Gerstlauer's Busy 2012

Gerstlauer's Iron Shark under construction

Germany ride manufacturer Gerstlauer is following up an amazing 2011 with even more exciting projects in 2012, some of which are quite close to home for North American riders.  The company will debut three of their SkyFly rides, where passengers are able to control their experience - from mild to wild.

Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America will open the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Shell Shock ride, lifting riders up 72 feet while they spin and twirl.  Further away, SkyFly rides will also open in France's Nigloland and Legoland Germany.

Seen above, the company's North American coaster project for 2012 will be Galveston Pleasure Pier's Iron Shark.  Standing 100 feet tall and featuring 4 inversions, the Euro-Fighter will actually not use concrete footings, instead relying on a steel base frame designed to withstand hurricane force winds.

Best of all, Iron Shark will utilize eight passenger trains that have lap bar restraints, instead of over the shoulder models.  After riding Dare Devil Dive I can attest to the comfortable and open ride these trains provide!

Finally wrapping up the company's larger projects are brand new trains for Hersheypark's SuperdooperLooper, a 1977 Schwarzkopf coaster.  The new trains will offer riders more comfort and still have lap bar restraints.

Elsewhere around the globe Gerstlauer will open a family coaster at Duinrell in the Netherlands, a Polyp at Sweden's Liseberg, and a junior shuttle coaster at France's OK Corral.

Taking Shambhala to New Heights

Spain's PortAventura has been showing off their new Bolliger and Mabillard mega coaster, named Shambhala, ever since the ride topped out last week.  Rightfully so, in my opinion, as the ride is about as visually impressive as they come.

Here's one reason why, the lift for Shambhala crosses directly over that of its smaller B&M sitdown cousin, Dragon Khan.  Fun visuals all around, and this'll make a great photo when both trains pass by at the same time!

Here's a shot taken before the lift was even complete, taken at a wide angle to show off how the new coaster will totally dominate Dragon Khan.  Also take note of DK's new paint job, wonderful contract with Shambhala.

The lift hill grew taller and taller, heading up toward the top height of 249 feet.  A slight change in elevation that the park has created allows the drop to max out at 255 feet.

And just like that the ride is topped off!  Shambhala will once again cross Dragon Khan during the first drop, actually crossing the other ride's first drop as well.

Many folks weren't sure, and some still aren't, if the two rides look good together but I'm a fan.  I think it'll be even better once Shambhala's drop is in place so that we can see the teal that's used on the track ties.

All these images were from a video the park has released, be sure to check out a copy of that here!

Wild Eagle Soars at Dollywood

This time of year is great for new rides to reach major milestones, and Wild Eagle at Dollywood has hit a pretty big one. Seen above is video of the ride's first run, which certainly looks like a success!

That B&M roar always gets me, and seeing the ride flip and spin through its inversions, I must admit, has me hooked.  There's something about the immense size of these wing coaster trains that gets me - they're just so impressive to see in motion.  Sitting on the far left versus the far right is certain to provide totally different ride experiences.

Speaking of those trains, has everyone seen the great eagle theming details that have been added?  I love the look of them!

Kings Dominion Hits 301 Feet

© Kings Dominion

Standing proud at 301 feet above the Virginia landscape, WindSeeker at King Dominion has been topped out.  The park now officially has four rides that break the 300 foot mark - quite an achievement!  (that's WindSeeker, Eiffel Tower, Intimidator 305 and Drop Tower for those counting)

The ride carriage has yet to be assembled, but recent photos show those pieces being laid out in order to be assembled.  I'm sure parks everywhere in the East are enjoying this wildly-mild Winter with regard to their construction projects.

And for the record, Carowinds isn't very far behind on their WindSeeker.  They just posted that their tower's final piece was getting ready to go up.  More WindSeeking for everyone!

Koch Family Members Form Bluegrass Boardwalk Inc.

Could this be the start of the next chapter for Kentucky Kingdom?  In an announcement today, members of the Koch family, who own and operate Holiday World, shared the news that they have formed Bluegrass Boardwalk Inc to "explore re-opening Louisville's amusement and water park in 2013."

While things are still very preliminary, the group plans to "negotiate a lease agreement with the Kentucky State Fair Board, secure financing, and apply for economic development incentives from the Commonwealth of Kentucky."  The group has pointed out that no public monies will be requested for use in possibly reopening the park.

The group is composed of Holiday World President Dan Koch, his sister Natalie Koch, their cousin Kathy Kamp, and her husband Michael Kamp who is General Manager at Holiday World.

That's it for now, but future news will be released via the organization's website and Facebook.

Something that was left out of the news release was confirmation of whether Kentucky Kingdom would be renamed Bluegrass Boardwalk if reopened.  It could be assumed so, but as we all know assuming anything can be dangerous. 

However, the Facebook account does use the image on the left, which by adding the Louisville, KY underneath certainly does seem like it'd be the park's name.

Obviously this is all very breaking news, perhaps some details will shake out soon.

WhiteWater Projects Moving Forward

© Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park

First we have some new concept art from Mt. Olympus, showing off their new Lost City interactive water play structure.  The ride was previously announced only with photos of similar attractions, but now we get a look at the real product.

Looks pretty neat, if you ask me!  I love how these play structures are including more unique slides into them - this one has the WhiteWater Boomerango as well as a high speed bowl slide.  The use of vibrant colors will really liven up the structure, too.

WhiteWater also recently announced that they have won a $22 million contract to supply 100% of the slides and attractions at Lotte World's new water park located in South Korea.  The park, which will feature custom Polynesian theming, will be a sort of showcase of WhiteWater products.

Included in the mix are two slides featuring the company's MegaTube series, one of which is seen above.  There will also be a Boomerango, AquaLoop, Abyss, Whizzard, family raft ride, and dueling master blaster water coasters - plus even more traditional water slides.

Two wave pools and two family play structures, one quite large and one smaller, round out the offerings.  Sounds like an exciting project!