mike_kelly
-
Posts
159 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Posts posted by mike_kelly
-
-
I just hope Rob can get an earlier date for WCB next year..
-
So, does anyone here know anything about the guy that's in charge of maintenance at WOF now? There is a reason I ask, it's because I know. This is the the guy that built Formula Rossa at Ferrari World. My thought this was done on purpose. I think there is a plan, it may be a year or two off, but I think it's an Intamin plan.
But on the other hand, I don't see any major capitol expenditures until they get some things fixed. I know last year they were supposed to do en extensive rehab on the Voyager which I don't think got done. They are also supposed to be trying to fix Timberwolf. Unfortunately I think the only real fix will be to retrack with topper track.
As far as spending money on OOF it,s necessary because now you have to compete with Shlitterbahn.
-
What makes anyone think that WoF would get anything like a Mack or Zierer launched coaster? That doesn't seem to be the M.O. for Cedar Fair at all. If I were to guess, WoF's next big investment will come in the form of a B&M, most likely a wing rider. Unfortunately, I wouldn't ever count on a signature giga.
I feel like WoF kind of got the shaft with not going with B&M for Mamba and then getting one of the most, if not THE most, forceless Inverts. However, Prowler was a win and I'm sure the next addition will be a winner as well.
I disagree, Mamba is one of my favorite Hyper's. As a matter of fact it is much older than Diamondback and in my opinion it's smoother.
-
Haven't been watching the thread as closely as I should as I have missed the discussion about the announcement being made later today. I really have to believe that it's got to be something besides the drop tower especially for the amount of space they have available. But here is an idea, I saw a post about a wing rider, but SDC is not really a "B&M" kind of park. I realize they have one, but their allegiance seems to lie elsewhere.
Count the number of S&S rides. Powder Keg, Swing, Soon to be double shot, (they bought Arrow so....) Thunderation. I count Thunderation because SDC made a comment that the reason there are no longer backwards cars is because the manufacturer made them turn them back around. So.... With a little digging I found this:
Logan company’s spinning roller coaster promises unique experienceBy Kevin Opsahl | Posted 1 month ago
Engineers at S&S Worldwide in Logan may dub their newest project the “little brother” of its counterpart, the 4-Dimension, but don’t be fooled — the 4-D Free Spin is set to provide an unmatched suspended experience.
The $7 million ride — with a speed of 38 miles per hour on a 1,265-foot track — is currently undergoing prototype testing at the Logan plant on 2500 North, not far from the highly successful Zip Line creation. By April or late May of next year, the 4D Free Spin will debut at a yet-to-be-named amusement park somewhere in the U.S.
The Free Spin earns its distinction from its “big brother” 4D — which debuted at Six Flags in 2002 — because the “free spins” the eight-passenger ride induces are not mechanically controlled, explained Mike Worley, senior mechanical engineer. Riders are suspended off to the side of the coaster track, where the seats spin independently.
S&S wants to make “a more family-friendly ride with more variability where with each time you ride it you get a different experience,” explained Worley, when describing the 4-D Free Spin.
The Free Spin ride thrives on natural dynamics — and even personal interaction with the movement of a person’s feet — to invoke spins. But the 4-D Free Spin is using old technology in a new way to help control some of that.
Look at the specs, it's not huge, it's family friendly, and the cost is only $7 mil...
I am soooo keeping my fingers crossed...
-
Was at the park today, crazy busy.
Not sure if this has been addressed or not but the age limit of 14 has been dropped.
-
^ I would have thought it would have made more sense to use one of those spiral ramps.
-
^&^^ Both of those ways would be rather funny
No chucking them over the side... They put up netting to prevent that..
As far as people passing out, there are emergency call boxes all the way up the tower. I will admit I am out of shape and was out of breath the first time up. What I figured out is you pace yourself and above all DON'T TALK. Also they aren't rushing you up so you can stop and take in the view..
I think you will see changes in the process but not until next season. I am going to bet there will be a certain amount of off season tweaking to the ride and process in an attempt to get the body count up. I mean rider count... Keep in mind according to the travel channel special this was supposed to open last year, so I doubt they are going to do anything that would cause them to have to shut the ride down even for a day.
