Six Flags Darien Lake (SFDL) Discussion Thread

[Rollercoaster Rider]

In the PBS documentary "Great Old Amusement Parks," they mention that it was more than $50,000 to paint the Giant Dipper at SCBB. That was back in 1999, so it's probably much more than that now.

 

 

Since we're going to go fantasy for this. I'd rename ROS to Bigfoot and repaint the track Blue and Brown supports. Then rename Mind Eraser Twisted Typhoon and repaint it Green and Teal.

[XYZ]

The coaster has been called Ride of Steel for 7 seasons now, it's probably not going to be renamed anytime soon.

[Rollercoaster Rider]

The coaster has been called Ride of Steel for 7 seasons now, it's probably not going to be renamed anytime soon.

 

 

Tell that to Hangman at Wild Adventures.

[DougMJr]

Not that they would do this, but a random thought I had is they could easily rename RoS "Vortex." Re-paint the station and use the "V" pattern on the side of the station as a base for the sign for the name. Perhaps give that side of the station a cool LED lighting package.

 

Here is the station for those who don't know what I am talking about.

[SbSteveZ]

^ Though I love the Idea of Vortex being the new name, there's sadly more of a chance it will remain the Ride of Steel more than anything. If so, I think it would be cool to give it the "Steel" feel and make the color scheme more metallic and fitting for the title. Like greys and silvers, maybe even black. Giving it a nice futuristic look and keeping the name all in one!

[GwaziBSRider1]

^ That's a good idea. A new logo could even help out with that. It would definitely make me feel like I'm not riding a former Superman.

[DougMJr]

I actually think there is a better chance of them changing the name than there is of painting as that is what they did with SkyCoaster (RedHawk).

[KI Kidd]

I would think that Cedar Fair probably has a trademark on the name Vortex for coasters in the US.

[Rollercoaster Rider]

I would think that Cedar Fair probably has a trademark on the name Vortex for coasters in the US.

 

 

Call it Steel Vortex

[DougMJr]

Or Velocity, or really anything but RoS.

Edited January 7, 2014 by DougMJr

[DarienLaker]

Or Velocity, or really anything but RoS.

 

I hate that name.

 

Ditto, "Ride of Steel" is just one of the worst ride names on Earth like "Flight Deck" and "Big Spin"!

 

I was thinking that Darien Lake should rename Ride of Steel to one of the names that I've listed

 

.Steel Beast

.Stampede

.Bronco

.Ride of YES!

.Gold Rush

[SbSteveZ]

When I see that Stampede reference, I see a big Buffalo Pride thing there . Not that I wouldn't love it, but Stampede and the current train colors and obviously track colors don't mix... Green track brown supports (Like the new paint job of Jr Gemini at CP...) and some train theming perhaps? Probably not going to happen (Sadly) but that's what I thought of upon seeing that name

[GwaziBSRider1]

^^ Stampede reminds me of one of the final choices for Storm Runner. For the guest vote on a name, one of the three choices was Steel Stampede.

[Geauga Dog]

Just call it Sabre, after the Buffalo Sabres if you want Buffalo pride.

[djboss302]

Just call it Sabre, after the Buffalo Sabres if you want Buffalo pride.

 

Or Buffalo Run

[simaticable]

If you have not heard from Screamscape:

The latest word on the proposed Lake Monster / Predator transformation project is that it’s officially dead for 2014… but may be revisited for the 2015 season, so cross your fingers.

[DanM64]

^I'm not really surprised. I was hoping there might be some sort of announcement at IAAPA, too bad. I still think that there is an RMC in the park's future given Herschend's success with Outlaw Run. I haven't been to Darien Lake since Six Flags owned it, but it sounds like it could use a lot of TLC. Hopefully it gets a good amount of it for 2014!

 

If the Predator I-Box conversion does become a reality it HAS to be name Ride of Steel & Wood.

[Shavethewhales]

It sounded to me like CNL is starting to shift their contracts again. HFEC has left Elitch Gardens, and they were originally only signed on for 3 years with Darien Lake (right?). I wonder if HFEC's contract is in question at this point. They've done so much to improve the park, but I have a feeling CNL only really cares about the bottom line.

[gerstlaueringvar]

That is such a sad news! I was also hoping that Lake Monster would be announced on IAAPA until I saw Joel was at Dollywood's booth on the photo. But it's good to see Predator might be getting an Iron Horse treatment. Guess I have to figure out a way to get the old Predator credit before Iron Predator/Lake Monster come.

[GwaziBSRider1]

I didn't think Predator was all that bad, personally. It wasn't nearly as rough as everyone said it was, and I rode it in the back. However, I would enjoy the Lake Monster transformation.

[TheDarkMaxim]

Just a little side note I pulled from CNL's quarterly statement.

 

During the quarter ended September 30, 2013, the increases were offset by lower revenues at our attractions properties of which certain of our large theme parks experienced unprecedented poor weather. During the 2013 operating season, our largest theme park Darien Lake had only 49 days with no rainfall as compared to 64 days during the same period in 2012.

 

It seemed like a relatively low attendance summer.

[Geauga Dog]

It sounded to me like CNL is starting to shift their contracts again. HFEC has left Elitch Gardens, and they were originally only signed on for 3 years with Darien Lake (right?). I wonder if HFEC's contract is in question at this point. They've done so much to improve the park, but I have a feeling CNL only really cares about the bottom line.

 

They'd be stupid if they dropped Herschend at this point. HFEC has done more to that property than Six Flags and PARC combined so why stop the momentum now?

[ajfelice]

They'd be stupid if they dropped Herschend at this point. HFEC has done more to that property than Six Flags and PARC combined so why stop the momentum now?

 

Believe it or not, Herschend has more control over this deal than we realize, or they are just good at repackaging the truth when I spoke with a higher up from Herschend corporate during IAAPA. Unfortunately, I can't remember his name for the life of me. My question during Q&A session with the Show Ambassadors at IAAPA was, "What unique opportunities does Darien Lake posses to make it an attractive option to enter into a management contract?" Well, his answer was pretty straightforward with the usual they have a lot of land and they have an untapped potential to become a major resort. However, a major detail of that answer was that the ultimate goal of this management deal is to decide whether or not Herschend will buy Darien Lake, and own it outright. Some food for thought...

[screaminkid2005]

I didn't think Predator was all that bad, personally. It wasn't nearly as rough as everyone said it was, and I rode it in the back. However, I would enjoy the Lake Monster transformation.

 

I totally agree. I personally thought that it was one of the best coasters there. At the same time I really wasn't a fan of the park so that isn't saying much.

[GwaziBSRider1]

^ Agreed. Darien Lake is an okay park. I didn't have the greatest experience during my visit because it poured down rain twice and everything broke down at least once. Trust me, it wasn't fun to ride Mind Eraser in pouring rain.