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ATRA World News Archive 2007

What was up in the World of Thrill Rides & Amusement Parks


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December 21, 2007

New attraction for Idlewild Park in 2008
Idlewild Park has begun receiving portions of their new 2008 attraction today, but they have not announced what the attraction will be. On their website is a photo of the first "mystery piece" of the new attraction as it is being unloaded from the delivery truck. More information will follow in the New Year regarding what the new attraction is and where it will be located in the park.
Any idea what the new attraction is?
It will be great, at Idlewild Park in 2008.

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December 19, 2007

Man dies after riding Walt Disney World ride
A Florida man is dead after riding a roller coaster at Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom. Police say 44 year-old Jeffrey Reed was given CPR and pronounced dead at Celebration Hospital after he was found unresponsive on the Expedition Everest attraction. Officials said Reed appeared to be conscious approximately 50 seconds before the conclusion of the ride, when a camera snapped his photograph. An autopsy is planned as they try to figure out if Reed had a previous medical condition
Read more in FOX News
It will be great, riding roller coasters in 2008.

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December 11, 2007

Kennywood Park has been sold!
The families that own Kennywood Park have agreed to sell the West Mifflin amusement park and other parks to Parques Reunidos, a company based in Madrid. Included in the deal are Lake Compounce in Bristol, CT, Story Land in Glenn, NH, Idlewild Park & Soak Zone in Ligonier, PA, and Sandcastle Waterpark. Kennywood Entertainment has been a closely held family business since F.W. Henninger and Andrew McSwigan purchased Kennywood Park from the Monongahela Railway Company in 1906.
Read more in The Pittsburgh Post Gazette
It will be great, at Kennywood Park in 2008

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December 10, 2007

Kennywood announces new dark ride attraction for 2008
Kennywood Amusement Park announced the specifics for it's new ride in 2008, a state-of-the-art dark ride named Ghostwood Estate. The eight room haunted house replaces The Gold Rusher, which was retired this past August. Ghostwood Estate combines the newest technology available- a trackless conveyance system with cars programmed and monitored by a computer and includes over 200 interactive targets and numerous computer generated images
Press Release
It will be great, at Kennywood Park in 2008

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Great Nor' Easter will open with a new name and new trains in 2008.
The Great Nor'Easter, a favorite of Boardwalk thrill seekers since 1995, will start the 2008 season with a new look, a new feel, and a yet-to-be determined new name. This Vekoma inverted steel coaster has become known for it's breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, but is also known for it's rough ride. The addition of new form-fitting seats with less confining seat restraints will make the popular ride a "happy flight" according to Jack Morey of Morey's Piers. Riders will also be able to turn their heads and interact with their fellow riders, something not previously possible on the ride.
It will be great, at Morey's Piers in 2008

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December 8, 2007

New aviation themed amusement park planned for Dayton
A newly formed development firm in Dayton is seeking $1 million in private investment from business leaders to bring a year-round theme park to the area. The plan would promote the region's aviation legacy, known as the National Aviation Heritage Area. In addition to the theme park, a second phase of development would include the tallest hotel in the U.S.
Read more in the Dayton Business Journal.
It would be great, a new theme park in Dayton in 2008.

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December 6, 2007

Girl who lost feet at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom walks again!
Kaitlyn Lasitter, the 14-year-old girl whose feet were severed on Superman Tower of Power at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom, has taken her first steps since the gruesome accident on June 21st. Attorney Larry Franklin said the girl began walking last week with the help of a prosthetic leg and crutches.
Read more
It would be great, if Intamin has no ride accidents in 2008.

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U.S. Senator asks Cedar Fair to preserve Geauga Lake's Big Dipper
U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown addressed a letter to Cedar Fair president and chief executive officer Dick Kinzel asking the company to develop a plan for Geauga Lake's historic wooden roller coaster, The Big Dipper. In the letter Brown said he hopes that company officials will keep the ride at it's current location, or move it to another site where it can continue to operate. Brown's letter urged Cedar Fair officials to preserve the 82-year-old wooden roller coaster and is against destroying or scrapping the ride. The Big Dipper is one of only 13 John Miller roller coasters left in the world.
Read more in The Sandusky Register
It would be great, if Big Dipper was saved in 2008.

