Invertalon

I was wondering about that rendering when I was watching it also because I was really impressed too. I'm about to sound stupid since I have very little experience with 3D rendering software but my curiosity is getting the best of me so I'm going to ask anyway. At this point is it reasonable to assume that they've rendered almost the entire park in 3D? Can they simply open an existing file and add a new ride and the surrounding details at this point while re-using a lot of the surrounding rides that they've already rendered or do they have to re-create the surrounding rides and area from scratch each time they need to do one of these? So basically, can they open the file they used to render and re-use any of it for the new animation or do they need to start from scratch? Sorry again for the dumb question and likely misuse of industry terms, I just don't know much about this field. He (yes, one single person does these... Good friend of ours) has most of CP already modeled from so many past projects with the park... So while there is some work still done, much of the time the focus is just the new and surrounding areas. Pretty cool process, to be honest! So no, it is not a "start of scratch" in all cases where previous work was done... Especially Cedar Point where he has done many of the past rides (Rougarou, Valravn, Gatekeeper, Maverick, etc...). In some other cases though, a lot more work has to be done depending on the project scope and expectation from whatever park/customer.

Appreciate all the information so far everyone! I was just looking at a map and wondering about Efteling and Toverland/Walibi... We will have to prioritize some places over others, as we won't have all the time to do every park with our other plans in place, but as of right now... For sure: Europa Phantasialand Holiday Park The "maybes": Movie Park Toverland Walibi Efteling Hansa Park Heide Park At this time, I think we may skip on the northern-most parks like Heide Park and Hansa Park due to time. But that is still subject to change, of course. We will be getting a car for sure... But in cases it makes sense to do train instead we can always do that. But I would prefer to drive and enjoy all the sights. We will for sure at least get one train ride to/from the Czech Republic for a day. So we will get that "experience" lol

Likely the bolted connection is stronger than the areas around it, much like a weld in many cases (where the weld itself is stronger than the surrounding steel being connected). From the images posted (so far) it looks to be metal fatigue on that arm portion. This type of failure would actually be near impossible to spot during inspections, until it’s already too late and the crack has already formed and propagated. Compared to say poor fastener condition, which could be seen relatively easily. Unless the material itself is inspected with non-destructive methods (X-Ray, for example) before each and every assembly/teardown, which is doubtful, that seems to be the most likely cause. Again, looking at the images, the gauge of the steel doesn’t look all that thick or reinforced in anyway. While the design I am sure is fine and engineered properly, when you have mobile rigs like this that may subject the parts to additional stresses, that may or may not be considered by design, it could fatigue and stress material beyond what is expected. The material starts to yield and by this point, critical failure is imminent and likely not to be seen. Just my thoughts, though. I don’t see any other possibility given what we know (so far).

Dragon's will be scrapped. No question. Secondly, this sucks. Dragon's was basically the only thing I care to ride at IoA (aside from Jurassic Park when I want to ride a water ride). Universal has become the better park out of the two, but still, attractions have been lacking for years now. I know future attractions will NOT be 3D glasses and/or simulators, which is exciting, as the rides will become more physical prop and immersive environments supposedly... So maybe, just maybe, there will be a silver lining on this one (aside from the theme...), but time will tell. I know of someone working on some of these new projects and they are extremely excited for one of the upcoming attractions who I would really trust, ride-wise. So hopefully there is something really awesome incoming to IoA with this one.

It's unfortunate about Dragons... I knew about this about a year ago from "sources" and unfortunately, it won't be getting the Hulk treatment. A bummer, Dragon's is always a highlight of the ride collection at IOA, even when not dueling.

Lens flare from the bright, blown out light source in the frame. Perfect conditions for flare like that... Not a UFO, sorry!

We are planning a trip to Germany next May-ish for about 10-14 days. Of course on the itinerary is Europa, Holiday Park, Phantasialand & Heide Park for now at least. Will actually be our first international trip (outside of Canada... Which hardly counts). We will be renting a car for this trip. Likely also be driving all over Germany as we are also hitting up a lot of the breweries as well... So because of all we want to do, what parks are must go-to's and which could be skipped if need be? Europa and Phantasialand I assume are must-do's... And with Expedition GeForce on my coaster "bucket list" I am sure we will be going to Holiday Park. Any other places we should look into? My main question for now... How is it to just drive everywhere? Will we have much issue? Most people recommend taking bus/train everywhere, but that is what is also said about going to places like San Francisco, LAX, Boston, etc... When you look online, yet we had no issues at all driving in those cities. Just in the rough planning stage for now, so looking for any input/tips/suggestions you can spare. Thanks!

