SoCalCoasters

Legoland CA was originally planning to build a Jungle/Temple Themed Area with a rapids ride where the waterpark now stands. It was abandoned due to the propsed cost (rumored to be quite a large sum).

Does this building look good? (note the spiral staircase in the center) Shot0443.bmp

Date: July 24th, 2011 Project Entry Two: It's been a few weeks and I'm getting settled in a village on the coast of Spain. It's quite nice here, but the locals don't like pictures being taken of them, so our documentary will include no footage of our base base camp, but will have footage of the base camp on the remote island. Speaking of the remote island, we flew over in a seaplane a few days ago to take pictures of the site where we will set up our true base camp in a few days. The site is quite remote, with only a lighthouse and a few remote paths with a dock to show that there is life on this island paradise. The beaches were looking a bit rocky, but it looks like we'll be able to set up camp on the lowlands of the island, and lauch our boast from the meager docks a mile away. I'm looking forward to photographing the island from its surface, and hope to update this file with some of those photos in a few days. Another troubling development has occured though, which may set us back a few weeks. Another sub has gone missing in the deep, and this time, no photographs were taken. As soon as they were going to record, the camera went blank. When they pulled the cord connected to the sub back out of the water, they found the sub had been cut from it's inch thick cable... Whatever cut that had to have been very strong... It makes me wonder what in the world is down there.... Anyways, this isn't a time for worrying! It's a time for discovery! Nothing will stop us from showing the world the true shape and form of Atlantis! -Alan Bishop, Cinematographer PS: The pictures of the remote islnad are included in the file below. Shot0440.bmp It does seem to have a remote beauty to it. Shot0441.bmp The lighthouse, on the rocky cliff. Currently, it's the only permanent structure besides the docks, on the island. Shot0442.bmp Another look at the terrain of the island. It really is quite hilly! This is all I have for now. I'll update the file soon.

^ That's the same schedule that Legoland CA uses, and it works well. It seems that Merlin established that schedule when they bought the Lego parks several years ago. It also gives time for rehabs to be performed without the closure of rides.

It's slowly, but surely rising! I can't wait to see how it turns out. Although this SoCal guy grew up on Legoland CA, so naturally I'm biased to ours.

I really like it! It has a very classic RCT2 feel to it! I think a classic phoenix-esque woodie would fit perfectly in the park!

I had a question related to coaster trains that may make me sound like a member of the GP, but here goes. How exactly are the tech in coaster trains powered. For example, how do they power Rockit's sound system, lights, and touch screens. How is the powered stored, and recharged etc. All these sound systems and cameras that record onride need some kind of power source.... I know how the technology works, I just have no idea HOW power is routed into the cars themselves and how it is recharged... Anyone have an answer?

Speaking of HHN at USF... When I was there two weeks ago, there were two mazes already set up; One in Jaw's queue, and the other in Disaster's queue. Anyone know why the would be setting up this early?

There is so much wrong with your post that I am just going to give you the Jesus Facepalm picture and call it a day... if you enjoy poor customer service have fun standing in line! You wont see me there,I've got better things to do! Jesus saves! So basically, you just said KD sucks, and said you have better things to do. if you have better things to do, why exactly are you posting here?

I visited USF and got my rides on Rockit. It's now my number one coaster. Why? 9 moments of airtime, a host of new and innovative manuevers, and very smooth ride and a killer sound system. People keep saying that the brakeruns ruin the ride, but I have to disagree. Every time you go up onto one of those brakeruns you get a really good pop of airtime. The ride, in my opinion, would be less enjoyable without the little breathers. This was done for the sake of capacity, but dopesn't effect the ride negatively. I keep hearing that Rockit was rough? Sure, it could be a little rattley in some parts, but I thought overall, the ride was incredibly smooth, despite all the crazy manuevers it does. One of the times I believe I got the upgraded train, because I had no rattling whatsoever. Honestly, i love the way the X-cars look, and would really hate to see them get replaced. The manuevers the ride does are incredible. The non-inverting loop is the most iconic element of the ride, and delivers an amazing ejector air at the top. The "treble cleft" was forceful and smooth, and the curve at the top had a really tight angle that gave you an interesting look at the ground. The "crowd surfer" was fun, and I enjoyed waving to the crowds while zooming by. The "double take?" section was awesome, had great airtime, and had a really forceful and tight inclined loop. The "triple threat" was what shocked me the most. Three really great pops of airitme within seconds of each other. The restraints were very comfortable, and the sound system was the best I've heard on any roller coaster. Also, all the songs go great with the ride, no matter which on you choose. My favorites are Kickstart My Heart, and Paralyzer (hooray for uncensored lyrics). Sadly, I could never get the bonus tracks to work... Overall, Rockit is my #1 because of its overall experience. everything about the ride is nearly perfect to me and I hope USH gets their own music themed coaster. (yeah yeah I know "Dream On")

