jedimaster1227

Sorry again for the delay, but between school, frequent Manta updates and several other busy tasks, I've been bogged down with work! But, I plan on completing the entire report within the next week, so may the wrap-up begin! After our "superior" day at Kings Dominion, I was ready for Morey's Piers--one of my more anticipated locales of the trip. You may wonder why I would look forward to this visit so much, but after my visit, I was more than satisfied with the hype and the wait. For those of you that don't know, Morey's Piers are a set of three amusement piers along the Jersey Shore, each with unique rides and attractions. Not only is the pier known for its thrills, but its boardwalk style setup made for an extremely relaxing and fun walking experience. We started our morning walking up to the first pier for our film shoot on Fly! The Great Nor'Easter, the first North American SLC to receive the new Vekoma trains. Management graciously gave us lots of goodies (a Fly! /Make-a-Wish shirt, coupons for an amazing seafood restaurant and a detailed packet of information about the piers) and prepared us for our ride on Fly!. The Great Nor'Easter fascinated me first and foremost for its layout--how tightly wound around the water park and log flume it was. If there was anything that scared me about the ride, it was how close to the other parts of the pier you could get. Once on the ride, I was fortunate to sit next to Luko, who I would spend a little more time with the following day at Hersheypark. He and I were cracking up throughout the duration of the ride, laughing at the interesting twists that our bodies were being subjected to. The new restraints were definitely more comfortable, but I honestly missed the strange padded "elephant ears" on the SLC restraints (like the ones found on the many Mind Erasers we rode earlier), as I no longer had a pad to pin (or brace) myself to. Overall, the ride was more than enjoyable, and definitely one of the better SLCs, winning the honor of keeping me on the ride for over ten times while other Mind Erasers only got a maximum of two. Moving on, we had ERT on Pier #1 for an hour, with AtmosFEAR, Great Nor'Easter, Condor, Doo Wopper, Flitzer, Zoom Phloom and Dante's Dungeon. Doo Wopper and Flitzer were the other two credits of the pier, which were both fun. Dante's Dungeon was better than Dante's Inferno at Coney Island--so much so that we re-rode it two more times. After an hour on Pier 1, we moved on to Pier 2. Pier two hosted our ERT session on Sea Serpent, Pirate's of the Wildwoods, Musik Express and Maelstrom. Sea Serpent was a typical boomerang--not bad, not great. Musik Express had me cracking up while Mike Fudge was praying for the ride to end--I'm waiting for those photos to surface eventually. Pirate's of Wildwood is a strange little dark ride in 3-D in which pirates take over Morey's Piers. It was uniquely fun, warranting several re-rides. Pier 2 also was the location for our lunch at a restaurant called Jumbo's where we had some great seafood. I ordered some crab bisque and a crab cake while James got himself a full lobster dinner--what a bargain! Finally we moved to Pier 3 for our shoot at Great White, an interesting wooden coaster that goes above, around and under the pier. After about 6 rides I called it quits, and left with the Fudges and a few others to head back to Pier 1 for some additional flats. On the way, we stopped in some of the arcade locations, one of which gave us the chance to watch Dave enter the Money Machine, but that is a story for another time... I also indulged in one of my favorite fried foods of the trip: Fried Dough! It was actually incredible good, though it didn't really have any point. To quote Dave (he actually said this in regards to the dish), "Meh. It exists." It was also extremely messy thanks a wonderful breeze and a plate full of powered sugar... We finished off our visit at Morey's and drove off for about a half hour, making it to Clementon in great time. Clementon is a pretty small park--smaller than Cypress Gardens even. It has one wooden rollercoaster, a log flume and a collection of small flats. The park's coaster, currently named Hellcat (also previously named J2, Puma and Tsunami) is a pretty bizarre ride that had me cowering after the third run. That was it for me. The Fudges and I also made the severe mistake of riding the Balloon Race. Imagine a suspended version of the teacups, and there you have it--a ride from hell. I have never felt sick after riding a flat ride (or any ride for that matter) before this one experience, and I can admit that all three of us were pale by the end of the ride. To try and feel a little better, we thought some water would help, so we rode the log flume. Unfortunately, I was the odd man out, so riding alone in the log made for another scary experience. After that, lightning and rain approached and considering that much was closing, we called it an early night on Clementon and headed out for an early start towards our hotel to prepare for our upcoming day at Hersheypark. Stewarts didn't feature its peach soda... What a shame! The history of The Great Nor'Easter. I was really impressed with the setup of the waterpark as well. A look down Pier 1... This flyby really freaked me out! The pier's waterpark surrounds the ride, which in turn, wraps around its many structures. Inversions aplenty on the Nor'Easter! It is pretty amazing how close the ride gets to the Zoom Phloom. The TPR crew is ready for a ride on this great SLC!

DisneySea is incredible--definitely worth a trip on its own. La Qua (Tokyo Dome City) is also pretty unique--plus it has a Bubba Gumps!

