The Seven Days of Arrow Development – Day 6
Today’s post is of X at Six Flags Magic Mountain – the world’s first 4th Dimension coaster and the last coaster Arrow ever built.
Be sure to LIKE, COMMENT or SHARE with the amusement park fans in your life – and don’t forget that “The Legacy of Arrow Development” premieres THIS SATURDAY at the Montgomery Theater in San Jose. Tickets are still available here: bit.ly/ArrowTixSJ
See you there on Saturday!
The Seven Days of Arrow Development – Day 5
Today’s post is of Magnum XL-200, the world’s first hypercoaster (200+ feet) and a throwback to the out and back wooden coasters of the 1920’s. It’s also considered by many as the moment the “coaster wars” officially began.
Be sure to LIKE, COMMENT or SHARE with the amusement park fans in your life – and don’t forget that “The Legacy of Arrow Development” premieres THIS SATURDAY at the Montgomery Theater in San Jose. Tickets are still available here: bit.ly/ArrowTixSJ
See you there on Saturday!
The Seven Days of Arrow Development – Day 4
Today’s post is of the Corkscrew – the world’s first modern looping roller coaster:
Be sure to LIKE, COMMENT or SHARE with the amusement park fans in your life – and don’t forget that “The Legacy of Arrow Development” premieres THIS SATURDAY at the Montgomery Theater in San Jose. Tickets are still available here: bit.ly/ArrowTixSJ
See you there on Saturday!
The Seven Days of Arrow Development – Day Three
Today’s graphic features El Aserradero – the world’s first log flume. Built only using scale models and slide rules, the flume has become a mainstay of parks around the world!
See you there on Saturday!
The Seven Days of Arrow Development – Day Two
Each day, we’re going to post a new graphic, both here and on all our social media channels, that features a milestone moment in Arrow Development’s history.
Today’s post is of the Matterhorn Bobsleds – the world’s first tubular steel roller coaster. While it many not be the smoothest ride, it set the prescient for 55 years of roller coaster designs!
Be sure to LIKE, COMMENT or SHARE with the amusement park fans in your life – and don’t forget that “The Legacy of Arrow Development” premieres THIS SATURDAY at the Montgomery Theater in San Jose. Tickets are still available here: bit.ly/ArrowTixSJ
See you there on Saturday!
The Seven Days of Arrow Development – Day One
With the upcoming premiere of our documentary, “The Legacy of Arrow Development” we wanted to do something cool in the final week leading up to it.
Each day, we’re going to post a new graphic, both here and on all our social media channels. It will feature the company’s “A” logo – and an important ride or person related to it.
Today’s post is of the Alum Rock Carousel – Arrow’s first ride and the moment the company shifted forever. 
Be sure to LIKE, COMMENT or SHARE with the amusement park fans in your life – and don’t forget that “The Legacy of Arrow Development” premieres one week from today in the Montgomery Theater in San Jose. Tickets for the premiere are still available – get yours at: bit.ly/ArrowTixSJ
See you there next Saturday!
Five Ways California’s Great America Can Make It’s 40th Anniversary Better
Can we talk?
California’s Great America is about to celebrate it’s 40th anniversary this year. And from the feeling I’m getting via their social media and press releases, it sure is starting to feel like the park is about to blow a major opportunity to celebrate it properly.
Yes, the park is getting a revamped 4D theater – but that’s all so far for their 40th season. A milestone season. A season many people didn’t think the park would ever get to the first place (if you know it’s history).
Maybe I’m nuts, but as a fan, here’s five things the park can easily do to make the 40th beyond just “good” – they’ll make it GREAT:
5.) Bring back the history museum:
One of the coolest parts of ACE’s Coaster Con for me two years ago was the opportunity to be involved in designing and curating the history museum at the park. It was hoped it would help the park do a better job of bragging about it’s history – and gave the park the excuse to dust off a WORKING model of their Flight Deck coaster.
Photo © 2014, Kris Rowberry
Sadly, the very next day – it was closed to the public. All that work for less than 12 hours of total operation. If you’re going to celebrate your history – you better be prepared to be PROUD of it and COMMIT to it.
4.) Have roving, themed performers in the park:
Again, a highlight of Coaster Con a few years ago (for local park fans at least) was the apparent return of themed dancers and singers to Orleans Place. Even the general public stopped in awe. This piece of Marriott-era showmanship evoked Disney-like tones and really should be made permanent, rather than just used for one event and discarded.
