New coaster for Wildlife World Zoo in Phoenix

The track really looks like a smaller version of TOGO track.

I went to this park a couple years ago, right after they opened the Log Flume and Aquarium. It was a very nice, clean park and there is definitely room for expansion. The staff was super friendly and even though we went in April, it was still almost 100 degrees. I'm pretty excited to hear that "something" is coming to Arizona because frankly, living in this state as a roller coaster enthusiast is pretty damn hard. There just isn't too many coasters in this state. It's kind of crazy that the best Coaster in the state is at Schnepf Farms and hardly anyone has heard of that place unless they live in the Phoenix area. And yes, that coaster is better than the ones at Castles N Coasters because the airtime is INSANE!

I'm really excited to see this development progress and I have no doubt that this will probably be the best coaster in Arizona. Plus, hearing that they are expanding it with some kids rides too is going to be a great addition of the families!

Jimmy "Living in the heat!" Bo

^^^^Oh for sure, Robb. I just meant as far as Chance becoming a bigger player in the coaster scene. As I'm sure most people did, I grew up on all their amusement rides. So it's very cool to see all the bigger things they've started to do.

Looks like it could be the best coaster in Arizona.

I'm so excited not only for a wildlife park expansion but also a cool new family coaster

We are starving for coasters in Phoenix. This Zoo/Park opened in 1984 and we used to go there on school trips. In the past 5 years it has grown so much adding a huge aquarium, log flume, chances to go in cages and feed animals, and a safari jeep tour. This trend makes me think of small family parks like Holiday World, Valleyfair, and Kennywood that grew to full fledged parks. There have been several attempts to build amusement parks in Arizona and with the Wildlife World Zoo's proximity to the 303 highway and plenty of available land, maybe given time this park has a shot at it! I know I'll be watching.

It's kind of crazy that the best Coaster in the state is at Schnepf Farms and hardly anyone has heard of that place unless they live in the Phoenix area. And yes, that coaster is better than the ones at Castles N Coasters because the airtime is INSANE!

Agreed, I loved that little coaster

Being that I am a huge fan of Chance, this great news for them and the zoo. Hopefully more chance creations in the near future

For those of you that haven't been to the park...here are a couple photos from the park from my last visit...about 3 years ago. The park has had some more additions since then but at least those of you that aren't in Arizona can get excited for this park! It really is a great little park and when we visited, we had a blast!

Onto the pictures

Here we are...the entrance

The carousel

Entrance to Dragon World which had some awesome animal exhibits! Plus, it was indoors and air-conditioned!

One of the many "dragons"

The Sky Ride entrance. This ride takes you over the walkway and you get some great views of the exhibits.

Here's some more of the sky ride!

Their train was another "Must Do" while at the park.

This was one of the best parts of the park. Be sure to bring your quarters!

The giraffes were really hungry when we went.

"Give me my FOOD!!!!"

Mr. Turtle approves of this park and this picture!

The Boat Ride takes you around some of the Australian animal exhibits. You could also walk around to these exhibits as well.

Another awesome exhibit. And it is indoors with air-conditioning too!

There are a ton of little animals in the Small mammal Exhibit. They were hilarious and very feisty.

Another exhibit which was indoors in air-conditioning. They had some impressive reptiles/insects!

Don't let this guy out of the exhibit!

Snakes...why did it have to be snakes!

Here's m y only picture of the Log Flume. It does cool you off quite a bit during the ride. Plus, you get to go "in" the aquarium and see a couple exhibits that you can only view from riding the Log Flume.

And yes...they have penguins.

This place was a great place for lunch. All in all, this park is pretty great and families really can enjoy the many exhibits and rides that they offer now. I can't wait till they offer some more and I think the state of Arizona will really enjoy this little park!

Is this park in Tucson? Did it used to be named something else? The Desert Sonora Zoo by chance? If so, the place looks great. Spiders! Uhggggggggg!!!

Phoenix. In the west valley.

^^Guy, it's in Phoenix on the West side by the 303 loop. The Sonoran Desert Museum is still in Tucson and not as awesome as this park.

Jimmy "We still have Old Tucson Studios in Tucson though!" Bo

To give a better idea of where this place is, right about here, I've been there a handful of times since I've lived here.

And to be quite honest, every single ride sans the Moser drop ride at Castles n' Coasters is an enormous letdown. We've got Hopkins coasters and the aforementioned

If there was ever a place that needed a mega-lite, it's here in Phoenix.

It kind of reminds me of the Lowery Park Zoo in Tampa a little bit with the mixture of smaller rides and animal exhibits. I love the addition of the family coaster, I've always thought more zoos could greatly benefit from a nice rides section including a smaller family coaster, nice to see one going through with it.

^^Guy, it's in Phoenix on the West side by the 303 loop. The Sonoran Desert Museum is still in Tucson and not as awesome as this park.

 

Jimmy "We still have Old Tucson Studios in Tucson though!" Bo

The Desert Museum is just that. If it had a ride it might destroy what the purpose is supposed to be. Does Old Tucson still have the Merry Go Round and Ferris Wheel? The last time I was there was before the fire.

^Old Tucson is going through a long process of fixing up the Merry-Go-Round. There is no Ferris Wheel but there are antique cars and a train that travels around the park. They also added a couple new set pieces last year and have more shows throughout the day.

Another place to visit in Tucson is Trail Dust Town

http://www.traildusttown.com

This has a Merry-Go-Round, Ferris Wheel, Train with actual working animatronics, and a pretty bad@$$ stunt show. Plus, the steaks at the restaurant are pretty tasty.

Jimmy "Yes, this is as good as our theme parks go in Arizona" Bo

^I want to see the "Ol' Terrible MIne."

I think I've eaten there before, when we were visiting family. It's kinda like Tucson's very own CASA BONITA.

Here is an article about the expansion.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/kids/2015/04/16/draws-jack-hanna-incredible-wildlife-world-zoo/25884115/

Jimmy "Really excited for this parks future" Bo

Here's some construction photos from the Zoo's Facebook Page. I've also included a somewhat recent (December 2014) Aerial of the park and where the new land and coaster will be.

Jimmy "This is going to be the best zoo in Arizona!" Bo

Swing construction

Surrounding Area

Watch out for monkeys!

Coaster construction

Footers and track pieces

Staging area

Aerial of what the park looks like

Aerial with some markers to identify certain attractions.

The park just posted these photos on their Facebook page. A lot of progress has been made on the coaster!

This is looking great so far. Can't wait to see more progress.

Looks like a mini Lightning Run.

IOE has been onsite the last several days testing the control systems readying the new Jr. coaster for it's maiden voyage. Bryan posted a neat video showing a bit of what they do to prepare the system as well as shows off the site. Check out the video on their facebook page, and while you're at it, give em a like! Video

Saw on their Facebook page that they are looking at an early 2016 opening for the new land and rides. They just tested the Zipline with the owner of the park and it looks like a very fun-family ride.

Jimmy "Can't wait for this to open" Bo