mrceagle

Alpine Development Group – Built Attatash nor Easter, in New England as well as designed SFNE’s water park as well many of SFI’s water parks. Bill took some time to explain the mountain coaster concept and how it worked. The speakers first coaster ride was at Funtown USA their former mouse. Tracks normally are at least a mile long and take 6 minutes to ride. They are hoping to add more mountain coasters in New England but nothing that can be announced. They likely won’t expand into more tradition al coasters since they have a lot going for them right now. Maintenance – the system is designed to have little impact on the environment. They will pin the supports to the ground when possible. The coaster can float wit the ground to reduce impact with changing temps, though the alignment needs to be checked along with general area upkeep. Track in generally bolted together. Sections can be replaced is something dose happen like a fallen tree or a grounds shifts do to extreme weather. Canobie Lake Park (Chris Nicoli & Ryan) – Entertainment/shows for 2012, New for 2012 is a large Scale show a Tribute to Gaga. Frisbee will run a new high end program. Light will be off with a new lightshow on phycodrome. Cannonball will be rehabbed to operate 2 trains soon. Gustlour will be coming in and rechecking the coaster. Matter horn spot what’s up – they would like to bring one but not sure when looking for the right one. Untamed area – The area will not be changed in 2012.crazy cups is getting a major rehab. Roosters will be finished. SFNE - JR’s Rockville will be Totally Kitchen Chicken water park Chowabunga burgers, Q bot for water park it will be a separate charge from the regular flashpass. Dark rides are not a priority on their list but not out o the question. They would like to add 2 trains but wouldn’t happen till at least it’s 75th birthday. New GM wants to focus on the water park. bizzaro sound will stay. No plans to remove rides at this time. Slayers layer – it will evolve there is a big footprint, Read the full report here - New Whalom Forums/Nor Easter 2012 More photos coming soon

Winter time had found its way to New England and with it a Christmas Celebration at Santa’s Village in Jefferson, NH. I made plans to visit with my brother, Sister in law, and their 3 children. I always enjoy pointing out that for me to get to Santa’s Village one must travel through the NH towns of Carol and Bethlehem. We arrived at the park around 10 and made a point o visit with Rudolph before entering the park. The first thing you see as you enter the park is a lot of construction along the right side of the main walkway. This soon to be main street area will goring new building to the park. One often buildings will how a new park restroom to replace the on that presently sits right in the center of the walkway as you enter hate park. I was not able to get word of what the rest of the new space created in the new buildings would be used for. but it's good to see a park working so hard to improve their gust experience. Read the Full Trip report: photos.newwhalom.com/Santa's Village Christmas 2011

If any of you were wondering what Screeemfest is like feel free to check out my Trip Report. along with the linked Photo Gallery. http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=60686

If you wish to see more photos here is a link to this trips Gallery: http://photos.newwhalom.com/Trip%20Reports/Canobie%20Lake%20Park/Screeemfest2011/Screeemfest2011.html

If they don't like the scary aspect at Canobie they can buy Monster B gone necklaces, I think they re $5 dollars. the walk around characters will not chance them and they can go through the haunts with minimal scares. so might be worth mentioning. Most of the stand alone haunts offer not so scary day time options on specific. days. but seems a bit foolish to travel up form RI to experience a dulled down haunt.

Spooky world is the superior attraction when it comes to haunts. Spooky world/Nightmare New England has 6 haunted houses including a forest walk. so it your only interested in the haunts it might be worth it. but it's extremely expensive $35 general admission $5 parking. I used a ticket I bought on opening day for Screeemfest cost me 22 bucks. with coupon on Friday or Sunday Screeemfest is $24 and $28 and parking is free. It's well worth it. you get the haunted houses and nearly all the park ride (no water rides, a few select ride are also closed). the shows are good as well. If your looking for a stand alone haunt in NH I prefer Haunted Acres in Candia now operating at Liquid Planet. I put together a general list with info for the parks around New England and it can be found here. haunts.newwhalom.com

