Saturday, November 30, 2019

Six Flags Great Adventure's Holiday In The Park Returns With More Lights + Delights in 2019


© Six Flags Great Adventure
Holiday in The Park is back at Six Flags Great Adventure for its 2019 run, and it's bigger, better, and brighter than ever before!

The park has added more lights, more rides and more holiday magic to the celebration which takes place in nearly the entire sprawling theme park.  This year there is an amazing total of 14 different themed sections within Holiday In The P ark, each with "coordinated sights, sounds, scents and attractions."

© Six Flags Great Adventure
“Holiday in the Park has become a family tradition with world-class entertainment for all ages and unparalleled thrills that only Six Flags Great Adventure can provide,” said Park President John Winkler.  “This one-of-a-kind festival allows families to get away from the hustle and bustle of the season and enjoy magical memories together.”

© Six Flags Great Adventure
The celebration has quickly become an importantly yearly tradition for many families, offering not only thrills but also a collection of memories of fun with family and friends.  The park has decided to expand on their offerings for the 5th season of Holiday In The Park, adding plenty of new attractions, shows, games, rides and dining options:

• For the first time Bugs Bunny National Park will be open during the event, featuring six pint-sized thrill rides, a new show in the Wilderness Theater, and character meet and greets.

• The Deck The Halls section will be rocking this year with Spinnin' Saturdays with DJ Tinsel Tunes.  Each Saturday from 3 to 9 the DJ will be playing the modern sounds of holiday classics!

© Six Flags Great Adventure
• Frost: A Cirque Spectacular is premiering this season in the Showcase Theater.  Described as featuring "astounding acrobats, inspired dancers and a touch of icy holiday magic," the show will warm the hearts of all those who attend.

• Joy To The Word, a peaceful section of the event by the Lakefront, will now feature "Twinkle Tunnel," which will envelop guests in sparking holiday lights.

• A host of new characters will be a part of Holiday In The Park in 2019: Mrs. Clause will be featured in Bugs Bunny National Park, the Evergreen Queen has taken residence inside Holiday Memories, and Santa's famous helpers, reindeer, will be in Bugs Bunny National Park.

• The park is also offering more food items than ever before, including all day breakfast platters at Yum Yum Holiday Mornings, comfort food dishes such as meatloaf, turkey and fried chicken at Granny's Holiday Feast, a variety of chili at No So Chilly Chili and delicious turkey legs, smoked sausage and bacon-wrapped pork at the Fireside BBQ.

© Six Flags Great Adventure
All of these additions come on top of the vast amount of rides, shows and attractions that Six Flags Great Adventure's Holiday In The Park has previously had.

Coming on December 7th is the Polar Coaster Challenge, where guests will be challenged to ride the Nitro roller coaster (which stands 230 feet tall and hits 80 miles per hour) in only a tank top and shorts before the park opens.  On the day of the event, $2 from each ticket sold will go to the Special Olympics.

For more on Holiday In The Park at Six Flags Great Adventure, click here.


Thursday, November 28, 2019

Impressive Improvements Coming to Luna Park




The following is an unedited press release:

IAAPA EXPO 2019, ORLANDO

LUNA PARK PRESS CONFERENCE 

BROOKLYN, NY, November 19, 2019 – Families, ride enthusiasts, foodies, and entertainment seekers from around the world have many new reasons to visit Luna Park in Coney Island for its 10th Birthday in 2020. 

A festive atmosphere and cherished experiences await Luna Park guests during its 10th year of operation. Beginning April 4, 2020 Luna Park in Coney Island will come to life, with birthday themed fun and excitement as dazzling acts and a joyful ambiance transform America’s playground into a special 10th year birthday bash all season long. Just in time for the party, Luna park will unveil its newly added sites as part of the Luna Park expansion project in Coney Island adding more reasons to celebrate. By way of the expansion, Luna Park brings more fun and innovation to Coney Island with 4 new rides and attractions: Big WaveZ, Ropes Course Adventure Zone, The Super Flume Ride, The Junior Coaster and a recreational public space. 