Photo © 2014, Kris Rowberry
3.) Bring back the Demon’s theming:
A sore spot with me for YEARS (Ha! It’s funny ’cause it’s an older Arrow coaster, get it?) I’ve got on at length about this before, so I’ll make it as clear as I can – the Demon MUST have it’s special effects brought back for the 40th anniversary. Bonus points if you re-create the “Turn of the Century” sign.
Photo © 2003, Kris Rowberry
Speaking of nostalgia…
2.) Retro merchandise in the gift shops:
Nothing is hotter right now than nostalgia – and theme parks tend to accumulate a ton of it in their lifetimes. Great America is no exception. If you’re looking for a perfect example of how to pull this off, take a gander at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, who’s most popular shirt this year – was for a ride that’s been gone for three seasons now (The Big Bad Wolf).
Photo © 2015, Kris Rowberry
Admit it, you don’t just want a Sky Whirl, the Edge or Tidal Wave t-shirt now…
…you NEED one.
1.) Nix the fountains up front and bring back the swans:
Quick backstory: The fountains were added in 2001, to celebrate the park’s 25th anniversary. I think it’s time to revert the front pool to what it was originally intended as – a reflecting pool.
And what better way to class up the joint, than to bring back the elegant, trumpeter swans!
Photo credit: Steven Wilson collection, http://www.GreatAmericaParks.com
And yes, California’s Great America, I’m available for consulting – perhaps compensation via funnel cake is in order. Either way, you have my info…don’t keep me waiting.
What do you think? Are there any other things the park can do to help truly celebrate it’s 40th season? Leave me a comment below, or chat with me on your favorite social networks!
Legacy of Arrow World Premiere in Downtown San Jose
It’s the day after Christmas – and you didn’t get what you wanted, did you? That ugly sweater, socks or worse – underwear!
Have no fear – we’ve got you covered…
Give the gift of an experience that they won’t soon forget – a ticket to the world premiere of ACE’s “The Legacy of Arrow Development,” presented by the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk!
Tickets are just $10, with a $10 upgrade available if you’d like priority seating, reception and Q&A with the filmmakers. You can purchase your tickets here or at the Montgomery Theater Box Office.
We’ll see you in your best suits and dresses on the evening of January 23rd!
Why do we reward people for behaving badly?
Why I keep hearing stories like these is beyond me. But we do – and it’s important to know that they DO happen – but also that they are entirely preventable.
Earlier this month, a self-described “industry-leading enthusiast and blogger” live-tweeted horrible, insulting comments about guests at a park-sponsored event. Those posts have since gone viral in amusement and theme park circles, with all the comments criticizing the posts. The author has since claimed, “…they were a joke.”
People online didn’t buy it.
What’s truly scary – is that this is not the first time an incident like this has happened this year. During the spring, another “industry fan group” posted harassing comments towards a theme park’s public relations rep, after they refused to extend additional, special perks to them.
Why do we (as an industry) accept this is as “the new normal?” How does anyone or any organization like this continue to be rewarded for such egregious behavior?
Easy – because we allow them to.
We do it by clicking on their videos, their updates or subscribing to their social feeds. We invite them to media events, despite our misgivings. And we always seem to cave to their requests, even though we know better.
At what point are we – as an amusement and theme park community, both fan and employee – going to step up and say, “No more?”
No more body shaming of our fellow community members.
No more bad mouthing a park just because they didn’t extend perks to you.
No more clandestine filming or photography on rides, only to take said photos and videos and commercialize them without the park knowing.
And no more stealing of each other’s work.
It’s just a shame that those who are the problem in our community will never recognize it. Let’s help them see the light.
If members of our community (both groups and individuals) can’t handle the responsibility of being decent human beings, then it’s time for us as a community to rise up and deny them the privilege of being a part of our group. Stop clicking on their links, unsubscribe from their content.
Simply put, let’s stop supporting and rewarding poor behavior in our community, period. The general public might not affect change – but we can.
Who’s with me?
What Happened to Lost Parks of Northern California?
Many of you have been asking, “When will we see another episode of “Lost Parks of Northern California?”
Well, “Lost Parks” has been on a bit of a hiatus this year – but there’s a perfectly good explanation for it:
We’ve been working all year on a documentary on the history and legacy of former amusement ride manufacturer (and Bay Area company) Arrow Development!
But, don’t worry – the award-winning show will return – just as soon as we recover from the workload of the “Legacy of Arrow Development” project!
The Launch Coaster Theme That Should Have Happened
Admit it – this is probably one of the best coaster themes that never happened.
I’m not sure about you – but this just screams Intamin hydraulic launch…
And it wouldn’t be that hard to do, either. As you dispatch from the station, the lights dim slowly to black. The train makes a turn to hide the launch. Projectors show stars and galaxies around you.
