Author Archive: didonatope

Theme Park Crazy > Articles by: didonatope

Sesame Place Teases Massive 2018 Attraction.

Author: September 12, 2017

 Sesame Place; the Pennsylvania theme park not too far from Six Flags Great Adventure known for being themed after Jim Henson’s classic children’s series. Owned by SeaWorld, this park isn’t known for its thrill rides, but it no doubt has a special place in peoples hearts. As of right now, the only roller coaster to ever open at the park is Vapor Trail, a Vekoma Junior coaster that was added in 1998. It’s been almost two decades since this park got a new coaster, but for young coaster enthusiasts in the making, 2018 may see yet another major attraction coming to Sesame Place.

The park recently teased a new attraction on social media, referring to it as the “biggest, grouchiest” ride. The teaser featured the famous Oscar the Grouch, indicating that the ride will be themed to him. A small family park like Sesame Place getting a new coaster may seem hard to believe, but when a park teases a ride as being their biggest investment yet, it usually indicates a new coaster.

As for what kind of coaster this could be, speculation is already running wild. Considering that Busch Gardens Williamsburg just got a family GCI named Invadr, some are suggesting that a new wooden coaster could be coming to Sesame Place. Kid-friendly wooden coasters are nothing new; we’ve seen rides like Woodstock Express and Idlewild’s Rollo Coaster. Personally, I’m predicting something like Roar-O-Saurus at New Hampshire’s Storyland; a small coaster that kids will get a kick out of and enthusiasts will happily seek to ride. For now though, the only way to find out what the park will receive is to wait until their announcement on September 20th.

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California’s Great America Files Permit for 240 Foot Attraction

Author: September 5, 2017

A while ago, California’s Great America revealed their 20-Year Plan, which gave suggestions as to what kind of additions would come to the park between 2016 and 2036. This long-term plan involves installing a new Hypercoaster, a tall swing ride (Starflyer/Windseeker), several water park additions, and much more. While their 2018 addition Railblazer is not mentioned in the plan, a recently filed permit hints that it may indeed be underway. According to official documents from the Federal Aviation Administration, the park has filed as permit to construct a 240 foot attraction for the 2019 season.

Now you’re probably thinking: are they actually going to get that hypercoaster the year after they added Railblazer? Well, according to the specifics of this document, that is highly unlikely. The ride will be installed in the area of the park where Peanuts Pirates currently is. This is a Huss Breakdance that takes up a pretty small footprint, and with all the attractions surrounding it, it’s very unlikely that there will be enough space for something as massive as a hypercoaster.

The more likely option in this case is a tall swing ride, which will also fit into their master plan. Now, while the original depicted a Windseeker, the company hasn’t built a new one of these since 2012, though the one from Knotts Berry Farm was relocated to Worlds of Fun for the 2014 season. Since then, the company has seemed to move away from Windseekers, opening a Funtime Starflyer at Valleyfair earlier this year. The move is likely due to the many technical issues that Windseekers are susceptible to.

So with all of that being said, it seems like a Starflyer is much more likely for 2019. While a hypercoaster would admittedly be a more exciting addition for enthusiasts, a swing ride would honestly be an amazing fit for the park. Just think of the views you can get!

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First Look at NEW Slinky Dog Dash Coaster Trains!

Author: August 29, 2017

One of the most anticipated family coasters of next year is without a doubt Slinky Dog Dash at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida. This Mack launched coaster will be part of an all-new section of the park themed to Toy Story. We’ve previously seen the track, but check out these incredible ride vehicles!

This image comes courtesy of Reddit user golf4miami, and it shows everyones favorite spring-loaded canine in all his coaster glory.

As you can see, the ride vehicles feature his trademark spring between the cars, which is thin enough to not obscure the views of its passengers.

Its cartoonish appearance makes it resemble a kiddie coaster more than a thrill ride, but this coaster is said to be much more exciting than a typical kiddie ride. Think less Barnstormer (Magic Kingdom) and more Firechaser Express (Dollywood).

Im oersonally a sucker for a good family coaster with incredible theming, and this ride looks to deliver the goods in 2018.

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Weekly Poll: 8/26/17

Author: August 27, 2017

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Uncategorized, Weekly Polls

Eclipse Photo of Valravn Dominates the Web

Author: August 22, 2017

 

Yesterday, the solar eclipse made its way to America. If you ask me, there couldnt be a better time to be at a theme park

One intetn at Cedar Point named Jordan was lucky enough to take this photo during the much-anticipated eclipse. Reportedly using a solar filter to prevent damage to the camera, this image was taken of Valravn, the park’s dive coaster. 

