GAcoaster

Just like any other group, we have a hierarchy of leadership here on GAH. We base the rankings on Great Adventure's organizational structure:

Directors: Site Administrators- The people at the top of the ranking system

Blue Tags: Administrators- The Supervisors of the site

Red Tags: Moderators- The Manager/Leads of the site

Black Tags: Members- The main group

Orange Tags: The New Users- The less experienced newbies

Information from the Great Escape website:

New for the 2008 Season! Wiggles World is the brand new theme area, full of rides and attractions for children, based on the Wiggles- the most popular children's entertainers in the world. Featuring the music of the best-selling international "kid-pop" sensations, Wiggles World is the perfect theme park experience for families with young children.

 

Parents, you'll have a blast watching your children sing and dance to The Wiggles beat and pal around with The Wiggles best buddies-including Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog, and Henry the Octopus. Give your younger kids the thrill of a lifetime-a trip to Wiggles World. Wahoo!

 

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See the interactive children's production featuring the Wiggles cast of supporting characters.

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Enjoy a wide assortment of snacks and yummy treats for kids and the whole family at the

Yummy Yummy Cafe.

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Ride along in a Wiggles Big Red Car or on The Wiggles Big Red Plane Ride.

Information from Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom:

Voodoo Facts and Figures

Physical Dimensions: Height of track: 184 feet

Length of drop: Approximately 175 feet

Track length: 704 feet / approximately 2700ft per ride cycle

Angle of ascent: 90 degrees

Twist rotation: Track twists 360 degrees, rider experience varies by position on train

Top speed: up to 70 mph

Design: Category: Inverted Shuttle coaster

Model: Single twist impulse coaster

Structure: U-shaped steel tubular track

Features: 360-degree vertical twist, Linear induction motor (LIM)

Speed & Capacity:

Speed: LIM launch and speed assist on successive station passthroughs brings train to peak speed of up to 70 miles per hour by the first full forward passthrough

Capacity: Approximately 950 passengers per hour

Vehicles: coaches carry riders in two rows of two (four per car)

Coaches per train: Seven

Design: Steel coaches with individual shoulder restraint and restraining belt

Price Tag: $8.5 million

Ride Manufacturer: Intamin AG (headquartered in Wollerau, Switzerland)

Opening Date: Opening Day of Dorney Park's 2008 season - Schedule TBA

Location: Northwest midway between Monster and Laser

Height Requirement: 52" tall or taller

 

The curse of Voodoo takes command when the harnesses lock. Riders will be thrust back in their seats as Voodoo propels the 28 passengers into a 90 degree vertical ascent up the forward spike only to freefall in reverse through the station as Voodoo flaunts the fear for spectators. The LIMs kick in and the curse gets stronger as the train gains speed and races up the reverse spike. The next pass forward through the station will bring riders to a top speed of up to 70 mph as they head into the 184-foot helix. Once back through the station and up the reverse spike riders will find that time seems to stop for a split second so they can contemplate their eminent descent. After 2700 thrilling feet riders will leave jinxed with temptation to ride time and time again.

 

New to Dorney Park for 2008, the power of Voodoo will compel riders with new levels of excitement. Manufactured by thrill-artists Intamin, AG of Switzerland, the 704 feet of twisted steel will put all who challenge Voodoo under its spell to ride, and ride, and ride. The dueling towers of this U-shaped, suspended impulse coaster will possess riders when the Linear Induction Motors (LIMs) send them rocketing from one tower to another, taking them to new heights of velocity.

Statistics from RCDB.com:

Relocated from: Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom as Steel Venom

Make / Model: Intamin AG / Twisted Impulse Coaster

Categories: Shuttle

Lift / Launch System: LIM

Length: 704'

Height: 180'

Inversions: 0

Speed: 70 mph

Max Vertical Angle: 90 Degrees

Trains: Single train with 14 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in a single row for a total of 28 riders.

Statistics from RCDB.com:

Categories: Floorless

Length: 4210'

Height: 157'

Drop: 148'

Inversions: 5

Speed: 65 mph

Max Vertical Angle: 57 Degrees

G-Force: 3.8

Elements: 135' tall Loop

Cobra Roll

Interlocking Corkscrews (Interlocking Flat Spins)

Trains: 3 trains with 8 cars per train. Riders are arranged 4 across in a single row for a total of 32 riders per train.

Press Release from Kings Dominion:

Record Breaking Roller Coaster Planned for Kings Dominion in 2008

 

KINGS DOMINION, Virginia – Kings Dominion will soar to new heights in 2008 with the introduction of its 14th roller coaster, Dominator. Debuting in late spring, this innovative 4,210-foot steel coaster will be the longest floorless coaster in the world and have the tallest roller coaster loop.

 

Riders will board the coaster on the east side of International Street, just behind the park’s Berserker ride. Once seated, guests begin their journey with a short, twisted U-turn and climb the 161 foot-tall lift hill. After the 32 passenger train crests the top of the lift, riders are sent flying down a 157 foot drop, eventually speeding into the gut-wrenching, record-breaking vertical loop, which stands 135 feet tall. Four additional inversions will follow during Dominator’s two minute and six second, adrenaline pumping experience.

 

“Kings Dominion is known for having one of the country’s widest varieties of roller coasters,” said Pat Jones, Kings Dominion’s vice president and general manager. “Dominator is the perfect definition of the word “thrill” and reflects our commitment to combining one-of-a-kind attractions with fantastic family entertainment. We’re looking for some real thrill seekers who are up for the challenge and ready to take total control their ride experience.”

 

Dominator joins a portfolio of 13 industry-leading roller coasters including Volcano, The Blast Coaster, Flight of Fear (the world’s first coaster with LIM launch technology), Anaconda, The Grizzly and the Rebel Yell.

 

Kings Dominion will open in 2008 for weekend operation on Saturday, March 22. Daily operation begins Saturday, May 24. Water Works Water Park opens Saturday, May 24. For more information, guests can call the park at (804) 876-5000 or visit online at www.kingsdominion.com.

