coasterdude5

Pay attention to the timeline, it's very obvious which ride it was going to be.

1997 19th Season There's been a lot of buzz this past week since the announcement of Viper's upcoming closure was made. Everyone has an opinion on what they think will replace the classic coaster, but I do have some insider information. My "source" told me that plans were set for a coaster that would surpass the 200 foot mark to replace Viper. However, when the city denied the park's request for a height variance, everything changed. My source told me this ride was installed at two other Six Flags properties, and due to the significant problems that have arose surrounding those two rides, Six Flags South Carolina management is happy that we are no longer receiving this attraction. Now, there is no confirmation on what we'll see next weekend. But SFSC is moving forward with plans to remove Viper to free up a large plot of land. One would speculate that this is where we'll see the now unknown addition be built next year. I'll keep you updated! I got an early look at Six Flags South Carolina this morning as I was getting quotes for a story on the park's food service. It seems Parachute Falls will be sticking around for a bit longer! It provides the best view in the park! I suppose next year's addition could be built in this area, but that doesn't explain Viper's closure. As it was a Monday, the lines were short enough to grab a ride on Batman before heading back to work. Tomorrow we'll take on last ride on Viper. - Joe

^ I'm sorry, I didn't realize that you still weren't able to submit a photo. Next year if you have the same problems I'll let you PM or email them to me.

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1997 19th Season I saw this sign placed inside the entry plaza: "VIPER WILL CLOSE ON JULY 31, 1997 TO MAKE WAY FOR NEW ATTRACTION IN 1998." I was so shocked to see it. Viper, formerly known as Heatwave, has been such a staple of Charleston Gardens and now Six Flags South Carolina. I have no idea what will take its place, but rest assured I'll be doing a lot of investigating in the coming weeks. Heatwave opened in 1979 as the park's first looping coaster. Today it's received a new name and color scheme but it's still the same great ride. Until Vulture opened, it was the "big" ride at the park. I'm very sad to see that it's leaving, but I'm very excited to see what will replace it! - Joe

1997 19th Season I took the kids to the park last night - it was quite an enjoyable evening. The comfortable temperatures helped a lot! First stop... Bumper Cars! We decided to eat at the Saltwater Cafe for dinner. The kids wanted to go check out the new Gotham Backlot. Unfortunately, we missed the last showing of the Batman and Robin Live Action Show. My yongest even decided to challenge the Gotham City Crime Wave! The long line gives us plenty of time to get the adrenaline running! They both loved it! We passed on Chaos to go take one last ride on Batman. Family time is always fun! - Joe P.S. I heard something is leaving the park. No idea what, though. I'll try to look into this over the weekend.

1997 19th Season I stopped by the park on my way home from work today to see how things were going. Chaos is a very chaotic ride, take my word for it! Watch out for the Joker in the Crime Wave line! I see you, Batman loop! Now that's better! Looking to the other side of Emerald Bay It began to rain so I decided to head on out rather than continuing around the park. - Joe

1997 19th Season We're heading towards the month of June and the weather is heating up! Schools are letting out and the park is beginning its daily operation. I like this time of year! Unfortunately, I heard that the city rejected the request for a height variance for next year. I'll try to find out more for you. Let's take a stroll to the Gotham Backlot. Gotham Backlot is now the biggest area of the park! The Gotham City Crime Wave water effects were in full force today in order to combat the heat! You will get soaked on this ride! See you soon! - Joe

1997 19th Season It's been about a week since the park opened for its 19th season and it's great to be coming back to the park regularly after the unusually long winter we had. The show has been a huge success. People love the Batman! I think Chaos is going to need a longer line! The Backlot Commissary serves burgers, fries, and milkshakes. You can't see the other side of the building from here, but it's designed to look like a movie set! The park was crowded today! Have a great one!

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1997 19th Season Today was the first day of the park's 19th season. It's hard to belive the park has had that many years of operation! It was great to see the new area - it looks fantastic! However, what I heard from a "source" at the park was even more exciting. This "source" told me that Six Flags has applied for height variances for THREE attractions that will "exceed 200 feet in height." This "source" told me that these attractions would be built over the next three years. With the park's 20th year quickly approaching, I'm sure next year's new attraction will be huge. I can't wait! Now, onto today's photos: The park tried to preserve as many trees as possible, while also planting many more. Joseph Reynolds told me his team is really trying to retain the "gardens" aspect of the former era of the park. Chaos had a huge line - it seems to be a hit with the crowds. I'm not exactly sure how "Chaos" fits into the Gotham Backlot. But I'm sure there is a lot of "Chaos" in Gotham. They say it's a safe ride! The Gotham City Crime Wave opened about an hour late. It was a hit with the crowds as well. I thoroughly enjoyed the Batman and Robin Live Action Show. I was allowed to take some pictures of the set before the show began. Batman and Robin roamed the park between shows to sign autographs. The theater only seats a couple hundred, but there are three showings throughout the day to give everyone a chance to see it. I'll have more photos from opening day tomorrow. - Joe

Wowza, what an e-stop! It's so crazy to see the other side of those arms. That's alot of stuff going on back there!