And just as the music hits that crescendo beat, you go to warp drive.
Ah, what could have been!
What’s your “dream” coaster theme? Tell me in the comments section below or on my social media networks!
IT SHOULD BE NOTED: “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and all related indica are property of Paramount Pictures. No rights are implied by sharing on this site. They are simply presented here under the “Fair Use Act” of U.S. Copyright Law under “commentary.”
IAAPA Trip Report, Day One
After flying in yesterday and adjusting to the time change (best as you can) I’m ready to start writing down my thoughts – with some leftover pizza and a Blue Moon at my side.
Today, I was able to visit the Orange County Convention Center for the first time, to help set up the ACE booth as well as pick up my badge for the big IAAPA exhibition. For the first time, was able to see incredible scope of the event. As big as you might think it is – think BIGGER. Of course, the floor isn’t even finished as I type – so it’ll only feel larger by this time tomorrow.
Afterwards, I had lunch with American Coaster Enthusiasts President (and roommate for the week) Jerry Willard – that’s when he brought up his afternoon / evening plans…a trip to the Magic Kingdom.
I bit. It’s been 20 years since I last visited Florida (for Disney World with my family). And boy, was the trip out there today worth it.
Turns out, not only was the “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” significantly less crowded than it was during the day (the park closed at 7 to the general public), they gave you all the cookies and hot cocoa you could down AND it was CHEAPER to get in, too. Every ride was either a walk on or well under 30 minutes.
If you don’t mind Christmas being jammed down your throat a little too early, this is a great way to experience the Magic Kingdom at breakneck pace, yet still get everything in, too.
Oh, and the fireworks were incredible as well 🙂
Day Two has technically already arrived, so expect a blog post late Monday night. Until next time, everyone!
Disney Raises AP Prices – So Why Are You Complaining?
Disneyland has a problem. And it’s the best problem to ever have if you’re a business – too many people want to come visit you than you have room for.
Hope you’ve saved your Disney Dollars – you’re going to need them.
Boo freakedy hoo.
So it should come as no surprise today that both Florida and California parks announced sweeping changes to their annual passholder programs, most notably eliminating the premium pass.
Now, before you start complaining about how high the prices are – take a minute to think about this: Disneyland in particular has become nearly unmanageable when it comes to crowds. Even days that were traditionally lighter have all but disappeared – as AP’s tend to visit those days. As a result, the overall experience of the park has lowered.
Now here’s where it gets interesting – buried deep in the Disney website is an interesting line: “Limited number of passes available…” Yup – there’s a limit to how many passes will be sold. Will you know when they’re low? What if you usually upgrade later in 2016?!? All legitimate questions right now.
Here’s some more turkey legs for thought: Disneyland was never designed to be a “season pass park.” They’re really brought this problem onto themselves by not limiting AP sales or keeping their prices so low that so many could afford them. The park was meant to be for a special occasion – maybe once a year or so. You can’t combine the tourist crowds with those who visit everyday and think the level of service and satisfaction will be the same.
Kris Rowberry and family take on Arrow’s Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland.
It’s simple supply and demand – too many people want something, there isn’t enough supply (capacity) so the only way to lower the crowds it is to make it harder to afford it.
What do you think? Is a $1000 too much to ask for for an annual pass? Tell me in the comment section below or on my social media links!
Matterhorn Bobsleds – Throwback Thursday
Yes, that’s yours truly, Kris Rowberry – on my first ever ride on the historic Matterhorn Bobsleds. I suppose it’s ironic, considering I’m working with several of my ACE friends to tell the story of the company that built them.
Once an Arrow fan – ALWAYS an Arrow fan!
Kris Rowberry and family take on Arrow’s Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland.
Apparently, even back in 1997, I was analyzing rides for a later review…
Your author, trying to figure out how the Matterhorn operated, even back in 1996!
Throwback Thursday – Triple Wheel at Great America
If this photo doesn’t capture my love of amusement and theme parks, then I’m not sure what photo could…
Two defunct rides in this picture – can you spot the other one?
Yours truly on the venerable (and sorely missed) Triple Wheel at Great America in Santa Clara, CA. Here’s hoping it brings as much joy to you as it did to me finding it in an old photo album.
For those wondering what the ride looked like that I’m pictured on, this great video from GreatAmericaParks.com should help you out – the sound ALONE should spark your memory:
Joker Coaster Coming to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Nor Cal coaster fans be like…
…at the rest of the country.
This is one coaster that’s sure to “…put a smile on your face.”
Could Yankee Harbor Return to California’s Great America?
