If you could own your hometown park....
First of all, the Blue Streak would get its old trains back, with no seat divider and the old lap bars. Bring back the airtime.
I would bring back the pirate ride, but update it to be a little more interactive, and place the mill race in the area now occupied by turnpike cars.
As far as new rides, I would put in a launched looper (although launched may be on the way) and some big huss flat rides.
Oh and most importantly, I'd turn off the trims on Mean Streak and tone down the ones on Mantis (it hurt me before trims, but a little too slow now)
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Kyle
-Raptor Crew-
2000-01
Top 5 Steel: Raptor, Kumba, MF, Magnum, Goliath
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Whats life without coastin??
What we need to do here is analyze what exactly needs improvement rather than go though with a wish list at first. The noticeable thing to do, and the park has highly improved on this during the past few years is to somehow up the attractions hourly capacity.
The first thing to do in my opinion is to make the rides even more accessible. The park would need to erect “You are here” signs and have other signage pointing the way around to major attractions. Especially in the Action Zone area.
One issue PKI has with their rides are the lines. They are all over the place when the park is packed. So, I would redo many of the coaster queues to allow more people access while pertaining to industry standards. I would first redo that Vortex queue so it eliminates the huge line through the midway. Also, there would be a more specific “wait time” sign in front of the entrance. Another thing is to staff an employee at each entrance to a major ride. Also, upon arrival, all children will receive a wristband pertaining to their actual height. Each band would have a specific color and checking the height during lap bar check would be eliminated. (This wristband exists, but isn’t used enough)
The next form of higher capacity is during lap bar check. Since many of the coasters have been updated with safety gates, some of the gates open too wide so you can’t squeeze through the space of the train and open gate, the employees have to wait until they are closed, and already the trains are being stacked (especially on the Racer and Vortex). So, one way to eliminate this issue is to have the gates open as a double door. Also, once the bars are released, the gates should be opened immediately.
The final thing to get people through the rides faster is to obviously staff a few more employees. I know, I know, workers are hard to come by, that’s why I would Follow the Cedar Point way and build a large dormitory. With several hundred 4-bed suites, the dorm would be a great and affordable place to stay for the workers I would employee in my foreign student work program, which would allow the worlds students to work in the US for a summer. The dorm would be located away from the park, and we would allow shuttles to operate at all operational hours. The dorm would be complete with pool, supply and food market, Pizza joint and fitness and recreation center.
Employee wages would slightly increase, but the real benefit would be the perks. After working over 40 hours a week, a bonus pot will be started. Rather than feature time and a half, since it is a seasonal position, the bonus would be 50¢ per Over Time hour which would be reflected at the time of pay. On top of that, an end of the season bonus and major party would take place with prizes, games and a DJ.
To ensure guests comfort, several new changes would take place along the Midways.
First, the Kiddie swings would be moved to make way for another restroom over there. Located near the First Aid building, they each would share some of the same plumbing to cut down on costs. Also, all restrooms that have not received an upgrade with sensors will be done so.
Next, where the fountain in Coney mall was, a large drinking fountain would be installed. This again uses existing water pipes and drains.
The Water tower in Action Zone would be converted into a “cool mist zone”
Prior to any new ride builds, there would be plenty of new ride maintenance. Though, these tasks can be accomplished during a 3 year period.
FACE-OFF: Would no longer be a single coaster. To eliminate the wait, a second, mirror image Invertigo would be built to cut down on wait times. The trains would be synced during the busiest of days and in the event of a breakdown, one track would be able to run.
TOP GUN: Would receive a new coat of silver track paint
DROP ZONE: Would have its queue redone. This time instead of receiving a number when you walk through the gate to your seat, you will be given a number during the ride cycle. Once you get the number, you will walk to the “next car waiting queue” in which you will see your number on the ground, and you will stand next to it, so, this area will be widened and a tarp put up above it. This would be set up exactly like the Pitt fall at Kennywood.
SON OF BEAST: Would completely drop the Premier trains. The Premier trains are horrible at tracking and taking curves. They start “bouncing after about 50MPH. So, The new trains, probably by Intiman, would have larger wheels, more padding, and a T-shaped lap bar. They would sit a little higher, and you would sit tilted back slightly so your lap bar remains over your “lap” Also, it will be up and running to capacity. Yes, 3 trains. Fake vines would be placed on the side near Adventure Express to give Adventure Express a more “Jungle “ feel. Lights would be placed in the vines to simulate animal eyes at night.
