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.

Fourth of July Weekend Plans

Good evening readers!!!


Just wanted to give all you lovelies a bit of good news in this pretty boring and lackluster summer.

The ISI crew is going to King's Island this holiday weekend for Passholder Preview!!!  So expect our review of King's Island and how they handle the new guidelines and, of course, our review of Orion!!!

And don't worry because we will, for sure, be riding all our favorites!!
(Banshee, The Beast, Diamondback, Mystic Timbers....SERIOUSLY I can't choose)

We can't wait to share this weekend with everyone!!

ISI crew - Carrie, Alex, and Michael

 

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge- What we know.. and what we guess.

 Star Wars Galaxy's Edge: What we know.. and what we guess!

This is pretty much the news I've wanted my entire life, a land completely devoted to Star Wars. It's like my childhood dream came true, so while I haven't had time to sit down and really put together a comprehensive post about it.. I have been following the news rather closely. So now it's time to sit down and really put together a list of things- What we know and what we're guessing on. Which is still a LOT of speculation sprinkled in with what Disney has released so far.

 Planet Batuu and Black Spire Outpost.

This is the 'setting' which Galaxy's Edge will be based around. According to Disney, it will be a rouge trader port on the edge of the galactic frontier. Bordering the Outer Rim and Wild Space. It's the last stop full of creature and notorious characters.
The outpost its-self is settled around a petrified forest, in a river valley which is where the outpost is located.  It seems, Disney is going with a familiar theme from the heart of Star Wars here. That of Mos Eisley Spaceport on Tatooine, just set in a new location.

What about the Star Wars Timeline?

With the Star Wars Timeline is a bit of an uproar due to the Disney takeover from Lucasfilm and many things being cut from the previously accepted 'canonverse' it's certian that the setting for this expansion is sometime during the newest movies. Making it on par with the First Order being in power, rather than the setting being from a previous portion of the Star Wars universe. By doing this, Disney can update easily and toss out more movie tie-in's for whatever happens past the current saga (meaning movies 7, 8 and 9).

Opening Date
'Fall of 2019'

 However, knowing Disney- We can make some educated guesses!
'Fall of 2019' generally means September but allows them the option to push the time back as late as needed in case of delays. Although if we follow how Disney opened their last few major expansions, we can expect to see a soft-open as early as late August and an official 'Grand Opening' sometime in November or December. That does leave the problem of a possible 'staggered opening' which means while construction is done, the area is 'open' some aspects may not yet be operational.
The simple fact is this: We don't know... yet.

What about the rides?!

Galaxy's Edge will feature two attractions (or 'rides' if you prefer). The one we know the most about is the attraction featuring the Millennium Falcon. The working title for the attraction is 'Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run'  which Disney has promised guests the controls of the Falcon for an action-packed 'secret mission' and a battle between the First Order and the Resistance.  The second attraction is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, which will be a dark ride on a trackless ride system. This will include some form of a rescue and another portion which will involve the landing bay of a Star Destroyer, beyond this, not much is known.

Smugglers Run

From what can be pieced together, this will be an interactive simulator that will seat six people per cabin. Much like 'Mission: Space' at Epcot, it's almost certain that each person will be in control of some aspect of the Falcon which will interact with the simulation. Likely this will have no real effect on your 'mission' if it's anything like 'Mission: Space' since the effects will work regardless of pushing buttons or not, However, Disney has promised an interactive incentive to play along with the controls of your very own Falcon. Supposedly how well you do during the ride will give you a 'reputation' which will follow your around your visit to Galaxy's Edge and Black Spire Outpost.
 As for time, this is the more confusing angle of things. If you run the numbers multiple times (which we did) in order to hit the magic number of 1080 we have a breakdown of how the ride with operate. 6 riders per car, with 12 total ride vehicles with a 4 minutes ride.. you have your numbers.

(This still leaves the question of 'How are you going to put 12 ride cars with room to maneuver into that building' but we'll touch on that in another post!)

Rise of the Resistance 

This second attraction coming to Galaxy's Edge is more along the lines of traditional Disney. This is a classic style dark-ride which features a trackless ride system, very similar to the new Ratatouille attraction going into Epcot (Also similar to Mystic Manor in Tokyo Disneyland, SpiderMan and Transformers at Universal Orlando).
While few details are still known about what ride elements or features will be included, speculation includes that it will be a single floor attraction while other groups believe that it will incorporate 3D elements as well as special effects.  We have rough details that a First Order fleet will be involved with a battle between the Resistance and the First Order with most of the show taking place in the likely setting of a Star Destroyer.

