Canada's Wonderland- Official POV for Yukon Striker

 Today Canada's Wonderland released the official POV footage from their newest roller coaster- Yukon Striker.  A brand new, dive coaster which boasts the best views of the park so far. Along with this, the newest coaster attraction to the park, it boasts some good numbers also.

Length: 3625 ft
Height: 223 ft
Drop: 245 ft
Speed: 80.8 mph
Inversions: 4
Ride Time: 3:25

With these numbers, Canada's Wonderland and Yukon Striker take several records with it. Tallest Dive Coaster, Longest Drop on a Dive Coaster, Fastest Dive Coaster, Longest Dive Coaster and Most Inversions on a Dive Coaster.

All we can say, is we look forward to riding this new creation this summer!

What's New in 2019- Coasters and More!

 Welcome to 2019 and the Construction List!
Every year we try to do a comprehensive list of 'Who's Building What' so folks can plan and know what is coming to an amusement park near you. Mostly, we focus on roller coasters but also one the expansions and updates that seem enticing to us, as park visitors.

The list is divided by 'company' which owns the park, for simple searching. It is also, by no means, a complete list of everything.


Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens Williamsburg: Finnegan's Fliers. FlySwatter Ride.
Busch Gardens Tampa: Tigris. Looping Launch Coaster.





Cedar Fair

Canada's Wonderland: Yukon Striker. Steel Dive Coaster.
Carowinds: Copperhead Strike. Steel Sit-down Coaster.




Disney Parks

Walt Disney World- Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Land Expansion with multiple rides.
Disneyland California- Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Land Expansion with multiple rides.




Dollywood 

Wildwood Grove: Land Expansion. Multiple flat rides.  Inverted, Steel Family Coaster.






Kennywood

Kennywood Park:  Steel Curtain. Steel Sit-down Coaster. Themed after local football team. Small land expansion.








Six Flags

Six Flags Darien Lake: Sky Screamer. Swing Ride.
Six Flags America: Firebird. Steel Floorless Coaster (converted from Stand-up). Relocation from Six Flags Great America.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom: Batman, The Ride. 4th Dimension Wing Coaster.
Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom:  Kentucky Flier. Wooden, Out-and-back coaster.
Six Flags Great America: Maxx Force. Launch Coaster.
Six Flags Great Adventure: Wonder Woman: Lasso of Truth. Spinning Pendulum.
Six Flags Magic Mountain: West Coast Racers. Dueling Launch Coaster.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas: The Joker, Wild Card. Spinning Pendulum.
Six Flags Over Texas: Lone Star Revolution. Single Loop Coaster.
Six Flags New England:  Cyborg. Indoor Spinning Ride.
Six Flags Over Georgia: Pandemonium. Spinning Pendulum.
Six Flags La Ronde: Chaos. Single Loop Coaster.
Six Flags St. Louis: Supergirl. Whirling Wheel Ride.


SeaWorld

Seaworld San Diego: Tidal Twister.  Steel, Dueling Coaster.
Seaworld Orlando: Sesame Street Land. Expansion. Multiple flat rides and family rides.
Seaworld San Antonio: Sesame Street Party Parade. Interactive Parade for Families.

Canada's Wonderland- SkyRider has Sold!

 Canada's Wonderland- SkyRider has Sold.. but to an unknown buyer!

 That's right folks, the Togo Stand-up Coaster at Canada's Wonderland, know as 'SkyRider' has sold.

 The popular Amusement Rides website ITAL was in charge of selling the ride, which has been listed for only a few weeks. About the same time Canada's Wonderland announced they would be removing the 1985 attraction from the park, making room for something new (not a waterpark expansion!).

 Well today it was spotted that SkyRider is listed as SOLD. However, no one has announced the purchase of the coaster nor the addition of it. So as of right now, the buyer is unknown but it seems likely to be an over-seas park, not a domestic US park was the buyer.

 More info when we find out!

Canada's Wonderland- Wonder Mountain's Guardian goes to the Zombies!

