chadster

^ very interesting. I know we have another thread for discussing this, but I have to wonder if the four rumored to get the boot are not costing them in terms of fees why would they boot them, other than customer comments for different offerings.

The Bellagio dumps the 25k chips. If you have one, let me know, I'll cash it in for you News Story

^ Did it not ride as well as you had hoped?

This year I was very excited and beyond belief that I was able to visit over 30 parks including about 18 "new to me" parks. During those park visits I experienced a few rides that really needed some off season TLC in the form of new wood, train/ride vehicle issues, paint, a good cleaning, etc. My list includes but is not limited to: Rolling Thunder - Six Flags Great Adventure - Rough and Rough - could also use some paint Volcano - Kings Dominion - Queue line disgusting as it has been the past several years (floor especially) Shockwave - Six Flags over Texas - could use new paint all around Hulk - Islands of Adventure - Needs a good cleaning, and paint something bad Those are just a few of mine, what's yours? Here's what others are saying Ghost Rider – Knott’s Berry Farm – Retrack or Rocky Mountain Vortex – California’s Great America – New paint, train overhaul Millennium Force – Cedar Point – New Paint Hades – Mt. Olympus – Needs Timberliners Zeus – Mt. Olympus – get a move on on more re-tracking Iron Wolf – Get rid of those awful Intamin trains Holiday World – The woodies are starting to rot a bit X2 – Six Flags Magic Mountain – Beating people up like Rodney King Ridler’s Revenge – Six Flags Magic Mountain – Could use a coat of Krylon The Boss – Six Flags St. Louis – Slaps you silly California Screamin’ – Disney – needs a scenery makeover Phantom’s Revenge – Kennywood – Burn down the station and build a new one Loch Ness – Busch Gardens Europe/Williamsburg – Bring back the effects in the cave Rebel Yell – Kings Dominion – New paint and restore running lights Expedition: Everest – Disney – get that dang Yeti working again! Oh, and after you get the Yeti up, paint it! Hurler – Kings Dominion – needs to be made into match sticks, or at least re-tracked Flight Deck – Kings Island – It’s a Vekoma, oh, and its paint is kinda blah Roar – Six Flags Discovery Kingdom – Needs new trains (I agree, they had raw PLYWOOD in the floor!) Maverick – Cedar Point – Needs the I305 soft restraints Gwazi – Busch Gardens Tampa – Needs more track work, or MF Trains. Improve dispatch times and dueling Anaconda – Kings Dominion – Needs some rustoleum Oblivion – Alton Towers – needs an overhaul, and while they’re at it, give some love to X-Sector Fuji-Q – Japan – get into the technology world already, bring in lo-q Luna Park –Sydney, Australia – Needs to spend some money and invest in the park overall Afterburn – Carrowinds – Paint Me Richochet – Carrowinds – Rust is not my real color Blazing Fury – Dollywood – too old school, needs updated Grizzly – Kings Dominion – also needs to be turned into match sticks, or rehabed Carousel of Progress - Disney - carpets are gross

Some intersting reading on franchise costs for those who aren't "in the know". It should be noted that although these fees are what is paid by say you or me, SF's may have negotiated different terms. Mrs. Fields TCBY Johnny Rockets Papa Johns Great deal for 2011! hmmmm Papa Johns Non-deal pricing Cold Stone

^^^ I think you may have the winner there!

One thing to be noted is that not all companies pay to be in the park, several parks pay for the franchises which is why six flags is getting rid of them. Take Johnny Rockets, 49k franchise fee plus royalties. And since these units are not open 365 days a year it's a fair bet they either have negotiated a flat yearly fee or adjust the % point paid on gross sales to make it fair and reasonable for the franchisee and franchiser. On the themeing subject, IMO, the fire on Bizarro made it better as did the sound, The Dark Knight is considerably better than just riding a standard mouse, and the launch on Hulk wouldn't be what it is without the additions.

A few things that haven't already been mentioned 1. S&S Screamin Swing 2. On ride video 3. PRINCE DESMOND 4. Hydraulic launch coasters 5. lo-q (technically a prototype was in use in 1998, but went live in 2001 according to the company provided information) 6. ProSlide Tornado 7. B&M's Flying Coasters (cuz they don't kill you) 8. Prowler *Edit* In the 10 minutes it took me to think about this, half of what I listed was picked off, you guys are fast!

