UPDATE – 4/02/10 Intimidator 305′s open! Watch a POV video and leave or read a review here: Kings Dominion’s Intimidator 305 Reviews & POV Video
UPDATE – 3/30/10 Intimidator’s open! Watch an official POV video and read some reviews here: Carowinds’ Intimidator Reviews & POV Video
Let the speculation begin! Two Cedar Fair owned parks have been clearing land. Every year, bulldozers and hard hats cause roller coaster enthusiasts to salivate as we begin the guessing game of what new attraction the theme parks in question are going to build. Official announcements aren’t likely to be made for several months, but that won’t stop the rumor mill. So far, both parks are rumored to get the one major roller coaster type that they don’t have: a hyper coaster.
Aside from adding a missing ride to their lineups, Cedar Fair has been adding hyper coasters to their other parks in recent years. Behemoth at Canada’s Wonderland in 2008 and Diamondback at Kings Island this year, may have set the tone for additional hyper coasters in 2010. Hyper coasters are 200-feet plus (20 stories or more) steel roller coasters that emphasize height, speed, and airtime. They’re one of my favorite coaster types so if the rumors are true, I’ll be very happy next year. I live pretty close to Carowinds and about 4 hours from my old home park Kings Dominion.
Carowinds 2010 Roller Coaster
UPDATE - The day has come and Carowinds has made their official announcment. Looking for information on Carowinds Intimidator? Visit my post here.
While attending the Carolina Cobra Media Day last month, a few enthusiasts and I got an early look at the Carowinds 2009 park map. We confirmed news that the log flume had been removed. In addition, I took the opportunity
while at the media day to try to get some early information out of Carowinds’ Public Relations Manager, Dani Swords. She stated that Carowinds is in one of only two growth markets (Charlotte, NC) in the whole Cedar Fair chain. The other is Canada’s Wonderland in Toronto which received the impressive Behemoth in 2008. She mentioned that Cedar Fair will be looking to invest especially in these markets because that’s where they can see the most potential. While she stopped short of spilling any details or even hints of the park’s 2010 plans, her statement reinforces the notion that the park will recieve some attention from the Cedar Fair management. And attention often equals new roller coaster! Just this week, the park has started their teasing campaign with signs on the construction wall surrounding the site. Carowindsflyer has several construction site photos taken from the Skytower posted here.
UPDATE – 7/21 A photo was posted on CarowindsConnection yesterday that has caused quite a stir in the coaster enthusiast community. It is supposed to be a ’spy photo’ in a marketing office at the park. It’s said to show the name and theme for the Carowinds’ yet tobe revealed 2010 roller coaster. Read more..>>
Kings Dominion’s 2010 Roller Coaster
More recently, Kings Dominion has started clearing land beyond Flight of Fear and Anaconda. Aerial shots have emerged of the land clearing and now a local government document has solidified the rumors a bit. The document mentions a “new roller coaster,” but nothing additional.
UPDATE – 6/2/09 – There’s been a pretty major development at Kings Dominion. Today, yellow supports were seen being unloaded from trailers. Go to KD Fansite for the first ‘spy’ photos of this project. The supports don’t tell us too much about what the coaster will be. We do know that won’t likely be a Bolliger & Mabillard coaster. Many have compared the structures to that of iSpeed at Mirabilandia. If it’s an Intamin, that would support my theory of an Intamin hyper or Mega Lite coaster. But no one knows anything for sure.
UPDATE – 6/5 -Clint Novak from CoasterCrew has uploaded a video of the supports and of the land clearing. No track yet.
UPDATE – 6/11 In a strange turn of events, the yellow supports that showed up at Kings Dominion have been loaded back onto trucks and removed from the parking lot. Rumors suggest that the wrong roller coaster was shipped to Kings Dominion and it actually received the supports for Carowinds’ roller coaster, but no one has confirmed this. Check out another great video by Clint from KDFansite.com. He was pretty shocked as he thinks that they’re about unload new track pieces and instead they start removing the supports.
UPDATE – 6/12 Kings Dominion pulled the old bait and switch. Recently, actual track not just supports this time, was unloaded in the parking lot. Now there’s still the debate of the ride’s make. Most are arguing for either Intamin or Premier, while others are throwing in the wild card of the prototype Vekoma hyper coasters. I’m no trackologist and I really can’t bring anything new to the discussion. I’m still leaning towards Intamin. Here’s a link to an image of the red track for Kings Dominion’s 2010 coaster.
