certifiedcoastergeek

Let's look at KD since the CF takeover. 2007: Water slides 2008: Dominator (RIP Hypersonic ) 2009: Flat rides 2010: Intimidator 305 2011: Minor improvements 2012: Windseeker 2013: Kiddie flat rides 2014: Minor improvements 2015: Water slides 2016: ??? If you tell me that they aren't due for a coaster, you've lost your mind.

It might just be me, but does anyone else agree that a Triotech isn't ideal for KD, since they already have a decent shooting ride in Boo Blasters? Some might say that KD needs a family coaster, but they have Ricochet. The only types of coasters that KD could be lacking are an airtime machine (think Chariot) or a bona fide chain-lift invert. I say if not 2016, it's happening in 2017 for sure.

The only ways for your I305 ride to be less than a 10/10 are if you are physically unable to ride or if you're going over the second and third airtime hills and some random insect flies in your mouth. Ride this smooth beast once in the front row and once in the back row.

I think you misunderstood. I meant that Cedar Point said that their "big announcement" will be in August. No word from KD yet. Hurler, Woodstock Express, and Rebel Yell were all retracked within the last week. The four coasters up for removal are widely considered (in order of most to least hated): Shockwave, Hurler, Anaconda, Grizzly. Last year, however, Anaconda got refurbished for the first phase of the 40th anniversary. This year, Hurler and Grizzly received refurbished trains, and more recently Hurler was retracked. The last time Shockwave got any service was in 2011, when it received a new coat of paint. Since TOGO's been out of business for 14 years, this means that parts for the Shockwave are hard to come by. The Hurler, on the other hand, can be serviced by either of the three successors to Custom Coasters (Gravity Group, GCI, S&S), and PTC is still in business for the Grizzly, so I say that the most likely occurrence for 2016 is that Shockwave gets shut down in June and gets sold for scrap metal (or moved to Dorney, not sure which is worse). Then, either one of two scenarios plays out: A) Large/thrilling family or flat ride to replace the Shockwave. Can't tell if the the former or the latter was/is/would be worse. B) Antique cars removed as well, huge freakin' B&M coaster added in their places and entrance remodeled. 99% of coaster enthusiasts would prefer B, but I can tell you right now that it ain't gonna happen. Although the old Tollway is a classic (and have you seen the lines it draws? FL+ don't do it justice), it is high maintenance and with all that gasoline/natural gas (not sure if they made the switch or not), it's gotta be pretty darn expensive. While it would make sense to remove it, you'd be eliminating a Haunt maze and weakening the one-two family ride punch of Old Virginia and Planet Snoopy. On the other hand, NEW ENTRANCE. B&M. EIFFEL TOWER LAUNCHED WING COASTER FLYBY. The possibilities can even make a hardcore Intamin fan like yours truly drool. PLEASE bear in mind that this is only speculation and that I'm crazy-obsessed with Virginia parks, since I live <5 min from KD. I don't call the shots for CF's CEO (unfortunately). Let me know what you think down yonder (Northerners, below this post within this discussion thread.) P.S. Shockwave wasn't repainted Source: I was there on Saturday and I've been to KD countless times the past four years.

Speaking of the Point, an August announcement was unofficially confirmed yesterday during a q&a session. Another possibility that I hadn't considered. What if the Shockwave and Blue Ridge Tollway were removed and a launched wing coaster were to flyby the Eiffel Tower and the right side of the entrance? This would allow for an entrance redesign, would rid KD of the Shockwave, would balance both sides of the entrance, but I somehow don't see the antique cars on the chopping block.

Does the front gate need a facelift? No. Does the west side of the park/Old Virginia need some love? Yes. As long as KD can maintain this excellent Spring Bloom look, Intl St. is fine. On a side note, Hurler looked refurbished today, with unpainted catwalks, so it probably won't get removed. However, the Hypersonic queue line and station were being fixed up/repainted today, although both are still used as storage facilities. I wonder if it'd be possible to take out Skyflyer and Shockwave and to put a midsize B&M in their places. This seems plausible because the Skyflyer recently got a price drop per ride, and because the Shockwave is the only coaster of the Infamous Four (Hurler, Grizzly, Shockwave, Anaconda) that didn't get a makeover for the 40th. Just something to think about. The fact that KD isn't anywhere near struggling attendance-wise makes it incredibly strange that it's been six years without a coaster, or incredibly likely that CF's "next big thing" is coming to KD. One of my friends who works in maintenance informed me Friday that those in charge informed maintenance to be ready for something big. No details were able to be disclosed except to "wait until June/July".

