Weird stuff is happening...
I know your time is valuable so I'll run through the main topics and then go in depth below with more info and what it could mean for the park in the future.
In green is a quick synopsis.
In green is a quick synopsis.
1: Montego Bay and Port Royal are gone.
In an unexpected move the Montego Bay snack bar and Port Royal refill station next to V2 have been completely demolished. Not cleaned out for future use, DESTROYED, gone, obliterated, adios. This did happen a bit ago, but what I'll mention next is likely why...
This was the bar/snack bar combo building that had refills of fountain drinks as well as your typical nachos, popcorn and pretzels on the other side. Also if you notice they took no care in protecting the asphalt which makes me think they'll repave the entire area like CGA, but likely not as that would be a massive undertaking for which they don't have the time for. They'll probably just pour more and patch it up however it would be nice if they made new midways, but even if they did how long they would last is anyone's guess...
Left Photo: Google Maps /// Right Photo: Vertical Coaster Thrills |
2: Crane/Cherry Picker spotted next to V2's rear spike.
A 'crane' was spotted up against V2's tower, but we're not too sure why. I hope it's nothing bad...
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A friend sent in a photo of a crane propped up next to V2, the parks infamous Intamin Impulse. There's been a lot of buzz as to what to do with this quickly aging and expensive to maintain ride. It is one of the park's most iconic coasters so for the time being I don't think it's days are numbered. However I have heard some interesting reasons as to why this could have been up, but I'll also interject why I don't think they could be...
1: "They're fixing the holding brakes" Those brakes have not worked since 2001. I don't think leaving them up there for nearly two decades would make them good candidates for refurbishment. In addition the ride is reported to cost $5000 to run per cycle and fixing the brakes that slipped would up that cost. 2: "It's for inspection" This one makes a bit more sense, but my question is that if that was the case why would it go into operating hours? The park is closed most of the week, why not do it then? I've been to many rope drops and have never seen that lift. Perhaps something was left out and they needed to go back. 3: "It's being removed, RIP" This makes less sense as the park has poured MILLIONS into refurbishing this ride let alone running it. 4: "Prepping for a retheme" I would hope so. This ride has needed some love and while it does get riders, it never seems to have a line of substantial length so perhaps a repaint and retheme to the Flash could renew interest from guests who would think it is new. We have seen the park turn over a ride to a DC theme when they receive a new coaster like we saw when Tsunami Soaker became The Penguin Ride the year The Joker was introduced. Perhaps that is what we will see since Harley Quinn Crazy Coaster is a smaller ride. However, a turn around of that size would warrant an announcement of its own as The Penguin Ride was simply stickers and a new statue in the center. Photo: CA_BrandonFoster |
3: The Joker Backwards???
On Twitter a few days ago, the park posted a backwards POV of The Joker. While this could mean nothing, the caption they left was rather cryptic to me. Could this mean The Joker would be the first RMC to run backwards?
Personally it would be neat to see that and to others it seemed they would be interested as well. While absolutely NOTHING IS CONFIRMED, I feel like I remember reading that gen 1 RMC trains can be run backwards with a bit of modification. Certainly that would bring in a ton of guests to re ride as well as a ton of enthusiasts. However even if they did I still wonder if it would be safe. As is the amount of force exerted on riders in the back row on the drop and other elements is quite intense and going down that drop in the back (technically the front) unexpectedly, could lead to some injured riders. The lap bar digging into their stomach as opposed to their seat back doing it with the force distributed on their back could be painful... In order to remedy this the lapbars would need to be enlarged. All that aside I think I'd give it a shot. Would you?
4: Harley Quinn Crazy Coaster Construction Update
A park goer stated the other day that the land clearing on the area that will be used for Harley Quinn Crazy Coaster has begun.
He stated that the area is quite small, but my other question is if the gift shop for Superman as well as the old Zonga photo stand will be demolished or reused for both rides. Also some of the parts for the first SkyWarp are laying in the parking lot (soon to be remodeled, read about it here: SFDK going Solar) as all rides do. As to when the parts will be brought down to begin going vertical is unknown as no footers have been poured, no electrical, etc. There's a lot to do. I do hope however that construction begins soon so I can bring you photos of it and so that all the bugs are worked out since this is a prototype ride that has never been built and could run into issues (like if it can run wet from rain)... While others are shrugging to this addition I'm pretty interested as it's unique and in a way it's the first RMC T-Rex coaster (not really, it's a mix between T-Rex and Raptor track) and it's a testament to the park's interest in placing rides right up against the border of the park for all to see on the way in... Perhaps we'll see the go-karts bite the dust for a free spin (yes, I'm still riding that). Below is a 360° POV...
5: Gifts From Under the Sea Closes
The same park goer also stated that the small shop across from the Ray pool and penguin exhibit and next to the picnic area entrance has closed.
This was the shop that sold small gifts as well as the DIY stuffed animals that you never bought. It was kind of an odd place to be and was mostly a gift shop for those activities nearby, but never really saw too much business on empty days... The shop has since been emptied. For what we're not sure and the park has not stated what for or if it will be reopened or reutilized. For now it's likely for storage...