^Tyler, don't bring your phone on this one. They say that movies can be more intense when translated in Spanish... I can't imagine what the ride would be like!

Well everyone, I've got another (distanced) photo of Hollywood Rip, Ride Rockit's track. Again, I apologize about the distance of view, but this is the best I could get while driving... The red track will look pretty nice... Reminds me somewhat of Manhatten Express' color scheme.

Today Bryan and I have a huge photo update of the remaining track for Manta. I find it truly amazing how much track is still here, considering how much has already been installed--the project just looks massive. With every update, I find the anticipation growing more and more! And one little leftover from the pack helps us to close out this update for today! So many pieces, so little time! We found even more! Preparing to leave... An overview of the track-storage field. It looks so peaceful... Just sitting in the grass. Considering how much construction has already been completed, it is hard to imagine even more track being put into place over the next few weeks. Even employees get to see what is on the way! A smart form of advertising on the part of Seaworld--placing the track in the view of the public eye! There is definitely plenty to see here! One of the latest track pieces to be delivered... Additional steel beams are onsite as well. Can anyone guess what these light blue pieces are for? Oh! For this day, we have waited too long! A few hauling trucks remain to transfer track across the properties. Each piece bears an individual number to assist in the placement of the track. Each section of track will be pieced together to form this new flying monster... These pieces will presumably be installed towards the end of the construction. Track covers a large area within the Busch property. B&M track looks much larger in person than I'd imagined. Manta is openly advertised through its visible track storage near the road...

Like Bryan, I have no issue with people using my photos of Manta (or of anything else posted here for that matter). If anyone wants hi-res copies of any specific photo, they can message me and I will be happy to send them any specific photo(s) they need.

Well, I've got two new photos to share, one of which has something we've yet to see--track! I do apologize for the distance of the photo, but it was taken from my bus this morning as we were driving, so I didn't have much time to take the photo or even to zoom as I barely knew where to look... Supports for the coaster have lined this street for weeks now... You are looking at (from a distance) the first piece(s) of track for Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit.

I ended up using the helper since this was my first time taking part in the poll, but I definitely am looking forward to the new results (and am hoping that Boulder Dash gets bumped up a few spots after its performance this Summer). I definitely had some odd choices for my top spots (like Leap the Dips and Kingda Ka) but they definitely had an impact on my trip, so they made my list.

It looks like a great coaster, but the track file does not open properly, prompting a message regarding the program's inability to open the track itself.

It will be interesting to see the park's assets liquidated, considering that many (if not most) of the flat rides are trailer-based. I personally predict that that Okeechobee Rampage and the Swamp Thing will be sold to other local parks with Galaxy Spin and Fiesta Express being sent to traveling fair circuits. As for Triple Hurricane, I can't see it being rebuilt anywhere else, so I doubt it will be salvaged. Starliner, I believe still has a chance of staying in its current location, but I could be wrong. The only thing I really that was any good in the park was the Shock Drop tower, so I'm not mourning the loss of this park in any way.

Great TR Matt! Though it may be a long wait until the Summer, the West Coast trip is not too far away, so keep up the TRs and soon we'll be in California!

^I'm really looking forward to Disneyland, California Adventure, Magic Mountain, Knott's, Discovery Kingdom, and Universal Studios Hollywood to name a few--but the whole trip looks incredible! As for that incredible cake, words cannot describe! Though, I still think the candy sushi was the greatest treat we had that night, besides the neighborhood blackout.

^Between the sound requirements for neighboring communities and the desire to not have the coasters disturb the in-park animals, I would assume that Manta will be a quiet coaster. I'm not sure about what specifically would be done, but some more recent B&Ms (like Led Zeppelin) have had their track spines filled with sand to decrease the sound output of the coaster. Regardless of the method, I think it is safe to say that the coaster will not be any louder than a typical flying coaster that is already in operation, with any modification only going towards plussing the ride itself (in all aspects).

^Yes--actually we were! We both went to the parks today and we had a little bit of overlap in our photos considering we were next to each other for the majority of the time. I'm somewhat excited with the pretzel loop being the premier element for the coaster, but I'm hoping that the loop itself is not too intense, as this is the only element that has ever pushed my limits of comfort to sickness when riding a coaster. I am definitely looking forward to the completion of the track work and especially after what has been done so far, I look forward to seeing the ride blend in well with all that Seaworld Orlando has to offer already.

This week's construction update brings sight of the entry to Manta's large pretzel loop as well as work being done on the ride's station, maintenance shed and exhibit areas. These photos were taken on November 5th, 2008. The skyline will continue to grow as Manta comes closer to completion... Manta blends in very well with the Seaworld Orlando atmosphere already set. The pretzel loop will be visible from all sides of the park. Another overview of the construction site. The maintenance shed is quite large and appears to be almost complete. Framework for the station has begun to take shape amongst the rest of the construction. From the Skytower we are given an overview of the work being done in preparation for Manta. Growing further... The ride's maintenance and vehicle storage facility has gone up quickly. Some paths towards Key West may be randomly blocked off for temporary use as an entry/exit point for construction vehicles. Two of the pretzel loops supports have been installed as the track work moves forward. Manta continues to rise from the depths of the construction--a giant within the park. The ride's lift and first drop have been completed, allowing work to begin on the pretzel loop. Guests entering the park are treated with a preview of what is to come.

