I tried searching for the old topics on this but could not dig them up - so here goes...
We're doing a story today (after weeks of pushing) on the Zoo's expansion. As part of the story, we got the booklet of gourndplans and whatnot. What is of interest, however, is the preliminary list of rides and attractions for the park. I have confirmed that some things have been changed, but here is what was planned:
Kiddie Rides: Frog Hopper Balloon Race Mini Tea Cup Mini Swing Rio Grand Train Camel Mini Jet
*Water Park*
Water Rides: Shark Attack (refurbished) Mach 7 Slide Complex Family Raft Ride Tornado Mat Racer Canoochi Creek Action River Wave Pool Christopher's Island Kiddie Splash Pool
Yes, and looking at the renderings there is one present. However, it is not in the rides list. Let me dig... *edit: The "Roto Techno" is the only attraction listed but not on the map. Is this the spinning coaster? The layout on the elevation looks alot like the Sierra Sidewinder. *** Edited 4/5/2007 3:45:24 PM UTC by PREMiERdrum***
That's pretty exciting, though I really hope that disko coaster wasn't what they meant by "spinning coaster". I also read about a large ferris wheel. I wonder if that was from an older list of proposed rides.
Wyandot Lake was sorely in need of expansion/renovation. While the total number of adult dry rides isn't increasing by much, this list does show a much better selection than what was there previously.
Now all they need is a full size wooden coaster!
Flying scooters are popping up everywhere these days. They were a rare treat not that long ago.
edit: what is a roto techno? *** Edited 4/5/2007 3:44:51 PM UTC by millrace***
Until we see actual construction of new buildings, I wouldn't count on anything on the ride list (except the Sea Dragon). One of the blueprints I saw @ an employee conference included a Jungle Jack Dark Ride, which I don't find to be very realistic much like the spinning coaster.
By the way, the aforementioned Jack Hanna dark ride appears only on the August 6th plans, the earliest date we got. This is also the only one that mentions a spinning coaster. On the more recent plans, the spinner's real estate is listed as "future expansion."
Almost all of the flyers I have encountered are good flyers, Rob. It's just whether or not the park will let you snap them.
True, but for me, being able to snap them separates the good ones from the bad ones. I wouldn't like bumper cars that I can't bump, just as I don't like scooters that I can't snap!
Solely based on the Columbus Zoo's trend to push back opening dates and delay/ remodify projects into phases, I have a feeling we're going to see the new park open in a similar fashion. Certain rides will eventually call the place home, but not all at once. Obviously when opening a park, there needs to be room and plans for future developments. However I see this new park's opening phases to be a little incomplete. I'm not saying that to be negative, we just have to remember that while the amusement section is under total redevelopment, the zoo's entrance is already underconstruction for relocation as well as the Polar Bear expansion which is due sometime in 2008 as well.