 

Season Passes, which include free parking in 2008, are now on sale at the park, by calling (800) 553-PASS (7277) or online at www.kingsdominion.com. Discounted park tickets also are available when purchased in advance online at www.kingsdominion.com.

 

Kings Dominion is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a publicly traded partnership that is listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FUN.” In addition to Kings Dominion, Cedar Fair owns and operates ten other amusement parks, six water parks, one indoor water park resort, and five hotels. Cedar Fair also owns and operates Star Trek: The Experience, an interactive adventure located in Las Vegas, and operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, Calif. under a management contract.

Press Release from Six Flags Over Texas:

Attention all thrill seekers, extreme sports enthusiasts and coaster aficionados — Six Flags Over Texas, The Entertainment Capital of Texas, is proud to announce plans to welcome another addition to its already amazing roster of thrills — Tony Hawk's Big Spin!

 

Tony Hawk's Big Spin, making its debut on opening day of Six Flags Over Texas' 47th season, will give riders the sensation of freestyle skateboarding as they sit facing one another in 4-person cars all decked out in skateboard motif! Riders will grab some serious airtime as they twist and turn in 360° rotations while grinding through two helixes, wild mouse turns, a camelback and much more on the rails of this 1,351-ft. steel coaster. Costing $6.5 million to build, Tony Hawk's Big Spin is designed to deliver a unique experience for guests each time, because the weight distribution of passengers will determine how each car spins along the track.

 

Offering a full extreme sports experience, Tony Hawk's Big Spin promises to be a unique, eye-catching addition to the Six Flags Over Texas landscape with the look and feel of a giant red-and-black skatepark. The queue line has also been specially designed, so guests will learn about the history of skateboarding and watch highlights of action sports on monitors and story panels as they prepare to board the ride. In addition, riders will be able to put themselves into the action, capturing their thrilling experience on a Tony Hawk's Big Spin DVD with the park's new CD Ride technology.

 

Tony Hawk was a professional skater at 14 and the #1 ranked vert skater in the world for 12 straight years. He has competed in 103 pro contests winning 73 of them while placing second in 19, earning him the best record in skateboarding history. He has won 16 X Games medals and is a four-time Kid's Choice and three-time Fox Teen Choice award winner. In addition, Tony Hawk is the creator and star of the hugely popular Boom Boom HuckJam tour that has been seen by standing room only crowds at Six Flags theme parks across the country.

 

"The choice to bring Tony Hawk's Big Spin ride to Six Flags Over Texas was very easy. The ride has been quite popular at our sister parks and Tony Hawk is a skateboarding legend. It's a winning formula!" said Steve Martindale, Six Flags Over Texas park president. "We look forward to guests of all ages enjoying this great coaster."

 

Tony Hawk's Big Spin stands at 53 ft., travels some 31 mph and will be located in the Boom Town section of the park. Families with younger children will find the ride's height requirement especially enticing, as Tony Hawk's Big Spin is suitable for kids at least 42" tall if they are riding with an adult, while kids 47" may ride alone.

 

Also on tap for the 2008 season is the return of the most talked-about show in the park's history, Cirque Dreams Coobrila! This Cirque Productions extravaganza, complete with extraordinary costumes, brilliant imagery and edge-of-your-seat performances, is back by popular demand beginning in June 2008.

 

Nearly a quarter of a million guests saw this bold, imaginative production during the 2007 season, with 98% surveyed saying they'd recommend it to family and friends and giving the show a nearly 10 out of 10 rating.

 

"The overwhelming positive response from our guests solidified our decision to bring Cirque Dreams Coobrila back for a second season," said Steve Martindale. "For those who fell in love with the show the first time, they'll have the opportunity to see it again, while for others it'll be an all-new experience."

 

Guests can enjoy all Six Flags Over Texas has to offer in 2008 by purchasing a Season Pass for $64.99. This is the lowest price of the year and it pays for itself in just two visits! Plus, guests who buy their '08 Season Pass now can enjoy Fright Fest AND Holiday in the Park for the remainder of the '07 season. For those in search of fun by land and water, the Combo Pass, good at both Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, is just $99.99, so guests can enjoy two great parks for one low price. All passes are available for purchase online at sixflags.com beginning Friday, September 28th. The 2008 season at Six Flags Over Texas promises to be filled with plenty of thrilling family fun, entertainment and excitement!

Statistics from RCDB.com:

Builder: Gerstlauer Amusement Rides GmbH

Designer: Ingenieur Büro Stengel GmbH

Categories: Spinning Cars

Cost: $6,500,000 USD

Capacity: 1400 riders per hour

Length: 1351'

Height: 53'

Drop: 27'

Inversions: 0

Speed: 31 mph

Duration: 1:51

Trains: 8 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 4 riders per car.

Press Release from Six Flags Discovery Kingdom:

Exciting new roller coaster allows guests the opportunity to experience the "Sky" like never before!

 

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is once again adding to its stellar lineup of Land, Sea and Sky experiences by offering guests a unique "Sky" adventure in 2008 with the addition of Tony Hawk's Big Spin, a one-of-a-kind spinning coaster the entire family can enjoy.

 

Themed to resemble an authentic skate park, Tony Hawk's Big Spin promises to put a new twist on the traditional coaster experience. With the opportunity to defy gravity just like professional skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, up to four riders will sit facing each other in a car that simulates tricks and maneuvers, traveling through banked fan turns, quick hairpin curves and steep, low-to-the-ground drops, all while freely spinning in circles! The spinning coaster cars, designed to resemble one of Tony Hawk's authentic skateboards, spin independently throughout the ride course so that no two ride experiences are alike.

 

"For the 2007 season, we received rave reviews from guests about our park's successful makeover to offer even more diverse entertainment and family-friendly thrills," said Six Flags Discovery Kingdom's Park President, Martin Lathrop. "The addition of Tony Hawk's Big Spin promises to offer enjoyment for kids, teens and adults alike. It is an excellent compliment to our unique ability to offer a wide variety of Land, Sea and Sky experiences."

