 10 years later when I returned - much to my surprise.

I am also going to go ahead and predict that since the design and planning is already done, Roar at Six Flags America will also get converted in the near future, pending all goes well with this one.

* This post was modified at 7/18/15 10:52:24 AM *

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WForVTKOeQ

No telling at this point if it is an I-box or topper track. The park implies some sort of hybrid structure, which leads me to believe it will have topper track.

We’re excited to announce the addition of our fifth and newest coaster, Storm Chaser. This will be the second new coaster to be constructed at the park in a period of only two years.

So that we can bring you a truly unique coaster, we have commissioned Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) to design and build it. Based in Idaho, RMC is on the cutting edge of coaster design and engineering and very well respected in the industry.

Press kit downloadsstorm-chaser1 ibox-track
Storm Chaser will be built with RMCs’ patented iBox track, which is featured on only five other coasters in the world. In the case of Storm Chaser, the iBox track will rest on wood, creating the “feel” of a wooden coaster, but will be supported by a steel superstructure. The result is a ride that’s smooth as glass, fast, and intense. Because it will have the iBox track, Storm Chaser will also feature many thrilling elements that can’t be incorporated into traditional wooden coasters.

One hundred feet tall at his highest point, Storm Chaser will be the first coaster in America to feature a barrel roll drop from a 10-story lift hill – and don’t get us started on the 78-degree angle of that drop… that’s nearly perpendicular! And that’s just the beginning. Riders will then be treated to a stall dive, tip-out corner, airtime hills, a twisted airtime drop, a corkscrew… it’s truly a new breed of coaster that’s nothing like a traditional “woodie.”

We’ve already started building the new coaster at the site of the former Twisted Twins and it will be ready for its first riders when we open in the spring of 2016.

“Since we’re all about creating exceptional thrills at Kentucky Kingdom, Storm Chaser fits the bill. Storm Chaser would normally cost as much as $15 million all-in but we’re saving money by using some of the existing superstructure from Twisted Twins. However, because of the new configuration, taller lift hill, and many other innovative features, we are essentially redesigning and building a new coaster. When’s the last time you dropped ten stories while doing a barrel roll?” – Ed Hart, President and CEO of Kentucky Kingdom

“We are thrilled to have been selected for this project and to help introduce our special brand of coaster design to Kentucky. Storm Chaser will be one of the most exciting coasters we’ve ever built!” – Fred Grubb, co-founder and “chief innovator” of RMC.

Storm Chaser

Now down to business. In case it hasnt been mentioned above the Chance Rides project in Arizona seems to be a replacement of their train engine.

http://www.wildlifeworld.com/aboard-wildlife-world-zoo-aquarium-safari-park-launches-new-african-safari-train/

* This post was modified at 7/22/15 11:55:34 AM *

JMiller said:

Hello, all! Wow, I don't think I've made any posts so far this year, but I've been super busy lately so in all honesty I haven't had anywhere near as much time as I used to to devote to my favorite hobby:) I've given some thought to starting a blog of some type, so I'll be posting little updates on that as they come (if they come at all!). It's great to be back!

That said, I do have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that, after I accidentally spilled the beans on Holiday World's Thunderbird project last year, my source there is no longer willing to feed me any new intel, so don't expect any more major hints from me concerning that park. Now, on to the bits of good news!

-Historically the intel I can manage to gather from various sources at various Six Flags parks has been inconsistent at best, so take these rumors and rumblings with a huge grain of salt. From what I've heard so far, three different Six Flags parks have been selected for RMC to come in and perform a make-over, a la Wicked Cyclone/Twisted Colossus, on one of their wooden coasters. The most likely candidate for a 2016 Iron Horse coaster is Six Flags Over Georgia, whose Georgia Cyclone has been the subject of various RMC rumors for quite a few seasons now. Another well-traveled RMC rumor concerns the Boss at Six Flags St. Louis being transformed into a hybrid creation by the amazing team of engineers at RMC. And finally, over the past two seasons I've heard that Six Flags America was slated to have their Wild One coaster rebuilt as Li Grande Zombi, which would feature such elements as a 270-degree stall, a 180-degree overbanked "Hammerhead Stall" turnaround, two heartline rolls, and a "barnstormer roll". The layout has already been finalized, and from what I've been told by three people at the park (all of whom are year-round employees of Six Flags), all they need to pull the trigger on the project is a budget approval. Keep your fingers crossed on this, because it sounds like this project might be just what SFA needs to get back in the game.

-As many of you know, Carowinds announced that they're closing Thunder Road later this year. Or did they? Wink Wink, Nudge Nudge....

-Knotts has been rumored to get a new coaster for a number of years now. In fact, did you know that Leviathan was supposed to go to Knott's, but due to opposition from Anaheim locals the project was moved to another Cedar Fair park instead, with some minor alterations to its design? As far as a new coaster goes, I've heard that the phantom horseman is a wily character, so it might be a good idea to watch him...

-Kings Dominion's got a few rumors flying around, because they're currently considering FOUR different proposals from various manufacturers. The most interesting proposal comes from Intamin AG, who pitched a pretty interesting design modification for Volcano to the park last year, but the park didn't have the money or time to take it into consideration for the next season. According to the proposal, Intamin would transform the coaster from an Inverted Impulse coaster to the world's only Inverted Accelerator coaster, which would enable the ride to hit speeds up to 101 mph. Of course, the course of the ride would also be changed dramatically to include a dark ride segment before and during the cable launch segment, which would lead directly into a snake loop sending the train careening down the mountain towards the ground before pulling up into a VERY forceful zero-g roll, followed by a number of sharp turns a la I305 and a loop that wraps around a re-designed entry bridge before re-entering the station. The track would be re-routed s that the ride is extended beyond simply flying around the volcano, which sounds awesome! The second and third proposals both come from renowned coaster designer B&M, who pitched both a Wing Coaster and an Inverted Coaster to the park for 2017. The Wing Coaster is designed to fit within the area currently occupied by Anaconda, and would feature the model's signature dive drop and a tunnel, but would also come with an extensive theming package for both the area within the ride's footprint and the area of the park surrounding the ride. (I've heard that the ride would be themed to a flight company whose tours into the jungle have encountered some strange occurrences; sounds interesting.) The second proposal isn't as detailed, but from what I've heard the invert would be a good fit for the area of land currently taken up by Hurler. And lastly, the fourth proposal comes from Maurer-Sohne, who are apparently looking for a park that's willing to have the company install a custom version of their SkyLoop roller coaster that features an LSM launch. This proposal sounds pretty fun, but I'd rather the park spring for a large B&M coaster.

-Dollywood, as you all are aware, is getting a new roller coaster in 2016 called Shot Rod. I can tell you that the ride is being designed and built by RMC, but I can't tell you anything other than that (I do know more, but to preserve the integrity of my source at HFE I won't blab. It's built by RMC and themed to 1950s American cars, specifically 1950s Chevrolet Bel Airs.)

So, there you have it: my juicy intel for next season and seasons to come (so far!). This post is already pretty long, so I"ll just throw up additional tidbits in shorter responses to this thread. Until next time, have a great season!

Do you have any information about Valleyfair? I am friends with the GM, Mr. Dave Frazier but he is very tight lipped and won't divulge any information. Thanks

OCEAN CITY — A amusement will tower over the boardwalk next summer as Playland’s Castaway Cove on Tuesday announced plans for a 125-foot tall coaster scheduled to open in 2016.

