Falcon's Fury at Busch Gardens Tampa Surprises Guests with a Soft Open Today!

Image courtesy of BGTfans.com

It looks like the wait is finally coming to end for Busch Gardens Tampa fans. There's been a series of delays for their newest drop tower, but it looks like all the kinks have finally been worked out. It might be National Roller Coaster Day, but that's not stopping the park from doing a soft open for it's latest mad creation, Falcon's Fury.

First GP riders! Image via @mist3rm4tt on Twitter

Guests at the park today have spotted Falcon's Fury taking it's first general public riders on it's death defying plunge. Earlier this week there were reports of increased employee testing going on and it looks like the official full opening won't be too much more of a wait.

So, for all you drop tower adrenaline junkies out there, keep an eye out as it seems you could get lucky and score a ride before the ride officially opens what's likely to be the within the next week or so. Of course, with any soft open, the ride will open and close at random, so you'll have to be quick!

Curious as to what those lucky riders are experiencing? Here's the official POV!

Canada's Wonderland to add Typhoon and Splash Station to Splash Works in 2015

Canada's Wonderland has announced that they will in fact be expanding their water park, Splash Works, in 2015. A new slide, Typhoon, and an interactive and wet children's play area, Splash Station, will join the other attractions in the 20 acre water park.

Typhoon will feature a pair of mini "Tornado funnels" and hairpin turns as riders slide through it's twisted layout. As of this time, not much is known as to what Splash Station will fully include, but I'm going to bet it'll be similar to other structures at Cedar Fair water parks.

So, just where will these new additions be going? Well, it looks likely that both will be located in the former area that held Wipeout, which closed in 2004. It's highly doubtful that either will go in the space that's being vacated with the removal of SkyRider.

Not only would that be outside of the current water park area, and require lots of other things to happen, but the promotional image clearly gives hints as to where Typhoon will be going in. Definitely looks like the right angle to be the old Wipeout location.

Just what will go in the former SkyRider location is a mystery right now, but all signs point a new coaster of some kind of in 2016. We've got some time on that one, so we'll just have to wait and see what hints or clues the park gives us over the next year.

Curious to see what Typhoon will look like? Look no further, here's a promo image from the park!

SeaWorld San Antonio Getting More Improvements as Part of Blue World Project

While SeaWorld was announcing their Blue World project earlier today, they also included some other major upgrades coming to SeaWorld San Antonio specifically. (Check out our full coverage of the announcement here.)

This is definitely some interesting news and it seems that the updates will be bringing the Texas park up to the level of SeaWorld Orlando and SeaWorld San Diego. That said, it definitely feels like more influence is coming from Florida on this one.

So, what can guests expect to see in the future in San Antonio? Not only will the park be getting the massive upgrade to their Orca enclosures and habitats but there's quite a few other changes and modifications coming to the park as well.

An all new Sea lion and Otter show along with a new sea lion habitat is coming as well as a new coastal dolphin habitat and even an all new restaurant will be included in the park's expansion and upgrade plans.

The only information we have so far is the concept art, to the left, that shows what the new sea lion habitat will look like. There's no word on the new show or dolphin habitat as of yet. Some are saying the show could be a version of Clyde & Seamore Take Pirate Island, however.

As for the dolphin habitat? Both +Carrie H.C. and myself feel that it likely will be similar to the one in Orlando. It would make the most sense and definitely fits the bill of a "coastal habitat", so it's probably a safe bet there. The restaurant is a complete mystery for us, we're not sure if it could be an overhaul to something existing or an entirely new dining experience.

So, while the big news is the Orca habitats getting their major overhaul over the course of the next few years, SeaWorld San Antonio is shaking things up in other areas as well. So stay tuned as more information about all of these projects comes out!

Cedar Point- Gatekeeper is Down

 Cedar Point- Gatekeeper is Down with Broken Chain Lift.

 News is reaching out today the Cedar Point's newest roller coaster, Gatekeeper is down.

 While Cedar Point has yet to confirm this, riders are reporting the ride has been down for several days and are siting a broken chain lift on the attractions lift hill to be the cause of issues. Gatekeeper seems to have been having many issues since it's opening day, including numerous breakdowns and computer glitches which have caused the ride to close for hours or an entire day.  This report seems to be the first major downtime the ride has faced a little over a year since it's opening.

 More updates on Gatekeepers Status as they become available!

SeaWorld Announces Massive Blue World Project

SeaWorld announced this morning that they are about to undertake a massive project to upgrade their Orca habitats in all of their US parks. It was rumored that a big announcement was coming, but this is something else all together.

The project, which their calling the "Blue World Project, will feature the complete redesign of the killer whale habitats. Starting with their San Diego park, construction will begin in 2015.

These new habitats will effectively double the size of the current ones in use. The expansion means they will hold nearly 10million gallons of water, go to a depth of 50ft from the current 36ft and even include the long discussed "water treadmill" system to allow for a more natural ocean current. The surface area will be almost 1.5 acres and with a length of over 350ft, that's bigger than a football field here folks. In addition to the expansion, which is said to cost in the hundreds of millions range, SeaWorld is also pouring an additional $10 million into research.

