If an interesting rumor from Screamscape turns out to be true, that aging Arrow looper at the Cedar Fair park near you may be on the way out. Here’s what Lance posted last week:
(11/6/12) According to an anonymous spy source, Cedar Fair is said to making plans to retire Vortex at Kings Island (1987) and Anaconda at Kings Dominion (1991) sometime in the next few years. Apparently they seem to believe that these two old Arrow coasters may be close to reaching the end of their practical lifespan, mixed with issues like increasing maintenance costs and declining guest popularity.
I have to admit that locally, I’ve heard first hand rumors claiming that Carolina Cyclone at Carowinds (1980) isn’t likely to be around in another five years. Makes me wonder if Cedar Fair may also be looking into removing the Corkscrew coasters from Cedar Point (1976), Michigan’s Adventure (1979) and Valleyfair (1980) and there are progressively fewer and fewer 70’s era Arrow loopers still running.
- Lance from Screamscape
Imagine an Arrow-less World
After writing for years about the headaches that these classic steel roller coasters can inflict, you might think I’d welcome their collective demise. I mostly do, but it’s worth exploring what these parks might be like without one of their bread and butter attractions.
It probably varies by park and roller coaster, but some of these still maintain a decent ridership considering their age. The general public can be much more forgiving at times when it comes to rides I’d considerable nearly unride-able. These rides also help in some way by keeping lines down for other attractions.
I’ve seen other aging Arrows become defunct recently, but I’ve never thought about a large scale extinction. It’s interesting to consider what that would be like. And parks might want to think of a way to make up for the lost revenue from travel size Tylenol.
Recently Defunct Arrow Coasters
In the past few years we’ve seen a few Arrow coasters sent to the scrapheap. In 2009, we saw a much loved, not painful Big Bad Wolf removed from Busch Gardens Williamsburg. A few years later, the park replaced Wolfie with Verbolten. And then in 2010, Six Flags Great Adventure did us all a favor (sorry), and removed Great American Scream Machine to make way for their re-vamped stand up coaster Green Lantern.
My Take – Nice To Know You
I rode Vortex at Kings Island just once or twice. While I thought it was one of the cooler looking loopers back in the day, I wouldn’t miss it if it was removed. I’m more closely connected with my first looper, Anaconda at Kings Dominion. I’d hope that they’d find a way to incorporate the lake pond into its replacement. I like it overall, but it’s got some really rough sections. I’d be fine with it getting removed.
I might actually applaud the de-construction crew as my local Arrow looper, Carolina Cyclone is removed. It looks cool and provides some great photo ops as it loops right over pathways, but it’s super rough and largely un-enjoyable. At end of the day, I’d be okay with these coasters being removed especially if there are plans to replace them with newer attractions.
For more why these rides can get so rough, see Busch Gardens Roller Coaster Tour with a look at Loch Ness Monster’s maintenance shop. There’s also more discussion of the photo above in: “A Picture Worth a Thousand Head Aches”
What’s Your Take?
This is just a rumor at this point, but what you think? Would you miss the Arrow looper at your closest Cedar Fair park? Do you think these rides are still needed in their lineups or do you think it’s time for them to go? What say you? Leave a comment below.
November 12, 2012 at 09:53
The arrow loopers are very iconic and are probably responsible for a large swath of the general populations looping experiences. My first inversion was a cork screw and the cork screw at cedar point is a favorite of mine o this day. However, there comes a time when it simply doesn't make sense to maintain a ride anymore. I think if done, sensitively and tastefully, an arrow removal trend at cedar fair would be fine. For especially significant, historic, or very visually impactful coasters (like the corkscrew at cedar point) it would be wise to find a way to commemorate or preserve that aspect. The corkscrews over cedar point's midway still look amazing to this day and it is always cool to be near them as the screaming riders twist overhead.
November 12, 2012 at 10:09
I would definitely miss the Arrow loopers.
To be diplomatic, the younger generation of riders (both enthusiasts and general public) who have grown up with B&M's are just less tolerant of roughness. And yes some of us older folks have a harder time re-riding these rides.
Also, the roughness varies a lot. I have always found the Vortex at Kings Island to be the worst and in a bizarre way– it always bounces my head up and down against the head rest rather violently. That's worse than the side-to-side blows on the shoulder harness. I can usually do it around 3 times and I need a break. But I always make a point of riding it.