Hello there, fellow coaster fans! I live about five minutes from Kings Dominion, and this year I'm all set to visit Dorney on a Tuesday in mid-July, having upgraded from Gold to Platinum for this trip and my one-day trip to Carowinds for Fury. I will be at the park from opening 'til dinner (5-6 PM), focusing on the coasters and drop towers, but I need to check in to my hotel in Allentown by 6:30 so that I can make it to Hershey the following day. Before I go, though, (and I understand that this is still very early), I had a few questions about the park which are unclear on the website: 1. Is there an ERT program for passholders like most CF parks? 2. How much do meals cost? 3. Do any rides mandate lockerz for loose articles, and if so, how much $$$ should I pack? 4. Are food and merch discounts offered for passholders? 5. Finally, and this is the big one, how long should I expect the lines to be and what's the best plan of attack to avoid these lines and to be able to do everything (not enough overhead to splurge on FL or FL+ on this trip)? Thank you very much in advance, and I'm really looking forward to Steel Force!

Very, very intriguing, but I'd tend to disagree - although Shockwave is likely on its last legs, do you really think that KD would place two floorless B&Ms side-by-side on the same side of the entrance and that they would remove a ton of behind-the-scenes buildings? I don't think so - I'm betting that the Hurler closes in June. Reasoning: The Hypersonic station is still standing, and KD does an excellent job of ridding themselves of most remnants of previous rides before constructing new rides, with the exception of the Volcano, where that may at this point be difficult if not impossible given the space of that coaster's restricted area. Also, "all but confirmed" is a bit of a stretch, you need to cite your sources for credibility ^. However, I'm still convinced that 2016 is the year of the coaster at KD. I personally believe that any "ten-year contract" that BGW had with B&M (if it ever existed) started with Alpengeist and ended with Griffon. Speaking of citing sources, I was casually browsing the comment section on the included video when... Sounds familiar? How about a momentary flashback to one of my earlier posts? ... Naturally miffed, I sent back a response, and got these pleasant replies (I omitted the profanity that he directed towards me and identifying information)... Seems legit. You all know the truth.

Today's topic: SeaWorld Orlando SeaWorld has already announced Orlando's tallest hypercoaster, but which manufacturer will get the opportunity to make this coaster, and where is the money coming from? SeaWorld has been having some financial troubles lately, yet they are still opening coasters (2015 Tempesto, 2016 SWO hyper). Also, SeaWorld is partnering with many different ride manufacturers, like Mack, Intamin, Zierer, and others (even though any long-term, chain-wide contract with B&M seemed to end with Griffon). I'd lean towards the notion that the hypercoaster is made by Mack, since the contract with Intamin appears to be strictly flat-ride oriented (Falcon's Fury )

Fascinating... It seems like Triotech 4Ds have become the next Windseeker-esque mass installation across CF. I agree, that name does sound pretty cool, but remember last year CF tried to trademark two names at once for Carowinds: Fury and Centurion (Centurion got rejected), but it could be a tactic to divert attention from what's really going in the park next year.

I'm pretty sure Divehawk 525 was a joke. Also, CP filed a trademark for another name. Which name?

Today's topic is Cedar Point... I think it's a near-consensus that CP is going to get a B&M Dive Machine in 2015, likely the fastest and tallest dive coaster. I've heard talk of a "DiveHawk 525" in the works, which wouldn't be a bad fit, except it would really throw Top Thrill Dragster under the bus and greatly diminish its gimmick. Another concern for me is that Cedar Point would be forced to replace an existing coaster, and with Mantis/Rougarou off the table for replacement, which coaster do you think is on the chopping block? Am I wrong for saying that CP is going to get a diving coaster? Let me know below...