Nice tribute there Matt!

^There was no sarcasm to be picked up on. What I posted was straightforward with no hidden meaning. Even after reading through my entire post several times I have seen no comments that I made that could have been interpreted as sarcastic... It is time for another photo update! These photos were taken on September 29th, 2008 (as were Brian's photos, as he was at the parks with me). The invasion begins. 2010. Dueling Dragons comes very close to the construction site but is still photogenic, regardless of the debris surrounding it. Another portion of the Enchanted Oak Tavern has been roughly retained for future use. Though a little out of place, the view of the construction has built up quite a nice audience... Get them while they still are brand-free! The entrance to Jurassic Park is pretty narrow, especially with the addition of the locker systems to the right. Oddly enough, this structure has been saved. The former Enchanted Oak Tavern and Dueling Dragons entry plaza has been completely ripped apart with little left to represent what once was. Lots of dirt, and not much more. Some building cover work has begun... Not as big as the "Potter box" but still significant considering how flat the terrain is right now. Another new building? The coaster itself hasn't been altered in any way since the start of construction aside from the removal of all previous theming surrounding it. Patience... The opening will come. It looks like the coaster has been sitting untouched for a while... Dueling Dragons' new entrance path is pretty unique because it starts inside of Jurassic Park. Plus, it's sign is the former sign for The Flying Unicorn. Jurassic Park has become a buffer zone for guests searching for Dueling Dragons as well as the entrance to the new bridge. From any side that you look, the future ride's structure is gigantic. From what is visible, not much work has been done to the interior of the building. The "Harry Potter box" is a shed-like structure, similar to the enclosure of The Dark Knight coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure--just much bigger.

^A large number of supports are lying in the vacant lot along Turkey Lake Road where the new Universal hotels are supposidly to be built (eventually). The supports themselves continue to be shipped in during the morning where the pile they have been lined in has continued to grow for the last few weeks. At this time, the only information regarding the opening of the attraction is an estimated time of Spring 2009. Nothing more has been released at this time, and I doubt anything will until track work has begun.

The circled item is not a building, but a smaller support or footer, from what I believe was a former structure within the demolished area around the Enchanted Oak Tavern. Hagrid's Hut has yet to be built within visible sight, so there isn't anything to look for just yet. Much of the visible work is taking place near the former entrance of Dueling Dragons. The new entrance itself is covered heavily in trees and greenery to help detract attention from the ongoing demolition and construction work. I've got some photos to post in addition to the ones Brian posted which should expand on what has been shown so far. Those should be up very soon!

Today I've got some construction photos of the latest progress going on with Universal Orlando's newest coaster, Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit! I'll be back later today with an update from the construction site of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, so stay tuned! Some interesting work going on within the dirt. A large trench has been dug out in the center of the construction work. Concrete and all that was before has been torn up so that new pipes and electrical wires can be put down. Dirt lovers prepare... The area of work is extremely large, giving a real perspective as to how much space the coaster will take up. Construction trailers are littered throughout the construction zones... Halloween Horror Nights guests queuing for Interstellar Terror or Body Collectors get an up-close view of the construction going on within the former boneyard. The outside queue for Twister: Ride it Out! has been mostly razed with little aside from the above structure remaining. Work and construction markings are to be found throughout the area. The entrance to the park from the former Studio 18 has been narrowed heavily. The construction walls for the coaster have expanded to the entrance plaza of The Blue Man Group Sharp Aquos Theatre.

Looks great so far... But the experience of Whack Shack and Pirates Cove seems to have been condensed... Looking forward to all upcoming updates!

I'm leaning towards the West Coast trip and should know if I'll be able to do so soon. Thanks again to Robb and Elissa for another great lineup of trips!

For some further information regarding the new system, I'm attaching the other patent sketches below. Whatever this may be, whether a new B&M or a simplified loading system for its flying coaster, I'll post the photos attached to the patent.

I vote yes for another incredible season of the Big Mike Road Show... Going places it has yet to go, like maybe, Orlando?

^Ravin Flyer II gave us a great ERT session but I didn't think it was that fantastic of a ride compared to Boulder Dash, El Toro or Phoenix. But, to each his own... As for Ride of Steel (Darien Lake), I prefered it over its New England cousin just because of the sheer amount of airtime delivered in the first drop alone. New England's ride didn't give me nearly as much in the first half as it did in the second half. Anyways, this has been another great addition, but you have me anticipating your next update greatly, considering it involves a certain set of walk throughs and rides on Whacky Shack and Pirates Cove...