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After looking at the artwork again a little more closely, I think the "big" coaster-the B&M-may not have been announced yesterday. The B&M is still there.....the big white coaster in the background. Looks to be lift, drop, loop, cobra roll, zero G roll, either a large flatspin or another vertical loop, a helix or an inclined loop and some helixes. The reason I think this one was not part of the announcement is because when B&M were talking about it at IAAPA they said it would be themed to a "hard rock classic", and if you zoom in really closely to where the station would be and to the left of the bottom of the lift hill, you can see the "Zeppelin" that is rumored to be part of the theming.....

Didn't see this posted here.....but this gives a better indication of what type of coaster the B&M might be: http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/multimedia/myrtlebeachonline/KRT_packages/archive/mm/hardrocklook/index.html I think it's the "Maximum RPM" coaster in the background; if that's actually the layout it doesn't look too bad! EDIT: The Official Site, with a giant version of the pic in the above link is now up. If you go in through http://www.hardrockpark.com/ , turn your speakers down first.....

^Very true, in my experience. That's why I always pull it down as tight as it will go. The three things that work for me are staying in the front two rows, pulling the harness tight and keeping head pressed against the headrest all through the ride, and either riding inside seat or, if riding the outside, brace going into the last raven turn and flip if necessary-although, I found front row outside to be smooth yesterday. The first and last rides I took on X yesterday (front row, inside seat, parking lot side) were the two smoothest, and best rides I have ever had on it. I would imagine the new trains will improve the experience, though. It is good to see the line moving better; for the better part of the day after the park opened the X line was about 45 minutes while Tatsu remained well over an hour, and 45 minutes with FlashPass at one point. X broke down a little after 4pm and when they were test cycling trains to reopen it, one of the trains got stuck in between the brakes and halfway in and out of the unload and that took it down for a longer period of time. I'm not sure what time they got it fixed but when I left about 4:30 they had three or four maintenance guys over there working on it.

A big thanks to everyone-Chris and Natalee from RideWorld, Sue Carpenter and the staff of SFMM (X, Tatsu and Viper ERT crews), and Robb And Elissa, for yet another awesome event-both the morning ERT at SFMM and the evening party! This was the best one yet.

^ I have to admit, I am a little less skeptical of Shapiro than I once was, given the improvements I have seen at SFMM (Psyclone leaving for new expansion room, new food options being talked about, and most notably investing in better trains on X-that alone tells me he's not going to leave out the thrill seekers altogether). I still think he is slightly to the other extreme as the previous management (they were all thrills and coasters and no family attractions, and Shapiro is all family attractions and no "big" coasters.) No new big coasters, at least for now makes sense given their financial status. But time will tell. While he might be hesitant about another Goliath or Tatsu at the moment, the popularity of these rides-not just with teen thrill seekers who don't spend a lot of money in the park but also with teens attending with the entire family, older kids who are just tall enough, and Mom and Dad-cannot be ignored. I say just give it some time.

I feel pretty sure that whenever SFMM gets a new coaster, it will end up being either a family coaster like one of the Tony Hawk coasters, or a new wooden coaster. Shapiro has stated his fondness of wooden coasters in interviews, and a good wooden coaster can be built for a much lower cost in comparison to a new steel coaster from B&M or Intamin. As far as the area back by Psyclone-it could always go back there or they might end up doing what SF Great Adventure did and replace their Viper with an El Toro! Seriously, though, I think that it will be 2009 or later before another coaster comes to SFMM. I'd rather see them balance out the park and make sure all their coasters are running great before even considering a new one.

^It is kind of a light year for B&M, especially after all of the activity that they had last year with multiple installations: Patriot, Tatsu, Goliath SFOG, Goliath La Ronde, Black Mamba, and the Flying Coaster in Japan. This year they have Griffon at BGE, this one at Universal Japan, and also two more which are somewhere in development: the one going into the new Hard Rock Park and an Inverted coaster going somewhere overseas, plus there could be projects in development no one knows all of the details about just yet-so I'd say they're not doing too bad..... A lot of the reason it may seem as if they are not doing as much stateside this year is because in recent years B&M has been doing a lot with both Cedar Fair and Six Flags: Patriot, Hydra and Silver Bullet for Cedar Fair and Tatsu and 2 Goliaths for Six Flags and Sheikra for BGT have all come within the past 3 years. While I don't anticipate any new B&M coasters for Six Flags for a few years, I think that the success and popularity of their existing B&M coasters will eventually result in their getting a new one here or there. I would not be surprised if Cedar Fair orders some more as well-maybe an invert for Valleyfair or one of the other parks, or one of the newly acquired Paramount parks.

