Hersheypark: Attraction 2012 Rumor and News Discussion

I hope they do the name competition again so we don't end up with a horrable name like some rides.

They should do a name voting again...perhaps if they give us some clues on the coaster we can come up with a unique name. (Let's use that excuse to get some inside info! - lol!)

I just updated my iPhone app. When I updated last week all the rides were on the right places. But I just checked and it says that scrambler is in monetown and tilt a whirl is in founders circle. I'm not sure if this is another bug or what this is.

I updated my app, checked the locations and it seems like I now have the same thing. I hit the "locate" button on the screen and it takes me to Comet Hollow for Tilt-A-Whirl (listed under the same name, but different park area), and Minetown for Scrambler (listed as Coal Cracker, but doesn't display the Scrambler name).

I also spotted one or two other glitches as well. For one, Dry Gulch Railroad is listed as Music Box Way and Pirate has mysteriously turned into Sidewinder. lol

I'm going to email them and let them aware of these on the app.

Dry Gulch is still listed under Music Box on their official website.

HPCrazy wrote:Dry Gulch is still listed under Music Box on their official website.

How long ago did it become part of the Frontier? Is Roller Soaker still in Midway America and Tidal Force in Pioneer Frontier on the app? I believe it was 2007 when all of the water rides were consolidated into the Boardwalk (except Minetown's Coal Cracker). Google Earth is also in urgent need of updating the aerial view of the park; it was taken in early 2004, prior to Storm Runner, Fahrenheit, and the Boardwalk.

Dry Gulch became part of Frontier in 2007 I believe (at least the 07 map indicates it as part of that area). Roller Soaker was last listed in Midway America as of 2006. The Boardwalk changed that.

Most likely a bug considering the 'permanent' rides, like the DGRR and the fact that Pirate turned into Sidewinder! - that's a funny one! Good move contacting them to fix it. Hopefully they do it soon.

The Google Earth image is in desperate need of a retake. Most of the high population areas are updated with 2009 photos or later...I bet the Hershey / Lancaster area might be getting redone soon, or so I hope.

Posted over at TPR:

Drove past the park today. Five observations I made about the proposed coaster site.

1) It looks like the creek has been pretty much drained, not a whole lot of water in it at this point. Don't know if that's typical for this time of the year or if it means construction is starting soon.

2) It looks as if a path is being constructed from Comet Hollow, under the Comet, and back into that area. I think a walking path from Comet Hollow to the park entrance would be a great idea.

3) There is a crane inside the park near the stroller rental, which, of course, is right next to the construction site.

4) A new wider double gate has been added to the park's fence along Park Blvd. I don't remember seeing it before, and it's all shiny and new. I'm assuming it will be the construction entrance for the area, as there are tire tracks all over the ground there.

5) Finally, there was a man running what looked like electric wire through the area near the dam.

It seems to me that we can expect construction to begin soon, if it hasn't already.

This looks like a good sign.

That's great news. I'll be there next month for an off-season update so I'll also report on what I can find. Drove past there on Sunday but don't recall a new gate being anywhere. This almost sounds like it'll be a construction entrance to and from the site. I'm guessing it's near Creekside, in that general vicinity. I'm expecting this immediate area to look entirely different by the time STITP begins. Looking forward to when that "see u in the spring" phrase on that puzzle becomes reality.

Those are definitively good signs. #3 and #4 are almost obvious signs of construction starting on the project. I liked what #2 said, I think a path would be a great idea as well.

This spring, I don't think I'll end up at Hershey, but there is another way for me to find out any information. Do we have any Mets fans on this site who live in the NYC area? Well, if you go to one of the early season games at Citi Field, there's a Hersheypark booth in the rear of the stadium at field level, where there is a small food court including Shake Shack. You could ask there if they know any info.

This may have been covered before but when you go to the Ride Institute of Technology's webpage there is a link at the bottom. When I clicked on it, it opened up my gmail and I could send them an email. Did anyone send them anything?