Canada's Wonderland gives 'Wonder Mountain's Guardian' over to the Zombies!

 Confirmed today by Canada's Wonderland, the beauty of their new 4D attraction, Wonder Mountian's Guardian, is showing up for Halloween Haunt!

 For the Halloween Season at Canada's Wonderland the popular dark ride, Wonder Mountain's Guardian, will be changing format. Moving the ride into an interactive 4D dark ride featuring everyone's favorite video game past-time, killing zombies!  The park has been bragging that this will likely be a season thing, with the ride changing 'versions' as often as needed to keep it fresh and attractive to guests.

 We're just seeing the opening shot, so to speak!
 You can read more about "Zombies!" by visiting the website- Canada's Wonderland 
 You can also check out all the details and events for Halloween Haunt by checking- Halloween Haunt at Canada's Wonderland

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!

Canada's Wonderand Announces Stand Up Coaster, Skyrider, to Close Sept 1st.

This morning Canada's Wonderland announced on Twitter that their Togo stand up coaster, Skyrider, will be closing for good on September 1st, 2014.

Built in 1985, it's one of the oldest rides in the park and while some may find it uncomfortable, due to it's design, it's still a favorite amongst many park regulars. Skyrider was the first stand up coaster to be built in Canada and the second in the world that had a loop. It's had a good run though and nearly 24 million rides have been enjoyed over the years. The removal will also lower the coaster count in the park to 15 as well, making it just one less than Cedar Point.

"As the park evolves each year, we continue to focus on future park enhancements that will provide our guests with innovative entertainment and leisure experiences. To accommodate these enhancements, we need to make difficult decisions when considering redevelopment of the land for an improved guest experience in future years.  After creating 29 years of memories for our guests, we wanted to make sure thrill seekers of all ages had advance notice of the SkyRider retirement, and an opportunity to enjoy one last ride before it closes at 8 p.m. on September 1," Norm Pirtovshek, General Manager at Canada's Wonderland.  

What will go in it's place? That's anyone's guess right now. I'm sure they won't leave the space empty for long though and it is ripe for many different development options down the line. Anyway, here's the video announcement that the park released on YouTube.


I have a feeling that with Splash Works right across from Skyrider it could see an expansion of the water park, or of course another coaster could be taking it's place at some point in the near future as well. Either way, stay tuned for all the latest as we'll definitely be keeping an eye on this one!

Park Review- Canada's Wonderland

Park Review- Canada's Wonderland

Last season, Canada's Wonderland shocked and surprised us, we had no idea of the hidden treasure sitting north of Toronto. Now that we knew, the park made it to the top of our "Must Visit Again" list.

Needless to say, the second time around just confirmed the fact that this park is the hidden jewel of the Cedar Fair company.

Day: Monday
Date: May 26th, 2014
Weather: Sunny and Warm
Overall Rating: Excellent
Coaster Baiting: Excellent
Overall Opinion: Shut Up and Visit.
Website: Canada's Wonderland
Review Team: Myself, +Kitsune Hazard and +Alexandra F

 **NOTE: We where invited by Canada's Wonderland to review the park as well as their newest attraction, Wonder Mountain's Guardian. This has in no way effected our review or opinion.**

Honestly, Canada's Wonderland is simply a beautiful amusement park with some heavy themed elements. While I hesitate to call it a 'theme park' it's very close since so many of there rides follow the areas which they've been planned in. This year we arrived on a lovely spring morning, much warmer then our previous years visit, as this seemed to be the first fully wonderful weather weekend of the Spring.

(Warning- Post is Picture Heavy)

Travel Notice- Heading to Canada!

Travel Notice

 Hey Folks!
 Just a quick word, we're heading back on the road again this weekend. Our destination is Toronto, Canada!

 We'll be visiting and reviewing Canada's Wonderland as Kitsunevese will be reporting on the huge Anime North convention! Plenty of great photos, live tweets/posts are coming, along with an all new park report for 2014.

 So updates will be delayed this Friday (5/23) and Monday (5/26). Never fear though, we've gout our trusty laptop in case of big news happening!