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December 3, 2007

Another wooden roller coaster demolished!
It is a VERY sad day in ATRA News! The Jack Rabbit roller coaster at Clementon Amusement Park in New Jersey has been demolished! This classic John Miller wooden coaster was built in 1919, and was the second oldest roller coaster in the U.S. The Jack Rabbit last ran in 2002. It is believed that the park closed the roller coaster due to pressure from their insurance company following an accident involving the train derailing and colliding into an office building in 1998. Clementon Amusement Park celebrated their 100th year in 2007.

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November 30, 2007

Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom allowed to remove Superman Tower of Power
A judge has ruled that Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom can tear down the Superman Tower of Power. The drop tower ride, where a 13-year-old girl's feet were severed, can be dismantled in two months. Six Flags officials hope to have a new ride picked out to replace it by the time the park re-opens in April.

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November 29, 2007

Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom seeks to remove Superman Tower of Power
Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom wants to tear down it's Superman Tower of Power ride on which a girl lost both of feet earlier this year when a cable snapped. They want the ride removed by February 1st, but that could be held up with legal matters. Lawyers want to make sure that critical evidence is preserved.
Read more
It would be great, if Intamin has no ride accidents in 2008!


Holiday World to add two new rides in 2008
Holiday World and Splashin' Safari has announced two new rides for the 2008 season, in addition to the previously announced Kima Bay waterplay attraction. The Star Spangled Carousel, a used Chance carousel, will be added to the Fourth of July section of the park. A Moser Spring Ride called Reindeer Games will be added to the Rudulph's Reindeer Ranch. The Spring Ride was purchased from Wild West World in Wichita, Kansas, which closed on July 8, 2007, after just two months of operation.
It will be great, at Holiday World in 2008.

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November 26, 2007

Indiana Beach to add a new roller coaster in 2008
Indiana Beach, the largest and most popular amusement resort in Indiana, has announced the first major steel roller coaster to be built in the state. The new ride is called Steel Hawg, and is being manufactured by S & S Worldwide Inc. It will be the sixth roller coaster at Indiana Beach, and the first to take riders upside-down. Indiana Beach will open for it's 83rd season on May 8, 2008.
It will be great, at Indiana Beach in 2008!


Wild West World land for sale
Local banks with delinquent loans to Wild West World are hoping that the sale of the land and buildings at the theme park are their key to getting paid. Wild West World, in Wichita, Kansas opened on May 5, 2007. The park went bankrupt after just two months of operation and closed on July 8, 2007. J.P. Weigand & Sons Inc. are listing the property at $8.5 million, which includes more than 70 acres of land and about a dozen buildings. The 24 rides on the property have already been auctioned off and proceeds have paid off ride manufacturers and vendors.
Read more in The Milwaukee Business Journal

Note from ATRA Historian:
Joyland Park has been struggling for years.
Why did they think that another amusement park could survive in Wichita, Kansas?

It would be great, if Joyland Park would open in 2008.

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November 21, 2007

Another amusement Park may close in 2009!
Under a proposed deal with the city of Seattle, Fun Forest Amusement Park would permanently close at the end of the 2009 season. The park has lost business in recent year and has fallen behind on rent payments to the city. In exchange for reduced rent, Fun Forest would agree to shorten it's lease, which now runs through 2014. The city would like to go in a different direction with the land and is scheduled to vote on the proposal today. The park is an icon and has operated under the Space Needle since the 1962 World's Fair.
Read more in The Seattle Times
It would be fine, if Fun Forest stays open past 2009.

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November 19, 2007

Another new amusement park in Arizona
Another Rock & Roll themed amusement park may open in Arizona. "Decades" will be a year-round theme park with roller coasters, water rides, a concert arena, and a luxury hotel. Investors purchased 240 acres of land in 2006 for the $800 million project in Eloy, Arizona between Phoenix and Tucson.
It will be great, if this park opens in 2008.

