jedimaster1227

^I would imagine that things are going to be quite regarding Six Flags for some time now that Southern Star Amusements has given up on their "reclamation/restoration project" of the park. The way I see it, the most news that will surface regarding the parks is the eventual announcements that will follow as some of the park's former attractions are sent to new parks (like they did with Batman and Scream). If you are looking for a more absolute, official acknowledgement of the park's fate, I would expect some sort of announcement within the next year or so regarding the city's repurposing of the land. I can't really imagine Six Flags (in all of their financial stress) mustering up the money or effort to restore a sunken park (pun intended). Other parks like Six Flags America have more to benefit from the remaining attractions than a park that is rotting away...

^Though the credit was truly insane for a kiddie coaster, I am extremely interested to see what exactly will replace it. If the new attraction is in fact the Golden Nugget, it will be a welcome addition that will only add to the already incredible park. If the Golden Nugget is to come to Knoebels in any form, I can only picture it being successful, much like the park's other previously transferred coaster, Phoenix. Even if it isn't the Golden Nugget, I'm sure that the park's next addition will be worthwhile and will only add to the stellar experience that a visit at Knoebels can deliver.

I agree with Brent in picking Boulder Dash at Lake Compounce. My other picks would be Whirlwind at Seabreeze, Behemoth at Canada's Wonderland and Kraken at Seaworld Orlando.

^From what I could get form the owner's last post, the site contacted him multiple times before in an effort to make his site work with proper information and a decent association with the park itself (not official, but at least something they wouldn't be embarassed to be associated with). In my opinion, if a park has attempted to fix issues which plague a fansite dedicated to their park and the site does not make a concerned effort to adjust, then the park has every right to take action. Really, if a park finds fault (and has the legal standing to take action), then they have every right to do so... But that is just my opinion.

I'm pretty sure that all TPR fans and Rideworld guests will show up at this year's West Coast Bash (Six Flags Magic Mountain) to support Big Mike on March 22... I wish I could be there, but trying to get to California once this year is going to be hard enough!

^Remembering that this concept surfaced online, I can vaguely see where the idea could come from, but like with any other project--its not real until visible work or an official announcement is made. I really can't imagine B&M even beginning to fabricate track for a park that isn't set to open within a decent period of time when they would start to install. I can't picture any serious company doing that in reality.

^Are you sure that wasn't Dive Machine track (or B&M track in general) meant for one of the already announced rides that currently are or were in fabrication? I know that Diamondback's track stirred up a whole lot of interest in the rumor field, and Manta's track didn't held to quiet things down either...

^I'm only repeating what information was provided in the surveys. One proposed theme had a coaster moving through the forest at high speeds. The question of what would be chasing you was posed in the survey, either themed to a robotic chase or a motorcycle chase. That is what was given, but I'm not saying that this is the theme that will actually be used, just what was proposed in the survey.

^According to the survey's Alton Towers sent out regarding the new addition, the coaster is themed to some sort of high speed chase through the woods. Exactly who or what was chasing you was interchangable in the survey (I believe it came down to bikers or robots).

^The station will feature the traditional loading system used in existing flyers such as Tatsu and Superman: Ultimate Flight. The station itself is dual loading, and will be a part of the larger themed area that belongs to Manta.

^^^^Let me be the first to turn in my prize photo. This includes three of my prizes (as my Behemoth Bash stuff is all spread out across my room) from the Behemoth/East Coast trip this Summer. Back on topic, I think this will be a nice addition to Quassy. The park had a certain charm to it that I enjoyed. Really, the park's two existing coasters as well as that wonderful cardboard-built burlap-sack slide made the experience worthwhile. A new coaster can only add to the experience! Now if Clementon could actually get a decent coaster... Thanks again to Dave for the amazing CD, and to Robb and Elissa for the additional prizes of wonder!

As of today, much (if not all) of the ride's track has appeared in the vacant storage lot. This track includes some larger pieces of at least one of the brake runs as well.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/busine ... close.html This is definitely an exciting piece of news! I'm sure that the new track and updated station will only add to the already stellar experience that is Space Mountain.

Here is additional article posted today on the Sentinel's website:

Unlike the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit has shot up from the ground, with vertical construction gaining speed daily. What was once a flat midway has become the home to a large new stage, a vertical lift support structure and more. Over near the former Ghostbusters firehouse, the ride's track has been installed, making the ride clearly visible from all angles of the backlot. I'm definitely impressed with how quickly the work has been done on this project, and the anticipation I have in regards to its opening continues to gain with each visit. The Blue Man avidly watches the construction; as will we in the coming months... The construction of Rip, Ride, Rockit is definitely visible to the guests. A thick mass of steel... The ride's vertical lift is one of the many elements that make Rip, Ride, Rockit unique. Expect this view to change soon... Its not even finished and it looks good in photographs! Lots of track makes this picture complete! Will we see a Slimer (or seasonal Halloween Horror Nights) popup during our brief rush through this building? Sunset makes this coaster even better looking! Tilted goodness! "Woosh!" I'm just getting ready... This is looking great! This section of the track will definitely be fast paced! "Build it higher! Higher!" The concession stand begins to take decorative shape. Is this large or is it just me? Curves + Hollywood Studios entrance= Perfection! This is going to take a little bit of time to get used to... Are we at Disney's Hollywood Studios? I love vertical construction! A lone worker focuses on this structure. This is the newest wall-posted message for the ride. Try it out! I find that this building has already begun to blend into the area, fitting nicely between the Sharp Aquos Theater and Jimmy Neutron. Survey work continues... This new structure has gone up quickly. It juts off from the side of the new stage-filled midway (which makes me think it is the station building). Wireframe metalwork... Ooh! An overview of the BMG side of the construction... Notice that Shrek turns his back on such bare plots of land. Construction of the Blue Man Group side of the ride continues as the trench area its surrounding area is finished.

