rollin_n_coastin

Finally going to make WCB a reality. Really looking forward to this! ^^That's crazy. That's only a bit less than my flight from the 'most expensive airport in the world'--if only because of a seat sale

Waited to the very last minute yesterday but I'm joining both you Kerry and Kim--Blu-Ray party anyone?

Maybe with the money they're saving from no Jaws gas bills, they can fix the flying cow in Twister? Apparently I missed that technological marvel since it doesn't work in every show. If it's an awesome replacement like Mummy was for King Kong, I'm all for this. I still love the cheese factor in Jaws and people seem to really love it.

They should give it the Earthquake to Disaster conversion treatment. If you can't beat the cheese, join it and make it worse! I really like Jaws, all two times I've been on it. It gives Universal it's own identity and a welcome attraction that doesn't have to be in a building or on a soundstage. Please no more rides that require work and thought, such as shooting in the guise of being interactive...

So, with all the 2012 coaster chat going on in the forums, let's flatline a bit and bring back the flat! Screamscape reports that Pitt Fall is starting to be taken down with the latest replacement rumor having them go back to Zamperla for a very awesome ride...a co-designed Zamperla/ Soriani Giant Discovery frisbee. Some of us rode one of these at Tusenfryd when it was a new installation back in 2009. It looked really impressive. Any thoughts? Will they ever get another drop tower?

After the campaigns put on by Alton Towers, I'm really not sure what could possibly come close to the benchmark of crafting perfect over-hypeage. I wish that there would be more hype and news for Superman Ultimate Flight and Verbolten. 2012 counts--Prowler's getting an exorcism.

I like the new trains, specifically the outside spots. There’s something about the extra openness that adds to the anticipation, not to mention being at the back of a long train as that section is whipped over the hill. But I’m also very happy when it’s the four across seating. The coaster seems more intimidating and experiencing the ride in long row of four or more is cool. I love the dive machines for similar reasons. Having both to ride back to back will be a great comparo! ^^Jake, no, Behemoth I would say is still very smooth. The changes in the ride quality seem to happen during different weather conditions but it is never uncomfortable. You’ll just have to see for yourself this summer! The Daily Planet clip was great. It’s a general science and technology show so the segment fit perfectly for the type of show that it is. They packed a lot of stuff in there. It was almost like a “best of” synopsis of the issues that came up when building a roller coaster, like you’d see in a more in-depth episode of Extreme Engineering or Mega Builders. The segment reminded me of the Mega Builders? episode featuring Tatsu a bit.

Ah, the super hot sauce. So, my buddy went to use the facilities after trying a Louisiana version and didn't' wash all if it off of his hands. Guys, wash your hands thoroughly before.... The chicken lady is still there! What a friendly lady. Although, she doesn't have as many chickens with her. Awesome pics Eric!

Hey everyone: 2012 Season Q&A Video Posted - Click Here!

Just when you think the park can't look any nicer. Great update Steve! Can't wait to see Verbolten's drop into the Rhine. It's cool seeing an event building go up with something other than a Wild Mouse in it

^^^I don't think anyone is complaining, just offering an opinion on color theory at this point Now, if it goes on for more than page or two, then yes, I'd agree. That track spine support does look funky though!

Observing the actions of people that think the the world will end in 2012? Are there any Vivos end of the world condos left? Looking forward to seeing friends and family in Europe next summer if all goes well and some new stuff on the work side. The coaster geek in me says that I’m looking forward to: -Leviathan at the good o’l home park -Checking out California beyond Disney and being brave enough to stare at Lex Luther. -Putting Skyrush and Wild Eagle on the “would love to do if there's time and money” list.

Super 8 heaven. Thank you for being inspired to share this stuff. Wood coasters look especially cool in the format.

Ah, but is it hoarding when you're trying to sell some of it? Talk about the perfect place for a stop! Larry, thanks for continuing to bring us the strange and obscure.