 

Designed exclusively for Six Flags Discovery Kingdom by Gerstlauer GmbH of Germany, Tony Hawk's Big Spin will stand 53 feet tall, travel at speeds exceeding 35 m.p.h. and feature more than 1,351 feet of twisted steel track. At a cost of $6.5 million, the ride will be the first major all-ages attraction to be introduced at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom since 2003 and will be the Park's eighth roller coaster. Construction is set to begin in the coming months and those interested in following the ride's construction process can stay up-to-date by visiting sixflags.com/discoverykingdom.

 

"Tony Hawk's Big Spin is just one of the many exciting attractions that await our guests for the 2008 season," Lathrop said. "We're confident this exciting new addition will further solidify Six Flags Discovery Kingdom's position as the top entertainment destination for families in Northern California."

 

Now is the best time to become part of the adventure with a 2008 Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Season Pass. For just $69.99 each, guests can enjoy the best entertainment value around. Those who purchase a 2008 Season Pass not only get the chance to be among the first to experience Tony Hawk's Big Spin next spring, but also enjoy the rest of the 2007 season with events such as Fright Fest and the all-new Holiday in the Park. To order a Season Pass or to get more information regarding the Park's exciting 2008 season, visit sixflags.com/discoverykingdom or call 707-643-ORCA.

 

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom offers 135 acres of fun and interactive Land, Sea and Sky experiences for guests of all ages to enjoy. From more than 35 interactive and educational animal attractions, sensational shows from Shouka the killer whale to Odin the white Bengal tiger, 44 rides that range from the best roller coasters in Northern California to the most family-friendly rides and the opportunity to meet the JUSTICE LEAGUE Super Heroes and the loveable LOONEY TUNES characters, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is the ultimate family-entertainment destination!

 

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is located in Vallejo, California, off Interstate 80, just 30 miles northeast of San Francisco, 50 miles southwest of Sacramento and near the Napa Valley Wine Country.

 

Six Flags, Inc. is the world's largest regional theme park company. Founded in 1961, Six Flags celebrated its 45th Anniversary in 2006. Six Flags, Inc. is a publicly-traded corporation (NYSE: SIX) headquartered in New York City.

Statistics from RCDB.com:

Builder: Gerstlauer Amusement Rides GmbH

Designer: Ingenieur Büro Stengel GmbH

Categories: Spinning Cars

Cost: $6,500,000 USD

Capacity: 1400 riders per hour

Length: 1351'

Height: 53'

Drop: 27'

Inversions: 0

Speed: 31 mph

Duration: 1:51

Trains: 8 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 4 riders per car.

Press Release from Michigan's Adventure:

MUSKEGON, Michigan – October 2 - Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park announced plans today to build the first suspended looping roller coaster in the State of Michigan. The new steel coaster will open in the spring of 2008 bringing Michigan's Adventure's roller coaster count to seven!

 

Named Thunderhawk, the new coaster will climb 105 feet in the air with an exhilarating 86-foot drop. Riders will soar through the air with their feet dangling below them along a winding course that will feature five inversions and a top speed of 50 mph!

 

"Thunderhawk will bring a new dimension of thrills to the park," said Camille Jourden-Mark, the vice president and general manager of Michigan's Adventure. "It will be an exciting ride that twists, turns and flips. A suspended coaster that loops will be an instant favorite with our guests."

 

Located near RipCord and Adventure Falls, Thunderhawk will have a massive steel structure with tubular steel track. It will stretch 2,260 feet in length and will provide an electrifying ride time of approximately 2 minutes, 15 seconds. Riders will be seated in pairs in open seats that will be suspended below the track. Each rider will be secured with an over-the-shoulder harness and interlocking safety belt. A train will accommodate 20 riders. Riders must be between 52- and 80-inches tall to ride Thunderhawk. The ride was designed and manufactured by Vekoma International B.V., Vlodrop, The Netherlands.

 

Thunderhawk will represent the largest single ride expenditure in the history of the park. Michigan's Adventure has continued to add major capital improvements since joining the Cedar Fair Entertainment Company in 2001. Grand Rapids, a river-rafting ride, was introduced in 2006 while the Funnel of Fear water slide opened in 2005.

 

For next summer, Michigan's Adventure will boast more than 60 rides and attractions, including seven roller coasters. Thunderhawk will be a steel complement to the park's perennial favorite, Shivering Timbers, a 125- foot-tall wooden coaster. Since it opened in 1998, Shivering Timbers has been consistently ranked as one of the finest wooden roller coasters in the world by Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today is an international amusement and waterpark publication based in Arlington, Texas.

 

Guests at Michigan's Adventure can also get drenched in WildWater Adventure Waterpark, Michigan's largest waterpark. The waterpark has body slides, tube slides, three wave pools, kiddie play areas, family raft slides and the 313-foot-long Funnel of Fear water slide. Use of WildWater Adventure Waterpark is included with admission to Michigan's Adventure.

 

Earlier this year, Michigan's Adventure was declared "Attraction of the Year" by Travel Michigan and the Michigan Hotel, Motel & Resort Association.

 

Michigan's Adventure will open for the summer on Saturday, May 24, 2008. Michigan's Adventure Season Passes are now on sale, as well as the Cedar Fair Platinum Pass. Guests who purchase a season pass will enjoy admission to the park every day of the 2008 season, while the purchase of a Cedar Fair Platinum Pass will include unlimited admission to all of Cedar Fair's 11 amusement parks and six outdoor waterparks. By purchasing a Michigan's Adventure Season Pass or Cedar Fair Platinum Pass before Nov. 11, guests will receive a free Cedar Fair V.I.P. jacket.

 

For more information about Michigan's Adventure, guests may call 231.766.3377, or visit miadventure.com for the latest news.

 

Michigan's Adventure is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a publicly traded partnership that is listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FUN." In addition to Michigan's Adventure, Cedar Fair owns and operates ten other amusement parks, six water parks, one indoor water park resort, and five hotels. Cedar Fair also owns and operates Star Trek: The Experience, an interactive adventure located in Las Vegas, and operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, Calif. under a management contract.

