Busch Gardens Williamsburg- Possible Premier Rides Coaster for 2015?

Image from BGW Fans

 Busch Gardens Williamsburg- Possible 'Primer Rides' Coaster coming for 2015?

Well, it's no real secret that fans of Busch Gardens Williamsburg have been in an uproar for months over the possible 2015 'Festa Italia' expansion.  For months the speculation has run wild over a project which we know will be roughly at a height of 156 feet.

Image from BGW Fans

Now, while it can't be confirmed, the great folks at BGW Fans have been posting up blue-prints of what looks like a stock (off the shelf) Premier Rides coaster. This also has fans in a complete tizzy, with many feeling that the park is going cheap with using a stock design and not something custom built.

While the 'Festa' area has never had a well set theme, being that more of a carnival feeling, this addition could cement the area of the park. The project name (or the working name) seems to be that of "Diavolo' who was a big name bicycle stunt rider in the 1880s.

So, while we're speculating, could this coaster have the 'moto-seats'? Meaning, your coaster train would be designed off the old 'steeple chase' idea. 

Honestly, these seats are hard to explain, so I've liberated a picture from Coasters and More. This photo is from "Booster Bike" which is in Towerland, The Netherlands.  Very similar to 'Pony Express' at Knott's Berry Farm and Steeple Chase at Coney Island.

However, Premier Rides has never used this system of seat before...but it's also not entirely unknown to have another company design the coaster trains while someone else does the track, it's just very rare in steel coasters.

Now, with that said, I can't say if this restraint system will work with a coaster that has inversions involved since nothing using them has any. Most coasters which have inversions have the normal 'over-the-shoulder' style restraint system, leaving us with a stock Premier Rides coaster with little to no themeing involved but that doesn't fit with the way Busch Gardens normally does business.

Which, in the end, leads us right back to the fact that we simply don't have enough information on this ride yet. So, until such a point, I shall resume my 'fence sitting' position and hoping against hope that Busch Gardens isn't falling into any bad habits.

Seaworld Orlando- 'Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island' to Close

Seaworld Orlando- 'Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island' to Close.

  Well, after many years of making folks laugh, "Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island' will close on August 10th.

 The well loved Sealion show is the longest running show in Seaworld Orlando history but fans shouldn't worry to much. Every show which closes means that something new is coming! While Seaworld hasn't yet released details about what will be taking it's place, the park has stated that fans should stay turned to find out what the next adventure will be.

 In the past, the  Sealion shows have rotated between parks although this hasn't been the case in recent years. While that may still be possible, we will likely be seeing a completely new show coming to the Sealion and Otter Stadium in 2015.

Carowinds New Coaster Update: July 25

Hello Peoples!!!

I've got another update on the new goings-on at Carowinds.  I've got photos and a neat video for yinz to enjoy.  So, just to get it out of the way, photos came from Screamscape and the video from YouTube.

It's looking like Centurion is 90% sure to be the new coaster's name.  So for those who don't know a centurion was a professional officer of the Roman army after the Marian reforms of 107 B.C. Most centurions commanded 80 men but senior centurions commanded cohorts, or took senior staff roles in their legion. Centurions were also found in the Roman navy.

So history lesson over and onto the photos:

Holiday World Announces Thunderbird Coming in 2015!

It's been 66 Days of traveling with the crew and passengers of The Mayflower. Their journey has been a long and arduous one, filled with many curiosities along the way.

Now that journey is over and we finally have our answer to what Holiday World will be adding to their already impressive collection of world class coasters and rides.

Let us be amongst the first to introduce you to, Thunderbird ,the world's first B&M launched wing coaster! 0-60 in 3.5 seconds and have a total of 4 inversions as it hugs the ground and soars through the forest. This is the first launched coaster from B&M, ever and will be open in Spring of 2015.

Here's the official announcement video from the park:


Thunderbird marks the largest investment in the park's 68 year history at $22 million dollars and definitely is going to be a worthy addition to the park. Now for the animated POV to see just what it'll be like to ride Thunderbird!



The coaster will feature a launch, using LSM technology, an Immelmann loop, 125' Loop, Horseshoe, Elevated Spiral, Zero-G roll, S curve, 2 “headchopper” keyholes, a Carousel, a 360 in-line twist (barrel roll) and 2 Crossovers with The Voyage as it screams over 3,000+ft of track. In a nice touch, the pulley building will be named "Will Power" after Will Koch, who passed away a couple of years back. This was his dream to build and now it's a reality.

For those curious, here's what the layout of this ground breaking ride will look like after the break.

A Few More Hints Before Holiday World's Big Announcement

Okay, so yesterday I said it was the final hint, but apparently a few more interesting tidbits have come out from the HoliBlog, Holiday World's official park blog.

