CoasterFEV
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Posts posted by CoasterFEV
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Welcome to not Six Flags Magic Mountain.
Yes, they had a coaster . . ..
I believe the coaster at Australia's Magic Mountain still holds the record of "furthest a bus load of theme park nerds will drive just to ride a Zyklon" !
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Water dummies typically come with a ride purchase, so I don’t buy that.
Sorry Joey - but in most all cases, water dummies do not come free with a ride purchase. Of course, all ride manufacturers are more than happy to supply them, but they can add an unnecessary cost to to the purchase of the ride. Not to mention that if a park gets water dummies for ALL of their new ride systems, there becomes the eventual issue of storage (or disposal) of all of those water dummies after commissioning.
It is much more economical for a park to get a single set of water dummies and re-use them for multiple attractions where and when needed. The only downside to this is if a significant number of rides are testing and commissioning at the same time - but that is actually pretty rare, even for new parks.
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Also, did you happen to do the ropes course at Shanghai Disney? Wondering how that is holding up
Not entirely great. The two days we were there a few weeks ago they had two of the three courses closed. Heard from the team that typically one or two of the three courses are closed daily for upkeep and "other" reasons
@Looty: Completely agree on your opinions of Tron. It is a beautiful building and fantastic preshow experience - the attraction is sure to be a big hit in Orlando. I also felt the ride experience once you get inside the show building after the launch was a letdown. I swear that Robb's videos made the ride look more amazing then it actually was. I consider my experience after all the "build up" online was total "anticipointment"
Pirates is, of course, absolutely incredible. The total experience and ride system blew me away each and every time we rode the attraction. ("boats aren't supposed to do this!!!!!")
And don't forget the Pirates stunt show next door. Even though it was all in Mandarin - it is a blast! - the cast is totally into the performance and the audience loved every minute of it. Hilarious fun!
The Pirates show was completely refreshing after watching the horrible Tarzan performance nearby (note to readers - this is NOT the same show that was at DAK in Orlando). Learned later that Tarzan is contracted out to a local third party company - I think it's where Chinese acrobats go to die
I agree - great park. Immaculately clean. Was impressed with the overall guest behavior (on the two recent days I visited - I swear the guest behavior I observed was better than at the Orlando parks!). Food & Beverage in the park was horrendous - ended up eating most of our meals in Disney Town.
And, yes, the BEST Buzz Lightyear anywhere - SO much fun! SO much better then the rest! I swear we rode it and re-rode it to exhaustion!
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I was at Ferrari World every single day of the Grand Prix weekend and I can affirmatively say that Flying Aces never had more than a two train wait while running dispatches once every 5 minutes. The only ride with an actual wait caused by a significant surplus of people vs. the cycle time of the attraction was Formula Rossa, and again, that was running one train.
Ferrari World is never very busy during the weekend of the F1 race. While spectators do get in free with their race pass - most visitors coming to Abu Dhabi for the race are there for the race and race-related events, they are not particularly interested in an amusement park. Locals not going to the race stay away from Yas Island that weekend of the race due to the potential traffic congestion. If you were at Ferrari World the following weekend (UAE National Day) - you would have seen some pretty significant queues.
A little positivity and fact-checking goes a long ways!
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Just got back from that part of the world: a birdie told me that IMG and DP&R are way behind on pay. I don't know if that's true and didn't ask anyone at either, but I can't say that I don't think it's possible. IMG has coin operated rides like you'd see outside grocery stores all over the place now and there's one of those electric powered trains that appears at sad malls rumbling around too. The Stark Steakhouse doesn't look like it's been open in months and several other food venues looked like they had been shuttered for awhile. The rides are generally running well though: I went in blind on Hulk and Avengers and was impressed with both. Velociraptor is a really stunning coaster; I'd rank it over Capitol Bullet Train or Flying Aces in a heart beat.
DP&R's Riverwalk Area probably has 50% vacancy with a lot of the majors there having closed in the year since opening (Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack, et al). However, I loved those parks and I'll try not to spoil anything forthcoming. I'll say that as far as the Lionsgate stuff goes, I didn't think any of it was that special. Coaster's fine, the tunnel attraction is meh. But the rest of the place? Well, that's a different story.
Whoever it was that asked about crowds: Other than the water parks and select days at Ferrari World specifically at Formula Rossa only, you'll probably never encounter a wait greater than 10-15 minutes in the UAE.
Wow! SO much incorrect information - really wish you talked to a few more people and got your facts straight before jumping to conclusions!
Not paying debts (including not paying staff) is a serious crime in the UAE and rumors like this (and that is nothing more then a rumor) should never be posted on public forums
Over at IMG, I give them some credit for their quick-response in installing those smaller "coin-operated" rides (which are free to use and have been there for almost a year now) and the mini-train. All done based on guest requests for in-park transportation and more things for their youngest guests to do. The park listened and delivered what guests wanted. Kudos to IMG!