UPDATE – 6/22 A poster from ThemeParkReview has discovered what may confirm the Giga coaster rumors. He zoomed in on a package of washers. On the packing slip was ‘Giga Coaster’ in the lower left hand corner. It will likely be a while before this is confirmed, but this is about as close you can get to concrete proof. Rejoice Kings Dominion fans and any coaster fan living in the Mid Atlantic. There’s a monster on it’s way to Central Virginia! People are speculating that the double spine red track may be Intamin’s new stronger design that is said to require fewer supports. Read the full update: Kings Dominion to Get a Giga Coaster in 2010
UPDATE – 7/10 Footers have been poured and several are visible in the construction zone. Also, more track has been unloaded in the parking lot. Last and most importantly, the crest of the lift hill track has been delivered. The lift hill track looks very similar to Millennium Force’s further solidifying the Giga coaster theory. Any kind of launch coaster is pretty much out of the question now.
Here’s KDFansite’s latest video report of construction of the new Giga Coaster:
My Early Guesses
I’m very surprised that Kings Dominion would get another roller coaster at this point. I would have said that the clearing is for some support buildings of Halloween-themed buildings like those installed at Carowinds recently, but with the Hanover County document, there must be a roller coaster in the works. Currently, I’m leaning with the rumors that Kings Dominion will get a hyper coaster.
For Carowinds, I really do believe that they will get a hyper coaster. It could really help to put the park on the map moreso that it already is. Six Flags Over Georgia has Goliath about 4 hours away and Carowinds could match the magnitude of that ride with a hyper coaster of their own.
UPDATE 8/12 – A new ‘sponsor’ appeared on Cedar Point’s sponsor page. Crystal Rock Bottling Company is now listed and their logo takes you to a one page site describing Whyte Lightning; a Bold, Exciting, & Refreshing beverage. So which of the new coasters is this a hint for? Visit WhyteLightning.com.
Carowinds & White Lightning
White Lightning has been thought to be the name of the Carowinds coaster. Since Carowinds had a coaster named ‘White Lightnin’ in the past, the whole “Lightning Strikes Twice” thing would be the expected motto of the ride. Also, this leaked teaser photo was said to be from taken at Carowinds. In addition, NASCAR is huge in the Charlotte area and the image invokes the history of the sport that involved moonshine smugglers. We’ll find out when the park releases all of the details on August 26th!
Kings Dominion & White Lightning
The invitations for the announcement at Kings Dominion on the 20th were shaped like a race car and in the invite, a NASCAR driver was mentioned to be in attendance that day. Also, some have looked closely at the moonshine bottle in the image and noticed an upside-down Millennium Force logo. With the new Kings Dominion coaster rumored to be a Giga Coaster, and with this being teased by Cedar Point, could they be giving a nod to Millennium Force’s new big or little brother? Stay tuned because in one week we’ll know. On August 20th, Kings Dominion will finally spill the beans.
UPDATE
I’m closing comments here. Please direct discussion of the new coaster here: Kings Dominion Announces Intimidator 305 And direct Carowinds 2010 comments here: Spy Photo Reveals White Lightning Name.
What’s Your Take?
Heard any good rumors? What do you think Kings Dominion and Carowinds will get in 2010? Leave a comment below.
April 28, 2009 at 07:18
Note there are 2 unknown B&Ms at their Ohio plant…One is definitely a hyper, the other is unknown. Would fit well with this idea
April 29, 2009 at 03:25
Good point WhakoJacko, I forgot to mention that. I'll see if anyone has posted some spy photos of the track. Either way, these two parks could very well be the homes of that mystery track at the plant. Read more about the Ohio Bolliger & Mabillard plant.
April 30, 2009 at 01:19
I just really hope Carowinds gets something major. It has been my home park for most of my life, and with the exception of Afterburn and Nighthawk(on a good day), the park is below standard, in my opinion. The park just doesn't have enough world-class roller coasters to entertain an enthusiast like myself. My friends and I normally go to Carowinds about twice a year, but I told myself that I would not return until they got a major new ride. Carolina Cobra does not do it for me, so I'm glad the possibility of something major is finally here. I think a lot of Carowinds' ho-hum-ness comes from the fact that no major theme park is in close proximity to it, so without any direct competition, they've gotten by as is. It's great that change is being made.
May 1, 2009 at 11:45
Well you(coaster critic) shouldnt be suprised with kings dominion, kings island got firehawk in 07 and diamondback in 09( 2 year difference) and a lot of the new kings dominion rumors are for a flyer now and markers have been spotted in the flight of fear queue line(obviously not inside)
May 1, 2009 at 16:23
Travis, I guess a flying roller coasters at Kings Dominion would be cool as long as its custom and not another Superman Ultimate Flight clone. They're fine I'd just rather see something somewhat unique.