NIce trip report, Airtime&Gravity. I visted the park July 22, 23, and 25 and the crowds were really light the 23rd and 24th due to the rain. But I suppose nothing will keep people away from a Satuday visit. I noticed Batman's missing wheel covers as well. It took me a minute to realize what was "off" about the train. I much prefer them with the wheel covers on. I felt Viper was running amazingly. But I always think that! EDIT: I thought I'd add a few photos from my trip to the park on Sunday, July 25th. The park was packed because of the nice weather and the fact that it was a Sunday. However, my flash pass saved the day! Superman: Ultimate Flight. It has a pretzel loop. Moving on. I can't decide whether or not I like Sky Trek Tower's new paint job. I saw one person walking around with a Magiquest wand. Yes, King Chaos was closed all three days. They've got balloons! Yes, please! V2 is so insanely awesome. I could ride it all day like a giant swing set. I see some intensity over there. Once was enough. The best coaster at Great America. Hmmm.... If only it were smooth. "They dun renamed the Batman!" Viper. I love it dearly. I love every second of it. Lots of people.

1997 19th Season Announcement SIX FLAGS SOUTH CAROLINA - GOTHAM TO GROW IN 1997 Join Six Flags South Carolina in 1997 as we welcome a larger Gotham Backlot with two new rides, a stunt show, and expanded food options. Batman and Robin Live Action Show Batman and Robin take to the stage in the Batman and Robin Live Action Show, a high energy stunt show starring your favorite superhero duo, Batman and Robin. Guests will be treated to explosions, water effects, and mindbending action stunts. Gotham City Crime Wave Help Batman fight crime in Gotham City. 20 riders will board a giant gondola that flips, spins, and plunges. Water effects included! Chaos A spinning, turning, flipping ride that takes no prisoners! Chaos is like nothing you've ever seen before. Backlot Commissary Movie stars have to eat, too! Grab some much deserved grub such as burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Six Flags South Carolina opens for its 19th season this April. SIX FLAGS and all related indicia are trademarks of Six Flags Theme Parks Inc. ©1997. BATMAN, ROBIN, SUPERMAN, THE JOKER, MR. FREEZE, DC SUPER HEROES and all related characters, names and indicia are trademarks of DC Comics ©1997.

1996 18th Season August is here and I was told that the announcement for next year's attractions will be made tomorrow! I'm very excited to hear what kind of "insanity" Six Flags is preparing for us! The lines were quite lengthy today. I waited over an hour for Batman! But, as always, it was well worth the wait. Happy riders depart the Batman station. Roadrunner Express had a line, as well! I'll see you tomorrow for the big announcement!

No, a black border would not classify the photo as "edited." As long as the picture itself is unedited, that's all that matters. Today is the last day to submit photos! We're still in need of photos in the humorous category! Enter here: http://www.coaster101.com/photocontest

1996 18th Season It's late July and we're headed towards construction time! Little is known about next year's expansion but it looks like it will feed off from the Gotham Backlot area. Land clearing has begun in the area behind the fence. Will we see a new area? Will we see a new rollercoaster? I don't think it's likely that we would see another dark ride. I guess we'll learn what Six Flags has "cookin" in a few weeks! - Joe

1996 18th Season The park is moving right along through this hot summer month of July. It seems the park is always packed, even during the middle of the week! I asked Joseph Reynolds and he told me one Charleston Gardens logo was intentionally left to pay tribute to the park in its original form. I think this will be the area to watch for next season. I believe Batman is my favorite ride at the park. But I still love the park's other coasters as well! Have a great evening! - Joe

