Six Flags Darien Lake (SFDL) Discussion Thread

[DarienLaker]

When I was and looked in the water park section I didn't see 'Cuda Falls listed, and I would think that Darien Lake would reopen the 'Cuda Falls slides this season after being "refurbished" all last season, but now I don't know if that will happen?

[Golddisk]

When I was and looked in the water park section I didn't see 'Cuda Falls listed, and I would think that Darien Lake would reopen the 'Cuda Falls slides this season after being "refurbished" all last season, but now I don't know if that will happen?

Probably not. They were in bad shape last year and it would cost a ton of money to fix them. Probably more than what's it's worth to keep them at their current age. I do agree that the park should just make an announcement about them one way or the other though. Just like last year they should have said the reason why they were closed. Not sure why it was kept as such a secret.

[DarienLaker]

When I was and looked in the water park section I didn't see 'Cuda Falls listed, and I would think that Darien Lake would reopen the 'Cuda Falls slides this season after being "refurbished" all last season, but now I don't know if that will happen?

Probably not. They were in bad shape last year and it would cost a ton of money to fix them. Probably more than what's it's worth to keep them at their current age. I do agree that the park should just make an announcement about them one way or the other though. Just like last year they should have said the reason why they were closed. Not sure why it was kept as such a secret.

 

If Darien Lake really did refurbish 'Cuda Falls, I would really think that they would be ready to reopen when the water park open for the season. All they said last year about 'Cuda Falls was that the slides were going under "refurbishment" or is Darien Lake secretly planning to get rid of the 'Cuda Falls water slides for a "secret" ride/attraction?

[ajfelice]

Perhaps all these clues spell out that Cuda Falls will mostly likely end up as a piece of history? It's pretty safe to say given the amount of downtime and exclusion from park promotion materials that we should all prepare for the horrible life without the most greatest, super-spectacular waterslide complex that is Cuda Falls.

 

I enjoyed many trips down those slides in the past, but at some point we need to let go in the best interest of the park. Being the only secluded water park attraction on the opposite side of a lengthy path/bridge combined with it's advanced age and likely neglect from previous owners, there is more working against Cuda Falls than for it. More importantly, just look at the opportunity that sits with that large piece of land that complex occupies! Old out of place waterslides versus a the opportunity to develop a well-integrated expansion. The choice is all too easy.

[TheDarkMaxim]

Yeah they clearly removed it in the new website. Seeing as they fixed the rides that were missing on the old website.

 

Btw the new website looks phenomenal.

[DarienLaker]

Yeah they clearly removed it in the new website. Seeing as they fixed the rides that were missing on the old website.

 

Btw the new website looks phenomenal.

 

Now i'm starting to wonder if the absence of 'Cuda Falls on the redesigned Darien Lake website would mean that 'Cuda Falls would bee gone from the 2014 map when it comes out? Unless they decide to reopen it or there is going to be 2 hour line for the Swirl City slides!

[XYZ]

To be, or not to be, that is the question—

Whether 'tis ‘Cuda Falls in the mind to suffer

The Slings and Arrows of outrageous enthusiasts,

Or to take Arms against a Sea of confusion,

And by opposing end them? To cringe, to sleep—

No more; and by a word, to say we end

The Heart-ache, and the thousands of shocks

That property is heir to Darien Lake? 'Tis a consummation

Devoutly to be wished. To cringe, to sleep,

To speak, holding to Dream; Aye, there's the problem,

For in that sleep of day, what dreams may come,

When we have shuffled off this supposed tragedy,

Must give us pause. There's the respect to the slide

That makes Calamity of enthusiasts:

For who would bear the words and suggestions of time,

The enthusiast's wrong, the proud man's Contumely,

The pangs of despised Love of the ride, the news delay,

The insolence responses, and the words

That impatient merit of the unworthy news that is released,

When Darien Lake themselves might be the quiet make

With an announcement to come? Who would hype it up,

To grunt and cringe under a weary life,

But that the dread of some ride after supposed rehab,

The undiscovered news, from whom want so desperately

No News returns, Puzzles spread,

And makes us rather bear those ills we have here,

Than state speculation of things that we know not of.

