Take A Trip On Abismo

And this is Abismo at Parques De Atracciones in Spain. It's a Maurer Sohne extended SkyLoop roller coaster, and I think it looks like fun! I can't comment on the restraints as I haven't been on it, and those would be important as you hang upside down that high off the ground!

It opened in 2006 and is the only Maurer Sohne extended SkyLoop coaster that's been built thus far. It's closest American relative is X Coaster at Magic Springs, which has the first section of the above ride only.

It's still a pretty short ride, even considering it's an 'extended' version of the base model. Unique it is, though, and I can only imagine what an even bigger one than this would be like!

New Dorney Park Aerial Photos

© 2009 Flyin Phils Photos

Flyin' Phil has a new gallery of aerial photos of Dorney Park which were taken January 4th posted on his website.

You can see the spot where Laser was, not much is left but an open space and all the wooden blocks that the ride sat on! It's weird to see it like it... I'm sure it will be all cleaned up before the season starts.

You can also see that the outside picnic area tent has been removed in early preparation of the Good Time Theater, the park's new project for 2009.

Coney Island Update

Here's the latest from our friends at the Coney Island Development Corporation:

January 5, 2009
A Letter from CIDC President Lynn Kelly

Dear Friends and Residents of Coney Island:

First and foremost, on behalf of everyone at the Coney Island Development Corporation (CIDC), I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2009. As we begin the New Year, I wanted to share some thoughts on the current "state of Coney Island," make you aware of the many positive strides we made working together in 2008 and let you know about the exciting challenges facing us in the months ahead.

The Current State of Coney Island

As the New Year begins, Coney Island finds itself at one of the most critical turning points in its storied history. For while the City's pending rezoning and redevelopment plan holds great promise for the future, the fact is that the Coney Island of today is facing huge challenges. The once-legendary Coney Island amusement area has sadly continued its decades-long cycle of disinvestment and decay, which was capped off this fall by the closing of Astroland after its landlord refused to extend its lease. The vitality of the Boardwalk and amusement area was thrown into further question just recently, when the area's major landowner chose -- on Christmas Eve -- to shutter businesses and refused to extend leases for several long-time Coney Island fixtures.

The reality of Coney Island today demonstrates more clearly than ever that the amusement area needs to be protected from further speculative harm and that it must be rezoned to draw crowds all year round. And as Coney Island neighbors will tell you, we must also find a way to create economic opportunities and affordable housing, so that young people can stay in their own community. It's no small task, to be sure, but it's the only choice for a neighborhood that's been waiting far too long for a change. The good news is, as you'll see from the summary below, that we've made some very positive strides in recent months and that we've got a hugely promising 2009 ahead of us.

2008 -- CIDC's Positive Steps Toward a Renewed Coney Island

City acquires key property in amusement zone -- In October, the NYC Economic Development Corporation proudly announced the City's purchase of a key one-acre parcel along the Boardwalk. This purchase - which was characterized in the press as "a step closer to the Bloomberg administration's plans to retain the historic character of Coney Island" and hailed in the blogs as "a huge development" - will ensure that this property will become part of a permanently protected amusement zone under the City's proposed Coney Island rezoning. The purchase of the Ward property is just the first of what are expected to be a series of land acquisitions in the coming year as the City proceeds with its vision to create a 21st century, year-round entertainment destination and protect Coney Island's amusement legacy in perpetuity.

CIDC attends international amusement industry conference -- For the first time ever, the CIDC exhibited at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo (IAAPA) 2008, the world's preeminent amusement industry convention. This was a key first step in the effort to secure information and make industry contacts that will help to inform the creation of interim amusement plans and a future Request for Proposals (RFP) for a world class amusement park in Coney Island. CIDC representatives held more than 160 meetings at the CIDC booth with industry leaders in areas such as concessions, park development, and ride manufacturing. These meetings reinforced that there is tremendous excitement throughout the amusement world for a redeveloped Coney Island and many willing participants in its future.


CIDC sponsors job fairs and career development opportunities -- The CIDC was extremely proud to have sponsored a year-long, comprehensive career opportunities initiative that has provided thousands of Coney Island residents with access to skills training and career development resources. The initiative featured workshops on resume writing and job search techniques, one of the largest job fairs ever held in Coney Island, and a Training Program Fair that provided residents with one-on-one access to career advisors and professional training and certification programs. The CIDC will continue making positive strides in workforce development throughout 2009.

