New coaster for Wildlife World Zoo in Phoenix

[chadster]

Hearing that the family coaster mentioned in the article below slated for the Wildlife World Zoo in Phoenix has started.

 

Anyone local that can confirm?

 

http://archive.azcentral.com/community/swvalley/articles/20130318wildlife-world-zoo-will-see-wild-expansion.html

Edited August 10, 2015 by chadster

[linearinduction]

It's a Chance Rides Big Dipper Family Coaster they are installing.

[robbalvey]

Just got some construction photos in! If there is one thing Arizona could use is more coasters! The new expansion at the zoo will include a few different family rides with the coaster being a main draw. Sounds like an exciting project for the park! Here is the info they sent me:

 

We are currently underway with building the new roller coaster as well as several other attractions, including the vertigo swing ride, soaring eagle and flying scooters. The coaster is going to be a Chance Family Coaster and has just begun construction. We hope to have the new Adventure Land area of the zoo open by early 2016.

 

Please be sure to like their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WWZAq

Edited April 5, 2015 by robbalvey

[jedimaster1227]

Great to see a new installation like this coming to such a unique location! I can't wait to see how the finished product looks in the park and how they integrate it into their theming (if they have any).

[Paradox]

Can't wait for another ride like Lightning Run to be built!

[gerstlaueringvar]

Does it mean Ride Centerline was involved?

[Jew]

I've been meaning to go to Coyotes vs. Kings game and a D'backs vs Dodgers game...good know there will also now be a credit!

[cfc]

Chance's Lightning Run at Kentucky Kingdom turned out well, so I'm curious about this project.

[robbalvey]

This is more of a family coaster - a "Big Dipper" model.

[cfc]

So, it's like those Wile E. Coyote Canyon Blasters rides at Six Flags in Texas and Georgia? Sounds good--they are better than your average kiddie coaster.

[robbalvey]

^ Yes, exactly. Smaller family ride, but should be a big addition for this park.

[Genx24]

A roller coaster at a zoo. What a great idea. I wish the Bronx Zoo would build a coaster.

[robbalvey]

I really liked the little rides section at the Indianapolis Zoo and it gives families something else to do at the park and could expand the time they spend there. I love seeing parks like this create new areas and expansions to include rides.

[Paradox]

Kolmarden is a zoo and they're building an awesome RMC.

[robbalvey]

^ Along with a new kids area and a family coaster!

[Genx24]

There's a zoo by my house (the Staten Island Zoo) that recently added a carousel, and it seems to be a hit with families. I can see them adding another ride or two in the coming years, but I doubt they'd ever add a coaster. But I agree, adding rides to zoos are very good ideas.

[chadster]

Well I guess that confirms the rumors I was hearing! Love seeing when 'the little guys' are able to make investments and provide fun an entertainment for the whole family.

[Blue Turbo]

It will be interesting to see how this expansion turns out, especially since it is not very far from me

[JeromyL]

This is cool... we love zoo's... will have to fly down to phoenix after this opens, check out the zoo and snag a credit in the process...

[MIAfan88]

The zoo has really expanded the past few years, with the log flume to the giant aquarium and the new Africa area. The zoo is really nice, I used to go here with my grandparents every here during spring break when I was young.

 

Is this the idea of the layout?https://www.chancerides.com/coasters/images/family_coaster_spec_sheet.pdf

[Philrad71]

It's nice to see some zoos expanding with rides sections!

 

I thought the area at Columbus Zoo was very well done and I liked the looks of the new merry go round at the Cleveland Zoo when we visited last year. Speaking of the Cleveland MetroParks Zoo, I think that this is one of the more underrated zoos in the country. It is hilly, but really unique, clean and with lots of trees. It would be neat to see them expand where the section of the merry go round is with a few more rides and perhaps a smallish family coaster.

The merry go round at the Cleveland MetroParks Zoo.

[ajfelice]

Family coasters are neat to me for a variety of reasons. First, as an enthusiast they can be some of the best giggle coasters out there where you ride with non-stop laughing. Second, as someone who committed to a long term career with a family park I know family rides are what we need to do best with. In my opinion, family coasters need to balance kid-friendly with not inducing discomfort (due to tiny cars), pure boredom, or incredible lameness for parents. Family coasters even look better in advertising than standard oval kiddie coasters. For example (standing on my soapbox), Comet at Waldameer does this perfectly in which it's not scary for young children, but it's not something adults will feel crushed and uncomfortable riding with children. Adults even find it a very fun ride despite it's fairly tame nature. A win for everyone. From the few pictures circulating, it looks like Chance designed something that is big enough that kids will love it and not be too scared to get on it, and parents will also find it enjoyable.

[theredskull84]

Definitely interested to see how this turns out. Esp with the success of Lightning Run, I could see a lot more Chance coasters ordered in the future.

[robbalvey]

^ Keep in mind, though, it's not a "Lightning Run", it's one of Chance's Family coasters like this:

[fatdaddy]

Looks like it could be the best coaster in Arizona.