KING COBRA: Will get 2 new trains. Using an OTSR, but non-head-banging collar. The operator will give sufficient timing before locking them down. The running gear will be that of a larger wheel system and will track better.
VIKING FURY: Would receive new paint
ADVENTURE EXPRESS: Would replace all running gear so it runs smoother, some track sections would be re-profiled to increase banking, it would also have the theming updated.
RACER and RECAR (“Racer” backwards): Would have the last dips placed back in, but in order to run such heavy PTC trains without overshooting (which was the reason in the first place) an additional set of calipers would be installed on the final brake run. It would be repainted the original colors. Also, the “shed” will be opened up. Both trains would be torn apart, re-padded and the ratchet bars replaced with newer ones that provide more “clicks”
FLIGHT O’ FEAR: Would once again run the third train, the lap bars would be converted to T-bars with Seat belt and no foot rest. Unfortunately, operating all three trains would reactivate the block brake, so i would put the pressure on lightly. Also the “rumble” in the queue would be lessened.
MONSTER: Would get a paint job
SCRAMBLER: Brighter Paint job, seat belt and Turbo Lights
DODGEM: Would get either all new, faster cars or refurbish the older ones so they run faster. The seat belt will be removed for a hinged lap bar.
VORTEX: This would be right at the top of my list to fix. Vortex is aging poorly, so the first thing I would do is sell off the 3 trains to smaller parks. I would purchase 3 new 12’ wheel trains that are currently being used on rides like Tenn. Tornado. The seats would be more padded and so would the front part of each car (so you don’t bang your knees). These new trains will not “shuffle” and ride so loosely. Next, I would have Arrow re-profile several spots on the ride with updated curves.
1: The transition during the second hill turnaround when the train make a hard straightening out transition to the right.
2: Before the first loop where the train straightens out, 3 sections of track will even out the track in a more natural form.
3: The dang curve after the corkscrews heading for the boomerang would be widened and flow like glass into the boomerang.
The vortex queue would be lengthened to accommodate more people and get them off the midway.
Conservatively placed spot lights in blue and orange will illuminate the inversions at night.
The block brake would be on lighter to eliminate the “hang time” in the corkscrews.
BEAST: Would remain operating with skid brakes, but an additional safety system would back it up......just in case. The trains will lose the head rests. Also, the wood would be re-stained.
REPTAR: Would get a second train.
SCOOBY DOO GHOSTER COASTER: Will require all adults to be accompanied by a child
BEASTIE: would be stripped off all paint and stained a chromatic pine gloss coat. Also, the trim on the 3rd hill would be eliminated. Also, the last dip would be re-profiled, and the final brake run will stop the train smoother.
PHANTOM THEATRE would become a Sally Dark ride themed to Scooby Doo
EIFFEL TOWER: Would get a paint job
PICNIC GROVE: Will be expanded
CLIMBING WALL: Will be re-located to the flat area near the Pond near the Beast (Also known as the land once occupied by the Dolphin Show)
With these rides being repaired over the coming years, and many of them becoming even more ridable to guests, this would allow me to concentrate on other improvements and even more capital spending. Throughout the park, I have noticed every thing there is in food is either burgers or Pizza, so, I would update the menu a bit. First, We would feature machines that carry juice products, also, the soda prices will drop to $2 a bottle. We would feature a new Health food stand and patio near the pond near the Beast (which is also near the relocated Climbing wall) . Coney mall will have more “carnival” food in decent portions. Also, we will offer jumbo Sno cones at the ice cream joints. The sub shop off International Street will have an extended menu and our soda selection will be expanded to offer lemon-aid and more flavors. We would offer more collectible plastic Coaster mugs and feature gift baskets for sale in the stores featuring candy and treats. The pastry shop in International Street will expand to offer more freshly baked goods and treats for the early morning crowds with additional registers to move people through faster. The Festhaus will once again feature more German cuisine and fresh brewed beer.
The products offered for sale would improve as well. The coaster shirts would be more colorful with designer art and a higher price. No more lame logos that look nothing like the logo in the first place (IE: Vortex shirts) Also, the Rivertown area will feature more crafty shops and snacks back in the frontier age. The basketball game would be moved in order to accomplish this.
