By Russell Meyer
Posted via 68.106.101.60 on May 18, 2005 at 9:07 PM (MST)
Statements below are the work of their authors and not necessarily the opinion of Theme Park Insider.
It’s everywhere! You can’t escape it! It has even invaded the BLOGFlume! That’s right I’ve gone to the dark side of the force, as I have been geeked up by just getting home from an early (5 hours, and YES it IS a big deal) screening of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith at one of the best theaters in D.C., the Uptown. The poor people that have been waiting in front of the Uptown for almost 2 weeks will just be watching “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away,” by the time I’ve finished writing. So please mind my excitement as I may slip while reminiscing about the best prequel ever, and I think even Comic Book Guy would agree with that. A New Hope The time has finally come for plans to be revealed. The evil empire has competed construction on the tallest, fastest roller coaster on the planet. Named Kingda Ka, the 456 foot giant has officially been set to launch guests to 128 MPH beginning tomorrow, for privileged season passholders. However, a small rebellion of BLOGFlumers, (well really only one) has been alerted too late to the completion of this Kingda Ka, and only received an e-mail this morning regarding the test of its full capabilities. While the Six Flags Empire will give birth to the most powerful machine in the universe, it will share its birthday with something far more important, ME. This weekend will bring the official public launch of Kingda Ka, and it will be left up to a small band (probably more like a few thousand) of brave volunteers to withstand the agony of a four to five hour wait to experience the ultimate power in the universe… The Empire Strikes Back Screamscape 5/16/05 Turbulence was ready to sweep through Hershey, Pennsylvania this summer. The Giant Wheel was removed, and plans were on schedule to install the world’s first “Frequent Faller” roller coaster. Hersheypark and Interactive rides could not come to terms, and darkness is building. Only the brave lawyers (yeah right) can save the doomed project now. Without a new marquee attraction for 2005, and the possibilities bleak for a new attraction for 2006, Hersheypark could lose the battle to remain in the top 20 most attended North American theme parks. Reports have another compact roller coaster arriving next year, but a rumored B&M dive machine cannot be built because of contracts signed with Busch Gardens Tampa giving them North American dive machine exclusivity for the near future. The court battle will rage on, but Hersheypark will need to find another attraction to fill a gaping hole at the front of their park… Return of the Jedi Yahoo 5/17/05 Darkness abounds as the empire continues to control the galaxy. However, justice has been served in Sevierville, Tennessee as Charles Martin has been convicted of reckless homicide. His failure to keep his Zamperla ride in proper working order has cost him up to 4 years in prison. The victim’s family has also sued Martin, the park, and Zamperla for $96 million. It appears that the safety system designed to shut down the attraction if harnesses became unlocked had been bypassed by crossing wires. The apparent deliberate action could set a precedent, and place responsibility on park owners to endure attractions are in working order. While tragic, the incident has shown that state inspections may not be sufficient to maintain safe ride operation. Armed with the knowledge of this incident, other parks should do whatever is possible to keep their attractions safe for every citizen of the galaxy… The Phantom Menace Screamscape 5/18/05 In a strange twist of fate, Universal Orlando is setting the stage to open a new attraction, but has mysteriously closed another. Without explanation, Universal Studios Florida has closed Nickelodeon Studios. Not even the powerful Jedi Knights can solve this riddle, as activity in the area has vanished. While the status of Nick Studios is more mysterious than the Sith, details surrounding Universal Orlando’s upcoming attraction Fear Factor Live have been released in graphic detail. Not only will guests be subjected to intense physical challenges, but they will also be tasked to drink smoothies containing delicious ingredients like cottage cheese, clam juice, and octopus. While every ingredient used will be FDA approved, the combination could be more sickening than watching your master be killed by a double edged light saber… Attack of the Clones It was once known as Wild World, but now Six Flags America has embraced the ideas of the Republic, and is putting finishing touches on Hurricane Harbor. While the two newest water slides, Tornado and Bahama Blast are not yet complete, the park has high hopes that the most cloned attraction in the world will bring peace and prosperity to Largo, Maryland. The park has also repainted its collection of waterslides, and renamed “Crocodile Cal’s Outback Beach House” to ‘Buccaneer Beach’. Another clone, Mind Eraser, has received a refreshing, and ride-smoothing I might add, paint job that may just breathe life into one of the worst operating roller coasters on the east coast. May 28, 2005 will see the debut of the “new” water park which will still be included in the standard daily admission. While the improvements are needed, they are minor in comparison to the additions to enemy parks in the mid Atlantic… Revenge of the Sith War! Florida may have another one on its hands as Busch Gardens Tampa debuts North America’s first dive machine tomorrow, the first coaster to feature two near-vertical drops and an inversion. The war erupted as Busch and Universal blessed central Florida with some of the greatest roller coasters on the planet in the span of just a few years. Debates continue to rage on in the senate as to who is winning the war, but the balance of power may be shifting west. With tough competition, Supreme Chancellor Robert Iger just may unleash a powerful coaster of his own sometime early next year in the form of Expedition: Everest. With his powers growing, Iger may just seize control of the war with his new creation, and retake command of Florida coaster dominance…
Comments:
From TH Creative
Posted via 24.73.148.40 on May 19, 2005 at 4:35 AM (MST)
That was funny. Awaiting Comment from Darth Baxter.Warmest regards, Jar Jar THC "Okeeday!"
From Chuck Campbell
Posted via 64.12.116.134 on May 19, 2005 at 8:14 PM (MST)
Iger, "cease control," you say. "Seize control," mean you did? Spellchecker, beware, you must. Path to the Dark Side, it is.Even so, strong with the Force, you are. Column enjoyed, I did. Lame Yoda impression stop, I will.
From Russell Meyer
Posted via 68.106.101.60 on May 19, 2005 at 10:14 PM (MST)
Corrected it I have. Mesa gone bombad.
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