Search

[sdcfan88]

For all we know if it's Mack again they could be jumping on the Wing Coaster train  (pun intended) with their own model to compete with B&M. The previous "Take Flight" teaser still sticks with me on that aspect.

Where was that teaser at again? I've tried looking for it before but couldn't remember where it was.

The more I think about it, I do think there is something bigger at play here as well. Piggybacking back to what Dewayne said about an AP replacement, I could see that happening as well, especially with the fact that we now have two very distinct and different themes floating around - the Ozarkian Daredevil Society and the Marvel Cave Mining Co, as well as Swooosh's comment from a few months ago that there were "too many moving parts. Too many pots on the fire". If the are is already prepped for a ride that you plan on replacing soon, why not do it when you can before you have to move around two rides? Only downside would be losing a good ride for summers that does great to keep the lines down. Or I could be reading into all of it too much because I'm bored at work waiting for 5 pm to strike.

There was this poster talking about it when they attended FanFest but I can't seem to find the original one anymore: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17d2mKTKPS/

Again just tossing ideas here because the park loves to mislead but the Ozarkian Daredevil Society could easily be referencing the new ride considering it's right next to AP to keep with the area theme. I also remember hearing somewhere that the Doc. Harris character from Wildfire may be reused too. Still curious if any of it ties into the Marvel Cave Mining Co. I highly doubt there's two distinct rides/attractions being built here alongside the resort.

As for the linked posters comments, to clarify I don't see this being a dive coaster per se since SFOT is getting one next year. SDC's project may indeed have a tall and steep drop like Time Traveler did though. (which was almost a Dive Coaster)  For being the first in the States, if it's a B&M I'm thinking it's a (200+ft) Wing Coaster, As for Mack its likely a Stryker Coaster or even a Hyper Coaster like DC Rivals. Neither of those types exist in the States probably marketing either with the tallest/longest or something to that extent. SDC isn't thinking small with $500 mil between the two projects and the amount of land cleared here.

Here's a map showing the layout roughly to scale.

[Swoosh]

I have zero proof to back this up but honestly putting together the pieces I don't see this can anything other than a launched (because that's all they've built lately) Mack (because they seem to have fallen in love with that company) mine train (just going off the teaser image shared at FanFest and the loud rumor that TNT is being removed). 

I'm open to debate on why my guess is incorrect but honestly I don't see how it will be anything else. 

[rabidplatypus]

I agree with the launch part with them bringing out the canon and actively using the word launch at fanfest.

I don't see them removing TNT though. It's running great and can still eat up crowds on busy days. And the operators I talked to said it's not going anywhere. I know that means nothing though.

I hope it's all thrill and not intermediate.

[legoerosion]

Man, I really hope it isn't a replacement for TNT mainly for the fact that the last two major attractions were replacements of older attractions and didn't add any (major) capacity for ridership. The park really needs to build out a few more original attractions before they start replacing older rides, it would help crowd levels a ton.

[Duelist]

^ Agree.  And especially since I consider T-N-T a family ride I would hate to see it go.  They don't need to replace it with another ride.  They need to give T-N-T some TLC AND build another family coaster, which still sounds like they are in the process of doing.  T-N-T was their 1st real coaster (as opposed to the original FITH being a dark ride with coaster elements) so the nostalgia factor is there too.  We are getting to the age where we have stopped riding the more intense coasters (except for Outlaw Run which doesn't spend too much time upside down) and our daughter only rides the less intense rides so keeping T-N-T and adding another mild coaster really "fits our pistol".

[mg]

There is a new 10+ set if footers down and to your right from the WildFire drop. This is a new set, not the ones directly under the hill.
We are now well over 20 footers.

[Wildfire]

Guys, we are at Dollywood today.  After riding Big Bear Mountain, I seriously hope we get something similar.  That ride is so good!