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November 17, 2007

New park and roller coaster in Fresno
A new amusement park will open in Fresno, CA in 2008. There are more than 20 rides scheduled to open at "Forest Park" at Granite Park on 10 acres of land. The amusement rides include a large flume ride, bumper cars, and the Thunder Bolt roller coaster, which is being relocated from MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The coaster is one-half mile long and features a 50-foot drop. Additional roller coasters are expected to arrive at the end of this month.
Read more at KFSN-TV Fresno
It will be great, at Granite Park in 2008.


Kings Island B&M Hypercoaster for 2009?
Will Kings Island get a new B&M Hypercoaster in 2009? The rumors are now more than strong as a layout for the coaster has now surfaced. The new coaster will be in the Rivertown section of the park and will be 225 feet tall and 5000 feet in length.
Read more in Imageshack
It will be fine, at Kings Island in 2009.

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November 15, 2007

Six Flags Magic Mountain to remove more rides!
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, CA is removing at least 5 more rides for the 2008 season. With the removal of the Deja Vu roller coasters at other parks, it may also be added to this list.
Read more in The L.A. Times
It would be great, if corporate parks stop removing rides in 2008!

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November 13, 2007

Proposal to save the Big Dipper!
Aurora-A Group, hoping to preserve Geauga Lake's Big Dipper, envisions the nation's seventh-oldest roller coaster as the centerpiece of a ride-themed retail complex where the amusement park once operated. Carole Sanderson, former president of The American Coaster Enthusiasts is supporting the development. She wants a small piece of the lakefront property to become a "lifestyle center" with shops, restaurants, and the operating coaster. Geauga Lake's Ballroom could also be saved and become an ACE amusement park museum.
It would be great, riding The Big Dipper in 2008.

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November 9, 2007

Clementon Lake Park
It was officially announced today that Angelo, Gordon & Co. has created Adrenaline Family Entertainment, Inc., in conjunction with it's acquisition of Clementon Lake Park. Angelo Gordon acquired the business in August. Adrenaline Family Entertainment has been established with the goal of building a diversified portfolio of amusement park operations through acquisition and selective greenfield development opportunities. Hue Eichelberger and Russell Kuteman of Six Flags, Inc will be the CEO and CFO of the company.

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November 8, 2007

Coney Island Redevelopment
New York City officials announced today the redevelopment plans for Coney Island. The plan will mix a 15-acre amusement park with apartments, condos, and shops on the beachfront property. Once approved, the redevelopment could take up to 20 years to complete and groundbreaking will not begin until 2009. The plan also makes use of Coney Island's history with the Shore Hotel, B&B Carousel, Parachute Jump, Wonder Wheel, and Cyclone roller coaster all staying put and being refurbished.
Read more

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November 7, 2007

New rides for Quassy Amusement Park
A public hearing on Quassy Amusement Park's proposal for three new rides will take place in December. The proposed rides include a pirate ship and a three-lane dry slide. In 2009, the park will replace the Mad Mouse with a wooden roller coaster that will be constructed on site. The Mad Mouse does not have many seasons left before it will need to be replaced and getting parts is becoming difficult. The new wooden roller coaster will be the premiere ride in the park.
Note from ATRA Historian:
When we visited Hillcrest Park on one of the final days of operation in 2003, the Park Manager told us that the Little Dipper was being relocated to Quassy. Of course, Little A-Merrick-A purchased the roller coaster at the auction on October 25th for $9000. It opened as The Meteor on August 8, 2007. It was my 800th roller coaster!


Geauga Lake News
Geauga Lake's wooden coasters have been listed for sale...

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November 6, 2007

Knott's Berry Farm 2008 Announcement
Knott's Berry Farm announced today they will add a new roller coaster for the 2008 season called Pony Express. Riders will ride horseback on one of 16 horses and be launched 0-38 MPH in 3 seconds. The 1300 foot track will feature a height of 44 ft., 60 degree banked turns, camelbacks, and tight maneuvers. Designed and built by Zamperla, this will be the first "motocoaster" in the U.S. and will open on Memorial Day 2008.
Read more

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November 1, 2007

Hard Rock Park
The Moody Blues announced today that a new dark ride based on their 1967 song "Nights in White Satin" will be constructed at Hark Rock Park in Myrtle Beach.
Hard Rock Park is scheduled to open on May 8, 2008. It will be 140 acres and will cost $400 million.