I think X will be running fine. It was running great this past Saturday, with two train operation and a crew that is much better than years past was doing a pretty good job of dispatches and keeping the line moving. Managed to get three rides in between 2pm-9pm with the longest wait being about an hour (for the front row at night) and the other two being 30-35 minutes at the most. Speaking of Tatsu-X is still my favorite coaster at SFMM (or anywhere for that matter), but Tatsu is a very close second. The last ride I took on Tatsu just before the park closed in the back seat, far right row was one of the most intense and forceful rides I have ever had on a coaster, yet still smooth as glass. Looking forward to ERT on both X and Tatsu Sunday! I also want to try to ride S:TE after the park opens, as it is the one coaster at SFMM I have never ridden. I was in line for it Saturday night but after I stood in line for about 20 minutes and the line didn't move, walked off and went back over to Tatsu!

^I was there Saturday afternoon/night and thought Ninja looked great. It occurred to me that one reason it is getting so much attention is because with the 42" height requirement, it is one of the more family friendly coasters at SFMM which fits right in with Shapiro's strategy and the rumors of a new family area in the section of the park.

I would guess that KBF might be among the next on the list to get smoking areas. Even as a smoker, I don't mind that one bit, in fact I think it's a good thing. Designated areas at Six Flags have never bothered me, and this way those who don't smoke are not exposed to it.

Sorry to be so late chiming in here but just wanted to offer a big congratulations to Robb and Elissa on the new addition to the family!!!!!

Wow! I'm going up there Saturday with a friend of mine who is buying a Pass, so it will be interesting to see how the area looks now. I always thought Psyclone looked good, even though I thought it rode terribly. Here's hoping they put that area to better use!

I couldn't get the second video to work in IE or Firefox until I found the source file name. Here is the direct link to that video: www.usj-i.net/movies/2007/hdrtest/hdr_testtrack.wmv Looks like a pretty decent ride!

I think this is great news! I'm impressed, another good decision from SFMM. I have been a bit skeptical of Shapiro's direction with the company, and had my concerns about the new management, but it seems that in the case of SFMM they know what they're doing, and it also offers some evidence that in their pursuing a wider demographic that thrill seekers are not being forgotten. Improvements to the park and taking steps to make sure the star attractions are running at their best certainly makes a lot more sense than a new major addition would have for this or next season. X is in my opinion potentially one of the biggest draws coaster wise that SFMM has (and in my opinion, one of the star attractions, if not the star attraction of the park) and if they were to have it in top condition and running to the best of its ability/capacity, it would drastically improve the park experience/reputation. Here's hoping they follow through on everything. Between this, finally doing something about Psyclone and Flashback, possibly getting a Johnny Rockets (admittedly, it's not the best dining experience a park could have, but IMHO it's better than SFMM's current food offerings), a train type transport ride, and the as of yet unconfirmed rumor of landscaping the area around Scream, I think they are off to a heck of a start. As much as I hope X stays open and consistently running two trains all season this year, I also would not mind if they took the time to get new trains in and possibly make modifications to the station (a lot of the breakdowns I have seen while in line for X has had to do with the mechanism that rotates the seats in the station, so they might do the dropping floor as well) and get it up and running to capacity and more smoothly. I also hope they opt for the padding for the lower part of the cars rather than the ankle restraints; part of why I love X is the minimalist yet very secure restraints. I think if they were to get whatever necessary modifications to X made to eliminate downtime/excessive roughness and increase capacity while also making sure that the other 14 coasters are running to capacity, combined with the other improvements being made around the park, and working to balance the park to offer more for all members of the family, SFMM could make a huge turnaround. If they follow through on all of this stuff, then I don't care if it's another 4-5 years before they see another new coaster.