May 4, 2009 at 12:33
I think that Kings Dominion relly needs a Hyper Coaster. Bush Gardens is only 1 hour away and they have 3 roller coaster that top all of Kings Dominions lineup. I am wondering why non of KD's rollercaster top the 200ft mark. If you take a long look at KD, the park seems to be a rip off of Kings Island. All of KD's rollercoster are much smaller versions of Kings Islands. I live 1 1/2 away from Kings Dominion, but I would perfer to drive to park futher away to ride a Hyper Coaster any Day!!!!!
May 5, 2009 at 11:51
Yes we need a hyper but to put this in our drop zone is taller! our woodies are nothing like kings islands with the exception of the little one and volcano is nothing like anything else I think a hyper would go great back in old virginia
May 5, 2009 at 12:11
The Grizzly much is a smaller rip off of the Beast and none of the Wooden coaster at KD compares to Son of the Beast at KI. The Rebel Yell is a smaller version of the Racer at KI. The Shockwave was smaller than KI's Stand Up the King Cobra. The Vortex is better the Anaconda. KD does have the Blast Coaster i will give them that but KD roller coaster collection compared to KI it really isnt one. KI wins hands down. My guess is that KI always had to compete with Cedar Point because both are in Ohio. But with BGE stepping up their coaster line up. KD has to have a Hyper or 2 if they want to attract coaster lovers in the state of VA. I always heard that Virgina had a Height restriction that would not allow coasters to be taller than 160 ft. BGE dispelled that with the Alpengist, Griffon and Apllo's Chariot all are taller and better than any KD coaster. The Blast coaster is not as good as Alpengist. I have rode the Kinda Ka, Top Thrill Dragster, (all of Cedar Points coasters minus Maverick) and all of BGE's with the exception of Griffon.Growing up my brother and I would always argue with my cousin over which park had the best coaster between KD and BGE and We would always say KD. As an Adult and a ultimate thrill rider I cant began to say that any more because the conversation was lost in the 90's when Apengist was launched. KD has better get some love from Cedar Fair.
May 8, 2009 at 14:32
Actually shockwave isnt a smaller replica they were the same height and different layouts,vortex dosnt go under water like anaconda,i like volcano better than alpengeist but thats just my opinion alpengeist is a cool ride though and i checked and kings dominion dosnt have any height restrictions for their rides which opens the way for anything do you know if kings island has restrictions?
May 10, 2009 at 17:06
Its gotta be a B&M hyper it looks like cedar fair is starting a trend…first Behemoth…then Diamondback…now this…and you can prolly count on stadium style seats to because DB and behemoth both have these…although i don't know whats going on over there because i live near KI…P.S. Diamondback is awesome
May 11, 2009 at 13:55
The one thing people don't understand about Kings Dominion is it is was an "expriemental" park. The park managament prefers to put in "new, exciting, and 'untested' thrill expreiences." Volcano, Hypersonic, ect… Yes Kings Dominion gets second hand thrills after Kings Island, but that doesn't mean the tradition will continue. Each park is moving in different directions. Kings Island is looking to rebuild its interior before it looks to expand beyond its borders. The offseason addition of Diamondback to the Rivertown has compltely retuned the area with new business and guest traffic. From offseason work on the Coney Island Mall it looks that KI will continue internal repairs.
Carowinds is also looking for the same. With the adition of the Carolina Cobra it looks that Carowinds is turning a new leaf and moving foward with new ideas. I have new expectations for this park under Cedar Fair leadership. The identity of Carowinds next coaster should begin to appear within the month of May. As seen in a county document late last year, Carowinds will be recieving a B&M Hypercoaster. I expect it to have similar design to both Behemoth and Diamondback. The track is probably the new red track being produced at the Ohio B&M Plant. (The Yellow track is probably the new Invert/floorless going to Valleyfair?)
I expect splash effect like at Dimondback. The footers construction should start by late May. Someone sould keep a lookout for them.
Kings Dominion is looking to expand its borders. Most of the interior(except that visual hole left by Hypersonic XLC's tower. Which was suppose to be filled by the Monster ride (BlackWidow) from Geauge Lake before it fail pre-construction safety inspection.) only needs small modifications. Other than the fact Shockwave will be coming down one day due to the fact that TOGO is defuct and the park mantenience is spending bundles to keep it running, most of the coasters will continue to run for years to come.