-
Wow, is there even any time to hit the restroom once you sign up (even if the other 2 stay in line)? Better watch my coffee intake that morning I think I might be going with somebody that can take my stuff. Otherwise maybe I'll grab one of those waterproof lanyards that'll fit my car keys and credit card and wear under a swim shirt, then ditch our shoes at the bottom of the ride (not too worried about those getting stolen). I would assume they will let you ride with the lanyard thingie under a shirt?
Thanks again,
DON'T chance it... Take your ID, your CC to buy tix, and the key for your car maybe in a ziplock bag bury it in your pocket. Take nothing else. You can go back out to the car and get the rest of your stuff later. It's not worth risking loosing your place in line.
As far as capacity, just keep in mind this ride is the first of its kind. Boarding is a "process" just keep that in mind. They want to get as many people on as they can but they are being cautious on purpose. It can be frustrating especially when they read you the rules and make you answer yes or no to make sure you understand. Just be patient and realize they are doing everything to keep from having to scrape your body pancake off the pavement. I think the capacity will increase they may even tweak the weight requirements some. But I wouldn't expect anything to change this season.
-
^Can't help you there, that was the only thing I was willing to wait in line for when I went (not much of a water park guy and the lines were terrible). But I'm sure that's the most intense thing probably in all of Disney World. You'll have a lot of fun on the tube slides with your kids, the line for Summit Plummet is very long and slow-moving so you may have more fun just watching them go down it (they have bleachers at the bottom for watching all the extreme wedgie-picking action).
Awww dang, my bad. I thought you were describing/disccussing Verruckt at Schlitterbahn, which is where I will be in 2 weeks. Looking back at your posts I see you were describing Summit Plummet.
Has anyone here actually ridden Verruckt yet?
I rode it twice on media day. I will say is that it was not an abusive ride.
But the steps are rough. You have to pace yourself and it is easy to get out of breath. If you do get tired you can stop and rest. If you get in trouble there are safety calls every 4 or 6 flights of stairs. Your group is weighed at the bottom and the top of the ride. I assume they are still handing out numbered wrist bands to keep you with your group.
You get in the raft and all you can see is the horizon, when they hit the dispatch button you are on a tilting platform and it dumps you down the slide. You will pick up some quick speed and hit the track which acts as a trim break type system. Once you reach the end of it speed picks up and you reach the bottom of the first hill and start up the second. The water jets are required to get you up and over the hill unless the raft is close to the 550# capacity. You WILL get sprayed from behind. It was tons of fun.
Also if you plan to ride Schlitterbahn posted this on their web site:
Tips
Verrückt, the World’s Tallest Waterslide is now open to guests of Schlitterbahn Kansas City Waterpark.
Due to the popularity of Verrückt, guests who wish to ride will reserve a scheduled ride time when the park opens for the day. This will allow guests to enjoy the other rides and rivers and tube rides and kids areas at Schlitterbahn while they await their turn! Reservations will be made on first come, first served basis. NOTE: Currently demand is greater than the amount of available rides. Come early for the best chance to reserve your ride time.
How do I make reservations?
The line will form at park opening at the bottom of the Verrückt tower. ALL reservations for the day will be taken at this time!
Please arrive with everyone in your group of 2-3 riders. The entire group together must meet the weight and height requirements (every rider must be at least 54 inches tall and your group must weigh between 400-550 pounds – no single rider over 300 pounds) in order to make reservations.
Your group will be assigned a time, and the complete group must report back to the Verrückt tower 30 minutes prior to ride time for briefing.
What if I miss my scheduled time?
Guests who miss a scheduled ride will forfeit their chance to ride, but are welcome to join the standby line.
What is the Standby Line?
Guests who were unable to make a morning reservation are welcome to wait in the standby line for the chance to ride. Standby line will be limited and will close as determined by demand.
