rollin_n_coastin

Hydromagnetic systems on a water coaster were new with Wildebeest--much more comfortable than jets and conveyors. So 1 out of 3 new technologies that worked properly during the 2009 and 2010 seasons. May be risky or may not be depending on what they're looking to do. B&M doing something new would definitely be way less risk for sure. When has there ever been a problem with B&M firsts? Continuously ratcheting restraints, which have since been fixed and make wing coasters a lot better to ride. Banshee is exceptionally comfortable. Then there are the continuously rattling new mega coaster trains, which they really haven't been able to address other than making them rattle a bit less. Leviathan ditching the new trains and going back to four across was a fantastic thing. I think that could be accurate with Intamin and TGG, which is too bad being a huge fan of their rides. I'm still blindly holding out hope for Intamin, regardless We definitely learned a bit about the challenges and successes of Pilgrim's Plunge and Wildebeest during our awesome backstage tours with Paula back in 2010. Whatever comes is going to be something very special, wherever it comes from. There's no shortage of passion and excitement when it comes to planning and creating cool new attractions there.

I doubt Holiday World would go for another prototype product after Pilgrim's Plunge and Timberliner trains. Maybe three times lucky? There are lots of proven companies that do fantastic launched coasters already, if this is a launched coaster. If it is a B&M, it'll probably be a solid looper.

This means that the cost shouldn't be looked at specifically. Even with $USD average inflation from 2007 to 2014, that would put Griffon's cost at about $17.9 million today. There are other factors I'm sure, such as the cost of steel and construction materials increasing way beyond the average since then. Although it's possible, I'm really hoping that this isn't another B&M. That's just my bias though Paula: Following along has been a ton of fun so far. Can't wait until the big announcement!

^A little too early to tell based on footers. Even after seeing the site while there two weeks ago with lots of footers poured, nothing was obvious. The one question that a few of us had was why the Pilgrim's Plunge station and troughs were well maintained and preserved while construction on the new attraction was going on. You'd think the area would have been completely cleared by now. B&M splashdown? Divertical-like element? But that was two weeks ago and not sure if anything has changed at the old Pilgrim's Plunge site since then. If it is steel, there are more players in the game today building steel mega, looping and launched coasters.

I'm hoping that Intamin is going to make it up to Holiday World with something very awesome. Scrapping a ride like Pilgrim's Plunge so soon, especially after a re-theme, must have had some sort of stronger motivation.

Orlando's without a doubt. The Twilight Zone theme fits the ride so well and it just seems to work better, especially with the pre ride sequence, in Orlando. Disney Sea's is a cool take on the concept but the ride itself is in a shortie tower with full on front seat car belts. The theme and pre show do make up for most of it, even though the storyline doesn't fit as well as Twilight Zone.

^^^Couldn't agree more. Cirque shows really seem to pack thrills into a stage show in a great way. Agree about the Q&A. I missed the last one so it was definitely a treat to talk to the PHV owners. I honestly can't remember if Cedar Point has a facility the size of Wonderland and Kings Island Theatres? If so, I think this type of show would do well. ^^ I think the street performers were there for the preview to let people walking by know that a preview show was about to start and to join the line. ^If you loved Cirque Ambiente, you'll love Dimensions. The shows seem well balanced between the Cirque Shows, outdoor acrobatics/ diving shows and traditional song and dance at International Show Place.