One thing that will come true is Kings Dominion will not recieve a B&M hypercoaster in 2010. B&M usually produces no more than three to five major coasters a year. In 2009, B&M produced three coasters(Diamondback,Manta,& Unamed Dive Machine) Its largest year of production was 1999 with 8 different coasters. Its unlikely it would attempt this again.
Anyway, with Cedar Fair's infatuation with Intamin AG I would expect them to proceed with another exprimental coaster. From the rumors that have been spreading, supposively, Kings Dominion will be getting an Intamin Gigacoaster. Exact height isn't know but i've heard 380 feet. If anyone else had heard any rumors like this please tell me.
May 12, 2009 at 11:30
yes the rumors are with an intamin giga as high as the eiffle tower becuase simply they have to build something big and fast that will beat superman and apollos chariot. it has pretty much been confirmed that kings dominion will not be getting a b&m so look for an intamin
May 14, 2009 at 11:37
Carowinds is my home park too. I agree with CoasterDude that it seriously needs a really great coaster, so I am daring to get my hopes up a bit after reading all of this.
I don't know much about the construction process and layout of these things (I just
L-O-O-O-O-O-V-E to ride them), so I have a question: I was just there (Carowinds) last week, and saw the construction area where this fabulousness is hopefully going to materialize, and it seems like a fairly small space to me. Can someone explain to me how a hypercoaster is going to fit? Will the track meander over and through the existing park like Goliath at SFOG? Or what?
BTW, for anyone who hasn't been there, Carowinds is a great place to bring kids who are too old for baby rides, want a bit of thrill, but haven't quite worked their way up to the big stuff. They actually have three smaller coasters there (among other things good for kids) that my 10-yr-old adores and will ride continuously, and yet they are a bit of a hoot for me too. And they have a water park, always a hit. So if you know kids who want a moderate level of thrill, they will have a good time there, and it won't totally suck for the adult who is accompanying them.
Kids aside, give me the HYPER please.
May 15, 2009 at 07:52
Most likely CarolinaGirl the coaster will meander into the ajacent parking lot. Back when Behmoth started construction many people didn't understand how they were going to fit the coaster into a small space. The coaster went on to ride through the small space next to the park lake and and behind a matenaince building. I assume that will be the same fate for the Carowinds Hyper.
Imagine, A huge Red Track Monster streaking across the sky and through the parking lot. It would be the signature ride of the park like how Volcano & Dominator are to KD and Apollo's Chariot of BGE.
And Travis, You place a good point that the new KD coaster would have to be bigger than anything built in the area.
I've also heard a rumor that the new coaster will also interact with the upper water park. That would be a sit to see from the top of Pipeline's Peak.
May 15, 2009 at 13:42
yeah people are hopeing to get some good views of construction from up there(pipeline peak) Ill check things out when I go may 30th but I dont expect to see any construction till after july 4th because of the fireworks in the area
May 16, 2009 at 10:12
For the Kings Dominion crowd, I'd be shocked it KD gets a giga coaster. I'd need more to back up that theory as roller coasters that tall are very rare and expensive. If it's anything Intamin-made, what about an Intamin Megalite. They're those highly-ranked coasters like Kawasemi and Piraten. They placed 4th and 5th in Mitch Hawker's 2008 Internet Coaster Poll. They'd be a smaller, cheaper, but likely more successful. The only problem is that in America most think incorrectly that Bigger=Better. This may be why we haven't seen any of these in the States yet. Too bad because they look like a lot of fun.
CarolinaGirl, KDCoasterman did a good job of explaining how the new Carowinds hyper could fit in the space left vacant by the log flume. Here's a picture of Behemoth showing how they squeezed it in Canada's Wonderland.
May 17, 2009 at 07:20
I understand where you come from but Kings Dominion is in heavy competition with Busch Gardens and Six Flags and quite frankly people think bigger= better so a megalite wouldn’t attract more people to the park in my opinion. I am a huge fan of maverick at cedar point and agree that bigger is not always better.
May 20, 2009 at 03:07
Thanks for the info. Now it's time to hurry up and wait I guess…..
May 20, 2009 at 11:35
The best choice would probably an Intamain hyper. S:ROS and Expidition GeForce was one and two in Mitch Hawker's poll for about EIGHT YEARS! The public loves them to.
May 23, 2009 at 22:11
Guys They are being very Hush Hush about the new ride being built at Carowinds, I'm working the season there and they won't even tell the employees what's going in….I'll have to agree with you by watching the construction and the fact they are building UP lands ground level in a centralized area I wouldn't be surprised to see a hyper-coaster go in…