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Jun 29, 2023
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Foundations and Footers have started to be poured for SDC’s (presumably) 2027 Project. And they are….Quite Big.

Could this be the park’s next major coaster?
 

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Glad to see this is progressing! Doesn't appear to be anything particularly identifying by the shape/concentration of those foundations just yet.

I know there's speculation of a Mack "modern mine train" in preparation for Thunderation's eventual expiration, but I'm hoping for a Big Bear Mountain type ride from Vekoma.
 
Glad to see this is progressing! Doesn't appear to be anything particularly identifying by the shape/concentration of those foundations just yet.

I know there's speculation of a Mack "modern mine train" in preparation for Thunderation's eventual expiration, but I'm hoping for a Big Bear Mountain type ride from Vekoma.
I’ve heard rumors this is potentially a Hyper or a even a Giga
 
Looks like a water ride or some kind of water feature, at least? American Plunge is older so maybe a modern replacement for that?

What I really think this park needs is an overhauled entrance - they already did the parking lot, and have a new resort hotel on the way. More turnstiles, larger bag check area, wider pathways for guests in ECVs, etc.
 
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New photos thanks to Midwest Info Guide:
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Lets zoom:

1764366976822.png

Based on the construction, the best connection I'm making so far is Mack Rides. It's not identical to what I'm used to with Mack Rides anchor bolts- mainly the fact they're grey instead of the sure-fire-giveaway tan color they usually are, and the absent thick spacers/washers on the bolt threads.

But here's a comparison of their new launched water coaster at Freizietpark Plohn, sure enough using grey bolts. Not saying this is going to be a launched water coaster, but seems possible based on the water-feature-looking concrete work around those footers.

1764367246247.png

Moreover, these Mack anchor bolts have a full square steel plate on the top (orange arrow), then a lower piece with a square cutout (green). Left is SDC, right is Dollywood, bottom is Plohn:

1764367527951.png 1764367887619.png
1764368121644.png
 
There will be some sort of announcement today at 6 pm EST. It isn't confirmed whether this announcement is related to the upcoming ride or not, but I have read rumors that the ride will be themed to the Marvel Mining Company, so it seems pretty likely.

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So, a little tidbit from Mack Rides in the new issue of Amusement Today. Focusing on the second sentence;
Screen Shot 2026-01-06 at 2.36.35 PM.png
Page 73

Mack Rides' traditional family coaster is the YoungStar offering. These generally do not sell well with regional parks, especially when you can more easily acquire a Vekoma or cheaper model. They're not the company's bread and butter but rather an offering reserved for clients who ask for overbuilt hardware. I very heavily doubt that 95% of parks in the US would contract one, even among Six Flags and United. Seven of these have been built since 2006, all three in the past 15 years have gone to Universal (including the '26 one). So yeah, unless Universal has another mystery family coaster up their sleeves in the short term, this is actually a big deal.

Now Herschend grabbing a really large design would make sense as a rumored spiritual Thunderation replacement, as that coaster has structurally been nearing the end of its service life. It fits their recent CAPEX philosophy of huge expensive family additions, I know many of you were hopeful for a Stryker but my gut is sitting firmly with this.
 
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So, a little tidbit from Mack Rides in the new issue of Amusement Today. Focusing on the second sentence;
View attachment 40797
Page 73

Mack Rides' traditional family coaster is the YoungStar offering. These generally do not sell well with regional parks, especially when you can more easily acquire a Vekoma or cheaper model. They're not the company's bread and butter but rather an offering reserved for clients who ask for overbuilt hardware. I very heavily doubt that 95% of parks in the US would contract one, even among Six Flags and United. Seven of these have been built since 2006, all three in the past 15 years have gone to Universal (including the '26 one). So yeah, unless Universal has another mystery family coaster up their sleeves in the short term, this is actually a big deal.

Now Herschend grabbing a really large design would make sense as a rumored spiritual Thunderation replacement, as that coaster has structurally been nearing the end of its service life. It fits their recent CAPEX philosophy of huge expensive family additions, I know many of you were hopeful for a Stryker but my gut is sitting firmly with this.
Re: with Thunderation biting it after this year, I will continue to stand by this.
 
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