Dania Beach roller coaster shut down

ApolloAndy said:
What they need is some money from Pepsi.

Or Maverick.

Which reminds me, and not to divert the thread but, did anyone else see where Conneaut Lake seems to be in serious disarray (again)?

It's a great ride, but far from perfect and lacks any significant history or nostalgia. Why move a ride like that when you could easily improve upon its design? For every amazing airtime hill it had, it also had a dud hill.

A closed ride is instantly better than one that is operating. That seems to be a universal constant since I got into this hobby.

That does seem to be the case. Some of the problems are that there are good coasters running in bad locations or under failing ownership. I'm sure there are at least a few coasters out there that people wouldn't shed a tear over if they closed.
I don't know anyone who was too upset when the Myrtle Beach Hurricane was scrapped. Some of the lesser appreciated rides just happen to be in better locations or under better management. And since the public seems to be less picky than you typical enthusiast, those rides continue to operate.

Or Maverick

Jeff said:
A closed ride is instantly better than one that is operating. That seems to be a universal constant since I got into this hobby.

I understand where you are coming from here, Jeff, however, a lot of people really liked DBH when it was open. I found it to be fantastic. I felt the same way about The Villain at SFWoA before it closed. I think I recall that you did too.

Jeff said:
A closed ride is instantly better than one that is operating. That seems to be a universal constant since I got into this hobby.

There needs to be a name for that effect.

However, I always felt DBH was a better-than-average ride too. A little worse for the wear the last time I rode it, but still pretty fun.

Instant Sepia Tone Syndrome.

I think it's the Big Streaker effect. I christen it thee.

:-)

Not the Blue Dipper effect? ;)

Big Streaker is much funnier, with many potential angles.

That's what she said.

^ Guess Jeff was right then. :)

Huh? The DBH was always regarded as a good coaster. I don't notice a difference in opinion since it closed.

I've had two experiences on this coaster and both were overwhelmingly positive. We spent a couple hours on the thing both times and found a coaster with some dull spots but enough great moments to make up for them. I'm not sure I'd put it in my top 10 after having ridden ones like Thunderhead, Ravine Flyer II and El Toro, but I maintain it was probably one of the most underrated coasters you'll find anywhere.

That said, it doesn't surprise me that the owner went bankrupt. Both times I was there, a few people wandered in and out to take a few rides and then left. Unlike an amusement park where ownership benefits from other transactions, this was a coaster and nothing more and while the single ride was steep (I think $6.00?), the POP was insanely cheap ($10.00) and I could never understand how it made money. I see no reason why Boomers wouldn't want to buy the ride. It can probably be had for very little money and with so many other sources of revenue at the location, the coaster would probably turn a tidy little profit.

DBH was a good ride that really didn't have much chance of success. I don't think Boomer's will buy it. They can't maintain a putt putt course let alone a wooden rollercoaster. That land (sitting adjacent to I95) could have 100 uses that would be more valuable than as a location for a rollercoaster.

Speaking of Big Streakers, Blue Streak made it on to the CoasterBuzz 100 this week. But still no Intimidator 305.

The empty land that's next to the DBH would make a great spot for a small amusement park. Add in some flats, a few smaller coasters, and a kiddy ride section, maybe a small water park, and I think it would be a hit. Sell tickets for the rides, and offer traditional park food, and maybe put on some concerts of popular older artists, and the locals would come. I'm thinking a place like DelGrosso's.

If I had the millions of dollars, I might buy it myself, and do just that.

If I had a million dollars, I'd buy you a monkey. Haven't you always wanted a monkey?

The locals are part of the problem at Boomers. I like to get in and out of there early in the day.