“Through up-close and personal encounters, the new environment will transform how visitors experience killer whales,” said Atchison. “Our guests will be able to walk alongside the whales as if they were at the shore, watch them interact at the depths found in the ocean, or a birds-eye view from above.”

Curios where it's going? Well the image to the left shows off the area that the expansion will take up and it looks like quite a few changes will be coming due to it as well.

From the looks of the concept art, viewing areas and other spaces for guests and trainers to interact with the Orcas will be greatly improved as well. Some areas are said to be 40ft tall and promise to give guests a glimpse into the habitat like never before.

Expansion Plans Revealed as Waldameer's 2015 Wave Pool Project Gets One Step Closer

In article from GoErie.com, the details behind the anticipated 2015 expansion of Waldameer Water World's water park are finally out there.

We knew that they were working on the wave pool for next year, but now we have the location and other information surrounding this massive project as well!

The $10 million expansion will include a new food concession building, a new restroom facility (including family restrooms), more ticket booths, new lockers for the water park and even the purchase of 1,000+ lounge chairs for the wave pool and eating areas.

So, where's this all going and what else is planned? Well, as you can see by the image on the left, there's quite a bit of change that's coming. For starters, the parking lot will be expanded to include a former cottage area and mobile home park to the Southeast. This is necessary due to the placement of the wave pool, restrooms and new restaurant.

Also pictured where 8 of the 16 new ticket booths will be located. Part of the plan is for a brand new entrance to the park to be constructed as well. The other 8 will go at the West parking lot entrance.

Additionally, further expansion will be made possible by the laying of new water lines and there's the hint a kids play structure in the park's future as well. Interestingly enough, they also announced that the park will be open 7 days a week in 2015, instead of it's current Tuesday-Sunday operation schedule.

So, while construction hasn't started yet, the process is sure to be approved by the Millcreek supervisors as the Millcreek Planning Commission has recommended the approval for the expansion.

"It's the first step in the process of getting approval to begin our water park expansion, so we're very excited," said Steve Gorman, the park's president, referring to the planning commission recommendation. "We're excited and pleased that they agree with our plan," he said.

Here's to hoping that things go smoothly in the next phase for Waldameer and that construction goes off without a hitch as well! We recently visited Waldameer as part of our Pennsylvania Small Parks Tour in July, if you're curious of what we thought, check out our review of the park here!

Silver Dollar City- Fireman's Landing Expansion for 2015

 'Fireman's Landing' is coming to Silver Dollar City, the 2015 Major Expansion.



 About an hour ago Silver Dollar City announced their big project for 2015, a major expansion to the park called 'Fireman's Landing'.

  It will encompass over two acres and will be themed towards an 'Old Time Volunteer Fireman Recruitment Fair'. While many of the attractions appear aimed towards kids, the themeing looking amazing and will add six new family rides as well as four interactive play zones. The park is billing this new area as "For Ages 3 to 93" and will be relocating their drop tower to this new area.

 Silver Dollar City expands more on their theme ideas by stating Fireman's Landing is "An ALL NEW area with rides and attractions for the whole family, Ages 3-93! Fireman's Landing harkens back to the days of bucket brigades and volunteer fireman with rides and attractions ready to train and entertain new recruits". 

The new attractions being added are the following-

1. Fire Spotter- Soaring Balloons for Spotting Fire Dangers
2. Fire Wagon Frenzy- A bumpy ride for Bucket Brigade Volunteers
3. FireFall- An 8 Story Fire Tower free-fall drop ride for the more daring recruits! (The parks current drop-tower is being relocated to this new area)

For the "Interactive" Areas, this is being called "Fire Station No. 3 Playplace" where guests can meet the park's newest Dalmatian 'recruit' and 'sign in' for three training activities!

4. Firefighter's Fire Drill- Featuring Buckets, Pumpers, Foam Ball Cannons and Targets for showering mock fires.
5. Firefighter's Fire Escape- An obstacle course of tubes, mazes, climbing structures and slides.
6. Firefighter's Junior Escape- A soft 'play area' for Toddlers

 In addition the next attractions are aimed at the smallest members of the family, completing the family experience of the area.

7. Fireman's Flyer- A low flying swing ride for little firefighters.
8. Up The Ladder- A smaller drop tower for your junior recruits.
9. The Roundaboat- A bouncing ride on Dalmatians racing around a fire hydrant.
10. Firehouse Splash Yard- Squirting Water Jets and Pump Hoses.

 The park goes on to close their big announcement with some history and how their tying in their whole 'Firefighter' theme into the park.

 Overall the new expansion looked to be well themed, well thought out and filling the need every theme parks has to entertain and provide enjoyment to the whole family. Including areas of family, kids and even toddlers who visit the park.  While there isn't an official opening date yet, the park states the area will be ready in 'Spring of 2015'.

 For more information, you can visit the website for Fireman's Landing- Just Click Here! 

