GAcoaster

I'm kind of surprised it's not all becoming DC Universe like some of the other SF parks.

I believe they have all been disposed of. They ended up out in the elements.

SFFT is creating DC Universe with several re-themed rides as well as three new rides along with enhancements to the existing DC rides. It sounds like a great addition with varying thrill and age levels. https://fb.watch/mG6okR0Kb9/

Someone pointed out those are the speed of the existing coasters in the park already...

Well-- I suppose that confirms the shuttle/launch-- or it's a red herring...

Depends if it makes the parks better or not. In the short term it seems like a failure, but it takes time to implement a change in direction for a big company. And every "era" for the park has had it's good points and bad points. The Red Zone era so a lot of rides removed and areas closed, but it also saw the introduction of the Glow in the Park Parade, and while Mark Kane was running things at the park level they made HUGE strides in improving the guest experience overall. Currently I keep reading positive reports about how the park is cleaner than it's been in years, and the experience we had last fall with the food for Oktoberfest was surprisingly good. With so many things change is both good and bad depending on what you value and what you prioritize. Next year will be the real deciding factor if the new leadership for the company and the park is successful.

We're interested in all that stuff too, the problem is quite often all we have is a mention of it or a vague artists rendering. We can't give any more info than what we have. Sometimes we get lucky and find more or are sent something we didn't have before and suddenly we can flesh out a spotlight. A perfect example of this was the boats which until recently we simply had on early renderings: https://www.greatadventurehistory.com/PBNBBoats74.htm We had only seen renderings until we got pictures of one of the actual boats (which were never actually installed in the park)

Things have a history of being planned/announced and then either being cut back or cut completely.

It's interesting the "splash" is not part of the ride, so the coaster stays (mostly) dry rather than running through the water like the Mach version does. That probably makes it easier to maintain and prolongs the life of the ride. The splash is a fountain (like SeaWorld's Manta coaster). https://www.intamin.com/product/ultra-surf/

Looks like Great America is retiring the Pendulum...

Interesting that they built the one Mach version in Texas, but now went with Intamin for Georgia. I assume they weren't happy with the Mach version or the Intamin cost less... And, apparently the first supports for their Kid Flash coaster finally went up this week. Maybe it will be ready for Holiday in the Park?

Well, I guess it will get a DC theme... (although Wonder Woman is missing)

Alright, full lineup posted: https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/events/fright-fest-2023 Saw and The Conjuring seem to be coming to all the parks. It's great to see they're marking the 30th anniversary of Fright Fest this year too! They're showing eight haunted houses, five scare zones, and three shows this season. I'm a little confused why The Conjuring is listed as a haunted house and a scare zone?

That's one way to get guests to pay for refurbishments...

Everything will depend on next year and whether the current strategy (and CEO/management) is a success or failure. Targets on Six Flags stock price just got lowered, so Wall Street lacks confidence in the company and leadership. I have a feeling we'll see another shakeup or a merger/acquisition before the end of 2024 if things don't improve with attendance and profitability.

The little gift stand that was next to it when it was near Clown Balloon was moved several times as well, although it has since disappeared.

Several of GA's stands have moved in, around, and out to the boneyard over time. They're not always "portable" but they're not too hard to move either.

Movie studio soundstages and airplane hangars share a lot of the same style.

Knott's was actually both parachutes and observation tower when it opened.

AC has to try SOMETHING to get people to come back (again). I vaguely remember AC in the 70's before they had gambling and it was kind of a ghost town.

There you go-- CONFIRMED: balloons are coming back and they're adding the dome back on the Carousel building! Don't take too many of these pictures as anything but hyping the announcements for the 50th.

The issue is in a park full of B&Ms with double that capacity, this would fall short. But then again they can sell more Flash Pass so I guess they have more incentive for lower capacity and lower guest satisfaction...

God, I hope not-- single train shuttle coasters are awful for capacity.

Not necessarily a $30 million ride, but they are spending that much on the park next year between new ride, rehabs, and 50th anniversary stuff overall.