Capital Improvements:
Year 1; 2003
Changes/Removals: Screecher (Kiddie Whip) -REMOVED, Climbing Wall -Moved, U-drive Em Cars Game -Moved, Eurobungy -Moved
•Pathway to connect Adventure Express Exit area with Flight of Fear Midway, Looping Around the front part of Racer and Recar
•New Shows: Paramount On Ice II, Bedrock Rocks, Illusions
Kiddie/Family rides: ___Location
•Scooby Doo Haunted House (Sally Dark ride)____Phantom Theatre site
•Zamperla Kite flyer___HB
•S&S Froghopper theme to Hannna Barbara___HB
•Zamperla mini Tea Cup___HB
•Giant Wheel (120’)___Coney (on the old Climbing wall/Skylab site)
Coaster(s)
•FLINTSTONES FROLIC: This Arrow Mad Mouse will be themed to Bedrock and will feature cars that look like the Flintstones cars. Some of the supports will look like Dinosaur bones.___HB
Thrill/Flat Rides
•FOOTLOOSE (Huss Breakdance that features feet painted on it)___Coney (new midway)
•ENTERPRISE (Huss Enterprise with Star Trek logo)___Coney (new midway)
•CONDOR (Huss) (On EuroBungy/Flight Commander site)___Coney
Year 2; 2004
Family rides: ___Location
•Swan Boats___The Rivertown Pond
•ROCKIN’ RACEWAY___(50’s cars feature speakers pumping’ out Rock N Roll) On The non-operational antique car track
•TEACUPS (Zamperla Teacups)___On Pathway near Action Zone Entrance
•New Water attraction
•New food Stand
•New shows
•General Improvements
•In Park Transportation
Year 3: 2005
•New midway connects Flight of Fear Midway to a new area letting out near the bathroom at Vortex’s station
Relocation/removal: Laser tag is moved to other side of Racer. All maintenance buildings near Racer will be razed and new facilities will be erected away from the public eye.
•QUAKE: 300’ Arrow non-looping Roller Coaster. Featuring over 6700 feet of track, including many ravine drops several camel humps, high banked turns, double-up, double down, trick track, helix, and on ride photo. 3-36 Passenger trains, 14” wheels, T-Bar, Retractable Seatbelt. .__Built near Racer turn around.
•VERTIGO (S&S Upcharge Ride)__New Midway
•2 New midway games
Year 4: 2006
Removal/Relocation: Congo Falls -Moved to new Coney midway, Moved -Flight of Fear Queue, Moved -Helicopter tours
•2 New kiddie rides
•New show
•UNNAMED-Water coaster__New Coney Midway
•FRISBEE (HUSS)__on Congo Falls Site
•SHOCKWAVE (MONDIAL TOP SCAN)__On Congo Falls Site
Year 5: 2007
•UNNAMED- 150’ B&M Inverted Coaster__ Near Quake, on newer midway
Year 6: 2008
•New show
•New game
•New children’s water attraction
•Children’s ride__HB
•General Improvements
•CHANCE Wipeout__Old Coney
•CHANCE Chaos__Old Coney
•CHANCE Flying Bobs__Near Action Zone
Year 7: 2009
•UNNAMED- B&M FLYING Coaster or Arrow 4d (providing the first one works!)
•New Show
Year 8 and Beyond Capital Improvements
•Thrust Air Roller Coaster
•Family Roller Coaster
•S&S Vertical Tower Ride
So, there’s my thoughts. A little vague I would say!
*** This post was edited by john peck on 11/9/2001. ***
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2002: -Build dikes and flood walls along the Minnesota River to control flooding and open up to the east of High Roller (Where Picnic Pavilion currently sits) up for expansion.
-Repaint Wild Thing and High Roller and finish retracking Excalibur. Install Bright lights inside the tunnel leading to Excalibur
-Add DJ Booths to Wild Thing and Power Tower lines.
-Feature a club event for members of ACE and Season Park holders the Friday before the park opens. Turn off trims on Wild Thing and High Roller for these events
2003: -Remove Picnic Pavilion
Construct new Midway by tearing down bathrooms blocking the Picnic Pavilion from Rest of the Park.
-Build B&M 160' Invert (Falcon) where Picnic Pavilion previously stood.
-Remove the Corkscrew Tot Spot (Kiddie U-Turn, Kiddie Carousel, and Kiddie Moon Buggies) These rides have such a low popularity right now they're simply a waste of space.
2004: -PHASE 1 of new Picnic Pavilion just East of Challenge Park by ripping up parking and planting trees and grass. Add parking on opposite side of parking lot. (Flooding would no longer be a problem here.)
-Remove chain link fence along the path that connects Valleyfair to Challenge Park. Add 3 feet of grass west of current walkway and repave walk way toward Challenge Park.
-Build a Midway Market where Corkscrew's Tot Spot previously stood.
