Theme Park Futures #6

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2024: Danse Macabre (Efteling, Holland)

‘Danse Macabre, the new Efteling attraction set to open in 2024, will have a spectacular ride system not yet constructed anywhere else in the world. The haunted spectacle full of dark twists will soon have visitors dancing to the music after which the attraction is named. On a turntable 18 metres in diameter, topped by six smaller turntables, there will be six choir stalls with seats for up to 108 visitors. The large turntable will rise, tilt and fall, and spin like a coin before it falls flat. Danse Macabre will be part of a completely new themed area at Efteling. The surroundings are a mysterious setting in which the 20-metre-high attraction building immediately catches the eye. Intamin, the renowned Swiss manufacturer of theme park attractions, has worked closely with Efteling to develop a completely new ride system for Danse Macabre. The exciting attraction is a combination of several existing ride components, making it unique in the sector. Danse Macabre is best described as a thrill ride with immersive show technology.’

 

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2024: Good Gravy! (Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Indiana)

‘Holiday World is unveiling a new Thanksgiving-themed roller coaster dedicated entirely to gravy in May 2024. Officials say guests will board a train shaped like a giant gravy boat, which will be pulled backwards uphill before flying forwards through the station onto cranberry-colored track, hitting a maximum speed of 37 miles per hour. The train will fly through a giant cranberry jelly can before narrowly avoiding giant kitchen accoutrement, such as a 20-foot-tall whisk and an 18-foot-tall rolling pin before flying up a 77-foot-tall spike and repeating the journey backwards.’

 

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2024: Ocean Flower Island (Danzhou, China)

‘Ocean Flower Island (Chinese: 中国海花岛) is an artificial archipelago located off the north coast of Danzhou, Hainan, China, west of the Yangpu Peninsula. When complete, it will comprise a 127,000 sq. m (1,370,000 sq. ft) amusement park with a water park, 23 recreation projects, 28 characteristic museums, 40 kilometers (25 mi) of coastline, 58 hotels, 6 commercial streets, 7 folklore performance squares, 8 themed food streets, an Amphitheater, an Arboretum, an impressive Central glass atrium, Convention facilities, Gardens, an Ice skating rink, a shopping mall, luxury residential housing, a massive Central Park, a Music hall, an Opera house, Sports fields, a Tourist tower, and a World fairyland.’

 

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2024: Untitled Duelling Family Shuttle Coaster (LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, UK)

‘The proposed development will be located to the west of Duplo Valley and to the east of the Mansion House, on the site of the former Raft Racers attraction which has remained SBNO (Standing But Not Operating) throughout 2022. The plans show that there will be two separate shuttle coaster tracks, with layouts that broadly mirror one another. Alongside the rollercoasters, the application also encompasses additional elements that includes a loading platform, operators cabin, queue line and perimeter fencing. It appears as though the queue line entrance will be located roughly where the entrance to the former disabled queue line for Raft Racers was situated.

‘It is expected that the two rollercoaster trains will ascend backwards up the lift hills at the rear of the station, before being released in unison to travel through the layout. This will see them first travel at speed back through the station, underneath the operators cabin, and further down the hill towards Duplo Valley. After completing a three-quarter helix, the trains will then find themselves heading towards each other, over shallow hills, before then completing two swooping turns, which will provide another duelling moment. Guests will then ascend hills that sit parallel to the initial lift hills. It is not evident if it will be left to gravity to return the trains backwards through the track, or if these hills will also manually raise the trains to their peak before again simultaneously releasing them.’

 

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2024: Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness (Universal Studios, Japan)

‘Recreating the mine cart levels from the Donkey Kong video games, Universal Parks are building a new type of roller coaster ride that will make it look like you’re jumping over gaps in the track. Opening in 2024 at Universal Studios Japan, and by 2025 at the Universal Orlando Resort, this new attraction will not only feature a totally unique ride system, but is also rumored to include detailed show scenes and animatronics.

‘The Donkey Kong Country section of Super Nintendo World is currently under construction at Universal Studios Japan, with an official opening date of 2024. It is also being built at Universal Orlando’s upcoming theme park, Epic Universe, which is planned to open by Summer 2025 at the latest. This mini land will be accessible from Super Nintendo World after entering through a warp pipe under the Yoshi ride. The area will feature the new roller coaster attraction, as well as character meet and greets, interactive games, a small gift shop, and snack stands.’

