KFConcepts

In the history of log flume styled rides, I don't know of any that the last drop is the small drop. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Log_flume_(attraction) I'll continue to point out: Look at many attractions created outside of the U.S. compared - better overall quality rides, story, and theme has been -mostly- outsourced. Continue to accept subpar, continue to receive subpar. I really feel A LOT of the decision makers in the industry have lost the focus of building these rides in the first place ... tell a good story, visual candy, anticipation, a build up to a great ending (in the case of log rides), a ride time & length that's worth the wait. I find smaller & independent park operators understand this more every year. A friend commented saying that roller coasters have a big first drop. The difference, unfortunately, is roller coasters typically don't really meander slowly around for a few minutes before you reach the next big element. The Loch Ness Monster (BGW) does this, but in the absolute best way. Kids will enjoy the ride, but also say, "why was the last drop so small? The first one was great!" Do an image search for "log flumes" and see that nearly every picture is the "big" drop ... the main focus for the GP and enthusiasts alike. The big drop on this ride faces away from the walkways and view (unless there are expansion plans for the future). It's a great idea for a family attraction, but a little "off" the mark with the details. I do appreciate the continued investment from our park decision makers. I feel though it's time to make sure attractions maximize the ROI even if you have to wait a year, make no major additions, and do it right. The high quality maximized attraction will build great long term ROI from the missed year. ...

This ride represents the right mix of a thrilling family ride. Height and speed that's just enough to make non-thrill guests nervous. Listen to those screams down the hill. Perfect. I love the speed on the run out! (Something tells me there's something similar and more exciting coming around this area soon enough. Time will tell.) ...........

I'd love to see a wooden Terminator fighting the resistance. Anyone got a match? It's good to see that "quality" American style theme design is alive and well. Thanks to Manta for balancing this out at least. Loved that! It's exactly what I was thinking as I read through the comments until I gladly got to yours. This theme is a total missed opportunity, but hey ... take what we can get right? New coaster in a rough economy. I'm okay with that. ...........

This would only work in smaller parks, BUT there is so much unused potential with this track design. It really doesn't make sense in so many ways. It's not family friendly in terms of looks. Smaller parks cater more to families. As a big thrill attraction, I wouldn't invest in this if I were a smaller park. There's greater ROI with many other style small coasters and attractions.

Definitely look at TGG's Gravitycast pictures. We're all about to see a serious evolution in wooden coaster trains with these guys. Think Blue Fire trains on a wooden coaster. Blue Fire also being a serious evolution in steel looper trains. These are very bright spots for the future of the industry! .

Anyone want to get together and start a new company to guide these parks in the right direction? Like I suggest for congress, a VERY large portion of the U.S. amusement industry 'decision making' boomers should be wiped clean. Get some Gen X and Y in there. Walt Disney taught us to dream and use our imagination. It's really not that difficult with a little practice and actual passion. The further deterioration of the U.S. amusement industry continues (not the whole thing; there are ... few ... exceptions). In other news, Tokyo DisneySea looks more perfect by the second ... oh, it just got better right then ... oh, and again ... better ...

This takes me back. I have about half of those brochures, maps and then some. Those were good times. It's hard to believe we're thinking about the "good ol'days" being just over 20 years ago. The last drop was the best. It was one of only a few that have scared me (as a kid). The first 10 feet were still in the mountain (a tight tunnel). When you dropped, you kept your hands down and held on. I never saw anyone put their hands up. The Haunted River was a people eater and easily the most popular attraction on that side of the park. That ride experience surpasses many of our modern "themed" rides and dark rides. I agree with who mentioned they would take all these old rides back over the modern replacements. You could ride everything in and around the mountain with your family. Modern parks should look back and refocus on why their parks exists in the first place. Ditto ... all things Grizzly pre-Hurler.

A feasibility study -the numbers- would account for this. I would say they did one. Numbers could've been fudged, but it would sabotage the project. Those numbers are your best source for facts and level of success. The numbers can show various market penetration and how to account for it (i.e. budgets, operations, hours, etc.) Many aspects of this project were way off (at least on the surface). If the economic downturn played that much of a role, Disney, Universal, Busch, Cedar Fair, Holiday World, Herschend, etc. would show similar characteristics of extreme losses for 2008.