I finally got on SkyRush this past weekend... I had relatively low expectations going into it, based on what friends who share similar views on most coasters had mentioned... Even with those low standards, it didn't even reach that point. I was excited to get on with no real wait and thought I would like it more than my friends... However... I really did not like the ride at all. The layout was fine, I suppose... Nothing spectacular. Also, the mad-ejector airtime doesn't do much for me, unlike most enthusiasts... Let alone the terrible vibration in two different seats tried (front and back) and the painful lapbar. The last airtime hill literally felt like my femur would be broken. Even with the 5min wait, it wasn't worth more rides and have no desire to really ride it again. I am not trying to "stir the pot" with this review, just share my honest thoughts... I typically try to find the good in anything I ride, but this really is an exception. The view was nice, at least!

How does GG woodie track design compare to others? It looks more traditional than RMC topper track does. How are they able to do the inversions while GCI can't. The track design looks almost the same, than say topper track does. GCI's can, as stated previously, but they have chose (or perhaps their customers...) not to. For me, construction wise, you can tell the quality difference between GCI and Gravity Group. GCI's are built more robust with what I believe is not only a more dense structure (more ledgers per foot of track), but also from superior track construction methods. This one in particular (Mind Blower) based on the POV's already looks to have sub-par carpentry work for the track itself, causing the shuffling being reported. You can see it in the POV. Yet go watch Mystic Timber's or any other GCI, it tracks beautifully. I don't believe it is the train, just the quality of the design and the work being done by the contractor (M&V or whoever it is). I look forward to riding this in a few months, but it is a bummer that there is already reports of shuffling. Knowing Fun-Spot, they will likely get GCI to do the trackwork properly within a few years

Short visit at the park today... Got in at about 7pm, so we had about two hours. Hit up Justice League (never been before). Fun ride, better than expected. The screens could be clearer/higher quality but otherwise a fun dark ride. X-Flight was walkon. Fun as always! Goliath was a 5min wait, hopped on backseat. First ride since opening year and a few other RMC's... This jumped back up near the best for me. While short, I love the large elements. The smaller RMC's I have been on (Joker SFDK, Cyclone SFNE and Storm Chaser) have been great but honestly not a huge fan of the super quick, abrupt airtime hills. So Goliath ended up better than I remember! Then stopped at Joker, which had about a 15-20min wait. Didn't think I would be able to ride given the 76" limit (I am 77-78"), but thankfully none of the three height checkpoints had checked me. So I was really happy to get on... The ride though, meh. Not my thing I guess. Didn't really care for it at all, finding it more uncomfortable than anything. Basically a top spin on a track. One time was enough for me!

"Be ready" is likely just stating the track work will likely be done this year, which would be smart on a construction schedule. Then all the controls/electrical/theming can follow at a more relaxed pace throughout the off-season (next year). Remember... In the past, vertical construction has been done/complete in December/January (Gatekeeper for example). Leaving plenty of time for all the other things to be done. We still don't know the scope of this project, any new technologies being used *cough* Lightning Rod *cough*.

Well we just got back from a Cali trip yesterday, so we visited CGA and SFDK. Thursday of this week we will be at Carowinds and Kings Island on Sunday. Then probably CP is next opening weekend (or following). At some point Hershey and perhaps BGE. Then USO for HHN this Sept/Oct. All I know, so far.

Got on Patriot Sunday and it was a surprise how fun this was! Super smooth, nice layout. First time at CGA... Such a beautiful little park. Everything was walkon which was awesome as well, except Gold Striker which maintained a smaller line all day. Fun GCI, but it was a little heavy on vibration (not roughness per say, but I had a nice headache following). Layout was killer.