After short break, I am back with a new Wizarding World of Harry Potter update. When compared to the Rip, Ride, Rockit progress that Universal Studios has seen, not too much has changed in the area (as the photos will show) but construction work continues on the "box" as well as the former Dueling Dragons/Enchanted Oak plaza. "I'm watching you! No peeking inside of this wondrous box... Magic is for my eyes only!" That hole in the wall was covered last time I was here. The future of theme park entertainment awaits... Welcome to the Lost Progressland Continent. The Harry Potter "box" becomes larger by the month. The interior work is being guarded carefully, so much so, that Universal will supposidly only bring in track pieces after hours. I prefer the old statues... The Flying Unicorn sits dormant still--untouched as work progresses around it. So much has changed here since our last visit...

This just made my night Roxanne! I can't wait to see you again this Summer! And again, what a fantastic TR!

Both videos ran smoothly for me with the larger version showing a little more clarity (but the small version wasn't too far behind). I had no lag for either video, so that wasn't a problem either. Here are my computer speedtest stats: Download Speed: 3140 kbps (392.5 KB/sec transfer rate) Upload Speed: 362 kbps (45.3 KB/sec transfer rate)

I just wanted to congratulate you on a more than successful year--you set out on a goal, and I strongly believe that you've surpassed it! It has been a pleasure reading this thread from its exciting start to the last update and I look forward to all future updates. Hope you are having a Happy Holidays!

This is a great start to your TR Roxanne! I've been looking forward to your report of the Behemoth/Ravine Flyer trip for some time, so you definitely have me watching this thread!

I agree that Blizzard Beach is a great waterpark as a whole, with a strong mix of great attractions for the whole family as well as a fantastic Disney-quality theme. I've been to all of the waterparks listed in the poll and sadly enough, I remember Water Mania. The park's Banana Split slide scared the heck out of me as a young kid (back when I was still afraid of anything that drops). Even though I feel that Blizzard Beach is a fantastic waterpark, after my experiences with Aquatica in its first month of operation (pre-grand opening through week 1 of opening), I was extremely satisfied with what was offered to me. The park has a wide variety of attractions, many of which can be found elsewhere, but their combination of bright colors, lush tropical theming and the "Brent-like" announcer that says "Welcome to Roa's Rapids" so darn well, makes the park my favorite. I've been 6 times since the place first allowed guests to test its attractions, and each time I've enjoyed it even more. If anything, I could say that I'm a little biased since this was the place I surprised my best friend for her 17th birthday--I distracted her by taking her to different attractions while the rest of our friends got into the park and met at our set location on the beach. After a few runs on Tassie's Twisters, we walked over to the beach and when she saw them, she dropped on her knees in disbelief (even though we passed them once in the line without her knowing). I have the whole event on video, and the moment is definitely a treasure. So again, without Aquatica, that couldn't have happened, so I feel that it is my favorite of the Orlando waterparks.

I was definitely disappointed by the fact that the party sold out on the 19th, because that was the night I had planned to go with a group of friends, but it is good to see that the event is just as strong as it was last year. This has been a great report Erik! Thanks again for the wonderful videos and photos!

Dominator and Volcano are both strong coasters, but I have to prefer the B&M just for how great it really is. I agree that Volcano is a little too short, but I find it incredible that you can just stare out into the blank space that used to be filled with dark rides (and smurfs)... That kind of history just gets to me. I found that piece of info to be more interesting than much of the coaster! On the East Coast Trip, I was one of the few that enjoyed Grizzly as well--it gave us some insane airtime in the front row, and using "Walk-on Wednesday" passes help save us the rediculous wait.

^I do know what you are saying, and looking back on it, the description does leave room for interpretation. Here is what Brian had to say in regards to my question, "Is the system used for the splashdown similar to the one used on Sheikra or is it completely new?" His response was: "It is completely new and we can control everything from the speed, the duration; we can control everything about the splash. Every single aspect. Every six inches of it." Again, this does leave room for interpretation, but from the way he described it, the effect is controlled to a point where I would doubt the train's motion alone could be changed to alter the effect in any way.

^While the wing will dip in the water, it will not physically cause the water to spray the guests--that will be a controlled effect. We were told this by the director of the project, but I have been wrong before. If you give me a few minutes I will pull up the exact audio of what Brian said regarding the splashdown, specifically concerning how it was controlled.