Big WaveZ, an interactive water ride will make its worldwide debut in Luna Park in Coney Island in 2020. Big WaveZ transports guests into the lair of the Roman mythical god Neptune. Sensors on the passenger vessel allow guests to interact with a temperamental Neptune as well as influence the movement of the ride. A touch screen platform increases the fun, allowing individuals waiting on the Big WaveZ line to participate and impact passengers’ fates. This innovative technology ensures that each ride on Big WaveZ is a uniquely guest-tailored experience that leaves no passenger dry. 

Also new to Luna Park in Coney Island is a Ropes Course Adventure Zone. Climbers will experience breathtaking views of the boardwalk and ocean with the newly installed 4 level adventure zone. This circus themed area will be located next to the Thunderbolt coaster featuring obstacles, ropes courses, as well as zip lines for all ages and skill levels. 

Luna Park in Coney Island will also premiere The Super Flume Ride and The Junior Coaster. The Super Flume Ride will provide guests with a semi-circle panoramic view of the shoreline before plunging down to a speed of over 30 mph for the big splash. The ride will operate with 12 flume boats that can seat up to 6 guests at a time. The track of The Super Flume Ride will be tactically entwined with that of The Junior Coaster generating a distinctive experience for our guests. The Junior Coaster, a family thrill ride, will be strategically interlaced with the new The Super Flume Ride. Riders will embark on an inimitable coaster as it bends and curves throughout the path of The Super Flume Ride, heightening their ride experience. The Junior Coaster is comprised of two enchantingly fabricated trains equipped with ADA access. 

In addition to the rides, Luna Park will open a new public space. Stillwell Avenue between Surf Avenue and the boardwalk will make its debut as brand new easily accessible open space that invites the community and visitors to relax and enjoy Coney Island. The public space will offer ample recreational opportunities with shaded seating, greenery and a colorful facade. Art installations, artful photo ops, and performances in this area will showcase the diverse traditions and culture of Coney Island. 

“Each season, our goal is to deliver the best thrills and experiences to our local community as well as the tourists that visit us each year,” said Alessandro Zamperla, President of Central Amusement International. “With the celebration of our 10th season and the addition of these new rides and spaces, we are excited to grow, provide quality entertainment, and bring the finest in amusement park innovations to New York City. We continue to restore the legacy of Coney Island by bringing new and exhilarating attractions and entertainment to our guests.” 

Luna Park takes pride in being New York City’s largest amusement destination and maintains its commitment to enhancing Coney Island year after year. Throughout the 2020 season, park-goers of all ages can anticipate new innovative rides and attractions, an increased environmentally friendly presence, delicious new food and beverage offerings and birthday themed festivities. Happy Birthday Luna Park! 

ABOUT LUNA PARK 

Named after an iconic piece of Coney Island's history, Luna Park is the largest amusement park and New York City’s most famous playground with a heritage that stretches back more than 130 years. Luna Park provides New Yorkers and tourists from around the world with a full destination experience of family friendly amusements, boardwalk eats, souvenir shops, thrill rides and special events. Each year, Luna Park continues to light up the famous Coney Island skyline with its timeless landmarks and novelties. In close proximity to nearly three miles of sandy beaches, two and a half miles of boardwalk and other top attractions, Luna Park, which employs more than 800 people, offers over 40 games, rides and roller coasters and is a fun-filled world-class destination for all ages. For more information about Luna Park in Coney Island, including a full list of rides, entertainment, food and more, please visit https://lunaparknyc.com/


Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Legoland New York is using new technology to go dark



LEGOLAND® NEW YORK RESORT, HOLOVIS AND ETF RIDE SYSTEMS REVEAL THE WORLD’S FIRST RIDE EXPERIENCE FEATURING TECHNOLOGY THAT TURNS GUESTS INTO LEGO® MINIFIGURES!

