Universal Orlando Rumor Alert- A THIRD Park or is this a Wizarding World Expansion?

Universal Orlando Rumor Alert- A THIRD Park or is this a Wizarding World Expansion?

Image from Park Rumors

GOOD NEWS- Universal is attempting and hopefully planning (at some point) to add in Fantastic Beasts to the current Wizarding World line-up.

This leaves a tricky question- Where can they put it?

B&M Dive Machine Coming to Cedar Point in 2016?

Well, it would appear that the rumors are circulating something fierce on this one thanks to a memo that was leaked/uncovered by the Sandusky Register. It would appear that a communication from the famed Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) coaster design firm is firmly hinting at a new coaster coming to Cedar Point in 2016.

So, just what is in the uncovered document? Well, it would seem like one of the design firm's dive machines will be coming to the park. At a price tag of around $15mil, it does seem like a likely fit and the park already has a healthy stable of coasters from B&M, as do many Cedar Fair parks around North America.

One of the things that makes this rumor a little more concrete is that the area the park has currently marked for redevelopment isn't that large. By design, most dive machines are compact in nature thanks to steep lift hills and their typical 90 degree first drops, allowing for a much smaller space to be utilized by them.

Given the fact that demolition has started on the Good Time Theater, the area around it could be a good fit. This is in spite of a couple of other rides in the area. I'm sure that they could work around them if they wanted or possibly go in other directions with the layout as well.

Interestingly enough, the proposed ride from B&M also included specs as well. According to the report, the coaster would feature a height of 223 feet with a total length of 3,625 feet and a top speed of 80 mph.  The ride will feature several elements including a vertical drop in a tunnel, an Immelmann, a 270-degree roll, a banked curve, a “looping,” an Immelmann with a half-roll exit, a second drop, a camel back and a spiral with a total of four inversions.

If those stats are anything to be believed, it would not only make it the tallest and longest coaster of its type in the world, but also with the most inversions and tallest. The tallest currently, Busch Gardens Williamsburg's Griffon at 205'. The only other coaster of its kind in the United States is Sheikra at Busch Gardens Tampa.  Curious what it's like to ride one of these beasts? Got ya covered from our ride on Griffon earlier in 2014.


Now, this is only one proposal the park is looking at for 2016, and we won't know for sure if this is exactly what's coming, but it would make sense if they wanted to get another record breaker for the Cedar Fair family of parks.

Stay tuned for more info out of Cedar Point and what could be coming in the future and everywhere else across the globe right here and follow us on Twitter, Google+, Tumblr and Facebook for all the latest!

Rumor Alert- Kennywood Getting Something New in 2015?

Rumor Alert for Kennywood Park! Could something be in the works for 2015?

 A few weeks ago everyone was sure that in 2015 Kennywood would be 'bringing back' the 'Turnpike' flat ride which was removed to make way for Sky Rocket. When the picture of one of the Tunrpike's Cars surfaced online with the number "15" on it, fans went crazy and one of them nearly blew up on phone in the process.

Image from Screamscape

 While Kennywood did promise to return the Turnpike to the park during it's removal, I'm not sure 2015 will be the year for it.

 Simply because, no work has begun with anything for a new area the size an attraction like 'Turnpike' would need. No woodland has been cleared out, No new walk-ways or work on that very expensive piece of property they had to buy has happened. Simply put, nothing is visible that could hint at the classic rides return.. other then they mystery appearing car.  So, I can't say this is really a good lead.


 However, another rumor has popped up from Screamscape! Rumor has it that a 4D Ride/Movie attraction may show up in the park for 2015. Located in the old arcade building near the "Old Mill/Garfield's Nightmare", The Playdium. I can't admit I'm pleased to hear this, it seems like more of 'Classic Kennywood' is disappearing each season.

...again, this is simply a rumor until confirmed by the park!

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!
 

Hershey Park- New Dark Ride for 2015?

Image from All-American Thrills, User ShinyBloo

 Hershey Park Building a Dark Ride for 2015?!

 Something fishy is going on at Hershey Park and it involves blueprints!