[sdcfan88]

I just find it weird if they were to be doing a BBM type ride here, especially as a TNT replacement? BBM is basically a milder version of PowderKeg, just lacking its big airtime hills and the forceful air launch. With PK being literally right next door it seems incredibly redundant. Could they be getting rid of PK instead after the new coaster opens? I love the uniqueness of the ride but if they went that route I can understand why because it does seem to have the most reliability issues and they seldom run more than one train which then gives it capacity issues too, so that's double marks against it.

But again the teaser stated it was to be the first of its kind in North America, so?

If they are indeed doing another launched Mack coaster, they might be doing something like what Dollywood tried with Lightning Rod with the launched lift hill feature that it used to have as Macks launch system is proven tech for many previous coaster installs. Their newest coaster Voltron actually has vertical launch elements, this could work as a superior version of Mystery Mine for SDC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxaC7u7p13c

I'd like to think TNT in its current incarnation is merely closing for a season in the near future for a massive refurb getting retracked and re-profiled like what was done with Timber Wolf at WOF but also adding all new trains since Arrow is defunct. Maybe RMC is doing something with it since they have former Arrow employees? Plus this could expand their portfolio if they are diving into the family coaster dept. I will say I just had my best rides in a long time on TNT and I really loved the night rides in total darkness in the fog during the Pumpkin festival.

On a side note with something I have long been curious about, is has it ever been disclosed why Hershend doesn't seem to like working with B&M? Wildfire was ranked #1 in ridership. With their "Celebrate America" campaign and the upcoming 250th, I'm surprised they wouldn't capitalize on working with B&M in the marketing as their track and supports are all manufactured up the road in Ohio at Clermont Steel Fabricators, they could totally run with the "Made In America" tagline with a promo tour like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qz2AXzQJTcc

[rabidplatypus]

I think the biggest and possibly only factor is cost. B&M is notoriously expensive. They are proven and successful coasters, so they can charge more. I think Herschend would rather get a better value elsewhere, while also getting more unique coasters.

Just look at the cost you get compared to other manufacturers.

The costs listed are what they paid paid and the ones in () are 2025 dollars.

Wildfire - $14m ($25m) - Standard B&M Floorless
Wild Eagle - $20m ($31m) - Standard B&M Wing
Outlaw Run - $10m ($14m) - First of its kind coaster
Time Traveler - $26m ($33m) - First of its kind coaster

[Wildfire]

The newest B&M's are really not very good coasters.  They are rough and mostly cookie cutter.  I would much rather get a Vekoma or Mack

[rabidplatypus]

I agree. They are all just different variants of each other. Maybe a little taller or faster. And if they don't fix the B&M rattle that these new ones are having their reputation will start to take a hit.

[Swoosh]

*cough* *cough* *cough*

I have zero proof to back this up but honestly putting together the pieces I don't see this can anything other than a launched (because that's all they've built lately) Mack (because they seem to have fallen in love with that company) mine train (just going off the teaser image shared at FanFest and the loud rumor that TNT is being removed). 

I'm open to debate on why my guess is incorrect but honestly I don't see how it will be anything else. 

[rabidplatypus]

I really really hope it's not a big bear mountain or family coaster type. I really hate this family coaster crazy. I get the need, but I'm just a thrill guy.

[Lampie]

*cough* *cough* *cough*

I have zero proof to back this up but honestly putting together the pieces I don't see this can anything other than a launched (because that's all they've built lately) Mack (because they seem to have fallen in love with that company) mine train (just going off the teaser image shared at FanFest and the loud rumor that TNT is being removed). 

I'm open to debate on why my guess is incorrect but honestly I don't see how it will be anything else. 

That certainly seems likely, but what of that would be first of it's kind in the US?

[Wildfire]

I really really hope it's not a big bear mountain or family coaster type. I really hate this family coaster crazy. I get the need, but I'm just a thrill guy.

I totally get your sentiment, and until this past Sunday I was 110% on the hyper/giga bandwagon.  Big Bear changed my mind a bit.  That is seriously one of the best coasters I've ever ridden, and a 39" rider height to boot.  Smooth as glass, twisty, 3 launches.  So awesome