Wild West World ahead of schedule for May opening

Sweet

So that means they're opening in April right? ;)

I don't know the first thing about building a theme park from scratch (does RCT count?? :) ), but I never would've dreamed that a new park could open for $30 million. I guess I get accustomed to hearing about new coaster and ride installations that cost upwards of $10 - $20 million on their own.

I certainly hope the park is a success (and I really hope to make it to Wichita, Kansas someday).

Jerry

With single rides going for that much, I'd have to agree with you. I wonder if they accidentally left off a zero. I wonder how much 120 acres of Kansas costs?

No, I think those figures are in line with the kind of park they're talking about....and you will NOT be seeing any B&M/Intamin monster rides... ;)

Only two coasters confirmed thus far are one of those kiddie Wacky Worm rides and a used Reverchon spinning mouse.

^ Exactly...."budget-concious" rides. Certainly will help in keeping the place operating in the black. ;)

Clearly you've never spent a lot of time around a Reverchon mouse. ;)

Many rdes being built t the park are Zamperla. Which some in the industry call "disposable rides"

And yet others call them a good value. Can't say I've seen any of those in CP's Camp Snoopy closed in seven years, except maybe the Camp Bus once.

^ Yup, I was shocked when I heard them called that! I had always been a fan (and still am) of their rides, and thought they had some of the most innovative childrens rides on the market today. That statement had come from a Co-Owner of an Ohio-based Carnival. Perhaps they don't do well on the road.. perhaps the carnival had a beef with them. (they did carry a crazy bus, though) Who knows... I figured I'd just state one man's opinion.

Frankly, I enjoy most of the Zamperla rides I have ridden.
And like you said about Camp Snoopy, Jeff, those rides are always running. I know there was an incident somewhere with a Loli-Swing Collapsing, but I never heard to why.

Dorney Park Pulled out their Zamperla "Joker" carpet
and Cedar Fair hasen't bought any more of the Twin Boom (ex: Areo 360, Meteor) rides yet, so that might say something, too.
All the Rotoshakes are disappearing as well, and they really aren't all that old.

SF Great America put three large Zamperla rides in around '96 in their "Western Area, I think they are still holding up well, and Geauga Lake has a ton of kiddie rides as well as SFKK.

The newer Chance and Wisdom rides, however, are the ones I would steer very clear of.
That paticular carnival I referenced had a Wisdom Go-Gator in which I heard a few horror stories about.

But, to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, no matter what type of house you own, car you drive, or ride you purchase: Upkeep is the key.... but you may have to tend to some more than others.

It's so nice to read a story like this. It makes up for a little bit of the heartbreak of William's Grove, SFNO, Lesourdsville Lake, and all the others.

Isn't the inverted coaster at Cypress Gardens a Zamperla? That was one rickety ride. The only inverted I've ever ridden where I was concerned about the stability of the structure.

^ No, thats a Vekoma. And yes, I have noticed a shake too on all their junior inverteds. I think it's due to the way the wheel assemblys are built. But dont' quote me, I didn't engineer it.

^ I've ridden all of the N.American jr. inverts (geez I'm sick)...they all have that rattle/headbanging problem, and I agree with your assessment as to the cause.

Please don't teach kids to hate inverted coasters...wait until they can ride something better. ;)

" It's so nice to read a story like this. It makes up for a little bit of the heartbreak of William's Grove, SFNO, Lesourdsville Lake, and all the others."

Agreed, as well as those other "planned" amusement parks that we have yet to see break any ground. Also, if anyone wants to see a Zamperla showcase, Knoebels just loves them lol. Im hoping to see them pick up one of their Super Spins (inside out top spin)