Coaster track spotted at Kings Island!

Bad news for Michigan's Adventure fans...


http://photos.pkicentral.com/thumbnails.php?album=180

Catching up.

I've been gone from the blog for a few days, so here's some updates:

- Louisville defeated Wake Forest in the Orange Bowl 24-13. At center is future All-American, and good friend of the website, Eric Wood.

- It has also proven to be Coach Bobby Petrino's last game with the Cardinals. Petrino will replace Jim L. Mora (the son of Jim "PLAYOFFS!!!" Mora) as head coach of the NFL Atlanta Falcons. This will also prove that the confusion at the U of L Athletic department switchboard regaring coaches' last names (Petrino, Pitino, Petrino, Pitino, let's call the whole thing off!).

- The UC Bearcats won the inaugural International Bowl in Toronto on Saturday, as they defeated Western Michigan, 27-24. The Broncos forgot (Bill) Poland.

- The NFL Wild Card: In the AFC, the Colts defense gets it done when it counts against the Chiefs, while the Patriots and coach Bill Belichick gets back at his old assistant Eric Mangini and that oach's NY Jets. The NFC matchups were more surprising: the Cowboys and Tony Romo fall in a hard-fought battle in Seattle, followed by another exciting game between Jeff Garcia and the Eagles, who got past the NY Giants, whose running back, Tiki Barber, has played his last game. It surely won't be the last time you see Tiki on Tivi. (TV)

- Apple is set to announce BIG THINGS on Tuesday for MacWorld Expo 2007 in San Francisco on Tuesday. When Steve Jobs says "One More Thing..." you'd better stick around this time.

- Oh, and Kings Island has announced that a major announcement is coming soon. Like you didn't know that.

New Kings Island logo revealed

While browsing Kings Island's website today (still located at www.pki.com), I stumbled upon the Season Pass page. I looked at the art/designs for the season passes, and quickly noticed something different - and great...



This is no doubt a sign that my home park is losing its long-time yet not-so revered Paramount branding. It is similar in the style of Carowinds' new logo, and similar font as seen with Cedar Point. Stay tuned for even more, including a higher-resolution version of this logo, and more announcements regarding the 2007 season.

Carowinds' new logo?

It's been lurking around some forums, and some folks at PKICentral.com came across what may be the first non-Paramount logo for one of the "former" Paramount Parks:



The logo looks sort of funny (the ® is placed weird: "Car®owinds"), and the black looks kinda grainy, like it came from a fax. The park name is presented in the same font as Cedar Point's, including the flag in place of a dotted "i", but in a straight across design than the double-arched style of CP's. Also, since the parent company has sort of renamed itself, "Cedar Fair Family of Parks" sounds more appropriate than simply "A Cedar Fair, L.P. Park."

If this logo is going around, it might not be too long before Kings Island's new logo is revealed - will they go in the same style as Cedar Point and Carowinds, bring back the classic logo from 1972-92, or create something different?

A Christmas Kings Island Aerial Update

http://photos.pkicentral.com/thumbnails.php?album=lastup

Again, our friends from PKICentral flew over the park for us, with a new update on what's on the way for 2007. First, the first real glimpse at Son of Beast, sans-loop. Also, there has been more progress at Fort Cooper...

Of course, stay tuned for more. There could be an announcement or update even BIGGER coming very soon...

Cedar Fair announces $83 Million in Additions & Improvements for 2007; $10 M for Kings Island

Press Release

Today, amusement park superpower Cedar Fair announced a total of $83 million in capital expenditures, including new attractions and other improvements. Flagship park Cedar Point will receive the most with Maverick, a $21 million launch coaster, first officially announced in September. Second in line is Kings Dominon, one of five former Paramount parks acqured by the company in June, which is expanding its WaterWorks water park. The $11 million investment includes a second wave pool, along with two major slides.
Also very notable is Kings Island, which will receive $10 million, including a new thrill ride yet to be named. Knott's will get $8 million, including the rumored family spinning coaster.

A certain P-word was not mentioned in the release...

X-Flight coming down quickly...

Geauga Lake Today posted some new photos from Wednesday of the dismantling of X-Flight. Much more of the track is now gone, instead laying in the parking lot... as it did just six years ago when Six Flags was building it.

Kings Island hinting at 2007?

The latest e-mail sent out regarding 2007 season passes...

Kings Island soars into its 35th Anniversary with more than 85 world-class rides and attractions, including world-record holding roller coasters, an award-winning children's area, 15-acre water park, and outstanding family musical productions. Enjoy all this and much more with your 2007 Season Passes!

(emphasis added by editor)

Geauga Lake X-Flight dismantling begins

X-Flight, the flying coaster whose removal from Geauga Lake was announced last month, is now being dismantled, according to photos on Geauga Lake Today.

The arrow points towards the helix section, where track has been removed from the overhead supports.

It is still unknown officially which Cedar Fair park it's headed to, but it's likely that park could be Kings Island, according to aerial photos taken by PKI Central.

Stay tuned for more dismantling photos... as well as re-construction photos, wherever that may be!

The Dismantling Game continues...

As Kings Dominion is working to add to WaterWorks, one other attraction may be going away...

The park's 5-year old S&S launch coaster, Hypersonic XLC, is listed for sale. Whether there are any takers has yet to be seen. Sister park Cedar Point had been trying to seel Demon Drop since later 2005 season, but still had not found a buyer, even though it operated in 2006. Whether the same will be true for Hypersonic is unknown at this time.


As one Cedar Fair park is changing, another Six Flags park seems to be disappearing for good.

A thread on rec.roller-coaster shows Six Flags New Orleans' Batman the Ride, a B&M inverted coaster, being dismantled. This most likely confirms that the park, which has been closed since August 2005 when Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, will not re-open. This coaster was first installed elsewhere, so now, the first B&M to be relocated, has been relocated more than once...

Also from the Six Flags Blotter, Magic Mountain's once-innovative Superman: The Escape is also listed for sale.

Of course this comes all after it was announced that Kings Island is removing the vertical loop from Son of Beast as part of modification to resolve the problems that caused the July 9th incident when over two dozen riders were injured.... So stay tuned, this might be a winter full of action!

"Kings Dominion" to expand WaterWorks, lower prices

As you may have seen earlier on, it was reported through a Career Day brochure on PKD's website that WaterWorks would be expanded. Today, the park confirmed it, not only with a press release, but also through an e-mail that I received.

The park’s waterpark, WaterWorks, is receiving its first major expansion since 1999. Located inside the theme park, WaterWorks is adding three major new attractions that offer something for everyone.

“New water attractions, new price, new year,” said Richard Zimmerman, vice president and general manager of Kings Dominion. “We know our guests are looking for ways to stretch their entertainment dollar and next year, Kings Dominion will be an even better value. With our expanded waterpark, and our unparalleled collection of roller coasters, rides and attractions, no other park in the Mid-Atlantic can offer so much fun and excitement.”

Beginning with Tidal Wave Bay, Kings Dominion is adding a second wave pool to the waterpark. Filled with hundreds of thousands of gallons of water, Tidal Wave Bay will offer hours of swimming adventure.

The new Tornado attraction combines high thrills with spinning and churning wet spills. Extending 65 feet into the air, the Tornado provides riders with a unique water experience that everyone will want to ride again and again. Finally, the addition of the Zoom Flume, will give families the opportunity to enjoy a rafting adventure together. Four riders at a time can climb aboard the raft and “zoom” down the curving and tilting raging water path.

Also, Kings Dominion is lowering the prices of daily general admission. Adults get in for $5 less than 2006, at $44.95. Junior/Senior pricing (also a Cedar Fair thing) is $24.95, and admission after 4 PM will now be $29.95 - it is the first time pricing at KD has been lowered since the park opened in 1975.

If you notice that in the typed portion of the press release, "Paramount" is not mentioned even once...

Report: Canada's Wonderland De-Paramountized?

http://www.pkicentral.com/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=8698&view=findpost&p=140581

A visitor to Canada's Wonderland, who was there for a job interview, noticed some changes underway.

He claims that the "Paramount Canada's Wonderland" signs have been removed, and replaced with those saying "Cedar Fair presents Canada's Wonderland." Also, there is some renovation work going on throughout the park, inside and out, and that some ride names have been changed. Lastly, while Nickelodeon characters will remain as expected, apparently the Hanna-Barbera characters and areas are being removed and changed, to replaced with the Peanuts.

