LegendLover Posted July 27, 2021 Share Posted July 27, 2021 11 hours ago, Twisterfan1995 said: It helps that people in the region are already familiar with travelling to the area for a successful and high-quality waterpark there now so its a nice logical extension. The Bertch family, who own the Lost Island park/s are apparently a prominant family in the area, and also ran a successful kitchen cabinet manufacturing business in the area that they sold earlier this year to focus on the theme/water parks. So in theory, between having a successful local brand and (assuming) adequate capital and resources after selling their cabinet business, they should be in a good position to capitalize on a (hopefully) post-COVID opening season in 2022. That is exactly what I'm thinking. I think what will bring them the most success is if they offer a discounted park hopper ticket. I think what will happen is that most of the target market for Lost Island will probably go to the waterpark as it opens and spend a majority of the day there, but then hop over to the theme park for the afternoon and evening, especially given that I think there will be two areas in particular that will really shine at night (the fire themed land and the air themed land). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twisterfan1995 Posted July 30, 2021 Share Posted July 30, 2021 On 7/27/2021 at 12:17 AM, LegendLover said: That is exactly what I'm thinking. I think what will bring them the most success is if they offer a discounted park hopper ticket. I think what will happen is that most of the target market for Lost Island will probably go to the waterpark as it opens and spend a majority of the day there, but then hop over to the theme park for the afternoon and evening, especially given that I think there will be two areas in particular that will really shine at night (the fire themed land and the air themed land). Could be. I believe they also own a nearby KOA campground "resort" site too. I wouldn't be surprised if they toyed with offering multi-day packages including an overnight stay at their campground, maybe partner with local hotels or even the nearby casino if they have unfilled rooms. They may also be able to boost attendance numbers after labor day if they market to UNI football/sports fans travelling to Waterloo for games and convince them to spend an afternoon/extra day in the area or make a full family day/weekend out of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twisterfan1995 Posted November 2, 2021 Share Posted November 2, 2021 Major updates on the Park from the ParkPros youtube channel last week: Along with an article in a regional newspaper from September: https://www.thegazette.com/travel/behind-the-scenes-at-iowas-lost-island-theme-park-in-waterloo/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jarmor Posted November 2, 2021 Share Posted November 2, 2021 So this is like the thrift store of theme parks lol. I love it but a shame they had no idea the reputation SLC's had before buying. Makes you wonder if they even involved themselves in coaster forums and groups? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarlaKoaster Posted November 2, 2021 Share Posted November 2, 2021 34 minutes ago, jarmor said: So this is like the thrift store of theme parks lol. I love it but a shame they had no idea the reputation SLC's had before buying. Makes you wonder if they even involved themselves in coaster forums and groups? The park have to live within their means and although SLCs are generally rough, they're also compact, impactful and affordable. There's more to a coaster than smoothness which is why so many SLCs have been built. Most enthusiasts don't understand that, and most have unrealistic expectations. They have the new trains with vest restraints so it shouldn't be too bad. I think this park looks really nice, they've put a lot of thought into it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VegasBaby Posted November 2, 2021 Share Posted November 2, 2021 And to be honest, I doubt the GP knows the difference between a SLC and a B&M invert. Looking forward to visiting this park once it's up and running. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coasterbill Posted November 2, 2021 Share Posted November 2, 2021 If it's actually true that they bought two multi-million dollar coasters without doing any due diligence then LOL ... then again, it's not like they'd be the only ones doing that (cough: Gene Staples) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grsupercity Posted November 2, 2021 Share Posted November 2, 2021 SLC's are usually dependable and gp pleasers. I heard they may give it new vest trains. That ride with vest restraints would be one of the best coasters in the region. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shavethewhales2 Posted November 2, 2021 Share Posted November 2, 2021 I love hearing about the plans for the theming, and how much these owners care about the general ambiance and feel of the park. I really, really appreciate it when parks are more than just a collection of rides that you wait in line all day for. That's a big part of why I love SDC and DW so much, and hearing that they are measuring themselves against my favorite parks is a huge plus. I will definitely be there next summer! Why knock them for the SLC? They are refurbishing it and bought new trains. Should be decent at least. Good to hear they refurbished the launch coaster too with a new launch system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coasterbill Posted November 2, 2021 Share Posted November 2, 2021 Is anyone knocking them for buying the SLC? I'm not knocking them for buying an SLC, I'm knocking them for buying two coasters and having them shipped to another continent in one case and then almost literally to the other side of the world in the other and then being surprised to learn incredibly basic things about what they bought after they bought them and agreed to ship them across the world. Even if it will "work out" in the end, that's still insane, especially in the case of the SLC where you can find plenty all over the US to just go and ride. And again... that's assuming what they're saying in this video is actually accurate (and that's a big assumption). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jarmor Posted November 2, 2021 Share Posted November 2, 2021 I am definitely not knock them for securing the SLC or their business practice. I said I love it. But why can't I be critical about a decision that seems crazy to do, and I am not saying that as an enthusiast as some of you are implying. It's quite shocking (albeit hilarious) the amount of defending an almost 25 year old SLC is getting lol lol. But as it was said, to buy a coaster that is a quick plane ride away to check out is kinda funny. Now I am curious to know how much they paid for these coasters? If only they could have secured some classic flats from europe! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twisterfan1995 Posted November 4, 2021 Share Posted November 4, 2021 On 11/2/2021 at 1:12 PM, jarmor said: So this is like the thrift store of theme parks lol. I love it but a shame they had no idea the reputation SLC's had before buying. Makes you wonder if they even involved themselves in coaster forums and groups? Tbh going by this analogy: getting an Intamin launch coaster, a multi-inversion inverted coaster, an S&S drop tower, and a decent sized Ferris wheel is a pretty good haul for a thrift shopping trip. Especially for a new park in its first year not bankrolled by multibillion dollar industrial conglomerate. plus the park is spending money to refurbish all of them and buy new trains for the SLC, so they aren't being completely cheap or neglectful with their ride choices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jarmor Posted November 4, 2021 Share Posted November 4, 2021 I am rather confused by your reply (especially quoted to my post). No one is saying the park is being cheap or neglectful. Again, I said I loved the fact that they went that route! Just like I loved it when Cedar fair went and got used classic flat rides. Help me understand what you are reading. . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twisterfan1995 Posted November 5, 2021 Share Posted November 5, 2021 Fair enough, I took "thrift store" to mean that they cheaped out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoinItForTheFame Posted November 5, 2021 Share Posted November 5, 2021 WAIT!!! Do I spot that little Intamin Launched coaster from over seas?! Just repainted??? (Sorry for the, could be dumb, question haven’t followed this project that closely) but if it is that coaster…. Imma head to the park when it opens! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rcjp Posted November 5, 2021 Share Posted November 5, 2021 1 hour ago, DoinItForTheFame said: WAIT!!! Do I spot that little Intamin Launched coaster from over seas?! Just repainted??? (Sorry for the, could be dumb, question haven’t followed this project that closely) but if it is that coaster…. Imma head to the park when it opens! Yeah, it is the former coaster from Liseberg It's a fun little ride with a surprisingly aggressive launch 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twisterfan1995 Posted November 5, 2021 Share Posted November 5, 2021 Indeed it is the coaster fka "Kanonen" from Liseberg!. The SLC w/ extended Helix is also from the now defunct Ratanga Junction in South Africa. the S&S Tower is from the Buffalo Bill's Casino (home of Desparado coaster) in Nevada. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LegendLover Posted November 17, 2021 Share Posted November 17, 2021 Did we all see the news from the Sally Corporation booth at IAAPA where they present some information about the dark ride they are building for this park? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swishtime101 Posted November 19, 2021 Share Posted November 19, 2021 On 11/16/2021 at 9:35 PM, LegendLover said: Did we all see the news from the Sally Corporation booth at IAAPA where they present some information about the dark ride they are building for this park? In The Loop posted a YouTube video that showcased the presentation. In the video, they also showed a park map with a few (Future) references such as a spinning coaster and a flying coaster. The river rapids ride is also listed as a future addition. Hopefully they stick to the plans and build these rides, it would definitely add to their already impressive lineup. Link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beeTsiuciTI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LegendLover Posted December 27, 2021 Share Posted December 27, 2021 Udara Ride Test - YouTube Check out the testing of probably one of my most anticipated rides in the park! Amara Aviators will be the park's Gerstlauer Sky Fly! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grsupercity Posted December 27, 2021 Share Posted December 27, 2021 7 minutes ago, LegendLover said: Udara Ride Test - YouTube Check out the testing of probably one of my most anticipated rides in the park! Amara Aviators will be the park's Gerstlauer Sky Fly! It looks fun! I regretted not riding the one at MOA but it was the only ride there with a line Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boldikus Posted January 26, 2022 Share Posted January 26, 2022 Here's to hoping they kept the soft straps Kanonen got a few years before its closure. Hard to tell, but looks like they did. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan the Coaster Man Posted January 26, 2022 Share Posted January 26, 2022 Who is going to sound that name out for me? I like it, original... but help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swfan1988 Posted January 26, 2022 Share Posted January 26, 2022 39 minutes ago, Dan the Coaster Man said: Who is going to sound that name out for me? I like it, original... but help Ma-two-gan-e...? May-tug-annie...? Matchu-gah-ni...? Yeah, I got nothing... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boldikus Posted January 26, 2022 Share Posted January 26, 2022 I was thinking "Mah-Too-Gah-Knee". Alternately, you can just call it "The Intamin Launch Coaster From Europe". 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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