This time there's a bunch of messages from park staff that seem to be hinting whatever they're planning out there and even a little translation fun!

UPDATE: Thunderbird, Launched Flying Coaster Announced, click here for the details!

First up, quotes from the park's upper management that may have a few clues going on and a few odd little tidbits about shows and the like, but probably just to throw things off and be funny. Anyway, here's the full list of quotes:

"Bellyaching and moaning won’t get you any closer to announcement time"
“Still wanting that birds of prey show.”
“My clue was in the title. Try misspelling Bastille.”
“One mammoth of an announcement.”
“I’ll get you a clue as soon as I finish up these 22 million other tasks on my list.”
“I always wanted a younger brother.”
“They usually keep me in the loop for this sort of thing … guess I need to catch up on reading my emails.”
“I’m too busy mocking the birds of prey show to think of a clue.”

The key words to focus on here are definitely; Bellyaching, Birds of Prey, Bastille, Mammoth, Younger Brother and Loop.

Now, as far as the translation goes? Here's what Google Translate spit out:

"I believe that this key should be in German. (I'm sorry. I have not spoken German for a year.) Our designers designed our project in a German speaking country. Unfortunately, there are many good designers in German-speaking countries. One should remember that it is great. Very large. It is also unique. That's all! Have fun with Google Translate! "

The thing that jumps out immediately is the "German speaking country" bit and while most think that's only Germany, there's actually 6 countries that German is the official language for. So, what ride manufactures does this cover? A lot actually. The list includes Mack Rides, Bolliger & Mabillard, Gerstlauer, Maurer Söhne, and Intamin or even Vekoma as well. All of these could be suspect and leaving any off the table right now is hard to do. They all are big names but the biggest of them all are B&M and Intamin.

Either way, just a little under 7 hours until we finally get answers to all the nagging questions!


Follow us on Twitter, Google+, Tumblr and Facebook for all the news as it happens from Santa Claus, Indiana later tonight!

h/t to BehindtheThrills.com!

Six Flags Fiesta Texas Teases 2015 Project with Huge Balloon!

Not to be left out of the insane 2015 building spree that's going on, Six Flags Fiesta Texas has hinted at their next project as well.

Last night they posted a picture on Twitter showing off a huge balloon floating high above the park with 2015 written on the side of it. The interesting thing about it is that they mentioned the height of the balloon, 92.5'. Seems too short for a coaster, though some are only that height, but could be something entirely different as well.

Here's the Tweet that was sent out;

Wow... You can see #SFFT2015 from everywhere! If I were to guess, I think the balloon is flying at a height of 92.5'. pic.twitter.com/8X0UWM5EtX
— Fiesta Texas (@SF_FiestaTexas) July 24, 2014

Seems like a peculiarly accurate statement to make, so anything other than height I'd be suspect on. Some are thinking maybe drop angle if it were a coaster, but there's really no telling what this could be right now. We'll just have to wait and see what other clues come out of the park in the coming weeks and months and hope that we get an answer sooner rather than later!

Cedar Point to get New Dark Ride in 2015?

Okay, so it was rumored last year that Cedar Point may be getting a dark ride in 2014. Turns out that rumor was false, the dark ride ended up at Canada's Wonderland as Wonder Mountain's Guardian. It's not the first time that's happened either, in the past Knott's Berry Farm was to get a giga coaster and that ended up in Canada as Leviathan.

So, here we are once again with a rumor stating that Cedar Point may finally get their dark ride, assuming of course this one doesn't get shipped off either. However, there is a case for things this time around. As reported by Screamscape, this mainly comes in the way of something from Twitter and the name of a camp site. Doesn't get any weirder than that, but here we are.

First up, the tweet from Cedar Point's Tony Clark:

Currently working diligently on 2015. Did I spel that rite? More importantly, did I say it right...
— Tony Clark (@TonyClarkCP) July 15, 2014

The interesting bit there is the "Did I spel that right?" and "Did I say it right.." bits. Time for a little word geekery to get to the bottom of this one!

First off, "spel" is an Old English spelling for the word "spell", as in magical spells. Next up is the word "rite", which by definition is typically a ritual of some kind. So out of context it seems like nothing, but a little deeper look and we get a ritual spell out of it. Now, that last bit? Any fan of the Evil Dead movies should get the reference there to Army of Darkness, saying these things is important, just ask Ash how that turns out if you get it wrong. Remember, don't speak the Latin!

