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Hersheypark Cancels 2005 Coaster

Hersheypark: Hersheypark scrubs the debut of Turbulence, amidst reports of trouble with the manufacturer.

From Derek Potter
Posted December 10, 2004 at 5:53 PM
Hersheypark has cancelled their plans to build the first Frequent Faller roller coaster. The park was slated to open Turbulence, a ride manufactured by a company called Interactive Rides, but according to Hersheypark officials, Interactive Rides promised to build the ride for 2 million dollars, and then later raised the price another 1.2 million dollars due to "high steel costs." This prompted Hershey to sue the relatively new ridemaker, who reportedly refused to provide the ride at the original price. Somebody call the PR paramedics.

Why this happened is anyone's guess. The ride certainly was unique enough. However it wasn't exactly eye-candy and it has low capacity. Hershey is at the moment without a new ride for next year, but how about Interactive Rides? If the allegations are true, than this company needs the PR paramedics a heck of a lot more than Hershey does, not to mention a replacement for the joker who tried to strongarm one of the oldest and most respected players in the industry. Will anyone do business with these guys after this?


Comments in chronological order. Most recent at the bottom. Scroll down to respond.

From Derek Potter
Posted December 10, 2004 at 8:53 PM
To add to the story, Interactive Rides has responded to Hershey's press release. They are claiming the story to be untrue, and say that they have not been informed by Hershey to stop construction on the project. Lesson one in business, communication is good, especially with a few million dollars on the line...then again, it seems like a lawsuit would be a pretty good hint. On the other hand, it sounds like somebody is trying to save some face by playing a little game of he said she said. I didn't know this was high school. It will be interesting to see how this all unfolds.

From Coaster Enthusiast
Posted December 11, 2004 at 11:23 AM
This is a shame as the ride looked totally awesome.
Interactive rides has been notified and the removal of their workers has been requested from the park, as well as refunding of the $400,000 HersheyPark has already spent on the project.

And, darn ... I was looking so forward to this year's trip there :-(

(I hope they ultimately reach an agreement and continue with the construction of this project at the promised price)

From Derek Potter
Posted December 11, 2004 at 7:10 PM
To be honest, I wasn't sure how well the ride would really do anyway. When I first saw the pictures, I thought that it was unique enough to have an impact. Then after seeing specs such as capacity, I foresaw some pretty long lines for it next year simply because it's a new concept. I'll give Interactive Rides credit for creativity here. After all, they are also the company that's doing the new ride at the top of the Stratosphere in Vegas. It's just a shame that they didn't have their stuff together on the business end...at least in the case of Hershey.

On the subject of Turbulence, I wouldn't be surprised to see it pop up at a Six Flags somewhere, or a smaller amusement park next year.

From Tonya Gaddy
Posted December 26, 2004 at 11:20 PM
Ofcourse they will do buisness again. Its all numbers in that field.

From christian giovannini
Posted June 7, 2009 at 6:29 AM
where did u see pics i want to do u still have em

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