Just in time for the busy summer season, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has opened their two new thrill rides. Part of a $14 million expansion, the attractions are already drawing new riders to the famous seaside amusement park.
Decked out in colors that are sure to make the ride seen from afar, above is the first of the two new rides - Typhoon. The ride features two passenger cars with floorless seats. Each car completes several full rotations during the experience, both forwards and backwards, fully inverting riders as they go. The top of the ride stands more than 60 feet in the air and it was manufactured by A.R.M.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's second new ride is named Shockwave, and it stands an impressive 65 feet tall. Riders are positioned in motorcycle-style seats, facing outward, on a giant ring. The ring both spins and rocks back and forth up the "U" shaped track, giving a mixture of spinning weightlessness. Manufactured by Zamperla, Shockwave has been placed on the park's upper deck adjacent to the Undertow roller coaster.
The park has done even more than the two new rides this year, including a remodeled entrance area where Typhoon is located. They have also renovated their Fright Walk haunted house, made changes to the popular Vault Laser Maze Challenge and added new food offerings.
Last fall we first heard of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's plan to spend $12 million to fully renovate, modernize and beautify their entrance area and improve several of their existing attractions. The massive work has been underway since that time, but now it appears as though the expansion is going to be even bigger than before, with the addition of two new rides and an increased project budget of $14 million.
The two new rides will be a part of the renovated entrance setion, and can be seen in the beautiful concept art (above) that Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has created.
The first new ride opening this summer is named Typhoon, and it will spin two giant arms in a full circle - upside down - at 60 feet above the boardwalk. Manufactured by A.R.M., Typhoon will be similar to a ride the park used to have (also named Typhoon), but with modern upgrades. The ride will be located just inside the new entrance, greeting visitors with a thrill as they start their day.
Also joining the park's lineup of thrills is Shockwave, a popular Mega Disk'O ride from Zamperla. Riders will be seated facing outward on a giant disk that spins as it moves up and down a 65 foot tall curved track. The seats are akin to those of a motorcycle, giving passengers a uniquely free feeling as they twirl up and down. Shockwave will be located on the park's upper deck, next to the Undertow coaster, looking over the expanded entrance area.
The park's previous announcements also covered changes to both the Fright Walk haunted house and The Vault Lazer Maze Challenge, along with new food, games and amenities.
A large expansion has been announced for Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, one that will see the entrance area to the seaside amusement park totally transformed in 2017. The project will cost the park around $12 million, so this is by no means a small undertaking. Work is starting now that Labor Day has passed, and will require some of the park's attractions to temporarily close to accommodate the construction.
This concept art represents the finished product of both the main entrance along with a section of the park that stretches from Neptune's Kingdom to the Undertow roller coaster. The expansion will include "state-of-the-art ticketing windows, an entrance plaza, and a fresh new look for several games, concessions and attractions in the adjacent area." The appearance of the new area fits in with the classic and timeless appeal that the park has for many visitors.
Additional work will see elaborate new facades installed for two of the park's existing attractions. Above is the new look for the Fright Walk haunted house, and the park's Lazer Maze will also have a brand new front next year. The park will also be renovating and expanding the interior of the Fright Walk to include new "basement/dungeon" space. Other changes are planned to be released during the winter months as work progresses.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been planning this expansion for nearly a decade, so it is quite excited to see these changes come to life. That park is using several contractors for the work, including William S. Bagnall Architects, Slatter Construction, Nielsen Studios and Roto's Entertainment Division. When complete, the expanded area of the park will have resulted in 200 construction jobs and 63 new seasons positions.
To read more about the plans straight from the park, click here.
What may be the last of the new for 2013 roller coasters to open, Undertow at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is now thrilling guests at the California seaside park.
The ride, which is a Maurer Sohne spinning coaster, was scheduled to open earlier this Summer. Delays in the construction of the ride, which the park did not elaborate much on, kept the attraction from missing out on the Summer season. However, the coaster was finally able to open for the final couple weekends of the park's 2013 run.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk does not appear to be advertising that Undertow is open, perhaps planning instead to make it the focus of the 2014 season. The park's website does not reflect the opening, but it certainly was carrying passengers this past weekend. You can see photos and a video of the ride operating at this link.