Remember- You can follow along on our adventures!

Canada's Wonderland- New Water Slide? It's been found!

Photo Thanks to Aaron Farberman

 Canada's Wonderland- New Water Slide? It's been found!

 Well Folks,
Since the winter many of us heard about Canada's Wonderland getting a new water slide. One that might possibly have been from the failed "Soak City".  We reported on people spotting parts of what looked like a water slide back in November (Read the first report here!).

 However, Today on Facebook Aaron sent me a message. This new waterslide has been spotted in the wild now that the park is open to guests. Found lurking in many pieces behind the "Canadian Mine Buster" roller coaster, near the waterpark.

 Still no word on when constitutions of this slide will begin nor when we can expect to see vertical progress. Also nothing yet about the placement of the slide of possible names.

Cedar Fair Parks- Seat Belts Added to Rides.

Seat Belts on Diamondback from CoasterForce

 Cedar Fair is Adding Seat Belts to Rides.

 This is surprising, rides which have operated for years without 'seat belts' are now getting them. Rides which where never built or designed to have them, now have them. Likely cutting down on loading time and the riders 'air time' feelings.

 No one is entirely sure why Cedar Fair is going around it's parks and adding unneeded seat belts, but it's happening and fans aren't very pleased about it. Rides which have operated perfectly fine under manufacturer specification are now subject to added seat belts which where never required or needed in the past. The list of coaster effected is fairly wide and spread out all over the various parks which Cedar Fair owns.

Kings Island- Diamondback
Carowinds- Intimidator
Canada's Wonderland- Behemoth (Unconfirmed)

 Each of these coasters are considered 'sisters' meaning they have many of the same elements and much of the same set-up. Diamondback and Behemoth both have coaster trains with the 'stadium seating' (I can't speak for Carowinds as I haven't gotten there yet).  There is no word yet what other coasters may have been infected with Cedar Fairs newest madness but it's a likely bet that Canada's Wonderland's 'Leviathan' may also have been effected in this not-bright move.

 It seems silly. As I've learned about B&M coasters I've also learned it takes power to unlock their ride restraints. Without that power, they simply can't unlock as it isn't possible. If they can't get power to the ride (in event of a ride stop or power outage) they pretty much have to take the seat apart around you to remove you from the ride. Unlike others, there isn't a button or lever you can activate to simply unlock the seat, it has to have power plus those other items. You can't "fly out" of these things even if you wanted too. They cannot 'unlock' on their own. Once your in that seat- your in it. 

 That's why, to me, this seems a highly silly move.
 Plus if your dumb enough to TRY and get out of you seat while on a roller coaster..You deserve exactly what's coming to you.

Canada's Wonderland- Wonder Mountains Guardian Update and Delay

Image from CWMaina FB Page

Canada's Wonderland- Update and Delay on Wonder Mountain's Guardian.

 Work keeps moving along at Canada's Wonderland on their newest project- Wonder Mountains Guardian. Although, this update comes with some bad news also. 

 Work on the ride is moving along and from the images found on CWMania's Facebook Page, it looks like their getting ready for full circuit testing of the new attraction.  The new trains for this ride look very similar to other attractions of this nature, primarily those from Disney Hollywood Studios' "Toy Story Maina" but we can't be sure if they rotate in the same style.  The 'guns' in question also appear to be affixed on a flexible arm, which is different from other rides of this nature which normally allow you to lift your gun out and extend your arms while it's attached by a cord.  This seems like the better idea as the 'corded guns' tend to have problems once thousands of people begin yanking on them. 

 Now, the bad news.
 It seems the Media Day Preview for Wonder Mountain's Guardian has been delayed. The ride simply isn't ready yet and the park wants things to be working perfect and looking perfect before opening. It appears from images that much of the work in question is 'superficial' work to Wonder Mountain. Smoothing out edges and re-covering construction holes. 