Six Flags Magic Mountain 2008 announcement
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, CA announced today that they will close the X roller coaster in late 2007. X was the world's first 4 Dimension thrill ride. In 2008, X will move to the 5th Dimension and become X2, adding an innovative and totally immersive sight and sound experience. The $10 million investment will feature redesigned sleeker trains and the addition of a unique new tunnel and light experience that changes with every ride.
Read more
Six Flags Magic Mountain will also add a Thomas the Tank Engine themed area called Thomas Town in 2008 for the little thrill-seekers.

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October 25, 2007

Great America 2008 Announcement
Great America in Santa Clara, CA made some announcements today. They are changing their name to California's Great America. Next year, they will add a new Huss Top Spin ride called FireFall. (Could this be Texas Twister from Geauga Lake?) The park will add a new world-class wooden roller coaster in 2009, manufactured by Great Coasters International. The park will also add a new Ice Show Spectacular and offer new extended hours next year.
Read more

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October 24, 2007

Coney Island News
Coney Island Astroland will open for one more year! A deal was made between Thor Equities and the Alberts family today. Details have not been announced, but Astroland will open on March 18, 2008 for it's final season.

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October 23, 2007

Kings Dominion 2008 roller coaster announcement
Kings Dominion announced today that they will add a record breaking roller coaster in 2008. This innovative 4,210-long steel roller coaster will be the longest floorless coaster in the world and will have the tallest roller coaster loop! It will be the park's 14th roller coaster.
Of course, we all know this roller coaster is Dominator from Geauga Lake! Very sad!!!

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October 20, 2007

More Trouble at Bushkill Park
Bushkill Park in Easton, PA has been closed since the flood in 2004. They have been struggling to re-open ever since. The new roller coaster, Tater Bug Terror, was moved there from Nellie Bly Amusement Park in 2006, but never opened. Now the park is facing a new problem....vandalism!
WFMZ TV 69 News report

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October 18, 2007

Holiday Lights Spectacular
Holiday Lights Spectacular is a new event at Beech Bend Park in Bowling Green, KY. It runs every night from November 22 thru January 5, 5PM to 10PM. Rides are open, including the Kentucky Rumbler roller coaster! They also offer great buffet-style meals!
Get your winter roller coaster fix without going to Florida!!!
It will be great, at Beech Bend Park in January 2008

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October 12, 2007

Morey's Pier testing new Vekoma trains
Morey's Pier is testing the new Vekoma trains on The Great Nor'Easter. It is a new improved seat and restraint system that are form fitting with a softer seat. It has an over-the-shoulder restraint with a seat belt and allows the rider to move more freely. Testing will go on for several weeks before the Morey Organization decides whether to add the new seating to the trains for the 2008 season, at a cost of $1 million for each train.
Read more and see video from the Cape May County Herald

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October 9, 2007

Tulsa County Fair Report
There was a total of eight ride-related injury accidents at the Tulsa County Fair this year!
Attendance was down 7% from last year, and many think it will continue to drop in future years.
After the county forced Bells Amusement Park off the fairgrounds property, some people spoke of boycotting the fair. Robbie Bell said he is certain that the closing of Bells Amusement Park affected this years fair numbers, and he thinks next year will be worse.
Read more in Tulsa World

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October 4, 2007

Another accident on same roller coaster in Tulsa
On Wednesday, another child was injured in an accident on the same Zyclon roller coaster at the Tulsa County Fair in just five days! The roller coaster car got stuck on the track and was hit from behind three times. As ATRA reported on Saturday, five kids were injured on this ride. The ride was inspected after the first accident and was re-opened. Many people say it should not have re-opened. The Tulsa County Fair is located next to the former site of Bell's Amusement Park, which was forced to close after the 2006 season.

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October 2, 2007

Six Flags implodes the Wildcatter
Six Flags Over Texas imploded the Wildcatter ride today to make room for their new roller coaster, Tony Hawk's Big Spin. The Intamin drop tower was 128 feet tall and now there are only two of these freefall towers left in the US...