Introducing Dimensions: A Cirque Experience An All New Theatrical Acrobatic Show Opening Today It was exactly one week ago that I was at Kings Island enjoying the new monster B&M inverted roller coaster, Banshee. I’ve heard that it’s a fantastic replacement for Son of Beast, the wooden roller coaster that used to occupy that parcel of land. Sometimes replacements are a massive improvement over what was there before, as is clearly the case with Banshee over Son of Beast. Sometimes, the original is missed immensely and you wonder how anything else could top it. I thought about this as I entered the Kings Island Theater after a few incredible rides on Banshee to check out their new show, Cirque Imagine. Cirque Imagine (Cirque Ambiente) is the 2013 IAAPA Brass Ring winning live show, which made its way down to Kings Island this season after a very successful two-season run at Canada’s Wonderland from 2012 to 2013. Cirque Imagine is almost identical to its original 2012 production with the familiarity being a great thing in this case. The show was just as exciting and engaging as I remembered it. The audience cheered throughout and the finale was met with a big standing ‘O’. The audience seemed to really appreciate a show that shot well above seasonal theme park expectations, which is a testament to Cedar Fair taking the initiative to enhance family entertainment options at its parks. It really was a pleasure re-living the experience and audience reactions. Even if you’re a theme park goer who is not “into shows”, myself included, this show was well worth seeing, more than once even! So, now that Kings Island has taken this show away, what was happening back at Canada’s Wonderland? Would any new show be as good at filling the theatre to capacity a few times a day, all season long? Theme Park Review was invited to an exclusive sneak preview of Canada’s Wonderland’s Cirque Ambiente replacement on Friday, which is the all new show, Dimensions: A Cirque Experience. If it’s even possible to imagine, Dimensions ups the ante of what can be done at seasonal parks when it comes to offering quality family entertainment. Dimensions: A Cirque Experience, builds on the successful formula first seen with Cirque Ambiente and takes it to a new level of polish and refinement. The show is different yet just as, if not more exciting. The higher production value is evident as soon as you see the great sets, costumes, video projection and lighting technology. Upon entering the theatre, the audience is treated to a pre show featuring the show's two hosts, performed by Tom Cholot and Lysanne Richard. These skilled performers interact seamlessly with the audience and if you’re lucky, you or your kids may instantly become part of the show. During the show, the acrobatic and gymnastic routines are set to distinct dimensions that our two hosts lead us through, travelling to and re-surfacing in each new setting. Each dimension hosts a new set of acrobatics and tricks that have no problem leaving the audience mesmerized. Although at times the pulsing soundtrack, “out of this world” sets and lighting may be a little frightening for only the youngest of family members, the show is above all very family friendly. The talented performers, acrobats and gymnasts in Dimensions are primarily from Quebec, with a growing number coming to the show from international origins including the USA, Brazil, France and Cambodia. After experiencing Dimensions, it is safe to say that the show successfully builds on Cirque Ambiente and is most definitely a worthy replacement to what was here before. At first, some of us may have only gone in just for the air conditioning, but I guarantee that next time you’ll go back into the theatre just for the show during each visit to the park. There’s no doubt that Dimensions will be a huge draw all season long. Dimensions: A Cirque Experience officially opens today at the Wonderland Theatre in Medieval Faire. About the Creators/ Producers Dimenions: A Cirque Experience is created and produced by Les Productions Haut-Vol (PHV) of Lévis, Quebec, Canada. The company was founded by Hugues Aubry and Joel Norton in 1995 with a focus on high diving and trampoline acrobatic shows. 2012 saw the company create their first theatrical acrobatic show, Cirque Ambiente. Cirque Ambiente won a 2013 IAAPA Brass Ring Award for Best Live Performance in the category of Production between $200,000 and $400,000. Other PHV shows at Cedar Fair parks include Cirque Imagine (Kings Island 2014 to present, Canada’s Wonderland 2012-2013 as Cirque Ambiente), Acrobatic and High Dive Shows (Canada’s Wonderland 2002 to present), Skeleton Crew Halloween Acrobatic Shows (Canada’s Wonderland 2011 to present, Cedar Point 2012 to present), The Under World Halloween Acrobatic Show (Canada’s Wonderland 2012 to present). A great way to start off the weekend. A picture perfect day at the park. Media were able to bring up to three guests. All Canadian outlets were checking it out. Heading over to the Wonderland Theatre After the media was let in, there was no trouble with filling up the theatre with eager park guests Lysanne Richard Tom Cholot Pre show antics Someone's dad will be sent off to some random dimension first to you know..test out the way and such. Looks safe, off we go. The performers. Oh...it looks like someone's dad found his way back. All the cool projections and lighting wouldn't happen without our friends back here. Post show Q&A. From left to right: Hugues Aubry (PHV Founder), Sam Softich (Performer, Seattle, WA) and Joel Norton (PHV Founder)