Oga's Cantina

Oga's Cantina is easily a huge draw, because who didn't want to visit the cantina scene in Episode 4? No one. The answer is NO ONE. 

So Disney is providing our very own chance to visit a shady place to make deals, hosted by Oga Garra. A full-blown, (but family friendly) bar will allow both adults and kids to 'belly up' and pick a drink of their choice from a themed menu. It also promises to have a 'colorful cast of characters' which leaves you wondering if Disney plans to plant in actors for local 'color'.  Along with this, fans of the original Star Tours will be thrilled (I am) to see that entertainment is provided by RX-24 (Rex). Who they promise will provide both chatter and tunes to waiting customers. 


Shopping
...because who isn't going to spend a fortune? 
While Disney hasn't announced a set name for the shopping haven which will inundate the area, it's not hard to guess multiple 'shops' will be present and themed for the area. Rumors run the gauntlet of 'haggling traders in street-lined stalls' to a 'Star Wars Emporium'.  Frankly, I think we'll see a more typical pattern for Disney where exit lines will empty into stores as well as more 'themed' locations for Black Spire Outpost. 

Restaurants
Even people on the edge of Wild Space need to eat!
So this is bound to happen. While nothing has been said from official channels, the rumor mill is always ripe with guesses. Some of them are as wild as a full sit-down, reservations only dining option to the other corner who states 'it won't have anyplace to eat'.  Personally,  I expect to see something very similar with what Disney did with Cars Lands in California. If we use that model, we'll see one 'counter service' restaurant with themed (but familiar) food choices, much like Flo's V-8 Cafe. For quick service and snacks, likely several other spots where one can grab something for 'on the go' food options. 

Universal Orlando- What is happening with Wet'N'Wild

If you grew up in Orlando...
...or just spent your vacations there...
Then seeing this rather breaks your heart.

Who didn't have at least one amazing day, normally with friends, over at Wet'n'Wild? We all did, it was rather a right of passage to those of us who grew up in Orlando. The antics, the smell of chlorine and (most importantly) eyeing up the gender of your choice! Also, they had slides!


However, today's news now reveals exactly what Universal Orlando Resort plans to do with the property of Wet'n'Wild, which they purchased in 1998. Later to close it permanently in December 2016, as the park is now set to open it's own water park- Volcano Bay in May 2017.

Again with those awesome MSPaint Skills!

Over here, we see the general property of Wet'N'Wild along Universal Blvd.

Today in a news clip published by Theme Park Insider it's been discovered exactly what will be happening to that property. Can you guess?

Well if you said 'More Hotels' you are correct. Universal has filed permits with the City of Orlando to build additional UOR Hotels on the 64 acres that once housed Wet'n'Wild.

Although there is no comment or information regarding HOW exactly these hotels will connect to the Universal Orlando Property. The likely guess is a shuttle service, which will be an additional increase of traffic on already busy roads. I've seen a few other guesses, fairly far-fetched, about extending the boat canal and even a monorail type deal. However, those would likely be future projects since I can't find any hint of them online (at least, for now).

To me, at least, it seems a bit off for Universal to extend this far outside the typical boundaries and not for park expansion. Rather, more hotel space. Which, if you've ever been down International Drive, has hotels a-plenty.  It's no longer 'on property' so how can they command the rates Universal Orlando enjoys charging for hotels?

Either way, at least we know the fate.. which has always been suspected.

At least we've still got our memories. Even if it is sad another generation won't get to make them for themselves.

Seaworld Orlando- Mako Coaster Construction

 Hey Folks!

Just a quick little update today on the constuction progress of Seaworld Orlando's newest roller coaster, Mako. Which is scheduled to open in Summer 2016. Make will be 200 feet tall with speeds up to 73MPH,




A friend of mine recently visited the park and was kind enough to snap a few quick photos of the construction progress on this new steel beauty! So a special thanks to +Jennifer Strobak for letting me use her photos.

SeaWorld Orlando- New Clyde and Seamore Show, Sealion High!

 SeaWorld Orlando Announced "Sea Lion High" as New Clyde and Seamore Show, Opening on April 16th.

 While we've known for a while what the general theme of the new Sealion and Otter show at SeaWorld Orlando would be, we've been getting more details along with the opening date of the new show!

 April 16th will see the opening of the newest comedy show featuring SeaWorld's most beloved duo, Clyde and Seamore. The show is billed as featuring Clyde and Seamore in the good days of High School with funny antics and some amazing animal interactions. As always, these shows tend to showcase learning and natural behaviors presented in an easy-to-understand format of a comedy show.