Michigan's Adventure 2008 roller coaster announcement
Michigan's Adventure made an official announcement today that they will get the relocated Vekoma Suspended Looping Coaster, Thunderhawk, from Geauga Lake. It will open in Spring 2008, and will be the first suspended roller coaster in Michigan. Thunderhawk will be the seventh roller coaster at Michigan's Adventure.
Read more
[Uncle Duke sends Michigan his condolences...]

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September 30, 2007

Superman Ride of Steel closed at Six Flags New England
Reports coming from visitors to Six Flags New England over the weekend are that the park's premier ride, Superman Ride of Steel may be down for the remainder of the season. One visitor on Saturday, Sept. 29 reports: "An announcement was made on the tram on the way into the park that 'Superman Ride of Steel' was closed for the SEASON!" The park's web site later listed the ride as "Temporarily Closed."

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September 29, 2007

Accident at Tulsa County Fair
Five kids were injured on The Wildcat roller coaster at the Tulsa County Fairgrounds today.
The fairgrounds are located next to the former site of Bell's Amusement Park, which was forced to relocate after the 2006 season.
Read more

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September 28, 2007

Another ride for Hersheypark in 2008!
In addition to the new Intamin roller coaster, Fahrenheit, Hersheypark is adding another new ride next year. It is a Wisdom Tornado ride called Howler, and will open in May 2008.

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September 27, 2007

Six Flags Over Georga 2008 announcement
Six Flags Over Georgia announced the addition of Thomas Town, a new kids play area for 2008, themed after Thomas the Tank Engine.


Hersheypark announces new roller coaster
Hersheypark announced their new roller coaster for 2008 today. It is called Fahrenheit and will be built by Intamin. The coaster will feature a 121 ft. vertical lift and a 97 degree negative drop, the deepest in the U.S. It will reach a maximum speed of 58 mph.
Read more


Six Flags announces 5 more roller coasters!
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California has announced another Tony Hawks Big Spin roller coaster for 2008.
Read more

Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ announced a new coaster for April 2008. The Dark Knight Coaster will be an indoor dark coaster, manufactured by Mack Rides. It will be themed to the new Warner Brothers movie featuring Batman and The Joker.
Read more

Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL announced a Dark Knight Coaster for Spring, 2008 as well
Read more

Six Flags New England in Agawam, MA gets a Dark Knight Coaster too
[Editor's Note: SFNE's Dark Knight was later canceled due to permitting problems. The ride was later sent to Six Flags Mexico City]

And to top it off, Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio, TX announced a new roller coaster to open Spring 2008. Goliath will be a B&M Inverted Coaster, and will be in the Los Festivales section of the park. (Note from ATRA Historian, this B&M coaster operated as Batman: The Ride at Six Flags New Orleans).

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September 26, 2007

New Wooden Coaster for Six Flags St. Louis
Six Flags St. Louis announced today that they will add a new GCI wood coaster in 2008. The name is still undecided, but the coaster will be a tribute to Evel Knievel, and will be the park's third wood coaster.


New owners for Cypress Gardens and Wild Adventures
Cypress Garden and Wild Adventures now have new owners.
Read more from The Ledger

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September 25, 2007

Flying Turns will NOT be ready for Phoenix Phall Phunfest
Here is the latest RRC post from Flying Turns Carpenter, Coastin' Steve...
"Well boys and girls, despite Dick's inspirational pep talks over the last few weeks. And the carpentry crew busting our backs to get the track done (the track WILL be ready for the train to roll by the end of this week )
Delays on getting the train assembled, and the remaining less than 2 weeks, have made it impossible for us to get the Flying Turns open to ride for the PPP. 8-(
(there's just too much testing and fine tuning to do before it will be ready to ride )
We're fairly sure we'll have the train on track by then and hope you'll come to the PPP and watch it SILENTLY roll and talk to us, as we run the train thru the testings that we need to do.
As I said in one of my previous posts. The controling bumpers (funnels) where the train goes from trough to track, couldn't be developed w/ the 2 test chassis. It needs the full 5 car train so the exact ride path can be seen and the controling bumpers designed and built from there.
hope to see you at the PPP 8-)
Flying Turns carpenter
Coastin Steve"

It will be great, riding Flying Turns in 2008

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September 24, 2007

Six Flags Over Texas to add new roller coaster
Six Flags Over Texas has announced a new Tony Hawks Big Spin roller coaster for the 2008 season. It is similar to the new Gerstlauer coasters that opened at Six Flags St. Louis and Six Flags Fiesta Texas this year. It will replace the Wildcatter ride in the park's Boomtown section, and is the park's first new roller coaster in seven years.