I will be the counterpoint a bit here. I don't particularly like Magnum all that much. The trains (for tall people) downright suck, making the already abrupt and jarring airtime more uncomfortable. The lapbar literally lays near my knee caps and I have to do this crazy little shimmy into the trains (I am 6'6"). The views are amazing and the location can't be beat, but I also wouldn't be sad one bit if the park decided to disassemble and replace with a nice B&M in the same footprint Again, fun ride and I don't really have a problem with it aside from how uncomfortable it can be for me (much like anything with PTC's due to the lapbar). I ride it a few times a season, but usually skip it unless for night rides with no wait. I actually hate the abrupt airtime on this ride, I would take the floaty Millennium Force air any day no question!

Midnight Syndicate is coming back to CP in 2017 for Halloweekends! "We are thrilled to announce that Midnight Syndicate Live! will be returning to Cedar Point's HalloWeekends this fall! We have a new show in a new theater that we can't wait to unleash on audiences. Stay tuned for show updates, production photos, as well as a few more surprises that we have in the works for you this year! Here's the official press release! CLEVELAND, Ohio, March 15, 2017 – Halloween and horror music legends Midnight Syndicate will bring their critically-acclaimed concert experience, Midnight Syndicate Live!, back to the world famous amusement park, Cedar Point this fall. The horror-themed multimedia concerts blending live music, theatre, and film will run Friday nights, Saturdays, and Sundays from September 15 through October 29 in the Jack Aldrich Theater at Cedar Point's 21st annual HalloWeekends event. “We’ve developed a new, even better show that we can’t wait to unleash on audiences,” said Midnight Syndicate’s Edward Douglas. “Our new venue, the Jack Aldrich Theater, is a perfect fit for what we want to do. It will allow us to create an intimate and thrilling experience that guests won’t soon forget.” “Working with Cedar Point in 2014 was a great experience across the board, so to be able to team up with them again, especially as a part of Midnight Syndicate’s 20th anniversary celebration, is perfect,” added Gavin Goszka. “We’re excited that Midnight Syndicate is bringing their live and immersive stage show back to Cedar Point this fall,” said Charles Bradshaw, V.P. of Live Entertainment at Cedar Point. “Fans of their mesmerizing music loved their previous run at HalloWeekends – and they’re going to love this latest production.” For the new show, Midnight Syndicate will once again be calling upon special effects legend Robert Kurtzman (From Dusk Till Dawn, KNB EFX) and the Robert Kurtzman's Creature Corps, David Henson Greathouse (Faceoff, MUSHROOMHEAD OFFICIAL), Beki Ingram (Faceoff), director Gary Jones (Army of Darkness, Axe Giant), 529 Films, EFX TEK, artist Mark Rakocy, and Screamline Studios. Midnight Syndicate official website: http://www.MidnightSyndicate.com Cedar Point official website: http://www.CedarPoint.com" Can't wait, their show was missed for sure! Such amazing guys too, I have had the pleasure of working with them personally and I am really excited they get to run this show again for their 20th anniversary. Really excited for HalloWeekends this year now.

On the plus side, future (upcoming) attractions are going away from the 3D glasses and all that jazz... So that's promising at least.

That name sure is... special!

