originally posted on 7/3/2020
The two former loops of Dragon now hang banners promoting the upcoming Dragon Slayer.
All photos by Tom Nickerson. View full-sized image.
On June 24, Adventureland in Altoona, Iowa, officially announced its new-for-2021 coaster — Dragon Slayer! This new coaster will be an S&S 4D Free Spin coaster and will be positioned next to Tornado right by the lake that runs through the park. The cleverly named Dragon Slayer will replace The Dragon, a Hopkins steel coaster that was built in 1990. The Dragon was the first looping roller coaster in Iowa. Dragon Slayer will stand taller than its predecessor, which was only 90 feet. The 4D Free Spin models have become a big seller for S&S Worldwide. Although official word of it being an exact model as others by S&S has not been stated, the assumption is it will be the latest installation of the popular-selling coaster. Standing at 110 feet tall, the new coaster will join seven other 4D Free Spin models operated by Six Flags in North America.
4D Free Spin parts from S&S have been delivered to the site. View full-sized image.
The ride site has been cleared alongside Bill Cobb’s Tornado. View full-sized image.
Some of The Dragon still stands, but the area of land where Dragon Slayer will go is clear and ready. The park has cleverly placed banners within the remaining loops of the former steel looper. All the parts are on site, and construction will be carried out during the 2020 season and following off-season. Dragon Slayer will be the third new coaster for Adventureland in six years. (Monster opened in 2016 and Phoenix opened in 2019.) This will be the latest high-thrill ride for the family-run park.
Once construction goes vertical, ACE is excited to offer construction updates. With the global pandemic being felt around the world, positive announcements for 2021 are particularly good news.
— Tom Nickerson, ACE North Central Regional Representative
Engaging artwork at the former Dragon station teases the upcoming coaster. View full-sized image.
@#$%&!
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