Undertow stands 50 feet tall at the maximum height, but its location atop a building makes it more imposing when viewed from the adjacent beach. The individual, four passenger cars spin freely along the 1,410 feet of track and reach a maximum speed of 40 miles per hour.
The Summer season is upon us, but one new for 2013 coaster has yet to open, and that's the Undertow at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The park has installed the coaster and is getting ready to open it - soon, they hope.
You can be sure that visitors to the seaside paradise are eager to test out the new coaster. Its elevated location makes it tower over the boardwalk and beach, drawing attention from all passing by it. The wait won't be too much more, according to this story, as the park is in the final stages of prepping the ride.
The Undertow is a Maurer Sohne spinning coaster, similar to a few others that operate in the United States. When it opens it will be the only coaster in Northern California with individually spinning cars, according to the park. Undertow stands 50 feet tall and features over 1,400 feet of track.
I've been on a similar coaster in my travels, and they're certainly a lot of fun. Hopefully not too much longer until it opens!
It took a long journey starting in Germany, crossing the Atlantic and through the Panama Canal, but the ride pieces for Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's Undertow roller coaster have finally arrived in sunny California!
The yellow track and aqua supports are now on site, and the park is getting ready for a quick instillation. In fact, they report that they are starting to "look at the instruction manual" which is pretty important, indeed! Undertow will not use permanent foundations, so once they start building the ride will go up very fast.
The coaster will feature spinning cars that soar along 1,410 feet of track, starting from a maximum height of 50 feet.
The above photo of the track was shared by the park, they have more available here. A local news station did a story on the ride and it's arrival as well, you can view that here.
Disney has announced that alcohol will be served at the Be Our Guest restaurant in the Magic Kingdom's new Fantasyland. The news has gotten quite the reaction from some fans - alcohol was never previously sold in the Magic Kingdom. I'll keep my thoughts to myself!
The chain of Hawaiian Falls water parks in Texas just opened their Waco location this year, and are already reporting that it has exceeded their attendance projections. Owners are already planning new attractions.
Plans for a 450 foot tall observation wheel on Orlando's I-Drive have been approved, the wheel will be a part of a Sea Life and Madam Tussauds wax museum entertainment development. With approvals granted the project could open within two years.
The Gravity Group has shared this video of their racing coaster at Happy Valley in China. This was the ride that featured the "high five" element that was highly anticipated. Looks like an awesome ride!
Anyone who's ever been interested in the animatronics that are used in Disney parks should have this one marked as a must read - Garner Holt's Top 10 Animatronics as featured on MiceChat this past week. Very good read.
Legoland Malaysia is now open, the most recent Legoland property to open. The park looks like it has many traditional attractions found at other park, but some new things added into the mix.
Still in the very early stages, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has started to dismantle the Hurricane roller coaster. The park previously announced the addition of a new spinning coaster for 2013, named Undertow.
Another new attraction for Fun Spot America has been confirmed, a classic Tilt-a-Whirl ride. The park has posted photos of their very own ride being built by the manufacturer, Larson International.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has announced their new roller coaster for 2013, named Undertow. The ride will be the only spinning coaster in Northern California when it opens at the seaside amusement park next year.
"A spinning coaster is a very unique ride experience, we know our
visitors are going to love it,” said Boardwalk community relations
director Kris Reyes. “Every ride on Undertow is different, you can
definitely expect the unexpected.”
Undertow will be built by Maurer Sohne, and represent a $5.5 million investment in the park. Riders sit in individual four-seater cars, each pair facing back to back. The ride takes the cars up 50 feet and over 1,410 feet of track. From the above concept art, the ride appears to be an Xtended SC 2000 model.
The nature of the spinning cars means that no two rides will be the same. Different weight distributions will make the spinning unpredictable, creating an exciting ride for guests.
As previously announced by the park, their Hurricane roller coaster will be removed to make way for Undertow. Riders can get their last Hurricane rides in until September 3rd, when the ride will close for good.
For more information on Undertwo, check out the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's website.
Six Flags St. Louis placed the above teaser on their Facebook page this past week, a riddle for what is coming to the park next year. Most have figured out what it is between this clue and popular rumors, but we'll let the park make their official announcement this week with the rest of the gang on Thursday.
