Disney is (unsurprisingly) closing rides.

In a shocking move to no-one, Disney World announces permanent ride closures. 

I'm unsure how anyone can be surprised at this point when rides that have been on 'seasonal only' status for years finally close.

This week Disney World finally announced that 'Primeval Whirl' and 'Sititch's Great Escape' we're closed for good. Both rides have operated as 'seasonal only' for years. In the case of Stitch's Geat Escape, it's been on 'seasonal only' status since 2016. Primeval has been seasonal longer than I can even recall. The surprising bit out of this round of closures is that the 'River of Light' night show at Animal Kingdom will also be closed. The nighttime attraction was rather widely popular and has only been running for three years.

Which leaves the question, with the sudden cuts Disney has been making due to the loss of income from the coronavirus shutdown, will anything new actually go into these spaces?

Rumors have circulated for  years about Stitch's Great Escape being replaced. We've heard everything from 'Alien Encounters is coming back' to 'Wreck-it Ralph'.  As for Primeval Whirl, it's hard to say. Some speculate that we'll be seeing a re-theme to Dinoland USA while others think that the space will turn into another flat-ride. Again, I expect this is going to boil down to if (or when) Disney decides they are ready to spend money again.  I wouldn't expect too much for at least a year, if not longer.

Universal Orlando- Changes coming to Wizarding World

Image from Behind The Thrills

Changing coming to Islands of Adventure and Wizarding World of Harry Potter. 

Not saying I'm surprised, but I am sad.

On Monday, Universal Orlando Resort announced that 'Dragon Challenge' or 'Dueling Dragons' would be closing on September 4th to make way for an 'all new attraction within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter'.

We knew it was coming. It's been coming since Universal made the call to no longer have this amazing B&M roller coaster 'duel' as it was intended. Many believe this voided the agreement with the coaster builders which would lead to long-term problems with the ride, as well as other issues with a computer system running it that was never designed to function in. It was a death blow and it was all just a matter of time.

All because people just can't listen to the simple phrase of 'No Loose Objects'. So in September, we're loosing another amazing coaster due to the humans ability to mess things up for everyone.

This leaves a very large question- What is Universal Orlando putting in this rather large footprint?

Universal has given us a few clues-

Image from Universal Orlando

While this isn't a full announcement, we know that Universal WILL be building another coaster in the place of Dragon Challenge. Something with heavy theming which will also be a key part of the Wizarding World.

Stay Tuned- We'll be following this one closely!

Busch Gardens Tampa- Gwazi Closing, Official Announcement

 Gwazi Closing for Good, Says Busch Gardens Tampa.

 Honestly, I'm not even the smallest bit surprised when I woke up to read this news. Gwazi has been a long-standing issue for Busch Gardens Tampa in recent years.

 Now, I could go into detail but I'm sure you've all read my opinions on the matter before, so I won't bore you with a litany of complaints in regards to theme parks not up-keeping their attractions. If you do want to know- Please see "This Link About Gwazi".

 Sunday, February 1st will be the final day and Gwazi will close for good. A sad ending for what was once the pride of Busch Gardens Tampa and an amazing roller coaster. The parks are citing 'budget cuts' which is likely true but at the same time this leads back to the checkered history of maintenance on the wooden coaster as well as an endless series of constant upkeep to maintain a wooden roller coaster in the environment of Central Florida.

 The proof for this lays in the fact Busch Gardens Tampa will not be demolishing the ride anytime soon. While no reason has been given for this, it's likely due to not having anything to fill the space in addition to the cited budget cuts. While the parks may be going through rough times right now, I doubt they have any hope of somehow saving this ride (not with how little they've done to keep it running in recent years). It's simply the final death blow for a coaster which has been unwanted since the Busch Family sold the parks.

 It's a sad day, what was once the show piece of a theme park is falling into a silent wooden shadow.

Cedar Point- Mantis Being "Squashed".

Cedar Point- Breaking News, 'Mantis' Coaster at Cedar Point Being "Squashed"?!

Well, looks like rumors from Cedar Point might be true.

In a surprise announcement, Cedar Point stated that the Stand-Up Roller Coaster 'Mantis' will be 'squashed' in 2015. Now, no one is sure what exactly this means. Will the ride be entirely removed for the park or will is be receiving new trails, turning the ride into a 'floorless' roller coaster?
Some speculation also exists that the ride could be entirely re-named for a bet Cedar Point made to LeBron James, stating if he came back to the Cleveland Cavaliers, they would rename a roller coaster for him. 

Your last chance to ride Mantis will be October 19th, 2014.

There is still no word about the much rumored 'Dark Ride' which others believe the park has been hinting at for years.

Six Flags New England to Close Cyclone July 20th

Photo by: John A. Hunt via ACEonline.org

ACE News Now has reported that Six Flags New England will be closing the iconic wooden coaster, Cyclone, on July 20th of this year to make way for a new attraction in the future.

The coaster, only 31 years old, has been a favorite for coaster lovers since it's opening in 1983.

To mark the occasion, Six Flags New England will be hosting a special Exclusive Ride Time on July 20th from 9pm-10pm for season pass holders only.

Additionally, from 10pm-10:30pm there will be a special, private ERT event for American Coaster Enthusiasts members as well. You'll have to present your ACE membership cards to gain access to the final farewell event.

At this point it's unclear what could be taking it's place, but there seems to be an alarming trend rippling through Six Flags operated parks with their wooden coasters as of late. While I doubt that Cyclone will be getting a Rocky Mountain Coasters update like many of their others, the chain does seem to be getting ride of their classic wooden coasters. Definitely not a good trend at all, but at least they are sending this one off somewhat properly.