Ah, that makes more sense about BB. I was wondering why (out of the three days I was there) there was never a line. And a park guest referring to the ride as "epic fail" didn't help matters either! Continuing on! I really love Great America. Sure it has its flaws, like most amusement parks, but with each visit I seem to leave happy. You can see some hi-res aeriels of the park here. Batman: The Ride. I'm getting used to its intensity. "I like this part!" says this enthusiast. Superman: Ultimate Flight is a decent ride. My only wish was that it was longer. But, ah, isn't that true for most fun things in life? Yay for not full parking lots! I'll see one of those on Sunday... Tear. This would have been a great day to check out Hurricane Harbor! Viper is a seriously underrated coaster. Batman: The Ride. I hope it is one day returned to an all-black color scheme! I really wish they would add SOMETHING to the exterior of the Dark Knight's box. Even a clever Starbust ad would help! Don't leave me, Whizzer! Spiral lifts are cool. This train makes me laugh. A train full of happy Raging Bull riders return to the station. The ride ops were doing great at most of the coasters at the park, with the exception of V2. Whoosh. TOO. MUCH. YELLOW. IN. MY. OPINION. I think I'm color OCD. Hello, Whizzer! You can't deny this is a beautiful park. Who can resist a view like this? See ya tomorrow, Superman! Adios! I'll have some sunny photos tomorrow.

1996 18th Season It's been a couple of weeks since I last visited the park. I've heard that the crowds have been especially heavy this summer. With another popular brand, Scooby Doo, being added to the park's lineup of attractions, families are really starting to flock to Six Flags South Carolina. Which is, of course, a great thing! I guess I should start the day off on a somber note - I was told by a "source" that Parachute Falls' days are numbered. I was told that the attraction would be removed within the next 3 years. With that being said, be sure to get your rides in now! Derecho was closed for most of the morning. I was told the ride was experiencing "technical difficulties." Roadrunner Express is a hit with the families as well as the new Scooby Doo attraction. Time to go take a spin on "The Batman." The line was pretty lengthy. I was told lights will be installed on the lifthill later this week. It will be interesting to see how they look! I was also told to watch this area for next year's expansion. But let's not get ahead of ourselves here. I'm going to enjoy a ride on Washout to end a great day at the park! See you again soon! - Joe

Nicole, I've received photos larger than 1024x768 but I'll double check to make sure there isn't something else preventing you from submitting your photos. TPR! We have received a good number of "original" and "edited" entries, but we are severely lacking in the "humor" category. I've seen a TON of hilarious photoshopped photos on this site. You don't have to create a new one for this contest!

Hey guys, the website experienced a technical glitch on Thursday that unfortunately wasn't caught until today. Because of this, I'm going to extend the entry period until Wednesday. I apologize for the inconvenience! Any size photo should be accepted now.

Basically, I spent the day at Six Flags Great America yesterday. The first half of the day was a washout, but as the afternoon went on, the clouds began to clear and it ended up turning into a nice day. I love Six Flags Great America. I haven't been to every park in the chain, but I have a feeling that Great America is one of the better parks. The staff was friendly, ride operations were decent, the park was the cleanest I've ever seen it. It was an enjoyable day. And to top it off, it wasn't crowded! Score one for coasterdude5. Now, onto the photographs: Oh hi Sky Trek Tower. I see you've got some new colors. Personally, Sky Trek Tower is only awesome during Fright Fest when King Kong is attacking it. I smell Demon and Raging Bull! Six Flags should have a running of the bulls every day when the park opens. It's basically like that anyway if you get a few large people in the back of the crowd. I'll catch you later, Viper. Giant Drop, because it hasn't decided to anything crazy lately. I miss these days. Ricochet, something, I don't know. I'm not here for the flats. TAKE THE TUNNEL!!! Fail car. Not because of the horrific wrap, but because it doesn't quite make it onto the brake run! Apparently this ride is an epic fail. Anyone care to elaborate? Nerds, gather. Two cheers for history! They got lots of stuff to look at as you wait. Oooh... Aaahhhh... Nice! The ride isn't a Beast by any means, but it's great for the family. Because I'm a nerd. You can also look at Batman while waiting to ride Little Dipper. Yes please. Then the bottom decided to fall out. What will become of the day? Check back soon to find out!

1996 18th Season Tidal Wave was closed today. No word on why it was closed for the entire day. Scooby Doo has really brought new life to the Main Street area. I think this area is good to go for a few years. The Greenway Cafe Today was a good day! - Joe

Hey guys, just a reminder that next Monday, July 26th, is the last day to enter photos in the conest. That gives you plenty of time this weekend to head to your local park and grab a few shots if you haven't been able to choose one to submit! You can enter the contest here.