 

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NEVER: Star Trek Astrarium (Aqaba, Jordan)

‘The Star Trek Astrarium was planned to occupy 184-acre (70 hectares) of land. The resort’s design featured three major zones of entertainment: The Summit, The Old Waterfront, and The New Waterfront. The resort was planned to feature four luxury hotels, botanical gardens, a collection of entertainment, dining areas, 4D cinema, 16 attractions and retail stores. It would have been the first themed entertainment attraction at the coastal city of Aqaba, Jordan. It was announced in 2011, for a projected 2014 opening. Construction stopped on this theme park in early 2015, and the park was never completed or opened.

‘The key attractions were to include rides, shows, museum exhibits, theme parks, water parks, interactive and walk-throughs based upon the Star Trek franchise. In 2013, a signing ceremony was held at the Jordanian-American Business Forum under the patronage of King Abdullah II of Jordan. King Abdullah had suggested Star Trek be the theme of the Astrarium, being a big Star Trek fan who had an uncredited cameo (as background Starfleet crewman) on an episode of Star Trek: Voyager in 1996. According to Themeparx.com, construction was officially halted by March 2015 after having been started and postponed twice.’

 

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2025: Falcon’s Flight (Six Flags Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia)

‘Qiddiya Investment Project has partnered with Intamin Amusement Rides to start designing Falcon’s Flight at Six Flags Qiddiya. The ride is hailed as the world’s fastest rollercoaster.

‘The rollercoaster will travel at speeds of more than 250km/h. It will also be the tallest and longest rollercoaster in the world, hurtling along a 4km track and plunging down a vertical cliff into a 160-metre-deep valley. The ride will utilise magnetic motor acceleration (LSM technology). 20 riders will be able to board the Falcon Flight at once. The ride will last for three minutes.

‘Falcon Flight will be the landmark attraction at Six Flags Qiddiya. The attractions site will be Saudi Arabia’s first family-orientated theme park and is due to open in 2023. It will extend over 79 acres and feature 28 rides and attraction spanning six themed lands.’

 

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2024: Fantasy Springs (Tokyo DisneySea, Japan)

‘Fantasy Springs is the colossal port themed to Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan under construction at Tokyo DisneySea. The overarching inspiration for Fantasy Springs is a magical spring leading to a world of Disney fantasy. It’s basically a Fantasyland-style port that brings Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan to Tokyo DisneySea, with separate mini-areas for each in a single port of call that’s tied together via magical springs. This large scale expansion features multiple rides, restaurants, retail, and a luxury hotel. It has a blockbuster budget of 250 billion yen (or around ~$2.3 billion US). Fantasy Springs will be the most expensive expansion to any existing theme park anywhere, ever. It’ll cost triple the amount of the recent Tokyo Disneyland ‘large scale’ addition that included a Beauty and the Beast mini-land and more, and over double the cost of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.’

 

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2025: Fast And Furious Multi-Launch Coaster (Universal Studios, Hollywood)

‘Universal Studios Hollywood announces construction will soon begin on its new roller coaster, themed to Universal Pictures’ blockbuster saga, Fast & Furious as the world-class entertainment destination continues to elevate the guest experience. Equipped with a state-of-the-art ride system uniquely created to engulf guests within the dynamic Fast & Furious universe, this all-new roller coaster will benefit from Universal Destinations & Experiences’ decades-long expertise in revolutionizing the development of the contemporary roller coaster across its global theme park destinations. This new Fast and Furious roller coaster is rumored to be an “Intamin spinning model, with some thinking halfway through the vehicle will begin to “drift” featuring sideways, backward, and forward motion to fit the racing/ Fast & Furious theme.”‘

 

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NEVER: Grand Circus Balancé (Efteling, Holland)

‘The plans for the spectacular new roller coaster Grand Circus Balancé are definitely canceled. Last week, a large number of designs leaked from the project, which should have been realized years ago. Until now, its status has been a big question mark.

‘A majority of Efteling fans responded enthusiastically. It has now become clear that Efteling will not build the circus roller coaster, not even in the future. Due to concerns about sustainability, the project has ended up in the trash, insiders confirm. Like many companies, the amusement park in Kaatsheuvel is currently struggling with an energy crisis and a nitrogen crisis.