Two come to mind: The butterfly restraints on X are my favorite, as they offer a sense of feeling securely strapped in while at the same time giving a sense of openness/free flight. Next to those, I would say the restraints on any B&M coaster-Floorless, Inverted, Flying, Hyper or Standup are excellent. The T-bar restraints on Xcelerator are good as well.

It sounds as if they are definitely on the right track, and I hope it continues! -X back open with two train operation -Ninja finally getting painted -On ride pics for Riddlers and BTR possibly returning -Finally doing something about the SNBO Flashback and the painful Psyclone -Thrillshot reopening Hopefully, the improvements will keep up; I'd still like to see them throw some landscaping under Scream and get completely new trains for X based on the improvements with the new 4D, but it sounds as if they are off to a good start this year. I'm looking forward to going for the first time in a while next weekend and welcoming X back and seeing if they have done anything else.....

Count me in for both-this should be a lot of fun. Looking forward to X and Tatsu ERT as well as getting the chance to see and hang out with everyone. Anyone who isn't sure about going, if you haven't been to one of the TPR parties, they are a lot of fun!

Wow, this is shocking news.....although not really surprising to me. I think it's an excellent decision on Six Flags' part, and a step towards improving SFMM as these two coasters had to be the two least popular at the park. I hope these are the only two that leave. The only other coaster I could realistically see them taking out is Viper (as they already have an IMHO superior multi-looping sit down coaster with Scream) but I'm hoping it stays as well. I don't think the park will get any new coasters for another few years nor should it, but I would strongly suspect that when they do get a new coaster, it will be either a family wild mouse type coaster or a wooden coaster (or maybe even both over a few years time) to fill the void left by these two. The addition of the train ride is also an excellent, and much needed idea. Now, if they would just get new trains for X and keep it up and running once it reopens, make sure Tatsu isn't going to slide off the mountain and maybe throw some gravel under Scream, I would be extremely happy!

Awesome-sounds like it will be another good one! ERT on my current top two coasters (X and Tatsu), and a chance to hang out with a great group of people. (But this time, I'm definitely staying in a different hotel after the fiasco I had at the Best Western last year!)

Well, I'm hoping to get more visits in to SFMM than last year (I really hope they get X up and running again soon, as that would inspire me to go more often) as well as about the same on Knott's visits, and I want to do Solace and West Coast Bash again, but as far as anything beyond those two parks: -Planning to hit SFOG again when visiting family back East in the spring or summer, my Dad told me on the phone the other day he's looking forward to going there again -Hoping to try to extend that same trip (depending on how many vacation days I get) and make it up to Virginia to visit family I have not seen in a while and to get a ride on Griffon at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg -There's a possibility I may be attending a trade show in the summer that would be right near Busch Gardens in Tampa, and would allow for an extra day to sightsee, so I might get to go on Sheikra too. That's about it. I am limited in the amount of time off I can take, and vacation schedules have not yet been announced so it's tough to tell until they are. The only one of those three parks I know for sure I will get to go to again is SFOG, but I would really like to get to at least Williamsburg as well.

I actually have a few of these..... Best: -The back flip into the brake run on X is probably my favorite coaster ending-one minute you're flying low to the ground facing forward and the next you get flung backwards and stop -Flat spin down to the lake and the helix on Silver Bullet -That last little dippity-doo-dah thing after the first brake run on Tatsu-actually, the whole Pretzel Loop-Inline-Helix part before that is one of the best coaster "finales" I have ever seen -That last little abrupt hill/turn into the brakes on Goliath at SFOG right after the back to back airtime hills -On any of the "mine trains" at SFOT, SFOG, and SF St Louis, how you go up that one last lift hill and down a big drop into a tunnel and up into the brakes. Not so much now as when I was younger, but I always thought that was a great way to end a ride. Worst: -The "screech to a halt" at the end of California Screamin at DCA, a good ride, but I thought the ending was just really abrupt -Ninja at SFMM.....I love the ride, I just hate how there's that loooong lift and then turn right into the station. -Ending of Revolution at SFMM, all those trims ruin it for me.....

