Seriously. Forget "Demon Drop." Let's call this the "Jaw Drop," 'cause folks are stunned that Knott's is even trying this.
Screamscape picked up the news (scroll down) from a City of Buena Park newsletter, and the LA Times openly mocked it early today.
California Adventure's getting a billion-dollar makeover. Six Flags Magic Mountain has bulked up its kiddie lands and is adding a new coaster, reclaiming the nation's "most coasters" crown (for whatever that's worth). Universal Hollywood's bringing in a major new Transformers attraction, plus a new high-tech King Kong. Even Legoland is expanding, with a new hotel and water park.
And this is what Cedar Fair brings to the table to compete in the Southern California theme park market?
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The only thing I can think of is that Cedar Point has plans for some long overdue improvements to that part of the park soon, and figure that another park can get some use out of the ride for a while. I'm also scratching my head at the choice of Knotts instead of Michigan's Adventure, Valleyfair, or another smaller park in the chain. Demon Drop would probably be more popular in one of those parks, and SoCal is a big boy's market that is improving itself. If this is all Knotts is getting for 2010, then that's pretty weak stuff to bring to the table.
With that said, I wouldn't be surprised if Knotts has some other things for next year as well, or is getting something substantial in 2011.
I wonder if Disney Imagineering knew when they were designing the Orlando version of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror that it would render all other drop rides obsolete?
The freefall style ride was made antiquated by the drop tower. The Demon Drop should simply be scraped.
But yes, space is starting to become a concern at CP, and so unfortunately some of my childhood favorites are going. White Water Landing made way for Maverick, and so must Demon Drop make way.
The front of the park needs some attention anyhow. Besides Wicked Twister, which is not for the timid by any means, the only other major attraction in that area of the park (unless you count the Needle. I don't.)is Disaster Transport.
Disaster Transport was mediocre when it was Avalanche Run(also a mid-80's addition), and the covering and re-theming of it was interesting for a few years. But ultimately, it was still a mediocre ride. It's now past its time, too. I would venture to guess, in fact, that the corner of the park that these two attractions occupy is actually one of the least crowded areas of Cedar Point. Most visitors head straight for Raptor, Millenium Force, etc.
Getting rid of Demon Drop doesn't do much for CP space-wise, but getting rid of Disaster Transport too would provide space for at least one new major attraction.
That's why I suspect that this season will be Disaster Transport's final one, as well.
Not a good sign for Knott's, is it?
CP has done a great job of getting the most it can from a fairly small peninsula. But if CP is to continue to evolve and stay relevant, the old must make way for the new. It's a bittersweet farewell, I guess.:)
Oh, and I meant that *next* season will be Disaster Transport's last. At least I suspect so.
And, yeah....can't imagine why it's going to Knott's. That part of it throws me for a loop.
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