Coasterdom

Backdraft Video

Jake — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:44:10 +0000

During my recent trip to Universal Studios Hollywood I filmed the Backdraft fire effects show, which is rumored (or is this official?) to be removed for a Transformers Motion Simulator (Kill me). I realize that the quality of the video is not stupendous, but this video is more for memorial purposes than anything else. Enjoy!

The Creature From The Black Lagoon: A Raging Rocking Show Review

Jake — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:33:17 +0000

Let me preface this by saying that I really did enjoy my time at Universal Studios Hollywood today, the press event was very nice, and I had a fantastic time at the park, as always. Now, that being said, I have few kind things to say about their latest show, that has a flimsy script, generally weak song lyrics and a story that just makes me wonder what they were thinking. Upon first entering the re-themed auditorium (formerly home to Fear Factor: Live) you notice the new decor almost immediately. Vines ...

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom - 6/22/09

Jake — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:47:53 +0000

I was able to get back to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom for the first time since 2004 last Monday, and I was able to snap a few (Alright, over 200) pictures. Here’s a little (I know those huge updates don’t do anything for anyone) taste of what my experience was like with the “new” Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. It should be noted that I am a huge fan of animal exhibits, both at zoos, aquariums, etc. So the combination of those, with great roller coasters, is heavenly. There were a few new ...

Would You Like To Play A Game?

Jake — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:15:18 +0000

Less than four months remain until the debut of Halloween Horror Nights and this bit of news was released today. It would appear that we’re going to see another popular horror franchise make it’s way to Universal Studios Hollywood - this time, that franchise is Saw. I am a fan of the concept, and has been proven to me over the past two Horror Nights I have been to, that will be sufficient when all is said and done. SAW BLEEDS OFF THE SCREEN INTO “LIVE” EXPERIENCE AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD’S HALLOWEEN ...

Kevin and Nate Show Podcast #78

Nate — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:44:29 +0000

Kevin and I are back with another helping of the Kevin & Nate Show. This week we cover the all of the lastest happenings in the news, Kevin shares some fun stories of working at an amusement park, and the Road Trip returns! We are still in Indiana but we vist Holiday World and Indiana Beach. We told you we would be back soon, while this isn’t as soon as we would of liked, it is much better than what it has been. We are hoping to have another show ...

PointCast Ep 1

Nate — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:33:17 +0000

OnPoint! the Cedar Point blog just released their PointCast episode 1. Basically it is a video version of what they talk about in their blog. In the first episode they visit Kings Island and talk about Diamondback. There is nothing groundbreaking that they cover, but it is fun to watch Tony and Tyler mess around. There is also a lot of season pass promotion which seems to be a good idea if you live there.

RCT anyone?

Nate — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:12:19 +0000

As I am in the process of packing up all of my things for my move to Texas I came across all of my old RCT stuff. I have everything from the orginal to RCT3. I never bothered to get any expansion packs aside from the first series. I remember how much I loved the game when I got it and how great RCT2 was. Then RCT3 came out and it was a huge bust in my book. The graphics were too cartoony, the game took forever to load, and moving ...

China’s first wooden coaster

Nate — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:00:12 +0000

In an exclusive to Amusement Today, officials at G. Martin & A. Vleminckx Amusement, Ltd. have confirmed that the Montreal-based company will build China’s first wooden roller. The ride is currently slated to open during the 2009 season. The recipient of the country’s first wooden coaster is Overseas Chinese Town, a new park being constructed in Sheshan, Songjiang, Shanghai. The coaster will be situated on an island near the park’s main entrance. As guest pass through the front gate, the ride’s structure will appear as a bamboo curtain. The as-yet-unnamed coaster is ...

Interview: Designer of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Louis Alfieri

Nate — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:29:54 +0000

Our buddy Joel, better known as the Coaster Critic just posted a great interview with Louis Alfieri, the designer of Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit. A few highlights from the article include: It’ll feature 30 songs from 5 genres with 3 legacy artists and 3 contemporary artists in each genre. Songs to be announced soon! A Day Ride and A Night Ride; The track will be eluminated and the LEDs of course will enhance the night ride. 5 cars on the track at the same time (I think he meant 5 trains with two ...

Goliath (SFMM) Review

Jake — Thu, 28 May 2009 05:00:53 +0000

Looming at 255 feet in the air, Goliath is a Magic Mountain staple. The only classic example of a hyper coaster in California, Goliath is flocked to by thrill seekers all summer long. This Giovanola creation is a seemingly B&M inspired design, a graceful airtime hill (See any B&M Hyper) and intense helixes (see Batman: The Ride). As soon as you pull out of the station and up the slow lift hill you get a great view of what’s to come. Some great turning drops, a helix and a large airtime ...