Dubbed GaleForce, the triple-launch roller coaster features a 90-degree drop, speeds of 64 mph and seven “thrilling” elements. Playland’s Castaway Cove Vice President Brian Hartley said the company has been quietly working on the project for several years.

“We’ve tried to keep it quiet. We’ve been working on it on and off for about three years,” he said.

“This is something our owner, Scott Simpson, has really wanted for a long time. He’s really wanted to bring a new dynamic coaster here with cutting edge technology.”

Hartley said GaleFroce and another soon-to-be-named roller coaster will replace the amusement park’s current coasters, looping Python and Flitzer, at 10th Street.

“It’s going where our two roller coasters are now,” he said. “There’s actually going to be another coaster that’s going in. I can’t talk about the details of that yet, but it’s going wrap around that coaster.”

He said customers should expect to be thrilled.

The 12-passenger ride utilizes a three-tier stadium seating design with four seats per row. The harness comes over the passengers’ shoulders.

“They can expect it to be very fast and probably, for most people in this area, unlike anything they’ve experienced before,” Hartley said.

The Ocean City Boardwalk is home to two amusement parks, Playland’s Castaway Cove between Ninth and 10th Street and Gillian’s Wonderland Pier at Sixth Street, catering to families and young children. Hartley said because of their demographic, Playland’s strived to keep the new coasters accessible to most of its customer base.

“We’re trying to keep the height limit down as low as we can,” he said.

The state of New Jersey will set the height requirements, he said, but the company worked with the safety system and design to appeal to its family-oriented customer base.

“Scott really had a lot to do with the design to make this work,” Hartley said.

At 125-feet, Gale Force will be slightly higher than the 110-foot Double Shot ride at the park.

“It’s definitely huge,” Hartley said. “Obviously, we have a very small footprint here, so we tried to design something that utilizes its own track.”
Hartley is referring to the launch system, which takes riders forward, then backward before launching them around the track. He said he and other Playland staff traveled to San Francisco several years ago where they tried a coaster with a similar launch system.

“It’s really unique and really cool so we’re looking forward to getting everything done and having everyone ride it,” he said.

Hartley said they hope to begin construction in mid-January and have the ride open by May, after a 30-day test period. GaleForce was designed by S and S Power of Logan, Utah, who also designed the Double Shot 20 years ago, Hartley said.

Article - Shore News Today

* This post was modified at 8/5/15 11:43:45 AM *

Official Lightning Rod Announcement

Coming To Dollywood In March 2016

Themed after a tricked out 1950s-era hot rod, Lightning Rod launches riders from zero to 45 mph more than 20 stories up its lift hill to one of the ride’s first airtime moments. At the crest of the hill, riders face twin summit airtime hills before tackling the daring first drop. Lightning Rod races down the 165-foot drop and propels guests along its 3,800-ft. track to a top speed of 73 mph, the fastest speed for a wood coaster in the world.

Located in Dollywood's Jukebox Junction, Lightning Rod rockets riders around its massive wooden structure on an adrenaline-charged lap through the trees in the hills and valleys surrounding Dollywood. During the ride, guests experience nearly 20 seconds of airtime. The coaster train is comprised of 12 cars, carrying two passengers each, for a total of 24 people per train.

Dollywood - Lightning Rod

He also is looking to add other flat rides to accent Wild West Express, the kind that would appeal to preteens, a part of the main demographic the park serves.

As much as I hate that daily operations at most parks will soon be ending, I do very much love "announcement season".

Track arriving to Cedar Point. Announcement should be soon...

In 2016, Knott's Berry Farm’s Ghost Town will celebrate 75 years of creating lasting memories for countless generations. In preparation for Ghost Town’s Anniversary Celebration, GhostRider, the longest, tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster on the West Coast, will close on September 8 for a comprehensive restoration.

The massive coaster features plunging drops, harrowing turns, and 4,533 ft. of wooden track. Hitting speeds of over 50 miles per hour, and looming 118 ft. over the historic Ghost Town, GhostRider even races outside of the Park, towering over Beach Boulevard. Screamin’ Swing will permanently close on September 8 in preparation for Ghost Town’s 75th anniversary celebration in 2016.

In November, Knott’s will share more plans about how the park will celebrate the 75th anniversary of Ghost Town. Join the conversation on social media using #GhostTown75 for more updates on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Seven-story water slide complex coming to Kings Island in 2016

Kings Island announced on August 19th a major expansion to its Soak City Waterpark for the2016 season with the addition of Tropical Plunge, a complex of six different water slide experiences towering nearly seven stories.

Three of the slides on the 65-foot tall complex will start with guests climbing inside an Aqua-Launch chamber where they will wait anxiously for the floor to drop out from underneath their feet, sending them into a high-speed, almost vertical free fall through a series of flat loops and S-curves in a translucent flume.

Tropical Plunge also features a slide that will send riders twisting and spiraling through an enclosed chute featuring four intense 360-degree loops across 449 feet of slide before they’re released out into a pool of water and dueling 337-foot long tube slides that zip riders through an enchanting series of drops and turns.

“This will be a high-adrenaline attraction that will increase the thrill factor for our park guests,” Kings Island’s Vice President and General Manager Greg Scheid said. “They have been asking for new and more thrilling waterpark attractions they are able to enjoy with family members and we think this answers their feedback plus brings another element of FUN to the overall experience of Kings Island.”

Tropical Plunge will expand the size of Kings Island’s waterpark to 35 acres. Once the attraction has been built, Soak City Waterpark will have a total of 36 slides; two wave pools; two coves; a lagoon and an action river plus children’s play areas among its more than 50 water activities.

Construction on Tropical Plunge is expected to begin this fall and will be ready by Memorial Day 2016, the start of the waterpark’s 27th season.

In addition to the new water slide complex, in conjunction with the City of Mason’s renovation of Kings Island Drive, a grander more welcoming park entrance with 13 new entrance lanes will be built on the north end of the parking lot, creating a much-improved traffic flow. The new entrance will replace the current north and south toll plazas.

Kings Island - Tropical Plunge

* This post was modified at 8/19/15 2:53:47 PM *

https://www.canadaswonderland.com/what-s-new/new-for-2016-flying-eagles-skyhawk

NEW FOR 2016: FLYING EAGLES & SKYHAWK!

Prepare to Take Flight in 2016

Vaughan, ON (August 20, 2015) – Canada’s Wonderland is taking guests to new heights for 2016 with the addition of two new rides that will capture the imagination of both families, and thrill-seekers, as they take flight in an interactive flying experience.

Skyhawk, the first ride of its kind in North America, will take riders to a new level of adventure when the park opens for its 35th season in 2016. Riders will take control of their own cockpit, showcasing their flying abilities as they maneuver through 360 degree turns, and challenge themselves to engage in multiple inversions at 135 feet (41m) in the air.

Flying Eagles will thrill little pilots and quickly become a family favourite for parents and children alike. These two-person planes will glide 28 feet (8.5m) above the ground and allow each rider to control their flight and ride experience.

“We are always looking to enhance the guest experience with new and exciting attractions. With the introduction of Skyhawk and Flying Eagles, thrill-seekers of all ages will enjoy the flying sensation on these interactive rides that are truly unique to our Park.” Norm Pirtovshek, General Manager, Canada’s Wonderland.

https://www.kingsdominion.com/what-s-new/delirium-

Get ready to defy gravity on Kings Dominion’s new ride, Delirium. The thrill ride will be located in the Candy Apple Grove section of the park and is set to open in the spring of 2016.