Thus Conscience does make Enthusiasts of us all,

And thus the Hopeful hue of Resolution

Is impatient o'er, with the pale cast of Thought,

And enterprises of great hope and moment,

With this regard ‘Cuda Falls turn awry,

And lose the name of Action. Pray you now,

The fair ‘Cuda Falls? Thy water slide, in thy circumstances

Be all my words remembered.

[Her0ofLime]

^ Art.

 

Anyways....

Is the only thing you people care about 'Cuda Falls?

Do you have a secret love for 'Cuda Falls?

Will there be waterslide-human hybrid children by the end of this year?

[DarienLaker]

Is the only thing you people care about 'Cuda Falls?

Do you have a secret love for 'Cuda Falls?

Will there be waterslide-human hybrid children by the end of this year?

 

No not really, but I took my word on a wild speculation that the 'Cuda Falls water slides would reopen this season after a season long rehab and having two water slide complexes would reduce the long lines for the other slides and that is why I would want Darien Lake to keep 'Cuda Falls open!

[Golddisk]

If Darien Lake really did refurbish 'Cuda Falls, I would really think that they would be ready to reopen when the water park open for the season. All they said last year about 'Cuda Falls was that the slides were going under "refurbishment" or is Darien Lake secretly planning to get rid of the 'Cuda Falls water slides for a "secret" ride/attraction?

 

"Refurbishment" in this case is just like when a ride op tells you the ride is down for "technical difficulties". It was used as a way to explain why they were closed without giving out what was wrong with them. I don't think there's any planning for a "secret" ride or attraction either. Last time I was by the park the slides were still standing so no surprises this year at least anyways.

 

I feel like the likes not being open should almost be non-news anyways. Does anyone know how long water slides normally last? I'm thinking 20 years is a long time for water slides especially when you factor in Buffalo's climate...

 

Her0ofLime - I'm thinking some one has a cuda falls fetish lol

[Coaster Cow]

To be, or not to be, that is the question—

Whether 'tis ‘Cuda Falls in the mind to suffer

The Slings and Arrows of outrageous enthusiasts,

Or to take Arms against a Sea of confusion,

And by opposing end them? To cringe, to sleep—

No more; and by a word, to say we end

The Heart-ache, and the thousands of shocks

That property is heir to Darien Lake? 'Tis a consummation

Devoutly to be wished. To cringe, to sleep,

To speak, holding to Dream; Aye, there's the problem,

For in that sleep of day, what dreams may come,

When we have shuffled off this supposed tragedy,

Must give us pause. There's the respect to the slide

That makes Calamity of enthusiasts:

For who would bear the words and suggestions of time,

The enthusiast's wrong, the proud man's Contumely,

The pangs of despised Love of the ride, the news delay,

The insolence responses, and the words

That impatient merit of the unworthy news that is released,

When Darien Lake themselves might be the quiet make

With an announcement to come? Who would hype it up,

To grunt and cringe under a weary life,

But that the dread of some ride after supposed rehab,

The undiscovered news, from whom want so desperately

No News returns, Puzzles spread,

And makes us rather bear those ills we have here,

Than state speculation of things that we know not of.

Thus Conscience does make Enthusiasts of us all,

And thus the Hopeful hue of Resolution

Is impatient o'er, with the pale cast of Thought,

And enterprises of great hope and moment,

With this regard ‘Cuda Falls turn awry,

And lose the name of Action. Pray you now,

The fair ‘Cuda Falls? Thy water slide, in thy circumstances

Be all my words remembered.

 

Reposting because he ACTUALLY QUOTED THE ENTIRE SOLILOQUY. I had to memorize that back in high school. Mad props for making my day, bro.

[coasterkid124]

It seems like finally something good news comes out. It just makes me wonder if or when Darien replaces Cuda with a new slide complex. Darienlaker does however bring up a good point in saying that lines become extremely long for other slides. The smart move would be putting another new slide complex in the actual water park and leave Cuda's hill to be developed. The hard part in building something new would be the terrain. I don't know what could be built on a hill besides a terrain coaster.

[XYZ]

Reposting because he ACTUALLY QUOTED THE ENTIRE SOLILOQUY. I had to memorize that back in high school. Mad props for making my day, bro.

 

No problem.

[DarienLaker]

It seems like finally something good news comes out. It just makes me wonder if or when Darien replaces Cuda with a new slide complex. Darienlaker does however bring up a good point in saying that lines become extremely long for other slides. The smart move would be putting another new slide complex in the actual water park and leave Cuda's hill to be developed. The hard part in building something new would be the terrain. I don't know what could be built on a hill besides a terrain coaster.

 

I say if Darien Lake decides to get rid of 'Cuda Falls, then they should put a new slide complex in its place to ease the crowds in the Swirl City que lines as well as que lines for Tornado and Big Kahauna.

[Sk610]

If they were to remove cuda falls for expansion, they could easily build whatever they want. The hill could easily be leveled out and the dirt moved elsewhere, or they could use the terrain and build a really cool coaster. Just look at what they did when they built shipwreck falls...They moved major earth in order to make that hill it goes up and flatten it down from the old Rainbow Mountain slide complex.

 

I am in complete agreement that as great as they were, Cuda Falls has seen better days and stands on a very prime plot of expansion land. I would love to see DL add more slides on the same area as the current water park area if they did remove Cuda Falls. There is room over there to expand like that. Plus, if they were planning on doing this for this year, it could actually happen, as the park opens in early/mid may, but the water park usually does not open until Memorial Day weekend at the earliest, giving a little added time to build/remove something.

 

I also must say that if they are planning on the Lake Monster renovation of the predator for the 2015 season, I really think they should do a farewell tour for it. Advertise to come ride it in it's final year before the major transformation or something.

[DarienLaker]

Frankly, I think the only thing that Darien Lake needs for 'Cuda Falls' possible replacement is another slide complex so that the Swirl City slides, Tornado, and Big Kahuna don't get like two hour wait times especially if Darien Lake has one of those days where they're short on inner tubes for water slide.

[Sk610]

Yes I totally agree a similar type of slide complex should replace Cuda Falls. honestly, if they do that, the only other things they may actually need would be a speed slide type of complex and maybe a few very small slides for younger kids. I think they have alot good going on in the current waterpark and some those three new slide complexes would really complete what they have. And yes a water coaster would totally pyt them over the top!

[SbSteveZ]

With Firechaser Express' opening on the 22nd, it made me wonder, If by chance CNL does allow Herschend to add big rides in the future, would you expect them to be like the recent additions to Dollywood and Silver Dollar City? In 3 years Dollywood opened Wild Eagle and Firechaser and Silver Dollar City just opened Outlaw Run this past summer. I know we've all heard the Lake Monster rumor time and time again, but I'm just curious to know if you guys could see Darien getting those kinds of attractions like at the other parks. Of course I wouldn't assume anything like those 3 coasters anytime soon, but in the future maybe... Thoughts?

[Shavethewhales]

The big rides will happen. They are certainly already planning for them. Lake Monster isn't a rumor, it was an actual pitch, which shows that they have given heavy consideration to it. I expect them to go for it for 2015, but it seems CNL has a fair bit of control over that still. If the rumors are true about HFEC grooming DL to buy, it'll happen sooner rather than later.

 

I think it will be awhile before you see something like a new B&M show up at DL, but if they can get Lake Monster built and get a good response to it, who knows where the park will go. It's in a decent location for growth.

[DarienLaker]

Now i'm not sure if the "Lake Monster" project will ever happen even if CNL sells Darien Lake to Herschend, but one thing's for sure either way I'd like to see Darien Lake get a new coaster and I mean new and not a kiddie coaster!

[Sk610]

I totally think HFE will be buying dl sooner rather than later. My money says that HFE planned the lake monster project under the assumption that they would own the park outright by now. I do expect that announcement sometime this year and shortly after, if not the same day to have the lake monster announced.

 

I do also think that once HFE has full control you will see some major expansion happen which will include coasters along with some good flats. I would almost bet after lake monster dl would get a small b&m coaster much like batman at sfne and a gci woodie like thunderhead at dollywood. Obviously not in back to back years, but over the course of a few. I also think they will add some much needed new slides to the waterpark

 

Personally, HFE taking full ownership of dl can't come fast enough for me

[HAUNT MANIAC]

Hey everyone, I live close to Canada's Wonderland and love coming over to visit Darien Lake at least once every 2 or 3 years since I was a kid. I have been coming since it was Darien Lake Fun Country, when it was a campground with a few flat rides. Now I bring my nieces and nephew to enjoy Darien Lake. I have just a few clarification questions if you all don't mind . . . (1) Who owns Darien Lake right now? (2) Who is in control of Darien Lake right now? (3) I see you all talking about ummm . . . Herchand . . . I don't know if that is the correct spelling . . . Who is Herchand and why do you think Darien Lake would be better if he was the sole owner? Why can't it be great right now? Is there a parent company holding Herchand back? Is the parent company holding funds back from Herchand? This is the kind of thing that destroys parks, when one owner has amazing plans and ideas and the other owner doesn't want to pay for them. I don't know if this is true in this case as Darien Lake has seen some improvements over the last couple of years, but clearly, I don't really know what is going on, so some clarification for some of us Canadians up here would be great! Thanks.

[netdvn]

Darien Lake is owned by CNL Lifestyle properties. They own a number of theme/water parks all over the country (as well as ski resorts, golf courses, and hotels). They bought out some of the former Six Flags properties when they were put up for sale.

 

Herschend has a stake in the park. They own some of the best theme parks in the country (Silver Dollar City, Dollywood) as well as a few other tourist attractions (Dixie Stampede, Ride the Ducks, a few aquariums, etc) scattered all over the place.

 

My guess is the park is making investments to improve, but attendance isn't up to par with what either company wants. Either that or the park just isn't making enough money to justify a huge capital investment. That's probably why Lake Monster's been put on indefinite hold and why they haven't really received any significant major rides.

[HAUNT MANIAC]

Okay, so ummm . . . 2 different owners, 2 different visions, 2 different pocketbooks, I guess that is why we haven't seen anything BIG happen at Darien Lake for a few years. Here is my suggestion. Canada's Wonderland's improvements slowed a lot when Paramount owned it, now Cedar Fair owns it and they have invested over $100 million since 2006. If they want to attract more customers to Darien Lake, then they must build. Build, build, build! Coasters like Behemoth and Leviathan at Wonderland are pretty cheap for the impact they have had on Wonderland. Behemoth - 230ft Leviathan -306ft. For around $25 million each, these coasters look huge! You can see them from miles away and it makes the park look like a real Theme park. Now, if Darien Lake built a $25 million coaster, then I guarantee you, attendance would go up, way up! Modifying Predator is not enough and some people think these modified wooden coasters are not safe. So, you fans of Darien Lake in the U.S., try getting these two owners to sit down and build a big coaster at Darien Lake.

[DarienLaker]

Now, if Darien Lake built a $25 million coaster, then I guarantee you, attendance would go up, way up! Modifying Predator is not enough and some people think these modified wooden coasters are not safe. So, you fans of Darien Lake in the U.S., try getting these two owners to sit down and build a big coaster at Darien Lake.

 

I guess as long CNL owns Darien Lake, we'll never see a $25 million coaster? Then the only that Darien Lake would get attendance up would to have something that you can't get at any other theme park in world like, a special one of kind attraction that would blow Darien Lake's competitors away or maybe a new one of kind water slide complex (to replace 'Cuda Falls?). Also some ride repaints and two train operations!