"$400 million theme park" ... if that amount were used properly, HRP may not have been in this position. I still don't see that number played out. Licensing? Regardless, the numbers never worked and most of the rides didn't fit the numbers (called this one before the park opened). I feel that much, not all, of the current U.S. amusement industry has lost touch with its core business principles (SEE: Alvey's comments on Asia and Europe parks). Technology happens, but the reason parks exist remains the same. HRP is just another unfortunate example of being "off track". Park fans, especially TPR (seriously), can continue to help the industry refocus ... if the decision makers choose to seek, listen, and learn. It's FREE information. This website should charge a consulting fee.

Raptors on Raptor ... good stuff! I know it's over, but wanted to post it anyway just for fun.

It's just an opinion. I'm not trying to convince anyone to agree or disagree. I looking from technical and corporate views ... and figured what better place to get a knowledgeable groups opinion. I usually take a critical look at everything. I know most won't understand where I'm coming from, and that's ok. Your differing opinions actually help to create a balanced conclusion. Long term research will test any theories and conclusions. This industry is about fun first and foremost. What's "fun" differs depending on the target market, so any decision or opinion can work. I'm glad to have put this monster to bed. Your opinions have been (and will continue to be) fantastic - no matter which "side" is taken. I've learned much from TPR over the years.

Ok... I'm back; I’ve figured it out … my last thoughts about it (promise). This ride has nothing to do with Maverick in comparison ... I'll even take back part of my Storm Runner comparison. I knew there was something about this ride that just seemed off with me. Again, I'm glad to see most new rides, but something wouldn't stay quiet in my thoughts about this one. It just doesn't fit in my opinion. This ride is old hat w/ a different lift hill. I apologize if someone else mentioned this, but it's a modified Intamin 10 inversion coaster ... it is the "10 Inversion Roller Coaster" in Chimelong Paradise (i.e. colors). See pic. The mid-sections are exactly the same. Also, I believe someone said "zero-g" or something with those corkscrews. I believe they are regular corkscrews, not a Maverick horseshoe type roll (enthusiast and general public favorites). Probably no zero-g feelings with those corkscrews, but that's yet to be determined. It's a re-packaged old-school roller coaster. Yes, old school can be fun. It’s still an overall interesting choice. 10 Inversion Roller Coaster http://rcdb.com/ig3475.htm?picture=4 See also: Colossus (Thorpe Park) http://rcdb.com/ig1412.htm

Exactly for the second part. I’m not discrediting the roller coaster with this post. It’s just a very interesting decision and peaks my curiosity being a multi-million dollar decision. I don’t think guest are as ignorant as most enthusiast would think they are. It may seem so when you hear the few ‘clueless’ people in line. I listen and/or ask what people think. I’ve also worked in a couple of parks many years ago. I’m looking at this from a non-enthusiast point of view. I ask family and friends … some who don’t ride roller coasters and others only ride non-looping rides. I’ve used them as a litmus test for years. Trust that I don’t skew the question to get the answer I want. Modified Storm Runner … I’m only comparing apples to apples in terms of these looping steel roller coasters vs. the many exceptional steel options available for equal or less investment. Example: I see it similar to building Wildfire (Silver Dollar City) in the same park with Hydra (Dorney Park). There are differences, yes, but they are far more similar than different. In an effort to show how similar the two are … this is just for kicks … I put this together for this post. I knew it before, but this physically solidifies my opinion (and it’s just an opinion; debatable fun, no big deal). Large Version Here I think it’s a modified Storm Runner w/out the launch … or … Storm Runner / Maverick hybrid. The Storm Runner similarity is the only reason I don’t understand the decision. I predict park guests will notice, but most probably won’t care at the time. They’re having fun. I also predict Storm Runner’s launch will give it the advantage as the favorite. .

Haha, that's basically the whole ride. Just for fun ... check out my next post on this topic.

I don't chime in much, but at least on TPR constructive comments aren't deleted (I still follow and love this site): Modified Storm Runner or ... I still don't get the parks current choice with so many great options like mini-hypers. It's good to see a new roller coaster, but look at the buzz this baby hyper is creating compared to HP's new one. Hyper's are much more appealing to the masses: GP and enthusiasts, for the long term. A quick check of any steel coaster poll (and Golden Tickets) tells the tale. If you feel those are skewed a bit, then look at lines when you're in the park. Steel non-loopers are popular = more people who don't like going upside down willing to "risk" a ride ... and they love'em. Multiple wood coasters are a great decision (i.e. Holiday World and of course, Hershey), but similar steel coasters with the large variety of steel options available ... it's an odd choice. The first drop looks good, but it's really not much different than storm runners first drop (given SR goes over the top at a slightly higher speed). The new drop is just out in the open. I'd take these baby hypers over the 200/300 footers or most loopers any day. More bang for your buck with similar non-lift ride times.