Still pretty darn fast and tall compared to 99+% of all other coasters worldwide, and arguably second-best giga behind MF (source: I've been on I305 and Fury in EVERY ROW). Plus, take this with a grain of salt, as the promoters of this ticket seem to think that Soak City is separate admission. I agree though, this is great news for both parks. I wonder how the split of the $100ish ticket price goes, since KD's day tix cost less than BGW.

Topic - Day One (May 4, 2015): Parks Due For a Coaster in 2016 List any parks below which you think are due for a new coaster in 2016, from any of the five major chains (Disney, Universal, Six Flags, Cedar Fair, SeaWorld), which types of coasters they could receive, and we'll discuss them.

Hello there, theme park fans, website wanderers, and search engine bots! Each day (that I'm able to), I will post a major theme park name and my thoughts on next year's potential attractions, and others can add their two cents on that park. My hopes are that as we approach the mainstream announcement season of each coming year, and naturally each (seasonal) park's opening day (don't worry, I won't exclude year-rounders), we can revisit these older predictions and see whose came closest to hitting the mark. Remember, the Terms of Service are still in effect, but I'll go over the important ones quickly: 1. Keep it PG-13. 2. This thread isn't for spam. Don't use this thread to artificially increase your post count. 3. Try to use acceptable grammar (I understand if you have trouble with English or if you are ESL). 4. PLEASE refrain from breaking park rules in order to gain information on next year's new rides (climbing fences to take pictures, using RC flying cameras where prohibited, sneaking into park buildings, hacking, etc.) Keep it to speculation, anonymous leaks from official representatives, and official announcements. Although I am perfectly fine with uploading photos, please keep any photos, YouTube videos, and/or Trip Reports relevant to the topic(s)/park(s) at hand. Note that breaking park news is an exception to this on-topic recommendation.

You got something against sweet, fluffy little bunnies? No, just amused by Robb's little in-forum easter egg.

It sounds like you are getting to the park at opening to maximize your visit. With only 6 hours, your ride order should be based on your priorities. And if you have never been to the park ride the best coaster first. As a huge Intamin fan, you should ride SkyRush first, then Fahrenheit, then Storm Runner. Get those three completed ASAP in case something happens (weather, unexpected crowds, breakdowns). Then worry about the rest. I would hit up Great Bear, SuperDooperLooper (and possibly) Comet next to complete the major coasters on that side of the park before heading to Lightning Racer. I left out Sidewinder, Wild Mouse, Wildcat and family/kiddie coasters because if you are forced to skip coasters those are of lowest quality. Don't even think of riding them before you get the best out of the way. Expect Laff Track to have a longer line than necessary as it is new, if i was you I wouldn't prioritize it. Thanks! I'm looking forward to my visit! *drooling at the thought of three new Intamins in one day*

