Posted
Six Flags Great America has decided not to removed the 26-year-old Whizzer. Apparently, public outcry was too strong and plans have been haulted. The park has decided to remove the park's Arrow looper, Shockwave, instead.
Read more from Amusement Business.
...but then, the question becomes; will the general public see the value in replacing one large megalooper with another large megalooper?
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~~~ Maddy ~~~
You bring up a good point, but I don't think the public's going to mistake it for Shockwave (or a relative of Shockwave) if you play it up enough where they KNOW it is new for 2003, and if it looks different enough.
(I.E., bringing in a 170 foot floorless coaster with a curving drop, that just happens to be blue and white...)
Why is evryone sayiing that Shockwave @ SFGAM is going to SFAW? for all we know it could and probably will be going to the same place that SFOG's viper &SFA's python went: into storage and left to rust away in a field somewhere.
Still public outcry over the removal of a coaster at SFGAM worked to save it,maybe public outcry at SFA may work to get a B&M someday,that's wishful thinking of course.
now a (possible) dose of reality...I just called Guest Relations at the park (847-249-1776) (I know, not much more reliable than the Lemon Chill Guy...) but the person there said that they are going to remove the Whizzer and he did not know anything about Shockwave closing instead...
hmmm...scratching head in confusion...
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Posting, "Me too" like some brain dead AOLer. I ought to to the world a favor, and cap you like old yeller...
Why is evryone sayiing that Shockwave @ SFGAM is going to SFAW? for all we know it could and probably will be going to the same place that SFOG's viper &SFA's python went: into storage and left to rust away in a field somewhere.
Just in case you didn't know, most of AstroWorld's coasters were relocated from a sister Six Flags park, as well as others.
now a (possible) dose of reality...I just called Guest Relations at the park (847-249-1776) (I know, not much more reliable than the Lemon Chill Guy...) but the person there said that they are going to remove the Whizzer and he did not know anything about Shockwave closing instead...
Well, if the statement was made very recently, chances are, they won't know what's going on. You can't really rely on those people. I once called up Knott's Public Relations and asked if my Knott's Annual Pass was good for entry at Cedar Point, the lady said no. I asked ARE YOU SURE. She said no. Then I called again, this time a man answered. He said yes. And guess what? My pass WAS accepted at Cedar Point. So much for that dumbass lady. She should be fired.
Look at the free publicity that Six Flags has gained. Pure genius!
Six Flags knew one of the two had to go...but not sure which one should lay on the chopping block.
Now, they look like a nice guy AND everybody and their brother knows that they will have a new coaster next year.
Hats off to Six Flags marketing! They out did themselves.
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So many coasters, so little vacation time....
kRaXLeRidAh,
like I said...not much more reliable than the Lemon Chill guy....I just am still in shock. I passed the information on to both the Chicago Tribune and called the Chicago SUn-Times (which did a story on Whizzer on Tuesday) letting them know of the change. We'll see if either follows up...I am guessing that the Sun Times might since they did have it as a front-page story. (I just got off of the phone with the Daily Herald who also did a story on the removal of Whizzer)
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Posting, "Me too" like some brain dead AOLer. I ought to to the world a favor, and cap you like old yeller...
I also had the chance to ride Vortex at PKI again, and it’s also a far superior ride – easily my favorite Arrow Megalooper. It’s held up extremely well over the years & the new paint job looks great. Vortex also got me thinking… “I really wish Shockwave was like this…”
Although it has lost some of its luster, I’ll miss Shockwave. I have fond high school memories of riding it during its opening season when it was a much less painful coaster. (I even waited 3 ½ hours for it during it’s opening week… the longest I’ve ever waited for a coaster). I remember all the hype… the tallest coaster in the world… the most inversions… etc. etc. etc.
Whatever they’re planning must be pretty spectacular. Removal of either Shockwave or Whizzer will leave a significant void.
I’ll be equally happy with a Floorless or a Flyer, but I agree that if a Flying coaster is installed, It better have some sort of theming or landscaping. One of my major problems with X-Flight at SFWOA was its placement. If the park is going to insist on installing a coaster that requires you to face the ground for the majority of the ride, it better put something more exciting than grass & concrete underneath it.
Oh well… this is all quite a shock. I’m glad the Whizzer is staying. It’s the only coaster that my niece and nephew are willing to ride with me.
;-) *** This post was edited by djgreghaus on 8/8/2002. ***
But anyway, I'm all for progress, and I can't wait to see what they decide to put in it's place. I'm still hoping for a flyer, but a Floorless or B&M looper, or whatever they choose to put in should be awesome !
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Current favorite coasters:
Wooden: 1) Beast 2) Raven 3) Son of Beast 4) The Boss 5) Timber Wolf
Steel: 1) Raging Bull 2) Millennium Force 3) V2 4) Wild Thing 5) Mr. Freeze
Visit: http://www.dynamicgroove.com
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coasters that dash, and waves that crash.
Another Arrow looper bites the dust... :(
I have mixed feelings about this. I was really saddened when I heard of Whizzer's demise, but I also really loved Shockwave (more so than Whizzer to be honest). I guess the preservationist in me is happy, but the thrillseeker in me is not (Shockwave IS just about the most intense looping coaster I've ever had the pleasure of riding and is a whole lot better than it's rougher, more braked cousin in Jersey). I do agree that this is a better decision for the park, though, for family rides are just as important as thrill rides.
I also echo the comments about hoping SFGAm actually decides to landscape around the new coaster. Maybe now, after 14 years, they'll finally paint over the still-visible parking lot lines that sit under Shockwave!
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It's 106 miles to Indiana Beach. We've got a full tank of gas and a half-full cooler of cokes. It's light, and we're wearing Disaster Transport 3-D glasses....hit it!
Wouldn't Shockwave be the second coaster named Shockwave to be moved to SFAW if it ends up there? I believe that Batman the Escape used to be named Shockwave too.
I guess I'm glad that Shockwave is going instead of the Whizzer. Shockwave probably was the coaster that started my obsession, but it just isn't the same coaster anymore. Plus, my niece cried after what she thought was her last ride on the Whizzer, I hope I get to be first to tell her that it's staying.
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"Por favor, mantenganse allejado de las puertas"
hehehehehe MooreOn....i love that sig!!! it ROCKS!!!
guess i better change mine now....
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SAVE THE WHIZZER!!!
I'm not suprised. It should have come out a few years ago when people pretty much quit riding it. How many years was it rumored to be removed? 4, I think.
I sure won't miss my one token ride on it when I visit. Actually, I wouldn't miss the Whizzer either... hell, they can pull out Iron Wolf while they're at it...sorry, I'll shut up.
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Without the chaindog, you'd never get up the lifthill...
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