 Wonder Mountain's Guardian has never had an 'official' opening date, maybe believed it would open with the park on May 4th. However, it seems that the ride will open later on in the season once the beautification and testing processes are complete.

 Never Fear!
 We'll keep you posted when more news is available!

 

Canada'a Wonderland- General Park Update

Canada's Wonderland- A General Park Update.

 Well we all know that Wonder Mountain's Guardian is under construction but what else is going on around the park?

 According to Screamscape, quite a bit of actively is going on around the park.

 -The Wild Boar's "pink" train is getting repainted back to it's original "blue" color.

 -Thunder Run is also being painted back to a shade of "blue".

-Swing of the Century is getting a big upgrade with 2,800 LED lights, a big job!

-All of the coaster trains for Backlot Stunt Coaster are being repainted, they will remain the original colors but will remain their original colors of white, red and blue.

Overall, this is quite a bit of activity on top new ride construction, regular maintenance and getting the park ready for their opening day! It's always great to see parks doing basic care and Canada's Wonderland is one park that is excellent at this. It shows when you walk in the gate!

Canada's Wonderland - Wonder Mountain's Guardian Update!

Well, it's been a little while since we've looked at the construction progress of Wonder Mountain's Gaurdian and just yesterday, the photo above was posted up on Facebook by Canada's Wonderland. Handy coincidence, eh? The picture above is of the fully completed lift hill, and while we have no real clue what's going on inside in the mountain, they have to be working hard on getting everything ready. The ride is still set to open on May 4th, along with the rest of the park so they better be!

Along with the completed picture, they also shared a couple of other photos showing the work in progress as well:

I know that myself, along with +Carrie H.C. and +Alexandra F are looking forward to seeing what it's all about and letting you know what we thought of it a bit later in May when we visit the park!

Canada's Wonderland- Work Continues on Wonder Mountain's Guardian

Work Continues on Wonder Mountain's Guardian at Canada's Wonderland!

 On Facebook, Canada's Wonderland has posted up a few more teaser images of the heavy duty work taking place in Wonder Mountain. 

 Getting ready for the 2014 season, the work on their new dark ride "Wonder Mountain's Guardian" is progressing nicely. The ride is set to open in May, about on time with the parks opening. 

  Right now, not that many details are fully known about the ride. It will be interactive and has the ability to change formats with the season or the year.  Allowing the park to constantly keep the ride fresh and updated for guests.

 More information and teasers as they become available! 

Canada's Wonderland- Wonder Mountain's Guardian Update

Wonder Mountain's Guardian Update

Image from Canada's Wonderland Facebook Page

 Despite the winter weather and growing snow totals, Canada's Wonderland hasn't slowed down construction of their newest attraction- Wonder Mountain's Guardian.

 The attraction will be inside Wonder Mountain, an interactive 3D shooter attraction, the new ride will open in 2014. While progress may not look like much to many people, the park has come a long way in getting this new ride up and running for 2014!

  One of the best parts of Wonder Mountain's Guardian, the attraction can change "modes" quickly. Allowing for new shows all the time, perhaps for Halloween or just something new each season. Allowing the park to always have a fresh, new show to keep riders interested!

Image from Canada's Wonderland Facebook Page

Canada's Wonderland- Wonder Mountain Construction

Construction on "Wonder Mountain's Guardian" Continues.. We've got HOLES!

 Construction continues on Canada's Wonderland and their new dark ride attraction, Wonder Mountain's Guardian.

 In the last few days Canada's Wonderland has posted up some nice new progress photos of the construction of Guardian on the parks Facebook Page. Wonder Mountain is full of lovely holes to get equipment in and out for the new attraction but we're finally seeing some installation and ride equipment going in.

Canada's Wonderland- Wonder Mountain's Guardian Name Change.. that isn't!

 Wonder Mountain's Guardian- Name Change isn't a Name Change.


 We've finally got some information in regards to the possible 'name change' rumor which has been circulation around Canada's Wonderland and their newest attraction, Wonder Mountain's Guardian.