On the other hand, I do not find Carolina Cyclone rough at all. I would really miss that ride at Carowinds. I rode it repeatedly on my last visit a few years ago because I feared it was going to be on the chopping block.
We have the same problem with wood coasters. Everyone expects them to feel like steel coasters and parks don't want to spend anything on maintenance; hence the success of GGI and the advent of the "iron horse" and "topper track."
November 12, 2012 at 11:03
I live down the street from Kings Island If vortex was removed it would result in a lot less guest's Vortex is the leading looper at the park and its a Kings Island classic :'(
November 12, 2012 at 11:55
Vortex is a fantastic coaster that still holds up. Why dont they try building coasters in other parts of the park and remove some of the other coasters at KIngs Island that are very poor. Its one of the few coasters at the park that
a coaster geek like myself can ride and get enjoyment each time. ( I did get a headache from this ride this year)….worth it!
November 12, 2012 at 12:56
I'm fine with these loopers getting removed, except I would be sad to see Vortex go. Vortex is my favorite as it provides just a few head bangs. As long as Cedar Fair replaces these coasters It could be a good move. This also makes me wonder if Magnum will be removed. It is just as rough and the hyper coaster was a brand new concept at the time.
November 13, 2012 at 08:24
Magnum won't go…For a long time. Magnum was in the top ten steel coasters this year, not to mention it has historical significance. And it actually isn't that rough where its painful.
November 12, 2012 at 17:01
I want mine gone. along with the non-looper.
November 12, 2012 at 18:33
It is ironic to remove these arrow loopers that are responsible for inspiration behind a lot of our modern steel coasters. I would hate to see vortex at kings island go. It is a great ride and always seems to have a decent line. That being said, I think cedar point's corkscrew needs to go. It would be odd for the park to remove such an iconic coaster but it rarely gets a line and doesn't seem worth the upkeep.
November 12, 2012 at 19:16
Tear them down, this has been a long time coming.
November 12, 2012 at 22:27
I really enjoy Anaconda but I wouldn't miss this coasters if they were torn down. Just like humans coasters are born and then they pass away but we will always have their memory and history. I especially wouldn't mind if they put in a more modern B&M or Intamin that was more enjoyable to ride. The ONE arrow looper I wouldn't want to see go is Loch Ness Monster but I'm sure it will reach the end of it's servicable lifespan also.
November 12, 2012 at 23:20
I got to ride most of the Cedar Fair Arrow Loopers last year. I have to piggyback on some of the comments here and say that I'd hate to see Vortex go. It's easily my favorite Arrow looper (edging out Viper at SFMM). The straight drop section before the loops start is awesome, and I like that they have the batwing AFTER the double corkscrew (Viper has them reversed). The slow speed after the brake run gives you good hangtime during the double corkscrew. And then you have a helix to end it off. The best Arrow layout I've been on by far. I'd also have to agree with those that said that Corkscrew should say at Cedar Point. It does give an iconic view, still rides good, and still serves as a good intermediate ride to the high thrill loopers.
Now, I'd have to say that I wouldn't miss the Carolina Cyclone. I'd have to agree with CC that it was rather rough. And I didn't get a chance to ride Anaconda at KD. With Lochness Monster being only a few hours away from it though, I wouldn't say I'd miss that one either.
Really, Arrow loopers would all be a lot more fun to ride if they didn't have such restraining seats. Yeah, the trains are rough, but what really diminishes the rides are the cramped cars with the limiting restraints. A little bit more arm freedom would do wonders for the Arrow loopers.
November 13, 2012 at 01:53
I always hate to see a roller coaster go away, but I am also a realist. I realize that coasters age and eventually get to a point where it is no longer cost effective to keep a roller coaster running. As long as the ride is replaced with something better, I will always appreciate an update.
November 13, 2012 at 07:44
Good riddance….
Sorry to anyone who likes the Arrow loopers. There's no excuse for the roughness. Simply because a few of the Schwarzkopf loopers have been around equally as long and still provide very smooth and enjoyable ride.
November 13, 2012 at 08:22
If this rumor is true, it will be sad to see them go. Although, slightly happy…But more sad…
Vortex at Kings Island was very fun a few years ago. However, it the last year or two, it really became rough.
I'll be sad to see Corkscrew go at MI adventures, that was always a fun little ride, and it is not rough. (For some odd reason) Although, I doubt that they would take any coasters away from MI adventures, for, its such a little park.
And Corkscrew at Cedar Point was a great ride for little kids. It was one of my first coasters, so I'll be sad to see that one go to.