 Spotted in the area of the park known as Midway America, where folks pointing at some of the kiddie-land rides and tents. The rumor mill has gone bonks since the images where posted by a user of All-American Thrills.

 Word on the ground right now is that this could be a large building, which may house either a dark ride or possibly some form of an indoor coaster. Which would mean removing and relocating several rides including the parks Music Express and Whip.

 On the parks Facebook page, they are also running a new teaser campaign for this new 2015 attraction. They will be posting up a new clue every Tuesday until August 12th.

 Now, I'm going to go out on a limb here and take a guess. From the teaser poster and the knowledge this is going to be a large, indoor attraction.. I'm going to bet we're looking at a shooter style dark-ride. Think about it, Neon Colors. Indoors and Darkride rumors all put together? Seems to scream 'indoor, shooter style dark ride' to me!

 Never fear, we'll keep on top of the rumors and let you know what's coming!

Disney Parks- Star Wars Land Likely Delayed?

 Disney Parks- Star Wars Land Likely Delayed?

 New rumor circling today, regarding the much rumored 'Star Wars Land' which may show up at Disney Hollywood Studioes as well as other Disney Parks.

 Rumors have been going around since this one broke the surface, with fans and fanatics going bonkers in regards to the idea. Some love it, others hate it. Well, it looks like we're all going to be waiting a while longer before hearing anything more concrete on the matter.

 With new movies being released, we'll likely have to wait until those are underway. On top of the fact another blog (Disney and More) believe that the final update of Star Tours will be Disneyland Paris but not until 2016.  They make some valid points, we'll likely not see a full 'land' coming until this point due to updating the current rides. When you toss out the idea that Disney World, the most likely park to receive a new 'Star Wars Land' first, is still in the middle of working on AvatarLand.. it's unlikely that they'll take on two massive construction projects at once.

 So, we can rest easy (or upset) for a while. We likely won't be seeing changes or announcements for some time!

Rumor Alert- New Darkride at Knott's Berry Farm?

Rumor Alert- New Darkride at Knott's Berry Farm?

 Interesting new rumor coming from Knott's Berry Farm this week, could they be planning to add a new darkride in the park for 2015/2016?

 Well, According to Screamscape that's exactly what the rumor mill is saying. With the work nearly complete on Calico Mine Ride and the restoration of the Log Ride last season, they seem to be focusing on building the parks flat rides and dark rides back up. Not a bad thing considering many parks are missing the classic 'dark ride' style attractions in recent years.

  Rumor has it that workers have been seen in the area of the old "Kingdom of the Dinosaurs" building doing clean-up. During our recent visit to Knott's we didn't notice anything going on as they where still highly focused on Calico Mine Ride at the time, so this rumor must be very recent.

 However, it's still just a rumor until some more confirmation comes around!

Rumor Alert- Cedar Point has More Bad News, Dragster has Issues. (UPDATED)

Rumor Alert: Ceder Point has More Bad News, Top Thrill Dragster may have blown it's launch.

 Cedar Point just can't seem to win this month, between the water-main break which shut down the park for a weekend and this newest rumor- it seems bad luck is haunting the park this season.

 While Cedar Point has re-opened today, it looks like Top Thrill Dragster wasn't as lucky. Rumor has it that the launched roller coaster has blown it's hydraulic launch motor.  As this is still being classed as a 'rumor' right now there is no way to know how long the closure may possibly last if true.

 Length of closure could depend on time to fix, spare parts needed and severity of the breakdown.

Updates coming soon, once we can confirm this rumor!

**UPDATE**
Yes, Dragster did have problems but apparently it was over-blown.
Top Thrill Dragster Re-Opened late Monday to the public, no word on what the problem was.

*Rumor Alert* Busch Gardens Williamsburg- 2015 Expansion A Coaster?

Image from BGWFans

 Busch Gardens Williamsburg- The 2015 'Festa' Expansion A Coaster?

 The great folks at BGWFans thinks they've found the answer that's been lingering in all our minds.

 We've all known an expansion is coming to the 'Festa Italia' area of the park in 2015 and we know it was suppose to be decently sized, based alone on the permit submissions.  However, what I don't think anyone expected what BGWFans has possibly figured out.

