Roto Jet at Hersheypark?

Since the cancellation of Turbulence, I didn't pay much attention to what went on with the park's plans for Founder's Circle... needless to say, I was shocked to see what appeared to be Knoebels' Roto Jet (here called the Starship with space shuttle-like vehicles). I don't remember Hershey ever having a Roto Jet ride- did they pull this one out of storage or purchase it from another park? Is it even a Kasper Klaus Roto Jet? If it is indeed a Kasper Klaus Roto Jet, it is in outstanding condition. I was going to take a spin but the line was enormous... maybe next year.

They had a ride called Starship America that sat beside the Music Box Theater when we were last there a couple of years ago. Isn't that the same ride?

It's sad to see the space that was taken up by one of the most sensational looking rides of all time filled by some little flat rides.

Yeah, it's the same ride they had in Music Box Way

When they did the expansion of the theatre (I believe), something had to go and it was Starship America. It looked great with the neon the other night. When I was there in May, neither of the two flats had opened. The baloon ride had to move for Storm Runner. The two rides may have not been what we all wanted, but in retrospect, I think the scale of the two rides works better with the Circle.

Oops, forgot to mention that there is a fairly large construction area behind the two newly placed flats. The rides office, which is by the monorail, also had a fence around it and it said it had moved for the winter. Make of that what you will. *** Edited 9/26/2005 11:37:16 PM UTC by Intamin Fan***

Packrat that I am, I consulted my collection of old park maps. Starship America is listed on the rides in Music Box Way from 1999 (my earliest) through 2002. It wasn't specifically labeled, but appeared to be behind the Theatre near the stairway that leads down near the Country Grill. Not a high traffic area. In 2003, the Theatre was enlarged, and Starship was removed.

Intamin, they're removing the public ice rink that was next to the old arena. But for what, I don't know. I got a postcard in the mail from HP and they said they're keeping their 2006 plans "In the Dark... for now." So I'm thinking by mid-October, they should be announcing what's going on for '06.

Well, the rides office is right in front of the construction site and it had a solid wood barrier as opposed to a regular chainlink fence. I'm thinking that the rides office is going to be demolished. In the dark eh? I'm smelling another Sally Dark Ride shoot em' up.

As much as I love coasters, I think the two flats are a lot more appropriate for Founder's Circle. Everything looks so "right" with the Carrousel surrounded by a bunch of flats of a traditional nature. I still have an issue with the Carrousel building's pointy-top architecture but all in all, I think the area looks fantastic.

The construction area between Founder's Circle and the old arena was the old ice hockey rink. Something is definitely going on back there and I'm sure what happens will be "dark", something that the park really needs.

"I'm sure what happens will be "dark", something that the park really needs.

Please, dear Lord, what ever it is let it not be populated by happy, dancing and singing Hershey Kisses, Chocolate Bars, and other assorted characters.

I got no problem with "cute" (i.e. the gnomes that in habit Ye Olde Mill at Rye are some of my favorites)... but I just don't want a ride that is nothing more than an ad campaign.

*** Edited 9/28/2005 8:01:04 PM UTC by SLFAKE***

No, singing Hershey Kisses would make it too similar to the existing Chocolate World simulator! The new darkride is going to feature candy-based characters in more "adult" situations ;)

Is that a pack of Rolos in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me? :)

I just want to be Hershey Kissed all over!

Oh, I see....

On Pay-Day, instead of taking his wife Peppermint Pattie to the Symphony as promised, Mr. Good Bar and his long time drinking buddy Heath go to the Kit-Kat club on 5th Avenue looking to Skor a little more than just Kisses from the ladies that work there.

*** Edited 9/29/2005 5:19:51 PM UTC by SLFAKE*** *** Edited 9/29/2005 5:21:03 PM UTC by SLFAKE***

One interesting thing I noticed about Founders Circle is that the coverings for the benches all have these small metal poles sticking out at the bottom of the roofs. It's to keep birds from nesting up there, or taking a break and potentially ruining someones day, if you know what I mean. Another smart move on Hershey's part.

Peppermint Pattie doesn't know that her husband Mr. Good Bar and Heath are playing for the opposing team by meeting with the 3 Musketeers and seeing the Jolly Rancher revue at the Milky Way theater in the Almond Joy Club.

Rob, I'd Snicker at your Mounds of puns, but the Musketeers literally do play for the wrong team, M&M/Mars.

Goodbar and Heath better watch their Reeses Stix and their Whatchamacallits. If Peppermint Patty finds out about their Fast Breaks, they might end up Nutrageous.

3 Musketeers, Milky Ways and Almond Joys all play for the opposing team, but when you get down to the heart of the matter, they're all just candy at heart.

And I had NO idea that candy talk could be so... naughty!