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September 21, 2007

Cedar Fair Announces New Direction For Geauga Lake R.I.P. 1888-2007
Cedar Fair Entertainment Company announced today that Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom in Aurora, Ohio, will become exclusively a water park attraction beginning with the 2008 season.

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September 18, 2007

Bidding Farewell to Williams Grove Amusement Park
Norton Auctioneers held the auction of 31 rides today.

ATRA Historian and News Reporter, Pete Turrill, attended the auction. His photos are here.

News Reports:
WHTM-TV 27 report
A seasonal run for the Haunted House, water slide, and large roller coaster is still being considered.

It would be great, riding The Williams Grove Cyclone in 2008!

Here is a list of the rides & prices at the auction:
Paddle Boats- 10 boats, $100 each, sold to The Beach Waterpark in Kings Mills, OH.
Mack Skooters-12 cars + building(although I believe the cars were actually Reverchon)-$2000
Mack T.M. Disco Star (like Flying Bobs)-$4500
1995 Otterbacher Chinese Food concession trailer-$19000
Lazer Tag System-$500
Sellner Tilt, cable drive-$4500
Pinfari Kiddie Combo-$3000
Herschell Helicopter/Space Capsules-$3000
Mangels RotoWhip-$3000
Hampton Umbrella Motorcycles-$4000
Schiff Hi-Lo Kiddie Coaster-$3500
Kiddie Ferris Wheel Frame (supposedly with cars)-$1250
Hampton Umbrella Carriages(?)-$8250
1996 Zamperla Convoy, T.M.-$13500
Eyerly Monster (ex-Kennywood)-$3500
Mack "Allotria" Walk-thru Funhouse-$5000
1905 (?) D.C.Mueller Carousel, fiberglas menagerie animals, stationary-$50000
Herschell Twister, T.M., Gas powered-$1700
Mack Musik Express-$40000
Krakor Chair Swing-$10500
Baaker (?) Paratrooper, T.M.-$5000
Playport Kids Play are a-$1250
Keep the small parks alive!!!


Flying Turns will be open for Phoenix Phall Phunfest!?!
Well known Flying Turns carpenter and coaster enthusiasts, Coastin Steve, reports that he believes Flying Turns will be open for Phoenix Phall Phunfest this year!
His post from rec.roller-coaster:
"Flying Turns Update; the Coaster Comes, it WILL be done....
So says Dick Knoebel
If you asked me a month ago if the FT would get open this season I prob would have told you 'prob not'
If you asked me 2 weeks ago if the FT was going to get open this season, I would have changed my opinion to 'possibly'
After this past weekend up there, and seeing how things are happening, my opinion has changed to 'it prob WILL open for the PPP' (repeating, 'my opinion', from what I get to see and hear working on the FT on the weekends)
The transfer table at the bottom of the helix has been test rolled. and now locked in it's normal operating position, work on building the straight trough section on it has begun. ( well to say it's straight wouldn't exactly be the truth, it's got an AIRTIME hump in it !!!) With the experience the FT carpenters have at this point, building that section of trough should take about a week
The transfer table at the top of the helix is almost done and the straight section of side friction track across that should be a couple day project.
The finished steel work of the 5 car train is at Knoebels workshop and the wood work and paddings are being added.
So, ... in about a week and 1/2, there should be the finished train, testing on the FT
If everything goes well w/ testing, we might very well see this ride open at the PPP
8-)
Flying Turns carpenter
Coastin Steve"
It will be like Heaven, riding Flying Turns in 2007!