Image from BGWFans

 Based on Size and Footprint someone put two-and-two together can game up with Primer Rides.  One of their smaller, single train coasters which would match the height and generalized footprint which we believe Busch Gardens is currently working with.  Their fairly small, have a low rider capacity and are what fans call "Off the Shelf" coasters. Their not original and have a stock footprint any park can buy. The example to the left is "Superman" from Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. Which has a low rider capacity and low through-put time. All these will create long times and general headache type situations.

 Please keep in mind, all of this is speculation. Nothing has been confirmed.

 Now, here is when I begin to speculate on my own. While many are having fits over this, I think there are a few things their not considering. A several different types of coasters can and will fit into this small space, things much better than a stock ride. Several of these aren't my favorite type of ride.

Image from RCDB

 For Example-
 In that small small footprint you can fit in an Intamin AG 4th Dimension 'Ball Roller' style of roller coaster. One good example of these is to the right- Green Lantern- First Flight.

 These are small, compact and rather damn fun. They also have the benefit of being fairly unique styles of rides with a much higher rider/capacity rate overall.  Sure they get lines and can't chew through the lines the way a giant 'steel monster' can, but their better that the original proposal of a Primer stock Coaster.

 This could easily fit into the general parameters which people smarter then I can read on the permit sheets filed by Busch Gardens. 

 This is just one example.
 Other rides like this exist, which fit in small areas. Busch Gardens also has ZERO history with Primer Rides and these parks are creatures of habit. I've gone through   We should be looking outside to someone which Seaworld Parks has worked with in the past- B&M, Zierer, Intamin AG and Mack Rides. I'd look to them first. If I've learned anything about these parks, they go with what they know.

 I'd bet my money on Intamin AG to build the new attraction. I'd like to see it be a 4th Dimension coaster but I'm not even going to speculate on the type! Just know that Seaworld Company Parks have a relationship established with this company already in the form of 'Cheetah Hunt' found down at Busch Gardens Tampa.

Rumor Alert- Legoland to return parts of Cypress Gardens?

Image from WorldofStock.com

Legoland Florida- Parts of Cypress Gardens to Return!

 While Legoland Florida hasn't yet confirmed, many fans of one of Florida original theme parks are finally given reason to rejoice. Orlando Sentinel is stating that this Wednesday Legoland will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for reopening more parts of the iconic gardens.

 The Oriental Gardens and the "Florida Pool" which was made famous in the old movie "Easy to Love" will once again be open to the public.

 Rumor has floated around for a while now saying that previous owners of the park had removed the Florida-shaped pool and that the majority of the gardens where in ruins. A little quick searching on Google Maps has proved that false, the pool and it's iconic shape still stand- although not in the best condition in 2012 (when this google maps images seems to  have been taken).

 This new bit of news seems to prove those rumors wrong.  A good portion of the original "Cypress Gardens" area has been closed off to the public for years but it seems Legoland knows that history is important. Allowing more of the original gardens to thrive and be open is a historical treat for all ages. However, there is still no news on the remaining fate of other attractions which once made up "Cypress Gardens".

 More news on Wednesday/Thursday to see if this turns out to be truth!

Rumor Alert- Universal Islands of Adventure and King Kong 360/Skull Island

Rumor Alert- Islands of Adventure may be moving closer to ground-breaking for "King Kong 360/Skull Island".

 New rumor update today coming from Universal Orlando Resort- Folks are saying it's very likely that Islands of Adventure may be one step closer to breaking ground on the rumored addition of "King Kong 360 3D" which has long been rumored to come to the park's Orlando property.

 Screamscape is reporting that the area behind "Thunder Falls Restaurant" is the location but also that departments around the"Jurassic Park" area who are storing stuff in this currently empty area, have been told to clear it out quickly.  Still no official word from Universal Orlando Resort on this matter but they likely won't announce until the construction can no longer be hidden from guests.

Rumor Alert- Knoebels 2015 Project News

 Rumor Alert- Knoebels 2015 Project News

 New Rumors Today about the mystery "Knoebels 2015" project the park has been dropping hints about throughout the week.

