originally posted on 4/9/2021
Barreling Rapids is Texas’ newest coaster.
Photo: Austin’s. View full-sized image.
Four New Coasters Hit Austin, Including a Schwarzkopf
Who would have thought Austin, Texas, would become a little hotbed of small coasters in such a short time?
Austin’s (previously Austin’s Park n’ Pizza), which is actually in Pflugerville, has just recently opened Barreling Rapids. The coaster is a Visa Model 5.0. The park has had a Fiesta Express on property since 2013.
Preparing to open later this spring is COTALAND. Part of the Circuit of the Americas racing complex, COTALAND will offer three coasters. Skyflyer, an SBF Visa Micro Coaster, opened at the end of last year at a Christmas event called Peppermint Parkway. A Wacky Worm is being prepared to be erected as a second kiddie coaster for younger kids.
The Schwarzkopf Wildcat was recently dismantled at its indoor location.
Photo: COTA. View full-sized image.
Many ACEers enjoyed the coaster as Rat Ride during the European Coaster Odyssey in 2002.
Photo: Brian Peters. View full-sized image.
The bigger news is that a Schwarzkopf Wildcat will be the main coaster draw for the fledgling park. Coaster fans who have visited Lightwater Valley in Ripon, England might have ridden the coaster as either Rat Ride or Raptor Attack. During its tenure at the park (1987 to 2019), the ride was located indoors. It will see daylight as it becomes a U.S. citizen. As yet unnamed, the coaster is the only remaining version of the 45-meter Wildcat models. Only four were manufactured.
COTALAND is expected to debut in the late spring.
California’s Great America’s Psycho Mouse gets a new look.
Photos: COTA. View full-sized image.
View full-sized image.
Baynum Painting Refreshes Multiple Coasters for 2021
Baynum Painting, a corporate member of ACE, has been busy in the off-season giving several attractions fresh looks for the 2021 season. Among them are several roller coasters.
California sees two nice and shiny coasters, Psycho Mouse at California’s Great America (Santa Clara) and Batman The Ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia). In Florida, Kumba and SheiKra at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay received a refresh, and Legoland Florida (Winter Haven) brought in Baynum to gussy up The Dragon. ACEers heading to Pennsylvania for Coaster Con 43 might duck into Sesame Place (Langhorne) that week. If so, they will see Vapor Trail with its fresh look. In addition to work on the log flume at Lake Compounce (Bristol, Connecticut), the park’s Zoomerang is getting a new look with more vivid and stronger hues of blue and violet for the upcoming season. Another Boomerang receiving the love is the one at Trimper’s Rides in Ocean City, Maryland. Baynum provided an updated look for the relaunch of Riddler Mindbender at Six Flags Over Georgia (Austell).
Vapor Trail at Sesame Place looks positively vibrant.
Photo: Courtesy Baynum Painting. View full-sized image.
It’s not just long-time favorites receiving new paint. Universal Studios Orlando (Florida) brought in Baynum to ensure that VelociCoaster looks absolutely perfect for its June 10, 2021 debut.
In addition to roller coasters, the company has refreshed attractions in waterparks such as California Great America’s South Bay Shores, SeaWorld Aquatica (Chula Vista, California), Lake Compounce, Legoland, Sesame Place and Sandcastle (West Homestead, Pennsylvania). The company also does construction services for Splashtacular, WhiteWater West, Life Floor and iSlide.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Conneaut Lake Auction — A New Chapter
Conneaut Lake Park (Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania) was recently sold for $1.2 million. The sale was approved by the bankruptcy court (the park had been in bankruptcy since 2014) and the buyer was Keldon Holdings LLC, headed by Todd Joseph.
The new owner plans to bring fresh life and new investment to the property while retaining much of its history and charm. Immediate improvements are planned for the park's Camperland (campground) and by removing unsound and blighted structures. They also plan to make improvements to Hotel Conneaut and rebuild the Beach Club. The park's Kiddieland and some adult rides, including the Devil's Den dark ride are expected to operate this season. While it's unfortunate that the ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Blue Streak won't be operating this summer, it is included in restoration plans and enthusiasts are hopeful for its return in 2022. The Tumble Bug — one of two remaining in the United States — will also be receiving refurbishment this year and will join Blue Streak in the 2022 ride lineup.
El Toro
Photo: Sarah Windisch. View full-sized image.
All-Coaster Nights Added to Six Flags Great Adventure’s Schedule
Finding visitors who just want to ride roller coasters would be an easy task among ACE’s membership. Six Flags Great Adventure has added some dates to its schedule that cater to just that. Coaster Power Hours are special nights where fans can come in and get their fill on the park’s coasters. The nights will feature up to 12 coasters, which is the park’s complement until Jersey Devil Coaster opens later this year.
While the other rides will be silent, the park will still offer music, specialty food and — get this — free parking.
One of the coasters will offer a limited-time thrill. Skull Mountain “Remix” will be a transformation of the indoor Intamin coaster into a more techno experience with pumping music and moving lights.
The hours will be from 4 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays and 6 to 11 on Fridays. Dates are May 6, 13, 20 and 27 for Thursday nights, and April 16, 23, 30 and May 7, 14 and 21 for Friday nights. Please note that this is a special event; pass holders and members can receive discounted tickets. See Six Flags Great Adventure’s website for more details.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
And for the Souvenir Collector Who Has Everything …
Just when we thought we’d seen it all, there’s an unusual souvenir that has surfaced. Many people are familiar with the hand-crafted and unique items found on the Etsy website. Coaster lovers can find something new.
By searching for Views and Queues, fans can find a scratch-off souvenir poster. Anyone who enjoys playing lottery scratch-off tickets might get a kick out of doing so with their coaster travels. Fifty theme parks from around the United States are represented on the map. Been there? Scratch it off. Once the coating has been removed, a smaller icon is still on the map representing the fan’s experience.
Now that’s different.
The poster is printed on very durable stock and measures 18 by 24 inches.
Interested parties can find more information on the Etsy sales website. Search Views and Queues.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News Editor and Bill Linkenheimer III, ACE Western Pennsylvania Regional Representative
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