Largest LEGOLAND® Theme Park Opening July 4, 2020, Reveals LEGO® Factory Adventure at IAAPA EXPO in Orlando ORLANDO, FL (November 19, 2019) – When it opens on July 4, 2020, LEGOLAND® New York Resort will introduce the LEGO® Factory Adventure Ride featuring the world’s first use of on-ride tracking technology. By identifying the attributes of guests and mapping their position in the virtual space, the ride transforms riders into LEGO® Minifigures right before their own eyes! The family theme park revealed the news at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) annual Expo in Orlando in tandem with the ride technology designer, Holovis.

“Merlin Entertainments continues to grow in North America with more than 30 attractions and is already pushing boundaries with the LEGO Factory Adventure before LEGOLAND New York even opens,” said Head of Public Relations North America for Merlin Entertainments Julie Estrada. “Imagine traveling through a LEGO Factory and suddenly seeing yourself as a LEGO Minifigure! With vision in hand, we looked to two of the world’s leading developers, Holovis and ETF Ride Systems, to create this first of its kind dark ride experience. I can’t wait to see the looks on our guests’ faces when they experience it.”

In the narrative-led experience, LEGOLAND New York guests will join Professor Brick on a thrilling and unpredictable adventure through the incredible LEGO Factory, meeting many whimsical characters along the way. Halfway through the ride experience, the ride vehicles, created by ETF, will spin guests until they end up face-to-face with a screen. First, guests will see their ride vehicle transformed into LEGO elements and then, a magical moment occurs as they see themselves appear as LEGO Minifigures! The on-screen recreation is customized based on guest’s attributes to present a unique experience…with the potential of surprises as well. Motion tracking even allows the Minifigure to move as the guest does. Holovis’ proprietary HoloTrac platform leverages advanced computer vision and tracking technologies underpinned by deep neural-network-based facial detection and recognition algorithms – all in less than 0.5 seconds!

“At Holovis, we pride ourselves on the ability to own the entire technical experience, so the delivery of the LEGO Factory Adventure is the perfect project for our turnkey, in-house capability. Working alongside Merlin Entertainments, we have created the ultimate in on-ride guest personalization and the ETF trackless motion vehicle integrates perfectly with the non-linear ride experience” said Holovis Creative Director Peter Cliff. “The LEGO Minifigure transformation is the textbook use for our HoloTrac technology, and since it’s completely invisible to the guest, the experience feels like real magic when the moment occurs.”

“The vehicle we created for the LEGO Factory Adventure is meant to make guests feel as if they are a part of the automatic robot machinery that you would see in a LEGO factory,” said CEO of ETF Ride Systems Ruud Koppens. “We’ve never done this kind of ride before that is based on reality versus fantasy and we are very excited to work with Holovis and Merlin Entertainments to make this happen!”

Opening in New York’s Hudson Valley, 60 miles northwest of New York City, LEGOLAND New York Resort will be the largest LEGOLAND theme park ever built, featuring more than 50 rides, shows and attractions across seven themed “lands” on 150 acres.

The theme park’s three tiers of Annual Passes are on sale starting at $119.99, along with single-day tickets starting as low as $62.99. All are available for purchase on LEGOLAND New York’s website: www.legoland.com/new-york/.

Here we become Minifigures at the demonstrator set up on the show floor:




Extreme Engineering





Matt to discuss three major projects opening first quarter of 2020, including over 12 new adventure rides introduced in 2019,with 2 major adventure parks opening in 2020. Phil to briefly discuss our collaboration with The Producers Group on their latest dark ride attraction,called “The Dark Rider” and a snapshot of what our design team completed in 2019.