1. What is the name of your home park? Cedar Point 2. Do you own a coaster related T-shirt? Yes, never wear it though "out". 3. Do you enjoy Vekoma SLCs? The one at Geauga Lake was smooth/fun... Otherwise I avoid them at any park. 4. Name the first 3 coasters that come to mind. Banshee, Manta, Mako. 5. One park you would definitely never go back to is... Can't think of one. 6. Have you ever ridden a drop tower taller than 200 feet? Yes, Drop of Doom or whatever at SFMM. 7. What is your favorite roller coaster? Don't really have one... Probably either Raptor, Fury, X2, Millennium Force or Afterburn (Carowinds). 8. When you go to a park three things you must have with you are... Wallet, Keys, Phone 9. How many times did you visit your home park last season? Probably 10-15. 10. The first Intamin coaster you rode is... SROS at Darien Lake 11. Have you ever spent an entire day at a park alone? Not that I can recall 12. The independent park you go to the most is... Hershey? 13. Does B&M or Intamin make better hyper coasters? B&M 14. If it was free, what upcharge ride what you jump on right now? Go karts 15. What is the best food at your home park? Famous Dave's (chain, not in the park) 16. The name of the worst GCI you've ridden is... Thunderhead the last two times on it, extremely rough. Nothing like the first year I rode it... Unfortunately... Was a top ride for me. 17. When you're not riding something at your home park where are you? A brewery 18. Favorite water ride in a dry park (flume, rapids, etc) - Log Flumes 19. Do you get your photo taken with park mascots? - No 20. Name one personal item you've lost at a park. - A lens cap (an expensive $65 one at that). 21. Name of the worst B&M invert you're ridden is... - Batman The Ride (fun, but relatively speaking...) 22. Name your favorite steel coaster under 125 feet tall. - Afterburn (Carowinds) 23. Name your favorite coaster/ride manufacturer? B&M 24. What waterpark have you visited most often? Geauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom 25. The name of the fastest wooden coaster you have ridden is... Son of Beast 26. What is the name of the flat ride you've ridden the most? Probably the train at CP 27. Name a ride-related injury you have suffered. - Migrane 28. Favorite Halloween event at a park? - Halloween Horror Nights Orlando 29. Name the most recent Arrow ride or coaster you've been on... Iron Dragon ? 30. Name of your favorite ride that never leaves the ground (safari, train, bumper cars, etc) - Train at CP 31. What ride makes you laugh the most? Probably a tilt-a-whirl 32. How many RMC's have you ridden? (2), Goliath & Storm Chaser 33. Best flat that goes over 100 feet is... Observation Tower 34. When you are on your way to your home park what is one worry that you might have? Hitting a deer 35. Favorite park that is NOT your home park is ___________. - Hershey Park 36. How many different parks did you go to last season? - 9 37. The indoor coaster/dark ride you ride most often is... Men in Black at Universal Orlando 38. When you spend the day at the park what do you drink all day? - Water 39. The name of the best B&M you've ridden is? - Fury 40. Name three other forum members that will fill this out... Eh... Don't know anybody.

Some recent ones: 1B5A6643.jpg by Steven Franczek, on Flickr 1B5A6667-HDR.jpg by Steven Franczek, on Flickr 1B5A6943.jpg by Steven Franczek, on Flickr 1B5A6571.jpg by Steven Franczek, on Flickr 1B5A6996.jpg by Steven Franczek, on Flickr 1B5A6814.jpg by Steven Franczek, on Flickr 1B5A7568.jpg by Steven Franczek, on Flickr 1B5A7540.jpg by Steven Franczek, on Flickr 1B5A6768.jpg by Steven Franczek, on Flickr 1B5A6724.jpg by Steven Franczek, on Flickr 1B5A6393.jpg by Steven Franczek, on Flickr

Given the slope difference, I bet you they go over 200ft. Mean Streak was already 161, only 39ft to go to reach the world's only "hyper" hybrid. Looking good, excited to see the final layout of this thing. People seriously think this is for 2017? Come on now, give it up. Not happening.

Nvm! Silly me didn't see I already replied to this topic...

...Really? CP does some of the best PR/Marketing in the business. I think many here would agree to that, as well.

CP sure does lovvvvvvveeeee those red/orange hues! I'm all for calling this ride the Brown Streak, regardless of its real name whenever announced.

I don't know if they'd do season 2 of AHS... #Knotts #FearVR #Asylumhauntsaresoooooinsensitve Why not? They are currently on season 5 of TWD... Anything is possible. At least AHS each season is drastically different and makes for a new house experience... Unlike TWD where each house is the same damn thing, year after year. They focused on 3 of the 6 seasons with this house, they could easily do the other three next year. It makes sense... I also heard Scream Queens was a possibility for next year. Supposedly, Purge was supposed to be the main zone again this year but due to the shootings in Orlando it was changed last minute.

I agree. I understand your reasoning (it is valid), but I have been on Kraken dozens of times the past few years. This is the FIRST time I have ever not had a butter smooth ride on it. I have high tolerance for rough rides as well, but this train was for SURE in need of work. I am sure if you got another train or they swap this train out for a rehabbed one it would be back to it's old good self... Last year, the ride was perfectly fine and running great. This time, on this trip, it was REALLY bad, not just little rattles here and there. You can see the wheel assemblies hunting for that rail as we rode, it was not typical B&M action going on (on this train). Wasn't willing to try again. We rode in the back and the entire train, every row, was shuffling badly side to side. I personally think Kraken has aged awesome (except this trip).