^^That reminds me of the day I saw the kid sleeping at one of the rear control panels of Tatsu.....had his head down on it and eyes closed. That was a good update, I had a few thoughts after reading it.... -Last night I caught the old late 70's movie "Rollercoaster" on Encore, (with the climax taking place at SFMM and Craig Wasson playing a hippy kid who rides Revolution with no knowledge that a bomb has been planted directly between his legs on the seat-today, the trims would have automatically set the bomb off-and then, what appears to be an hour or two right after the bomber gets hit by the train, the ride reopens...like that would happen). Anyway-comparing the final shots from that film with the pictures of the front entry plaza, it's amazing how different the park is today. Revolution sure used to be a better ride. It also amazed me at how easy the bomber walked in with explosives-no search and metal detectors back then. (You know, with all the remakes going on in Hollywood, I wish they would try to redo Rollercoaster and update it.....only create some subplot about a vendetta between SFMM and CP/Kinzel vs. Shapiro or crazed SFMM/CP fans not wanting another park to beat them in the "most coasters" record! ) -It would be nice to see the junkyard's departure also lead to Psyclone's departure and them utilizing that space for a GCI wooden coaster in a few years. I don't see that happening, just saying that if and when another coaster comes it would be a good idea. I'd much rather see them get everything they have cleaned up and running all the time. The improvements with Riddler's look to be a step in the right direction, and I heard Tatsu is using both station sides again. -Ok.....speaking of Tatsu-maybe I am reading this wrong because I couldn't read the whole ad.....but it looks like Tatsu's new sponsor is something called, "KILLZONE Liberation". Maybe it's just me, but when I'm waiting to get on a ride the last thing I want to think about is death. I guess he's trying to get more family oriented stuff in there.... -The new "Nockers" or lockers look pretty cool. I like the fact that they take plastic because I hardly ever carry cash and find myself using the lockers at SFMM a lot when I go. I really wish they did like Knott's did and had the FREE areas for loose articles.....however, I'm not sure I'd feel safe leaving my stuff in a cubby hole at SFMM the way I do Knott's. -X wasn't mentioned, but I am guessing they are still sticking to their scheduled January date. While I was really hoping that X getting new trains based on Eejanaika improvements was going to happen, I'm doubtful at this point. -I'm still wondering who the new buyer is, if there even will be one. A few weeks ago I heard a rumor about Herco (Hersheypark) looking into it, and although they likely have the money, I just can't see that happening as it doesn't seem to fit. -Why don't they just outright ban the use of cell phones by on duty employees in the park? When they clock in, they leave their cell phone at the lockers. Seriously.....in any other service oriented business, there are rules about employees even having cell phones at work. Can you imagine being at a restaurant and in the middle of giving an order and the waiter or waitress tells you, "Hang on, I gotta get this?" or a cashier talking on their cell at the store? To me it's the same thing. I don't have a cell phone but long ago when I did, while it was okay to answer them in an office environment, I have never heard of it being okay to carry and use one in a service based environment. I'm taking some friends up to SFMM either late January or early February, so I'm hoping X is back up and Tatsu is still planted firmly on the hill and the improvements continue.....

^I don't know about the new trains, but I think that one of the smartest things they could do is implement the improvements they made with Eejanaika into X. If they have improved the issue with the weight of the trains, load times, consistently smoother ride in all seats/rows, etc. then as much as I want it to reopen sooner rather than later, I would rather see them have X down for a few more months and make every improvement possible. As far as the dropping floor-it would be a major ordeal for them to refit the current station with it, but if they could I think that would help as well. And I think although the upgrades would help X, what would really help is ensuring that the ride is properly staffed, they are running at least two trains at all times, and the crew is on their toes. I have only waited 1.5 hours on a Saturday night in the summertime (June) for X when the line and station were properly staffed and two trains were running. I think they are totally capable of making the ride run at capacity, if it is adequately staffed.

