CoasterBuzz Podcast #114 posted

If you look at that computer rendering of Manta (flying coaster) for SWO, the top left corner sure looks like the typical pretzel loop on B&M flyers. So I guess the intensity will be there. Besides, what Beemer doesn't have a 54" height requirement anyway? I never considered any B&M a family coaster.

Air is 67' feet tall. Manta is 140'. There is a NoLimits simulation of Manta on YouTube (which may or may not be the correct layout) but if it is correct then there will be a half pretzel element on Manta.

Whether or not B&M makes a family style coaster wasn't the point. The point was the choice that Busch is making seems, I dunno, narrow in its appeal.

Thats like saying Busch Gardens is narrow in its appeal.

They keep putting the Beemers in and yet it's a family friendly park.

Is Kraken narrow in its appeal?

Regarding the discussion of the Universal fire, torches are indeed used in APP re-roofs. This is a common method for flat roofs (which, incidentally, can't use shingles). It's a plasticized asphalt membrane that is designed to stretch with the roof as it expands and contracts with temperature.

Roof fires do occur once in a while with this type of application. It's just very seldom they destroy major parts of Hollywood studios in the process.

Yes, Kraken is narrow in its appeal. The SeaWorld parks have always targeted families. I'm still not convinced roller coasters contribute to the growth of SeaWorld.

Wasn't that one of the factors in Busch selling Sea World Ohio?

I know it was also because of seasonal operations but weren't they restricted from building coasters?

Well Kraken finally got me into the park, I had been to Orlando a few times already (just WDW) but when Kraken and IoA were built the next trip we only did the non Disney Parks.

I think Kraken and the coasters are to get the families with teens (who would otherwise balk at spending a day with animals) in the door.

No one really knows why they sold the Cleveland park, and the only thing we can assume is that it wasn't making enough money.

Jeff to answer your questions about the Christopher Walken illusion at the disaster attraction (which I still think is one of the most warmly guest received attractions out there)the illusion is created using "Pepper's Ghost". This is the same illusion used on a less interactive scale at The Haunted Mansion in the ghost dance scene. More similarly used at the unique Mystery Lodge attraction at Knott's.

More information about Pepper's Ghost can be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepper%27s_ghost
This link can explain how the illusion works more eloquently than I can.

I believe how the effect of Christopher walking in front and behind various props would be that that portion of the video is actually missing. Say he is going behind the table, I would guess that during those times, the only part of the video being played is the portion that is waist up.

It is a very cool effect, and I really enjoy how the actor and the props interact with the projection. Hope that helps

I'm familiar with that trick, and I don't think that's it. Knowing how that space is set up, there isn't enough room to do that effect, and the effect would not produce the desired illusion.

You can't simply cut out part of the projection because the physical objects in the scene are in a different position relative to the screen depending on where you're standing in the room. That's why it's such a neat trick.

I have not seen the illusion in question...

But if you place placeholder objects carefully on the 'image source' side of the glass to match the position of the objects in the target space, you can get the result you describe. I know that trick was used at Kings Island in the Phantom Theater, specifically so that the Maestro would apparently be appropriately masked by objects between the riders and his virtual position at the back of the room.

There are two other factors which may be at play. One is that through the use of forced perspective, the illusion area may be larger or smaller than it appears. Another is that an image reflected in a flat mirror (or piece of glass) will appear in space behind the mirror at a distance equal to the object's distance from the front of the mirror. Again, you can tweak this through forced perspective.

Don't know if that's what's going on, but it's something to think about. Incidentally, someone brought up the Mystery Lodge. Talk about something uniquely Californian...it's the only place where I have ever been warned about the potential allergenic effects of entirely virtual smoke. :)

--Dave Althoff, Jr.