Clearing out the old to make room for the new, Cedar Point has almost removed all of Disaster Transport. Only the lift and first turn (inside the building) are still standing. The park has just shared some new photos of the ride's removal, after which GateKeeper construction will quickly start.
It is not much, but steel has started to rise in the still unannounced Harry Potter expansion at Universal Studios Florida. Orlando United has the photos of the next step of the massive project taking place.
Coming this November to Florida's the Magic Kingdom is a new nighttime show named Celebrate the Magic. An all new sound track, special effects, and tons of projections onto the park's Cinderella Castle will be used. Celebrate the Magic will replace the current show, The Magic, The Memories, and You!
In what has become quite the drawn out story, local democrats are calling for an independent audit of Rye Playland, claiming important park statistics are being withheld from them. Playland has seen both revenues and attendance decline again so far in 2012.
Even the people quoted in this news article about a proposed massive entertainment destination - including a Spirit of Californiatheme park - for Tracy, California don't sound like they believe it will ever happen. I have to say I agree, but dreams are fun, right?
This shark's got quite a bite! Ride Entertainment Group is proud to show off the custom created Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter created for Galveston Pleasure Pier.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has announced that September 3rd will be the last day of operation for their Hurricane roller coaster. The replacement ride, expected to be a coaster, will be announced on the 27th. The Hurricane will be moved to New Mexico's Western Playland amusement park.
The success of the Zippin Pippin at Bay Beach continues, as the park is now planning on revising their master plan which they will follow over the next ten years. The plan could include additional rides, but will also focus on trying to bring lake swimming back to the property.
It's been a busy week for news out west. Let's get all caught up, shall we?
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom posted a picture to their Facebook of their construction progress on SUPERMAN Ultimate Flight. The ride has officially gone vertical with the park placing the first blue supports into place. I think it's safe to say, as long as all the ride components are on site (or will be soon), this thing will go up quick! We look forward to bringing you our own coverage of the progress right here on NewsPlusNotes!
Next up, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk recently posted some new construction photos to their Facebook as well. They show off the installation of the park's new flat ride, Crazy Surf. Some of you may be confused as to why this ride looks similar to the ride that formerly sat in this location, and that because it's essentially the same! The Boardwalk is replacing their old Crazy Surf with a KMG X-Factory which will be named, wait for it, Crazy Surf. This updated model will feature tilting seats and water jets to increase the thrills.
Lastly, the big news that has really got the coaster world excited(me especially), Speed - The Ride has received a new lease on life! The ride is headed about 2 miles south to the other end of the Las Vegas Strip and will be located at Akita Plaza, across the street from Mandalay Bay and very near to the new SkyVue ferris wheel being constructed.
The really cool news is that Premier Rides is said to be working with the new owner to modify the ride to fit it's new location. The ride will retain it's key elements, launching into a low over banked turn diving into a loop before hitting a second launch. Next, instead of making a lazy S curve into it's signature 224ft tower, modifications will be made for "new and exciting curves and bends to be added to the ride." By the looks of the concept art, the ride will exit the second launch into a hard left turn bringing the train up close to the strip and around an old shopping center then will a quick right and left before climbing that awesome tower. We can't wait to see how it all turns out! Read more about the move here.
While it's always (or at least usually) a bit sad to see a roller coaster leave a park, it's always easier to take when news of a replacement coaster is already on the table. Such is the situation at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which has announced that the Hurricane, the park's 1992 S.D.C. steel roller coaster, is for sale.
Not to worry, though, as the park is also already saying that they're planning a replacement coaster for 2013. No details have been published, but some comments made by the park seem to imply that it'll fit in perfect with the Boardwalk atmosphere.
There's quite a market for compact steel coasters right now, so the possibilities for the new coaster are vast. Everything from a spinning mouse style ride, to a compact Euro-Fighter could call the park home.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk says they will announce their plans for the new ride later this Summer.
Happy Holidays everyone! Best wishes to you and yours from all of us here at NPN!
For a long time Bing was the only option for great bird's eye view images of parks, but now Google is moving in with their new 45 degree images. One of the first parts of the country to have the images added (there are more now, but we'll explore those later) was the West coast.
While we've seen most of these parks in previous Aerial Antics' columns before, the new images do show some recent California parks updates.