Sounds like a great opening all things considering. I think it's fantastic that the park invited enthusiasts, but keep in mind, it was a Media Day first and foremost. Anything to do with media, TV in particular, guarantees a lot of downtown while they do their job to promote the park and the ride. Unfortunately, anyone not there to "work" isn't priority. That shouldn't stop an enthusiast/ blogger from having a great time getting at least one ride in and getting to see how a PR event works behind the scenes. Not having been on Outlaw Run or Goliath yet, I can't wait to try out one of these hopefully later this summer or in the fall. The trains remind me a bit of Lightning Run, less the shackles

Great report, Jason! I loved this park primarily because of the people there doing everything they could to keep a friendly and welcoming attitude, despite the sensation of eeriness that you can't help but get as soon as you walk in. Blue Streak in the last row was fantastic, if terrifying, over the first drop. I understand that what happened with the board being ousted last week is a positive first step in guiding the park toward some sort of stability. Fingers crossed. I'd still love to try out one of their "Ghost Weekends" at the hotel in February, for entertainment purposes only

Spent a great day at Holiday World on June 13 as part of an Indiana/ Ohio road trip. I hadn’t been since TPR’s 2010 Midwest trip. I loved the timing this time around with school still in and the weather being perfect compared to the suffocating heat of August, not to mention the crowds. It was basically park ERT with really only Raven, Wildebeest, Mammoth and the raft slides having lines throughout the day. Legend was closed for the day unfortunately. I have a new appreciation for the park, which is a fantastic family park in every way. I personally love the focus on the water park as a water park fan, especially knowing how hot it gets over the summer. It was clearly the biggest draw last Friday,. The two water coasters really make the park even more unique, along with the coasters. Mammoth was insanely fun and has to be the best water attraction out there, bar none. It really catches you off guard since most of the ride is hidden from view. I really missed Pilgrim’s Plunge but I’m sure what they have cookin’ will be a perfect replacement and addition. Raven was still a blast and Voyage was a walk on all day. After giving it multiple goes, I can completely understand now why Voyage is in many people’s top five, if not in first place. It is epic in so many ways from what I remembered in 2010. I can say that it really threw a wrench into my current top five and I’ll have to think about it all over again lol The track work on Voyage must have done wonders since I remember not being able to ride it more than twice on account of it being exceptionally rough back in 2010. Hopefully it holds up well for the summer. My love of GG coasters is back in full force. The new ride site looks really substantial. The top of Hyena Falls has a view of the entire site, or at least what looks like the entire site at this point. Lots of footers are poured or being prepped that looked like a lift hill. Yah, we were totally nerding out about what it could be before plunging down the waterslide, which was one of the more terrifying waterslides that I’ve been on. We had a sense that the Pilgrim’s Plunge water sections could be used for some part of the “maybe” coaster judging from the bird’s eye view. Really looking forward to seeing what it’ll end up being.

Even before Behemoth and Leviathan were built, this is what personally kept me and I'm sure many others coming back to the park, especially with a very decent water park included. As busy as it gets, it can be a pleasant place to be if you can find the right spots to hang out at. Although the park was always balanced between types of attractions, I wouldn't want to go back to life before the B&Ms Sledge Hammer always takes a while to come out of hibernation but it's usually up and running not too long after opening day and runs right up until the last day of Halloween Haunt. It does have downtown for sure, but rarely for an entire day once the season gets going. It's still my favorite so I may be a bit biased. lol

CPSFMMCW and coastercrzyjames, glad you enjoyed the pics. The ride doesn't take up a lot of space outside but it sure does take a great picture in its mountain setting. Keep in mind, there's still some finishing work to be done since the park's priority was obviously to get the ride open to park guests as soon as possible given opening day delays. ^^^Funny that you mention the glasses. I completely forgot that we needed 3D glasses for the ride. The whole process was very smooth and they didn't feel like they'd fly off at any point.

