That is HIGHLY, HIGHLY, unlikely. Any work impacting guest areas through there can take place between Haunt 2024 and opening day 2025 when the area is closed anyway.
Project 2025/Caldera: Rapterra (Launched B&M Wing Coaster)
- Thread starter horsesboy
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Couldn't they put the footers in or do some preliminary work before the season and then continue when Winterfest arrives? They'd have 4 months after that along with 3 months between Sunday and late March. They could also theoretically not open some of that section until later in the season to finish any preliminary work they need to do. Just spitballing possible ideas and will yield to people that understand the process of constructing roller coasters better.
EDIT:
@Zachary beat me on timing I see.
EDIT:
@Zachary beat me on timing I see.
I had the same thoughts about how the construction would impact operations with the rides over in Jungle X as well. But they are also closed every weekday, except Labor Day, starting in Mid-August. Theoretically, they can do clearing and footer work throughout the area on weekdays, and just keep those new footers walled up in small sections if needed to keep them undisturbed for curing, or just in general. But that shouldn't impact too much on the weekends when the park is open. But worse case scenario, they might just close off the whole section if need be around Haunt.
Construction is potentially a big attendance draw in itself, if the experience of the announcement of I305 applies. But a lot of that may have been Earnhardt fans not reading past the headline. It was like the crowd bomb went off in August 2009 instead of 2010 like it was supposed to.
305 was also a hit cause it was something very different then what the region had before so there was excitement to see it taking shape. While that is sorta the same with this I wouldn't put it on the same level as 305. Also I expect that much if not all major work will be done during Winterfest and the off season. Similar to Iron Menace I don't expect to see a lot during the regular season.
It's a trick of the eye with the perspective of that photo. Watch a POV to see the enormous difference in the footer layout vs what shows up in the KD plans.
Direct Link to Embedded Media Source
Good ear. My best guess is dry wheels/freshly painted or cleaned track. Essentially, not enough track lubrication.Why is the coaster so squeaky
So I'm 6'8 (and have not appreciated the last 2 BGW additions having a max height restriction). I know this will have a max height being a wing coaster, but do y'all think KD will enforce it like BGW does? I had no issue getting on I305 during my last visit in 2021, but I'm not sure if it even had a height limit then. I'm moving to Charlottesville next year so I'll be around a lot more and hope I can actually ride this.
Ive never seen the maximum height strictly enforced for the bigger rides outside of planet snoopy at Kings Dominion, or really at any cedar fair park. As long as the restraint comes down far enough to dispatch, and the seat belt latches, you should be fine.
Im 6'5" so ive had the pleasure of being turned away from both new coasters at Busch gardens with their maximum height limits and checking at the entrances. Ive never seen the maximum height enforced so strictly like at a SEAS park.
Im 6'5" so ive had the pleasure of being turned away from both new coasters at Busch gardens with their maximum height limits and checking at the entrances. Ive never seen the maximum height enforced so strictly like at a SEAS park.
Hopefully BGW softens theirs. I know they're there for a reason but on Pantheon it's literally just because the headrests aren't tall enough lmao. Hope I can ride this coaster!
Looking at Thunderbird, looks like the max height is 78".
I don't know how strict KD is on max height limits, but I305 also has a 78" height limit, so if you got on that you might be OK, but it all comes down to enforcement.
I don't know how strict KD is on max height limits, but I305 also has a 78" height limit, so if you got on that you might be OK, but it all comes down to enforcement.
Plans have been submitted to Hanover County Planning Department for review. So, now they are part of the public record and anyone can obtain a copy through the "freedom of information act". The plan, however does not show track layout. The plan shows footer/pier/pile locations as well as all the necessary support buildings. I believe there was an earlier post with the plan. I do know that KD is soliciting contractors and construction companies for proposals/bids for the sitework.
You mean this plan?
Direct Link to Embedded Media Source
Huge shout-out to everyone who collaborated with us behind the scenes in secret on this! HUGE props to @CoasterMac in particular for his incredible NoLimits work!
Since it has been a few weeks and our article came out during the holidays, here is our original article:
Leak Reveals Kings Dominion's 2025 Launched Wing Coaster
Leaked documentation and newly revealed site plans offer a comprehensive preview of Kings Dominion's unannounced, new-for-2025 attraction
kdfans.com
I am absolutely loving this. My ideal replacement was always a modern intamin suspended launch coaster, but hey this will do. Vast improvement from the last wing-coaster design that was leaked. Applause to KD for taking their time not going that route.
Excited for the launch because it's a nod to volcano, and Thunderbird is repeatedly among the highest praised wing coasters which I imagine must have something to do with it being launched.
Very unique design with some new elements, interaction with the walkways, a dive loop which is missing from their inversion lineup… very exciting. If they nail the theming and have some keyhole elements, this will be a homer for the park.
Excited for the launch because it's a nod to volcano, and Thunderbird is repeatedly among the highest praised wing coasters which I imagine must have something to do with it being launched.
Very unique design with some new elements, interaction with the walkways, a dive loop which is missing from their inversion lineup… very exciting. If they nail the theming and have some keyhole elements, this will be a homer for the park.
So… what do you all think the theme is gonna be? Phoenix? fire hawk? blazing eagle? any kind of bird that is on fire to pay homage to volcano… orrrr do yall think it’s gonna be just any ol exotic bird?
Deep diving any ol exotic bird would be more interesting than another Phoenix themed ride.
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