Delirium is a powerful, spinning pendulum on which 40 riders will be strapped into their seats, facing outward on a giant ring. As their feet dangle, they begin slowly swinging back and forth while the ring starts to rotate. The ride quickly gains momentum and before they know it, riders are getting swirling views of the park. On Delirium, guests soar to a height of 115 feet at a maximum arc angle of 120 degrees.

Delirium will delight thrill seekers of all ages as they fly through the air, experiencing gravity defying hang time.
“The addition of Delirium reflects our commitment to providing exciting and thrilling family experiences for our guests,” says Pat Jones, Vice President and General Manager of Kings Dominion. “We pride ourselves on being home to a variety of rides and attractions that offer something for all generations to enjoy. Delirium will make a great addition to our already thrilling collection of rides.”

Park guests who want to be among the first to experience Kings Dominion’s newest addition can purchase a 2016 Kings Dominion Season Pass starting today. Passholders enjoy many benefits, including: Bring-A-Friend discounts, food and merchandise discounts, early access to select rides and Kings Dominion’s all-inclusive water park, Soak City.

“Delirium” will begin delighting and disorienting riders in the spring of 2016

Kings Dominion

The park is adding a Giant Frisbee to what looks like Shockwave's former location.

Get ready to defy gravity on Kings Dominion’s new ride, Delirium. The thrill ride will be located in the Candy Apple Grove section of the park and is set to open in the spring of 2016.

Delirium is a powerful, spinning pendulum on which 40 riders will be strapped into their seats, facing outward on a giant ring. As their feet dangle, they begin slowly swinging back and forth while the ring starts to rotate. The ride quickly gains momentum and before they know it, riders are getting swirling views of the park. On Delirium, guests soar to a height of 115 feet at a maximum arc angle of 120 degrees.

Delirium will delight thrill seekers of all ages as they fly through the air, experiencing gravity defying hang time.

“Thrills come in all different sizes here at Kings Dominion and the addition of Delirium reflects our commitment to providing exciting experiences for our guests,” says Pat Jones, Vice President and General Manager of Kings Dominion. “We pride ourselves on being home to a variety of rides and attractions that offer something for all generations to enjoy. Delirium will make a great addition to our park.”

Guests who want to be among the first to experience Kings Dominion’s newest addition can purchase a 2016 Kings Dominion Season Pass starting today at the lowest price of the year. Gold Passes are available for just 9 easy payments of $9.75. Passholders enjoy many benefits, including: Bring-A-Friend discounts, food and merchandise discounts, early access to select rides and Kings Dominion’s all-inclusive water park, Soak City.

Construction on Delirium is set to begin in the fall.

https://www.kingsdominion.com/what-s-new/delirium-

Canada's Wonderland

The park is adding two rides - Larson Flying Scooters and a ride I need to do some research on. It looks fun!

Prepare to Take Flight in 2016

Vaughan, ON (August 20, 2015) – Canada’s Wonderland is taking guests to new heights for 2016 with the addition of two new rides that will capture the imagination of both families, and thrill-seekers, as they take flight in an interactive flying experience.

Skyhawk, the first ride of its kind in North America, will take riders to a new level of adventure when the park opens for its 35th season in 2016. Riders will take control of their own cockpit, showcasing their flying abilities as they maneuver through 360 degree turns, and challenge themselves to engage in multiple inversions at 135 feet (41m) in the air.

Flying Eagles will thrill little pilots and quickly become a family favourite for parents and children alike. These two-person planes will glide 28 feet (8.5m) above the ground and allow each rider to control their flight and ride experience.

“We are always looking to enhance the guest experience with new and exciting attractions. With the introduction of Skyhawk and Flying Eagles, thrill-seekers of all ages will enjoy the flying sensation on these interactive rides that are truly unique to our Park.” Norm Pirtovshek, General Manager, Canada’s Wonderland.

https://www.canadaswonderland.com/what-s-new/new-for-2016-flying-eagles-skyhawk

Worlds of Fun

Planet Snoopy gets five new rides in 2016, including some Larson Flying Scooters!

Families can glide, fly and launch into 2016 at Worlds of Fun with the addition of five new family rides coming to Planet Snoopy next season:

Woodstock Gliders – Young guests control their own flight with moveable stationary wings.

Flying Ace – Get your aviators glasses ready for a high-flying adventure with Snoopy.

Snoopy Space Buggies – Defy gravity and bounce to the moon and back.

Linus Launcher – Experience the sensation of weightlessness through flight with feet dangling

Snoopy Junction – All aboard! Snoopy the conductor leads kids on a railroad adventure.

“Thrills come in all sizes,” says vice president and general manager Frank Wilburn. “It’s important that we continue to create the best family environment for our guests and what better place to do that than right here at Planet Snoopy where we create memories that last a lifetime.”

Planet Snoopy was added to Worlds of Fun in 2011 and will now feature 21 family style rides at Kansas City’s favorite amusement park. Little ones can take a trip on monster trucks, take to the skies on a forty-foot balloon ride, or hop in a new spinning tug-boat for the whole family. Sing and dance with Peanuts Party in the Park, a show with a special musical appearance by Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang live in Planet Snoopy Plaza!

https://www.worldsoffun.com/what-s-new/new-in-2016

* This post was modified at 1/22/16 2:33:09 PM *

Coastercritic said:

Do you think that there will still be a hyper coaster at Kings Dominion for 2016 or not?

In 2016? No. In 2017? I would say no because of I-305. Then again, they may want to add a non-inverting coaster that isn't as intense. I would predict them getting a wing rider.

You're photo didn't come through. Does it exist online where you could copy and paste the URL?

frontrow said:

I love the Canada's Wonderland announcement. Flying scooters are my favorite flat ride and Thunderhawk looks awesome. Canada's Wonderland has my favorite modern flat ride collection. Knoebels is the only Park that I consider to have a better flat ride collection because of the classic rides. I also like Kings Dominion announcement.

I am very much intrigued by Canada's Wonderland's ride. I need to find out what it is, and see what it does.

I have yet to visit that park, but I know they do have a bunch of flat rides. It wouldn't be a "coaster visit" whenever I get there. So, I agree with you that they have one of the best collections of flat rides.

And it looks like an absolute blast.

No Dark Ride for 2016
Cedar Point - B&M coaster
Kings Island - Tropical Plunge
Kings Dominion - Delirium
Carowinds - Water park expansion
Knott's Berry Farm - just got one, Ghost Town celebration
Canada's Wonderland - just got one, adding two new rides for 2016
Worlds of Fun - Planet Snoopy ride package

No announcements yet...

Great America - rumored Vortex conversion
Dorney - ???
Valleyfair - ???
Michigan's Adventure - ???

So... assuming that a Cedar Fair park will add a dark ride this year, and assuming none of the parks that have announced are adding another ride, then we can assume that one of these four parks will get one.

* This post was modified at 8/20/15 3:34:40 PM *

antikythera said:

My selfish self would love if Dorney received the dark ride, let alone the park's history deserves it.

Agreed. Dorney could use a second wooden coaster too.

I wanted to follow the previous post up with another idea. So far, it looks like Cedar Fair has only purchased one roller coaster for its parks next season, which would be Cedar Point.

Could any of the remaining parks be getting a major new addition? It's been a long while for all of them...

MrAwesome101 said:

Delirium was reported to be a Mondial Revolution not a Huss Giant Frisbee

Really? I was not aware. Do you have a source?