I'm just happy that parks are making the effort in adding themeing to the rides vs just plopping them down and putting up a queue line. I'd much rather them spend money to theme a mouse or whatever than spend money on cold stone, johnny rockets out your rear, or papa john. In this case, I think the tunnel will add to the experience, especially at night.

^ Yep, and one thing about it, if you didn't have religon before, take an hour ERT session at 11pm and you'll find some! Prowler's the only coaster that literally takes my breath away, especially at night as it picks up speed, that I want to ride over and over again.

If I ever make it to Utah, this is stop #1 on the list (providing it's not winter of course!), thanks for the virtual tour Robb & Shane!

Looks like both the Himalaya AND the 4x4 rides have both come from the Bell's Amusement park collection of rotting rides. Some of you may remember a report I put together in the summer of the deconstructioin and "where the stuff is" today. I noticed then the 4x4 attraction was missing as well as other things. It all makes sense now! Sorry, I looked thru over 1k pictures tonight, nothing that's a clear shot of the rides, but the "Himalya Requires 5 Coupons" was the dead giveaway. At least they have found a good home. The Himalaya was an original model and very few are still around. *Edit* Managed to get a few pics off the employee facebook page and LoneStarThrills 4x4 ride himalaya jumpers, ahh, the good ol days! Notice cutie from Philrad's pic at the top of the ride? My baby lives again!!! That's it, adding days on to NE trip to visit my beloved ride!!!!! Thanks Philrad!!

I will need to run by the storage lot, but the Himalaya looks EXACTLY like the one from Bell's Amusement park, and considering that the alley between the storage buildings where the cars sat is empty now, and the model was a trailer model it may be a good bet. The lady, the disco ball, and coupon sign ALL match. I'll see if I can find some pics to verify as well.

Take the Tunnel!

Thank you Prince Desmond for specal bahg of fekal materail! Wow, this is a REALLY tough choice as there are several quality entries overall and to choose from. So, even though I swore at this picture for about 15 minutes trying to find Prince Desmond, first vote is for Traincrossing -- Where's Waldo, second vote to ebarth for the pool party as I bust up laughing each time I see it. Again, great job to all! And in the words of Prince Desmond, "PEACE, LAUGHTER, AND THE SUNSHINE OF 1764538 SUNS"

This was a great article. I found the above to be entertaining as it's a twist on the lo-q wristbands by adding "favorites" to the mix. Not sure what it would be used for. Maybe scan your wristband to find out where Mickey is?

I literally ran thru (ok, that's a lie, I walked) the majority of CGA in two hours, during this past Halloween on a Friday night. Went back the next day to catch the two coasters I missed due to being closed and a few other flats, total time in the park on day two, 75 minutes. Knotts I found myself there 6 hours, ran thru all of the rides, and sat on the Bullet for 2 - 30 minute stretches without getting off as well as Xcel on a Monday during the off season. Prob could have done it in 4 hours, but couldn't let the personal ERT sessions go without taking advantage of them

^ since the steel hasn't been mounted for them, I'm guessing mid to end Jan.

TEH BIG DIPPER

You're in so much depression-level denial you think it's 2009! I'm going to send him the "Price Desmond ALL NUDE 2011 Calendar." It will help cheer him up. I've got to learn not to read this site right after breakfast...barf

Welcome! The East Coast has lots of snow they are willing to sell!

Well, I knew what I was getting for Christmas, since I was told to go buy it myself during black friday. Red Wii Paddles Wheel Bunch of games I don't remember the name of wii controller charger So yeah, I'm late to the wii party, and it'll probably be 2nd fiddle to the new xbox thingy, but I don't care, it works for me and that's all that matters!

this is feeling more and more like they are getting the park ready for a transition, maybe Robb hit on something.

this ride is certainly looking very promising, it will be a tough choice between Texas Giant and Cheetah Hunt for #1 newbie.

They are also opening later next year. News Article More In Depth Article