We're Back, and We're Stuffed

Well, after a Holiday Hiatus, we're back! First thing I want to do before getting to some editorials is to catch up on some of the bigger news.

So, the Transformers ride is opening. This is considered big news, so here's a recap. It's basically a new version of the Spiderman ride in my viewpoint, but I suppose this is a good backup plan for Universal if and when they ever lose their Marvel license to Disney. Slashfilm reported recently that the attraction vehicle is an actual transformer. Your car is a character. My good friends over at Topless Robot had this to say:

Transformers: The Movie: the Ride is just about ready to open in Universal Studios Singapore, and one of the local news stations did this report on what getting to the ride will be like. I feel like it's notable for two reasons:
1) That it could take up to 1.5 hours of waiting in line to actually get on Transformers: The Ride. The idea that anyone would wait up to 90 minutes for a ride based on Bayformers -- unless they were some sort of war criminal, and this was their court-mandated punishment -- depresses me to no end.
2) On the other hand, as the newslady is happy to point out, the walls surrounding the queue will be full of buttons to press and switches to flip, so that people can "entertain" themselves while waiting. By pressing buttons and hitting switches. Like developing infants do with toys.

As harsh as that sounds, I can't disagree. However, I'm sure I'll be amazed with the technology once it opens. You can make up your own mind by viewing this video.


In other news:

-I should point out that we have seen a new type of ticketing system put into use that could possibly eliminate turnstiles.

-Coney Island is celebrating its roots with some new construction work.

-Kennywood sold Pitfall, so could a new ride be on the way?

-TDS celebrates its 10 birthday just in time for the holidays.

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! And if you didn't, it could be worse. The Pilgrims had to catch their own turkey. I'll leave you with a look at what that might have looked like, courtesy of Sally Dark Rides.

HodgePodge: Week of July 24, 2011

Canada's Wonderland
Canada's Wonderland has launched a teaser site for their 2012 attraction. They're hyping it up pretty big; could it be another coaster? We'll know for sure on August 17.


Europa Park
Coasterfriends has another update from Europa Park, where land clearing for Mythos continues. Check it out here.

Hersheypark
Keystone Thrills has a new update from Hersheypark, where supports are stacked up and ready to go. Not too much more has been done on the construction site, but they've got some photos from there too.

Holiday World
Holiday World mentioned on Twitter that next year's addition would cost about $9M, and plans will be revealed this Wednesday. That size price tag rules out most flat rides (though I'd love to see a Screamin' Swing), but a coaster could land somewhere in that range. Could this be the steel coaster they were polling us about? Unless they're making two smaller additions, a coaster seems to be the most probable option.


Knotts Berry Farm
Westcoaster has another construction update from Knotts, where Windseeker looks like it might almost be ready for testing. Seats are fully installed, brick pavers have gone in, and landscaping work has been done as well. It all looks really nice - the only bad thing is, it'll be August before it opens.

Photo from Westcoaster.

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Holiday World Steel Coaster Survey

Quick update...

Holiday World has created a survey for us enthusiasts about our preferences for a possible future steel roller coaster. It contains many questions asking for your favorite steel coaster, your favorite sensation on a steel coaster, and what type of coaster would best suit Holiday World. This could have very interesting results! Once I complete it, I'll post my answers in a comment! Please fill out the survey here, and feel free to post a comment with your choices and/or thoughts.

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