RandallDuell

Chilling, and very well done. At this point, it seems like it would be very good PR just to have any reminder of that park gone...ASAP...right? What an amazing thing, that five years later most of the park is stlll there....in that condition.

Are all of DubaiDave's "sneak peek" pictures gone for everyone else, too? Looks like they were edited out? Also, the YouTube video was removed by the user? Seems odd to edit out pictures with no explanation....but maybe I missed it! Will be interesting to see how everything goes for the first week or so!!!

Scuderia Challenge video: http://www.facebook.com/ferrariworldabudhabi#!/ferrariworldabudhabi?v=app_6009294086 Quite an undertaking, this park, will be interested to see how it runs and how well it does!

Does anyone know the reason why they can't just decide on a name for the kid's coaster? Seems so strange to let fly with the big announcement and still not have a name/theme for that ride, right? It's interesting, the rumor about the removal of Sierra Falls. I know I have seen the entrance, but I guess I had no idea what it is. Do you ride the tubes in a raft, do you get really wet? Agree with Robb that most people have no idea it's there, as I've been to the park a bunch (in the past) and never even thought about it. I guess that "most coasters" title is at least one that can be quantified - so the parks DO care about being able to throw that on a banner/website. I've laughed when I've gone to parks, like Great America in Gurnee, where they claim to have the "cleanest park".

I guess I missed it, but where is the Kiddie Coaster going? Also, a bit off topic but any idea if any of the parts from Flashback/Z-Force were saved? I'm specifically wondering about the cars...and also wondering if they have/are planning to put anything in Flashback's old footprint? Great news for the park, overall! Interesting how concerned they are with having the "title" - they must have done some research that shows that more than just "enthusiasts" care about such a thing, right? Can't wait to get back to the park, still haven't been on Tatsu, X2 OR Terminator - so the new stuff for next year will make for a busy day for when I do make it back!!

Odd editing on that Official video (in that they have the guy standing there as if it's going to launch then cut to up close footage of the launch....then cutting back to him as if it wasn't really "about to launch" as he was recording)? What a neat sound, I only wish they showed us actual footage of the train going through the entire course (perhaps they don't have the break section working properly or something?) Anyway, really cool - somehow I imagine the owners/mgt in the part of the world not allowing for weeks/months of downtime once this thing does actually open and goes through some growing pains. Thanks for both the covert video and the Official one!

Good point, Robb, I'll check out of commenting here. I know you'll play the "I can dish it out, so will also take it" card, but it's unfortunate that somebody took it to a personal level with you....while it appears they are going 100% childish with their agenda, I don't buy that you've been 100% "not personal" with your antagonizing and mocking. Anyway, I'm sorry this thread has taken this turn but agree that if it's not for me I should just stop reading it.

I've got to say that in my time perusing this board, I haven't seen many topics like this - where just about everyone is in agreement as to how awesome this thing is looking. I keep on waiting for some clunker to roll out of the PR machine around this ride, but it seems like every move and announcement they make is greeted with 100% positivity. Cool. Thanks for the picture of that steel/wood coaster, that's interesting. I guess this whole concept really proves how you have to continually create and "think outside the box" to truly innovate....while I know this is costly, if it all turns out the right way I'm certain that the experience gained on this project will be put to good use in other parks with aging coasters.

Thanks for the replies. But with that logic, BB, does one enthusiast group turning on a couple of it's "own" with a parody site/social media onslaught really help "the image" of enthusiasts overall....either? I'm not offended by it, I just don't think all of this is really teaching anyone a lesson, helping them via a mocking campaign, or done on some sort of higher level of "actually helping" them get attention. I get that it's hilarious to most here, but overall I just think it comes off as a bit mean and somewhat immature (although I do realize that the effort put forth by those who 'saved the Dipper!!!1!!" can be labeled as immature as well). It's just not for me. It's not something I would take a lot of joy in participating in, especially because I don't think the two "makes us look bad as a group" principles came around here shaking a charity can in anyone's face. Just seems like it went a bit too far, I guess is all I'm saying - especially because they didn't come around poking at this hornet's nest asking for problems.