It's that time of year again were some parks turn creepy and kooky. Canobie Park is one of those parks. On its 4th year hosting a Halloween event and the 3rd year doing it on their own. I was eager to see what this year had to offer. The park was opened form 5 to 11 and the weather report was looking good. I arrived a bit after 5 and made my way into the park. I immediately went to the Rowdy Rooster (flying scooters) since they are finally back up and running. The park had new tubs built by Sky trams to replace the heavier tubs they run which were built form Bomber gas tanks. The new tubs are roomy and comfortable, have standard seat belts, and are very easy to control. Only down side it the ride still move too slow to snap the car but fast enough that you almost get there. The crowds were light with most rides being walk ones or a short wait. Since the haunt and the shows were a big reason for my trip I hit rides in between those attractions. Another ride I made appoint to hit was the Turkish Twist the parks Rotor ride. I really do enjoy the power of the ride, though I did notice that the cycle was a bit short. I enjoyed it none the less. I only bought a drink; I refilled a Souvenir cop I have had for many years. I skipped out on food though there were a lot of specialty items to go with the Parks Oktoberfest calibration which runs along with Screeemfest. Read the full PTR here - http://s6.zetaboards.com/New_Whalom_Park/topic/8771260/1/

here is a link to my Trip report form opening day. I will be at the park tomorrow and will update you all on the progress of the bear lodge, untamed's continued landscaping and more. http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=59561&p=1054694#p1054694

THE photo gallery is finally built and ready to be viewed. as always you can click the thumbnails to see a bigger version of the image. photos.newwhalom.com/Untamed Opening Day I hope you all enjoy

I hope your plan works out. The Euro fighter is a very unique coaster. I should get a second trip to ride it this weekend.

I had heard that as well. It might be the ultra compact layout there really is no straight track after the vertical lift till you hit the brake run.

The Time had come and the opening ceremonies for Canobie’s latest addition, the first coaster in 18 years, and the tallest coaster to debuted in New England in 9 years; Untamed was opening to the public. I left early to get a friend and arrived at the park at 10 or 10. I had to get signed in and get my tickets and passes for the VIP entrance. I was actually invited off of 2 lists to the media event one through ACE and the other Through NEAAPA. The rest of my group was stuck in traffic so I don’t get into the park till 10:30 by that time the opening ceremonies were just about over. But I was there for the ribbon cutting and the first 2 cars. The very first goal was to get my friend under cover one bonus of being a VIP was we were able to congregate under one of the catering tents. This worked out well for my friend since she was in a wheel chair and would not be riding Untamed. I then made my way, camera tucked under my rain coat, to the side of the coaster to watch the first 2 cars go through the circuit. After that the lines dropped and I was instructed to hop in line after an employee saw my badge. I ended up in the queue and standing in the rain as a few VIPs road and they did a few circuits to video the coaster. I was able to video tape one car being taken off the track. God call since this allowed them to remove the camera without drastically holding up the ride. Now that all was set I quickly moved forward to the station. The ride station in stunning, it is, in my mind, easily the best themed and looking station in New England and easily one of the best period. Some features include granite steps for the entrance queue, Wood railings, carved bears line the posts, Antler chandlers provide the station lights, and A bear bust hangs mounted on the wall, after a bit of checking I confirmed this was the bear that hung for years at the Policy long flume. The attention to detail doesn’t end there: Birch themed supports, Dark green track, Landscaping galore. The park is even rehabbing their old mall building to the Bear Lodge to fit the coasters theme Untamed is very good coaster. The vertical lift over positive g’s throughout the 72 ft hill. After cresting the top you are ejected from your seat and stay in the air until you glide back down as the Bear themed car swoops along the base of the drop. The ride is full of positive and negative G’s as you go through the 3 inversion and a number of twists and turns. The loop is large offering a great floating experience. The Immelmann Is a great maneuver though it’s more of a cut back (Ala Drachn Fire) then a traditional Half loop corkscrew/barrel roll Immelmann. The barrel roll which is taken high after a high banked turn is a great air time experience. The coaster ends with a downwards turn into an upwards helix up onto the brake run. After my first ride I made my way out the exit along the long ramp which crosses under the brake run. A new path guides you around the back of the coaster and to the newly renamed Bear lodge. As a first rider you were instructed to go to the booth were you got a VFRC(very First Riders Club) T-shirt, a certificate indicating your status as a VFR, a VFRC card and a Complimentary Ticket to Screeemfest the parks Halloween event. The lodge was crowded since it was one of the few dry locations in the park, and he closest to Untamed. I made my way back to the VIP tent and met up with my group. The park was offering press kits with custom folders, magnets and pencils. There were a few snack items and soda available as well. While there I did get a small snack. Talked to a few of the managers, and talked among the Whalom Program members that were at the event. I talked with Carl Berni one of the parks owners who was standing next to a member of the Gerstlauer family. I was able to give my impression of the ride and expressed my desire to see a polyp, perhaps at Canobie. Carl and I also talked about Matterhorn style rides and their desire to possibly bring one back to the park. I took a second ride on untamed but this time I used the VIP entrance, which is basically an employee stair way. One this I liked about the operation all day was employees were taking loot items at the car. Not once did a guest walk through drop it off and get back on. This drastically sped up loading time. Each car had it’s own plastic bin and as you got off they said what number bin you were. It worked well. My second ride was in the front seat. Seeing everything is always a joy and if you can snag an outer seats you looking more to the ground since the track is pretty much under the middle 2 seats. When I fort checked the weather was expected to lighten up in the morning but it was just not happening, my friend, a coupe ACE members, Members of the New Whalom Park project and myself opted to go to Portofino’s and warm up. Those who wanted to eat ate and we had a quick meeting. From there it was time to despite the wet weather explore the park. See Andrew Probert, a Former Disney Imaginer and Hollywood artist is the designer for New Whalom Park. He had ever been to Canobie so this was a perfect opportunity to show him around. Read the full report here: http://s6.zetaboards.com/New_Whalom_Park/topic/8746949/1