The reason I ask is that I know Cedar Fair wasn't happy with the Mondial WindSeeker. That kind of thing can play a part in deciding from whom to buy a new ride.

Looking at the websites, you may be right. The specs on Mondial's page more closely match the press release.

Mondial Revolution:
http://mondialrides.com/rides/parkrides/revolution

Huss Giant Frisbee:
http://www.hussrides.com/giant-rides/giant-frisbee.html

Huss Giant Frisbee 55:
http://www.hussrides.com/giant-rides/giant-frisbee-55.html

* This post was modified at 8/21/15 11:19:14 AM *

drachen said:

MrAwesome101 said:

Delirium was reported to be a Mondial Revolution not a Huss Giant Frisbee

Really? I was not aware. Do you have a source?

The reason I ask is that I know Cedar Fair wasn't happy with the Mondial WindSeeker. That kind of thing can play a part in deciding from whom to buy a new ride.

Looking at the websites, you may be right. The specs on Mondial's page more closely match the press release.

Mondial Revolution:
http://mondialrides.com/rides/parkrides/revolution

Huss Giant Frisbee:
http://www.hussrides.com/giant-rides/giant-frisbee.html

Huss Giant Frisbee 55:
http://www.hussrides.com/giant-rides/giant-frisbee-55.html

* This post was modified at 8/21/15 5:20:51 PM *

As far as Texas Grand goes, it does not seem likely that any rides will be installed, let alone open by the end of 2016. The park portion of the complex may not open for a few years.

The good news is, both projects are moving forward.

* This post was modified at 8/27/15 2:40:35 PM *

A tidal wave of splashtastic fun is crashing into the shores of Carowinds in 2016 as Boomerang Bay undergoes a historic transformation into the all new Carolina Harbor Waterpark. In addition to revamping current popular waterpark attractions, Carolina Harbor will bring many new attractions geared for families and thrill seekers. The new expansion will double the amount of water slides at Carowinds.

NEW! BLACKBEARD'S REVENGE

This new six-story tall water slide complex features three attractions (six exhilarating slides). Pirate’s Plank will send guests plummeting down a nearly vertical free fall where the floor drops out from underneath. Cannonball Drop will twist and turn riders through an enclosed chute with four intense 360-degree turns. And Captain’s Curse shoots guests down a series of intense drops and turns.

NEW! SEASIDE SPLASHWORKS

Need a place for the family to soak up some fun? Big kids and little kids alike will love Seaside Splashworks, part of the new, expansive two-acre family area. This multi-level play structure features over 80 play elements, including dozens of interactive spray jets, water guns, adventuresome net bridges, awesome water wheels, six impressive water slides and a giant 423-gallon tipping bucket that drenches everyone below. It's the perfect mixture of adventure, relaxation and entertainment.

NEW! MYRTLE TURTLE BEACH

Fittingly inspired by Myrtle Beach, South Carolina - this all new play area is specifically geared for toddlers and their families. The kiddos will love the playful water jets that spray every which way and the interactive water play area. The parents will enjoy the seclusion and shade.

NEW! KIDDY HAWK COVE

This new family area is inspired by Kitty Hawk, North Carolina - the birthplace of flight. You'll find spray jets, splash areas and more! Together with Seaside Splashworks and Kiddy Hawk Cove, Carolina Harbor will have a total of two acres specifically created for families.

NEW! SURF CLUB HARBOR

Surf’s up at Surf Club Harbor, a new, 27-000 square-foot wave pool that offers everyone the opportunity to catch a wave. With eight massive generators cranking out monstrous waves of up to six feet high, guests will feel like they’re splashing in the high surf of the Atlantic Ocean. Plus, children will love the interactive water geysers designed just for them at the base of the pool. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment on the outdoor stage while soaking up fun in the water.

New Water Park Entrance

Press Release

CAROWINDS ANNOUNCES THE LARGEST WATERPARK IN THE CAROLINAS

Carolina Harbor Coming Ashore In 2016

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 27, 2015) – Carowinds is unveiling plans to bring a fresh and exciting Carolina coastal experience to guests with a historic waterpark expansion in 2016. The transformation is part of the park’s commitment to celebrate Carowinds’ heritage as the place where the Carolinas come together, creating an “aquatic playground” with thrilling new attractions, new amenities and a new coastal name - Carolina Harbor.

Carolina Harbor Waterpark will be included with park admission and will offer guests relaxing moments of tranquility and refreshing thrills by the “shores”, plus delivers a best day ever guest experience. The addition is the latest phase in a $50 million plus multi-year expansion at Carowinds, an effort kicked off by building the world’s tallest and fastest giga coaster, Fury 325, as well as new park food offerings which are regionally relevant.

“We listened to our guests and have made a promise to bring them more family-friendly attractions,” said Mike Fehnel, Carowinds vice president and general manager. “And we’re happy to be delivering on our promise with the addition of Carolina Harbor – a guaranteed ultimate waterpark experience. Carowinds is growing by leaps and bounds and continues to put the park on the map as the premier entertainment destination of the Carolinas.”

Carolina Harbor will feature a combination of thrills, relaxation and family fun, including twice the number of water slides than the current Boomerang Bay. Carolina Harbor will feature many of the park’s current popular waterpark attractions, while introducing a variety of new ones:

Blackbeard’s Revenge is a thrilling new six story tall water slide complex that features three exhilarating attractions and a total of six thrilling slides:

> Pirate’s Plank will send guests plummeting down a nearly vertical free fall where the floor drops out from underneath.

> Cannonball Drop will twist and turn riders through an enclosed chute with four intense 360-degree turns.

> Captain’s Curse shoots guests down a series of intense drops and turns.

> A new two-acre family area will include many new activities to enjoy together:

Seaside Splashworks, a multi-level children’s water spray ground, will feature over 80 countless play elements including a giant 423-gallon tipping bucket.

Kiddy Hawk Cove and Myrtle Turtle Beach are two areas specifically geared with the little squirts in mind. These toddler areas will include jets of water spraying up from the ground surrounded by a charming garden atmosphere.

Surf Club Harbor will be our newest wave pool, creating up to six-foot waves in 12 different wave patterns, mimicking the high surf of the Atlantic Ocean.

Carolina Harbor will also feature many new amenities:

> New Entrance
> New Restaurants
> Sand Volleyball Courts
> Additional Plush Cabanas and Seating
> Upgraded Facilities

Carowinds has recently been named one of the nation's top amusement parks by the Travel Channel and Fodor's Travel, and TripAdvisor's family travel site has named it one of the country’s 10 Best Amusement Parks for Families. The park will be sharing additional plans for the 2016 season later in the fall. To see Carolina Harbor illustrations, construction photos and more, visit carowinds.com/carolinaharbor. In addition, guests can purchase a 2016 season pass or renew their current season pass for the lowest price of the year at carowinds.com

Carolina Harbor

* This post was modified at 8/27/15 2:55:42 PM *

I haven't posted here in years, but I check back from time to time. In the few times I've checked back I've read comments regarding how this overall message board appears to have dramatically lost popularity and posters over the last several years. I honestly believe that this issue could be completely resolved by eliminating threads like this. The reason I say this is:

1)It's painstakingly long(keep in mind many readers do so from mobile devices) , and more importantly...

2)It unnecessarily consolidates dozens of topics into one thread as opposed to having many threads with many topics creating a much more active and inviting message board.

I'm just offering my own perspective with the goal of providing help, of course just because it's my opinion doesn't necessarily mean it's the correct one. It's merely a suggestion that I feel would do wonders.