Also celebrate the engineering design and fabrication work we did in 2019 with Dollywood’s tree for the Wildwood Grove expansion project along with design work on providing coaster anchors for Universal’s Hagrids coaster and Jurassic World to redesigning outdated Hopkin’s flume ride carts. In celebration of our 25th year anniversary in 2020, Extreme Engineering has launched an entirely new website just before this year’s IAAPA Expo. We will also be developing a new coaster attraction that will be debuted in 2020 so please stay tuned on our website for sneak peaks as the project progresses.




The Producers Group has a very interesting project and we can't wait to experience it for ourselves.


Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Zamperla is expanding their roller coaster vehicle options



Here is a link to the Lightning roller coaster brochure

Ad here is the link to the Danglez roller coaster brochure

We can hardly wait to try out these new options on some new roller coasters. Just for fun, we close with a fun video of Nebulaz, a very cool looking ride from Zamperla.



Busch Gardens Williamsburg has called on Intamin to build Pantheon


                                                                                 
                                                                     
    

BUSCH GARDENS REVEALS PLANS FOR NEW, RECORD-BREAKING ROLLER COASTER

Pantheon, Fastest Multi-launch Coaster in North America debuts in 2020 
WILLIAMSBURG, Virginia (July 30, 2019) – Today, Busch Gardens® Williamsburg announced exciting details about Pantheon®, a record-breaking multi-launch coaster set to open in 2020.  Featuring a total of four launches, this coaster located in the park’s Festa Italia village will reach a top speed of 72.5 mph, making it the fastest multi-launch coaster in North America.

The new Pantheon combines the might of five Roman gods in one record breaking display of strength, speed and power, including forward and backward launches, two inversions and a 95-degree drop.  The gods reinforce the theming of the new coaster and illustrate some of the thrilling elements for brave riders. 

“Pantheon is going to be non-stop action for riders.  We’ve designed it so that the experience is changing all the time and will keep riders wondering what’s next,” said Larry Giles, Senior Director, Design & Engineering. “Multiple launches, speed changes, a sharp drop and backwards acceleration are just a few of Pantheon’s one-of-a kind traits,” added Giles. 
  
The 2020 opening of this attraction will headline another exciting season at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, which has been named the “World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park” by the National Amusement Park Historical Association for 29 consecutive years and one of 2019 Best Amusement Parks by USA Today 10BEST.  From its thrilling roller coasters, world-class dining options and kid-friendly attractions, Busch Gardens offers fun for the whole family.
  
PANTHEON RIDE STATS
  • TYPE OF RIDE:                   Multi-launch coaster (Fastest in North America)
  • SPECIAL FEATURES:
    • 95° drop
    • Two inversions
    • Four launches
      • Launch 1 speed: 36 mph
      • Launch 2 speed: 50 mph
      • Launch 2 speed (backward): 61 mph
      • Launch 3 speed: 67 mph
  • TRACK LENGTH:                 3,328 feet
  • MAXIMUM SPEED:              72.5 mph
  • MAXIMUM HEIGHT:            180 feet
  • RIDE DURATION:                Two minutes
  • SEATS/TRAIN:                    Two trains, 20 riders per train
  • LOCATION:                         Busch Gardens’ Festa Italia
  • RIDE MANUFACTURER:      Intamin Worldwide
  • RIDE OPEN DATE:              Spring, 2020
                                                                                                                          
                                                                             


Here are some construction photos from 9/14/2019





                          



Sunday, November 24, 2019

Carowinds' New Winterfest Wonderland Parade Opens with Expanded Winterfest Celebration


© Carowinds
Carowinds previously announced that new for 2019's Winterfest season is the Winterfest Wonderland Parade, and recently they gave a detailed look at the floats that will be dazzling guests this holiday season.  Much like Cedar Fair's awesome Grand Carnivale production, Carowinds' new parade will feature full sized floats in their parade - no skimping here!