Also, I think the name of the ride will have something to do with Haley's Comet or some other celestial event. Sounds like construction/prep might be starting up soon.. too bad you guys are apparently in for a winter storm beating next week

That email link has always been there. I remember some of us as well as some of the people over at TPR had emailed it and got an automatic response. I'm sure if you go to the R.I.T. thread, it may have been mentioned there.

Ladies and Gentleman, I spoke to some one today. Someone very special. I will admit I was wrong about one part of the project------it WILL NOT enter the old golf course. You may start posting questions now.

Why don't you just tell us what you were told instead of us asking questions

Because of the special agreement with this individual, I cannot come outright and say anything. But that doesn't mean I can't answer yes or no.

Is it a dive machine?

Is it a B&M Wingwalker?

EDIT: I fixed your spelling and grammar in this post. This is your second warning. Post like that again and there will be consequences.
-Ccron10

^ I hope not.. Hersheypark needs an icon coaster that is tall enough to turn heads. Just about every park has one but Hershey! (Steel Force, SROS, Goliath, etc) Storm Runner is a great mid sized coaster but they need something over 200 feet tall. I'd be happy with a Dive Machine with a unique layout or a hyper. I still don't see the point of Fahrenheit. It's too similar to Storm Runner. So I'm hoping its not some gimmicky coaster and something without inversions! That's just me though.

Not a dive. Not even a B&M

UPDATE: 1/22/11
Photo AND Video Update

Since it was Community Weekend, I figured I would stop by ZooAmerica and Chocolate World as well as take a peek and see what's happening with Attraction 2012. I'll post a seperate trip report on my visit, but here is what's happening so far:


It's empty..... too empty....


The bleachers are gone from the dog sledding demonstrations during Candylane and there's no sign of a picnic table anywhere.


Creek's drained.


Same stakes. There were a few with blue flags too.


Last time they drained the creek was to move land to build this.


Tilt-A-Whirl's cars are still there, but something is stacked next to in on the midway.


Interesting....


The mysterious white shack.


Something left over from the past. There are two or three of these benches still here. I think it's safe to say that they're gone.


This stake, as well as a few more, are found on the hillside between Comet's turnaround and the lake. I'm guessing that they've been out of view.


DIRT!


Here is the first ever, Keystone Thrills Video Update. I apalogize for my soft spoken voice.


I'll leave you with a photo of Hersheypark's skyline.

I should have the official update posted on the Update page tomorrow. Enjoy!

I remember those chairswing thingys. I saw them several years ago and figured they were originally part of the old Sunken Garden. Still trying to figure out what that new shack is. Will also have a PTR after my Choc-Covered Feb trip in two weeks.

Not a b&m? Well is it an intamin mega-lite?

will the ride open in 2011?

rascalflatts wrote:This spring, I don't think I'll end up at Hershey, but there is another way for me to find out any information. Do we have any Mets fans on this site who live in the NYC area? Well, if you go to one of the early season games at Citi Field, there's a Hersheypark booth in the rear of the stadium at field level, where there is a small food court including Shake Shack. You could ask there if they know any info.

Citi Field is only a drive away for me. The last time I went to a game there, I was in the middle-level, so I didn't get to field level. I do know what you are talking about - I've seen that booth before. If I get tickets this season, and if no info comes out beforehand, then I'll definitely check it out. I don't think they will know specifics, but might as well ask!

That white building is a water pump house for the nearby restroom.

More like an Intamin "Hyper-Lite" I forgot to ask when it would open. If it was 2011, dirt would have been moced already. I think it's still 2012

I really have a feeling that if your not telling us directly but are answering questions you are braking a promise somewhere.

The Update Page has been, well, updated.
http://keystonethrills.webs.com/attraction2012updates.htm

I updated the map showing the area of construction. The stakes on the map show more of a general area of where they're located instead of their exact location.


To be awnest with you, I really don't have any questions to ask at the moment. I'd rather wait and see what happens. It's more enjoyable.