-Retheme and expand Berenstein Bear Land slightly north (There's room) to Camp Snoopy. Focus this area on children interaction and education. Old Big Tree would become Woodstock's Hangout and the Bear Museum would be a museum where kids can color and take part in Charlie Brown's classroom. (The teacher in this classroom would be compreshensible however) To keep it fun for the kids Charlie Brown and the gang would also take place in class during certain times of the day. Retheme current rides in BBL to Peanuts style.) Intstall a children's caraousel with woodstocks instead of horses inside the area.
2005: PHASE 2: PICNIC PAVILION Construct several picnic shelters. Build a bathroom and drinking fountain in this area as well.
-Mist Machines for Wild Thing, Falcon, and Power Tower Lines.
-Add a Huss Break Dance to Camp Snoopy
-Build a Huss Troika and Zamperla Energy Storm and two food establishments on new Falcon midway. *Note that this Midway would start by the Antique Cars/High Roller Bathroom and go NE from there.
-Enclose the Amphitheater
2006: Build an Interactive Water Huss Delerium along New Falcon Midway
-Rennovate Employee Housing and Build a new Dorm Hall
2007: GCI Wooden Twister on opposite end of Falcon Midway from Falcon
-New Arcade
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Just wait till next year!
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Just wait till next year!
*** This post was edited by Valleyfair Fan on 12/5/2001. ***
I like this forum because it allows me to point out things that i don't have time to rattle on about when I am at a park, also, parks are busy, so they don't have time to look at every little thing there the way us Coaster buffs do.
Well, parks read these boards, because they want to know what people are saying. I know Cedar Point and PKI do at least, and Im always glad to praise these places.
Of course, every now and then comes a time they do something that seems odd. Like seatbelts on a Scrambler....well, that lowers the insurence cost...plus a kid stood up on one in Calif. and was tossed out, so now many places use it as a precaution
I also try to be realistic. Is a 300' Arrow possible? Sure! One was built in Japan last year (though not directly an "Arrow") Plus, buying Domestic is significantly cheeper, and unlike our domestic cars, our rides over here are pretty darn good.
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My fellow Americans, let's roll!
I pray that I will never see a Six Flags Conneaut Lake
Over the off season, PGA unforinally tears down Grizzly and puts a brand new woodie of similar size in it's spot but goes a bit over Demon's turn around.
2003, new woody, run Pyscho Mouse and Greezed Lightn' as crazy as possible and bite the bullet for maintainence costs. Re do the Greezed Lighting station, play songs from the Grece soundtrack, and paint it to make it look as new as possible, the cars recivce themeing to look like drag racers and add a large sign in the entrance so people can accually find it! For Holloween, bring back Demon's old effects plus some other extra surprizes.
2004, re do Stelth's track after brake run and add an extra station so it can run with 3 trains. Adf some new kids flat rides.
2005, add out loong awaited TA2K coaster.
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SFMM line cutters are the braviest in the world.
Its too bad it has such a bad rep, the ride looks very attractive.
I could never figure out why PGA installed Carowinds Wave Swinger...it just does not make sense.
Laser: repaint red&white and bring back the red and blue trains.
Thunderhawk: repaint yellow, build a new tunnel and get rid of the trim brakes.
Hercules: retrack and get rid of the trim brake at the top of the first drop.
Steel Force: stop using the bridge brakes except for when running 3 trains, also paint the track blue.
Wild Mouse: stop over-braking the ride.
Get rid of that overflow parking lot by Steel Force, use that land and the land where Chester Cheetah's playland use to be for a new midway: get a compact coaster similair to the Flying Dutchman and call it that, add bumper cars, a Chance Inverter, and some food stands/games/stores, also expand the Zephyr tracks to circle the entire new midway.
Re-fill Cedar Creek and put the Water Scooters back.
Get rid of the former Berenstein Bear playground stuff and move Dragon Coaster, Dune Buggies, Little Laser, KMGR, Mini-Jet, and Playport to Camp Snoopy. Also remove Antique Cars and Space Age and get rid of that little hut where the Care Bear show use to be.
Re-install the Skyride, in the same place it was.
Put a Trabant/Wipeout across from the Monster.
Put a Gravitron where the Care Bear hut was.
Put a Flying Bobs ride where Mini-Jet and KMGR are.
Build a haunted house ride across from the Laser.
Bring back Tank Tag and Boat Tag behind the Laser.
Come up with a new name for the "Skyscraper" and give the name "Skyscraper" back to the Ferris Wheel.
Use part of the parking lot near the Monster/"Skyscraper" to build a Flying coaster.
Get the Musik Express re-furbished, put the wall, tunnel back, and run it forward and backwards again.