The station looks amazing. Just wish SFNE would put half this effort into their rides.

You have to do some venturing to get any good shots and your still won't be that close, need a camera with a solid zoom. Might get out there before the opening day but not sure.

Thanks for posting. I Should be getting an invite to the media event so I look forward to sharing plenty of pics with all of you from this coaster.

It took so long because the weather in NE is not favorable form November to March. The station is the big visual point for the coaster, so it was bound to take a while to build. The coast is also a models that can be operated in a portable format so it's intend to go up quickly. here are some photos of untamed from opening day: http://photos.newwhalom.com/Trip%20Reports/Canobie%20Lake%20Park/CLP-opening2011/Untamed.html

Glad you both enjoy it. Hope you looked through the rest of the photos. The exit of the ride will put you in front of the station so the whole right side of the old ball field will be used for Big bear Plaza. Will see a lot go on over the next couple of years.

You know spring has sprung when the parks start opening and my home park Canobie lake Park has finally opened for the season. I bought my ticket and a opening day sale ticket to use later in the season. 2 of the Canobie critters were out greeting guests. Gate also opened a little early. After entering we made our way to the north end of the park to get a look at Untamed. They were much further along than I thought. The track was installed for the station to the lift. The vertical lift was installed as well as most of the drop. They were installing the top section of drop track as we arrived. I saw one of the parks owners and checked in. Ray Captell spent some time talking with me about the coasters new area as well as area around it. He informed me that the Canobie mall will be reworked. The Gift shop that had been there for years have been removed and the entire corner will get reworked as a new gift shop. The mall will be renamed Big Bear Lodge and an accompanying theme will be installed. The building will not be finished this year but finished next year with the Jackpot casino being removed and will be relocated to the back of the Dance hall. There will be a greater focus on food in the building with a possible removal and rebuild of what is now the Gables grill I was also informed that the coaster would be topped off shortly. So we shook hands and he made his way back into the work site. As I was waiting I took not of the Untamed merchandise and sales cart. The cart was using the cart used previously by the photo sales and had been up for sale. There was also a new Food cart selling Roast beef. This will be used until a permanent building is added next year. It was time the park moved a section of tract that would soon be the section leading into the vertical loop. At the same time a crew added dirt to support the side of the antique car ride. The car ride was closed as they did that. I took video while my brother took photos. It was very exciting to see the coaster topped off. I have never seen it in person. 16 minutes later the coaster was toped and Untamed was well under way. Read the full report here: New_Whalom_Park/canobie opening 2011 View Images of Untamed's Construction, Canobie Critters, rides, and 2011 changes from this trip here: photos@newwhalom.com/Canobie Lake Park opening 2011

The coaster was topped off On opening day: View Images of Untamed's Construction from opening day trip here: http://photos.newwhalom.com/Trip%20Reports/Canobie%20Lake%20Park/CLP-opening2011/Untamed.html Read the full report here: New_Whalom_Park/canobie opening 2011