With the announcement of Carolina Harbor (and the all-but-certain expansion of the water park at California’s Great America in the near future), it got me thinking…
Could California’s Great America score some MAJOR brownie points and pull off one of the biggest throwbacks EVER with the re-branding of their Boomerang Bay water park to one of the classic Marriott-era themed areas – Yankee Harbor?
Admit it – this is a perfect name for a water park inside “GREAT AMERICA.” Photo by: Kris Rowberry.
During the Paramount-era, it wasn’t uncommon to use a singular brand across multiple parks. After all, it was cheaper and the design team only had to do one thing. But the Carowinds announcement may signal that Cedar Fair is looking to create not a singular brand identity across all their parks, but an INDIVIDUAL PARK IDENTITY.
Boomerang Bay was originally themed after Crocodile Dundee movies – but once Paramount bailed on the park, licensing forced a slight change in name. But the name really doesn’t work with the rest of the park. (Aussie area in GREAT AMERICA?) The park has already made significant efforts to revive Orleans Place, with signage and background music, so could this be the next, logical step?
What better way to mesh the old theme of the park than with a newly expanded, American-themed water park that – let’s face it – would be the GREATEST THROWBACK EVER (I.E. even I’d buy merch if it had the classic logo integrated somehow). Nostalgia sells these days – just ask the people at Busch Gardens Williamsburg who can’t keep up with demand for their Big Bad Wolf shirts…
Plus, maybe the park could get the old lighthouse to spin up and shine again.
What do you think – would you welcome a return to “Yankee Harbor” or does “Boomerang Bay” still work for you? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think:
Fury 325: From Dreams to Screams documentary
I’ve posted in the past how coaster videos are shifting – from just POV to entire documentary-style video productions. One of the artists at that forefront is Devin Olson, whom I have immense respect for.
Yesterday, he debuted his latest film – a project nearly two years in the making…
Do yourself a favor – sit back, relax and enjoy this breathtaking look at the construction of one of the tallest roller coasters in the world today, Fury 325 at Carowinds:
Travel Channel’s Thrill Factor: Needs More Hosts, Less POV
I’ve written at length in the past about just how poor the current slate of amusement park shows are, but mid-summer this year, there was a glimmer of hope. A new show, starring former Mythbusters stars Kari Byron and Tori Belleci began filming and was being promoted on social media:
“Thrill Factor,” produced for the Travel Channel by BASE Productions, seemed to have everything going for it – personable hosts with a resume of quality, entertaining programming. So, has the show lived up to the lofty expectations of both theme park and Mythbuster fans?
Sadly, not for me.
Let’s begin with the premise…something tells me the elevator pitch for this show was: “It’s Mythbusters – at an amusement park.” And the segments with Kari and Tori are the best parts of the show – as you’d expect from seasoned pros like them.
The hosts test a different theory revolving around rides each and every episode – which sounds great, but I suspect they’ll run out of things pretty quickly. But then – just as the show is about to eclipse the lift hill into excitement – the show quite literally goes off the proverbial coaster rails and quickly transitions from the host segment into a new one, where POV footage (forward and reverse) is shown.
Now, I’m not sure if the show just ran out content and had to fill time – but the seemingly random cuts to POV give the show a manic feel, as if the viewer is assumed to have ADHD and couldn’t possibly focus for more than five minutes at a time onto the screen.
The POV segments take what could have been a fun concept – and just kills it, whereas focusing on both Byron and Belleci would have sufficed and indeed, made the show better, in my opinion.
If the content isn’t there to fill the full half hour – something’s wrong with the concept. Kari and Tori – who are very good at interacting with their fans on social media and are genuinely nice people in real life, too – deserve better after helping refine one of the most successful, educational and entertaining shows ever to come out of Discovery Channel.
According to the most recent IMDB rating – it looks like I’m not the only one who thinks the show could use some off-season work:
FULL DISCLOSURE: Along with my producers on the “Legacy of Arrow Development” roller coaster documentary: Nicholas Laschkewitsch and Robert Ingle, we’re still looking for a partner on our own amusement park travel program, of which you can find our teaser trailer conveniently located below:
No wonder Travel Channel never called me back after my audition for “Travel Channel Star” back in February…this show was already in development…
BOTTOM LINE: Drop the POV segments from the show and expand the host’s time on screen – and you have the rare opportunity to have a “coaster show” that lasts longer than two seasons.
Preventing Theft at an Amusement Park
Nothing puts a damper on your day more at an amusement park more than having your stuff stolen. A day of fun and excitement can quickly turn to a day of stress and agony – but if you follow these simple tips – you can better protect yourself from becoming a victim in a place you shouldn’t have to worry about anything.