‘In light of this, Efteling does not consider building the gigantic rollercoaster feasible. Efteling designers have, as it were, been sent back to the drawing board by the management. There they start again with a blank sheet of paper. The Efteling management is again keeping all options open for the planned expansion on the east side of the park.

A spokesperson for Efteling does not want to comment on the content of the message. The reason: the project was never officially announced, so to the outside world Grand Circus Balancé theoretically never existed. Therefore, it is not openly communicated about it.’

 

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Fall 2023: Whispering Pines Hotel (Funtown Splashtown, Maine)

‘The park has teamed up with Sally Dark Rides to create the Whispering Pines Hotel, an interactive ride-through attraction. In the attraction, riders enter the Whispering Pines Hotel, which a witch has cursed. Riders helm “curse eradicators” and work alongside a professional ghost hunter to free the hotel of the witch’s spell. The last of the ride’s 14 rooms will require riders to work together in what appears to be another dimension to fight the evil witch and save the hotel guests she has cursed.’

 

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2024: Top Thrill 2 (Cedar Point, Ohio)

‘Cedar Point will once again redefine roller coaster innovation in 2024 with the debut of Top Thrill 2, the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch strata roller coaster. The strata coaster, known as any roller coaster eclipsing a height of 400 feet, was first pioneered by Cedar Point in 2003. The park will build on that legacy with not one, but two, 420-foot-tall track towers, putting riders in the driver’s seat for one of the greatest races of all time.

‘On the start, using an all-new linear synchronous motor (LSM) launch system, riders will peel out down the straightaway reaching speeds of 74 mph, racing toward the sky on Top Thrill 2’s original 420-foot-tall “top hat” tower. After experiencing weightlessness during the “rollback” – the coveted fan-favorite moment when the train’s momentum isn’t great enough to make it up and over the tower – the train shifts into reverse and into its second launch, reaching speeds of 101 mph.

Riders will then see Cedar Point unlike ever before as they speed into a backward climb at a 90-degree angle on a new, 420-foot-tall track tower. After a second moment of weightlessness, the train shifts into drive and races forward into its third launch, clocking in at the ride’s top speed of 120 mph. Crossing over the top hat tower, the train decelerates momentarily before diving into a 270-degree spiral and crossing the finish line.’

 

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2025: Mission Bermuda (Futuroscope, France)

‘On board a boat, visitors will embark on an expedition inspired by the famous Bermuda Triangle, a legendary area of ​​the Atlantic Ocean. “2035, the curse of the Bermuda Triangle strikes again! New disappearances occur without any plausible explanation. Scientists set up a mission and dispatch crews to go and investigate on the spot from the island of Bermuda.”

‘After a pre-show, visitors will embark on an 8-seater boat to explore this “island of Bermuda”, at the heart of an indoor and outdoor route. Inside, a mix of real sets , HD image projections and special effects await visitors. And for the exterior, it’s even more impressive: accelerations , reverse gears , waterfalls , vortexes, explosions …

‘The “Climax” zone seems to be the most impressive of the course : the boat rushes into a canyon, when a plane seems to be in difficulty. The plane approaches, rubs against the walls and crashes. The boat then reverses to escape the crash, with an explosion effect . Debris comes out of the water, and the fire spreads over the water. The boat backs up again, until it plunges into the dark, until the “lift”, which precedes a great dizzying fall . Last strong sensations before reaching the station.’

 

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2025: Sanya Hello Kitty Resort (Haitang Bay, China)

‘Hello Kitty has fans around the world, and China is set to get its second Hello Kitty theme park. While the theme park was first announced in 2018, the theme park is scheduled to debut in 2025.

‘It will be called the Sanya Hello Kitty Resort and cost $620 million to create, and it’s located in the Haitang Bay area of Hainan Province. The final park will consist of fifty-two acres. The park will have roller coasters, rides, a giant Hello Kitty sphinx, storytelling events, and more. There’s also going to be a themed Hello Kitty Hyatt hotel where guests can stay in while they visit the park, and it will have 221 rooms.’

 

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2024: Primordial (Lagoon Park, Utah)

‘This interactive coaster has been under development and construction for over seven years. After waiting so long, the anticipation couldn’t be higher, especially as the park promises “a ride experience like you have never seen.” However, not much other detail was released, keeping the complete ride experience shrouded in mystery after all these years still.

‘Construction photos show bright green track going up the outside of the large mountain structure followed by a drop down into a figure eight style segment before rising and disappearing into the giant mountain. The roller coaster track changes color from green to a greyish/tan once inside the mountain.