Trip Photos Gauntlet Entrance The cars have custom wraps Heroes and Villains Kidzopolis Detheemd/removed Splash Island still has themeing Thunderbolt Retracking See these and more photo along with info on Gotham City Gauntlet: Escape From Arkham Asylum here: http://photos.newwhalom.com/Trip%20Reports/SFNE_GCG_MD/GCG%20Media%20Day.html

I was lucky enough to be invited through ACE New England to take park in the media event for Gotham City Gauntlet: Escape from Archam Asylum. This was my 4th media day for SFNE and 5th for a Six Flags park. We arrived at start time 10 am and I noticed after parking that the parks hasn't done anything to detheme Mr six’s Splash Island While the 2 flats rides were removed from Thomas town. The track is still installed and I could even hear the fountain for the water feature operating. We checked in and headed down to the DC area we were detoured a bit since Thunderbolt is getting retracked. This brought up by the former wiggles world area now called Kidsopolis. The rides red void of their former themeing and outside of a couple attractions getting new paint jobs it’s the same attraction with no themeing. I made my way back to the coaster helping a few people get photos on the way. The event was reasonably well attended but lighter then previous events. Weather for it was better than any of the other media event I have attended. Like all event there was some morning ERT which was them fallowed by the speeches and the official opening. Lunch was after the speeches but I grabbed a quick ride while there was practically no line. In fact the line for lunch was the longest of the day. IT was an impressive spread. Johnny Rockets had their hamburgers and Chicken fingers, added to that were Mac and Cheese, Baked Ziti, backed Brisket, and plenty of sides. There was also a cake, cup cakes, and candy apples for dessert. I filed up and never even made it to any dessert. I drank soda at lunch but grabbed a milk shake before they closed up shop. The rest of the day was spent riding Gauntlet and Since my brother and sister in law brought my nieces and nephew, I watched them while they rode. In all I got 6 rides in on the new coaster. I also spend time getting photos and videos of the new ride. Catwoman's Whip was also open and I took one ride on that attraction. Gotham City Gauntlet: Escape from Archam Asylum is a An interesting addition to the park. The intensity of the ride is similar to the mouse like Pandemonium spinning coaster they added in 05. I guess if you're not comfortable with the spinning this will be a good option. In all I was glad to get on it but I would not wait more than 30 minutes to ride it. There is some interesting themeing around the ride. I do like the mist filled tunnel and the piping leading to the top of the hill that offers another shot of mist. In all the day was good there was only one big aggravation. The park has raised the height limit on Catwoman's Whip. The park now requires a minimum of 42 in if accompanied by an adult. This is 10 in higher then Rudy's Rapid Transit at Santa's Village which also operates a Zierer Double figure 8. This proved to be upsetting to my nieces who have ridden Rudy and didn't understand why they couldn't ride the one at SFNE. More photos and possibly some video coming soon. ADMIN EDIT: I went ahead and updated the title to include "Photo TR:" and the subtitle to be more descriptive. Thanks for sharing this with us!

Yes, ACE summer events include ERT. Ghost I noticed that one of your Most active posts in for DCA, do you live in Ca or near it. The winters in that area are mild and there are many attractions they stay open year round. In this area parks are open late April or May to Sept or October. One park Santa;s Village opens form Black Friday till new years, and is the only park operating in the Winter.

The event was an off season event. Parks in This area do not open for another month. Nor Easter is simply a venue to discus the attractions coming to the parks for the season and to meet up with ACErs and friends in attendance. The summer events will have the ERT that you talked about. Funtown fest for example is normally 3 hours of night ERT and 2 hours of morning ERT. Boolderdash is 1.5 hours of ERT on Bolder dash mid day before the park opens for Haunted graveyard. But The new England region is not good about setting up events. I have been discouraged about it's leadership for a while now. But I am not the only one that feels this way. The rocket is a bit of a loss though it has been in the park without operating for about 10 years now. I do know from talking to one of the owners closing day of 2010 that he wants to figure out something to keep it around. Place it on a building or set it up in another area of the park. Only time will tell.