  According to Screamscape, The name "Wonder Mountain's Guardian" will not change.  The name "Guardian-Quest for Gold" is simply the name of the 2014 seasons game which you play on the ride. Canada's Wonderland has now leaked that plan is to upgrade and change the 'game' played on the ride each season, keeping it new and fresh for park visitors.

 This also lends in to what many of us read during the 2013 IAAPA convention, where the creators and designers of the new attraction hinted that during Halloween a 'zombie' theme could be coming.

Canada's Wonderland- Wonder Mountian's Guardian Name Change?!

 What is going on up at Canada's Wonderland?!

 Wow, this one came way out of left field.

 According to Screamscape, Canada's Wonderland may have just quietly changed the name of their new attraction for 2014. Wonder Mountain's Guardian may now be called "Guardian- The Quest of Gold" according to Season Passholder email.

Image from Screamscape

 This is the image in question with the possible new name change. Nothing has been confirmed by Canada's Wonderland right now and according to their website, the name "Wonder Mountain's Guardian" is still listed as the attractions proper name.

Could this be some clever photo-shopping at work or is the park really going with this new name? More information when we find out!

Canada's Wonderland- New Waterslide Arrives?

Image from the great people of CWMania

 Today over on CWMania I spotted this. Now, it's not hard to deduct that this is.. A Waterslide!

 The interesting part of this is- Canada's Wonderland wasn't slated for a new waterslide this year. Not a peep about even improving their Splash Works water park. When someone reported spotting these, it caught my interest!

 So I went digging to find out what this was all about. Also by browsing around on CWMania (seriously, those folks know!) and discovered many people believe this is the 'Slide that Never Opened' at the failed Soak City in Ontario, Canada. Another rumor I've heard for a few months now says that Splash Works may be in for a 2015 overhaul and this used slide could be part of that.

Image from CWMania

 It's really rather a smart idea on the part of Canada's Wonderland. These things cost upwards of $100,000 each to build. With many Water Parks disappearing and other just removing slides they can't either maintain or want removed for something new- this is a great way to add to you park without busting your budget.  Remember- Something.. Anything new will get people through the door!

Image from RadarContact on Flickr

 This is an image of what may suspect this mystery slide might be. The 'Built but Never Opened' also called 'Tospy Turvy'.  The downside is no one can seem to 'find' the red, orange and yellow sections of the slide. Perhaps they are being stored inside or elsewhere.

 Frankly, I can't tell you. Either way, it still appears the Canada's Wonderland will receive from for of new waterslide in the near future!

Rumor Alert- Busch Gardens Tampa considering a Hyper Coaster?!

 Today Screamscape has reported an interesting new rumor coming from Busch Gardens Tampa. It seems that members of the parks engineering department made a little visit over the weekend to Canada's Wonderland amusement park.

While normally this wouldn't be interesting, it's worth noting because Canada's Wonderland has something very famous sitting in their park.  It's something very tall, very fast and deliciously fun that's also built by B&M coasters. A company that Busch Gardens has an excellent working relationship with.

 Canada's Wonderland is home to Leviathan, a B&M answer to Cedar Point's Millennium Force. It stands just 4 feet shorter and 1 MPH slower then it's Ohio cousin.  Could Busch Gardens be considering a B&M Hyper Coaster for their Tampa park? 

 There is also another possibly which Screamscape didn't address in their rumor.  Canada's Wonderland is also getting "Wonder Mountain's Guardian" which is an interactive dark-ride shooter style attraction. While Busch Gardens Williamsburg has a dark ride in "Curse of DarKastle" a shooter would be an interesting addition to the Tampa property which doesn't currently have a dark ride style attraction.

 Personally I don't think we'll see this rumor come to light before the 2016 season simply because at the moment Busch Gardens Tampa is currently building "Falcon's Fury" a new style drop ride which will open in Spring 2014.  Could this be the supposed replacement for when Gwazi finally goes offline in the future?




 While these are just rumors and some speculation on my behalf, we'll have to watch Busch Gardens Tampa closely to see what they have planned for the park's future.