I'm hoping that the Redwood Creek Trail becomes more popular because of this Up retheme. I myself loved Up, and will check it out when I return to DCA. Am I the only one who still wants that Mine train attraction rumored to replace this area? If it was themed to Grizzly bears, just like Tokyo's, it would fit the Cali theme perfectly.Although, I know they're still trying to get away from the Cali theme, I think the attraction could be a hit, just like Everest.

Floorless coasters were a fad as well, just sayin' A few other innovations coming up include the new Transformers ride at USH, and USS. The technology may only be a more advanced version of Spidey's, but the fact that they're using elevators, and presumably some very large in-house effects makes them on a different level. The new Grizzly Mine Train at Tokyo Disneyland looks to be one of Vekoma's most innovative rides, and utilizes a backwards section that starts with a very steep lift hill, and ends with a LIM launch. Flat rides have also gotten innovative lately, with such rides as Zamperla's Air Race, and KMG's new Fairgroud ride, which will be the largest one in exsistence, and their new lapbar only car for their Revolution/Extreme flatride models.

And who can forget about Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey? While yes, we have had Kuka Robocoasters, but never before have we had four seater ones that travel on a track through one of the most amazing darkrides ever created. That ride has to be one of the most innovative attractions in recent years. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit took Maurer's X-Cars (added touch screens to the lapbars) and put them through a series of manuevers never seen on a coaster before, all while rocking out to one of the best onboard audio systems currently used on a coaster today. And while this isn't exacly mind blowing, Zierer has created a family coaster that has very open seating, can manuever through very tight curves and creates an intense experience, even for younger guests. (see Crossbow and Force One) Supposedly these cars are being used in "Verbolten", the new coaster for BGW in 2012. That ride is expected to have theming all over the place, and supposedly has a th13teen style drop sequence. Three examples I could think of off the top of my head.

Went out to the park today, seems all kinds of surprises awaited me... Construction Update of Legoland California on: 6-25-11. Changes to note (in video): Several small construction projects have sprung up around Legoland, one replacing the seasonal "Raptor Splash" water ballon upcharge. It appears as if RS is being replaced by some kind of games booth, seeing as the sign and construction point to such a thing. The other construction project is in Land Of Adventure, replacing the temporrary ladder climb game. Very little was shown as to what it may be so stay tuned. Changes to note (not in video): -Aquazone Wave Racers had an extensive rehab and now has new lego figures on the queue facade, as well as a new sign. -The immense mound of dirt behind Pirate Shores has slowly been taken away and leveled out. While Legoland has announced nothing for 2012 as of now, the waterpark's first major expansion is expected to come soon. This could also be for a future Legoland addition. As of now, it is dirt. -The singing rocks, a Legoland Classic, have returned in a new location after a four year break. Their original location was destoryed to make way for Wild Woods Golf upcharge attraction in early 2007.

Manta, my 100th coaster, at Sea World Orlando last Friday...