- See more at: http://www.schlitterbahn.com/kansas-city/rides/all-new-verruckt#sthash.6S1NIK3l.dpuf
-
While I'm not suggesting the ride doesn't look like a hell of a lot of fun, I'm kind of not "getting" all the hype around it. Haven't they essentially built a 168 foot tall log flume? You ride in a pretty large sized looking boat with high seat-backs and seatbelts. The track that you ride it looks very "flume-like." And I'm sure it's a lot of fun, but I'd have to think that the 120-foot tall Summit Plummet, which you ride, completely ON YOUR BACK down the slide looks so much more terrifying to me!
I don't know that I would call it a "track" per say. It felt more like a break run..
It was a lot of fun and I would and will ride again. Even with all the stairs. It was kind of funny watch news people yesterday and how they were doing multiple takes on the first couple of flights. Then by the time they were six flights up they were kind of done...
-
Also forgot to mention the rules stay you must be over 14 to ride.
-
So here is a scoop for you.
1. 2 to 3 riders per raft
2. No single rider can weigh more than 300#
3. There must be at least 400# and nor more than 550# per raft.
4. Your group will be weighed at the bottom and top of The stairs
Media day was today. The ride is pretty awesome.
-
I am still thinking its gonna be something from these guys: http://skylineattractions.com/. Their first ride announcement comes on August first, shortly after the Holiday World announcement.
Holiday world seems to always be on the cutting edge of things by being an innovator, I would hope that Holiday World sticks to it on this project.
What would be the point of making an announcement themselves after the ride has already been announced by the park? Do we know if they even have a buyer for whatever it is they're announcing? They described the product has officially "launching" August 1st, that suggests to me that's simply the date it goes on the market. If there was an installation already planned that would've most likely been in the press release.
First off quite honestly why would they do it?? It's called non-disclosure, it seems to be very common in the amusement industry. If you look at the dates it makes perfect sense.
Now here is my take on the B&M idea and why I think it holds little water. First off they are saying that parts will start arriving on the 25th that's just over 3 weeks away. So somewhere at one of the steel works locations that make B&M track there should be tons of track just laying around. I also know that there are a bunch of creeper enthusiast that drive by and take pictures daily. I also know there is discussion and pictures from the track plant for the coaster that everyone thinks is going in a Carowinds.
So based on what I have seen, one of two things is probably true:
1. No B&M for Holiday World and a B&M for Carowinds
2. A B&M for Holiday world and something else for Carowinds.
And based on leaks, it looks like #1 might be possible.
So here is another possible idea, it could involve RMC to a degree.
Rob and Elissa aren't the only ones that were invited to try this out...
-
I am still thinking its gonna be something from these guys: http://skylineattractions.com/. Their first ride announcement comes on August first, shortly after the Holiday World announcement.
Holiday world seems to always be on the cutting edge of things by being an innovator, I would hope that Holiday World sticks to it on this project.
-
We were thinking about flying in on Labor day and running up to Discovery Kingdom to at CA great america. Running down and catching Sea World hitting Disney then WCB. But the the two northern parks already go into weekend mode by the time WCB starts..
-
B&M flyer with mantis type slash down? Sea gull the ride?? Lol
-
I am guessing they had the mid course breaks and any kind of trims turned off for the evening run of millennium force. If you paid attention they wouldn't let the next train go until the previous train was back to the final break run. Plus there was no perceived slow down at mid course break run.
Also if you did not ride Mean Streak you missed a truly awesome retracking job. I rode it for the water challenge in the back and loved it. Even rode in the evening on purpose. It has went from my I hate this do I have to ride list to my must ride list.
-
I have a couple things to say about the coaster mania event and some harsh words to some enthusiasts.
First I would like to thank Cedar Point for a truly wonderful FREE coaster event. Thank you for the free box of swag this could not have been cheap even with the quantities you purchased. Two free shirts one screen printed tee and a embroidered sweatshirt with a zipper, not to mention a printed pint glass, printed glasses holders, and sunglasses all in a custom printed box. A meal with ribs, hot dogs & brats, muscles , and shrimp. On top of that 4 hours of ERT with extra ERT on Millennium Force because dragster was broke. On top of that a very fairly run water challenge that gave everyone that participated an equal opportunity to win one of 10 platinum passes for the 2015 season. All of this for no additional cost out of pocket other than coaster club membership and the platinum pass which I already had.