 Personally, I can't wait to see this new version of the Sealion and Otter Show!

Fire in Disneyland Resort

So I've got some news out of Disneyland in California (for those of you who forget which park is where, lol). Apparently there was a fire on Saturday evening in Fantasyland.  First reports were saying that Small World was on fire, but now it looks like it was a malfunction with a fireworks show, although they are still investigating. 

Pulled from The OC Register

The fire began around 9:20 p.m. on a tree near the "It's a Small World" attraction, said Disney spokeswoman Suzi Brown.

The fire was handled by Disney staff, probably the in-park FD, and the Anaheim FD was not needed on site. No one was injured and there was no damage to Small World.

Pulled from YouTube- SoCal Attractions 360 page

The Small World ride reopened later that night with no issues.

We are happy that no one was hurt and the ride was okay.

As always: If you're nice to us than we'll be nice to you. You can find us in the usual places, just go to the "Where to Follow" tab on the home page and follow!!!

Laff Trakk Construction Continues at Hersheypark

Hersheypark is continuing to move forward with their newest coaster as well. Coming sometime in 2015, will be Laff Trakk, the world's first indoor spinning glow coaster. Yeah, that's a bit of a mouthful there, but it's definitely cool to see a dark ride/dark coaster being built out there as they're always a good time.

That said, quite a lot of steel has been going up on the site where the ride will inhabit, but not a single piece of track yet. So far the construction has been limited to just the building that will house the ride.

This one is definitely curious and I gotta admit, I'm looking forward to it, even if it's considered more "family friendly" not an extreme scream machine like some others that are going up around the world this year. If you're curious as to just what they're up to, check out coverage of the announcement to see video and a lot more detail about the ride.

Here's just a few pictures of what's been going on over at Hersheypark, thanks to the folks over at All American Thrills. Can see more shots of not only Laff Trakk, but the entire park as a whole too over on their site.

Image via All American Thrills ALTair drone, too cool!

Track Completed, Testing to Begin Soon for Gardaland's New Dive Coaster?

Well, there's still no official announcement from the folks over at Italy's Gardaland on their newest coaster, a B&M dive machine. That said, it hasn't stopped construction one bit and by the looks of things, everything has been finished up now for a few weeks. Pretty quick work on this one! Almost as fast as Holiday World's Thunderbird, also a B&M coaster. Makes ya wonder, right?

Anyway, here's a bit of video, from Airtimers.com, of the final piece of track going to into place and a whole slew of construction photos after it from the folks over at Roller Coaster Revolution.


And now...the pictures. First up is one of the first shots of the actual trains that will be in use. Definitely in the testing phase here as the water dummies can easily be seen strapped into the seats. Going to bet that they've either started testing or are getting ready to do so very, very soon.

Image via Themeparks.it

Now for the construction pics! Again, we're kind of not in Italy, but the folks at Roller Coaster Revolution are, so thanks to them everyone else can get a glimpse of what's been going on.

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.

Islands of Adventure- Skull Island/Kong 360 Construction Update

Image from Jake's Adventures

 Well Folks, Construction at Islands of Adventure has been getting crazy lately.

 Kong 360/Skull Island has gone vertical in a big way, the building is massive! It looks almost like some of the multi-level designs which we saw during the construction of Transformers over at Universal Studios.

 While there is still no official announcement from Universal Orlando on just what this new attraction will be, it's getting easier to guess. From the size and shape of the building, we're surely looking at King Kong 360 if some of the outside 'decorations' which are starting to take shape. They seem to match exactly those found out in Universal Studios Hollywood.

Image from Jake's Adventures

 Either way, it's nice to things moving along so quickly.Exterior Walls are going up and inside construction appears to be moving at a steady pace.

 Hopefully we'll all be hearing some kind of announcement from Universal Orlando here in the next coming weeks!

Islands of Adventure- King Kong/Skull Island Construction

Image from Orlando Theme Park News

 "Skull Island" Building at Islands of Adventure is Getting Bigger by the Day!

 Every few days, new picutres are coming out and each time it seems like this new construction is just getting bigger!

Stuffed into the area behind Jurassic Park the project known as "Skull Island" and widely rumored to be the Orlando version of "King Kong 360" has got both vertical and massive. It also seems like themeing to the building is slowly being added with each additional photo coming to light. Likely, it won't be long until Universal Orlando makes an official announcement.

Stay turned for more information!