What? Not in the golf course? Oh, dear! Should I abandon my hopes of it being a BM speed coaster? How will they fit one within the creek? I guess it would have to continue towards Tudor Square. The only way it could fit within the creek would be if it was like the Raging Bull near Milwaukee, and that does not have much airtime compared with Goliath (SFOG) or Diamondback! Noooooooooooooooooooooooo!

You forgot to point out that it looked like there was dirt that was also moved by that new white shack. I'll check up on that more when I'm there in two weeks. Hopefully we'll see some more evidence by then.

That's a very interesting diagram you have there, Ccron10. It looks like the coaster will follow the footprint of Comet, but offset a little bit. I hope it has some height to it, because that would be great to be flying above the creek, yet alone all the people down in Comet Hollow!

We haven't been moving for a few days by now, but I thought of something interesting to discuss while we are waiting for the next update. I live on the Upper West Side of New York, so Coney Island is a simple two-seat subway ride for me. I went there today, and investigated the construction for Scream Zone. I saw the pieces of an orange coaster with blue stanchions lying on the dirt bed. I know Zamperla is building some coasters there; including a Motorbike coaster and a flying "Volare." By the way, Hershey is not the only park with roller coasters (Lightning Racer and Roller Soaker) to be a within 100 feet of residences or the outside community. The Coney Island Cyclone is directly across the street from the subway tracks (although it's not like it disturbs people in their sleep). It also was built 72 years before the Lightning Racer (1928) back when amusement parks were less isolated. I'm surprised that the Great Bear's track isn't filled with sand like some other B&Ms. The Talon at Dorney Park has the sand, yet it's farther from residential areas than Hershey is. I know the Kraken at Sea World is too, and some of the Mantra is, and that's all the way across a lake from a house.

Great Bear isn't near any houses because the only things outside the park on that side are on the other side of the railroad tracks except for HERCo Headquarters. Storm Runner is closer to the street and houses, but I have no clue if they used sand in the supports. There are houses and businesses along Park Ave. but I'm guessing that the homeowners don't have a problem with it.
The reason why Talon has sand is probably because the homeowners near that park try to find anything to complain about to the township. They even had to do sound studies down by their lake.

Storm Runner is alot quieter than Great Bear though. It may have sand in the track. Residents along Rte 743 probably wouldn't know the difference other then rider's screams.

I hate theme park neighbors!!

A few years ago when I worked at Dueling Dragons, every minute we would run past midnight for HHN's Universal would be fined for a noise ordinance. If the park was busy enough (and for the year HHN's was in both parks.. it was..) they'd just bite the bullet and we'd keep running.

rascalflatts wrote:We haven't been moving for a few days by now, but I thought of something interesting to discuss while we are waiting for the next update. I live on the Upper West Side of New York, so Coney Island is a simple two-seat subway ride for me. I went there today, and investigated the construction for Scream Zone. I saw the pieces of an orange coaster with blue stanchions lying on the dirt bed. I know Zamperla is building some coasters there; including a Motorbike coaster and a flying "Volare." By the way, Hershey is not the only park with roller coasters (Lightning Racer and Roller Soaker) to be a within 100 feet of residences or the outside community. The Coney Island Cyclone is directly across the street from the subway tracks (although it's not like it disturbs people in their sleep). It also was built 72 years before the Lightning Racer (1928) back when amusement parks were less isolated. I'm surprised that the Great Bear's track isn't filled with sand like some other B&Ms. The Talon at Dorney Park has the sand, yet it's farther from residential areas than Hershey is. I know the Kraken at Sea World is too, and some of the Mantra is, and that's all the way across a lake from a house.

How well plowed was Coney Island when you went there? I took a look myself and the latest snowstorm pretty much buried everything. The Cyclone has had some noise complaints in the past, but almost all are dismissed because of some bias of it's age, plus I believe it's registered as a historic place, so no complaints would really hold strong against it. I bet when it was first built, more than a few people were bothered by the noise.
I don't mind Great Bear not having sand in it's supports - it makes it sound unique and bigger than it is. It has a nice 'roar' to it. But there really aren't any houses that close to it, like said.