^^Well, it did say that they would not remove any unless absolutely necessary. We'll see if those make it through the cut....(bada boom, cha...I'm here all night) I'd prefer if it was the original restraints. Minebuster was just never the same after the removal of the buzz bars, and re-profiling of the airtime hills. So true, so true. Those hills were insane. Are the individual ratcheting safety bars and high seat backs really because of safety or pumped up to sell upgrades? Maybe it'll go back the other way one day. Let's not get too carried away The Taft parks had the right start from the beginning since they were built to specific themes. What kept CW consistent in look and feel is the number of long time staff that have been with the park since its early years, currently in leadership roles. The VP & GM has been with the park for about 30 years as an example. If they care about theming, landscaping and such, it could just be the way its always been done as a best practice. Most likely it's a combination of having Cedar Fair as an owner to innovate on the ride side and the park being successful enough to be able to spend on both rides and their surrounding environment.

Thanks everyone, glad you enjoyed it! So the charity auction. As with Dinosaurs showing up briefly before being announced (maybe for testing?), it's not meant to be active yet as details are not yet fully finalized. Expect an announcement in the new year with that page going live and the auction most likely starting a week or two before opening day. It was a very nice event back in 2008. It took place just before the park opened for season pass preview night, similar to is an ERT session. Of course we were able to bring a friend or family member and received some goodies and dinner at The Marketplace. ^^^That's very astute of you. To answer your question, the possibilities are endless. Just wait until we get started on the rest of the ride

Leviathan Construction Tour Part 5 While Leviathan is under contsruction, park staff are busy with off season maintenance, rebuilding rides and hiding dinosaurs from our (camera's) view. Here are some that are being worked on in the picnic area, next to Leviathan and Dragon Fire. On the administrative side, the holiday season brings a slow down just before things fiercly pick up in January, starting with recruiting an army of seasonal staff for the 2012 season. Thanks for following along! Drop Tower at peace until May. Anyone else really liking the original logo on the trains? These are trains from The Mighty Canadian Minebuster. Here are Thunder Run's trains. Dragon Fire waiting its turn. The Bat and Drop Tower in the skyline. Oh, and let's not forget to take a look at the other side of the park. An airtime machine at rest. Phew, glad they turned the water off before the pipes freeze!

Leviathan Construction Tour Part 4 The station and ride entrance area. Heading toward the station area, there are a few cool things to check out. The chain, which was being stored under Dragon Fire's station has moved to bigger and better things--it's being put together, one piece at a time. Let's see what's in that open container? The bolts holding this coaster both upright and together are substantial I'd say. For all of you footer fans out there, this form's for you. Let's take a look at the transfer track area. Finishing work continues on the lift hill. Ready to climb up? Station foundation is done. Hey motor lovers.... The station. About 30% shorter than Behemoth's. Work continues at the entry/ queue area. The theming will bring this area back to its Medieval roots. We didn't leave the tour without a memento of sorts. 2'' of mud just doesn't come off Bonus section coming up!

Leviathan Construction Tour Part 3 Drop and roll out? That's the drop. Let's take a look at the whole thing.. Game off! Game on! We'll just swoop up at a modest pace up to... ...here. We can get here fairly easily and quickly. First, you start here. Then, you end up here at about 92mph. Continue... Twist.. ..and continue toward the front of the park, outside the main entrance. Here's a massive support column waiting to be lifted into place for the barrel role/ over bank turn. More track! Work heading toward the front entrance is well underway, starting with that 'little' airtime hill, which will be taller than Flight Deck. Track heading toward the front entrance of the park. Supports are up in between the trees. The park's priority is ensuring that no trees are removed unless absolutely necessary. More supports waiting for track. Moving further toward the front gate area, footings are being prepped for their supports. This one looks ready. One last look here. Next up, heading to the station area.

Leviathan Construction Tour Part 2 -Leviathan with Dragon Fire -A look at the drop Climbing up Dragon Fire's lift will definitely be much more interesting! Wait, where did Leviathan go? Twisty? Yes, that's twisty. Slips right through. 1980 vs 2011? Corkscrew through Leviathan Next up, we take a closer look at the first drop, 306ft up there. Are you imagining cresting over that yet?

