montezooma

I have been riding Montezooma's Revenge since it opened in 1978 and it has never been braked going back thru the station. I was also a Lead ride operator on Greezed Lightnin back in my teens. The two rides are identical, really the only difference is; one is in California and the other sits it pieces in Texas. I worry about the fate of it since no work seems to be going on I miss the yellow Monte but the ride still ROCKS! Interesting side note: Did you know that the original name for Montezooma's Revenge was "LOCOmotion" get it?

any word yet on the progress of this ride? I am anxious to know the status of the construction or opening date.

I actually liked the screamin squirrel, I rode it at the S&S factory before it was moved to Italy. Maybe they made some changes to when it was relocated. Anyways the new concept looks interesting, maybe a little uncomfortable but I am sure it will be better than a pile of glass

I too was at the IAAPA show and here are a few more pictures. I sat down with Stan Checketts, the founder and President of S&S, and talked with him about the new X trains. He told me that the new trains will make for a much improved ride, both maintenance wise and smoother. The total cost for the new trains are running about $6 million. All the wheel components are machine made, which means they are all one solid piece rather than being different pieces of steel welded together. These new wheel housings will make the trains 1/3 lighter and will cut down on most of the maintenance problems they have had in the past. He also told me that they have come up with a new bushing system that will soften the rotation of the seats and will practically eliminate the vibration felt in the outer seats. Stan Checketts, owner of S&S, arm wrestles Larry Cochran, former Six Flags president. I am not at liberty to say who won. My favorite new flat ride, the Kanga-bounce by Zamperla. Great ejector air time premiers new lift ferris wheel system A new crazy contraption from the minds of S&S another shot of X2 train The new trains for X2

I am going to be there next week, when does the Christmas celebration begin?

Hey Bob & Ryan- Just a heads up...Your rides are on their way. The shipping process from Las Vegas to Fresno will begin next Tuesday. So be looking for track to arrive within the next two weeks! See you at the opening! Shane

I loved the Orient Express. The name was great, it fit nicely into the themed section of the park, the station fit the theme and overall the ride was fun to ride and watch. Gemini is also a great arrow coaster, i wish more of this style was built. I t is smooth, fast, fun and the capacity kicks a$$.

Actually the city of Santa Clara only owns the land that the park sits on, and they collect $5 million in rent. Paramount bought all the assets several years ago from the city and that is what Cedar Fair owns today. The city owns the land. Cedar Fair owns all the stuff that sits on the land.

Great pictures, who thinks of these captions? They are hilarious, you should consider getting a job writing for the CW network!!! The Log flume was a great ride, wet and full of all kinds of surprises. I usually like to be in the position behind Miles, but inside the mountain the tables were turned. WOW, I wasn't ready for that! Needless to say we both came out wet and smiling.

"Hated it"

I must be Charlie...cause I aint no angel !!!!! Charlie's Angels

I have to agree with Elissa, this park was great, best non-disney park of the trip (well besides Universal) The single seat chair lift was like nothing I have ever seen or experienced. Sad to say but most of America, because of unusual "body proportions", would not be able to ride this terrific ride. I loved the ride operators over at Megaton, the ultra-twister, they kept rooting me on to my tenth ride. I almost didn't make it , but I GOT WOOD! btw Chuck, this trip report is great. I love the captions!!!

This ride ROCKED! For me it was the surprise ride of the trip. After riding White Canyon and Jupiter, I was not looking forward to this woody at all, but to my surprise it was the best coaster of the trip. It was a great ride, fast and it really reminded me of The American Eagle, and Colossus their opening years. It felt like a ride that was designed in the golden years of the wooden coaster. And the fact that it was painted white sealed the deal for me. PS- the station was also very cool I loved this ride!

GOD I love the Germans...could there be a sexier race?

How about "Hang Time" for the SFFT inverted. It could have a cool basketball theme.

Well it wasn't actually the fault of Seattle, The city was in favor, the land was purchased and financing was in place, the problem came from the neighboring Indian reservation. The tribe used local environmental issues to delay the project. Because of their issues they could have tied up the project for 5-10 years so there for it was decided that it was not going to be a good investment. Instead the land is being developed as a FEC. We still own the Sky Coaster so that may pop up there. Our company also owns a Screamin Swing that does very well for us in south Seattle so I expect one will also be going in up north.