Wow, I can't believe how many responses there were to this.....as I had expected and said in my first post, it did in fact turn out to be an error where they used the wrong picture and description, and it was in fact supposed to be a sale ad for FreeFall. I was reading through and looking at some of the responses in the thread, and although I am glad to see it was an error and S:TE is not leaving, especially because it's the one coaster at SFMM I have not ridden (well, technically, it's one of two because I have not ridden the Deja Vu there; I rode the Deja Vu at SFOG though) I can see why someone who bought the park might take it out. The cost of the electricity to run it along with problems and downtime seem like something they might not want to deal with. Whoever buys Magic Mountain, or if no one does and SFI keeps running it, I would like to see them: -Work with S&S to get X fixed and up and running to capacity using the new developments designed when they built the newest 4D (Eejanaika) and focus on showcasing it as one of their star attractions. I realize a lot of people may not like it but I think it really is a one of a kind ride with a ton of potential and it still is the best coaster I have ever been on. Heck, two of the most popular and extreme rides at the park (X and Goliath) only have a 48" height requirement, making more of the big rides more accessible to more members of the family, I would think that would fit right in with the new Six Flags "family" vision. -Get all of the B&M coasters (Tatsu, Scream, BTR, Riddlers) running to full capacity and smoothly at all times, and although they don't have to, I would like to see them put some landscaping under Scream. -I would not mind seeing them get rid of both Psyclone and Colossus and instead build a world class wooden roller coaster as that is the only coaster I can think of that SFMM really needs. -Fix Revolution. Get rid of the ridiculous restraint system it has now that replaced the lap bar that worked just fine for years and years, and do something about the trims that have all but ruined a once great steel coaster. -If they are letting go of rides, I can see them getting rid of: Flashback, Viper (I thought one time it would be great if they sold Viper and moved Scream over where Viper is now), and Psyclone. I kind of think it's a mistake to let FreeFall go, as that is the only "Drop" ride SFMM has. However, if whoever runs the park in the coming years wants to build a truly extreme ride , they could always try to fit the opposite side of S:TE with a drop tower like the Giant Drop on the one other S:TE in Australia. a 400 foot tall drop tower ride? I would think twice about riding that.

You're definitely in the right place! I will echo the fact that you should have no problem at all finding like minded, good people on this board that frequently go to the parks. Robb and Elissa have created a really good community here-I have been to several of the events that Theme Park Review has had here in So Cal and had a really great time, met other people with the same interest in parks/rides, and just had a lot of fun. I have both annual passes to Knott's and SFMM (I get the Knott's one for my birthday every year and SFMM for Christmas) and most of the time those are the two parks that I end up going to. A group of friends I hang out with all have annual passes to Knott's and we go about once or twice a month on Saturdays from open to close (we're doing Christmas Eve at Knott's next week). I also have some friends who had SFMM Xtreme Passes-we used to got to SFMM together a lot, but they moved to Vegas and we don't go unless they are out here visiting for the weekend. A few times I've gone up to SFMM alone, ridden a few rides and then left there and gone to Knott's, ridden a few rides and left. It is a lot more fun when you have a group of people who are there both to enjoy the rides and also just to hang out and have a good time. This past year, I have been to Knott's at least 25 times and SFMM at least 10 or 15, although I haven't gone to Magic Mountain as much this year because X has been closed down and they seem to have been having some issues with lines, etc. I'm hoping 2007 will be a better year there. I could totally relate to what you said about working a ton of hours and amusement parks being a release, that's exactly how it is for me....I am a web designer/developer and put in a good 45-60 hours at the office every week as well as some work from home (I often dream in html, css and php). When I have free Saturdays, Sundays or Holidays I try to get out of the house and as far away from work stuff as possible. If I stay home, I inevitably end up either working from home, or working on the same type of stuff I do at work so going to the parks keeps me away from it and lets me unwind. Your East Coast vacation sounds like fun. I don't get much vacation time, but when I do I try to work some kind of theme park trip into my trips to see family (all of who live back in the South/East). I'm hoping this coming year I will be able to do more.....last year I was able to get a week's vacation and while I was staying with my folks in Alabama I got a trip in to Six Flags Over Georgia in Atlanta to check out Goliath; this year I'm looking at a possible trip to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg to ride Griffon while visiting family in Virginia and there's a remote possibility I will be attending a Trade Show in Tampa next summer and will finally be able to take an extra day to get to back and visit Busch Gardens there. I'd love to be able to spend a vacation just dedicated to going to parks I have not been to.