originally posted on 8/28/2024
Photo: Courtesy Six Flags Great Adventure. View full-sized image.
Flip The Calendar to 2025
It has been seen before. Rides get delayed for various
reasons. Two rides expected to open in the summer of 2024 have been announced
as opening in 2025.
Six Flags Over Georgia’s (Austell) Intamin Ultra Surf
shuttle coaster, Georgia Surfer, will officially open next season. With
the majority of the 2024 season past and with water elements as part of the
ride experience, it seemed logical to hold the opening until next year.
Likewise, the delays on Flash: Vertical Velocity
at Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, New Jersey) have nudged it into next
season as well. Once the ride opens, it will be the first Vekoma Super
Boomerang in the United States.
Part of the delay was a result of late contracts with
the manufacturers. Perhaps it was a bit too optimistic to expect the coasters
to open this season
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
Scenic Railway Is Currently Not Operating at Dreamland
On Saturday, August 10, an incident occurred on the Scenic
Railway at Dreamland in Margate, England. While an investigation is
underway, the oldest roller coaster in the United Kingdom is staying silent.
According to reports, there was damage to the track,
and wood came away as people were riding.
The ride was originally built at the seaside
destination in 1920. It has endured various fires throughout its operation and
has gone through multiple restorations. On ACE’s most recent visit to the park
during ACE U.K. in 2015, the refurbishment was in process and ACEers were given
a tour.
The cause of the damage was unknown at the time of the
incident.
“Dreamland’s standard safety procedures were put in
place, overseen by the park manager,” said a park spokesperson. “Passengers
were escorted off the ride, and prior to continuing their day out were offered
a precautionary check over by the first aid team on site.”
Dreamland has been a recipient of donations from ACE
from the Preservation Fund.
“The ride is currently not in operation whilst the
qualified engineers carry out a full investigation and track damage is repaired,”
said the spokesperson.
Photo: Dave Hahner. View full-sized image.
Gillian’s Wonderland Pier to Close
Those who have fond memories of visiting Gillian’s
Wonderland Pier (Ocean City, New Jersey) have only a few weeks left to have one
last fling at the park.
Over the last four decades, various coasters have come
and gone at the seaside park. Only a Wacky Worm remains today. The
pier’s most famous coaster was the rare Schwarzkopf City Jet that ran
for 24 seasons, closing in 2004.
On August 9, Jay Gillian (who is also Ocean City’s
mayor) made a public announcement that after 47 years, he had no choice but to
close the park upon his retirement.
The future of the property is uncertain.
In even sadder news, the founder of Gillian’s
Wonderland Pier, Roy Gillian, passed away just 12 days later at the age of 94.
He was also once the mayor of Ocean City, New Jersey.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News
#ACENews