originally posted on 1/20/2023
Photo: Courtesy of Cedar Point. View full-sized image.
A New Formula for Thrills
For the 2024 season, Cedar Point is adding a new attraction or a modified replacement of the world-renowned Top Thrill Dragster coaster, which has been closed since the end of 2021. Top Thrill Dragster started receiving work, such as the removal of its launch, brake run and unload station, yet the ride’s top-hat/tower structure has remained in its 420-foot glory.
In early January of 2023, Cedar Point released a mysterious yet ever-exciting teaser about the future of the attraction. Top Thrill Dragster’s top hat was shown in dramatic panorama shots with climactic music, adding to the anticipation for the new ride. The video ends with the tagline: “A New Formula for Thrills.” The buzz around Top Thrill Dragster’s future is at an all-time high, but all we can do now is wait.
Video: Courtesy of Cedar Point.
Photo: Cheri Armstrong. View full-sized image.
Gardaland Loses a Unique Coaster
Sequoia Magic Loop, Gardaland’s (Venuto, Italy) quirky S&S Screamin’ Squirrel is confirmed to be demolished for the upcoming season. The ride featured “saxophone” inversions, during which the ride cars stay inverted for long durations on end (imagine a wild mouse, but with the straight sections inverted).
The ride has been standing but not operating for the past few years but has finally been confirmed to be demolished. This was one of the few Screamin’ Squirrel coasters S&S made. The only remaining model is at Mysterious Island in Zhuhai, China.
Image: Courtesy of Universal. View full-sized image.
Universal’s New Texas Destination
In January of 2023, Universal Parks announced a new park coming to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The park will cater more to a family and kid audience, as opposed to Universal’s thrill-based Islands of Adventure. Located in Frisco, Texas, this new property is sure to be a hit with families from not only the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but all of Texas. This is sure to become a uniquely Universal destination! Details on attractions were not available, and no target date of completion has been given.
Photo: Cheri Armstrong. View full-sized image.
Epic Universe Is On Track for a 2025 Debut
Epic Universe, Orlando’s newest theme park, is scheduled to open for the 2025 season. While the park’s construction was halted because of the COVID-19 pandemic, recently construction has been progressing quickly, and the park is on track to open in about two years. Rumored to feature a Wizarding World of Harry Potter land, a space-themed “hub” area, a How to Train Your Dragon land and much, much more, Epic Universe is sure to be a great addition to the Universal Orlando resort.
Photo: Michael Horwood. View full-sized image.
Universal Studios Florida Retiring a Kid Favorite
In November 2022, Universal Studios Florida (Orlando) announced the closure of Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, the park’s Vekoma children’s coaster. The ride is part of the park’s KidZone area, which is being removed in its entirety for the 2023 season. While the ride was a great attraction for the youngest of thrill seekers, the same model of coaster can be found at the neighboring Islands of Adventure in Flight of the Hippogriff. Will the ride be demolished, rethemed or converted? Right now, its future is up in the air.
— Compiled by Josh Brown, ACE News
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