2009 -- Coney Island Rezoning/Redevelopment to Begin Public Review

2009 is certain to be one of the most critically important years in the long history of Coney Island, as the public review of the City's proposed Coney Island zoning framework and redevelopment plan is set to begin early in the year. The project is expected to be certified into the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) early in 2009 and the comprehensive public review process -- which will include several public hearings -- will then continue for approximately the next seven months. We will be back in touch with additional details once the ULURP timing is set and we hope that during the process we will hear from the many Coney Island friends and residents who join us in believing that the City's plan represents a thoughtful, achievable vision for a renewed and vigorous Coney Island.

Finally, I would just like to express my gratitude to all of the Coney Island residents, business people, and community leaders with whom we've worked over the past year and thank you for your commitment to this remarkable neighborhood. I know that this process can be challenging at times but I am re-energized each and every time I work with all of you on Coney Island's renaissance. I look forward to sharing even more positive news in 2009 -- from the rezoning to the new community center to Steeplechase Park and the restored B&B Carousell -- and can't wait to get to work with you to continue to make Coney Island the very best it can be. As always, please don't hesitate to call us at 212-312-4233 if we can be of any assistance.

Warm regards,
Lynn Kelly

110 William Street New York, NY 10038

website http://www.thecidc.org/ // email info@thecidc.org // phone 212-312-4233

Wild Adventures 2009 Announcement

Wild Adventures Theme Park has released the full details of their 2009 expansion program. The Georgia Theme Park will focus attention on updating their Splash Island Water Park.

According to the park, “We are totally renovating and improving what has been one of the finest and most popular waterparks in the entire region, with new theming, new facilities, additional seating and shade structures and a new water ride adventure guests won’t believe.”

"When guests enter Splash Island they will step into a Polynesian paradise with an all-new water ride, revamped restaurant called Surfside Cafe, expanded locker facilities and more shaded areas. Splash Island is a totally re-themed water park with additions and improvements to enhance guests’ tropical experience. “We wanted to bring a little of the Polynesian tropical feel and adventure to the area.”

Artistic sketch of the new market-style restaurant

The big new attraction in the area will be the Wahee Cyclone, a Proslide Tornado ride. 4 riders per clover-leaf tube will "plummet through an enclosed tube in complete darkness then free-fall into a huge funnel that rockets riders up one side and down the other until the riders are deposited through the end of the funnel."

General Manager Bob Montgomery stands in front of several pieces for the new water thrill ride, the Wahee Cyclone

Projected opening date for Splash Island is Saturday, March 28, 2009. Passport holders will be able to catch a sneak peek of the new Wahee Cyclone and re-themed water park March 21. As in the past, Splash Island is FREE with park admission. Wild Adventures Theme Park opens Saturday, March 14, 2009.

Universal Orlando Update

© IOACentral 2009

IOACentral has posted a wonderful update for the entire Universal Orlando Resort in Florida. There's a lot of changes going on at CityWalk, none of which I had heard about before. They also have plenty of photos of Rockit at Universal Studios and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure.

Check it out!

Blue Fire is On Fire

The ride continues to impress me more and more with each new batch of photos that pops up. Europa Park is certainly placing a great deal of effort into the theming of the ride as well.

EPFans has published some wonderful photos that appear to be official from Europa Park. You can see the full gallery of Blue Fire through this link. There's some really wonderful vantage points in there, including some from the ride's mid-course breaks.

The ride certainly has some big and fast elements to it, but it also has close to the ground (and now encased in rock walls like above) turns as well. It's the best of both worlds!

December's Poll Results

And so another year bites the dust. And with that happening, we had our last poll of 2008!

In December we asked you guys what Six Flags coaster is most needing an 'extreme' makeover, like X at Six Flags Magic Mountain received. And with capital expansion dollars squeezed tighter than ever these days, this type of 'new' attraction is perfect for the cash strapped Six Flags, Inc!

Our winner by a decent margin was The Joker's Jinx at Six Flags America in Maryland. The ride was added to the park in 1999 during Six Flags' coaster frenzy phase. It originally opened with over-the-shoulder restraints but the trains received better lap bar restraints for the 2002 season.

Since then, though, the ride has received little attention and does indeed seem ripe for a makeover. The slight decorations the ride has in the queue and station even lends itself toward a new theme! Plus, Six Flags America hasn't seen a new, or revamped, coaster since Batwing in 2001.

In 2nd place we had Mr. Freeze at Six Flags St. Louis. This one might not really be in the running as much as we'd like though, as it seems it's receiving a new paint job this off-season but without a new theme and flame throwers!

Third was Chang at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom, the coaster that's already had three major paint jobs but no theme in it's life. Can't say I blame anyone for voting for Chang.

4th place was Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America. The ride's massive height and length does lend it toward a prominent place at the park, but I can't say I think we'll see this one rethemed any time soon.