The other clue is that the temporary camp name during the Coaster Campout Event that was held over the weekend of 19th and 20th. The name was Camp Rou. On it's own, it seems rather innocuous. However, knowing that Cedar Fair has filed a trademark for Rougarou, the French word for Werewolf earlier this year makes it a little more interesting than normal. Interestingly enough, it also is an abbreviation for Romania (nice tie in there) and I doubt they meant it to mean Roué which is a man devoted to a life of sensual pleasure. It could be, but that'd be weird.

Silver Dollar City to Announce 2015 Expansion August 13th - Fireman's Landing?

The folks at Silver Dollar City have been busy putting up banners around the Geyser Gulch section of the park that give the date for their 2015 project announcement. The new area is suspected to be called "Fireman's Landing", based on a trademark filed by  Herschend earlier this year.

You guessed it, Fireman themed and by the looks of it, turn of the century fireman at that. If this sounds familiar, it should. Dollywood opened Firechaser Express just this year as well.

That said, we won't have to wait long until the "5 Alarm Announcement" as it will be coming to use on August 13th. So, just a few weeks away. What exactly will be going into the area is not entirely known, and construction updates from MidwestInfoGuide.com haven't shown any hints of what might be to come either.

Either way, here's the banners that have been spotted, courtesy of MidwestInfoGuide.com!

Kings Dominion to Change Water Works Name in 2015?

Well, it looks like one very keen eyed person has caught wind of a change coming to the Water Works waterpark at Kings Dominion in 2014. Seriously, as Screamscape said on Twitter, once you see this, you can't unsee it!

The change that's coming though isn't a new ride or anything like that, but merely a name change from what can been seen.

Just what are we on about? It appears that Water Works will be changing names to Soak City and there's really no two ways about it once you see it. So, here's a look at the original logo as compared to the one that's currently on one of the main splash images of the Kings Dominion website:

It's fairly clear that the "SO" of Soak City is peaking out from the corner of the logo that's currently on display. Additionally, the breaking wave that is part of the Soak City logo at other Cedar Fair parks is also visible rising above the current Water Works one too.

If you need further convincing, here's a look at what the Kings Island Soak City logo looks like and you can get an idea of what exactly is going on here. Definitely a subtle, yet not very much so hint.

It's pretty obvious that a name change is coming. Whether or not this coincides with anything new for the water park is currently unknown. It would be a nice touch rather than just a straight out renaming, but I'm not holding my breath on that one.

Six Flags Over Texas Begins Teasing 2015 Project

Just last night Six Flags Over Texas began hinting at a new project for 2015, joining the ranks of several other parks that are also building something new.

Now, there's really nothing else other than the image that they released on Twitter. Could a new coaster be in the works? It will have been 4 years since their newest and that was just an overhaul of Texas Giant by RMC in 2011. Their last actual new coaster was Tony Hawk's Big Spin in 2008, now known as Pandemonium.

So, just what are they planning down in Texas? Anything goes so feel free let your imagination run wild and I'm sure that we'll be getting news of what's to come soon enough. For now? Here's all we have to go by...

One Last Clue Before Holiday World's Big 2015 Project is Unveiled!

We're just 24 hours out from the official announcement out of Holiday World of what their 2015 project will be. The clue for Day 65 is definitely one that has us scratching our heads a little.

While we know that the ride is most likely a new roller coaster and will contain inversions of some kind, what the type is and who's building it exactly is a complete mystery.

UPDATE: Thunderbird, Launched Flying Coaster Announced, click here for the details! 

However, with latest clue we may be onto just what they've planned. But, before we get to that, here's a run down of the clues that we've been given so far.

• ‘Upside Down’
• ‘One.Big.Thing’
• ‘When you find out, you’re gonna flip’
• ’truly unique’
• ‘The first of its kind’.

I think at this point it's safe to say it's probably going to be a steel coaster as the park doesn't have one yet and it's been something Leah Koch has been dreaming of for the park for quite a while now. We also know that the original plans for this were drawn up not long ago by Will Koch, but the technology wasn't exactly up to snuff. What exactly that means is anyone's guess and really unclear of what it could've been. So, now onto the latest clue!

As you can see we're talking about something with wings, soaring and a flying monster. While it's not a dead giveaway by any stretch, it does seem like they could be talking about a B&M Wing Coaster (Gatekeeper, Wild Eagle) or a Flying Coaster (Superman: Ultimate Escape, Manta, Air).

Personally, I don't see it being a wing coaster. For starters, they cost a bit more than the $22million figure that we've been given and I just don't like the things. If it's going to be a B&M, I'd much prefer it to be a ground breaking flying coaster of some kinda. Maybe a Terrain Flyer, that'd be pretty awesome.