‘Lagoon has “worked with an international team of designers and manufacturers, including amazing local companies and vendors, to create and produce this incredible state-of-the-art attraction.” One of these companies is assumed to be ART Engineering GmbH, a German engineering company who helped Lagoon with two former coasters, Bombora and Cannibal. ART Engineering is also known for previously creating an interactive dark ride/coaster combo for Canada’s Wonderland, called Wonder Mountain’s Guardian. Intermountain Lift, a local company who did the track for Cannibal, is assumed to have manufactured the track for Primordial as well.’

 

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2025: Bommelwereld (Groenlo, Holland)

‘In Groenlo (Netherlands), near the German border, a new indoor theme park is currently under development next to the N18 highway. The theme park with an area of 9,000 square meters is being developed by Marveld Recreatie in collaboration with the Toonder company. The Toonder Compagnie holds the rights to the stories by Marten Toonder around the comic duo “Heer Bommel” and “Tom Poes”, who are well-known and part of the cultural heritage in the Netherlands. The world of the comic figures will be brought to life in the theme park.

The drawing above reveals that park visitors can look forward to a large castle, located next to an indoor hall. Various attractions, all thematically based on the adventures of the well-known comic characters, can await guests here. Visitors will then be able to walk through the streets of “Rommeldam” and enjoy the special atmosphere of the Black Mountains as well as the magic of Hocus Pas.’

 

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2024: Untitled Tilt Coaster (Energylandia, Poland)

‘The Energylandia tilt coaster will be 45 meters high , the speed will be 85 km / h and there will be two trains with 24 passengers per one. The security features that will be used in the tilt coaster are the lap bar (thigh-only protection). The attraction will also have numerous effects and inversions, including a weightless effect.

‘Energylandia itself is still silent about the tilt coaster. So we don’t know its final name or release date. However, it is predicted that it may be 2024. We already know that the rollercoaster will be produced and built in Energylandia by the Vekoma company, i.e. the producer of Abyssus, Formula or Mayan, among others. The cost of the investment is over PLN 51 million.

‘A special feature of the tilt coaster is the drop. First, we are pulled to the top using a classic chain lift, then we reach the end of the blind track, and after a while the track with the cable car rises completely vertical . At a 90 degree angle, the track with the cable car joins the track on a slope. We hang completely vertically for a few moments, and after a while the brakes are released and we are on the track.’

 

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2025: Untitled Universal Studios Las Vegas Haunted Attraction (Area 15, Las Vegas)

‘Universal Parks & Resorts has announced plans to build a year-round haunted house attraction in Las Vegas, as part of an expansion to AREA15. The AREA15 complex sees more than 2.4 million visitors a year, and is currently home to attractions like Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart. The venue will include immersive haunted house experiences, but also “food and beverage spaces by day turned haunting bars and eateries by night” and “one-of-a-kind merchandise.” Page Thompson, President of New Ventures at Universal Parks & Resorts said that “This is a horror party. It’s a lot of fun. It’s not just about gore.”

‘Rumors and speculation for these three revolving haunted house experiences include in-house properties from Universal, like the Classic Monsters or modern horror films, as well as Halloween Horror Night icons. Rumors for the rest of the experience include a possible restaurant, bar, and what may be considered a permanent Tribute Store with unique merchandise branded to this location. The area set between the dining, shopping, and haunted house entrances will be a sort of open hub, rumored to be set up like a scare zone, with roaming scareactors.

 

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2024: Voltron (Europa Park, Germany)

‘Europa Park has unveiled more details regarding its new roller coaster attraction with the tagline ‘Welcome to the Electric Age’. The new attraction will be a launch coaster, firstly hurling riders upside down with a brief pause before shooting down to the next set of ride elements. The coaster will twist and turn and brush past greenery and trees and intertwine with the coaster itself. The attraction then comes to a halt before turning around 180 degrees on a turntable before being launched again backward then forwards for a second round of adrenaline thrills.

‘“It will be another spectacular highlight for Europa Park and when opened, the coaster will be one of the most modern and spectacular coasters in Europe,” said Mack Rides when plans for the ride were first unveiled.’

