Kings Dominion 2009 Update

KDFansite has posted a new video podcast that's focused on the construction of the park's two new flat rides for the 2009 season.

It shows how far the park has gotten on the rides and also explains exactly where they will be located in the park. It also looks like the park is taking out the remaining launch area foundations, etc, from Hypersonic which remained at the park this past summer after the ride was removed last winter.

The Americana ferris wheel and El Dorado ride are both relocated from the former Geauga Lake amusement park in Ohio.

Rockit's Lift Started

© 2008 King_K

New photos of Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit at Universal Studios Florida have been posted in this thread over on ThemeParkReview.

They've stated the massive structure that will support the vertical lift hill. Lots of major work has been done on the new permanent amphitheater that will sit in front of the ride and the coaster's massive station structure as well.

Check it out!

Clawshun Industries - Happy Holidays!

Clawshun Industries wants to say Happy Holidays! The company behind Six Flags New England's viral marketing campaign for the remake of their Superman roller coaster sent out an e-mail that sends fans to this link.

Just follow the instructions, it's pretty cute. Continued props to SFNE for keeping this campaign alive as well...

A Look At 2009

The L.A. Times' Funland Blog has gathered together a look at what new rides and attractions can be found in the U.S. and abroad in 2009.

Everything from the wacky Creature From The Black Lagoon The Musical at Universal Studios Hollywood to the thrilling Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit at Universal Studios Florida is listed.

Here's the link.

What's Alton Towers Up To?

So Alton Tower Theme Park is removing their Corkscrew roller coaster, and rumors are swirling about the replacement coaster that's said to be on the way.

The European Coaster Club just posted a layout that is said to be what the park has planned for the former Corkscrew's place. See the layout at this link. It's being called "Secret Weapon 6," and rumored to open in 2010.

It almost looks like a Premier ride, doesn't it? I heard that Premier has some projects lined up but unannounced as well, so that could make sense. I'm only saying that though because of the direction switches that the layout features.

And while it can't be proven the layout is real, the ECC has been publishing layouts for years now of rides that are no where near ready to be announced and always been dead on.

To our friendly European readers: what do you guys think the park is planning?

Wooden Roller Coaster Poll Results

The Wooden Roller Coaster Poll Results for 2008 are in, and there's a new #1 wooden roller coaster according to what is regarded as the most balanced enthusiast poll anywhere.

T Express opened at Everland in South Korea in March of this year, and has quickly shot to the coveted #1 spot in the poll.

© 2008 Ride Attraction Reivew Blog

The massive wooden coaster is one of Intamin's prefab rides, all of which have become very popular very quickly. Oh, that and T Express is over a mile long and 180+ ft. tall!

Here's the top ten wooden coasters per the poll:

1 - T Express, Everland, South Korea
2 - The Voyage, Holiday World, USA
3 - El Toro, Six Flags Great Adventure, USA
4 - Boulder Dash, Lake Compounce, USA
5 - Balder, Lisenberg, Sweden
6 - Phoenix, Knoebel's, USA
7 - Troy, Toverland, Netherlands
8 - Aska, Nara Dreamland, Japan
9 - Ravine Flyer II, Waldameer, USA
10 - Colossos, Heide Park, Germany

Take notice that all of the 4 Intamin prefab wooden coasters are in the top 10! It's also a great showing for Ravine Flyer II at Waldameer as well.

Here's a link to the full results of this year's poll.