HEADCHEEZ Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 ^Amen to that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wes Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 ^ Exactly. If anything, the whole family angle with theme parks and rides was a silly fad, and now Vegas is just returning to how it used to/should be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AllenA07 Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 I fully agree that losing this coaster doesn't really change much in Vegas. As I said a few pages ago, I can't remember the last time I went on one of the rides in the city. If I'm feeling like thrill rides Vegas just isn't the place I go. When I'm in Vegas I'm looking for a kind of entertainment completely different then what I want on the strip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Benvenuto Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 This was one of the better rides Vega had when I went in 2005. I hope something comes up so I can ride again in 2011 when I turn 21. I'm not looking forward to seeing it go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manic Monte Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 There was a time when thrill rides fit right in with the over-the-top image of the strip. The problem is, Las Vegas wants your money, period. Whether it be casinos, VIP clubs or thrill rides. If something stops bringing in cash, or looses it's ability to draw in tourists, no time is wasted in replacing it. This city chews up and spits out everything in it's wake, all in the name of money. Â It's just business. Las Vegas didn't just decide to stop building amusement type rides because they are anti-family. They stop building them because in these economic times, families stopped going. Speed NEVER had much consumer output, the entire time it was open. I knew a few years ago that it's lifespan would be a short one. I'm surprised it stayed open as long as it did truthfully. People with money have better things to do, and people without just don't have the extra cash to waste on a ride that costs $10 a pop for one ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coolhandluke Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 As far as I know, a craps table, slot machine, or luxury suite have somewhat lower maintenance costs than an LIM launch coaster as well. I'm no business major, but it would seem advantageous to put something in that can still draw in thousands of dollars at a time that doesn't run a high risk of malfunctioning or requiring a nice chunk of that dough back for operational costs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Stratosphere Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 May I ask what time were you at the dome? School is in session, so that always has an impact on daytime crowds even if it is a "getaway Friday." When I worked there, it never got hopping until about 6 or 7p on Friday nights unless it was a holiday weekend. Oh BTW...im working FrightDome!  I was there from 1pm to 6pm, it was dead while I was there. It may have gotten busier later since the park was open until midnight. Awesome you are working FrightDome, I'm looking forward to it this year. And school being in session does make sense.  If something stops bringing in cash, or looses it's ability to draw in tourists, no time is wasted in replacing it.  Which explains why the Manhattan Express (The Roller Coaster at NYNY) is still there. It makes a lot of money, sometimes there is still a really long line for it, and they need to run 4 trains. The GP most of the time really enjoy the ride, even if it does beat you up. You still hear sometimes people saying "OMG that was the best ride I've ever been on."  Even if this is the end of Speed: The ride I will miss the roar it made.  John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Der Der Dongt Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 I haven´t been to Vegas yet (2 years till I am 21) but what I don´t understand is why the "making money with a rollercoaster" concept works out for the NYNY but not the Sahara? Even though speed seems to be the better ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Stratosphere Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 why the "making money with a rollercoaster" concept works out for the NYNY but not the Sahara? Even though speed seems to be the better ride. Â The main reason is the location of the Manhattan Express. The Manhattan Express at the NYNY is in a prime location at one of the busiest parts of the Strip, while Speed: The Ride is at the North end of the Strip where there is lots of construction and not as many people. Most of the mega resorts are at the south end of the strip. It also didn't help that Speed's station was kinda hidden. The entrance was near the back of the hotel. Â John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HEADCHEEZ Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 ^ Also, Most GP Locals havent even HEARD of Speed. When I mentioned that I rode "The Roller Coaster at the Sahara" (Translating to GP Terms) I was called a Liar for making up a coaster. Â The few People who have seen it say that its fake. But you will ALWAYS hear trip Reports from Manhattan Express. Â I will Miss Speed: The Ride. But like BeemerBoy said, Vegas is moving on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexinla Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 The ride was build on purpose over the strip/sidewalk, the idea was that it would attract people to go inside the casino when it was an actual dump once you inside(but you would still probably play at least some slots while there) Â Now that it will become basically a Planet Hollywood(which i love btw), they dont need it anymore. I am sure some park will buy it as it is a good ride and sure can be marketed as a big new attraction. So they make some extra coin on it and we all now vegas casinos love there money! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XII Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 It was a fun ride, but I'm not suprised that it's going. When I rode it 4 years ago, I had to sit in the train for 5 minutes to see if anyone else would come on, and each time, almost nobody came on. I hope that some park buys it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haiderodes Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 ^ That was on thing that irritated me about the operation of the ride after its inagural season when they started limiting the number of launches per hour unless really busy. This was to cut down on power consumption. It was so frustrating to stand there at the gates, staring at the empty train while hearing the workers talk about their personal lives. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FuzzyWuzzyATL Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 Speed - the Ride at Sahara Hotel. Â Â Â I stayed at the Sahara Hotel last night and asked a few of the employees about the status of this roller coaster. It is indeed closed down for good. Apparently the hotel is getting ready to do a massive renovation and the Roller Coaster and Nascar themed area do not fit into the new plans. They have already let go the worker who operated Speed. So we'll see if it gets moved to another location. It was a fun ride, but agree, It never seemed to attract a lot of business. $10 a ride seems a little steep for a 30 second ride... Ok I am cheap... lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRapidsNerd Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 That's a bummer. Had hoped to see this one and Star Trek The Experience if I ever got out to Vegas. Luxor too. Oh well... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RIP Psyclone Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 If it is in fact closed for good, I'm glad I finally got to ride it this year. It was easily my 2nd favorite coaster in Nevada, first being Desperado, which, despite some roughness, I still think is fun--great 1st drop, and a few airtime hills. As for Speed, it was very fun, a great 1st launch, and an even better (and unexpected) 2nd launch. Should it be removed, it will be missed. This would prove the 3 most important things in real estate are location, location, location, if Manhattan Express continues to thrive and Speed is going the way of the dodo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Stratosphere Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 ^ That was on thing that irritated me about the operation of the ride after its inagural season when they started limiting the number of launches per hour unless really busy. This was to cut down on power consumption. It was so frustrating to stand there at the gates, staring at the empty train while hearing the workers talk about their personal lives. Â It also cut down the amount of times the train had to be switched out to change out the copper fins. Another thing that I missed was the fog in the tunnel and the fog that covered the hole in the building. The fog was really refreshing during the hot summer days! Â John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HEADCHEEZ Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 R.I.P. Speed: The Ride  Thanks for the best coaster ride in Las Vegas.  You will be missed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haiderodes Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 ^^ I know! The mist in the tunnel was good stuff! Â I hate when they build rides with mist/fog and then shut it off. I wonder if in the case of Speed if it was due to ill effects on the hardware or just a way to save water? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Stratosphere Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 When I asked they said it was causing premature rusting of the track. I remember they would never shut this ride down for anything either. The last thunderstorm we had like 5 weeks ago the ride was still running. It was pouring out and even lightning in the area! It was crazy! Now the only place for that is Adventuredome lol. Hey this seems far fetched, but wouldn't it be great if the Adventuredome bought S:TR, had the station inside the dome, but the ride outside? Nah, I'm just dreaming! Â John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace Of Spades Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 I was a Vegas local for the oh-so-longest time, so this story truly hits home... Â I knew this was eventually coming. Despite the sheer perfection that ride had, it was rarely busy, and the value of the $6.00 tickets were probably questionable at best for the GP. But it always was one of the very damn best coasters (and launchers, to be sure) in North America... Â And now its leaving... Â My only hopes are that Adventuredome will survive (which, according to recent purchases and plans for the hotel, gets a 2:1 chance against, despite being grossly popular year in and year out with locals), having the shoulder harnesses removed on ME (it's already got Premier lap restraints, it could easily work), or that Desparado will keep on, well, keeping on (the most likely of the three)... Â And as for Vegas as a whole, the town, both on a tourist and local level, is going to Hell. I'm glad I got out when I did, because everything, every single dam little thing, is going to hell. Â Okay, my Emo-noob rant is over. Begin the opinionating at will! Â AOS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveydo5172 Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 There are NO current plans for doing ANYTHING with Circus Circus, especially in this financial market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AllenA07 Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 I actually think Circus Circus is safe for some time to come. It is a niche hotel which still serves a purpose. I wouldn't expect rides to survive at many other hotels (i.e. Manhattan Express), however I just don't think Circus Circus or the adventure dome is going anywhere quickly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexinla Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 From what i understand is that Circus Circus will be done within 5 years, these are tenative plans and of course could be delayed. First to go is there rv park Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chemical_echo Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 Hearing about how fun the ride was is really bumming me out about missing out on it. Dammit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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