 

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NEVER: Tony’s Chocolonely Chocolate Circus (Zaandam, Holland)

‘Chocolate manufacturer Tony’s Chocolonely has canceled plans for its Tony’s Chocolonely Chocolate Circus experience in Zaandam near Amsterdam. This facility near Amsterdam called Tony’s Chocolonely Chocolate Circus was supposed to be an experience world. The visitors should be presented with all the necessary steps from the cultivation of the cocoa bean to the finished chocolate. As a special feature, there should also be a roller coaster on the site. This would have has a crazy look reminiscent of the story about Willy Wonka from the children’s book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”. As has now been officially confirmed by the company, Tony’s Chocolonely Chocolate Circus will not be built. Due to the Corona crisis, an investor withdrew and the company was unable to continue with the plans. In general, there are doubts as to whether a visitor attraction including a roller coaster can be implemented in the context of the pandemic.’

 

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2024: Wizard of Oz Land (Warner Bros Movie World, Australia)

‘Guests to Warner Bros. Movie World in Oxenford, Australia will soon be able to travel the iconic Yellow Brick Road™ with an all-new The Wizard of Oz™ themed land featuring two new rides opening in 2024. The two new rides will include the world’s first The Wizard of Oz™ themed suspended coaster and a boomerang racer, both with commensurate height restrictions that will allow younger Movie World guests the opportunity to experience their first roller-coaster.

‘Village Roadshow CEO, Clark Kirby said, “The new precinct will be developed in the retired Arkham Asylum area and will transform the space into the colorful and vibrant world of Oz as seen in the nostalgic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz™. This precinct is going to be like nothing we have ever done at Movie World and we are working closely with our partners at Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment to make this one of the most beautifully themed precincts in Australian theme parks.”

‘“Movie World fans in Australia will get to step into Oz like no fan has done before. A first of its kind, The Wizard of Oz™ land will extend the storytelling and bring of one of the most iconic and beloved films to life in an amazing way,” said Peter van Roden, SVP, Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment. “We are over the moon (or should we say rainbow) to be bringing Oz to guests of Movie World in 2024.”’

 

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2025: Untitled Slide Coaster (Skyline Theme Park, Malaysia)

‘The new Slide Coaster ride has been called the world’s first hybrid roller coaster and waterslide. This new concept is similar to the water coasters, but instead of relying on water jets or lift hills via belts, the Slide Coaster has a roller coaster-like track that runs parallel to the water slide. The specially designed rafts seat two guests each and have a large wedge behind the rear seat. A sled trolley on the roller coaster track has an arm that lowers and uses the wedge to push the raft forward up to speeds of more than 39 miles per hour. This ride will have the acceleration – and exhilaration – of coasters that’s never been experienced on a waterslide.’

 

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2024: Mononoke Village & Valley of Witches (Ghibli Park, Japan)

‘Eight months after Ghibli Park opened its doors to visitors, official opening dates are finally confirmed for the Mononoke Village and Valley of Witches attractions.

‘Located next to the Hill of Youth area, Mononoke Village recreates the rustic and mysterious landscape from the 1997 Princess Mononoke. The area will house the iconic Irontown, while large-scale statues of Okkoto Nushi (boar god) and Tatari Gami (spider demon) can be found just outside of the town. Despite the two characters’ fearsome presence, both are actual slides designed for children to play and slide down from.

‘Stretching 2.9 hectares of land, the Valley of Witches will be the biggest area within the Ghibli Park. Nestled in between the Mononoke Village and Dondoko Forest, the whimsically European-esque townscape will be home to memorable locations from Howl’s Moving Castle, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Earwig and the Witch. This includes Howl’s Castle, Hatter’s Hat Shop, the Witch’s House, as well as Kiki’s childhood home, and the bakery she worked at. Visitors who are hoping to experience the Valley of Witches will need to wait a little longer, as the area isn’t due to open until March 16, 2024.’

 

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2024: Project Exodus (Thorpe Park, UK)

‘Thorpe Park will in the future be officially home to the UK’s tallest roller coaster with Project Exodus having been approved to commence construction. It is a huge moment in the landscape of the theme park industry – 1 November being the date when plans became reality with the London based theme park being given the go ahead to build the newest and tallest roller coaster in the UK. The new ride will boast various elements of inversions and a splashdown feature. It has been a decade since Thorpe Park last built a roller coaster with the debut of The Swarm.’