© Carowinds
The parade's route will start at the "North Pole Excursion, stop in County Fair, Jingle Bell Boardwalk, Tinsel Town and Carousel Park, and making a final stop near the North Gate."  The final float (there will be about 8 in total) can be seen above, and of course that's Santa himself!  The big guy and all his reindeer will make quite an impression on visitors to Winterfest!

© Carowinds
The Winterfest productions at various Cedar Fair parks have made Jack Frost a big part of the fun, with him having debuted as a face character at the very first event.  His popularity has grown, and he will indeed have his own float in the Winterfest Wonderland Parade.  Seen above, Jack Frost's Snow Machine will feature "SnowFlake and Tinsel, snowball fighters, and roller skiers will provide exciting entertainment as the snow flies."

© Carowinds
Each of the floats will be beautiful in their own way, such as the holiday train seen above that will engage the crowd in holiday carols.  Other floats, such as the Gazebo, will feature the Peanuts crew decked out in their holiday finest.

This year Winterfest at Carowinds has also expanded, offering even more than their existing 5 million lights.  There will be the all new Blue Ridge County Christmas, offering up an authentic country Christmas experience along with Copperhead Strike, and another new area, Gingerbread Alley.

As Winterfest is dependent on awesome live entertainment, guests will find even more shows this year as well.  These include 4 Drummers Drumming, the Head Elf Training Challenge Course, Blitzen's Brass Brigade, The Yule Logs and an expanded Tinker's Toy Factory show.

For more on Carowinds' Winterfest 2019, check out the park's website.  There is a season pass holder preview night tonight, and the event officially kicks off tomorrow.


Saturday, November 23, 2019

IAAPA Kickoff and Hall of Fame Induction


As normal, it was a fast start to the week, here are some excerpts from the Kickoff:


Two Global Attractions Industry Pioneers Inducted
into IAAPA Hall of Fame
IAAPA Celebrates Frederick "Fred" Langford and Alberto Zamperla at IAAPA Expo 2019
ORLANDO, Fla., US (Nov. 19, 2019) – IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, today inducted two global attractions industry legends — Frederick "Fred" Langford and Alberto Zamperla — into the IAAPA Hall of Fame. The IAAPA Hall of Fame honors individuals whose work and accomplishments have made significant and lasting contributions to the global attractions industry. These awards are the highest and most prestigious honors in the industry.  
"We are deeply proud to welcome these outstanding industry leaders into the IAAPA Hall of Fame," said Michael Collins, 2019 chairman of the IAAPA Hall of Fame and Archives Committee and, senior partner, Leisure Development Partners, LLP. "Fred Langford and Alberto Zamperla truly embody what the attractions industry represents — ingenuity, creativity, passion, and leadership. We are honored by their commitment and contributions."
Frederick Langford, WaterWorld Products, New Jersey, United States
Frederick "Fred" Langford is an architect, inventor, designer, and dreamer, and is considered by many to be the creator of the modern day water slide. Fred's work has been recognized throughout the global attractions industry as the gold standard for water slide design. He holds multiple patents, and he was the first to use fiberglass in water slide construction, replacing the standard use of concrete. His innovations have become the foundation of elevated water slides in water parks around the world. Fred also invented self-supporting beams which allow water slides to be longer, providing guests with an experience that feels more like a roller coaster ride.

Alberto Zamperla, Antonio Zamperla S.p.A, Italy
The name Zamperla can be found in almost every park around the world. Rides like the "Rocking Tug," "Disko," "Air Race," and "Magic Bikes" have become park staples. When Alberto Zamperla took over the Zamperla Company in 1994, he helped the family business grow from manufacturing 50 rides annually to more than 200. With production facilities in Italy, China, and Belarus, Alberto has also worked to bring international safety manufacturing standards to their facility in China, while also dramatically improving rider accessibility. In 2014, Zamperla donated "Lori's Magical Ride" to Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee, Florida. The attraction was the resort's first to offer children with disabilities the full ride experience. Alberto has also worked to support the global attractions industry, serving as the founder and first chairman of the European Suppliers Association (EAASI), which later became the organization that created the Euro Attractions Show, which is today known as IAAPA Expo Europe.