From the Six Flags Over Georgia website:

Brand New for the 2008 Season! Take a ride around the Island of Sodor on Thomas the Tank Engine or meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway. Sir Topham Hatt will be on hand to pose for photos with you and your family. Stop by the Thomas & Friends store to get your favorite Thomas storybooks, clothing and diecast trains!

 

Thomas the Tank Engine - A cheeky, fussy, true blue engine who proudly wears the #1 on his side as he makes tracks to great destinations on the Island of Sodor. At Six Flags Over Georgia, the Thomas the Tank Engine attraction is a replica of Thomas with two passenger trains, Annie and Clarabel that can welcome up to 30 passengers to see all the Thomas Town sights. All Aboard!

 

Sir Topham Hatt Meet and Greet- Families can stop by throughout the day and meet, greet and pose for fun photos with Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway.

 

Thomas & Friends Gift Shop- Kids will want to remember their trip to the Island of Sodor by stopping by and browsing through a wide selection of Thomas & Friends brand shirts, toys, books and souvenirs.

Click here to visit the park website

The park will feature 5 new coasters:

Led Zeppelin The Ride-- B&M sitdown looping coaster

Length: 3738'

Height: 150'

Inversions: 6

Speed: 65 mph

Elements: 120' tall Loop

95' tall Cobra Roll

75' tall Zero−G Roll (Camelback)

Loop

Corkscrew (Flat Spin)

Trains: 8 cars per train. Riders are arranged 4 across in a single row for a total of 32 riders per train.

Maximum RPM

Premier Rides Coaster

Midnight Rider

Vekoma Mine Train

Shake Rattle & Rollercoaster

Categories: Family

Dimensions: 88' 7" x 147' 8"

Capacity: 780 riders per hour

Length: 679' 2"

Height: 27' 11"

Inversions: 0

Speed: 21.7 mph

Slippery When Wet

Premier Rides Suspended Family Coaster

Recent reports of guest surveys at SeaWorld Orlando included the mention of a flying coaster. Possible ideas included a ray theme, with the trains at some point doing some kind of splash element like the Sheikra and Griffon coasters, creating a splash without getting riders soaked.

This sounds like a great idea, and the ultra-competitive Orlando theme park market will require all the parks adding bigger, better new attractions to try to compete with Universal's addition of Harry Potter.

Press Release From Six Flags Discovery Kingdom:

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom to Present the Biggest Christmas Tree in the World

Monday October 22, 12:00 pm ET

Majestic Tree to Symbolize Holiday in the Park, the Biggest Holiday Celebration in California

 

VALLEJO, Calif., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/-- Standing at 125' tall, the towering presence and iconic symbol of California's biggest holiday celebration, Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, will be a gigantic Douglas fir -- the biggest Christmas tree in the world! The tree is expected to arrive at the park on October 30 from a tree farm in Oregon, traveling first by truck on Route I-5 and finally, ceremoniously delivered via Chinook helicopter into the park. Park guests will be able to enjoy this exquisitely decorated and lighted tree when Holiday in the Park kicks off on Friday, November 23.

 

"Having the biggest tree in the world will make Holiday in the Park one of the most exciting and magical places to visit this holiday season," said Martin Lathrop, park president. "If you can imagine the sheer size of this magnificent tree, and add to that the dazzling display of holiday-themed areas all around the park, it really will be the biggest holiday celebration in all of California."

 

The Christmas tree, which has a trunk diameter of four feet and an expanse of branches up to 55 feet, will be placed in the existing Dolphin Fountain location, a centrally-located area which will allow guests to view the tree the moment they enter the park. Each night, guests will be asked to "search" for Santa Claus, whom once found, will light the Christmas tree and the actual park simultaneously unveiling millions of twinkling lights in an extraordinary visual display.

 

The 125' tree, transported from the Willamette Evergreen Tree Farm in Salem, OR will be considered the tallest cut Christmas tree found this holiday season. To transport the tree to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, the park has enlisted the services of expert transport service Total Quality Logistics and Redmond Heavy Hauling of Portland. A 75' tractor will be attached to an 18- wheeler and the truck will journey from Oregon to California on Interstate 5. Large banners will identify the special cargo as the biggest Christmas tree in the world, as the truck makes its way along 580-mile rural route, stopping at various towns before arriving at its final destination.

 

"The public can literally track the tree's journey on our website and make plans to see the biggest Christmas tree in the world as it passes through their hometown," said Lathrop.

 

After the approximate 2-3 day journey, the tree will be air-lifted directly into the park by a BV234 Chinook helicopter, the biggest and heaviest lifting helicopter in the U.S., piloted by Columbia Helicopters of Oregon. Members of the media will be invited to photograph what will no doubt be an incredible sight, as the tree is set in place inside the park. The tree will be decorated over the next few weeks and be on display throughout the entire run of Holiday in the Park.

 

For Holiday in the Park, the park is being transformed in familiar and time-honored holiday themes. Guests will enjoy millions of dazzling lights, life-sized toys and ornaments, non-stop entertainment and festival-like ambience to get everyone into the spirit of the season.

 

Among the myriad Holiday in the Park offerings: Santa's Workshop, where kids can visit those industrious elves and pose with Santa and Mrs. Claus; Candy Cane Lane, a canopy of larger-than-life candy canes and lollipops; Toyland featuring an enormous Nutcracker soldier, teddy bear and other giant- sized toys; the Christmas Tree Forest with the fragrant aroma of a variety of trees and Winter Wonderland where Frosty the Snowman has set up house.

 

The entertainment lineup will include an array of all new holiday-themed wildlife shows including Dream, starring Shouka, the killer whale; Super Spirited Sea Lions Save Christmas, and A Dolphin Holiday. In Toyland, toys come to life in the original "Toy Box Christmas" show and at the Jungle Theater, an all-new marquee presentation, "Discover Christmas." Additionally, a new holiday movie, "Santa's Late," will premier in the 4D Iwerks Theater.

 

The inaugural Holiday in the Park event at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom will begin on Friday, November 23 and operate on weekends through December 16, daily from December 17-23 (closed December 24 and 25). Special holiday dates are December 26 through January 6, 2008.