I don't know, while I get that the "effort" in mocking these people has been made to show just how easy it is to establish a viable web presence (quickly) and to poke fun at their lack of professionalism ... overall it is really coming off as a leader of enthusiasts beating the drum to drive his fanboys into a lather. I know it's "so easy" to setup a Twitter/Facebook/'hilarious' website/run some Google/Facebook ads etc, but it all seems like a bunch of unnecessary piling on to me. Perhaps it's because I'm not quite as invested in this site as some, but the foam coming out of some folks' mouths over all of this is odd to me. I get it, these two apparently have no idea what they're doing - they should have asked for assistance prior to announcing they "did it" (or they, most likely, just shouldn't have done it in the first place). The obsessive nature of mocking and making fun of their effort just comes off in poor taste to me, and I certainly hope that me voicing that opinion is greeted with the "listen, no one cares if you disagree...just don't be a douche" approach. This site is pretty solid in terms of both information and closeness of it's members, and I enjoy perusing it. I just must have missed the part where the two people who (foolishly?) bought this rollercoaster came to this board and started trashing everyone.....causing the retaliation of the parody site/ads etc. "They" certainly come off as bit clueless and over their heads in this whole thing (and certainly have not inspired any confidence in actually "donating" money to them), I guess I just don't get the need to teach them a lesson. They're GOING TO FAIL, right? Why not have them do it all on their own, and quietly laugh after the coaster is ultimately torn down and thrown away?

Right, as I read the website today I did indeed picture Dubya standing in front of that banner. Seems like the only thing really "saved", at this point, is the dope that bought the coaster at auction in the first place. He's now washed his hands of his intended flip, so he should be posting a Mission Accomplished statement on his site. It does seem odd to me that they didn't approach industry people, or even a larger forum like this, before announcing that they "saved" it. I enjoy that $50 is prefilled in when you go to the donation page, by the way. Anyway, good intentions I'm sure - but I do have to agree that the execution of this whole thing (to this point, at least) is about as poor as the overall concept (considering the scope of actually disassembling/transporting/storing/finding location/re-building etc).

I believe I have read most of this thread, but am curious if this is truly the first ever attempt at this sort of retrofit/upgrade? Has any other old wood coaster been upgraded in this manner? I'm guessing not, but what a unique way to breathe life back into an old structure -- although it does seem like quite a bit of money/planning/effort must have gone into utilizing the existing structure vs starting with a blank slate. Perhaps that additional cost is offset by the marketing/PR possibilities made possible by it being a redesign of a "Texas Classic"? Looks almost fake, when you look through all of the pictures - here's to hoping that there aren't a ton of growing pains once it opens!

While I don't understand the glee with which some are ripping apart this effort, I have to admit that while I was initially torn by the very transparent effort (just two regular people, who saw a cause to rally around, pooling some cash together before the foolish owner of an old SBNO coaster was going to have it torn down) ... I am now leaning in the direction that they really need to stop thanking their brother and neighbor on the main page of their site, and start making it seem like they're actually serious about doing something. I know most here will immediately post that "yah, duh, the reason it looks the way it does is because that's what it is!!!", it does seem like (especially in this day and age) it shouldn't be too hard to at least present a professional look. http://www.savethebigdipper.org/donations/ They've already pulled in .04% of their donation goal! I probably don't know a whole hell of a lot more about "the biz" than the two people behind this, but even the lamest of Internet grassroots campaigns have come off a lot more professional than this. The only other comment I would have to them, if they're reading, is to stop claiming victory. As if sending a check for $10k "just minutes" before it was to be taken down should be labeled as "WE DID IT". I think a much more truthful, and effective, angle would be to say that you've just begun what is sure to be a very tough journey and will need the support of anyone who happens upon the site to even come close to starting the first real step to letting the coaster "fly again".