The IAAPA Hall of Fame was established in 1990 to honor legends and pioneers for their significant and lasting contributions to the growth and development of the global attractions industry. To learn more about the IAAPA Hall of Fame, www.IAAPA.org/HallofFame.


Friday, November 22, 2019

Busch Gardens Tampa is using Rocky Mountain Construction to make the old new again with Iron Gwazi!



Here are a few construction photos from the Christmas Town opening night on 11/16/2019.
                                                                                 

                 








Below is the unedited version of the press release from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 

Iron Gwazi – Opening Spring 2020
A new legend is surfacing in 2020 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with the evolution of Iron Gwazi™, North America’s tallest hybrid coaster and the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world. Manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction, Iron Gwazi will be 206 feet tall, feature a 91-degree drop, and reach top speeds of 76 miles per hour. The journey will include 3 inversions and 12 airtime moments as it races along more than 4,075 feet of purple steel track. With a 48” height requirement, Iron Gwazi will be an exciting thrill attraction that families can take on together.

While elements of the former wooden attraction will be integrated into the new ride, the steel track and re-imagined layout of Iron Gwazi present an entirely unique experience that tells a different story. Iron Gwazi will highlight the best of both worlds — the classic nostalgia of a wooden coaster and the bold innovation of a steel coaster. Thriving and adapting over millions of years, this evolutionary crossroad is perfectly represented in the crocodile, the largest living reptile and the animal inspiration for Iron Gwai

Iron Gwazi Fast Facts

Opening Date: Spring 2020
Maximum Height: 206 feet
Maximum Speed: 76 mph
Drop Angle: 91 degrees
Track Length Traveled: 4,075 feet
Number of Trains: two
Number of Riders per Train: 24
Minimum Rider Height: 48 inches
Ride Elements: 12 airtime features, including three inversions
Manufacturer: Rocky Mountain Construction





And here are a couple photos of  the awesome front car of the Iron Gwazi Train


Knott's Berry Farm calls on Triotech to celebrate 100th Anniversary



If you wish to see the above picture expand: Link to Knott's Artwork



The following is an unedited press release: 

TRIOTECH TO CREATE KNOTT’S BERRY FARM’S NEWEST ATTRACTION

The 4-D, Interactive Dark Ride will revive the park’s iconic “Bear-y Tales” for Knott’s 100th anniversary Triotech - Knott's Bear-y Tales Rendering Triotech announces a new 4-D Interactive Dark Ride attraction that will be installed at Knott’s Berry Farm, in Buena Park, California. The Cedar Fair Entertainment Company park will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2020. As part of this summer-long celebration, the park has decided to bring one its most iconic dark rides “back to life”.

The new attraction will be called “Knott’s Bear-y Tales®: Return to the Fair”. Triotech is designing the attraction, the scenic theming, and producing the animation and gaming system, which will take guests on a dark ride experience enhanced with 4-D effects and interactivity.

“Triotech is thrilled to work with the amazing team at Knott’s Berry Farm and Cedar Fair on this high-profile project. For this unique attraction, the Knott’s team gave us access to a wealth of archive materials that have been key in understanding the original Knott’s Bear-y Tales®” said Ernest Yale, Triotech’s Founder, President and CEO.

“The return of Knott’s Bear-y Tales is perfect for the 100th anniversary because it brings back one of the park’s most nostalgic and beloved attractions in an innovative 4-D dark ride format that will delight an entirely new generation of fans,” said Jon Storbeck, Vice President & General Manager of Knott’s Berry Farm.


“Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair” is a new 4-D interactive dark ride that will take guests on an exciting journey through reimagined show scenes that are reminiscent of the original dark ride, including the Boysenberry Pie Factory, Frog Forest, Fortune Teller Camp, Thunder Cave, and Weird Woods, culminating in a celebration at the County Fair.