While there are a decent number of vacancies still at Riverland - how has the Cheesecake Factory closed since it hasn't even had it's grand opening yet? The restaurant is still, technically, under construction as they are still finishing the work inside the restaurant before they open to resort guests.
The top attractions in the region definitely get hour-long waits. This is especially true during the holiday periods (Eid, National Day, etc) and periods that neighboring countries have extended time off. Even now, the "star" attractions at many of the parks are seeing 45-minute+ waits on Fridays and Saturdays.
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Actually that said first in North America or record breaker, not first in six flags, but if your talking about adding that on to the 5 okay then, but I wouldn't be proud to announce first in six flags for a roller coaster to charge you money, that will just make them lose more money a lot people are going to the park next year to ride the first raptor, which will bring admissions into park up, unless people have season passes but I'm sure more people are going to buy season passes next year for 2018 should be a great year for coasters so they still earning money and people they bring into the park will earn money from food so doesn't matter if they have a season pass anyway, also you may pull in cedar fair people in less California great America is rumor to get one but if they are closer to fiesta Texas and don't have cedar fair season pass they will probably go to fiesta texas, charging for that rollercoaster won't make them get profit, bringing in the admission and more people there buying food trying to ride this coaster will bring the money up, can t really be a first for six flags, there are attractions that charge money, so they would have to market it as first roller coaster to charge in six flags, but good point for the lowering the capacity but just any smart idea.
My head hurts just reading that post. Holy crap!
Speaking of record breakers, I think we have a new winner for "longest run-on sentence"
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it really felt like it was trying to kill me, and I do not ride rollercoasters to "hope I don't die".. . did not enjoy it for more than 1 moment (and that moment was going up the lift hill) HATED it.
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Reminds me of most of the coasters we rode with TPR in China!
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...What tells you that they are high stress element pieces?
The thickness of the spine...
Don't be too sure of yourself! The thickness of the spine on a Mack Rides section of track also may equate to something as simple as a longer distance between support columns.
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And since alcohol was just mentioned, do they offer it at the park or is that off limits?
Hotels only for tourists. I believe there are some spots to buy it if you have a license provided from the government for home use, but that's a Dubai Dave question.
The "only at hotels" rule is a good general statement, but the UAE has, in order to promote tourism, allowed alcohol service at a number of other locations that are not connected to a hotel. For example, most all sporting events and other performances (concerts, festivals, etc) sell alcohol. Even all of the shows at the Dubai Opera House and the Dubai World Trade Center offer alcohol service.
Many parks in the region also serve adult beverages. Ferrari World has (I believe since opening) served it in one of their restaurants. Dubai Parks & Resorts has a number of licensed restaurants in it's Riverland area - as well as 2 licensed restaurants in Bollywood. Even some of the water parks (such as Iceland and Dreamland Aqua Park) serve alcohol.
There are a pretty good number of liquor and beer stores throughout the Emirates - these are fairly hidden from view and most tourists won't spot them. But, as mentioned, most of these stores require a government-issued license for an individual to make a purchase. There are some stores outside of Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, though, that do not.
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The relocation of Wild Wadi has been rumored for awhile.
If you take a close look at that specific resort area of Dubai - including the Madinat Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and the new Jumeirah Al Naseem - it's obvious that the land the park sits on is far more valuable than the water park itself. Especially knowing that a significant number (way way more than half) the park's attendance are free admissions.
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Motiongate Dubai is beginning the technical rehearsal period today for their brand new How to Train Your Dragon area.
The entire new "world" is absolutely breathtaking - photos just don't do it justice!
I'm sure DubaiDave will be posting lots of photos soon. In the meantime, will give everyone a few photos of the beautiful trains from the new headliner attraction, Dragon Gliders - an inverted powered coaster from Mack Rides
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Any suggestions where to purchase discount tickets to Ferrari World, Motion Gate, IMG, and the Burj tower?
I'll be there 8-9 May.
Thanks
Peter.
For Motiongate - keep an eye on their website. They just announced some AMAZING "Summertime" deals that should be in effect when you are visiting - just need to purchase them through the park's webstore.
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Thanks for the review, sounds like the best coaster in Dubai and gives the Intamin's down the road a run for their money as the best in the UAE. Would love to see an official POV of this ride some day!
Sorry - but the privilege of shooting a POV is being "reserved" until our friends at Theme Park Review visit us in March!
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They take you from the car park to the parks
The buses are, actually, just temporary.
There is a very cool fleet of air conditioned trams already in testing at the resort to bring guests from the main (general) car park to the parks.
There are multiple stops on the tram route - depending on what is most convenient to the park you are visiting.
The VIP parking area (and Valet) are directly adjacent to Riverland - so no transport needed for this separate car park.
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Doesn't Phantasialand have a knockoff Great Movie Ride?