Six Flags Magic Mountain's crisp imagery contains shots of recent attractions like the one above, of Apocalypse. The Green Lantern, however, is not added yet.
Invertigo at California's Great America may be Inverti-gone at this point (and suddenly practically in my backyard!) but you can still check it out in its original location.
Work was well underway at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on their new Ghost Castle building when these photos were taken. The work seen above eventually turned into a huge hole, then eventually a two story dark ride!
Paint was just starting to be applied on the face of the massive rock work under construction at Disney California Adventure for Cars Land. It's pretty neat to zoom around and see all different projects underway at the same time!
Lots of nice California sunshine lets us see plenty of details at Knott's Berry Farm, such as one of their recent coaster additions, Sierra Sidewinder. No WindSeeker in these images, though.
The last time we checked out Legoland California's new Pirate themed area from the air it was still under construction, but in newer photos we see the section fully open. The water park they just opened didn't quite make the cut yet, though!
We'll be back on Monday, until then have a happy and safe holiday!
Grrr... that's one bear of a coaster car! Lame pun! Canobie Lake Park has posted a photo of one of the cars to Untamed, the park's new coaster. Sweet.
Michigan's Adventure is quickly getting Beach Party ready for the season. Most of the water play structure is now standing at the park - and looking good I might add.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will kick off Spring Break with two high wire walks by Nik Wallenda on April 16th. Read more about the event here.
These WindSeeker rides grow up so fast. It seems like only yesterday that Canada's Wonderland's was just a hole in the ground, and now the tower is complete!
Cedar Point is looking for a V.I.F. (Very Important Family) to help them open for the season on May 14th. Check out Facebook for details.
A park we don't often cover is Playland in Canada. They've announced a new StarFlyer attraction for 2011 - finally giving us a good reason to mention them!
Lagoon opens for the season today, and has shared a photo of the very nicely themed trains on BomBora, their new family coaster. Yay for surprise on-board audio!
Great Adventure History has really outdone themselves with their fantastically thorough coverage of Ultra Twister, formerly at Six Flags Great Adventure. A story worth checking out.
We haven't forgotten about you, Zippin Pippin. After a long winter you're looking mighty good against those blue skies.
After adding a wave pool and lazy river in the summer of 2010, Nashville Shores water park will build a 4 story water play house next year named Kowabunga Beach. The park is run by former Six Flags executives Kieran Burke and Gary Story.
RCPro's daily Cheetah Hunt updates have had me feeling like I'm there watching the ride go up myself. The latest update shows all the supports up for the first tower, and the track leading up to it in place as well.
If you find yourself thirsty while at Legoland Florida next year, you can count on not having to look far for a Pepsi product. The park announced the soda maker as the first partner of the park. “When the doors open, Legoland Florida guests will be able to enjoy the Park experience with a cold Pepsi beverage in hand.”
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk plans to celebrate their Looff Carousel's 100th birthday next season. The classic ride still features rings that riders grab on each rotation, something not found on many carousels today. The park will also place the kid's freefall ride with a new one from Moser rides.
Disney Park announced this week that Mickey's Toontown Fair at the Magic Kingdom will close forever on February 11th in order for more Fantasyland construction to take place. They also revealed that the California letters at the entrance to Disney California Adventure could come down as soon as January 4th, when work on Buena Vista Street kicks up a notch.
No idea if the reporting is accurate, but this article says that based on drawings, it looks like much of Busch Gardens Williamsburg's 2012 coaster will be indoors. The park did a balloon height test this past week as part of the approvals needed for the coaster.
Story Land, located in New Hampshire, will build a new water attraction next year called Splash Battle Egypt. The ride will have a 300 ft. long course on a 6,100 sq. ft. area, and use 103,000 gallons of water. Early construction photos are available here.
Six Flags Great Adventure has started to share a number of construction photos of the Green Lantern on their website. Now we just need a proper preview video and we'll be all set!
This is from a few weeks ago, but here's a nice off-season update of the early work going on for Hersheypark's big 2012 project. Lots of markers already in the ground. I cannot wait to see what kind of 'sweet idea' Hershey has come up with for their next coaster!
I know that I just mentioned Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's NEW Haunted Castle in the Weekly Rewind, but this onride video was worth posting! Sally did a great job with the inside of the ride! I love how the cars tilt back right away and head down into the castle.