Get rid of Patio Pizza and let Picasso's make their pizza the right way like they do on Tilmagn St.
Get PTC to make a new Cuddle-Up and enclose it as the Iceberg again behind the Musik Express.
Re-paint the Enterprize in new colors.
Replace the Joker with a Huss Rainbow.
Remove the Krazy Kars, Thunder Creek Speedway, Bumper Boats and Swan Boats.
Build a new go-cart track with open-cars like the old Can-Am cars(possibly use the same ones, but repaint them first) that would occupy the Speedway location under Steel Force but extend a section of the track over the lake near Hercules and down to where the Swans were.
Put in a new Mini-Golf course near the go-kart track.
Extend the CCCB tracks in some way, possibly around WWL.
Put the Paratrooper back where it was by the Skyscraper.
Remove the Chance Carousel, and replace it with a Huss Condor(Flying Falcon, Hersheypark).
Repaint the Whip and Whip building in bright colors and replace the fluerecent lights on the ceiling so they'll work again.
Put a Ring of Fire on the main midway near the Coasters restaurant.
Reopen the Attitudes gift shop that use to be in Soloman Dorney's house(village area).
Finally in WWK remove the Indy Cars and Body Slides and replace with a new slide complex.
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There would be a significant amount of changes involved with this park as well. However, due to the limitations of land and the road splitting the park, I would have to consider different alternatives. Even with the nearby airport, the park can build beyond 210 feet.
There have indeed been some planned removals, not by me, but there is talk of removing the Drag Racers, which indeed would happen. There would also be several removals of rides, not due to popularity, but for space and maintenance concerns. So, if I took control today, the following things would happen:
2002 Season:
Attraction Removals: Quake, Kiddie Teacup ride near Thunder Run and Rainbow.
Operational/Cosmetic Improvements:
Transfer track and second train for Thunder Run
Shaded queue for Hellavator, Twisted Sisters and Chang
White and Blue Paint job for Wheel
New paint job for Roller Skater
Refurbish all Antique cars
Ramp branching off to the right from Bridge
Pathway under Thunder Run Reopens temporarily
Chaos will get a new safety bracket
3 new Coca Cola Cool Zones
New Attractions:
Huss Top Spin (on Quake Site)
Chance Falling Star (on Rainbow Site)
The Great Chase (Miler kiddie coaster on kiddie teacup site)
Zeirer Wave Swinger (on platform near Antique Cars)
Afterburner™ (relocated Viper from SFoG) Over Antique cars
2003 Season:
Removals: Go carts, Drag Racers, Picnic Pavilions
Operational/Cosmetic Improvements:
Batman Area expanded with pathway leading all the way back to the street
New bridge Connecting Roadrunner area with old picnic area
New Giant picnic Pavilion area Behind Chang
Connecting Pathway from Thrill park Theater to mile High Falls area.
Blue Beards Bounty (swinging ship) moved near Mile High Falls
New Attractions:
BATMAN: THE RIDE (200’ Arrow 4d near Batman Show) Colors: Black Supports, Yellow Rails, Indigo Track
Chance WIPEOUT: Placed near Mile High Falls
Batwing: Huss Troika (near B:TR)
Joker: (Zamperla Hawk) (Aero 360) (near B:TR)
S&S Insane: near Chang
Super Hero Speedway (New Go carts) On old Drag Race Site
2004:
Removal: T2 (sent to Old Indiana Graveyard)
Operational/Cosmetic Improvements:
Kiddie Rides near Chaos will be moved near Roadrunner
New rides/Attractions
Brand New Arrow Mine Train over Blizzard River
SetPoint Soaking Coaster
New Arrow Log Flume Near Mile High Falls
4 new water slides at Waterpark
New Restaurant near Chaos
2005:
Operational/Cosmetic Improvements:
Repaints, repaving, etc.
New Rides/Attractions:
New Show
New games
SUPERMAN: The Ride Of Steel - Arrow Hyper, 3 - 36 Pass. trains. Blue Supports, Red Track Yellow Rails (210’, 75 MPH. 80 degree drop)
2006:
General improvements
2007 and beyond:
More land aquired
150’ Arrow looper
CCI Out and back
B&M inverted
New shows
New games
Pour moi...
Carowinds: B&M giga, B&M flyer, B&M floorless, B&M launched sitdown; three CCI woodies.
That's it. :)
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The Jet Coaster ROARS!
Will Johansson, Webmaster of Xtreme Paramount Parks
http://xpp.coasterbuzz.com/
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