Hollywood Tour is an amazing experience - the ONLY ride that even comes close to the awesomeness of Hollywood Tour is the shining star of Singapore known as Treasure Hunters!
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The more I see of Dynamic's rotating theater, the more intrigued I am. Does look like a cool concept.
I'm not surprised it won best new concept. The model is based on using the exact same Dynamic Attractions system installed at the "Hulk Epsilon Base" attraction at IMG Worlds of Adventure here in the UAE. First time I experienced it I was completely blown away by the crazy unique and VERY cool ride system we were on!
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I have serious doubts about the economics of these parks in the Emirates. Developers are trying to build Dubai into a family vacation destination like Orlando, but I don't think its a city with that kind of reputation, and its going to have a very difficult time getting it. The things that drive attendance to Dubai are unique to Dubai: people want to see the Burj, the fountains, the mall, and have the novelty being in the middle east without the danger. When it comes to theme parks Orlando dominates the European tourists hearts and minds and I think Dubai's parks will be viewed as second rate and will not drive enough attendance to be profitable. Can someone who's been there chime in and say where these tourists are coming from? My assumption is that it must be Europe and the South East or something...I can't see many people coming from Saudi Arabia to go to an amusement park? From pictures and videos these parks always look empty.
I think parks are building there just because they are getting sweetheart deals from the developers. Disney was smart to say no and focus on China (and Universal was smart to back out).
Take a look at the below link. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) continues to be the largest source of tourists to Dubai - and, for those tourists, Dubai is very much a family destination.
http://www.visitdubai.com/en/tourism-performance-report
The report also breaks down the massive tourist numbers coming in from India, Oman, and the growth of visitors coming of China.
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I created page in the Park Index for this park.
Is the Big Ben looking structure a ride or themeing that conceals a building support?
Hey Larry - the clocktower you see in the photos is, as you said, theming to conceal one of the building supports.
To be honest, the design team for IMG did an exceptional job using themed structures around the park to make sure that most of the building supports "disappear" from guest view
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There is a lot more space inside where they could expand in the future.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Absolutely true!
For example, they have three HUGE spaces inside the building that are available for expansion. Each one large enough for an entirely indoors major new attraction.
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Thank you so much for the photos and reviews! Definitely look like a very interesting park.
Is the Mack spinning coaster a custom layout or someone copy and paste?
All of the coasters at the park are, actually, clones
Velociraptor = Blue Fire (of course)
Predator = Mirror image of Rage at Adventure Island (UK) and Canobie Park
Spider-Man = Sierra Sidewinder at Knott's Berry Farm
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Just had a walk round img and it is amazing! Will get some pics up tonight
Great to finally meet you today, Dave!
The park completely exceeded my expectations. Absolutely fantastic products with a great mix of attractions. Three solid coasters and some absolutely unique and fun dark rides - plus tons more.
Hulk was incredible and unexpected. It's rare that an attraction completely surprises me - with a totally unique ride system and totally cool show - I can't wait to get back and experience it again!
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^Yeah, I've noticed all of the prices for everything in the UAE has gone up. It's like they realized what they had and raised prices to match as opposed to before when it was more of a bargain.
They still offer a bunch of "UAE Resident" discounts to most of the parks and water parks in the region. It's very similar to how the parks in the Orlando/Tampa area offer Florida Resident discounts - particularly during the slower months.
A great example is the Aquaventure waterpark at Atlantis the Palm that costs 260 AED ($71) for a day's admission - but the rate for UAE Residents is 195 AED ($53). The parks here (just like the ones in Central Florida) take great care of the local residents!
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Awesome TR so far, Aaron! Spot-on comments!
Sorry I missed you when you were in town - my travel schedule has been crazy the last 2 years.
Really looking forward to seeing you next time you're in the region. Trust me, Nolan and I will have a lot of VERY cool stuff to show off!
And how can you even begin to compare Bell'Italia to Treasure Hunters...which is THE MOST INCREDIBLE ATTRACTION AT USS!
Seriously. My greatest disappointment with Dubai has NOT being able to bring the magic and incredible special effects of Treasure Hunters to DPR!
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I agree that this is probably just a re-theme using the existing ride. Especially with the recent investment on the ride system itself.
Chessington just completed a major refurbishment on the ride components. Garmendale Engineering, an engineering firm in the UK that does a lot of work for Merlin (including on the London Eye) was contracted for the work. Here are some details of the refurbishment on the firm's website:
http://www.garmendale.co.uk/blog/bubbleworks-refurbishment-chessington-world-of-adventures/
The Knott's Berry Farm (KBF) Discussion Thread
in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
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Absolutely agree with this - many of the key leaders of the industry have a significant number of historical connections.
In fact, as mentioned above, the former Schwarzkopf factory still exists very close (like, almost just down the block) from the Gerstlauer headquarters.