From frustration to flat out mocking? Unless I missed something, I don't think either of the "principles" of this "project" have stopped in asking for help or to tell off the doubters, have they? The piling on seems as silly as the way that this group has started their labor of love. Are there a lot of instances of a coaster, specifically wood, being deconstructed ... stored for some amount of time ... then rebuilt years later? I read up on the Kiddieland Little Dipper move, and I wondered how it would have gone if someone had haphazardly taken it down and crammed it in a warehouse for several years first (and, yes, I realize the Big Dipper is a bit different in terms of sheer size/layout etc). Anyway, would be interesting to hear directly from the people (who aren't hiding behind some loose affiliation or secret plans) in terms of what their gameplan is. Seems strange to be so secretive about any details (assuming, I guess, that they really do have a solid plan/experienced support etc).

Robb, thanks for the thoughtful reply. I get the "frustration" feeling you have - obviously you have dedicated a lot of your life, both professional and in leisure time, to this industry. Your thoughts make more sense to me now, reading them as being "frustrated" more than "angry". I agree about the complexity probably being a bit larger than both the original and current buyer may have been bargaining for. I clicked over to that other forum, and it really does just sound like an Ohio resident and her Internet friend from New Zealand pooling together some bucks to buy a big wooden structure from a dude who over-valued it when he bought it at auction a few years ago. Hopefully they have some amazing behind the scenes support and gameplan in place, otherwise it sounds like they're going to spend a decent amount of cash trying to get this thing dismantled and into some building somewhere. Anyway, appreciate the response again Robb.

This place seems unbelievable to me - especially when an overhead shot of the roof is posted. Just incredible. I've enjoyed keeping up on this place via this thread, thanks to those who keep updating. I don't watch a lot of national news anymore, but it sure does seem like this would make a good segment for one of those shows, or even a 60 Minutes type program.

Sorry. I don't buy it. Not for a Minnesota second. It's all an immature pipedream by people who are clueless to the industry. Keeping something like that as a "secret" is unprofessional and stupid. We have "industry people" responding to this thread saying this whole thing screams of stupid. I'm going to listen to them over a couple of "coaster enthusiasts" who so far have not mentioned ANY engineering, maintenance, construction, carpentry, electrical, or any other trade knowledge involving theme park ride consturction that would be required to pull off such a project. And until reputable people are announced attached to this project I will continue to scrutinize, criticize and call this whole thing as just a couple of enthusiasts who have no idea what they are doing, but happened to have some cash laying around. --Robb "I'm calling it as I see it...you want me to call it any other way, change my visuals." Alvey Why does this make you so angry? I'm not asking to simply stir the pot, I'm curious? I have zero affiliation, or feelings, about the old GL park and/or the Big Dipper. I have found it to be a fascinating story, and am honestly a bit confused as to why you're so eager to bash people making an effort to save something that's "special" to those in the area? Perhaps the two people involved are truly "clueless and dumb", and have no clue what they're doing and will ultimately regret trying to save an old rollercoaster - but, who cares? If people are so caught up in the emotions of it being saved, and are willing to donate time/money to (especially at this point) a questionable cause, let them do it. I certainly agree that claiming to have secret plans or "more going on that you know" is not a great way to build faith and trust, though. I have no idea what that little forum is, but am surprised that they haven't beaten their drum on a bigger stage (is this the biggest rollercoaster forum?) Anyway, it will surely be interesting to look back, say in 12 months, and see what happened. I can only imagine the logistics in trying to dismantle, move and store something like that...let alone the costs (especially ongoing, indoor, storage). Here's to hoping that this latest attempt ends up working out a bit more smoothly than the first. And, Robb, I mean no disrespect I just find your energy about this issue to be odd.

I'm unclear, did you buy and use a flashpass? SFOT looks like a nice park, although nothing can quite compare (at least visually) with it's sister park in San Antonio. Incredibly scenic place!