 

Operating hours for Holiday in the Park, the biggest holiday celebration in California vary. Visit www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom for admission fees and operating hours. Guests can enjoy all of the fun and exciting new attractions at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom with the purchase of a 2008 Six Flags Season Pass. Passes are now on sale for $69.99 each. Season Passes are available for purchase online at sixflags.com or by calling (707) 644-5260. Holiday in the Park will be available for 2007 Season Pass holders as an additional bonus to the regular operating season. Purchase of a 2008 Season Pass allows free admission both the 2007 and 2008 Holiday in the Park and all of the 2008 operating season.

 

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is located at 1001 Fairgrounds Drive in Vallejo. For more information call (707) 644-6722 or visit the web site.

 

Six Flags, Inc. is the world's largest regional theme park company. Founded in 1961, Six Flags celebrated its 45th Anniversary in 2006. It is a publicly-traded corporation (NYSE: SIX - News) headquartered in New York City.

Click to see the event information on the park's website

I like the logo, and I really hope that Great Adventure rolls out a Holiday in the Park event next season. I miss Winter Lights...

Hi Everyone!

My name is Tom, but most people know me (at least on the web) as GAcoaster. I run a couple of websites, including AmusementPics.com, ParkNews.net, and JerseyJourneys.com, and run this site, GreatAdventureHistory.com with my friend Harry.

I am a theme park junky and a photography junky, so the two naturally come together through my websites.

Welcome to our new forums!

Statistics from RCDB.com:

Relocations: Thrill Valley as Gambit, Six Flags New Orleans as Batman: The Ride, Six Flags Fiesta Texas as Goliath

Make / Model: Bolliger & Mabillard / Inverted Coaster (Batman)

Designer: Ingenieur Büro Stengel GmbH

Length: 2693'

Height: 105'

Drop: 80'

Inversions: 5

Speed: 50 mph

Duration: 2:00

Elements: Loop

Zero−G Roll (Heartline Spin)

Loop

Corkscrew (Wing Over)

Corkscrew (Wing Over)

Trains: 2 trains with 7 cars per train. Riders are arranged 4 across in a single row for a total of 28 riders per train.

Press Release from Six Flags Fiesta Texas:

The opening of "Goliath," the ultimate inverted coaster, will add a powerful new dimension of thrill technology to an already astounding coaster line-up at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in 2008. Set to open in spring of 2008, "Goliath" will feature a unique radiating blue steel track and high-speed yellow, blue and orange trains that suspend riders from the coaster track.

 

Once aboard the unconventional suspended 28-passenger trains, the bottom drops out from beneath the riders and they soar out of the station four abreast to experience spine-tingling gravitational forces and the sensation of racing at 50 mph with nothing beneath their feet but earth and sky.

 

As riders race across the track, they climb skyward for 10 stories before literally flying up and over a heart-pounding vertical loop and into the ride of their lives! "Goliath," which reaches 105 feet, gives riders the sensation of weightlessness as they race through a zero-gravity heartline spin. Riders will fly head-over-heels through five inversions, including seven-story loops and two additional corkscrews.

 

"Goliath" will be located in Los Festivales, and will provide a colorful and visually striking landmark as guests enter the park. At a cost of $15 million, the ride is manufactured by Bollinger & Mabillard, the Switzerland masters of innovative coaster design and the pre-eminent creator of inverted coasters.

 

"'Goliath' will add a new coaster sensation to Six Flags Fiesta Texas next season, as riders are suspended from the track while their feet hang freely below. We constantly strive to add additions to the park which will complement our existing roster of award-winning shows and supreme thrills...and we believe our guests will agree that we've accomplished that goal with this exciting addition," said Six Flags Fiesta Texas President Martin Bozer.

 

2008 promises to be another memorable season at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, with a return of the Summer Concert Series, the Lone Star Spectacular laser/fireworks extravaganza and, of course, the inclusion of a free waterpark, White Water Bay. More news is yet to follow with regard to specific shows offered; but guests can be sure that the park is sure to maintain the tradition of presenting the "best theme park shows in the country," awarded to Six Flags Fiesta Texas by "Amusement Today" for nine consecutive years.

This is one of the strangest coaster stories ever. Twice relocated now, and there is a mirror image clone of the ride just a few miles away from it at SeaWorld of Texas, called Great White.

Statistics from RCDB.com:

Builder: Knoebels

Designer: John Fetterman

Length: 1300'

Height: 50'

Inversions: 0

Speed: 24 mph

Trains: 5 cars per train. Riders are arranged inline in 2 rows for a total of 10 riders per train.

Riders must be 42" or taller to ride.

This labor of love coaster has been a work in progress for some time now, and it looks like it's going to be a fun ride once it's open. Not the tallest, fastest, wildest ride by any stretch, but an old fashioned fun ride!

Statistics from RCDB.com:

Builder: Intamin AG

Cost: $12,100,000 USD

Capacity: 850 riders per hour

Length: 2700'

Height: 121'

Inversions: 6

Speed: 58 mph

Duration: 1:25

Max Vertical Angle: 97 Degrees

Elements: Norwegian Loop, Cobra Roll, Double Corkscrew

Trains: 3 trains with 3 cars per train. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 12 riders per train.

Press Release from Hersheypark:

Hersheypark hosted a record-breaking Centennial season in 2007 as guests were introduced to The Boardwalk at Hersheypark, the perfect spot to cool off. Now the heat is on as construction begins on the Park's 11th roller coaster, "Fahrenheit," which is scheduled to open next May. The new ride will cost approximately $12.1 million.

 

Known in the industry as a "vertical lift inverted loop coaster," Fahrenheit will position riders on their backs as the coaster train begins a 90-degree ascent to the summit of a 121- foot lift. As the cars crest the hill, riders will lean forward and see no track visible below— only open space— before plummeting down a staggering 97-degree first drop, the deepest drop of any coaster in the United States.

 

The coaster cars will feature stadium seating, which will elevate riders who sit in the cars behind the front row and offer them an unobstructed view of the steep descent.