After being shared on Cedar Point’s social media account, this photo went viral. As of right now, it is the most upvoted post ever made on the r/rollercoasters subreddit. 

Needless to say, this lucky intern is probably going to get some hefty royalties off of this photo, since it is being used to market the park. Kudos to you Jordan!

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Kings Dominion Announces Twisted Timbers; an RMC Makeover of Hurler!

Author: August 16, 2017


Kings Dominion fans, the wait is over. The RMC re-do of Hurler has finally been announced. It will be named Twisted Timbers, and it’s scheduled to open in 2018. The story of the ride goes as followed. Located next to the park’s Candy Apple Grove, this coaster takes place in the once-thriving Hanover Hill Orchard, named after the park’s location in Hanover County. One beautiful day, half of the orchard was mysteriously destroyed by an unknown force that shook the ground, turned over tractors and shattered glass. Now this land of local legend is open to the public for one wild ride.

It will be 111 feet tall, it will be 54 miles per hour, it will have 20 airtime moments, and it will have three inversions. It will also feature a massive barrel roll drop similar to Kentucky Kingdom’s storm chaser.

Much like last year’s Mystic Timbers at Kings Island, the trains on this coaster will be modeled after vintage cars, which will add a classy touch to this coaster

But that’s not all the park announced. Kings Dominion will also be receiving Winterfest, a Christmas event that will turn the park into an all-out winter wonderland of lights, ornaments, cookies Christmas carolers, an ice skating rink and old Saint Nick himself.

Overall, 2018 is going to be an incredible year for Kings Dominion, but there’s even more amazing announcements to come today, so stay tuned.

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Weekly Poll: 8/12/17

Author: August 12, 2017

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Weekly Polls

Hersheypark to Add New Water Coaster and Mat Racer!

Author: August 9, 2017

 

Hersheypark recently announced that they would be adding not one, but two amazing water park additions in 2018. Both of these additions will be manufactured by Proslides.

First we have Breakers Edge, which is a hydro-magnetic water coaster. This attraction will have several propelled saucer turns.

Next we have Whitecap Racer. This is set to become the longest mat racer in the world when it opens.

Surprisingly, they won’t be taking down their flume ride to put these attractions in. Instead, these attractions will be built right next to their wave pool and over the lazy river. It looks like Tidal Force is staying right where it is. 

What’s interesting about this announcement is that Hersheypark referred to it as their fourteenth coaster. Though they never said it was a “roller coaster”, just a “coaster” and it is a water coaster, so why not? Either way, these look like absolutely amazing additions.

Hersheypark fans, get ready for a big splash in 2018.

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Weekly Poll 8/3/17

Author: August 3, 2017

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Weekly Polls

Japan Rumored to get their first RMC Hybrid Coaster.

Author: August 2, 2017


Is Japan about to get an RMC hybrid coaster? Let’s take a look at the newest rumor to hit the web.

For six years, the acclaimed Rocky Mountain Construction company has been taking aging wooden coasters and remaking them into A-list thrill rides with their trademark I-Box track. So far though, the company has only done this to wooden coasters in North America. They’ve built a ground up wooden coaster in Sweden, but they have yet to give the so-called Iron Horse treatment to any intercontinental wooden coasters. However, according to a new rumor from Screamscape, that’s all about to change.

According to Screamscape’s sources, the White Cyclone wooden roller coaster at Nagashima Spaland is rumored to be getting the treatment next year. This ride is an Intamin wooden coaster that first opened in 1994. It is currently the seventh-tallest wooden roller coaster in the world and the longest wooden coaster outside of the United States. Unfortunately, several enthusiasts, including coaster veteran Sean Flaharty have criticized this ride for its extreme roughness. In this case, an RMC treatment would certainly make this a smoother and much more enjoyable ride experience, but how accurate is this rumor.

While Screamscape is often hit or miss with their rumors, there are a couple of reasons why this one is more plausible. First of all, Nagashima is already home to an S&S Freespin named Arashi, which RMC of course did the track for. Second of all, it has been wildly reported that RMC has seven projects coming out next year, including one in Japan. Could the company be heading overseas once again to give White Cyclone the i-box treatment? Right now, all signs point to yes. Of course, this would be another massive project for a company with already a lot going on, but considering they just opened up a massive new factory to keep up with demands last year, it’s clear that they’ll deliver the goods once again.

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Theme Park News, Uncategorized