It should be moderately crowded (typical for a summer weekend). Could you specify what "should I choose to go the Fast Lane route" means? I don't think you'll need Fast Lane. Based on the fact that you seem to be out of town and have to be at BGW on Sunday, I'm assuming you have around eight to ten hours at the park. In that case, get there ~30 min early, even though you won't get Early Entry, and wait near the early entry gate to the right of the Dominator pavilion (Don't ride the Dominator first thing, as lines will accumulate quickly). Once normal ride operations begin at 10:30, go straight through Planet Snoopy (past Boo Blasters) to the Volcano, and ride that. Next, go ride I305 and hit Flight of Fear after that, to avoid lines. Ride the Backlot Stunt Coaster next - for some reason, this coaster has a considerable wait time on weekends, even though it has moderate capacity. The other stuff in the Congo (Anaconda, Avalanche, etc.) never draws more than a 15 min wait time, so go to the Grove and ride Drop Tower and Rebel Yell. Windseeker's worth the ride if you haven't been to a CF park before, Hurler's OK if you don't mind a pretty rough ride, and Grizzly is a little better than Hurler. (Note: to find Grizzly, you have to walk through the dinosaur gift shop - don't ask me, there's been some confusion recently). Later on, ride Shockwave and Boo Blasters or another smooth flat ride because Shockwave is a head-rattler, despite its fairly impressive airtime. When you have around an hour to an hour and a half left, queue up for Dominator, and call it a day. Pro Tips: 1. Avoid Fast Lane, unless you want multiple re-rides. Fast Lane is usually not necessary unless you're planning to visit on the Fourth. 2. Don't buy Preferred Parking; KD's lot is well-designed and a short walk anyway. Buy parking online and save $5. 3. Avoid the "All Day Dining Plan", and KD combo meals in general (unless you're cool with paying $15 per meal). KD allows hand stamps and parking lot re-entry and provides pavilions outside the gates for outside food, so hit Martin's grocery store in nearby Ashland in the early AM and bring a cooler to pack lunch and dinner, or eat at one of the various fast food places nearby. 4. If you're going to buy ride photos, get the "All Day Photo Email Package" for $30 and get unlimited ride photos sent to your email from (I think this is the complete list: I305, Volcano, Dominator, Boo Blasters, and the Woodstock Expresss). 5. Don't bother packing $$$ for ride l ockers (for some reason, it changes the word without spaces to "fluffy, fluffy bunnies filled with medicine and goo") - save it for BGW's mandatory l ockers and/or souvenirs. KD provides FREE article bins on every ride platform, a rare sight to behold. All in all, enjoy your day at KD and your weekend of fun in the heart of Virginia! (Hope this miniguide helps).

Hey everyone, I've purchased a day ticket for Hershey this summer, and I've made a local hotel reservation, so I'm all set to go on a weekday in mid-to-late July. I live <5 min away from Kings Dominion and I'm a longtime passholder there, so naturally I'm a HUGE Intamin fan, with Volcano and I305 right nearby. This is my first visit to Hershey, and probably will be my only visit for at least 5-10 years. Unfortunately, I will only have around 6-6.5 hours at the park due to check-in requirements where I'm staying, and it wouldn't be worth it in gas money or time to re-enter the park later. Also, due to budget issues, I can't manage a Fast Track pass. Because of this, I'd really like some line advice for the park, if it isn't an inconvenience. Thanks!

That was an excellent read. I'm not sure, but I think that KD may still have some concrete footers from Diamond Falls under the Volcano. Did anyone else think of this when they read about the snakes? Holy crap, I never knew that. "Snakes on the Anaconda" sounds too redundant, but the old Arrow Looper is already a horror movie during normal operation - long ago abandoned and flat-out terrifying. I'm not sure, but I think that the coaster may cause permanent drain bamage.

I don't think anyone realized that my pseudoscientific methods were intended as an exaggeration to show that KD, Valleyfair, and WoF are due for new coasters within the CF chain among others, and I was literally using division and subraction. Did you really think that an obsessed fan like me would actually have time to do legitimate math? I have enough Precalc homework as it is. In all seriousness, however, I think that there's a consensus that in the next few years, unless Kings Dominion gets the Geauga Lake treatment (yikes!), which is unlikely due to attendance and proximity to DC, they will receive a large coaster of some sort. It's mind-boggling to me to think that Paramount put in coasters more consistently than Cedar Fair has. P.S. Hey man, don't hate on me for looking forward to Fury 666, Dorney's 2028 coaster