NBC will show a unique look at the making of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter this Sunday, June 6th, at 7 p.m. EST. The special will give viewers a special peek at the new land and all the levels of detail that went into it. Be sure not to miss it!
Lost Island Water Park will open the Nation's second HydroMagnetic Rocket water slide this weekend - named WailuaKupua. Lost Island hopes the new water coaster brings big crowds to the park after having a bad 2009. Read more here.
Do you have what it takes to be Mr. Cyclone? The Coney Island Cyclone will give one special guy the title for the first time this summer. He will join Ms. Cyclone in presiding over a number of special events throughout next summer. Check out the details here!
IT may only be June, but Busch Gardens Tampa is already starting press for this year's How-O-Scream event. Looks like this year's theme has to do with Rock Concerts... should be interesting to see how they play that one out. Teaser website is now live.
An update to last week's Hug Record Attempt at Six Flags Over Texas: "Brandon Overbee set a new unofficial record for the most hugs in one day at one location yesterday at Six Flags Over Texas. Just before 10:30 last night, Brandon received 5,232 hugs from guests and employees while at the park. Brandon must now submit his paper and video documentation to the Guinness World Record Book office for review before his attempt can be made official."
Another of the many new attractions that opened this past weekend was Mr. Six's Splash Island at Six Flags New England. The small children's area fits in perfectly with the amazing line up that the water park already has. Check out some photos from SFNEOnline.
Screamscapepublished some photos of the Blue Streak at Conneaut Lake Park under renovations. From the photos it looks like they've totally removed the track from the turnaround section and are getting ready to rebuild it. Awesome to see progress being made!
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has opened their NEW Haunted Castle darkride. After a winter of hard work the new attraction is open and guests seem to be loving it. The park has put a video of the opening ceremonies and some new photos on their Facebook page.
The World's Of Fun.org blog has posted some fantastic photos of Snoopy's Hot Summer Lights. They've really made a lot of big improvements over the Cedar Point version from what I can tell. Check out the photo report here!
Sea World San Diego is getting ready to open their new dolphin show, Blue Horizons. Modeled after the show of the same name at Sea World Orlando, the 22 minute presentation is set to open on May 29th.
Worlds of Fun is hard at work stringing lights on, well, everything in certain sections of the park! The new Snoopy's Hot Summer Lights light show is well underway, as seen in these photos. The grand opening is scheduled for June 4th!
Schlitterbahn Kansas City is gearing up to start work on the next phase of the massive resort development - officials plan to break ground on the large Scheels All Sports store that will anchor the Riverwalk shopping and dining area this summer. The economy has slowed the building plans, but it's hoped that the Riverwalk area can open in 2012.
Cedar Fair's corporate roller coaster ride (pun intended) continues - this week Q Investments, the company's largest unit holder, asked that the quarterly distribution be reinstated, starting at 50 cents a unit. And they want it now, just like Veruca Salt. Details on the ongoing issue can be found here.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's new Haunted Castle is getting ready to open, and the park has posted some recent pictures of the inside and outside of the dark ride on their Facebook. The spooky New Haunted Castle is scheduled to open May 28th.
Calling all Vampires and Werewolves - and this has nothing to do with Twilight - Coney Island is celebrating the first Full Moon Ride on the Cyclone which will take place on May 27th. If you come in Vampire makeup or do a good werewolf howl you'll even get a $2 discount!
SplashTown at Darien Lake is making quick work of their construction. The park posted some new photos showing that the massive water park addition is coming close to completion. Not all the way there yet, of course, but they've made serious progress.
Cedar Point's new attraction, Shoot the Rapids, won't be shooting any rapids when the park opens this weekend. A problem with the ride's boats has caused a two week delay in its opening. Read more here.
Enjoy riding coasters? Well, Gary Coleman really does too. (and no, this has nothing to do with Diff'rent Strokes!) He has ridden Diamondback at Kings Island 1,900 times as of Friday night. Now that is a hardcore fan.
NewsPlusNotes is a blog dedicated to the coverage of the amusement
industry. Our content runs the gamut from major industry headlines
to exclusive reports and items of historical significance. NewsPlusNotes
was founded in 2006, when Mike made the pivotal decision to share his
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