So, what could they do that was new and different? Well some sources say that whatever it is could include a launch, or maybe even multiple launches. There has been a long running rumor that someone out there would finally commission B&M for their first launch coaster, maybe this is right time and place? There is all that track that's been spotted at the Clermont Steel Fabricators lot, not all of it has a home, so possible for sure. Either way, it's hard to say and I wish I could be more definitive with all of this, but only 24 hours to go right?

Still, there's the possibility that we could be getting ready for something else entirely and this all only speculation and way off the mark. Fun to do, but can't wait to see what the actual announcement will hold. Keep it here as we follow all the news out of Holiday World!

Six Flags Magic Mountain- Colossus Goodbye Party

Six Flags Magic Mountain- Colossus Goodbye Party

 Six Flags Magic Mountain and local radio station ALT 98.7 are hosting a 'Goodbye Party' for their famous and now doomed wooden roller coaster, Colossus.

 The wooden coaster made famous by being featured in several movies, most notably as the "Screaming Mimi" in 'National Lampoons Vacation'. The ride was built in 1978 and like many great wooden coasters from Six Flags Parks, has suffered a lack of maintenance in order to be made over by Rocky Mountain Coasters into something easier to maintain (we hope).

  Tickets are $36 per person and the event happens this Saturday, July 26th. The event will feature exclusive night rides from 11pm until 3am. No other details are available if anything else will be open during this time.

 You can purchase tickets though the Six Flags Magic Mountain Website (Click for link).

New Details Emerge About Holiday World's 2015 Project

With the end of Holiday World's "66 Days at Sea" campaign, teasing their newest attraction, coming to an end, a little bit more info has come out regarding their 2015 project.

There's been a ton of speculation around this one over the past couple of months. Everything from a B&M Wing Coaster or Dive Machine to steel/wood hybrid coasters that contain loops, over banked turns and other elements not possible with just wood. It's really anyone's guess but with a $22million dollar price tag on the expansion, it could be just about anything.

However, with that number floating around out there, it's unlikely to be a wing coaster or giga coaster from B&M since they tend to run a wee bit north of that. It does, however, leave the door open for pretty much anything else from any manufacturer though. However, I'm doubtful on the steel/wood hybrid coaster idea here as well, even if something from Gravity Group or Rocky Mountain Coasters would be cool. Why? Simply because they already have one with Voyage and while it doesn't do any of the nifty tricks the newer ones do, it's something I don't see them revisiting with this new project. Additionally, neither would be very "family friendly" at all and cost way under the amount we've been given.

The only clues we have are the vague ones from the 66 Days campaign and possibly a recent blog post from Leah Koch, daughter of Holiday World's Founder, Will Koch. In it she reminisced about a ride that never came to be and her father saying that they'd never build a steel coaster due to it not being "family friendly". In the end though, she said that the new project would see her father's dream become reality but that he'd moved on from the technology in his first idea presented. So, take that however you want to as it could mean just about anything yet again.

Other clues from the past couple of months have included; ‘Upside Down’, ‘One.Big.Thing’, ‘When you find out, you’re gonna flip’, ’truly unique’ and ‘The first of its kind’. Certainly sounds like it's going to be something that's gonna upside down at least, so there is that.

Again, we only now know the price tag of $22million and that it's a "first of it's kind" ride. Holiday World will be making their official announcement on Thursday night, at least we're getting closer to an answer!

Follow us on Twitter, Google+, Tumblr and Facebook for all the news as it happens from Santa Claus, Indiana this week!

Six Flags Magic Mountain Reopens Ninja

Officials from Six Flags Magic Mountain have announced that the suspended swinging coaster, Ninja, has reopened following an accident that took place about two weeks ago.

According to Six Flags spokeswoman, Sue Carpenter, on Friday; "After a thorough inspection by Cal/OSHA, Ninja has been cleared to reopen for operation."

The official investigation of the accident by California's Division of Occupational Safety and Health, has also revealed the actual events that took place as well.

“A tree had fallen against the ride track and a train had struck the tree, severing its right front wheel and causing the front axle to derail. The train continued approximately 30 feet further, stopped, and then rolled backward 20 feet before coming to a final rest with the front coach hanging on an angle,” said Peter Melton, a spokesman for California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health.

As a result, a total of 6 riders were injured in the accident. Four of them were treated at the park for minor injuries while two others were taken to hospital for further evaluation. None of the injuries were considered severe or life threatening.

Ninja received it's final inspection on Saturday, July 19th and opened later that day for guests, sans the train that was damaged. This is likely to mean the coaster will remain on one train operation for quite some time until it can be repaired.

Of course, considering the rarity of these types of coasters, it may never be and continue with one train for the rest of its life within the park.