Anyway, I'm interested to see what's going to happen with Ghostrider along with what Six Flags Great Adventure has in store for us.

Best wishes

VALENCIA, Calif. — September 3, 2015 — Six Flags Magic Mountain, the “Thrill Capital of the World,” and voted by USA TODAY readers as America’s Best Theme Park, today unveiled plans for 2016 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the world’s first 360-degree looping coaster. The New Revolution, featuring newly designed trains, special ride effects and a new look, will highlight the Valencia theme parks’ 45th operating season.

The New Revolution, the beloved steel roller coaster that has thrilled over 45 million guests in its 40-year reign at the park, will be repainted a brilliant white and blue color, while newly designed trains will be fitted with lap and calf bars, and feature Americana red, white and blue colors with a silver eagle hood adornment. For coaster fans, the elimination of shoulder harnesses will provide a smoother, sleeker ride experience with more airtime.

“We are thrilled that one of our signature coasters is getting the innovative ride updates that Six Flags is known for. With the new trains and beautiful paint colors, The New Revolution is certain to be around for many more generations of coaster fans to enjoy,” said park president Bonnie Weber.

With its new trains and makeover, The New Revolution will also feature:

· The world’s first giant loop – 90 feet high and 45 feet in diameter;
· Fast and furious dips and dives, built into the park’s lush hillsides;
· Speeds of 55 mph;
· Two minutes of thrills on 3,457 feet of track.

The original Revolution steel coaster opened on May 8, 1976 as the Great American Revolution, in honor of the country’s bicentennial celebration. Its farewell run will occur on September 7, 2015 after which the transformation will begin. For more information about The New Revolution (including artwork), visit www.sixflags.com/magicmountain

For more information about upcoming 2016 Six Flags rides and attractions, including a video highlighting the new rides, visit www.sixflags.com/2016news.

I think this is fantastic news.

Six Flags Magic Mountain - The New Revolution

* This post was modified at 9/3/15 9:24:59 AM *

Thrilling New Hybrid Coaster, The Joker, Coming to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in 2016

Wood Meets Steel Creating Unique Experience

In Spring 2016, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom will open the most-anticipated new roller coaster in northern California in over 10 years, The Joker. This state-of-the-art extreme coaster will be the “must ride” coaster of the season, adding to the park’s status as Northern California’s most thrilling theme park.

“The Joker will be the most talked about new coaster in 2016,” said Don McCoy, park president. We are excited to introduce this innovative technology that marries the best of both classic and modern coaster designs to offer our guests an unparalleled and unique experience.”

The Joker ride is the second DC Comics-themed attraction at the park after SUPERMAN™ Ultimate Flight opened in 2012 and the villainous character’s personality is evident in the coaster’s chaotic twists and turns including a first ever “step-up-under-flip inverted roll” that takes riders horizontal. The Joker ride also features the ultimate “fake-out” with a unique breaking wave turn, the only one of its kind on the West Coast.

Additional highlights of The Joker include:

- 3,200 feet of dual-colored purple and green track;
- A wild Zero G barrel roll;
- 3 inversions;
- 15 extreme airtime moments; and
- Maximum speeds of 53 mph.

The Joker ride is being transformed from what was the park’s iconic and traditional wooden coaster Roar which closed on August 16, 2015. The Joker ride is scheduled to open in Spring 2016. For more information about upcoming 2016 Six Flags rides and attractions, including a video highlighting the new rides, visit www.sixflags.com/2016news.

Off Ride Video

POV

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom - The Joker

Total Mayhem Will Ensue in 2016

Six Flags Great Adventure to Debut the Most Insane Coaster in Its History

Six Flags Great Adventure will dominate as the king of chaos in 2016 when the world’s largest theme park debuts the 14th and most unique scream machine in its history, Total Mayhem.

After being lifted straight up a 12-story, 90-degree hill, this 4-D, free-fly coaster will wreak havoc as riders flip head-over-heels at least six times along the weightless journey. Thrill seekers will experience exhilarating leaps and dives along a horizontal plane, along with unexpected drops as they tumble from one level to the next. The wing seats amp up the pandemonium since riders will experience all of this chaos with no track above or below – just the sky, ground and adjacent Great Lake churning around them.

"We are thrilled to unveil one of the newest concepts in roller coaster engineering with Total Mayhem,” said Park President John Fitzgerald. “Six Flags Great Adventure’s world-renowned coaster collection will expand into the realm of insanity – or spinsanity – with this new, vertical coaster that delivers gravity-defying somersaults with utter unpredictability. It is the perfect addition to our dynamic line-up of award-winning roller coasters because this ride delivers next generation, cutting-edge thrills.”

The unique design of Total Mayhem features:

- Massive, imposing, floating and twisting I-box track frame in a unique two-tone design
- One-of-a-kind onboard magnetic technology featuring smooth head-over-heels free-fly flips providing guests the feeling of weightlessness as they soar outside the confines of a traditional track
- 4-D wing vehicles that seat up to 8 per vehicle with a total of 5 vehicles
- Face-off seats that allow riders to face each other as they tumble head over heels

A 120-foot-tall, 90-degree hill that is ascended by an elevator-style, chain link lift
Two beyond 90-degree “raven” drops giving the sensation of free-falling

Total Mayhem is expected to ensue spring 2016, and joins the ranks of legendary roller coasters like El Toro, Kingda Ka, Nitro and 2015’s El Diablo.

Six Flags Great Adventure - Total Mayhem

Will The New Revolution count as a differing coaster credit from the Revolution? LOL JK; I'm pretty sure that some crehos out there would take that opportunity. :)

I won't be sharing anything from the other Six Flags parks, as it's all recycled images from the same existing attractions at other parks.

But here's a nice image that sums it all up..

beastmaster said:

Apparently there's another larger model...220 ft., 10 inversions...we were rumored to be getting. But yeah, this is essentially a clone of the one in Texas.

That is correct. There was also word that Great Adventure was to get the larger model. But it didn't happen.

I don't know if this has anything to do with it, but yesterday's announcement from Six Flags felt much more low-budget than previous years.

I still admire that they add something to every park, every year. But this time, it felt like they were watching the expense.

Press Release

CLIMB. HANG. PLUMMET STRAIGHT DOWN!

CEDAR POINT UNLEASHES VALRAVN, THE WORLD’S TALLEST, FASTEST & LONGEST DIVE COASTER

SANDUSKY, Ohio (Sept. 9, 2015) – Cedar Point will change the Lake Erie skyline once again with over 3,400 feet of thrill ride innovation when it introduces Valravn (val-rey-vuhn), the world’s tallest, fastest and longest dive coaster, in 2016. Valravn is the regal king of birds, swooping in to conquer all other dive coasters on the planet with its powerful and intense maneuvers, massive structure and immense ride vehicles. Valravn will become the 18th coaster to take reign at The Roller Coaster Capital of the World® and will claim its rightful place among other record-breaking roller coasters at Cedar Point.

Riders on Valravn are carried more than 20 stories up to the top of the coaster’s 223-foot-tall first hill. Once there, the train is held perilously over the edge of the first drop for approximately four seconds, giving anxious guests unparalleled views of the park before free-falling a record 214 feet at a completely vertical, 90-degree angle, reaching a top speed of 75 mph!