^Thanks Ken. Reuben's was great As for Druthers, I think I still have some of that Mac and Cheese in my fridge lol How did you like La Ronde?

I love this park so much and can't wait to get back one day to try out Helix and (maybe) Atmosfear. Helix really looks fantastic on the hillside. Thanks for sharing Jakob!

Thanks, Dom! I think the measurements may depend on how close to opening that each piece was published.

^LOL Ok fine. Make sure no one's looking.... This is definitely still my favourite flat ride.

INTRODUCING WONDER MOUNTAIN'S GUARDIAN: AN ALL-NEW 4D INTERACTIVE DARK RIDE OPENED MAY 24, 2014 Happy weekend everyone. How about starting off with some eggs, bacon and a fight with a dragon or two? It’s not so far fetched. Read on. This week, TPR was invited to a photo tour of Canada’s Wonderland’s 17th rollercoaster, Wonder Mountain’s Guardian. Although it is a 1,000 ft long roller coaster, the star of the show truly is Montreal-based Triotech’s interactive media content, making Wonder Mountain’s Gaurdian a first of its kind at this scale. Custom 3D animation is projected on a screen that spans 427 ft in length by 13 ft in height, making it the world's largest interactive screen. On this ride, a touch of new meets old as swords give way to modern blasters. Speakers and blasters at each seat and realtime interaction with the on-screen characters create an immersive 4D environment. You can’t help but feel like you’re in another world as soon as your train flies into the mountain. The only way out is by participating in a spectacular finale between just you and a dragon. I had the chance to ride twice in both the front and back of the train, facing both directions. There wasn't a major difference in ride experience other than being a lot more nervous about going backwards. The trains were comfortable as was the coaster portion. The main coaster section takes place at the beginning of the ride, which really wakes you up before heading into the mountain to do battle with a variety of characters. To know how to locate yourself in this interactive world, each blaster has a coloured dragon that corresponds to your on screen colour. The blasters are accurate and very easy to get the hang of. You’ll definitely need to ride more than twice to get to know the story and find all of the hidden secrets to help get you to first place in the Hall of Fame as quickly as possible. This alone makes Wonder Mountain’s Gaurdian very re-ridable. The park is also able to change the animation, giving the ride a whole new story and experience during special events—think of the possibilities during Halloween Haunt. Wonder Mountain’s Guardian sets a new benchmark for interactive attractions at seasonal parks. There really is nothing quite like it out there. Guests were very enthusiastic about the ride and very much enjoying it. If you aren’t that competitive a person when it comes to the current flock of shooting dark rides, you will be. This ride is pure fun from start to finish and a perfect addition to the park. Now that Guardian is here, it’s hard to imagine the park without it. Ride Information at a Glance: Type: Interactive 4D Dark Ride-Coaster Combo Guest Height Requirement: Accompanied between 42’’-48’’, Unaccompanied 48’’ + Track Length: 1,000 ft Foot Print: 23,180 sq ft Ride Vehicles: 5 trains seating 8 passengers per train Guest Capacity: Approx. 650 guest per hour Canada’s Wonderland continues to work on a way to film the ride, which isn’t yet possible due to the 3D projections making footage unusable. We’ll be sure to share video footage as soon as the opportunity comes up. A huge thanks to Canada’s Wonderland for sharing an up close look at its newest one of a kind attraction. Enjoy the pics! Fun stats and facts for the coaster fan in all of us. Wonder Mountain's Gaurdian is located on the South side of Wonder Mountain, across from International Showplace. Let's head inside Indoor queue area The next few photos are of the return section to the station. It looks like everyone took care of the dragon. The last 3D screen with top scores Please put on your 3D glasses A look at the station A new group heading out to fight for a spot in the Hall of Fame Going backwards really is a bit nerve wracking. A last look facing East toward the front gate. I'll end with a look at Coaster Number 16, Leviathan. Completely different but both uniquely fun. Top scores of all time...ok a few days but still...impressive.