 

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2024: Secret of Arayat (Pradera Islands, Philippines)

‘The Pradera Islands is a theme park still under construction at Pradera Verde, a tourist hot-spot located in the province of Pampanga of the Philippines. While construction started back in 2019, little was known about the content of the park. Until today, when the Dutch firm Lagotronics Projects shared some insight into their involvement with the 23 hectare project, which includes an exciting new media-based dark ride: Secret of Arayat.

‘On their website the designers explain the premise revolves around the volcano Mount Arayat, which is located roughly 40 kilometres North of the building site of Pradera Islands. According to legend, the volcano was once the home to Sinukuan, the god of war and death. Guests will embark on a mission to infiltrate the ”golden palace” of Sinukuan hidden within in search of gemstones.

‘Secret of Arayat will contain impressive scenery and animatronics, as well as a variety of media-based content including 3D and fog screen projections. Temperature changes and other special effects will be implemented to ensure an immersive experience, all aspects of which will be delivered turnkey by Lagotronics Projects. The company partnered up with German rides manufacturer Metallbau Emmeln to supply the ride system.’

 

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2025: Project Horizon (Alton Towers, UK)

‘Alton Towers has submitted a planning application for a £12.5 million indoor rollercoaster. The rollercoaster will be housed within a 19-metre (64-foot) tall building, measuring 71 metres by 46 metres in area. Details of the rollercoaster’s design and manufacturer have not been revealed, but its working title is ‘Project Horizon’. The ride is widely expected to feature innovative new technology following recent comments made by veteran concept designer John Wardley. The rollercoaster’s theme is also unknown, although documents mention theming features both at the entrance of a new plaza and attached to the ride building itself. Construction is expected to begin in Spring next year, with an estimated 18-month timeframe for completion.’

 

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2024: Immersive SuperFlume (Qetaifan Island North, Qatar)

‘Once aboard 20-seater themed boats, riders will leave the station and begin their voyage following the history and techniques of oil exploration in the region over the last 100 years. The journey takes them through various lifts and drops as the story unfolds in the different themed zones. The experience culminates with the boat entering the focal point of the ride – the cracking tower, where it slowly rotates as it rises up a vertical lift with various special effects, emerging into the daylight and plunging straight down a 16m high chute, ending in a spectacular grand splash before heading back towards the station.

‘The SuperFlume ride is a natural progression or evolution to the original traditional Log Flume ride which has been available for many years. There was a requirement to produce a more stable boat with greater capacity and safety and so the SuperFlume was born. The SuperFlume will allow families to share the same boat in greater comfort and safety. Furthermore it will incorporate various other thrill elements which the older Log Flumes are not able to do. The secret is to combine as many different fun experiences, thrills and surprises into the guest experience. This will be coupled with surrounding theming and effects to create the overall WOW factor.’

 

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2024: Toboggan (SeaWorld Orlando, USA)

‘Though at this point, we lack an official announcement from SeaWorld Orlando about a new rumored coaster they have hinted at it, and there is definitely construction work taking place in the Antarctica section of the park. Nonetheless, rumors of a new roller coaster with a potential codename of “Toboggan” have been floating in the theme park rumor mill for some time. With the Empire of the Penguin simulator attraction having been closed for a while at SeaWorld Orlando, this led to speculation that a new attraction, of some type, would be arriving in that location. Based on this and other evidence, speculation leans toward the new roller coaster using the former Empire of the Penguin ride area for a portion of the attraction. With a new roller coaster using some of this space, that leads to questions about how much of the coaster may be indoors. Current construction walls block off a significant amount of area near this new rumored coaster. Based on that, this rumored coaster could involve a significant amount of track outdoors, maybe all of it.’

 

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2024: Hossoland (Brojce, Poland)

‘Recently, the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new amusement park took place in the municipality of Brojce in Poland’s West Pomerania. The park, which will be called Hossoland and be located about 20 minutes from the port city of Kołobrzeg, will be built on an area of about 40 hectares. It is scheduled for a 2024 opening.

‘Initially, four themed areas will be created – the fishing town of the Mermaid “Syrenka Town”, the amber Kingdom of “Baltambrya, the “Land of the Vikings” and the “Dragon Valley of the Mines”. Around 50 attractions as well as eleven restaurants, six cafés and 13 shops will be part of the visitor offer. In the following years, Hossoland is planned to be expanded by the addition of other themed zones, including a water park. Well-known companies such as MackNEXT, Jora Vision, Attitude Srl and WhiteWater West are involved in the design of the theme park.’