Universal Orlando/Islands of Adventure- Kong Construction Goes Vertical

Image from Orlando United

Kong 360/Skull Island Going Vertical at Islands of Adventure

 Well, some good news out of Universal Orlando this week. It seems Islands of Adventure's newest project "Skull Island/Kong360" has finally gone vertical.

 The new attraction, which still hasn't been formally announced seems likely to open in 2016. Stuffed in near the current 'Jurassic Park' area, Kong is likely to be announced sometime soon as Universal is well known to announce attractions when they can no longer 'hide' the fact they're up to something.

 Until then, speculation as to the new attraction will continue to exist. No matter how much some of us are wishing for a Jurassic Park Expansion!

Hershey Park- Laff Trakk Construction Update

Image from All American Thrills

Laff Trakk Construction at Hershey Park

 Well, it looks like Hershey Park is bound and determined to get the building which will contain their newest roller coaster/dark ride up before the winter weather comes home to Pennsylvania. Which would allow the park to continue building during the bad weather, likely getting the ride complete and tested for the anticipated "Summer of 2015" opening date. 

Image from All American Thrills

 So far however, it looks like we've only got basic construction of the ride's building and possibly some ride footers being planned or placed. 

 Either way, nice to see some progress happening so quickly with Hershey Park! We'll keep an eye on things and update as needed! 

BREAKING NEWS- Disney Confirms "Frozen" to Replace Maelstorm

BREAKING NEWS- Disney World Confirms that "Frozen" and "Arendelle" will Replace Maelstorm at Epcot's Norway Pavilion.

 Is a surprise and un-wise decision, Disney has confirmed today that they will replace the 'Maelstorm' ride at Epcot's Norway Pavilion with a ride based entirely on their blockbuster movie "Frozen".

 In what I'm now called "The dumbest move of a lifetime" Disney has completely abandoned their original plans an dreams for the Epcot Center Theme Park and World Showcase as a whole. By moving in Frozen and Arendelle it's obvious that Norway refused to shell out the demanded $9 Million dollars which Disney has been demanding in order to 'upgrade' and 'update' the pavilion. They have followed through with the threat to turn the area in Arendelle and Frozen, thus the first steps in loosing Epcot has begun.

 Today Disney Stated- The new attraction which replaces Maelstorm, will take our guests to Arendelle and immerse them in many of their favorite moments and music from the film. The pavilion will also include a 'Royal Greeting Location" where Anna and Elsa can meet our guests. We think these "Frozen" elements are great compliments to the Norway Pavilion, which showcases the country and region which inspired the film.
 You can read more of their 'spin' about this on Disney Parks Blog

What. The. HELL.
You had ONE JOB, Disney!

Travel Notice- Haunt Tour 2014 Kick-off!

 Travel Notice- Haunt Tour 2014 Begins Friday!

 Hey Folks!
Yes, it's been a bit quiet around here the last few days while we've been finalizing plans for the kick off of this seasons Halloween Haunt Tour!

 So we'll be on the road this weekend, which means that Haunted House and Haunted Event Reviews are coming up! We're kicking off the event with the Media Night for Busch Gardens Williamsburgs "Howl-O-Scream". From there we're heading up to Allentown, Pennsylvania and Dorney Park's "Halloween Haunt". To wrap up the busy weekend of travel, we'll be visiting Hundred Acres Manor here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania!

 So, keep your eyes on the blog! We'll be getting review up by the middle of the week so you can begin planning your own Halloween Visits! Make sure to check out our "Haunt Reviews" for last year to give you an idea of what you might enjoy this spooky season, Plus all the new reviews we'll be adding in each week!

 Remember, We'll be on the road.. A LOT in coming weeks. So you can follow along for tips, tricks and updates via Twitter, Google+ and Facebook by searching #HT2014.

First Piece of Thunderbird Track in Place at Holiday World!

Well, that didn't take long as just last week the first sections of track for Holiday World's newest scream machine, Thunderbird, arrived. Today, the Holiblog posted up a few pictures showing the first piece of track going into place for their newest and first ever steel coaster.

Thunderbird is not only the park's first all steel coaster, but also the world's first ever launched wing coaster as well.

Have to say, the orange track is going to be incredible to see snaking through the woods, and night rides are going to be insane. Anyway, the first section of track to be installed, as pictured below, is for the station and as they say "only 76 more to go!"

Check out the Holiblog, Holiday World's official blog for more pictures here!

Stay tuned for more updates on the construction of Thunderbird and we can't wait to get a chance to take flight in April of 2015!

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)