Because there isn't photographic evidence, nor multiple sources, this information can't be confirmed. But, knowing that Cedar Fair is in charge, expect changes to take place. The changes that this visitor listed, to me, are a bit believable.

State releases Son of Beast report; Loop GONE

From the desk of Maureen Kaiser:

Son of Beast Statement
12.13.06

The State of Ohio’s Department of Agriculture released today its final report detailing the outcome of the extensive Son of Beast inspection. The report reaffirms initial indications that the incident was an unforeseen single event failure.

We will now focus our energies on the appropriate and necessary changes needed to reopen the ride in 2007. In addition to reinforcing the physical structure of the ride, we plan to remove the loop. Taking this extra step enables us to use lighter trains, which will reduce the load and lead to a more comfortable ride experience.

We are making good progress on Son of Beast and are fully committed to reopening the ride in 2007.

You can read the Department of Agriculture's final report here.
(WCPO: Son Of Beast Accident Blamed On Design Flaw)

While I'll miss the signature, unique loop, hopefully the new trains will give a much better overall ride experience. (image courtesy CYoung2003) "BEER!"

Something Going On at Kings Island...

My friends at PKICentral have posted some aerial pictures of Kings Island recently taken, that show a great deal of land clearing behind Flight of Fear. The site seems to have a rectangular shape, similar to that of the X-Flight coaster that will be removed from Geauga Lake.

One of the five pictures also shows Son of Beast, which is undergoing some winter work, near the end of the ride's circuit - and the coaster's vertical loop also standing.

However, please note that the pictures were taken on December 3, more than a week ago. This is because the PKICentral staff waited until they got approval from Kings Island to post the pictures. This could also mean that the Son of Beast's loop may be gone after all...

(UPDATE) KI has confirmed that the SOB loop has been removed!

Geauga Lake to get smaller.

Ever since Kings Island closed for the season in late October, there was some speculation that Cedar Fair's "new" Ohio park would be getting a "new" coaster.

At the same time, it was noted that the faltering Geauga Lake, also a property of Cedar Fair located in Ohio, would be undergoing some restructuring. The park's PR representative, Lexi Robinson had been let go, with folks from Cedar Point assuming her duties. Attendance has been stagnant compared to 2005, even with expansion of Wildwater Kingdom. In addition, the Hurricane Hannah's park lay abandoned, the Belaire Express monorail was shut down, and Steel Venom had a serious mechanical issue later on in the season that shut it down earlier.

This has led to rumors that X-Flight, the park's newest coaster, installed in 2001, would be dismantled and sent to another park. It looked more likely as some electrical fixtures were being removed, especially lighting on the lift hill. It also looked suspicious that a surveying company - from Milford, OH, not far from KI - was spotted in X-Flight's perimeter. At the same time, the surveyors could have been there just for utility work going on along Aurora Rd - and that the electrical work was just upgrades, including installing an on-ride photo system. But ORP work in November?

Today, the Cleveland Plain Dealer, and park spokesman Bryan Edwards, confirmed half of the rumors. X-Flight will no longer be operating at Geauga Lake, and will be dismantled and relocated to another park. But which park?

Which park will be getting a used Vekoma flying coaster?
Many rumors have stated that it's headed south for Kings Island, probably next to Flight of Fear. But would they really send a used coaster to a park that is one of Cedar Fair's biggest and highest attended parks? Have they even broken ground yet?
Other possibilities include Michigan's Adventure, which is growing and has not seen a new coaster since around 1999 - a Vekoma flyer might be the type of coaster its patrons have been wanting.
There's even the crazy rumor that it's headed for Great America, which built the world's first flying coaster - but later sent it across the country to Carowinds in 2004. It was removed from GA to make way for Boomerang Bay, which better suited the park's family audience, not to mention the lack of room to grow the park out in Silicon Valley. Now, the 49ers want to build a football stadium next door!

Also, the monorail will be removed over the winter from Geauga Lake. I hate to see any monorail go, but that's what they're doing. Hopefully Jungle Jim's will finally get theirs up - a handover from another park now owned by Cedar Fair.

Stay tuned!

2007 Watch: Cedar Point announces Maverick!

"Maverick" is no longer a code name.

