Project 2025/305: Pantherian (Intimidator 305 Retheme)

[Mushroom]

I have a hunch that we might get a temporary rebrand for the 2024 season, with a full Jungle X retheme in 2025. That might explain the lack of marketing hype around this change.

I could be wrong, of course. But I’m reminded of the temporary generic rebrand that we saw when Scooby-Doo’s Ghoster Coaster became simply Ghoster Coaster in 2010-2012 before the Peanuts theming kicked in and it became Woodstock Express.

My proposed temporary name: Racer 305 (kidding)

 

[CoasterMac]

Seems better to do it earlier in the off season

Sorta feels like they had do it now. Dropping the news that your signature coaster's name is changing on a Wednesday in February does seem odd, but it's probably less of a jarring change than (for example) the Intimidator license expiring mid-season. The timing of it all seems abrupt, but it also feels like they've known this was coming and had the placeholder plan in place.

 

[CastleOSullivan]

For what it’s worth, the cat in Let’s Get Wild is a jaguar, not a panther. I’m not sure how much the show or flat rock tie into this re-theme, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

 

[paintervision]

My guess is that it will move towards some kind of Orion-like repaint and themeing package. If they paint it next off-season, that would make sense.

 

[rancidrolla]

.

 

[rollercoastercoaster]

It'll definitely be weird not to hear "gentlemen, start your engines" at the start of the ride

 

[Intimidator325]

I feel like a bird is not intimidating enough for how intense l305 is. I think 305 should be re-themed to a panther, not only are they fast and intimidating but, they actually live in jungles in trees and so the drop on 305 can be marketed as a panther jumping out of a tree to catch its prey.

Name it “Sheba”

 

[cschnizer]

By saying the “feel” of the ride would evolve, they can’t be implying just repaints and retheming right? Aren’t those more of a “look” factor?

 

[rswashdc]

By saying the “feel” of the ride would evolve, they can’t be implying just repaints and retheming right? Aren’t those more of a “look” factor?

Maybe they vary the speed on the lift the way Millennium Force does.

 

[Thriller]

Is Project 305 really the nane or a temp nsme?

I wonder if they will label the zone Area 75 like Kings island? it would be cheaper than converting that area to jungle expedition. And we know that Cedar Fair loves cheap now.

 

[Fiender]

Is Project 305 really the nane or a temp nsme?

I wonder if they will label the zone Area 75 like Kings island?

Oh, interesting observation.

it would be cheaper than converting that area to jungle expedition.

That's also true!

And we know that Cedar Fair loves cheap now.

Aaaaand there it is Businesses like saving money. Heck, I like saving money.

 

[Jonesta6]

Maybe they vary the speed on the lift the way Millennium Force does.

According to the ElToroRyan video, the only reason it does that on MF is due to the block zone setup - if the previous train isn't parked in the unload station, it'll crawl up the hill and eventually stop on the lift until the other train parks. Once it does park, the lift resumes normal speed.

This ride, on the other hand, requires the previous train to park behind the station before the current train can dispatch, so there's no need for lift speed variation.

 

[b.mac]

For record keeping:
View attachment qbrSQfQ1ZQQ.mp4

 

[Hokie305]

Shifting gears a little, but I hope as part of this retheme they take the opportunity to remove the wooden fence in between the plaza/queue and the Anaconda lift hill. I always thought it looked so terrible and like it was a cheap, last-minute decision. I understand there needs to be a fence there to prevent guests from going backstage, but it would be amazing to open up views to the lake and have a nicer fence with some transparency that fits the theming.

 

[Thrills & Chills WQAQ]

Is Project 305 really the nane or a temp nsme?

I wonder if they will label the zone Area 75 like Kings island? it would be cheaper than converting that area to jungle expedition. And we know that Cedar Fair loves cheap now.

Temp name is what I’ve been told

 

[RollyCoaster]

It’s very much a temp name.

 

[guy305]

So you think they’ll put up temporary signage for this season?

 

[rollercoastercoaster]

I'm thinking they might have like a plastic foldup sign just directing people to the ride, and more permanent signage next year/when a full name and theme is made

 

[mtorange]

I have a hunch that we might get a temporary rebrand for the 2024 season, with a full Jungle X retheme in 2025. That might explain the lack of marketing hype around this change.

I could be wrong, of course. But I’m reminded of the temporary generic rebrand that we saw when Scooby-Doo’s Ghoster Coaster became simply Ghoster Coaster in 2010-2012 before the Peanuts theming kicked in and it became Woodstock Express.

My proposed temporary name: Racer 305 (kidding)

From my understanding, this is spot on. I wouldn’t expect any significant changes until the 2025 season. This does seem like a sudden change.

 

[CoasterMac]

Courtesy of the great Don Helbig of Kings Island fame, he says "The name change was necessary because the contract granting the park naming rights for the coaster expired at the end of December." So I believe the 15-year license checks out. If true, it at least makes me wonder why today was the day to unveil this?

Pic: