Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (SFDK) Discussion Thread

[Double0Kevin]

You guys have to remember that when VooDoo was added there were only 2 major coaster in the park, one of those(Boomerang) was right next to VooDoo. There was no Roar plaza, no Oasis Plaza and animals were still one of the biggest draws for the park. VooDoo was in a prime location near a major coaster, the animals, and it had Jambo back there as a 1-2 punch. It wasn't until the following 2 years when Roar and Medusa were built that the park crowds really shifted towards the front of the park, and almost every new attraction (except the Tiger Show and Tava's Jungleland which are both family oriented) built has brought the thrill crowd away from that area of the park.

[XYZ]

I think in the future that SFDK really needs to bring more of a crowd to the Land section because it is always quiet in most parts. The only ride there that has long lines is White Water Safari on a hot day.

 

You guys have to remember that when VooDoo was added there were only 2 major coaster in the park, one of those(Boomerang) was right next to VooDoo. There was no Roar plaza, no Oasis Plaza and animals were still one of the biggest draws for the park.

 

Oasis Plaza existed because Kong was built in the same year as VooDoo and Boomerang.

[Andrewoplis]

Well, that little pond in front of Voodoo was still disgusting, even with the fountains on. They REALLY need to show that ride some love!

[Angry_Gumball]

I think in the future that SFDK really needs to bring more of a crowd to the Land section because it is always quiet in most parts. The only ride there that has long lines is White Water Safari on a hot day.

 

You guys have to remember that when VooDoo was added there were only 2 major coaster in the park, one of those(Boomerang) was right next to VooDoo. There was no Roar plaza, no Oasis Plaza and animals were still one of the biggest draws for the park.

 

Oasis Plaza existed because Kong was built in the same year as VooDoo and Boomerang.

 

Before recently, you had to climb the hill up by the old Dinosphere building to get to Kong. Technically the Oasis plaza originally featured Cobra and Medusa. Until Medusa and Cobra came, this area did not exist.

[RAWKIN_coaster38]

I think in the future that SFDK really needs to bring more of a crowd to the Land section because it is always quiet in most parts. The only ride there that has long lines is White Water Safari on a hot day.

They can't really have any coasters back there because of the height restriction. They have Tava's, the butterflies, and the two weird flat rides Monkey Business and Thrilla Gorilla. It works alright as an area to draw kids and families and I could see them adding or moving a family ride back there, but not a thrill ride.

 

BTW... the butterflies are the most underrated attraction at SFDK. I think most people who go to the park probably don't know the butterflies are even there, but it's a really cool exhibit. I always end up having brightly colored clothing that trick them into thinking I'm a flower.

 

Oasis Plaza existed because Kong was built in the same year as VooDoo and Boomerang.

If by "existed" you mean it was a usable parking lot, then yes. Hence our favorite parking lot coaster was born later!

 

Well, that little pond in front of Voodoo was still disgusting, even with the fountains on. They REALLY need to show that ride some love!

They probably should, but probably won't.

[gromithere]

They can't really have any coasters back there because of the height restriction. They have Tava's, the butterflies, and the two weird flat rides Monkey Business and Thrilla Gorilla. It works alright as an area to draw kids and families and I could see them adding or moving a family ride back there, but not a thrill ride.

 

Just curious what makes you think those flat rides are "weird?" I actually really like them as far as flat rides go. The fact that they are covered earns extra points for me in the summer.

 

I'm not fully aware of the height restrictions in the back of the park, but wouldn't a nice wild mouse work well back in that area? Adds a family friendly coaster without too much height. That being said, I'm certain this wont happen at least any time in the near future, but it seems like a good thought to me.

[XYZ]

I think in the future that SFDK really needs to bring more of a crowd to the Land section because it is always quiet in most parts. The only ride there that has long lines is White Water Safari on a hot day.

 

You guys have to remember that when VooDoo was added there were only 2 major coaster in the park, one of those(Boomerang) was right next to VooDoo. There was no Roar plaza, no Oasis Plaza and animals were still one of the biggest draws for the park.

 

Oasis Plaza existed because Kong was built in the same year as VooDoo and Boomerang.

 

Before recently, you had to climb the hill up by the old Dinosphere building to get to Kong. Technically the Oasis plaza originally featured Cobra and Medusa. Until Medusa and Cobra came, this area did not exist.

 

Thanks for clearing it up. I now know where Kong's old enterance was since there is a odd direction in the queue that goes right up that hill and right next to the path then goes back to the station.

[Mechanic]

A relatively low-to-the-ground multiple launch type coaster, perhaps along the lines of the new Manta at Sea World San Diego, could certainly stay within the height limit toward the backside of the park. A moderately thrilling family attraction of that sort in that area would be sure to be a crowd pleaser. That said, I'm fairly sure that a more likely area for an addition of that sort would be the hill behind Boomerang and Tasmanian Devil that is currently home to the dormant 3D theatre. There were some rumblings a while back about future plans for a coaster being added to that hill, but I haven't heard any more about it. In fact, hasn't there been talk about adding some sort of walk-through animal attraction to that area since then?

[Double0Kevin]

A relatively low-to-the-ground multiple launch type coaster, perhaps along the lines of the new Manta at Sea World San Diego, could certainly stay within the height limit toward the backside of the park. A moderately thrilling family attraction of that sort in that area would be sure to be a crowd pleaser. That said, I'm fairly sure that a more likely area for an addition of that sort would be the hill behind Boomerang and Tasmanian Devil that is currently home to the dormant 3D theatre. There were some rumblings a while back about future plans for a coaster being added to that hill, but I haven't heard any more about it. In fact, hasn't there been talk about adding some sort of walk-through animal attraction to that area since then?

 

A low launched coaster would work in respect to the height limit, but I doubt the park would even bother trying since it's almost guaranteed that they would be met with strong opposition from the neighbors across the lake. When the park had Shoreline Express, the operators weren't allowed to use the train's whistle except in emergency situations because the neighbors complained about the noise. They also wanted the park to ban screaming on Jambo at one point.

 

As for Dino Hill, the only rumor I've ever heard for that hill was the Log flume that was planned for 2001 that eventually was canceled. The concept art for that thing was so awesome, it easily would have been one of the coolest water rides ever built outside of Disney. There was also a very short lived idea of relocating a coaster from another park to the back side of the hill where the warehouses are, but instead SF decided to paint the loop yellow and send it elsewhere... I'll let you guys do the math.

[RAWKIN_coaster38]

Just curious what makes you think those flat rides are "weird?" I actually really like them as far as flat rides go. The fact that they are covered earns extra points for me in the summer.

Weird because I always thought they were kinda random. I always forget they even exist and I've met other people who didn't know about them, but there always seems to be people in line.

 

BTW, at BAB I think they said the height restriction closer to the lake was around 50', so technically they could build something decent while keeping with that, I just don't think they will for the reasons Double0Kevin stated.

 

As for Dino Hill, the only rumor I've ever heard for that hill was the Log flume that was planned for 2001 that eventually was canceled. The concept art for that thing was so awesome, it easily would have been one of the coolest water rides ever built outside of Disney. There was also a very short lived idea of relocating a coaster from another park to the back side of the hill where the warehouses are, but instead SF decided to paint the loop yellow and send it elsewhere... I'll let you guys do the math.

That sounds so cool! Why was the log flume cancelled? Wow 2001 was well before the 3D theater even closed. I'm not good with dates, but wasn't Dinosphere still playing at that time?

 

I'm not picking up on the yellow loop allusion. Which coaster?

 

So you're saying there are no plans for the hill, or none you can divulge?

[simaticable]

^I'm sure he was talking about Chang before the Green Lantern retheme.

[Andrewoplis]

There was also a very short lived idea of relocating a coaster from another park to the back side of the hill where the warehouses are, but instead SF decided to paint the loop yellow and send it elsewhere... I'll let you guys do the math.