The story takes place 34 years after the original adventure and will follow Boysen Bear and Girlsen Bear as they travel to the Country Fair to earn the blue ribbon prize for their famous boysenberry pies, but Crafty Coyote is back along with his mischievous pups intent on stealing all the pies for themselves. Guests will climb aboard ride vehicles equipped with jelly blasters to try and recover the stolen boysenberry pies as they travel through whimsical and beautiful environments while competing for the highest score.

 “Knott’s Bear-y Tales carries a great significance and evokes an intense sense of nostalgia for those who first experienced the ride as children in the ‘70s and ‘80s,” stated Nol Van Genuchten, Vice President Creative at Triotech. He added: “It’s our goal to capture the spirit, creativity and originality that made this dark ride such a success and thus honoring the cherished memories of the original attraction”.


Thursday, November 21, 2019

California's Great America to Debut New In Park "High-Tech Kid Locator"


© California's Great America
California's Great America and announced that they will soon be offering a brand new high-tech kid locator system that's available to rent at the park - starting already with the opening of Winterfest!  The technology is powered by Luboo, which we first heard about last year during the IAAPA Expo.  At that point the company was planning on entering the North American market in "late 2019" which turned out to be pretty spot on.

© California's Great America
For parents who want the added security of knowing where their kids are at all times while in the park, the system allows them to download an app from Luboo and keep track of just that.  The app will show a map of the park and constantly update with their kids location, every 60 or 10 seconds depending on setting.

The kids wear the wristbands that are seen in these photos from the park, and they provide the GPS location with a high level of accuracy.  California's Great America is renting the system for $12 plus a refundable deposit when the wrist band is returned.  Amusement and theme parks have long looked for great ways to avoid "lost parents" as they call them, and this system appears to be a nice way to tackle that problem.


Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Mauer Sohn Announces A Roller Coaster That Cruises Around the Ocean, BOLT: ULTIMATE SEA COASTER!




           





                             






Mardi Gras is going to be a huge deal when she sets sail in 2020. Plenty of folks will come ready to chill, but if it’s a thrill you’re seeking, this is also definitely the ship for you!
Aboard the Mardi Gras you’ll meet BOLT™: the fastest — and first! — rollercoaster at sea. Strap in and zoom your motorcycle-style speed machine around an open-air course high, high above sea level. You know how on most roller coasters... actually, never mind. 
Forget other coasters because this all-electric thrill ride puts you in the driver’s seat. That means you actually get to control how fast you go, so hit the gas and try for the fastest time, go for the biggest thrill — plus some amazing 360° ocean views! And for the folks who choose to chill: go light on the pedal, and this just might be the coaster for you!


Great Coasters International is building Texas Stingray for SeaWorld San Antonio




The following is an unedited press release:

Texas Stingray – Opening Spring 2020
SeaWorld San Antonio has announced exciting details about Texas Stingray; the tallest, fastest and longest wooden roller coaster in the state of Texas.  This record-breaking coaster, which will reach a top speed of 55 mph, includes a breathtaking hundred-foot drop and a sensory-bending hundred-foot long tunnel.  Texas Stingray marks a major addition to SeaWorld San Antonio’s gravity-defying roller coaster portfolio with five unique coaster experiences.

Texas Stingray Fast Facts
Opening Date:  Spring 2020
Type of Ride:  Wooden roller coaster, the tallest, fastest and longest in Texas
Special Features:  57-degree first drop and 76 degree high turns
Ride Length:  3,379 feet of track
Drop Height:  100-foot drop
Maximum Speed:  55 mph
Maximum Height:  96 feet
Tunnel:  100 feet
Airtime Hills:  16 airtime hills
Minimum Rider Height:  46 inches
Ride Duration:  More than two minutes
Ride Manufacturer:  Great Coasters International (GCI)