Lexi and I got a few rides in just now. We were both really impressed and will have a video out later tonight with our thoughts/reactions. Big kuddos to KD for getting things done!
Project 2025/305: Pantherian (Intimidator 305 Retheme)
- Thread starter Kings Gardens
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I gotta give a shout out to the ride ops today as well. They're hustling!
Gotta make up for 4 months of lost ridership!
I agree that I wish we’d seen a few more details added around the queue and station, like some signs explaining the lore, brown paint on the maintenance shed, or the panther symbol printed on the fence or operator booth. I wonder if this was a super unlucky situation where some of the planned theming got pushed to later in the season once they found out the ride wouldn’t open — and then the the full-time theming team who had been planning to add those got let go with the company layoffs. It’s great that all the big stuff still happened, but I wonder if some of the small stuff slipped through the cracks because their masterminds got laid off, and that wouldn’t have happen if the ride’s opening hadn’t been delayed.
That said, it’s really hard to be mad that we didn’t get more. I think anyone that gets too upset at these minor details is missing the forest for the trees. I305 sitting in the back of the park’s jungle-themed area was an egregious thematic error since the day it debuted in 2010, and the park has finally fixed it. I’ve been hoping for this for literally, like, a decade.
It really puts a smile on my face seeing that concrete tunnel turned into a jungle-appropriate temple, and that it leads down not to NASCAR flags and country music, but to jungle ruins and beating drums. The biggest issue with thematic incongruity is simply that it takes you out of the immersion and makes it harder to suspend your disbelief — it kills the vibe. Now the vibe is there. With Pantherian open, that issue has finally been resolved. Can’t wait to see if for myself!
That said, it’s really hard to be mad that we didn’t get more. I think anyone that gets too upset at these minor details is missing the forest for the trees. I305 sitting in the back of the park’s jungle-themed area was an egregious thematic error since the day it debuted in 2010, and the park has finally fixed it. I’ve been hoping for this for literally, like, a decade.
It really puts a smile on my face seeing that concrete tunnel turned into a jungle-appropriate temple, and that it leads down not to NASCAR flags and country music, but to jungle ruins and beating drums. The biggest issue with thematic incongruity is simply that it takes you out of the immersion and makes it harder to suspend your disbelief — it kills the vibe. Now the vibe is there. With Pantherian open, that issue has finally been resolved. Can’t wait to see if for myself!
Honestly, the plaza looks great, and the rest of the ride looks fine in my book for theming. They'll probably add like lore sign boards later in the season or maybe in 2026.
Most importantly, once you’re on the ride, you’ll forget all about theming.
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7 rides in. 1. It absolutely still tries to murder you real good like. 2. I missed it so much.
I’m sure it’s just a temporary delay
They were taking blue train off as I walked up about 10 minutes ago, and just put it back on. Waiting for it to cycle shortly.
I'm hoping to get a night ride in before we leave. It's a must when giving the opportunity.
Last year, I went during haunt on September 21st aka the day of a massive fight that cleared everyone out around 11 o'clock. After the fight, the park was COMPLETELY dead. I got a front row, nighttime zenride on P305 and it was just pure bliss. First night ride, First time in front row, and First ever zen ride. It's a lot faster at night after warming up, and you can't see anything so that adds to the thrill.
It seems like it cant be put into words how good a zen night ride is lol. Sadly we'll have to leave before it gets dark.
Best night ride in the park. As much as I love Grizzly at night, I can’t deny how insane Pantherian’s night ride is. Do it in the front row for the full experience; you will not regret it.
Are we talking dark to the point where you can't see anything or dark just past sunset?
Would definitely recommend pitch black. There’s very little light around or visible for most of the ride. Especially after it’s been warming up all day, ripping that layout that fast, it’s a wild experience.
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