 

Would Chang even fit there? I know it was just a rumor, but it seems like a really tight squeeze.

[XYZ]

There was also a very short lived idea of relocating a coaster from another park to the back side of the hill where the warehouses are, but instead SF decided to paint the loop yellow and send it elsewhere... I'll let you guys do the math.

 

Would Chang even fit there? I know it was just a rumor, but it seems like a really tight squeeze.

 

I got the virtualbirdseye images of SFDK & SFKK and I believe there are the same size as the space Chang takes up is about the same space as Medusa. Chang could be built in SFDK, but it would cause massive amounts of cash in leveling lands and re-doing the warehouses in the back.

 

[scooterdoug]

Well, it looks like there is more progress on the station. I'm guessing that work on the rest of the coaster is halted until the station is complete (or mostly complete), as it would be difficult to access that particular area in the middle of such a dense support structure. Hopefully they'll be done soon and we can see some track going up before too long.

From SFDK's Facebook page.

[Rollercoaster Rider]

^I'm sure he was talking about Chang before the Green Lantern retheme.

 

 

I thought he was talking about Batman- The Escape at the Former Astroworld. They repainted that loop yellow.

[Double0Kevin]

I got the virtualbirdseye images of SFDK & SFKK and I believe there are the same size as the space Chang takes up is about the same space as Medusa. Chang could be built in SFDK, but it would cause massive amounts of cash in leveling lands and re-doing the warehouses in the back.

 

1. I didn't mean to start a huge debate of this, it was only a short lived RUMOR. Don't invest too much into it.

 

2. Chang is not the same size as Medusa even if they have similar stats. There footprints are pretty different. Also, ground work would have been relatively light. Biggest things would be removing and replacing the warehouses elsewhere. But again this was a split second rumor that was gone almost as quickly as it came up, nothing went far with it.

 

That sounds so cool! Why was the log flume cancelled? Wow 2001 was well before the 3D theater even closed. I'm not good with dates, but wasn't Dinosphere still playing at that time?

 

So you're saying there are no plans for the hill, or none you can divulge?

 

The log flume didn't call for the removal of Dino. It snaked it's way between Boomerang and Taz Devil. It also would have called for the removal of Jungle Theater and mods to the Elephant enclosure. It had under water clear tubes through alligator and hippo exhibits as well as above water sections past elephants and flamingos. Guests would have been able to walk back to see the animal exhibits as well. I believe it was a corporate cancellation due to budget. I'm not totally sure but based off the artwork I saw I would have ball parked the ride at around 15-20 million when you add in the animal enclosures and what not. I think they had named it River Wild.

 

As for current plans, I don't really keep in touch with anyone at the park anymore so I honestly have no clue on whats planned now-a-days. If something is planned up there, I don't know anything about it.

[orangeblue]

Sorry if this has been discussed before, but how is this coaster going to handle capacity? Twelve riders per train, launching every 3 minutes or so (a lenient estimate) would have terrible hourly capacity. It's so low that it seems like it would have to be an up-charge attraction just to be viable (or else face 5+ hour lines).

[XYZ]

Sorry if this has been discussed before, but how is this coaster going to handle capacity? Twelve riders per train, launching every 3 minutes or so (a lenient estimate) would have terrible hourly capacity. It's so low that it seems like it would have to be an up-charge attraction just to be viable (or else face 5+ hour lines).

 

This thread "wasted" about 20 pages on discussion on how there is horrible capacity. Will there be very long lines? Yes. Really, I see Superman as the coaster to go on first when visiting SFDK.

[Angry_Gumball]

I know it's the past now and a thing of 'not going to happen' but that log flume would have been very interesting. Would have been a very unique attraction, could see it being featured as one of those 'must ride' attractions on the Travel Channel along with TTD, Kingda Ka, and so on.