There was a lot of snow there; I even slipped on the Boardwalk. If you know the geography of the area, Surf Avenue (parallel to the coast, between the carnival areas and the subway tracks) had very thick snow on the sidewalks, as did the street alongside the cyclone. Stillwell Avenue, the north-south street next to the transit hub was cleared, as it went by the "Funstruction" site. Another observation: The cars were not on the Wonder Wheel, and the Brooklyn Flyer swing ride and the Drop tower were collapsed. The astrotower is still up even though it doesn't function any more.

It's a shame that SFGAdv is set far off any street, because I'd like to see construction for the Green Lantern. I've seen online pix, but I also want to see it for real. Finally, there is another ride for me at that park, because everyone told me the Scream Machine was a horrible ride. I should've known it was going, because I would have wanted to ride it one last time.

Great Bear is not filled with sand because of the design of the track. The weight of the sand in some of the supports would make them collapse. Storm Runner, on the other hand, is. It was actually a pretty big deal when Storm Runner came in, because local residents were concerned that Storm Runner would be just as loud as Great Bear. Also, residents had complained about the volume of the Great Bear, but there was nothing that could be done about it. And since, the residents learned to live with it, like every other noise that the park makes.

Talon, by the way, is shockingly quiet. I think it might be the quietest steel coaster there is.

Also, someone mentioned a crane was in the park near Creekside Catering. They're using it to do roof work on the old Hershey Museum.

Stillwell was the street that I took a quick walk down to check out what you were talking about. Most of the rides are either collapsed or in their winter positions. The beach itself looks awesome with all the snow up to the water, too.

I was lucky enough to make a trip to Great Adventure near the end of the season (I think it was 2009) when they took away the Scream Machine. I must have taken three rides on it that day. I had no idea of it's fate at the time. The line was non-existent and the trains were running quickly. The station looked like it was being prepared to be taken down or something, as it was rather bland on the inside with ripped posters. The ride showed its age, which added to the fun. It was a unique coaster, but you could tell it wasn't as popular anymore. I can only imagine what the queue looked like when it was first opened and in full operation.

Also, someone mentioned a crane was in the park near Creekside Catering. They're using it to do roof work on the old Hershey Museum.

Getting back on topic, good, it's needs work from what I've been hearing.

That basically explains that the old museum is going no where soon either.

HPCrazy wrote:That basically explains that the old museum is going no where soon either.

I don't think it was work on the museum roof its self, I think it's actually the season pass office, or offices behind that. I wouldn't take roof work as an indication whether the building will stay or go. It could be something because of the snow we've been getting.

Well, whatever this new coaster is, it's got to be from either major Swiss company, whether it's Monthey or Wollerau. Both corporations have been highly competitive lately, and their installations are planned far in advance. The contract will probably be signed by April (STITP), and the announcement declaring the decision final will most likely be around September. I think the puzzle on this forum will be solved by then?

To backtrack a little, I know that most of us would want a hypercoaster in Comet Hollow, as do I (especially a B&M one with the open-air trains). They might not be able to fit one without Hersheypark becoming a junkyard, but what other options do they have in order to remain competitive with other theme parks? What other options will benefit the most guests? If they chose to buy a Diving Machine from Walter and Claude, would it be successful? There are only two in America and they are monopolized by Busch Gardens, but will Hersheypark build a ride that could be easily confused with Fahrenheit? I'm sure other parks (i.e., Dorney) are more popular because they offer a wider breadth of ride types. So, I guess it's just possible that Hershey is a ball bouncing between a rock and a hard place.

rascalflatts wrote:but will Hersheypark build a ride that could be easily confused with Fahrenheit?

First off the ride will almost 100 percent be an Intamin. Secondly, if it's not, it will not be B&M. So it won't be a dive machine. Thirdly, Storm Runner and Fahrenheit look similar with each having a top hat (although Fahrenheit's isn't, technically). When I've been in the park, I've heard plenty of people get confused between those two rides. And besides, when I worked in the park years ago, people confused Wildcat and Lightning Racer thinking it was all one ride!