Rumor Alert- Universal Studios Orlando May Remove Attractions in 2015

 Rumor Alert- Universal Studios Orlando May Remove Two Attractions in 2015!

  While this is rumor only many are believing the final park of Universl Studios Orlando's 'face-lift' may be coming to pass.

   Rumor has it that "Woody Woodpeckers KidZone' may be removed and completely re-themed.  This area has been a sore spot with many fans of the parks who've hoped in the past that great things would move into the sad kids area. Some believed that DreamWorks would take over the area while others yet wanted more 'Universal' themed characters involved.  Well, the rumor is going about that in the next year or two the area will be closed and bulldozed, making room for new construction. 

 In additional rumor news- Twister. 
 Yes, rumor has it that Twister may finally be removed. According to a source from OTPN "As soon as Early 2015 for closure".  This attraction never went over as a fan favorite when it removed the much lamented 'GhostBusters' show, now it looks like Universal Studios may finally be listening and replacing the attraction with something new! 

 More details when and if they become available!
 

Busch Gardens Tampa- Falcon's Fury Testing with Employees

Busch Gardens Tampa- Falcon's Fury Finally Testing, with Employees!

 Good News for fans of Busch Gardens Tampa and Drop Towers!

 It appears from reports from BGTFans that 'Falcon's Fury' is finally doing some employee testing. While right now the testing appears to only involve senior park members and not the general staff but this could be a good sign that the drop tower may finally have it's issues sorted out.

 The ride still has no official opening date, just an estimation, but the park did tell BGTFans “We are ride testing with specific safety and operations team members, but we do not have any updates on when park employees, or the general public, will be able to ride.”. Which we can hope is good news and may allow the park to open the ride before the current estimated "Late Summer 2014". 

 Stay Tuned for more updates!

(Top Image also from BGTFans)

Freestyle Music Park- Rides Sold and Removal

 Rides Sold and Removed from Defunct 'Freestlye Music Park'.


 While rides have been being removed slowly over the recent months from the defunct 'Freestlye Music Park' (which was the failed 'Hard Rock Park') we're still unsure as to the location of the buyer.

Image from Myrtle Beach Online

 Speculation exists that an unknown amusement park in Vietnam has purchsed most of the flat rides as well as the roller coasters. As of the last week, the roller coaster "The Eagles- Life in the Fast Lane" has been partly removed. Cranes litter the park, track pieces and ride cars are stacked up the parking lot area awaiting shipping.

 Ital International who is handling the sale and removal of the rides also stated the rides are moving to Vietnam. The listing for the rides on Ital's website have also disappeared within recent days. 

 A sad ending for a park that never really got a chance to live.

Hershey Park Announces Laff Trakk - First Indoor Spinning Glow Coaster!

Looks like our earlier hunch of an indoor spinning coaster was correct. After weeks of teasing, Hersheypark finally announced that the world's first indoor spinning glow coaster, Laff Trakk, will be coming to the park in 2015!

Built by German coaster manufacturer, Maurer & Söhne, the ride will honor the long and storied fun house history at Hersheypark. The ride cars will hold four riders in a back to back configuration and will be a true 360 degree experience as they spin their way through the madness.

The coaster itself will reach speeds of up to 45mph on the first drop and is being touted as a great family coaster by Maurer & Söhne. How so? The spinning motion is being described as "gentle" and not to severe like other spinning coasters out there.

Laff Trakk will be the 13th coaster for Hersheypark and is set to open in May of 2015 in the park's Midway America section.

Curious of what it'll look like? Here's the animation POV straight from Hersheypark!


For those curious of what it could actually feel like to ride Laff Trakk, check out Maurer & Söhne's Winjas at Phantasialand below!


Stay tuned for more details as the information comes out and be sure to follow us on Twitter, Google+, Tumblr and Facebook for all the news out of Hersheypark and everyone else that's building in 2015!

Carowinds- New Coaster Goof, Centurion is Happening!

Carowinds Goofs! 'Centurion' Revealed Early!

 Today in a BIG goof, Carowinds Park has inadvertently revealed the new coaster for 2015.

 The name, which has been up in the air with many mismatched clues being thrown in with recent weeks, is obviously going to be "Centurion" with the tag-line "The 8th Wonder of the World. The 'Big Reveal' is suppose to happen in 9 days, on August 21st and if you do the math, it will be held at 9am.

 While we know most of the basic stats of the new hyper coaster due to the blueprints being leaked. The theme and name has been up in the air for a while with Cedar Fair having trademarked several names which could fit.  With the goof reveal, we now know the name and logo for the newest mega coaster coming to Carowinds Park in 2015!

 In addition, the website has "Hac risus enim turpis elit. In sit penatibus" written in Latin, which we suspect is a hidden lorem ipsum (meaning, babble). You can also view the site, provided it doesnt disappear now that we've all found it, at https://www.carowinds.com/centurion.

 More information as it become available!

Special Thanks to +Clint J Gamache of +Thrillgeek for spotting/finding this one!