After a very positive response from the earlier post, I’ve decided to make these ‘Construction Updates’ a continous series wrapping up construction from around the world. If anyone thinks of a better name, feel free to share it with a comment below!
At Disney California Adventure, the park is gearing up for the rapidly approaching June 3 opening of The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure. While there is plenty of coverage on the outershell and exterior building, the happenings of the inside have been shrouded in secrecy. Today, the Disney Parks Blog released a video showing off the new 7 foot tall, 12 feet wise Ursula audio animatronic being installed inside the ride. In addition there is some great footage of her being programmed demonstrating her very impressive movements.
Hong Kong Disneyland is also in the middle of a large new expansion. The park announced that famous movie composer, Danny Elfman will be doing the score of Disney’s latest version of the Haunted Mansion, Mystic Manor. In a YouTube video the park posted, you can see Elfman describing the process as well as some detailed models of the new dark ride. Next door to Mystic Manor will be the Big Grizzly Mine Train coaster. Vekoma has been seen testing a new lift hill system that is believed to be for the new Hong Kong Disneyland coaster. Only time will tell
One of the countries, biggest new additions Cheetah Hunt continues progress at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The chairlift is currently being reworked so the jump over can be constructed, large ditches are being dug for the coaster’s tunnel, and the drop is rumored to be finished by this Sunday. For continuous coverage, visit our friends at Behind the Thrills and BGTNation for updates. Lucky man Jason Carter was passing by the Cheetah Hunt construction only to see those fresh new Intamin trains lying on the track. I’ve gotta say that I love the leopard spots on them!
Also in the Florida area, Islands of the Adventure has reopened the popular Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls attractions. After suffering from a fire, the ride was off to a bad year. However the park took advantage of the down time by refurbishing several of the ride’s show scenes. Riders have described the new version as being better than before. I’ll be visiting the park April 10 & 11 and can’t wait to ride a log flume that will (hopefully) compare to Splash Mountain!
Lots of news out of Six Flags recently. Two Six Flags parks have received “topper track” from the Rocky Mountain Constuction company. Although the name may not sound familiar, the company is responsible for the more-impressive-looking-by-the-day New Texas Giant. Guests visiting Six Flags Fiesta Texas on opening day were delighted when the infamously rough Rattler was equipped with a new section of track that reduced the jerky motions of the trains. Similar track has also been spotted at Six Flags New England for their Cyclone coaster.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and Six Flags St. Louis have begun erecting their giant Sky Screamers. The “star flyer” models are being built to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Six Flags chain. The giant swing will take riders well over a hundred feet up in the air giving riders a birds eye view of the park. Six Flags St. Louis has released photos of a some very bright and colorful sections of the the Sky Screamer tower that will soon be dominating the skyline.
The New Texas Giant, the highlight of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations at Six Flags Over Texas is look better each day. The park released the first POV of the heart of the festivites. I have to say that this is most certainly no ordinary wooden/hybrid coaster. The drop is much steeper than I thought! The overbank turns also look incredible. On top of that, the ride looks like it will be smooth through the transitions but still maintain that good ol’ fashion wood ruggedness to it. Enjoy the video here.
Lastly, the countdown has begun for Superman: Escape from Krypton. We are now just 10 days away from the newly updated attraction debuting at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. After a several month overhaul, the Intamin shuttle coaster will now thrust guests 100 mph backwards, 400 feet high before returning to earth. Should be exciting. Watch a news clip of the attraction here.
That’s it for this construction update! Remember, if you have any ideas for a name to call these posts please do leave a comment below! Even if you don’t have ideas, leave a comment with your Park Thoughts below.