Today, Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH has announced its 17th roller coaster, Maverick, now being located in Frontiertown. Built on the former White Water Landing site, the Intamin launched coaster may lack the speed and height of previous Cedar Point coasters, but won't lack the fun thrill-seekers have come to expect.

Maverick features:

• Linear synchronous motor launching system
• 95-degree first drop
• Two launch areas
• Two 360-degree corkscrew rolls
• One 360-degree heartline roll
• Eight airtime-filled hills
• One 400-foot-long tunnel
• 10 banked turns, from 62 to 92 degrees
• Magnetic, non-contact braking system
• Elevated single load/unload station

The $21 million Maverick is the third most expensive Cedar Point coaster, and the park's fourth longest. It will essentially give Cedar Point, once again, the title of park with most coasters with 17! It will also be the first Intamin coaster at Cedar Point with the newer over-the-shoulder restraint design, making it easier for larger riders (like me) to ride!

However, 2007 season pass information for Cedar Point itself has yet to be released. If you live at another Cedar Fair park, like Kings Island, Michigan's Adventure, Kings Dominion, or Valleyfair!, you can get your Cedar Fair Maxx Pass for $125 or less and enjoy Maverick...

New for 2007 at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari

Just a few minutes ago, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari announced their 2007 plans.

Bakuli

our new family water slide in Splashin' Safari. Bakuli (pronounced bah-COOL-ee) is the Swahili word for "bowl" and that is exactly where this takes you—swirling round and round in a huge, colorful bowl! Start seven stories up and climb into a four-person cloverleaf raft. You'll be launched into a very dark, very steep tunnel that's full of surprises. You know how The Voyage has three 90-degree curves? So does Bakuli!

And you know how Zinga flings you into a huge funnel? Bakuli drops you into a gigantic purple, green and yellow bowl that measures 60 feet across! Around and around the high-banked bowl you'll slide and then drop into one last tunnel. Are where do you end up? Right in the middle of the island at Bahari River! Bakuli will (dare we say it?) bowl you over, it's so much fun!

Turkey Whirl

Over the river and through the woods, in Holiday World, there's a new ride being cooked up for our Thanksgiving section. Your entire family will want to take a spin on the Turkey Whirl! This new themed tilt-a-whirl is truly fun gone a-fowl. And the only leftovers will be your laughter!

Plymouth Rock Cafe
Originally set to be completed in 2006, this cafeteria-style restaurant will serve Thanksgiving-style dinners. Not sure if a gravy buffet will be included, though.

Bakuli image courtesy Holiday World & Spalshin' Safari


Also, tomorrow, Cedar Point will announce the details of the closely watched 2007 project, which is an Intamin steel coaster with inversions, and is said to have up to two LIM launches.

And don't forget that Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg announced Griffon, the world's first B&M floorless dive coaster - reaching heights of 200' and over 70 mph - and 90 degree drops. Yet another quality thrilling coaster at a quality theme park.

Cedar Fair: New for 2007

Confirmed:
Cedar Point: Maverick: IntaRide steel looping coaster, with lims, on White Water Landing site.
Valleyfair!: Renegade: GCI wooden coaster, Millennium Flyer trains.
Geauga Lake: Removal of X-Flight to another Cedar Fair park.
Kings Dominion: WaterWorks expansion: second wave pool, family play house, ProSlide Tornado? (Not officially announced, but listed in '07 Career Days brochure on park site)
Knott's Berry Farm: Timberland Twister, Mack Spinning Coaster in Camp Snoopy

Rumored:
Canada's Wonderland: Water park expansion, make-over into Boomerang Bay. (Rename/retheme unlikely, since KD is keeping WaterWorks name despite expansion) Kids Area/Nickelodon Makeover as well?
Kings Island: Bunch of things: X-flight from Geauga Lake... Return of flying scooters... New dining options?
Geauga Lake: Redevelopment of former Hurricane Hanna's water park site, new slides for Wildwater Kingdom, Coasters Drive-In?
Carowinds: Coaster?
Dorney Park: Racing slide at Wildwater Kingdom
Michigan's Adventure: Mad Mouse midway rehab, new ride in, some flats out... X-Flight?
Great America: Kids Area/Nickelodon Makeover. Makeover coming to Orleans Place as well?
Worlds of Fun: Unknown.