Construction Zone - September-October 2022

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originally posted on 10/21/2022

Photo: Rus Ozana. View full-sized image.

Many new-for-2023 rides are showing signs of progress. Some have just begun to go vertical, but many are still in the ground prep-and-delivery phase. Here’s a look at several ongoing projects.

Palindrome, Cotaland

As Cotaland (Austin, Texas) continues to be built, deliveries of rides are ongoing, including Palindrome, a Gerstlauer Infinity coaster. Being a shuttle coaster that travels forward and backward, one of the notable features of Palindrome is that vehicles soar over a roadway — upside down. [Circuit of the Americas and Cotaland will be the host of ACE South Central’s Winterfest on January 21, 2023.]

Photos: Matt Hughey. View full-sized image.

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DarKoaster, Busch Gardens Williamsburg

While most of the trackwork looks to be complete, DarKoaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Virginia) is shrouded in much mystery as the full storyline and extent of the theming are still unknown. Owing to a section of switch track, the trains speed through the course twice, seeing different visuals on each circuit. The ride will operate with two trains of 10 passengers.

Photos: Clint Novak. View full-sized image.

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Arctic Rescue, SeaWorld San Diego

Like DarKoaster, Intamin will be the supplier with a similar snowmobile-themed coaster at SeaWorld San Diego (California). Arctic Rescue will operate with three trains that seat 16. The extent of the theming outdoors is still under development. The new coaster repurposes the building of the former Wild Arctic simulator.

Photos: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.

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Pipeline, SeaWorld Orlando

Hurricane Ian postponed the announcement of SeaWorld Orlando’s (Florida) new attraction, but the park has just recently announced the name of the long-anticipated Bolliger & Mabillard “surf coaster.” A full report on this new take on the stand-up genre will appear in the next ACE News post. Pipeline cements the sea life park as the Coaster Capitol of Orlando. As far back as the ACE Spring Conference, site prep had intrigued park visitors (and coaster fans). First pieces of track are being installed.

Photo: Mike Thompson. View full-sized image.

Photo: Rus Ozana. View full-sized image.

Big Bear Mountain, Dollywood

Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee) should prove to be a great cohost of Coaster Con 45. Shiny and new will be Big Bear Mountain. Situated in Wildwood Grove, this Vekoma family coaster looks to be a real crowd-pleaser. Ground preparation is underway, and steel is arriving on site.