 

At the bottom of the first hill, the coaster will be traveling at 58 mph as it begins an ascent that will then drop riders into a 107-foot inverted loop. Coming out of the inverted loop, the track will twist though an inverted corkscrew roll, a cobra, an airborne inverted S roll and a second inverted corkscrew roll. Just as riders think they are slowing down, they will experience an airtime hill, a high-speed/banked curve, a second airtime hill and a final high-speed/banked curve before arriving back in the station.

 

Traveling over more than 2,700 feet of steel track in 85 seconds, Fahrenheit will feature three four-person vehicles per train and a capacity of about 850 people per hour.

 

The ride was designed and is being built by IntaRide LLC , the company that brought the famous Storm Runner roller coaster to Hersheypark in 2004. It will be located adjacent to The Boardwalk at Hersheypark.

 

In keeping with the Park's philosophy of offering something for every member of the family, a second new ride also is set to debut for the 101st season of Hersheypark.

 

"Howler" is a "tornado" ride that allows riders to spin their cars to create their own ride experience. It has eight four-passenger, sphere-shaped cars that rotate counter-clockwise from a center base. As the rotation reaches 10 rpm, the ride lifts 7 ½ feet into the air at a 20-degree angle. The ride, manufactured by Wisdom Industries, Ltd., has a capacity of about 750 people per hour and will be located adjacent to the Rodeo ride in the Park's Pioneer Frontier area.

 

For more information or to take a "virtual" ride on Fahrenheit, please visit Hersheypark.com. Hersheypark will open for its 101st season on May 2, 2008. Fahrenheit is expected to open on Saturday, May 24.

It looks like a fun coaster to watch, and parts look good (like the "Norwegian Loop"), but it looks like it has the potential for head banging to me...just like on Storm Runner.

Statistics from RCDB.com:

Builder: Great Coasters International

Cost: $7,000,000 USD

Length: 2700'

Height: 82'

Drop: 80'

Inversions: 0

Speed: 50 mph

Trains: 2 trains with 12 cars per train. Riders are arranged 2 across in a single row for a total of 24 riders per train.

Riders must be 48" or taller to ride.

Press Release from Six Flags St. Louis:

Continuing its tradition of providing park guests with new and exciting thrills each season, Six Flags St. Louis announced today plans for its latest addition: Evel Knievel. This $7 million wooden wonder is unlike any of the park's existing eight coasters. Evel Knievel, the park's third wooden coaster, is a compact twister by Great Coasters International, Inc. which will present an impressive visual from I-44 and a formidable challenge in person.

 

"The unpredictability and high energy of this coaster makes it the perfect way to pay tribute to the king of adrenaline, Evel Knievel," said David Roemer, President of Six Flags St. Louis.

 

A daredevil's dream, the 2,700-ft. ride experience begins with an 80-ft. first drop at a 90° left turn angle, which is answered with a 55-ft. double down drop. Sixteen hills follow with camelbacks, a 40-ft. fan curve and multiple high-banked turns at up to 67° angles. Standing 82-ft. tall and traveling 50 mph, this intense coaster crosses over itself an incredible 14 times while making frequent and tight directional changes. Evel Knievel will boast two 24-passenger trains of GCI's own Millennium Flyer cars specially designed to maneuver the ride's sharp turns and high banks on a dime while providing an exceptionally smooth ride.

 

Evel Knievel, born in Butte, Montana in 1938, began his daredevil career in 1965 and over the next 12 years earned the name of America's Legendary Daredevil for his heroic and death-defying feats. Through his eventful career, Evel had garnered international media attention for both his successful jumps and his amazing crashes. Some of his career highlights and best known feats include setting a world record for jumping 19 cars in Ontario, CA in 1971; flying over 50 cars stacked in the center of the Los Angeles Coliseum in 1973; jumping 14 Greyhound buses in Ohio in October of 1974 and soaring over Snake River Canyon in Idaho in his rocket powered "skycycle" that same year. They rival some of his more spectacular spills, including his jump over the fountains at Caesar's Palace in 1968 and his leap over 13 double tiered buses in Wembley Stadium in 1975.

 

By the time he retired in the winter of 1976, Evel held the Guinness Book of World Records for the most broken bones and had also captured ABC's Wide World of Sports largest TV viewing audience with his Ohio jump in 1974. Evel has also been immortalized in the Smithsonian Institute with his motorcycle and memorabilia display.

 

Evel Knievel is scheduled to open mid-summer 2008 and will be located in the front of the park near the Log Flume and the Moon Antique Cars. Six Flags St. Louis has brought its guests new and exciting experiences for the past four consecutive years with the addition of Tony Hawk's Big Spin, a new family coaster, in 2007; the introduction of Bugs Bunny National Park, our new kids area, and SUPERMAN Tower Of Power, a free-fall ride, in 2006. And, in 2005, Tornado swept into Hurricane Harbor, Six Flags St. Louis' water park which is offered free with theme park admission.

Statistics from RCDB.com:

Make / Model: Mack / Wild Mouse (compact park)

Designer: Ingenieur Büro Stengel GmbH

Categories: Enclosed

Track layout: Wild Mouse

Cost: $7,000,000 USD

Length: 1213'

Inversions: 0

Duration: 2:00

Trains: 8 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 4 riders per car.

Press Release from Six Flags New England:

Six Flags New England announced today its new attraction for 2008: "The Dark Knight Coaster," an indoor dark coaster based on Warner Bros. Pictures' upcoming movie The Dark Knight featuring DC Comics' characters Batman and The Joker. The Dark Knight Coaster opens Memorial Day 2008.

 

"Today's announcement represents Six Flags New England's continued commitment to the growth of a well-rounded and balanced entertainment package," said Larry Litton, Six Flags New England's Park President. "The Dark Knight Coaster offers a unique experience that will appeal to families and teens alike." At a cost of $7 million, The Dark Knight will be the first indoor roller coaster at Six Flags New England.

 

The Dark Knight Coaster will transform guests into citizens of Gotham City — caught in the middle of a city under siege and torn apart by The Joker.