WOW, what a great write up. Very descriptive and fun to read. Theatrics always where your speciality Bill! Thanks for the nice words, I welled up as I read!. Can't wait to hear what the "number one" is. I am guessing it is going to be the magic wand in the toilets!!! Will this wonderful creation take the #1 spot??? (even though it was designed for #2)

I found a few more pictures that show both of the trains, the ride layout and the flume drop. The blue train is the one that is operational, the black one was not operational when we purchased the rides from MGM.

Here are some pictures of the coaster being removed from the MGM park. Also some of the ride in storage near Las Vegas. I understand that there will be some slight alterations made to the coaster to fit the project in Fresno. I am not sure if the track layout will be altered or if the changes will be made to the structure of the ride. The Intamin portion of the ride was all on flat land but the Arrow portion of the land was built on a hillside over and around the Rapids Ride. Intamin and Arrow track in storage waiting to be shipped to Fresno Mostly arrow track in this picture Here you can see the original Intamin track and a few of the supports. The ride was originally built indoors. When it was moved outdoors and additional 1200 feet of ride was supplied by arrow. An arrow section of track is loaded on a flat bed and moved out of the defunct MGM grand adventures theme park The Intamin track heads out. Here is where the track transitions from intamin to arrow. Storage in the Las Vegas Desert. Originally headed to Seattle, but now on its way to Fresno. Arrow portion of the ride being dismantled another section of the arrow track being taken down Lightning Bolt trains. There are two trains originally for the coaster but during the last years of operation at MGM only one was used. The other was used for parts. Along with the coaster we bought several spare parts for the trains so I am not sure if the coaster at Fresno will be a one train operation or if the second train will be rebuilt. Intamin track being removed Lightning Bolt coaster at MGM Grand Adventure Theme Park

I just had to post this picture. This was definitely the best water ride in Japan! Not only was it a thrill but it left you feeling "spring time fresh" Please secure all loose articles

Well we just celebrated Christmas in September, Japanese style. I seemed to have been the Paris Hilton of the trip (well maybe the Lindsay Lohan if you consider my trips to and from the bar) on a non-stop shopping spree. I managed to fit everything into my large suitcase, backpack and Disney shopping bag. An additional $50 was required for overweight luggage. The kids loved everything I bought and I am glad to say that once again I am the "Greatest Father in the World" I am a good "daddy" too. Great time in Japan Bill, you were a Hoot and a wonderful roomie (he is like the Martha Stewart of roomates) The King and Queen of Japan Of course I had to throw out most of my clothes to make room for all the goodies

Well after an amazing trip to Japan, immediately upon my return to the states I sent in my deposit for Europe. I can't wait. It was awesome to see the country of Japan via coasters and parks. I can't wait to do the same for "the old country" Thanks again for a great trip and many memories and only a couple black outs...lol (boy those brits and gays sure now how to tie one on!)

As the ex-owner of the MGM Lightnin Bolt roller coaster I can say that the ride has officially been sold to the Park in Fresno as well as the Log Flume and the Bumper cars. We purchased the rides from the defunct MGM park several years ago for a park that was planned for North of Seattle. Due to conflicts with an Indian Tribe that park had to be postponed. The rides have been in storage in the Nevada desert but will soon be transported to Fresno. Here is a picture of the coaster and sky coaster. I will post more of the coaster shortly if interested. FYI- the MGM's Rapid Ride has been sold to a park in Mexico. Thankfully those rides will live on in new parks. pieces of the Sky Coaster and the intamin/arrow "Lightnin Bolt" coaster in the background

Yes, Universal was probably the highlight of my trip. The park was great, attractions where top notch and best of all, the employees and guests at the park were very friendly and having a great time! WOW what a great trip that was, good to be back in the states and caught up on my sleep and bank account, but I find myself missing the "decompressing" that took place after a long day at a park or "parks" . Thanks again to Rob and Elissa for all their patience, great planning and weather predicting! now that is what I call a "pink panther" Toothless aggression - the best technique Jaws boat papparrazzi

Anyone know the status of this ride. I heard that a small park in Texas bought it from AstroWorld and was planning to rebuild it, but I have not heard anything since. When and where will it open? anyone know anything?