Hello everyone! This week, TPR was invited to check out what’s been happening at Canada’s Wonderland since Leviathan’s launch day back in August. Needless to say, a lot has happened since. Andrew (coaster_dude2002) and I were there to bring you the latest and greatest! LEVIATHAN 2012 Season Q&A Video - Leviathan & Dinosaurs Alive! Construction Tour Part 1 - Below Construction Tour Part 2 Construction Tour Part 3 Construction Tour Part 4 Construction Tour Part 5 The skyline around the park has forever changed with B&M tracks, up to 306ft, piercing the sky. The staff at the park is thoroughly enjoying the construction process as it is taking place by the administration offices, as compared to Behemoth, which took place at the other end of the park. The transformation of this area of the park is astounding and you can feel the buzz and excitement from staff and contractors. The changes in viewing perspective can be really deceiving as to how massive this coaster is. During our tour, we did our best to put it in context next to the coaster that Leviathan seems to be stomping on, Dragon Fire. Milestones: Last Friday, the crown was lifted into place just before dusk with four cranes. One crane lifted the crown while another pulled the adjoining track piece away just enough to allow the crown to ‘slip’ into place. The last two held the iron workers who bolted everything together. Finishing and detailing work continues this week. All foundation work is done along with utility relocations, allowing contractors to move further ahead with the station area. Just in front of the station, contractors continue to work on the entrance area. A great deal of effort is being placed on theming to the area’s Medieval theme and making the area much more open. It also looks like iron workers have started assembling the lift chain, piece by piece (with the help of machines). Construction is running on schedule. Although winter weather will have the ultimate say, everything is looking great for opening day so far. Upcoming: This is the first ride that will leave the park gates and have its turnaround in the grassy island pathway outside of the entry plaza. We'll find out if this area will remain open to guests at a later date. That first drop is spectacular, but how high is it? Yes, people know and it is impressive. As far as an exact number, we’ll all have to wait until closer to opening day to find out. We still need at least one thing to debate and look forward to, no? A New Top 2 at CW? For everyone who’s visited the park and tried all the coasters, what do you think the new top 2 or 3 coasters will be? Just to put things in perspective, the current top 2 coasters at the park based on attendance are Behemoth followed by, wait for it, Dragon Fire. DINOSAUR’S ALIVE! In addition to Leviathan, rumour had it that dinosaurs are all over the park. Aside from the obvious dino sitting along the 400, this is true. We ran into a few in the strangest of places. Of course, flash photography with a dinosaur doesn’t mix this time of year so we’ll have to wait a little longer to see more of them up close. This is an up charge attraction set at $5.00 CAD with any valid ticket or pass to the park. Dinosaur’s Alive! will create an immersive, interactive and educational experience for a wide variety of groups and guests. This experience is quite exciting for the park as it opens up a wider educational component, beyond physics day, to include the social sciences and history. Groups from as young as grade 2 will benefit right up to engineers studying robotics. Dinosaurs Alive! will begin by the Snoopy Boutique, next to Ghoster Coaster. THANK YOU! We’d like to thank Dineen and Linsdey in Public Relations for hosting us! Hope you enjoy the update and thanks for visiting. Be sure to check back! A beautiful day up in Toronto! Even in the off season, this area is quite busy. At one point, Dragon Fire was all you saw on this side of the parking lot, with Zumba Flume's two drops on the other side. These iron workers are coming back down to reset for a different spot on the lift to continue finishing work. The drop from Jane St. The red crane, the tallest used and now fully taken apart, is all done with its duties and will be leaving soon. The parking lot is used to store new car inventory for local dealers during the off season. Track and supports waiting in storage. The next few shots are a closer look at the finishing work that will be happening over the next week. From up there, they have a fantastic view of the city and... ...the brake run! Next up, we'll take look at how Leviathan and Dragon Fire will play together...

Shane, love the Super 8! So good to see something else in the format that's not my parents' wedding lol I remember visiting the park at that point but only tall enough to ride the swans and balloon race. Watching my family ride Blauer Enzian, the UFO and the pirate ship, I thought the rides would eat them and I'd never see them again The big constant is the landscaping--it keeps getting better each year. Really glad that Cedar Fair got all the waterfalls working again.

Possibly, but certainly after a coaster inspired by Kumba is tucked in there somewhere. We'd be inundated by angels at that point Leviathan is looking fantastic--what a drop! Especially with fewer supports. The view (to the right?) of the park and downtown Toronto should be awesome during the climb up.

^^Awesome thanks. Yah my impression of SoCal from a long ago visit is that it's one giant suburb. I don't think I'd count on public transit.

This is awesome -- just saw that our 'Family Day' was bumped to the 20th this year! Definitely 90% sure I'm going to finally do this. Plus, I hear there's cake? Do you recommend Burbank airport? Are there any hotels that most of the group have generally stayed at in the past? Thanks, J