Today I begin the biggest project I've ever done in RCT3. It will be NCS. Date: June 24th, 2011 Project Entry One: Well I can't quite believe what I've become involved in! The find of the century! Using a new type of sonar technology, high ranking scientist Arnold Oceanus has located the lost city of Atlantis deep under water off the coast of a fishing village in Spain! None of us could quite believe the amazing find, and others are still skeptical as to whether or not this is in fact the rel city of Atlantis. That's where me and my filming crew come in. We are going to document this historical event from step one all the way to the finish. Oceanus himself plans on bringing many artifacts to the surface from the city, inluding what legend says is an ancient portal used to travel through time. While all these artifacts will be interesting, what was more shocking was that so far, no subs tht we've sent down there have ever returned, they've all vanished mysteriously... While I'm sure there is going to be a logical explanation for this, it sure will add some mystery to this documentary! We are heading out to the film site in a few days, and I'll have some pictures to add to this file of the village we'll be staying at over the course of our filming period. We're not sure exactly how long the filming will take, but we're hoping that the project will finish by the end of this summer, before all the storms start brewing up. I've heard this coast gets some pretty nasty weather during the summer as well.... We'll be filming using a state of the art robotic arm, that is capable of being attatched to a submarine and controlled from the surface. We can also mount crew members in the arm to get better underwater shots. They'll be in state of the art diving suits as well! For future readers of this file, I've included several pictures. I'm sorry I don't have more to show you, but later entries are sure to show off all of what we find in Atlantis! -Allan Bishop, Cinematographer Here are the pictures included in the file: Shot0431.bmp The only true picture of Atlantis so far....soon after this was taken, the sub, like all the others, vanished without a trace... Shot0436.bmp Here is the robotic arm, made by Kuka. Apparently they use a similar arm for amusement rides! How crazy is that! Shot0435.bmp Another view of the filming arm, I can't wait to take this thing out for a spin! That's all for now.

More FL pics! Some Fast Five Cars chilling in Universal Studios These cars were in the movie? I haven't seen it so I wouldn't know... ET had a cool ride system, but overall, it felt kinda outdated compared to everything else around... The kiddie coaster.... even this was well themed... Me and a giant prop plane Fear Fall. Probably the best themed S&S tower. It surprised me that the two towers were not connected, unlike all other S&S Towers... Hulk roaring over Marvel Island Very photogenic, and with a fresh coat of paint! The unconnected tower toppers Good ol' saftey net ruining my shot Shot from the entrance plaza Nice little touch Lighthouse Great looking structure More plaza shots Hmmm I'm sure no one else has those last two shots Should they start calling it riverwalk? Hard Rock Cafe was amazing! Great food great service, and an amazing time! Entire building More of Riverwalk The bar at the center of the Hard Rock Cafe, with a giant full size pink 1950's car on top Beetles signed photograph Closer shot of the rotating car Universal Globe Skyline Shot Me in the front row on Ice They're off! The cobra roll was really fun The loops are really fun Although I found this crossover to be the most iconic, or the barrel roll airtime hillcrossover...you know what, all three are awesome and let's leave it at that. Climbing the lift Crossover! They get so close! Rounding out It's the castle! A little off time Really great ride to photograph I love this view...you know what would make it even better? Less people! Hogwarts Express! Me and the conductor! He was really funny and fit right into his character. I miss this sign already... And I misss this view even more... That's it for now! I have EVEN more photos of not only IOA, but BGT and SWO as well!

This new generation of LSM?? Or LIM?? Launched coasters looks really great! I hope Premier starts building more of these in the US (yes I know there are the two Mr. freezes already)

One more little tidbit to share:

Stands for No Custom Scenery, which means no custom content was used in the creation of the park/ride/coaster.

I'm loving all the Scott Pilgrim references! Great trip so far! I want to go on Space Fantasy more than ever now!

Since I just returned from the Univeral Orlando Resort, I've been trying to get a realistic ride program using the Kuka coaster arm in RCT3...and use it for a project of mine. An NCS Darkride to end all NCS Darksrides! Shot0429.bmp This may be the most teasing shot in the world but....

That was really quite good! As a fellow NCSer, I know how hard it is to build good rides without CS! (Although you did use the RR CTR But who cares ) I how to see more work from you in the future!

This is great to hear! I went ahead and submitted a name via email: "Screams Of The Past: Worlds Of Fun Through The Years"

The museum is very impressive, and included many very interesting pieces of memorabilia, and a giant model of Disneyland in a large room filled with various Diseyland items, like an original Autopia car. It's definitely worth a visit. Also, they show classic Disney movies in a theater below the museum.