Just for good measure let's take a spin on our winner, Joker's Jinx. What could you imagine for the ride if it was redone?

Hard Rock Park Files Chapter 7

Filing for Chapter 7 is not a good thing, especially if anyone ever hoped of going to a reopened Hard Rock Park.

Unable to find a buyer for the entire property, lawyers for Hard Rock Park have asked to change the property's status to Chapter 7. At this point, a trustee of the court will take over and start to liquidate any and all assets the park has in order to pay debts.

This, however, could be good news for Cedar Fair and Six Flags, as all of the park's rides and attractions will now be sold at probably fire-sale prices. What park wouldn't want Led Zeppelin? I love Mine Trains, and with how cheap someone could pick up the Eagles' ride and add some real theming? Lots of possibilities here.

It's sad news that this is probably the final nail in Hard Rock Park's coffin, but who didn't really see this coming after no one bid on it at such a cheap price?

Current Geauga Lake Photos

It's been a while since we've seen the status of the now closed Geauga Lake Amusement Park, but thanks to two of our readers, Kyle and Josh, we have some great new pics just taken recently. Be warned, though, they are pretty depressing!

A great thanks goes out to these guys for sending in their work to NewsPlusNotes! All photos are copyright Kyle and Josh and used on NPN with permission. Instead of me blabbering on about the photos, what follows is a short report of their trip in their own words:

"We started our trip on Depot Road behind the mostly intact Raging Wolf Bobs. A hammer banging in the distance, we wished it was simply off-season maintenance and not some sort of deconstruction. Standing northeast of the 1988 coaster you’d be unaware of the mass carnage opposite the ride. With a closer look though, the Raging Wolf Bobs is no longer a continuous circuit. There’s missing track between the turn from the station and the lift hill, most likely the pieces offered on E-Bay.

We would then take Depot to Brewster, past the far-too-large Wildwater Kingdom parking lot. On the left you’ll notice some car dealership using the water park’s lot for automobile storage. Eventually, we were back on Aurora Road with plans to photograph the entrance.

Walking across the field where X-Flight once stood its hard to miss the Big Dipper and Skyscraper, the only thing left of the 119 year-old skyline. It’s good to see the hills of the John Miller classic peeking over the foreground, but as each day passes the chances of riding the coaster again aren't favorable.

It’s amazing how quickly something can deteriorate without upkeep. The brick walkway just before the entrance is now beleaguered with construction cones, weeds and electrical wires. The front gate, once one of the more elegant entrances in the country, is full of gaping holes due to clock and window removal. The season pass processing center is boarded up with wood. 2007 admission prices remain on the ticket booths, but resemble more of a tombstone with the dying park looming beyond.


Peeking through the entrance an office chair with nowhere to go sits by itself. Collapsed buildings can be seen in the distance. To the left, a random stairwell is surrounded by rubble. The Merry Oldies entrance remains, but is stranded with trash and fallen trees.


Journeying further down Geauga Lake Road only a large field remains where the Double Loop and Villain shared space. Without any distinguishable landmarks or buildings, it’s impossible to know where certain elements of the former coasters stood. This sad reality is inevitable for the rest of the park as well. Eventually, former park goers will only be able to estimate the Big Dipper's lift hill, the Texas Twister's great theming or the Carousel's axis, which is a good reason to take this trip. Get a vision of what’s left before it’s all gone.


With the sun setting and the winter cold making it's presence felt we decided to leave. Hopefully we’ll return soon, maybe get some nice photos by walking up and down Aurora."

Thanks again to Kyle and Josh for the interesting views!

Happy 2009!

Welcome to 2009! I hope everyone had a happy and safe New Year's Eve! Now all the enthusiasts can officially start to wonder "what new at ____ next year?" and mean 2010!

Everyone at NewsPlusNotes wishes you a happy, healthy, and FUN 2009!

Perhaps More Pixar for Paris

© WDSFans.com

Wouldn't it be wonderful to spend New Year's Eve in Paris? Well I don't know about you but I can't! More like try to stay awake till 12 to see the ball drop! Hehe...

Anywho, WDSFans has been reporting on some new construction going on at Walt Disney Studios at the Disneyland Paris resort lately. It seems they've posted notice that they will be removing a lot of the forest area that currently resides inside the park's Studio Tram Tour path.

The site is now also reporting that the park very well may see a new Pixar themed area called Toy Story Playland. The area would be filled with highly themed flat rides, and be aimed at families with younger kids.

It's something the park still sorely needs, but why hasn't Disney done anything lately that's not themed to a Pixar franchise?