Today (7/13/07), Hard Rock Park had a "topping off" ceremony for Led Zeppelin The Ride. In the Myrtle Beach newspaper's website it said that they couldn't go higher than 155 feet because of FAA restrictions (plane's flight plans go over the ride).
I think this height restriction could hamper the potential of this park in future years. I don't believe that every new coaster has to be 200 feet or more because there are many great coasters under 155 feet, but if I was building a new park I would want an option to be able to go higher if I felt the park needed it.
Almost all of my favorite parks don't have a ride over 200 feet tall. Actually a lot of them don't have a ride over 100 feet tall. I'm sure it will end up not being a big deal.
Yeah, I really thought we were finally over the build it taller nonsense. I concede that 200 feet is a nice level, but there have been so many "smaller" rides built since then that I tend to not be bothered by a restriction like this.
Do you know how cool that would be though to build a glass tunnel sort of like sea worlds shark encounter, but somehow have the coaster ride through it. I know the cost would be ridiculous and just the design to make it strong enough would be tough and all but I still think it would be fun.
I had a dream of riding in a underwater coaster tunnel and I had a good time in the dream so I figure I'd have fun in reality too. *** Edited 7/14/2007 11:05:11 PM UTC by MAGXL200***
The Only Thing Worst Then Dieing, Is Living And Having Nothing Worth Dieing For.
I don't really understand Alton's height restriction. At first I thought it must be 75' because that is the tallest coaster. But then I looked at the past roller coaster and saw Thunderlooper which was 137'. It was removed in 1996. Has the restriction lowered since then?
If I recall right somewhere it was said that Alton Towers height restrictions are based on the height of the trees around the park and that the rides cant be seen over the tree line while outside the park.
Actually, as far as shot rides are concerned, I tend to think the "short" 80' towers, like IBs, provide the best rides. By the time you get to the *second-tier* shot rides of 170'-ish (Dr Doom, Dorney, etc.), the additional height means there's no momentum left at the top, and no good airtime.
rollergator said: By the time you get to the *second-tier* shot rides of 170'-ish (Dr Doom, Dorney, etc.), the additional height means there's no momentum left at the top, and no good airtime.