 

With The Dark Knight Coaster, guests will experience the ride of their lives. Venturing through demented hallways of twists, turns and hallucinatory images, they are tormented by The Joker himself. Then as they set foot onto a distressed, vandalized train platform, they can only guess at what awaits them as they speed through six 180-degree hairpin turns, climb unseen hills, plunge into pitch darkness and dip into unforeseen danger. As they attempt to escape the terror, their only hope is that Gotham's Silent Guardian — Batman — can save them.

 

"The opening of The Dark Knight Coaster will be perfectly-timed to coincide with the debut of the next Batman film from director Christopher Nolan. We're very excited that fans will be able to have a first-hand experience with the sites, sounds and thrills of crime fighting in Gotham City," said Brad Globe, President, Warner Bros. Worldwide Consumer Products.

 

The Dark Knight Coaster will use storytelling, physical movement, video, sound and special effects to bring guests a one-of-a-kind dark ride experience. The coaster will be located in the DC section of Six Flags New England.

Statistics from RCDB.com:

Make / Model: Mack / Wild Mouse (compact park)

Designer: Ingenieur Büro Stengel GmbH

Categories: Enclosed

Track layout: Wild Mouse

Cost: $7,500,000 USD

Length: 1213'

Inversions: 0

Duration: 2:00

Trains: 8 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 4 riders per car.

Press Release From Six Flags Great America:

Six Flags Great America announced today its new attraction for 2008: "The Dark Knight Coaster," an indoor dark coaster based on Warner Bros. Pictures' upcoming movie The Dark Knight featuring DC Comics' characters Batman and The Joker. The Dark Knight Coaster will cost $7.5 million opens May 2008.

 

"Today's announcement represents Six Flags Great America's continued focus on delivering a well-rounded and balanced entertainment package," said Hank Salemi, Six Flags Great America's Park President. "The Dark Knight Coaster offers a unique experience that will appeal to families and teens alike."

 

The Dark Knight Coaster will transform guests into citizens of Gotham City — caught in the middle of a city under siege and torn apart by The Joker.

 

With The Dark Knight Coaster, guests will experience the ride of their lives. Venturing through demented hallways of twists, turns and hallucinatory images, they are tormented by The Joker himself. Then as they set foot onto a distressed, vandalized train platform, they can only guess at what awaits them as they speed through six 180-degree hairpin turns, climb unseen hills, plunge into pitch darkness and dip into unforeseen danger. As they attempt to escape the terror, their only hope is that Gotham's Silent Guardian — Batman — can save them.

 

"The opening of The Dark Knight Coaster will be perfectly-timed to coincide with the debut of the next Batman film from director Christopher Nolan. We're very excited that fans will be able to have a first-hand experience with the sites, sounds and thrills of crime fighting in Gotham City," said Brad Globe, President, Warner Bros. Worldwide Consumer Products.

 

The Dark Knight Coaster will use storytelling, physical movement, video, sound and special effects to bring guests a one-of-a-kind dark ride experience. The coaster will be located in the Orleans Place section of Six Flags Great America.

Go to the Aquatica website!

SEAWORLD ORLANDO’S AQUATICA BEGINS TO RISE One-of-a-Kind Water Park Opens March 2008 Orlando, Fla. (March 5, 2007) – Rising up in Orlando is a whimsical, one-of-a- kind water park only SeaWorld could create – Aquatica.

 

Opening March 2008, Aquatica blends up close animal experiences, waters from serene to extreme, high-speed thrills and wide, sandy beaches.

 

“SeaWorld is famous for immersing guests in the mystery of the sea and its animals,” said Jim Atchison, executive vice president and general manager of SeaWorld Orlando. “Aquatica takes this immersion to a new level, inviting guests to play in, over, and under the water itself.”

 

Setting foot into Aquatica, guests immediately experience the vastness of nearly 60 acres of lush landscape inspired by the vivid color, stunning flora and carefree personality of the South Sea Islands. Reminiscent of the rugged beauty of New Zealand, Australia and New Guinea, the landscape of Aquatica is striking. Crystal-blue rivers wind through hidden grottos and refreshing waterfalls, while rich greenery and bright flowers adorn towering rock formations. Peeking through this verdant landscape, brightly colored, quirky buildings topped with swooping, pitched roofs create an uplifting, carefree setting. Colorful, whimsical animals – derivative patterns from New Zealand’s Maori culture – adorn carved totem poles and interactive fountains. Live animals from lands all over the world including Commerson’s dolphins, brilliant macaws and colorful fish bring to life the park’s playful, high-energy nature.

 

Aquatica features the most thrilling water rides in the world with 36 water slides, six rivers and lagoons, and more than 80,000 square feet of beach area. Designed in a way that could only be done by SeaWorld, these distinct attractions will zoom, float and splash guests through amazing animal habitats and undersea adventures.

 

The park’s signature attraction plunges riders in clear tubes through a crystal-blue lagoon with black-and-white Commerson’s dolphins. Guests feel as if they are flying beneath the sea among these beautiful animals. While similar in coloration to SeaWorld’s icon, Shamu, these dolphins are also distinctly different. In addition to being much smaller, they are also fast, agile swimmers - making them the perfect inhabitants for this lively park. Aquatica’s attractions offer equal emphasis on high-energy thrill rides and immersive swimming experiences. A colorful mix of racing tunnels, raft rides and rivers offer crashing surf and high-speed thrills, while pools, lagoons and lazy rivers invite guests to enjoy slower pace. Many of the park’s attractions even offer dual experiences within the same ride.