1.) Limit the stuff you bring to the park
This SHOULD go without saying – but with the explosion in consumer technology in the past decade, you’ll probably be tempted to bring your phone, camera, iPod or even iPad to the park.
Don’t.
Your phone is a necessary evil now, but there’s no reason to be a Padhole by bringing your tablet to a park to ruin shows, parades and be a target for thieves. Trust me, you’ll be able to wait in line without checking your Facebook status. It’s probably for the better, anyway.
And don’t become complacent just because you’re at a higher-end park. Don’t believe me? Check this story out about how an iPhone was stolen after only 10 seconds of being set down on a Fast Pass machine at California Adventure:
2.) Get a locker
Look, no one likes to pay more money than they have to when you go out, but lockers are a great way to ensure your stuff is secure – and you won’t have to worry about it. On the negative side – these tend to be in the front of the park, where they can be
3.) Use bins provided on ride platforms
By heeding these suggestions, you can help mitigate your risk of theft the next time you visit an amusement or theme park. Just ask these folks: http://theenemyisgood.blogspot.com/2014/11/theft-at-dca.html?spref=fb
God and Aliens Tell Woman To Go To Closed Amusement Park
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before…
A woman accused of leaving her eight-month-old baby alone in the parking lot of a Carolina-based amusement park says God and aliens told her she needed to see the park.
Francis Greene and her boyfriend, Jason Lee, reportedly left the infant inside a truck in the Carowinds’ parking lot back in April, according to a report from the York County Sheriff’s Office.
Security at Carowinds found the vehicle abandoned in the drop-off area of the parking lot and found an eight-month old baby inside the vehicle, alone, and crying.
The guard called investigators and said it was nearly 20 minutes before Greene and Lee came back to the vehicle.
Lee told investigators that Greene wanted to see the park, so he came with her to see it. They reportedly initially took the little boy inside, but brought him back to the truck.
Greene told investigators that she “heard voices from God telling her to go to the park,” the report states.
“The voices that she thought were God, were actually extra-terrestrials, and that they wanted her to leave her body behind and come with them,” deputies said Greene told them. “Greene said that she decided against that because she wanted to stay with her family.”
Read the full story from WBTV here: http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/27906860/report-woman-says-god-aliens-told-her-to-go-see-amusement-park?clienttype=generic&mobilecgbypass
Busch Gardens’ Roller Coaster Insider Tour a Must for Thrill Seekers
If you’re looking for the ultimate thrill seeker’s dream – look no further than Busch Gardens WIlliamsburg, and their Roller Coaster Insider Tour.
For starters – you’ll get to ride to the top of Griffon, the park’s B&M Dive Coaster, via the emergency funicular. From 205 feet up, you’ll learn how the ride works and see some of the massive trains in the maintenance bay.
Then, you’ll head over to Alpengeist – where you’ll see how they transfer trains out of the maintenance bay – as well as how the magnetic brakes work.
From there, you’ll visit Verbolten – and get to peek inside the darkened show building. Trust me, it’s a treat despite being a bit dark.
Finally, you’ll end up at Loch Ness Monster, learning incredible facts about the world’s only interlocking loop ride and how one section of track is particularly special.
Still not sold? Check out this video from the park:
Did I mention you get to ride all the coasters after learning all about them? So what are you waiting for?!? To book the tour, visit www.BuschGardens.com for details!
Roller Coaster Videos Moving From POV to Storytelling
There’s been a subtle, but noticeable trend recently when it comes to “roller coaster videos” online. And we think it’s for the better and far overdue.
While there are some that still continue to tape GoPros to the front of trains and then monetize (commericalize) their work – all without permits or sometimes without park knowledge – there is a growing trend among park fans to elevate the medium to a far more sophisticated level. What do I mean?
Well, check out this awesome, short documentary on Thunderbird at Holiday World:
Coupled with the work of Devin Olson Media, particularly on his “From Dreams to Screams” documentary series – the world of amusement fandom has gone from handheld ride footage to bona fide storytelling:
And we couldn’t be happier to see this trend. So, how can you help elevate the medium? Subscribe to these storytelling channels – while POV is fun, it’s telling a story that leaves a true mark on people.
Shameless plug: “Legacy of Arrow Development” documentary is still scheduled to make it’s debut later this year. Time to raise your game, everyone!
Is this the worst amusement park trip report ever?
This video won’t last too long on YouTube – so enjoy it while you can. This may be the worst trip report ever posted. Or maybe the best, depending on your personal taste…
Pretty sure Six Flags Discovery Kingdom doesn’t want or need this sort of “ringing” endorsement.
Great American Thrills® 