 

 

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p.s. Hey. ** Dominik, Hi!!! His movies are fun. Well, a number of them at least. The good thing about wild parties is that everyone is so wild that they don’t notice you standing over in the corner sipping Evian and studying them. Him, I think I would take love up his offer. I can’t off the top of my head think of anything that I’ve needed to block out in order to survive or anything. Of course if it’s blocked out already I don’t remember it, but, yeah, let’s do it. Total intricate memory of everything. Would you say yes? Love situating almost every upcoming attraction in this post a block from my apartment, G. Have a lovely time with your parents! See you soon! xo. ** Nick Toti, Hi, Nick. Good to see you, man. Yeah, I see what you mean about his films, and I also see what you mean about them leaving you hungry. I think that’s kind of a great filmmaking goal somehow. How’s everything with you and yours? Everything’s mostly fine here, just film film film. You know how it is. ** _Black_Acrylic, Yes, RIP Jamie Reid. I used to own a small original work by him, but someone stole it from me. ** Charalampos, Oh, gosh, thanks about LCTG, pal. I hope you like the new one. Your leaking ritual sounds pretty interesting. I’m trying to picture it and can’t quite, but I especially like things I can’t quite picture. I like the films I’ve seen of Franju, yes. I should do a post about his work. I don’t think I know ‘Judex’ though. I’ll find it, thank you! ** Steve Erickson, Oh, wow, that’s a cool coincidence. Very happy to read you talking about his work. That’s weird: I’m having one ear pain too, but it’s not (yet) in need of a doctor. I think mine is because I tend to only use one earplug when I’m looking at videos on the internet for some weird reason, and it’s that ear. At the moment, yes, making our next film in France seems like a definitely go. But if by some miracle our new film generates good interest that would make funding much, much easier, that would open things up. But for absolutely sure we are not going to put ourselves in this miserable position again. Thank you for asking. ** Bill, His films are fun, at least if you pick judiciously. The early ones are probably the starting point. The boy in ‘Winter Boy’ won best actor at Locarno Film Festival or something like that. I don’t know the Comics Journal, but I definitely want to know it. Latest issue it is. How are you doing? Are you working on anything? ** Misanthrope, Oh, please, don’t pretend you’re a wuss, you maniac. Checkered flag for your 4-day weekend entree. Huysmans’ Des Esseintes … you’re right! Huh. How about that? Rock out. ** Guy, Hi. I was worried because I hate hot weather with a burning … wait, freezing passion. But it isn’t that hot so far. I hadn’t realised you couldn’t travel. Jesus, that sucks, but I assume getting your passport is just a formality? Yes, obviously, place Paris in the upper echelons of your freedom’s agenda. Well, um, I don’t speak French, and I don’t think I’m an embarrassment, or else I’m misreading everyone’s attitude towards me, which is actually quite possible. I’ll see the Honore somehow, okay. Yes, I play a small role in Christophe’s film ‘Homme au bain’ (‘Man at Bath’). I’m not sure if it’s out there streaming. Probably? ‘Room Temperature’ is slowly but surely becoming whatever it will be, and I remain extremely excited about what it’s going to be, thank you. If I could figure out what a gorgeous hug would entail, you would be the first person to get such a thing from me. Ha ha. ** Vladmir Darbakov (get it?), I do get it, or, wait, (get it). Nice. They do (eat frog legs). I’ve seen it with my own eyes. But rarely since the French actually don’t eat frog legs very often in fact. Or escargot either. Ha ha, Link absolutely does have ball jiggle physics. That’s crazy. I can’t believe they built that in. Talk about easter eggs. Hilarious. Thank you. I will spread the … word. I lived in NYC twice, first from ’83 to ’85, and then from ’87 to ’90. It is really expensive there. It always has been. Well, it used to cost a lot less downtown, I guess. Um, I haven’t spent a lot recent time in NYC, but downtown is probably still best. Below 14th Street. The more east the better. The East Village. People gripe about how gentrified it’s become, and it has, but it’s still the coolest part of NYC if you ask me. I’ll think about other highlights. Frogs are fully safe around me, for sure. I hope almost everything excites you today. ** Okay. It’s been what feels like ages since I indulged my love of theme parks and attractions on this blog, and that’s my excuse for showing those of you who share even a little bit of my love some of the delights you have in store in the next couple of years. See you tomorrow.