 

Back to S:UF, I can see the Flash Passes definitely picking up sales once the coaster's up. Capacity-wise, it seems pretty low but honestly, it doesn't seem to be any different than Psycho Mouse at CGA or maybe even Pandemonium. Since Psycho holds about 4 riders per mouse and typically there seems to be about 2 mice out on the course, max, that's about 8 riders. I never really watched Pandemonium to see how many cars are actually out running the course but I think it could be similar with the same count. What I don't know (yet since I haven't actually timed it) is the timing of Car #1 to start its run to the time Car #2 approaches the station to unload. I also don't know the cycle time of S:UF but it seems to be about the same. I've also never waited in the long lines for either Pandemonium or Psycho Mouse...but I can say that when the line starts at the base of the lift just outside the former train station building, you can expect probably a good 15-20 minute wait.

 

However due to the scale of the coaster and the newness to us Bay Area folk, I can see it drawing more crowds, thus adding to the long lines.

[Double0Kevin]

Pandemonium actually had decent capacity for the type of coaster it was. It only had 6 cars as opposed to the other model the other parks have which can run 8, yet it always had the highest capacity out of the 5. I can't remember the numbers, but I think it was around 500pph? Decent for a family coaster.

 

For Superman, I'm guessing they are going to do Flash Pass like they did (maybe still do) X2. The additional charge for a 1 time use. Otherwise they wouldn't be able to handle the demand and keep the standby line moving at all.

[scooterdoug]

Will there be very long lines? Yes. Really, I see Superman as the coaster to go on first when visiting SFDK.

 

Agreed. Currently, I head straight to Medusa when the gates open. Once S:UF opens, I will run for that for likely my only ride on it for the day (I really hate waiting in excessive lines). However, multiple daily rides might be more realistic during Sundays in Wintertime in the Park, as the park is delightfully dead at that time. We'll see...

[Rollercoaster Rider]

There was also a very short lived idea of relocating a coaster from another park to the back side of the hill where the warehouses are, but instead SF decided to paint the loop yellow and send it elsewhere... I'll let you guys do the math.

 

Would Chang even fit there? I know it was just a rumor, but it seems like a really tight squeeze.

 

I got the virtualbirdseye images of SFDK & SFKK and I believe there are the same size as the space Chang takes up is about the same space as Medusa. Chang could be built in SFDK, but it would cause massive amounts of cash in leveling lands and re-doing the warehouses in the back.

 

It couldn't have been built. The ride is 4 feet taller than the 150ft park limit. Unless they built a giant ditch for the ride. It couldn't have been built.

[XYZ]

I got the virtualbirdseye images of SFDK & SFKK and I believe there are the same size as the space Chang takes up is about the same space as Medusa. Chang could be built in SFDK, but it would cause massive amounts of cash in leveling lands and re-doing the warehouses in the back.

 

It couldn't have been built. The ride is 4 feet taller than the 150ft park limit. Unless they built a giant ditch for the ride. It couldn't have been built.

 

I think Six Flags could've talked with Vallejo into building a coaster 4' taller. Anyways, the land clearing I said earlier was to change the terrain as that part of SFDK is very hilly.

[SoCalCoasters]

I got the virtualbirdseye images of SFDK & SFKK and I believe there are the same size as the space Chang takes up is about the same space as Medusa. Chang could be built in SFDK, but it would cause massive amounts of cash in leveling lands and re-doing the warehouses in the back.

 

It couldn't have been built. The ride is 4 feet taller than the 150ft park limit. Unless they built a giant ditch for the ride. It couldn't have been built.

 

I think Six Flags could've talked with Vallejo into building a coaster 4' taller. Anyways, the land clearing I said earlier was to change the terrain as that part of SFDK is very hilly.

 

That height variance was there before the park. It's unlikely anything official could be made that high.

 

However the whole V2 debacle....

[darklingscribe]

^ Speaking of height for SFDK. I was wondering recently if the whole fairgrounds deal still stands?

 

From what I remember years ago Vallejo offered to up the hight limit on the park if Six Flags would buy the fairgrounds across the street, though I could be misremembering this.