 Screamscape is reporting some element of the new project will included a new "grand entrance" to the park, giving guests a "sense of arrival" at the park.  Currently the park has no real set 'entrance' point and is rather wide open as they work off a ticket or wristband system.

 Many are still trying to dig up sources and rumors about what else may be involved in the new Knoebels 2015 Project, so far, not much else has come to light. There is currently know way to know if a new ride or attraction will be involved.. yet!

 We'll keep you posted as rumors surface.

Rumor Alert-Disney World's New Seven Dwarfs may be Running Behind

Rumor Alert- Is the New "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train" completion running behind?!

 According to Screamscape rumors, this could be true.

 Some seem to be suggesting that despite effect's the new "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train" roller coaster attraction set to open soon at Disney World's Magic Kingdom, may be behind schedule. The 'best guess' date has lately been sometime in February but it seems a new rumor suggests that the time frame for soft opening of the ride could be pushed back in to March-April of 2014. 

Rumor Alert- Could Zonko's Close?

 Rumor Alert- Could Zonko's Close at Hogsmeade?

 Another new rumor coming from Universal Orlando, this time around their popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas.

 It seems the rumor mill  has been working overtime lately with the opening of Universal Studios Orlando's new Diagon Alley coming into the home stretch. 

 Some are saying that the popular joke shop from the Harry Potter book series, Zonko's could close in the Hogesmeade area. With the new London Area, Diagon Alley opening to the public this summer could that area have it's own joke shop, making two of them rather redundant?

 Diagon Alley is rumored to have it's own joke shop called "Weasely's Wizard Wheezes" which would be larger that the current Zonko's (at least according to the Harry Potter Books). The rumor is stating that Zonko's will close to make way for the newer and larger shop.  This would be the frist closure of anything in Wizarding World.

 Again, this is currently ONLY A RUMOR. Universal Orlando hasn't confirmed or denied any portion of this rumor.

Rumor Alert- New Coaster for Carowinds in 2015 is B&M?

RUMOR ALERT- New Coaster for Carowinds in 2015 is a B&M?

 We've all heard the news that Carowinds Park has gotten an influx of money for improvements for the next few years and may speculated this will mean a near big-ticket coaster coming to the park. However, no news has really leaked or been announced about this since the small hint the park dropped about a new coaster in the future.

 Today on a German website, Coasters and More, has reported an unnamed B&M coaster with height/length stats that may be slated for Carowinds in 2015. Now, since I'm not fluent in German I've gotten this via Google Translate.

Without names, Carowinds, United States: For 2015 B & M is to provide a larger roller coaster after Carowinds. The gigantic roller coaster is a targeted improvement of more than 90 meters over a length of over 1500 meters, the state line of North and South Carolina repeatedly cross and thus her little brother Intimidator, a B & M Hyper Coaster in the same park, make easily in the shade.

So we're looking at an unknown type of B&M Coaster, with a height of 295 feet tall and roughly 4,922 feet long which will run the state lines the park straddles.

Remember- This is simply a rumor until confirmed by the park!

Rumor Alert- Could Maelstorm become 'Frozen' themed ride at Epcot?!

Rumor Alert- Could Maelstorm become Frozen Themed at Epcot's World Showcase?!

 Alright, this rumor came out of left field today and really is rather a bit of a surprise. Although I'm surprised it took this long for a "Frozen coming to the theme parks" rumor to surface!

 According to a rumor posted on Screamscape today, WDI is pondering if they can turn the iconic ride "Maelstorm" located at the Norway Pavilion into a "Frozen" theme.

 Now I've got some issues with this as most of the pavilions at World Showcase are partly funded and operated by the country they represent, so Disney would likely require permission from Norway to change over the fan-favorite attraction.

Image from Disney

 While it's also very true that the current versions of Maelstorm is in dire of need of a face-lift due to attraction aging and lack of up-keep, I'd hate to see it disappear. Although no one is currently sure if much needed attention will be paid to the ride anytime soon or if they're simply going to wait for it to fall apart, replacing it only at the end with something new.  Rumor has it the ride is scheduled for a massive refurbishment in 2017 but this is also unconfirmed.