What I was disappointed in were the actions of a number of enthusiasts and their feeling of entitlement. Parks don't have to do things for us, they choose to. In most cases events like this cost extra. The fact that the event is free is why there are so many attendees and maybe they should have started the morning out with all three trains on MF but who cares if you had to wait 5 or 10 minutes to ride instead of 45 to 60. Bitching about it online comes off as ungrateful. If you have a suggestion I guarantee that if you went to the organizers with a hey I have an idea instead of bashing them online it might get your further. Also as far as the people with attitude toward the operators, where do I even start. First I imagine ALL coaster clubs have a Code of Conduct, I know ClubTPR and ACE both do. Being mean to a ride operator for running a ride according to park rules is a violation of that code of conduct as well as park rules and in my opinion grounds for ejection from the park and in theory the club. It just reflects badly on the club and in the long run all clubs. Keep in mind another event recently made you sign a code of conduct statement that even told you that some things are so incredibly unsafe that they need not be posted. Just keep in mind these are perks that the parks like to give us, we are not "entitled" to them so I will just say cut the crap guys especially if you want these events to continue. Don't think they are making tons of money on these events, keep in mind it's marketing money and don't give them an excuse to put those funds elsewhere.
Finally, I have gotten in the habit of at least sending the parks an email thanking them for hosting an event. I personally feel it's that one step beyond posting online which is somewhat personal. Just a suggestion.
-
Well, this is quite a waste of my weekend. Both Saturday and Sunday lost while I'm here in town. It could've been worse if this happened yesterday before Coastermania. I do find it AMAZING that they're closed for 2 days.
These days, nothing Cedar Point / Cedar Fair does surprises me.
The park really has no choice. At the loss of revenues, this is absolutely last thing the park wants to do. Partly due to the economic recession, many municipalities lack the money to adequately update their aging infrastructure. This is an example of that.
Of course, it is possible that the sudden surge of restroom use by Coastermania attending ACErs after the lunch buffet really strained Sandusky's capacity to supply water causing a definite water main breakage.
Obviously you tried to get in one of the restrooms after lunch. Huh? Words cannot describe the bathroom frenzy after lunch.
-
Something has happened at Kinks Island. They have 2 fire trucks and 2 fire rescue vehicles on site as well as other emergency vehicles. They have the area to Flight of Fear and Firehawk blocked.
-
Does anyone know if they got the reprofiling done to Timber Wolf in off season??
I know they were supposed to work on it and some major rehab to Viking voyager.
-
^ Stole this from this HoliBlog: http://www.holidayworld.com/holiblog/2014/04/17/wisdom-sir-isaac/In researching the story of the Mayflower, we learned that there was originally a second ship filled with Pilgrims. It was called the Speedwell. In 1620, the two ships set sail for the New World but they were forced to turn back not once, but twice. It seems Speedwell was simply not up to the voyage that was to come.
Can't imagine they would name the ride Speedwell. Doesn't sound very marketable to me.
I don't think this has anything to do with the new ride. They talked about turning back twice. I think that's a reference to Pilgrims Plunge the renaming it Giraffica.
By the way the Speedwell story is kind of interesting.
-
Hey guys got a question for you, is there a couple looming next weekend to renew season passes at Six Flags St Louisuis? Me any my partner are looking to renew ours but the cost of two gold passes is the sames as a family four pack with the free gold pass upgrade. Is there a couple that will be at the park next weekend that will go in halfsies?
Just let me know here an or by pvt message and I will get you my contact info. We will be coming up after Iget off work Friday from Springfield and will be available after the races Saturday afternoon.
Just let me know, we have to always come up with creative uses for the passes and I would just assume an enthusiast have them.
-
Paula,
I assume they are going to keep working on the retracking of the voyage as well??
Six Flags St. Louis (SFStL) Discussion Thread
in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
Posted
I think the boss needs some serious coaster love. The last couple of times I had ridden it I was afraid we were gonna stop in helix...
My guess is the lack of spinning has to do with the real estate it is going into or lack there of. I think this should give them a good boost.