 

Two immense wave lagoons create the world’s only side-by-side wave pools that can be operated independently or together. Though side-by-side, each lagoon offers a very different experience: one with crashing waves and 5-foot swells, the other with a gently rolling surf. Nine different wave patterns can be created throughout the two pools, with the ability to generate one immense wave, or even “dueling” waves. Winding rivers throughout Aquatica also offer two different journeys from serene to extreme. One river carries guests through gentle waterfalls, past exotic birds and into an undersea grotto with thousands of colorful fish. An adjacent river offers pure thrill, jetting riders through rolling rapids, rushing geysers and racing waters. Colorful eight-lane racing slides, triple-drop raft rides, double inner tubes, and a 6-story family ride round out the mix of thrills. Even the littlest swimmers will enjoy one-of-a-kind attractions at Aquatica. One of the world’s largest interactive water play areas includes a colorful rain fortress that towers 60 feet above a 15,000-square-foot pool. The entire family can zoom together on slides and blast water cannons. In a separate children’s pool, even those Aquatica guests not old enough to walk can still slide down tubes with Mom and Dad in specially built rafts. Plenty of wide, sand beaches, refreshing lagoons and cool shade from towering oaks and exotic trees create the ultimate water park for guest comfort. Personal cabanas dot the shoreline for those who desire a private retreat. The entire park is designed to limit wait times and provide easy access to rides, attractions and even restaurants.

 

Those who don’t want to leave the comfort of their lounge chair can even enjoy beachside waiter service. All of this allows more time for carefree family fun. Aquatica will be the natural complement to a full day’s adventure at SeaWorld Orlando, and create a trio of SeaWorld parks in Central Florida that collectively provide experiences found nowhere else in the world.

 

“In a destination famous for immersing families in fun, the SeaWorld parks offer the ultimate in family togetherness, connecting guests to the sea -- and with each other -- in three immersive, interactive, but very different, ways,” said Joe Couceiro, corporate vice president of marketing.

 

Guests amazed by the wonders of the sea at SeaWorld. They can then visit Aquatica to indulge in the playfulness of the sea, as they zoom, float and splash through amazing animal habitats. For the ultimate in immersion, the company’s Discovery Cove park offers a completely different experience: an exclusive tropical paradise, with limited attendance, where guests have up-close encounters with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, rays and tropical fish. Whether making wondrous connections, having carefree fun, or enjoying up-close animal encounters, the SeaWorld parks offer guests an unmatched Orlando family vacation. Natural, exotic, untamed, fun … SeaWorld’s new water park, Aquatica, has an attitude all its own. Offering fun as endless as the sea itself, it’s not what you would expect from a water park, unless that park is created by SeaWorld.

 

--Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Water Park--

This sounds AMAZING to me...I can't wait to see it! And since I have a Busch Platinum Passport, I can go there any time I get to Florida!!!

Statistics from RCDB.com:

Length: 5318'

Height: 230'

Inversions: 0

Speed: 77 mph

Max Vertical Angle: 85 Degrees

Trains: 3 trains with 8 cars per train. Riders are arranged 4 across in a single row for a total of 32 riders per train.

Cost: Cost of 26 million Canadian dollars.

Press Release:

Vaughan, Ontario, 2007 - Canada's Wonderland prepares to change the landscape for thrill seekers in 2008, with the addition of Canada's Biggest, Fastest and Tallest roller coaster - Behemoth. Following 18 months of planning and construction, Behemoth will premiere at Canada’s Wonderland in May 2008.

 

At over 5,300 feet (1,616m) in length, Behemoth sets the stage for thrills with a climb to a height of 230 feet (70.1m), followed by an adrenaline pumping 85 degree drop with speeds reaching 125 kilometers per hour in 3.9 seconds. The coaster will then take riders through the ultimate coaster experience with high speed twists and turns, including double banked flat loops (horizontal loops) and eight extreme drops. Intensifying the action packed adventure, the ride will feature prototype open-air seating that will allow all riders to experience an unobstructed view of all the thrills and excitement on one of North America's best coasters.

 

"Behemoth will be the biggest investment in Canada's Wonderland's 27 year history at approximately $26 million dollars," said Raffi Kaprelyan, Vice President and General Manager, Canada’s Wonderland. "With the addition of Behemoth, we wanted to compliment our already impressive line-up of more than 200 rides, shows and attractions with a world class roller coaster that will showcase Wonderland as one of the premier amusement parks in our industry."

 

Behemoth will be the 15th roller coaster at Canada’s Wonderland. Construction is currently underway, but those who cannot wait until spring may take a virtual ride on Behemoth at canadaswonderland.com. Visitors to canadaswonderland.com may also access exclusive Behemoth updates and features, like virtual renderings, ride statistics and online fun.

 

Behemoth was designed by Bolliger & Mabillard of Monthey, Switzerland, a recognized industry leader in roller coaster development.

This sounds and looks a lot like Nitro. Looks like a great coaster and a good reason to make a visit north of the border!

Click here to view the entire Fright Fest 2007 Page on AmusementPics.com!

Here are a few previews:

Welcome to the not so scary daytime!

But as the sun sets...

...the ghouls come out

For a Dead Man's Party!

You never know who or what you might see at Fright Fest

There are a lot of ghouls just dying to meet you!

Fro the official Six Flags Great Adventure website:

Glow in the Park Nightly Parade

 

Beginning Memorial Day 2008 you can bask in the glow of your favorite characters and custom - designed floats illuminate the night in this uniquely, themed parade. Watch in awe as drummers, puppeteers, singers, dancers and kinetic stilt walkers create an unparalleled nighttime fantasyland of sound, light and motion.

 

Glow in the Park features the latest parade technology and special effects and every element will be adorned with thousand of sparkling lights. The parade will bring the park streets to life like never before displaying dramatic state-of-the-art floats attracting and fascinating guests with the sounds of cirque-style music.

From the official Six Flags Great Adventure Website:

The Dark Knight Coaster is coming in 2008!

 

The Dark Knight Coaster will transform guests into citizens of Gotham City — caught in the middle of a city under siege and torn apart by The Joker.

 

With The Dark Knight Coaster, guests will experience the ride of their lives. Venturing through demented hallways of twists, turns and hallucinatory images, they are tormented by The Joker himself. Then as they set foot onto a distressed, vandalized train platform, they can only guess at what awaits them as they speed through six 180-degree hairpin turns, climb unseen hills, plunge into pitch darkness and dip into unforeseen danger. As they attempt to escape the terror, their only hope is that Gotham's Silent Guardian — Batman — can save them.