 However, this is still an unconfirmed rumor. As of right now, I rate this as PURE SPECULATION.  If true, all it shows is that Disney has given WDI the go-ahead to dream up various ideas of how an attraction would look and operate, on various budgets. This is often called "Blue Sky Dreaming" by Fans and Insiders.

 As of right now, it's just a concept and a rumor.

Even though Wiki is trying to report this as confirmed, it is NOT!

Rumor Alert- Universal Hollywood Building Largest Resort Hotel in US?!

 Rumor Alert- Universal Hollywood Building Largest Resort Hotel in the US?!

 Yup, you did read that correctly.

 The newest rumor coming from Universal Hollywood was reported on Screamscape and nearly slipped past my notice.

 Apparently CEO of Comcast, Steve Burke, made an interesting comment to the staff of Universal Hollywood with his holiday message. The mention was made of "The largest hotel project in U.S. is coming to Universal Studios Hollywood".

 Rumor has it that the newest version of "Universals Evolution" project (the long term plans for the park including rides and improvements) has included the ability to build up to three on-site hotels for the Hollywood property.

 Details are currently unknown and this is classed only as "rumor" until some form of confirmation or visible proof is found. Until then, speculation abounds!

Rumor Alert- Parques Reunidos may buy Miami Seaquarium

 Parques Reunidos May Buy Miami Seaquarium?!


 Oh No, Don't Do It! It's a TRAP!

 According tot he Miami Herald, Palace Entertainment, the US branch of Parques Reunidos may be looking to buy the Miami Seaquairum for a reported $30 Million. The Herald reports that their source said a nondisclosure agreement has been signed while the buyer completes the process.

 While many people right now are focusing wrongly on Seaworld for animal rights and treatement of their Killer Whales, the Miami Seaquarium has a much darker and twisted history.  Much of it not good and while Blackfish may be all the news right now, people should focus their efforts someplace that needs the spotlight placed on them. Don't believe me? Do some googling- you'll find out better that way and my opinion won't cloud your own judgement (it's bad).

 Palace Entertainment has already proven to funnel money from their US amusement parks and properties into their massive building projects in Europe. There is no other way to explain the complete lack of care and declining state of their US park properties, I can't imagine that Miami Seaquairum (which desperately needs money for massive improves to their animal keep facilities) would benefit from this deal.

Rumor Alert- Jekyll and Hyde Club Coming to City Walk?

Image from Trip Adviser

 Yes, You DID read that right!

 The newest rumor swirling at Universal Orlando's City Walk is that this big new announcement, due on December 12th, will be that the famous Resturant and Night Club "Jekyll and Hyde" from New York City may be moving into City Walk.

 Rumor has it the new construction around the old Latin Quarter building is beginning to look very Gothic in nature. This has been a rumor before but has never come to be. Although I admit, City Walk would be an excellent fit for a 'haunted" themed anything, more so with the new mini-golf coarse having a 'haunted' area also.

 More News on December 12th with the Big Announcement!

Rumor Alert- Rhino Rally Undecided for 2014?

 Rhino Rally May Not Return in 2014

 This is still a rumor at this point but it's making enough waves that we've decided to report on the situation.  

 Rhino Rally at Busch Gardens Tampa seems to be in a bit of a flux, rumors going around are stating that the attraction may not survive to see the 2014 season. Instead rumor is suggesting that the area may be used to enlarge the current elephant enclosure. 

The park seems to be interested in an elephant breeding program as rumor suggests, they may or may not be looking to increase their herd at this point. The only current known fact is that the Asian Bull Elephant- Spike, is now a member of the Busch Gardens Tampa family. He was moved to the park in September but has yet to join the herd fully. Elephants, especially to have a successful breeding population require massive amounts of space. Not only for animal comfort and happiness but also for animal and human safety.

 Another rumor suggests that Rhino Rally may face being cut back and watered down to provide more room while others state this simply isn't true, the ride will re-open in 2014 as normal.  As it stands now Rhino Rally is a seasonal only attraction, running roughly during peak seasons from April-August.

 More information as it becomes available.