Valravn then flips its passengers upside-down through a 165-foot-tall Immelmann, a fighter jet-like maneuver that takes the train into a half loop, then a half roll before traveling in the opposite direction. The train then approaches another drop zone – but there’s no stopping this time as riders plunge 125 feet down at a near-90-degree angle once again, twisting and turning upside-down two more times, once through a dive loop and then through a 270-degree roll before completing its epic journey over 3,415 feet of tarnished copper and silver steel track.

Valravn will shatter an astonishing 10 WORLD RECORDS when it debuts next summer, including:

1.Tallest dive coaster (223 feet)

2.Fastest dive coaster (75 mph)

3.Longest dive coaster (3,415 feet)

4.Most inversions on a dive coaster (three)

5.Longest drop on a dive coaster (214 feet)

6.Highest inversion on a dive coaster (165 feet)

7.Most roller coasters taller than 200 feet at one amusement park (5)

8.Most rides at one amusement park (72)

9.Most steel roller coaster track at one amusement park (52,125 feet/9.9 miles)

10.Most roller coaster track at one amusement park (60,110 feet/11.4 miles)

Valravn is also the signature 100th roller coaster designed by the imaginative coaster minds at Bolliger & Mabillard in Monthey, Switzerland, and will feature ride vehicles never before seen on a dive coaster. Riders will sit eight-across on one of three, 24-passenger floorless trains, featuring tiered seating as well as comfortable over-the-shoulder restraints with interlocking seatbelts, much like those on the park’s GateKeeper wing coaster. Valravn can accommodate approximately 1,200 riders per hour and guests must be 54 inches or taller to ride.

Cedar Point is also making history as the first amusement park ever to utilize 3D virtual reality to introduce a new roller coaster. Guests can experience Valravn in 360-degree virtual reality by downloading the Cedar Point VR app onto their smart phones and inserting them into the Valravn VR Viewer. The app is now available in the App Store and Google Play store. To take full advantage of the virtual reality simulation, Valravn VR Viewers can be purchased by visiting cedarpoint.com/Valravn.

“The introduction of Valravn is a first for the amusement park industry on many fronts, including the exciting virtual reality experience,” stated Jason McClure, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point. “For the first time ever, guests are able to take an immersive ride on Valravn before it opens next summer – and the actual experience will be unmatched with the tallest lift hill, fastest speed, longest track and most inversions on a dive coaster, right here at Cedar Point, The Roller Coaster Capital of the World.”

Additional details on Valravn can be found online, including real-time updates and live video feeds of the construction, by visiting cedarpoint.com/Valravn. Keep up on all the latest news and fun via Cedar Point’s official social channels: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Snapchat (CedarPointSnaps) and the OnPoint blog.

Layout

1 Loading station
2. 223-foot-tall lift hill
3. Holding brake – hang for 4 seconds over the edge!
4. 90-degree drop
5. 165-foot-tall Immelmann
6. 131-foot-tall second hill
7. Dive loop
8. 270-degree roll
9. Airtime hill

Trains

You’ll take flight on one of Valravn’s three, 24-passenger floorless trains. Unlike any other ride vehicle at Cedar Point, the trains feature 8-across seating, making them the widest roller coaster trains in our park arsenal.

The comfortable bucket seats feature an over-the-shoulder safety harness with a soft vest and interlocking seat belt. Valravn is the first floorless roller coaster in the world to use these new restraints & seats, which are similar to the park’s GateKeeper wing coaster.

Renderings

POV and Videos

POV

Panoramic POV (blurry if you don't have the hardware)

Bird's Eye View

Cedar Point - Valravn

Overbanked said:

Eh, to tell you the truth I'm kinda burnt out with Flying Scooters. They seem to be very popular with much of the GP and enthusiasts alike, and that's all that matters.

I enjoy them,but for a couple of things-

The new ones have heavier tubs and slower motors, meaning they don't fly as well as the old ones. They're fun, but not anywhere near as much as the ones, say, at Knoebels with the lighter buckets and faster motor.

And the capacity, though there really isn't much you can do about it. But being low capacity it means that unless you are there on the slowest of slow days, it's going to have a good wait for it, pretty much regardless of which park you are at.

otherwise I love them. I wish the whip rides were making the same kind of comeback that the flying scooters have.

SirWillow said:

Overbanked said:

Eh, to tell you the truth I'm kinda burnt out with Flying Scooters. They seem to be very popular with much of the GP and enthusiasts alike, and that's all that matters.

I enjoy them,but for a couple of things-

The new ones have heavier tubs and slower motors, meaning they don't fly as well as the old ones. They're fun, but not anywhere near as much as the ones, say, at Knoebels with the lighter buckets and faster motor.

And the capacity, though there really isn't much you can do about it. But being low capacity it means that unless you are there on the slowest of slow days, it's going to have a good wait for it, pretty much regardless of which park you are at.

otherwise I love them. I wish the whip rides were making the same kind of comeback that the flying scooters have.

I'm a huge fan of flying scooters. I actually seek them out the way I do roller coasters. I've ridden about 25 different sets, and I agree Knoebels are the best. Kings Dominion, Eldridge Park, and Carowinds have great sets also. One thing I do want to mention is some of the modern versions are really good also. I actually scare myself on the ones at Cedar Point and Camden Park, from snapping so hard. The ones at Kentucky Kingdom, and Great Escape are really good also. I've gotten really good at developing the skill. Now I usually get shut down early, yelled at, or both. Some of the modern sets are more difficult to snap like the ones at SF America, Kings Island, and Darien Lake. I really can't do much with those ones. I hope every park installs a set, they're my favorite flat ride. I keep up with new flying scooters installations, like I keep up with new coaster installations.

Top standard is at Knoebel's.
Did'ja know Knoebel's set runs "backwards?" It turns clockwise, with the entry to the tubs on the inside. It also has a gas powered engine (propane), not electric.

Carowinds has the set that was at King's Island, which were always among the best. In fact at Carowinds, I love how the operator cheers on riders who get those things "flying" especially when followed by telltale snapping. When you hear your tub number called out, you know you've got the rhythm.

MABrider said:
Carowinds has the set that was at King's Island, which were always among the best. In fact at Carowinds, I love how the operator cheers on riders who get those things "flying" especially when followed by telltale snapping. When you hear your tub number called out, you know you've got the rhythm.

Mmmmm... I gotta get back to Carowinds, for Fury and the snappers.

GREAT AMERICA ANNOUNCES NEW ATTRACTION
FEATURING MASS EFFECT VIDEOGAME SERIES FOR 2016
4D Holographic Experience Will Be Based on Popular EA Franchise

California’s Great America and Electronic Arts (EA) are teaming up to create a first-of-its-kind guestexperience at Great America. The dynamic new attraction will feature settings and characters from EA’scritically acclaimed Mass Effect™ videogame series developed by BioWare™ and will open next season in a newly renovated Action Theater.

This exciting guest experience involves cutting edge technology customized for Great America and delivers 4D effects combined with a live performer and incredible special effects.

Great America guests will be taken on a thrilling adventure across the galaxy where they will travel through awe-inspiring landscapes, face off against bigger than life adversaries and ultimately help save the day.

“Teaming with a world-wide gaming leader like EA will enable us to build an incredible user experiencefor Great America guests,” said California’s Great America Vice President and General Manager Raul Rehnborg. “This combination of technology and creative video game content is sure to usher in a new wave of entertainment innovation at amusement parks.”

“EA and BioWare are thrilled to partner with Great America and see one of our most iconic games turned into an exciting high-tech attraction,” said Patrick O’Brien, Vice President of Entertainment and Licensing, EA. “Having a partner who shares our commitment to thrilling our fans is extremely important to us and we look forward to building an attraction that will appeal to the Mass Effect fan-base and introduce it to many more.”