November 13, 2012 at 14:44
Just as long as BGW doesn't tear down the Loch Ness Monster.
Never rode Anaconda, but what I've heard about it isn't good.
November 14, 2012 at 00:19
Like many other people, first looper was an Arrow, the Lock Ness Monster to be exact. It's probably the only Arrow looper I still see in a positive light. Every other that I have ridden has led to a painful experience. Corkscrew at Cedar Point: bad. Steamin' Demon at the Great Escape: Bad. Anaconda at Kings Dominion: Bad. Vortex at Kings Island: Very Bad. And but not least, the Great American Scream Machine at my home park, Six Flags Great Adventure: Horrendous. Sadly, I wouldn't shed a tear if any were torn down. Loch Ness would be the only one I would miss, as it's both sentimental, and a solid ride.
November 14, 2012 at 00:30
I know many have not ridden it and it’s not a Cedar Fair coaster, but since we’re talking Arrow loopers, I’d like to save both Nessie AND Dollywood’s Tennessee Tornado. TT is shockingly smooth for an Arrow. Like many have said, Arrow might have “gotten it right” too late as that was one of their last coasters.
November 14, 2012 at 08:41
I loathe this coaster and would be happy to see it go. Yes, the drop into an underwater tunnel is fun but it's otherwise a real head-banger and at my age I don't need that. Interestingly, I found the last two inversions to be painless but otherwise the ride was much too rough to be enjoyable. I only recently got into riding loopers but even in my limited experience with them, I can cite a few which are far, far better: i.e., Talon at Dorney Park, Tennessee Tornado (speaking of Arrow), which I agree is relatively smooth, and Bizarro Six Flags Great Adventure. I wouldn't waste my time riding Anaconda again when there are far better rides at the park, most notably Intimidator 305 and Volcano.
November 14, 2012 at 18:01
I have so many memories growing up with Anaconda and (my first) Loch Ness Monster! Losing Anaconda would be sad. But, it doesn't enjoy long lines, so I wouldn't be surprised with its demise. The first drop through the underwater tunnel into what must be one of the highest loops ever built is still a lot of fun!! If you hold your head away from the head rest during the turn before the corkscrew and you can avoid the headaches. Of course only us season pass-holders probably know that. It recently got a paint job, so they appreciate how aesthetically pleasing it is to the park decor. Hopefully, they will replace it with something that will help me make even better new memories!!
November 15, 2012 at 00:22
Being an older enthusiast, I've ridden most of these 'Arrows' in their heyday….and they were amazing. I remember when I first saw the Corkscrew at Cedar Point the first year it opened. My friends and I were completely awestruck. Literally, standing in the middle of the midway with our mouths gaped open, totally slackjawed. I was just 15-years old and we rode every ride in the park before riding the Corkscrew because I was completely terrified. I just knew this crazy looking 'roller coaster' was going to throw me out onto the midway in a bloody mess…lol When we (I) finally got up the nerve to ride, I took the front seat….(Hell, if I'm going to die, I might as well go out in a blaze of glory!!!) — Part 1
November 15, 2012 at 00:23
Part 2 — The first thing I found so interesting was the front seat had no foot panel, so you could stretch your legs out all the way. I didn't realize at the time how comfortable that legroom was until they installed those obtrusive panels. Nevertheless, nothing will ever compare to that very first ride on the Corkscrew. If they decide to remove that iconic ride, it would be a shame…but, totally understandable. Alas, just like anything else, everything comes to pass. And while some of us may miss them, it may be time to let them go…Besides, I'd rather bask in the memory of a good ride…then to watch a good ride go bad…
November 15, 2012 at 01:24
My home park is Kings Island, even though. Vortex is not my favorite coaster at the park(#1 The Beast) and I can only ride it one or two times a trip it is part of roller coaster history and engineering history. When it first open in 1987 it was the tallest and first coaster to have 6 inversions. Today designers, design coasters on the computer much like rct3, plus. build all the track segments at the factories truck them in and piece them together, back in vortex's time it was all designed by simple physics models,and, hand welded onsite which gives its roughness but the roughness has character that only an arrow can provide. Kids today are weak they want the smoothness, which im all for but getting bumped around is what a coaster is suppose to feel like. the Vortex is still one of the popular rides at the park and I know that it is not going to last forever but when that day comes it better be on the brink of crumbling. Losing Vortex will be a huge lost for Kings Island and Coaster History.