Opinion: Indoor Park...Outdoor Coaster

[Looty]

Hello,

 

I was just wondering what everyone would think of an indoor park building a coaster that goes outdoors? Let's use Nick Universe for example...It's in MN and it gets really cold in the winter so it wouldn't be operational that time of year. Assuming that it's a coaster that many of us would travel across the country for; is it worth it to build it for the summer revenue?

 

What do you think?

[DBru]

I would say yes, because most people that go during the winters would probably be seasons pass holders, who would get to ride it during the summer...

 

I guess it depends on where the park is located...

[VegasCoaster]

I wouldn't take issue with it going outside as far as ride design goes, but if its going to be in a controlled environment, your operation costs are going to be huge because you'll lose a lot of heat (or cooling) through whatever opening you make. I guess you could make doors to seal it off pretty well, but then you have to make absolutely sure that they stay closed when the ride is open.

[YoshiFan]

I would say no, the whole appeal of an indoor park is that the rides are operational regardless of the weather. If it's cold, rainy, snowy or whatever it is, you know you can still ride.

[FLIPDUDE]

Worked for Toverland.

[steel]

Well, in reality, to actually get the thing outside in the first place, it would need be on the roof of the mall. But I think it would be fun.

[FeelTheFORCE]

To go outside, wouldn't there have to be some sort of hole in the building? What happens when it gets cold in the winter and cold air is coming through the hole? It wouldn't happen unless there was some way to seal that off during the winter months.

[coasterdude5]

I think it varies for each park. Nickelodeon Universe probably wouldn't benefit from it because of the park's cornered location. A park like Adventure Dome at Circus Circus might see that as a better option. (I'm not sure if that park is dead-locked like Nick Universe is)

[FLIPDUDE]

^^That's what doors are for.

[Mr Stratosphere]

I wouldn't take issue with it going outside as far as ride design goes, but if its going to be in a controlled environment, your operation costs are going to be huge because you'll lose a lot of heat (or cooling) through whatever opening you make. I guess you could make doors to seal it off pretty well, but then you have to make absolutely sure that they stay closed when the ride is open.

 

I don't really believe that heating/cooling is a major problem. Just look at the Desperado at Primm, Nevada. Its station is housed inside but the entire ride takes place outdoors. The openings where the track leaves and enters the building stay open during operation. They have installed "wind curtains" which keep the heat out and the cool in. It is basically a strong down draft of air that is blown from above the opening. You find these in Vegas a lot at the casinos that keep their doors open all year round. I believe that a coaster going outside of an indoor park is an alright idea. I wish that the Adventuredome here would do it!

 

John