I find the very emotional and heartfelt posts (both here and on the geaugalakeparktoday.com site) very interesting when contrasted with the very blunt, pat-on-the-back nature of posts from the admin Robb. I have no history with this park or rollercoaster, but certainl can understand the attachment to a ride as storied and old as this one. While it was tagged as a brilliant business move (with solid factual backing) by Cedar Fair, it really does seem incredibly cut throat and a great example of not being worried about PR. From the cheap seats, it does seem like the new owners of the park could have really cashed in, while appeasing the emotional locals, by running the park one more "final" season. While the overall plan to eliminate a potential real rival should be applauded, business-wise at least, I certainly don't know how you can give a clean pat on the back to how Cedar Fair conducted their acquisition/quick closing of this property. As far as the ride, it does sound like nothing more than a greedy dude (thinking that he had perfect timing to make some cash) getting burned on an intended flip. I read a lot about ACE, and all of their plaques and self-importance, so it seems very strange that they had little to nothing to do with this whole fiasco. What will be interesting to find out is if the blowhardy owner of this ride ends up parting out and selling key parts of this coaster (something he said he'd never do). I'd imagine he HAS to, right?

Interesting stuff, enjoyed it. Especially, this: More Butterflyrollfunactionawesomecock LOL

Wow, reading this thread is quite a journey. The most poignant part being the large boulder with GRANITE PARK ... the photo taken when things were just getting started, and the fairly recent one where it's been moved to the back, already tagged. Crazy story, and unfortunate. Have never really heard about anything great ever going down in Fresno.

Just for reference (for those that aren't quite as in-tune with all of this as many in this thread), I found this picture where you can see where they want to put the new stadium. http://49ers.savesantaclara.org/images/Santa_Clara_San_Francisco_49ers_Stadium_Site.png In the upper right hand corner, you can see the over flow lot --- that, apparently, is where the stadium would be built. I have several questions; *How is parking, no matter what they do with parking structures etc, and traffic flow not going to be a HUGE problem on game/event days? Eyikes. *Is that over flow lot ever used? If so, is that not a HUGE walk? Seems like quite a hike. *Are they really THAT hard up for land, in the area, that they need to squeeze it in there? I know that part of Cali is really congested, but wow. Is it simply the convention center/existing infrastructure that entices them to shoe horn that thing in there? Anyway, I've somehow missed the visual of what they're trying to do - so once I found that photo, just wanted to share.

Just noticed that the person (who took the pictures I posted earlier) updated her album with photos from a couple of more trips back to the park. Interesting to note that she ran across a young, black cat upon her return. She ultimately ended up bringing it home (after a trip to the vet for a checkup/liquids). Anyway, a few more pictures I enjoyed:

I just went to the park the other day and snapped a couple pics of the arbor tunnel for you! Wow, thank you very much! That is great to see, it was unfortunate that they decided to rip that out when they tore down Sky Whirl and installed Deja Vu in Gurnee. While it seems like the Gurnee park has "stayed true" much more to the Marriott days, it's neat that the sky buckets and plant-covered "tunnel" are still around in Cali.... It's really strange to look at the two parks and see how much more differently they have been expanded/changed over the years. Anyway, as an outsider to the California park I am wondering if I'm alone in being amazed that it's still there (what with the absolutely crazy building ALL around it). I guess it must be making money, but boy that has to be quite a tempting way to clear up some of your debt (redistributing the rides and selling that land).

Curious if this version of Great America (that doesn't appear to have been kept quite as true to the Marriott days as it's Gurnee sister) still have the walk through, plant covered tunnel/arbor in the area where Sky Whirl once operated? I know the Gurnee park removed theirs years ago, just curious about this park. Also curious if the Eagle's Flight/Delta Flyers are original? That is, are the towers, cabins and "flight paths" the same as they were when the park opened? In looking at the park map on the website, it does appear that the "tunnel" I am asking about is still there! (near Barney Oldfield's Speedway, on the park map) Does anyone have any current pictures of it? Would also be curious to see if any remnants of the old scenic railway are still around? Would seem very strange not to have the railroad bridge to walk under on your way to the (Willard's) Whizzer etc!