Great America - Mass Effect

Party Dance

http://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2015/09/coney-island-to-expand-amusements-via.html

Overbanked said:

Coney Island to expand amusements VIA eminent domain.

http://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2015/09/coney-island-to-expand-amusements-via.html

If there really is a big chunk of land near the baseball stadium,it would be cool if they built a brand-new woodie with topper track.Having a woodie next to a minor league stadium seemed to work for Altoona....

Maybe 2016 is the year I return to Kings Island after all...

Standing nearly 60 feet tall and over 400 feet of slide, the new mat racing water slide will feature 6 side-by-side racing lanes for you and your friends.

Riders will lie down head-first on an aero-dynamic mat and push out of the starting gate down the winding tubes. Gaining speed, they will then converge into the final stretch to determine the ultimate winner!

Specs
Length: 405.9 Feet of slide per lane
Height: 55.8 Feet tall
Speed: Nearly 30 MPH
Capacity per Hour: 900 Guests
Contest
Think you have a great name for our new slide? If your submission gets picked, here is what you could win!

- A 2016 Season Pass
- A Silverwood Gift Basket
- Opportunity to be one of the first racers

drachen said:

Coney Island is teasing their announcement

Maybe 2016 is the year I return to Kings Island after all...

Why? I don't get it.. what is it?

NotSo said:

drachen said:

Coney Island is teasing their announcement

Maybe 2016 is the year I return to Kings Island after all...

Why? I don't get it.. what is it?

I don't know what their 2016 addition will be, but the photo is of Sunlite pool at Cincinnati's Coney Island, "the world's largest recirculating pool", so I'm guessing they will likely be adding a massive waterslide of some sort, or a splash park or perhaps a water coaster. Has anyone heard for sure?

I haven't like sat down and read much on here in a little bit, and wow! There just seems to be so much that's new.

Then again I've been out of the loop this year as I only went to two parks (pun intendedddd).

I'm excited about all of what's coming. It's just nuts to go through this thread and see so many new rides!

http://rcdb.com/13586.htm

http://sbfrides.com/en/product/838/MX608_T/COMPACT-SPINNING-COASTER-T-M.html

http://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2015/11/seaworld-orlando-and-busch-gardens.html

http://flatrides.com/rides/topscan.html

http://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2015/11/seaworld-entertainment-gives-look-at.html

Like this...

Quassy announced this new thill ride for 2016 to go along with their water park expansion.

The ride is from the SBF VISA group.

* This post was modified at 11/17/15 4:42:21 PM *

Wildlife World Zoo in AZ has made a formal announcement, and the new rides should be open by the end of February.

Adventureland at Wildlife World Zoo

* This post was modified at 1/27/16 3:47:48 PM *

The good?

- Still 3 bench cars
- Headrests... REMOVED!
- Seat dividers... look to be REMOVED!
- Open panel front car.

The bad?
- Single position bars are gone.

Additionally, there is some track work being done. The coaster is being painted white and is getting new lighting along the course.

* This post was modified at 1/27/16 3:46:39 PM *

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HODqrCozdDk&feature=youtu.be&t=1m20s

* This post was modified at 1/23/16 11:46:19 PM *

ericthewanderer said:

Thunderhawk's new trains sounds like a gift from God-no headrests or seat dividers!If that's the case I just might make the trip up there....

I know, right?! If only they had kept the single position lap bars - that would have make a real special experience.

Overbanked said:

Looks like 'Total Mayhem' at Six Flags Great Adventure will be named "The Joker's Total Mayhem".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HODqrCozdDk&feature=youtu.be&t=1m20s

Sigh... Just can't get away from that branding thing. "Total Mayhem" was almost a breath of fresh air.

drachen said:

ericthewanderer said:

Thunderhawk's new trains sounds like a gift from God-no headrests or seat dividers!If that's the case I just might make the trip up there....

I know, right?! If only they had kept the single position lap bars - that would have make a real special experience.

Maybe if those new trains work the "new for 2017" would be every woodie getting them-especially since 2017 would be Wild One's 100th anniversary.

drachen said:

Worth noting... we've known that Dorney Park's Thunderhawk is getting some TLC for 2016 including... new trains! But Dorney recently released the details.

The good?

- Still 3 bench cars
- Headrests... REMOVED!
- Seat dividers... look to be REMOVED!
- Open panel front car.

The bad?
- Single position bars are gone.

Additionally, their is some track work being done. The coaster is being painted white and is getting new lighting along the course.

ericthewanderer said:

Maybe if those new trains work the "new for 2017" would be every woodie getting them-especially since 2017 would be Wild One's 100th anniversary.

They need to do something with Wild One. I rode back in 2014, and it wasn't nothing to write home about. It was one of the rougher woodies that I've experienced.

Great Adventure's Total Mayhem (a great name) has become The Joker (yawn...).

drachen said:

Frontier City in Oklahoma announced Gunslinger, a Zamperla Power Surge

FKA 'Wild Thang' in Magic Springs & Crystal Falls. Magic Springs is also losing it's S&S launch tower 'Dr. Dean's Rocket Machine'. That's a big flatride hit to a park with not many flats; 'The Hawk' (Zamperla Hawk 48) is now the only thrill flat in the park.

http://www.screamscape.com/html/magic_springs.htm

Overbanked said:

drachen said:

Frontier City in Oklahoma announced Gunslinger, a Zamperla Power Surge

FKA 'Wild Thang' in Magic Springs & Crystal Falls. Magic Springs is also losing it's S&S launch tower 'Dr. Dean's Rocket Machine'. That's a big flatride hit to a park with not many flats; 'The Hawk' (Zamperla Hawk 48) is now the only thrill flat in the park.

http://www.screamscape.com/html/magic_springs.htm

Ah Screamscape... Post EVERY rumor, and you're bound to be right some of the time...

HWLover said:
... they are doing a ton of retracking on all three coasters, however The Legend will be getting the most. They are retracking most of the ride, adding support, adding a new tunnel, reducing a hill's height to increase speed, and adding a new double down!!

No doubt they ALL need some serious track work, even though HW's maintenance team is top notch there's only so much that can be done given the intensity of all three of their woodies. At last year's HWN everyone in our group admitted that one ride was all we/they could take. Of course, we're all over 60 now, so the coasters aren't the only thing that's getting old.

drachen said:

Ah Screamscape... Post EVERY rumor, and you're bound to be right some of the time...

Fair enough. The Power Surge from Arkansas to Oklahoma is definitely true though. Magic Springs & Crystal Falls seem like one of these 'waterpark takeover' parks, so I won't be a bit surprised to see that launch tower go; We'll see.

Morey's Piers has announced a few smaller additions for 2016. And Darien Lake announced a new water slide.

Cedar Fair has purchased a lot of used rides from overseas. But it looks as if they are intended for 2017, not this year.

Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort Undergoing Transformation

Monticello, IN – February 26, 2016
Indiana Beach, Indiana’s Favorite Boardwalk Resort, is making renovations at an aggressive pace in preparation for the start of the 90th anniversary season.

A long list of upgrades and renovations have been ongoing since new resort owner, Apex Parks Group, purchased the resort in September 2015. From a new main gate to the campground ferryboat landing, improvements are unfolding throughout the resort. “We cannot wait for the Indiana Beach fans and Monticello locals to come out and see their favorite park looking like it did back in the glory days,” said park General Manager John Collins. “There will be a few other surprises along the way, too.”