So don't put it past Hersheypark to build a ride that could be easily confused with Fahrenheit or Storm Runner, Wildcat or Lightning Racer. That's honestly what surprises me the most about a B&M not going in Comet Hollow. The coasters seemed paired for the most part. Even to some degree, Trailblazer and Sidewinder look similar (the track design). I have heard a few people in the park call Trailblazer Sidewinder.

I remember during one of the very few visits I had in my younger day (1993 to be exact), I thought Trailblazer was part of Sidewinder. I didn't want to go on it because of the vertical loops. I at least went on it (even though I was scared) after knowing that they were two separate rides.

I used to see some people confused between Trailblazer and Sidewinder, and even SDL and Great Bear! I can see why with the latter, as SDL only has one loops and Great Bear plenty. I've had some people ask me about LR and Wildcat, too. But I've never heard of someone thinking it was all one ride! Stormrunner and Fahrenheit are definitely easy to mix up for some people, but a frequent visitor who knows the ropes and can easy differentiate between the two.

I believe any coaster that they throw into Comet Hollow is going to be confused no matter what, what with 4 coasters in relatively close vicinity. Some people have difficulty finding GB entrance, as they see it in Comet Hollow and don't know they have to make the trek up to Minetown.

SDL isn't exactly popping out at you either, and sometimes it looks deserted! (Which I like, since it means little to no wait times ) The Comet is an easy one to spot, but I hope the new coaster will be easy to find the entrance to as well, which I bet it will!

hpinsane wrote:

rascalflatts wrote:but will Hersheypark build a ride that could be easily confused with Fahrenheit?

First off the ride will almost 100 percent be an Intamin. Secondly, if it's not, it will not be B&M. So it won't be a dive machine. Thirdly, Storm Runner and Fahrenheit look similar with each having a top hat (although Fahrenheit's isn't, technically). When I've been in the park, I've heard plenty of people get confused between those two rides. And besides, when I worked in the park years ago, people confused Wildcat and Lightning Racer thinking it was all one ride!

So don't put it past Hersheypark to build a ride that could be easily confused with Fahrenheit or Storm Runner, Wildcat or Lightning Racer. That's honestly what surprises me the most about a B&M not going in Comet Hollow. The coasters seemed paired for the most part. Even to some degree, Trailblazer and Sidewinder look similar (the track design). I have heard a few people in the park call Trailblazer Sidewinder.

How do you know it'll be 100% from Intamin? Also, I don't think people confuse rides just because they are from the same company. If there's an Intamin Hyper coaster (like the Superman: Ride of Steel ones) then it can be distinguished. The reason SR and Fahrenheit are confused is because they are red, they have vertical climbs, and they go upside-down. However, once when I went to Cedar Point, I confused Mantis with Raptor (probably since I knew Mantis was a B&M, a company I was interested in, so I thought Raptor was it since it looked like some other B&M inverts). Nevertheless, there are six Intamins at Cedar Point, but I doubt that they're confused with each other. At SFNE, I confused the two Vekomas, Mind Eraser and Flashback. Six Flags Great America formerly had two inverted shuttle coasters, and this year Magic Mountain will have two 4D coasters. Do people at Great Adventure confuse the B&Ms, as there will be five this year? I'm sure it might be true for Batman and Bizarro, as they don't have floors, or Batman and Nitro, since they are next to each other and both yellow.

I find that most people who get confused about the coasters don't even know or care what company made the ride, or any specifics about it.
They look at the features, like a loop or drop, and associate it with the name. If there's another coaster similar to it, sort of like Stormrunner and Fahrenheit, then it makes it more confusing. The red color doesn't necessarily help, either. Other coasters can be confused from their layout and location, such as with Sidewinder and Trailblazer, or Great Bear and SooperDooperLooper.