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September 14, 2007

Kennywood Free Food Frenzy
Oh My God!!! Kennywood is having another Free Food Frenzy this year on Saturday, September 22nd, 7-11PM to kick off Phantom Fright Nights...
It is true! All of your favorite Kennywood food & drinks are absolutely FREE!!!
It will be like Heaven, at Kennywood's Free Food Frenzy in 2007

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September 13, 2007

New York City wants to restore Coney Island Carousel
Two years after New York City officials bought the Coney Island B & B Carousel, they are making plans to restore it and place it near the Boardwalk as a year-round attraction...
Read more in the N.Y. Times
Is this proof that Coney Island has a future?
It was like Heaven, visiting Coney Island in 2007.

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September 12, 2007

Man dies from neck injury on Cyclone
A Coney Island Cyclone rider dies from a neck injury...
Read more from U.P.I.

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September 11, 2007

Six Flags Great America has 38 OSHA Safety Violations!
Here's another one for Betty Buzzbar!
Six Flags Great America has been cited for 38 OSHA safety violations totaling $117,700 in fines...
Read more

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September 10, 2007

Busch Gardens Europe
Busch Gardens Europe bans two guests for allegedly tampering with restraints...

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September 6, 2007

Busch Gardens Announcement today!
Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa announced Jungala for 2008...


Williams Grove Amusement Park
A very sad day in the Amusement Park Industry as Norton Auctioneers prepare for the auction of Williams Grove Amusement Park in Mechanicsburg PA on September 18th...
Read more
Pete, ATRA Historian, will be attending the auction with a tear in his eye.
Says Pete: "Williams Grove will be missed very much! I visited the park many times each year. Of the 799 roller coasters that I have ridden, The Cyclone was the scariest roller coaster ever!!!"


Cypress Gardens and Wild Adventures
Cypress Gardens and Wild Adventures to be sold by September 25th to satisfy Chapter 11...


Coney Island
Looks like it is true, Coney Island Astroland will give it's last rides this week!


Boardwalk Bullet
Kemah Beach neighbors are complaining that Boardwalk Bullet comes within feet of their homes.

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August 31, 2007

Boardwalk Bullet opened today at Kemah Beach!!!


What Really Happened to Bells Amusement Park?
What really happened to Bells Amusement Park? Read KOTV News On 6 report
Why is Bell's gone? See KOTV News on 6 video
Bells Amusement Park was one of more than 25 Amusement Parks that we lost in 2006.
Unbelievable!!!
The Zingo was one of the best wooden roller coasters in the US. Will it find a new home?
It will be great, riding Zingo again in 2008.


August 30, 2007

Geauga Lake rumored to be removing two more coasters -- Part 2
The rumor about the removal of two more roller coasters at Geauga Lake has made the local news...
Read more

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August 28, 2007

Geauga Lake rumored to be removing two more coasters
Did you hear the rumor that Cedar Fair is going to remove two more roller coasters at Geauga Lake?
Dominator (Batman Knight Flight) and Thunderhawk (Serial Thriller)...
Unbelievable!!!

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August 27, 2007

Behemoth The Ride
Canada's Wonderland announced their new B&M Hypercoaster today. It will open in 2008 and is called Behemoth. The coaster will feature new B&M Prototype trains.....
Read more

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August 22, 2007

Another one bites the dust!!!
Very sad news from Kennywood today!!! They are closing The Gold Rusher dark ride tomorrow!
Read more from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Unbelievable!!!

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August 20, 2007

New amusement park planned for Eastern Ontario
According to a report in The Canadian Press, a new amusement park is planned for Eastern Ontario:


Ravine Flyer II news
According to Screamscape, The Ravine Flyer II at Waldameer Park will NOT be getting the new PTC single bench prototype trains....
2008 - Ravine Flyer II - Under Construction - (8/17/07)
(8/14/07) Just a few days after the announcement about how the Ravine Flyer II will be getting the brand new single bench prototype trains from PTC, it looks like Waldameer has gotten cold feet and will instead be using the standard 4 seat cars. Waldameer wants to ensure that nothing will go wrong or delay the opening of this coaster, which has been in the works for years.