SFNE and Whalom were the only 2 parks, other then Canobie, on hand to speak to the group.One of the managers at LC passed so the park was unable to attend. This carousel horse was on display at the Employee training room. The Rowdy roosters are one of the many rides receiving rehab for this season Here you can see some snow damage. The park took some time at the construction site to talk about Untamed. The station is just about done Snow still covers section of the park but some rides look ready to go The USA Mission ride was removed to make room for the untamed area entrance The employee area made for a great location for this years Nor Easter See the entire album here: photos.newwhalom.com/Nor Easter 2011

The event started out with a welcome and a quick names with questions about New England parks. There was a very good turnout. The event was held in the employee training area which is upstairs from the employee brake room. The event hosted 4 sales areas. There were about a dozen first timers to a Nor Easter event. It was even the first time at Canobie for a couple visitors. Chris Nicoli welcomed us to the event. They started out with small park news. The only parks discussed is Storyland’s new Splash Battle named Pharaohs Reign. There are a hand full of other additions and improvements around the area but non were discussed. Jason Freeman – SFNE Jason talked about SFI, crowd control is going to be a focus. Mr 6 has been removed from the commercials; commercials will be more regional based with park rides. They will also be focused to the market in which they are advertising. No more wiggles it’s now Kidzopolis. A lot of further comments dealt with Bizaros Sound. And removing the head rests if the sound was removed. After Peg moved on to Quassy and presented a slide show of Wooden Warriors Construction. Mike Thompson spoke about ACE regional and national events. He talked about Quassy’s opening day April and the Wooden Warier media event ride event on May 24th. Possibly a Boolderdash event this year. A possible Canobie/Funtown weekend event in August 13 and 4th. Ace Convention will be Jun 18/19th in Dallas. There is also a ACE planed Tour of Texas with trips to Sclitterbahn, SFFT, Sea world, Kemah Boardwalk. There was a pause to do door prizes before having lunch. While we waited for it to be set up we were shows a few videos. Texas Giant was presented in a couple of them. A video previews Coaster con which is being held in Central Texas this year and a video for NJ parks. Jason presented Canobie with a Plaque of appreciation for hosting the 2011 Nor Easter event. The Ace New England appreciation award was given to Russel Danam. Jeff Cord presented for the Western NY Coaster Group. Their coaster fest will be going old school featuring 4 parks in 2 days. Derien lake/Sea Breeze with Chriss Nicoli – Canobie Lake Park First off they were presented with their plaque for hosting the event. The summer of Superstars returns for another season with Elvis, Michal, Tim, and Janet Jackson. Wildlife Encounters will return for another season. New food options: New Ribs will be added to the Dancing bear, Funnel cake sticks, and Roast beef by Untamed. Cannonball will get a new Wrap for the cars. Untamed is the new ride with a woods theme. Ryan talked about Untamed: There is a fiberglass Grizzly bear that will be part of the themeing. It should open around Memorial lad or Mid jun. Screemfest - Still a new attraction it’s doing well and will continue to grow, they will keep trying to expand, there will be 2 separate Haunt zone: one in castaway and the north end by untamed. Michael Coutermarsh - New Whalom Park The New Whalom Park Ownership Program talked about their efforts to develop a Whalom museum and small family attraction Nearby to the lost whalom park. The group has over the last year moved forward in the acquisition of artifacts for the museum. Before a storage building was removed from the original park property The Whalom Program saved 2 coaster cars, a bouncer ride car, Ring toss Bottles, Glass Coke Bottles used for ring toss, and many small artifacts. The group is watching 4 regional properties with plans to build an attraction that consists of a Museum, Restaurant, Indoor amusement area (arcades, rides, and other year round entertainment), and an out door rides section. A focus on controlling noise possibly through an enclosed courtyard. There was also a mention on their designer Andrew Probert a Hollywood/TV production artiest, and ex Disney Imaginer who worked on projects like Back to the Future to Star Trek. The event went very well. Those in attendance seemed to enjoy themselves. The Event wrapped up with the traditional Auction. SFNE sent in the past Superman ROS Golden Ticket banners and Canobie offered separate Envelops of 4 tickets. The Auction pulled in 80-90 for the tickets. And the Banners went for 25-50 each. Canobie to end the event played for us their Employee video which showcased the parks history as well as many of the modern rides. I really enjoyed this year’s event and it was good to see Members from SFNEonline, the Whalom Forums, Mainly coasters, and other forums at the event I poster my trip report along with the Q&A for SFNE, New Whalom Park, and Canobie lake park at the Whalom forums: http://s6.zetaboards.com/New_Whalom_Park/topic/8724567/1/ Photos coming soon, but a small selection of photos form my camera phone can be found here - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=295678&id=591859751&l=7b5d01e292