International Drive ride line-up changes....

I know, this ain't *exactly* rollercoasters and/or theme parks, but I'll let the mods decide if it needs to be removed.

Well, those of you who *follow along at home* know that our precious Katanga was removed from the mini-golf across from IoA. It had been sitting idle for quite some time...my *opinion* is that the ride fell victim to lack of any real marketing, over-charging, and subsequent lack of ridership. Since the Skyscraper at Boomer's is also SBNO, I don't think there's ANY of those particular thrill rides left in the state...(maybe up on the Gulf Coast somewhere, hmmm)....anyhow...

But heading down to Universal for my first rides on Mummy, I noticed two slanted supports poking up into the sky just down I-Drive from Wet-N-Wild. It was clear RIGHT away what those supports were for, so after our quick stop at Universal on Sunday, we drove down to check it out. Sure enough, Magical Midway has JUST installed (still less than a week old) a brand-new Slingshot ride. Not as tall as the Kissimmee model, but it does feature OPEN seating...The charge of $25/rider might spell the demise of the upcharge attraction, but it sure LOOKS nice...their "park" also features a Wisdom Tornado, some Go-Kart tracks, an S&S tower and staff that likely couldn't find their way out of a paper bag...

My *best guess* is that the Slingshot won't be there too long unless they figure out how to get people to RIDE the thing (hint: more advertising, lower prices)....

Bill, I believe the 'scraper went to a small extreme rides park in Panama City managed by the Vettrus family, who also owns Thrillville USA. I think they have a few of their pieces in the park, which is across the street from Miracle Strip in the beautiful Redneck Riviera.

Adam

thats the problem with some attractions-just because tourists frequent the area, upcharges are rediculous. park admissions are like 45-55 dollars, so Y would someone pay half a park admission for a minute ride? I see this everyday going to work or school, but never posted it.

a good draw for a slow park, and it could be the end

it does launch alot though, whether it be testing or not

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rollergator said:

Since the Skyscraper at Boomer's is also SBNO, I don't think there's ANY of those particular thrill rides left in the state...

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I was at Boomer's in late March and the Skyscraper wasn't even standing - it was in pieces lying in a little fenced in area along the parking lot next to where it normally stands.

The thing with these smaller entertainment places in Orlando is that I don't think they can pull people from their big "getaway" vacations. The idea to leech off of the tourists that the big theme parks are pulling in isn't valid in Orlando. People are there for the all inclusive resort/them park experience. Not many are driving around Orlando looking for something to do.

Regarding rides left in the state...

I'm not sure if it's an actual Skyscraper (or a knock-off from a different company), but a version of that type of ride still stands in Daytona Beach near the pier. I would have loved to ride it while there for spring break this year, but unfortunately high winds kept it closed most of the week :(

That's sad to hear the Boomer's ride is gone. It was the best of the three Skyscrapers I've ridden (Katanga and Timber Falls's being the other two). It was also cheap - $8/ride when I was there, with an affordable all day pass available for that and the Skycoaster.

-Nate

I'm not sure it's totally leaving, Nate - even thought it was in pieces, I guess they could put it back up.

Would there be some kind of maintenance or something that would require taking it apart?

I have no idea. It's possible, but it doesn't sound good to me. I know for sure the Timber Falls ride stays assembled all year, so I assume they do maintenance on it while assembled. Of course, the Dania Beach ride is older so I'll hold on to some hope. :)

-Nate

From what I was TOLD at Boomers by an employee (read: unreliable source), their 'Scraper went down due to the main *propeller mechanism* blowing out its bearings...from what he SAID to me, replacing them would cost more than half the price of the entire ride, and that Boomers was NOT interested in paying to repair it....:(

Good to know about Panama City, Adam....thanks! If work forces me to head that way again, I'll have to check it out (and catch a few more rides on the beachside John Allen)...:) "Redneck Riviera"....classic!

As far as Daytona is concerned....that place is a little too "slimy" for me...when we used to take family vacations there 30+ years ago, I don't remember it being THAT bad....sure has gone downhill....I'd take Myrtle ANY DAY over Daytona...:(