Nope, except for the Spring Bloom Festival - and Soak City - one small, Vanish Point-esque slide complex and some fresh coats of paint on the water slides (and I think maybe a few more restaurants and shops in the waterpark. I'm going to compile a list of when each CF park received its most recent or most recently upgraded roller coaster, along with each park's average interval for adding a new coaster, so we can get a better look at when to expect a new coaster at KD and other parks. I promised a list and so here's a list. DISCLAIMER: I know this system is inaccurate because Cedar Point and KBF are likely due for a roller coaster sooner than indicated, but for most of the other parks this is fairly accurate. My system is unbiased and based upon park websites and simple subtraction and division. Also, if the coaster year intervals seem off, it's because I rounded down universally, regardless of decimal result, in a futile effort to account for parks that have been open for many years (Dorney, CP, KBF). Cedar Point Parks and Roller Coaster Statistics KEY: Bold indicates overdue for roller coaster this year, italics indicate due for roller coaster this year, standard font indicates not due for roller coaster this year, numbers indicate relative priority 9. Cedar Point – 145 years of operation, 16 coasters, average one coaster each 9 years, most recent coaster 2015 (Rougarou) DUE FOR COASTER: 2024 10. Dorney Park – 131 years of operation, 8 coasters, average one coaster each 16 years, most recent coaster 2012 (Stinger) DUE FOR COASTER: 2028 8. Knott’s Berry Farm – 95 years of operation, 10 coasters, average one coaster each 9 years, most recent coaster 2013 (Coast Rider) DUE FOR COASTER: 2022 4. Michigan’s Adventure – 59 years of operation, 7 coasters, average one coaster each 8 years, most recent coaster 2008 (ThunderHawk) DUE FOR COASTER: 2016 6. Kings Island – 43 years of operation, 14 coasters, average one coaster each 3 years, most recent coaster 2014 (Banshee) DUE FOR COASTER: 2017 7. Carowinds – 42 years of operation, 14 coasters, average one coaster each 3 years, most recent coaster 2015 (Fury 325) DUE FOR COASTER: 2018 2. Worlds of Fun – 42 years of operation, 7 coasters, average one coaster each 6 years, most recent coaster 2009 (Prowler) DUE FOR COASTER: 2015 1. Kings Dominion – 40 years of operation, 14 coasters, average one coaster each 2 years, most recent coaster 2010 (Intimidator 305) DUE FOR COASTER: 2012 6. California’s Great America – 39 years of operation, 8 coasters, average one coaster each 4 years, most recent coaster 2013 (Gold Striker) DUE FOR COASTER: 2017 2. Valleyfair – 39 years of operation, 8 coasters, average one coaster each 4 years, most recent coaster 2011 (Cosmic Coaster) DUE FOR COASTER: 2015 4. Canada’s Wonderland – 34 years of operation, 16 coasters, average one coaster each 2 years, most recent coaster 2014 (Wonder Mountain’s Guardian) DUE FOR COASTER: 2016 Do you agree with all, most, or some of the list, or just think I spend too much time obsessing over KD and CF in general as a Platinum passholder? Let me know by quoting and replying below.

Nope, except for the Spring Bloom Festival - and Soak City - one small, Vanish Point-esque slide complex and some fresh coats of paint on the water slides (and I think maybe a few more restaurants and shops in the waterpark. I'm going to compile a list of when each CF park received its most recent or most recently upgraded roller coaster, along with each park's average interval for adding a new coaster, so we can get a better look at when to expect a new coaster at KD and other parks.

Yes, but every other ride at every other park (except for another suspicious large B&M at WoF, which is incidentally also due for a new coaster) is accurate to that park's current offerings. The Intamin drop is a minor error (let's be realistic, who visits a park for its drop tower?); "accidentally" placing a huge B&M with at least 4 or 5 airtime hills shown and a completely unique color scheme is no mistake - in fact, it has about the same level of detail as the depiction of Fury 325 in Carowinds' picture - if you'd permit me to display the link where I obtained these photos in this thread, it would be greatly appreciated; however, I have also put the link in my profile as my website. A couple of tidbits that I forgot to add - the hidden coaster in the WoF image is shown in significantly less detail than the KD image and is noticeably missing elements beyond the original image, and the coaster in the KD image appears to be a much taller hyper or giga than the WoF hyper. Here's Worlds of Fun... ... and here's Kings Dominion. There are numerous differences between the mysterious left-side coasters.

Yes, but every other ride at every other park (except for another suspicious large B&M at WoF, which is incidentally also due for a new coaster) is accurate to that park's current offerings. The Intamin drop is a minor error (let's be realistic, who visits a park for its drop tower?); "accidentally" placing a huge B&M with at least 4 or 5 airtime hills shown and a completely unique color scheme is no mistake - in fact, it has about the same level of detail as the depiction of Fury 325 in Carowinds' picture - if you'd permit me to display the link where I obtained these photos in this thread, it would be greatly appreciated; however, I have also put the link in my profile as my website.