This is shaping up to be be the most insane Goliath ever. I can't wait to ride this one day soon if all goes well. In all fairness, Leviathan had a unique issue where the train had to get back to the station over an existing roller coaster, F&B catering building/area and maintenance area. I don't think it's a trend as much as a ride adapting to its location.

^Thanks for the really nice comments. Glad you enjoyed it. It was a blast trying out the new camera with a two parks in the mix. These places are so powerful since they've been with a lot of people for many a generation and are able to strike that right balance between new and old. That can't be easy.

^^Thanks, glad you liked Great Escape as well. I completely agree that Comet is tons of awesome. The wait was a bit with one train but it was well worth it. ^The rides look "fresher" in that pic haha

That is a great question and cool to know. I'm honestly not sure since I didn't explore that building too closely.

Thanks for the posts, all. Up now is Six Flags Great Escape. The beautiful family park that other parks built. Truly, each attraction here has its own interesting history and story about what parks that they originally came from. I think all the rides here have found the perfect home--everything works really well together. The water park is also an interesting mix of new and old and looks to be very popular. I didn't comment on the food at La Ronde as it was typical theme park food, with the exception of Le Poutine. At the Great Escape, the food was above average. Great skillets and above all, the dessert to tame all desserts--the Almond Cheesecake Cone, which is a crusty almond-honey coated cone stuffed with creamy cheesecake. I'm not sure if it'll be at other Six Flags parks but it's definitely worth a try if you see it around since it is pretty unique. Enjoy the pics. The Great Escape is located in Queensbury, NY, just south of very touristy Lake George. A few shots of Lake George before heading to the park. Yelp helped me find a great coffee at Cafe Vero, right on Canada St. Here, you can have a Great Escape day. I hope everyone loves clowns. The history bridge looks fantastic. A lot of great highlights since 1954. A bit of The Comet beyond the trees. This coaster was a lot longer than I thought it would be, in a great way. An instant classic. New for 2014 is Extreme Super Nova, which had one of coolest Media Events ever last Thursday. Alpine Bobsled was closed for the day. Having a chance to ride this is a good excuse to go for another visit. Who doesn't love indoor flat rides? A look around the park. A lot of the installations are of definite quality and have been at the park since the beginning. A little Canyon Blaster action A bit of "Steamin' Demon" to end things off with Thanks for a Great Escape Day! On the way back was a quick stopover at the "non Disney" Saratoga Springs. A great spot downtown, Druthers, for all of your cool micro brew and.... ...skillets the size of your head mac and cheese. Some great wheels, too, if you've been a fan of the classic "Tiffany". Thanks for checking out the pics!