Will Steel Pier open in 2008?
The Crazy Mouse from Steel Pier in Atlantic City, NJ is listed for sale "after October 2008" on the Ital International website
Does this mean Steel Pier will open next year???

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August 18, 2007

Boardwalk Bullet
Oh no!!! Hurricane Dean is headed right for Kemah Beach in Texas!!!
Will the Boardwalk Bullet be destroyed before it even opens???

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August 16, 2007

New coaster at Canada's Wonderland in 2008?
There have been rumors for three months that Canada's Wonderland is getting a new B&M coaster in 2008. Here is a picture of the possible layout, suggesting a hypercoaster... See photo
With the construction, it appears to be true that Canada's Wonderland is getting a new hypercoaster.photos
B&M or Intamin? Would Cedar Fair really build another Intamin coaster???
Canada's Wonderland will make an official announcement on August 27th.


News from Waldameer Park
Here's the latest from Erie's WICU News about Ravine Flyer II at Waldameer Park...
Read more


Kemah Boardwalk Bullet
Pete called Kemah Beach & Boardwalk today.
Still no word on an opening date, but the website says September 2007... Visit website
Now we know why they are in no hurry to open Boardwalk Bullet.
The park is open 7 days a week all year!!! They only close on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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August 13, 2007

Kemah Beach update
The Boardwalk Bullet at Kemah Beach resumed testing today. It ran eight complete circuits without getting stuck!
Video

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August 9, 2007

Ravine Flyer II
Waldameer Park has begun vertical construction on Ravine Flyer II...

Disney-MGM Studios
Walt Disney World to give MGM Studios a new name...

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August 8, 2007

Roller coaster effects on the human body
What does continuous roller coaster riding do to the human body?
Read more
The real question is, what does riding The Voyage do to the human body?

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August 7, 2007

Motocoaster
The track is now complete on the new Motocoaster at Dreamland and it will open in September...
Read more
It is built by Intamin, so should we trust it? I'm sure it will have a lot of down time!
We will hate to see how short the seatbelts are on this coaster!


Coney Island news
The New York Daily News reports that Thor's project at Coney Island is cancelled...
Read more
Will Astroland now be just an empty lot?

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August 6, 2007

This notice has arrived from Little A-Merrick-A
The Meteor Wooden Roller Coaster will open at 1 PM on Wednesday August 8, 2007
A drawing will be held for the first riders!
The Winning riders will be drawn from customers purchasing wristbands between 11:30 am and 1 pm on August 8, 2007
Don't miss your chance to be one of the first riders!
Darrell

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August 3, 2007

Kemah Boardwalk
Boardwalk Bullet had it's first test run on Thursday...
See photos

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August 2, 2007

ATRA Web site prototype launched
This is where all the news that's fit to print goes


The Great Escape
The Nightmare roller coaster at Great Escape is now closed...


Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom
Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom will remove the Superman / Hellivator Drop Tower after the accident investigation is finished...

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July 31, 2007

Help Save the Rye Playland Dark Rides
As many of you already have heard, Westchester officials have announced their intentions of the removing the Zombie Castle and Flying Witch darkride concessions from the Rye Playland.

Zombie Castle was originally constructed as the Laff in the Dark back in the 1930's and is thought to be the only surviving R.C.Chambers darkride system (complete with "trick track.")

Needless to say we at DAFE are appalled at this decision and we would like to urge our members and fellow amusement park enthusiasts to send a good old fashion letter to the addresses at the bottom of this post. (Physical letters tend to carry more weight than an email. Harder to delete too!)

Please urge them to consider the rarity of these two rides and darkrides in general. (We estimate fewer than 35 of the thousands built from the late 20's through the late 70's survive today and that number drops every year.)

Please mention each and every amusment park organization that you belong to. Lets show them that the enthusiasts DO care about what happens in their park!

Please forward this to all the enthusiasts you know.

Andrew J. Spano
Westchester County Executive
County of Westchester
148 Martine Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601

Westchester County
Board of Legislators
800 Michaelian Office Building
148 Martine Avenue, 8th Floor
White Plains, New York 10601

Senator-Suzi Oppenheimer
222 Grace Church St., 3rd Floor
Port Chester, NY 10573

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