The 2004 roller coaster crop at U.S. theme parks and amusement parks will not match the quantity or quality of the past few years. That's not to say that there aren't a few humdingers awaiting us this season. But, many of the new thrill machines are relatively tame and/or clones of rides we've seen before--or clones of each other, such as the ubiquitous spinning coasters rolling out this year.
Perhaps the highest profile and wildest coasters launching this season will be the twin Revenge of the Mummy rides at Universal Studios parks in Hollywood and Florida. Not traditional roller coasters in any sense, the hybrid dark ride/coaster attractions promise to be breakthrough tour-de-forces in technology and thrills.
Another major attraction that will combine coaster elements with dark ride features (and throw in some water ride fun for good measure) will be Journey to Atlantis at SeaWorld San Diego. Taking its inspiration from the SeaWorld Orlando ride of the same name, Journey to Atlantis will use innovative cars that are both flume boats and coaster vehicles. Alternately riding in a water trough and on steel coaster rails, the ride will include both splashdowns and coaster drops. In addition to telling the story of the mythical land of Atlantis through animatronics and special effects, the ride will showcase Commerson’s dolphins in a post-ride exhibit. Flumes and roller coasters will also meet in Wisconsin Dells when Big Chief Mount Olympus Theme Park debuts its Triton water coaster.
The Sweet Spot
It may be called Storm Runner, but the new launch coaster at Hersheypark will have nothing to do with water (except for the flop sweat it will induce on its hapless riders). Using a hydraulic launch system, Storm Runner will catapult from 0 to 72 mph in two seconds, soar up 150 feet, drop nearly straight down 180 feet and navigate a 135-foot loop and two corkscrew turns. The "Sweetest Place on Earth," Hersheypark will offer a new Storm Runner ice cream flavor to tie in with the new coaster. There's no word whether the ice cream will include nuts in honor of the lunatics that designed the ride and the fearless crazies that will board it.Another unique attraction set to debut this season will be the half pipe coaster--a first for North America--at Six Flags Elitch Gardens in Denver. Called, appropriately enough, Halfpipe, the ride will feature a single train with two rotating 8-passenger circular cars. The train will navigate up and down a 100-foot tall U-shaped shuttle track. For a peek at this highly unique coaster, check out the 2004 Coasters Photo Gallery.
Only three new wood coasters are on tap for 2004. Dollywood in Tennessee's Smoky Mountains, will be kicking its season off with The Thunderhead. A Great Coaster International ride, it will include a 100-foot drop and reach speeds of 55 mph. The train will roar through the upper level of the loading station. Sunami, a wood coaster with a steel base, will thrill riders at New Jersey's Clementon Lake Park. Unfortunately, the park removed its circa-1919 Jack Rabbit coaster to make way for the new S&S ride. A miniature golf complex of all places (albeit a large one), Timber Falls in Wisconsin Dells will be offering Avalanche, another new S&S wood coaster with a steel structure.
Next page: You'll Believe You can Fly- New Flying and Spinning Coasters
