originally posted on 11/3/2025
Photo: Tobias Niepel. View full-sized image.
Karls coming to California
Unless one is living in Europe, Karls is not an amusement park chain commonly known to ACE members. However, there are nine locations in Germany, either operating or under construction.
Those familiar with the chain probably know that the parks are strawberry themed. Attractions are geared toward families with children 12 and younger.
Now one is coming to Oxnard, California, the first Karls project outside of Germany. The goal is for the park to be ready before the Olympic games begin in Los Angeles on July 14, 2028.
Snoopy’s Racing Railway.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Carowinds
Quietly this summer, Carowinds (Charlotte, North Carolina) opened a family launched coaster from ART Engineering called Snoopy’s Racing Railway. It’s the 14th coaster for the park, and it does give the kids’ side of the park four children/family-friendly coasters.
The launched coaster delivers a smooth ride and sends riders around the course twice. Along the way Snoopy and other Peanuts characters are seen, particularly in an indoor set piece.
Every park needs more family rides like these.
Blazing Fury entrance.
Photo: courtesy Dollywood. View full-sized image.
Dollywood Updates Blazing Fury
Although it is more dark ride than coaster, Blazing Fury’s interior dips and final plunge have given guests coaster-like tummy tickles since 1978. Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee) didn’t open under that name until 1986, but prior to the name change it was Silver Dollar City, a sister park to the renowned Branson, Missouri, park. Even with the partnership with Dolly Parton in the ‘80s, both parks still remain under the Herschend Family Entertainment umbrella.
According to the park: “While the heart and spirit of Blazing Fury remain unchanged, guests may notice a few enhancements throughout the ride. The ride has been refreshed overall with characters receiving new costumes, updated signage, some new track work and the waterfall area receiving a complete and beautiful rebuild. This work was done with respect for the attraction’s original charm.”
Artist’s rendering of Patriot’s Run.
Rendering: courtesy Jenkinson’s Boardwalk. View full-sized image.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk announces Patriot’s Run
Patriot’s Run is the name of a new coaster slated for 2026 at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk (Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey). At 35 feet tall, it is of the fairground type where one would expect a Zyklon or that style of ride. The manufacturer of the ride has not been disclosed, but the location will be where a former Flitzer and SBF Visa Spinner, Tidal Wave, operated.
The coaster, with its red-white-and-blue color scheme and patriotic name, will fit in nicely for America’s 250th birthday.
A Bolt coaster shown on a Carnival cruise ship.
Photo: courtesy Maurer Construction. View full-sized image.
Unbolted
Carnival has announced that it will no longer be adding the Bolt powered coasters from Maurer to any additional ships. The cruise line is opting for more waterpark attractions to use that space in future designs.
The coasters-at-sea concept appears to have set sail for good.
— Compiled by Tim Baldwin, ACE News
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