The Giant Wheel, an iconic Indiana Beach ride, was dismantled in November and sent to the ride’s manufacturer, Chance Rides of Wichita, Kansas. The massive refurbishment is in the final stages of completion and the ride is expected to be reinstalled at the park by spring.

The Shafer Queen paddle wheel boat, is receiving a makeover from bow to stern. Resort guests will see fresh paint, improved seating, and new lighting as the Shafer Queen continues to proudly cruise the waters of Lake Shafer for many years to come.

An Indiana Beach favorite, the Tig’rr Rollercoaster is undergoing track and passenger car renovations for the 2016 season. The Tig’rr will be painted in a colorful theme to match the name of this classic roller coaster.

All entrance, ride, and concession signage will be upgraded to reflect a brighter and cleaner look for guests. The park is receiving fresh paint, upgraded lighting, updated boardwalk, plus many other improvements. The VIP parking lot will be enhanced and there will be renovations to the lodging area. Additionally, many concession stands will have new and improved menus to allow for easier, guest-friendly ordering.

Many food favorites such as Beach Tacos, Pronto Pups, and Elephant Ears will once again be available for guests to enjoy. Additionally, Pepsi-Cola is now the official soft drink provider at all Indiana Beach concession stands.

Ideal Beach RV Resort will debut in 2016 as “IB Crow Campground, a Family RV Resort” and will be the second home of the iconic mascot, IB Crow. The campground will not only have a new name, but will also undergo facility improvements and upgrades.

Apex CEO Al Weber adds, “We are so excited to be a part of updating and upgrading this iconic Indiana resort. With respect for the past and an eye on the future, these important changes at Indiana Beach should not only improve the guest experience but give guests reason to come back time and again. The Park team is so excited to have everyone come out and see the New Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort.”

2016 Season passes are on sale for 2 for $90.00 in honor of the park’s 90th anniversary (best price anywhere and anytime) and there are special discounts on lodging accommodations; a value for early booking. Go to the park website for more information.

About Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort

Indiana Beach is located in Monticello, Indiana on Lake Shafer. The resort was founded in 1926 and purchased by Apex Parks Group in September 2015. The resort features a Boardwalk Funway, six roller coasters, 41 rides, the Shafer Queen Paddlewheel boat, two campgrounds, rental accommodations, and an on-property hotel. Ideal Beach, the water park, includes the original swimming pool with sand beach, water slides, an action river, and kid’s spray area. For more information, please visit www.indianabeach.com.

About Apex Parks Group

Apex is a privately held company based in Aliso Viejo, California with 13 Family Entertainment Centers, 2 Water Parks, and 1 Amusement Park Resort in California, Texas, Florida, New Jersey, and Indiana. Apex Parks Group is currently one of the largest owners of Family Entertainment Centers in the United States. Apex Parks was founded in 2014 to acquire and operate best-in-class out-of-home entertainment assets and is committed to excellence, to the communities they serve, and to delivering value that exceeds expectation. For more information, please visit www.apexparksgroup.com

Indiana Beach - News Room

Indiana Beach announced a Larson Ring of Fire.

Cliff's has installed and tested a small SBF Visa spinning coaster.

And Lake Winnie has installed Twister, a Moser Rides Maverick 21. But their Facebook page has a video of it already in operation.

Moser Rides Maverick 21:
http://www.moserrides.com/thrillrides/maverick-asym/maverick-asym.htm

Lake Winnie TWISTER

* This post was modified at 4/14/16 12:30:11 PM *

Mt. Olympus in Wisconsin Dells adding massive pool

One of the largest destinations in Wisconsin Dells is adding a massive swimming pool.

Nick and Eva Laskaris, owners of Mt. Olympus Water Park & Theme Park Resort, announced Monday that they are building a $4 million, 27,000 square-foot swimming pool that can hold up to 2,000 swimmers.

Dubbed the Great Pool of Delphi, it will be located along Wisconsin Dells Parkway between the resort's Trojan Horse and wave pool and is scheduled to open in June.

"With this addition we wanted to create a more relaxed take on summer vacation,” Nick Laskaris said.

“This new attraction gives families a chance to slow down and enjoy their time together with a layout that allows parents to see their children playing nearby on the splash pad,” Eva Laskaris added.

The pool will include four islands with tanning decks, a 100-foot geyser, children’s splash pad, 50-foot waterfall, two zero-depth beach-style entrances and cabanas rimming the perimeter.

The Delphi name was inspired by the archeological site in Greece considered to be the center of the world. According to Greek mythology, Zeus released two eagles, one to the east and one to the west, and Delphi was the point where they met after encircling the world.

In addition, the Laskarises announced that residents of the village of Lake Delton and city of Wisconsin Dells will have free admission to the resort's waterpark this summer.

The project is the latest from the Laskarises who have built one of the largest and most visible resorts in the Wisconsin Dells. In 2007, the $7 million Poseidon's Rage Wave Pool opened. At 480 feet long and 440 feet wide, the wave pool can hold up to 4,000 people with waves up to nine feet tall.

In 2010, the resort began purchasing several hotels and motels near the resort to increase its stock of rooms for guests. The more than $20 million effort included remodeling the properties with the resort now owing more than 1,000 rooms. An indoor theme park was added in 2006 and a sand beach in 2010.

The genesis of Mt. Olympus was a restaurant built on Highway A by Laskaris' father, Demetrios "Jim" Laskaris, who later added a small motel and, in 1975, a go-kart track. The business later moved to the strip, adding more go-kart tracks and, in 1995, their first roller coaster, the 90-foot-high Cyclops.

In 2005, the $80 million merger of Laskaris' Big Chief's Mt. Olympus Theme Park, Treasure Island Waterpark Resort and Family Land Waterpark created Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park. Nick and Eva Laskaris later bought out the partners.

Mt. Olympus Adds Pool

Lake City Amusement Park

WBAY - Dollywood Coaster to Open In May

drachen said:

Sounds like Dollywood is committing to "May" as the opening for Lightning Rod. Hoping it works out for them!

OMFG! This is the first I've heard about this one (admittedly I've been out of the loop) but I was gasping for air just watching that video.

18th birthdays

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pxbZWPNRsY

* This post was modified at 6/6/16 9:55:47 AM *

Overbanked said:

Here's the Lightning Rod POV

Holy Quap!

That video makes Voyage look like the teddy bear!

Overbanked said:

Here's the Lightning Rod POV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pxbZWPNRsY

I'm hoping for an official Dollywood, mounted POV soon. I'm not a fan of the unsanctioned, shaky POV's, even though it's going to be hard for parks avoid it with the new glasses cameras.

At any rate, Lightning Rod looks like it could be the a contender for best roller coaster in the world. That quintuple-down at the end looks amazing.

frontrow said:

Any word when Gale Force is scheduled to open?

The park said some time soon, and in June. I'll be in Wildwood all next week, so I'm hoping to swing up and ride it too.

drachen said:

frontrow said:

Any word when Gale Force is scheduled to open?

The park said some time soon, and in June. I'll be in Wildwood all next week, so I'm hoping to swing up and ride it too.

Thanks. Have tentative plans to visit The Jersey Shore for the very first time the last week of June, weather permitting. I want to wait until Gale Force is open, and hopefully it will be by then.

The three remaining coasters? Hulk's conversion in Orlando, and the two coasters at Playland's Castaway Cove in Ocean City, NJ. Hulk is supposed to open "late summer". The two Playland coasters should open soon.