I was long overdue for visiting friends and family in Montreal and finally headed over this past weekend. I made it a whirlwind trip around Lake Ontario, which I hope to do again to check out more of the Adirondacks and Finger Lakes. The ride took me from Toronto to Montreal and south through the Adirondacks and back to Toronto through Buffalo. Knowing that there were theme parks in the area is like catnip to coaster fans so I found a way to squeeze in a few hours at both La Ronde and Great Escape. Both parks were great to visit and are still two of the most interesting and nicer parks in the chain, next to Six Flags Over Georgia. They definitely have a very historic feel to them that is well preserved and maintained. La Ronde still has this very cool Expo '67 vibe about it. Great Escape still feels like a family-run park with great attractions in a beautiful location. Definitely some of the nicest views from a coaster or ferris wheel that you'll find anywhere. Since the Comet was the same coaster my family rode back in the 60s and 70s at Crystal Beach, riding it was definitely a lot of fun with some nostalgia attached. The Comet is a great classic without a doubt. Up first is La Ronde. Enjoy the pics! La Ronde is located in Jean-Drapeau Park on Sainte-Hélène Island, just over the Jacques Cartier Bridge from Montreal The Biosphere is an environmental museum in Jean-Drapeau Park and the symbol of Expo '67. It will be closed this fall for six months for a renovation/ updating of its exhibits. Montreal from La Ronde's entrance Jacques Cartier Bridge New for 2014 at La Ronde is Démon Processing a season pass was simply lining up, scanning your finger and getting a card. Very quick and easy. This should come in handy for a Goliath or two...or three or four...or more.... This ride is still one of the best B&M hypers out there, 'mini' or not. I'm a huge fan of the more hills/ no helix layout. Very creative naming for everyone's favourite coaster. Démon isa menacing looking flat ride that doesn't do a whole lot. I think Six Flags brought in a clairvoyant to take the Demon out of Demon before the ride opened. Maybe the program will become more intense as they get to know the ride better. It does look great. If you love hang time, this is your ride. It's a great alternative to Looping Starships. A few shots from the space spiral. Le Monstre was closed that day. Some more Expo '67 history Check out the kid on the bridge over the next few shots. He totally chickens out. Le Monstre This was the first time I saw one of these travelling Vekoma corkscrews outside of Scandi. When you're a French Boomerang... You best be called "Le". It makes things much more pleasant to the ear. These are always a crowd pleaser. Such a great ride and... ....such a sweet relief from Ednor on the other side of the park Yes, you have to be a true Intamin fan to ride a 1988 model a few times and love it. This ride came from Skara Sommerland, a favourite park from the 2009 Scandi trip. Like the Togos, it's the perfect length for a stand up. Not to be outdone by Wonder Mountain's Guardian, La Ronde proudly offers 7-D! Ran into Ken from last June's Japan trip and we headed for a Reuben...from Reuban's. Om nom nom. Beer and Montreal Smoked Meat, piled high. Just one more half to go, Ken. Log Cabin Dunkin' made the unpleasantness of the border crossing disappear. The nicest people ever work here. Up next - The Great Escape.

SCANDINAVIA 2009--A BLAST FROM THE RECENT PAST Arrival and Day 2 - Copenhagen and Tivoli Gardens Day 3 - Bakken Day 4 - Hansa Park SCANDINAVIA 2009 - HANSA PARK We took a detour from Scandinavia to visit the Germans in Sierksdorf, just off the Baltic Sea. Walking around this town was truly a European experience. Located here is Hansa Park, originally the first German Legoland until becoming Hansland in 1977 and finally Hansa Park in 1987. The park shared their expansion and update plans with us while we visited and it'll be really cool to see how they've come along since. This was a huge favourite for me since there were more ways to really hurt yourself on the inflatable bouncy orbs, the "mid" high ropes course and above all, my favourite Eurofighter out there, Fluch von Novgorod. The theming on this ride, while not completely finished at the time, was incredible. The attention to details lasted from the moment you enter the queue to the moment you leave. Except for the last jump into the station, this is the probably the smoothest Eurofighter around. Overall, a very nice family park with a great atmosphere and oh yah, a great mascot. It also doesn't hurt to have a classic Schwarzkopf. When people the world over come this far north in Germany to visit roller coasters, the national media takes note. Hansa Park will look like this one day, if not already. A little peak of the park's new launched Eurofighter. Heading to Fluch von Novgorod The gardens seem to be a huge part of theme parks at this part of the world, complete with boat tours. Let's give it a go. What's next? Maybe this works now? It was down all day when we were there and is made by the Star Flyer folks. a little high ropes action. These were somewhat terrifying. Nessie, the parks classic looping Schwarzkopf Time to check out the gardens..