View Full Version : The Dark Knight Coaster (Clones - All Parks)
Thrill Reconnoiter
10-10-2007, 03:17 PM
http://xs320.xs.to/xs320/07413/darkknight.jpg
Parks Receiving Dark Knight
Six Flags Great America
Six Flags Great Adventure
Six Flags New England
The Dark Knight Coaster is coming in 2008!
The Dark Knight Coaster will transform guests into citizens of Gotham City — caught in the middle of a city under siege and torn apart by The Joker.
With The Dark Knight Coaster, guests will experience the ride of their lives. Venturing through demented hallways of twists, turns and hallucinatory images, they are tormented by The Joker himself. Then as they set foot onto a distressed, vandalized train platform, they can only guess at what awaits them as they speed through six 180-degree hairpin turns, climb unseen hills, plunge into pitch darkness and dip into unforeseen danger. As they attempt to escape the terror, their only hope is that Gotham's Silent Guardian — Batman — can save them.
Height Restrictions - 48" min. to ride alone, 42" with adult.
Ride Category - Thrill
Flash Pass - Yes
Length - 1,213 feet
Duration - 120 seconds
Capacity - Eight cars, at two rows by two wide per each car. 32 individuals on circuit.
Riders Per Hour - 1120
Introduction - Spring, 2008
Manufacturer - Mack Rides GmbH & Co KG
The Storm Runner
10-10-2007, 03:20 PM
So basically, we're looking at one of these: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1478.htm?picture=7
I guess the real test is how much Six Flags is willing to theme them. :)
BTW, Ryan, the capacity is 1120 people per hour, not 32. ;)
Thrill Reconnoiter
10-10-2007, 03:30 PM
BTW, Ryan, the capacity is 1120 people per hour, not 32. ;)
Yeah, capacity is 32... http://www.sixflags.com/greatAdventure/rides/thedarkknightcoaster.aspx ...which should be eight cars at four riders per car. Riders-per-hour is what Duane has listed for the Compact Clones (don't know why it's always been listed 'capacity' on RCDB). I'll list both to elminate confusion.
And for those that question 1120RPH, here's what the car looks like:
http://cache.rcdb.com/pictures/picmax/p2620.jpg No side panel, single double-wide harness. Easily can get those dispatched in 15 seconds if you tried.
Mike T
10-10-2007, 04:54 PM
I wonder if the chain driver's speed for these rides will be manipulated in some sort of way, as a method of keeping up capacity. If operators can dispatch in 10 seconds and the car clears the first block in 15, then staggering will occur. I'm still excited to see how long these waits are going to get next year, as this attraction seems to be heavily anticipated at all 3 parks. Should be interesting, but I have high hope for the company.
I really like the idea of taking an already great coaster (a Mack wild mouse) and adding theming to it. They have the idea, now all they need to do is execute it correctly!
*Hopes this ride is open when I hit SFGADV*
Michael
10-10-2007, 06:00 PM
I thought of this a while back, it always seemed like a cool idea to theme one of these, and now i'm seeing it come true :)
Hope this is a good investment for SF, so far it seems that way.
I see real problems with this at Great Adventure. It's not a park for small capacity rides.
jolash
10-10-2007, 09:53 PM
These new rides are most likely the reason for Six Flags New England's Batman to be renamed to simply, Batman The Ride (formerly Batman The Dark Knight).
http://rcdb.com/id1549.htm
p0tat0
10-10-2007, 10:09 PM
They look pretty and may I mention tasty?
Comet
10-10-2007, 10:22 PM
^^That's truly unfortunate.
Why can't Six Flags just use original names, they seem to think have to use the same name over and over again.
That's the one thing I miss about old management, original names like Tatsu and El Toro.
p0tat0
10-10-2007, 10:26 PM
Guests don't look at the names anyway. "Dark Knight" sounds cool so that's why they picked it. They don't have an originalist adviser in their naming committee now do they? Naw, they have a financial adviser:)
jolash
10-10-2007, 10:36 PM
Comet, the old management built 9 BTRs, 4 Deja Vus (Including Stunt Fall), 2 Medusas (plus the Scream! clone), 3 SROSs (2 of which were clones), 2 Mr. Freezes, etc., etc., etc.
Mike T
10-10-2007, 10:45 PM
Don't forget about your Goliath's, your Serial Thrillers, your Mind Erasers, your Superman Ultimate Flights... the list goes on and on and on. Although its extremely unattractive to look at cloned rides from an enthusiast's perspective, it is a fantastic way of cutting budget costs, by creating one design (both mechanically and aesthetically) and applying that to 3 different locations, thus hopefully increasing your annual revenue for the next season.
jolash
10-10-2007, 10:47 PM
Ah the Goliaths... how could I have forgotten about the five we have now? Hehe.
p0tat0
10-10-2007, 10:49 PM
And the list goes on and on
Comet
10-10-2007, 10:56 PM
And the new management has made 4 Tony Hawks, 3 Dark Knight Coasters, like 3 Wiggles World and I don't know how many Thomas Towns...in two years.
Then there's Evil Knievel which is the one I would actually like to see cloned, and it hasn't been.
But yeah, in 2 years, adding new things to I don't know how many parks, there's been 5 different attractions (maybe more I don't know, but that's how I see it).
(I'm not counting Goliath because it was relocated)
Mike T
10-10-2007, 11:10 PM
"Evel Clonevel" is a stock design from the team at Great Coasters International, which was another way that Six Flags decreased the overall budget of their franchise. The predecessor for this ride is Thunderbird at Powerpark, which was the first successful GCII installation in Europe. The ride's compact design allows for easy placement on open plots of land, and I honestly wouldn't be surprised if you saw more of these rides popping up for the 2009 season.
Thrill Reconnoiter
10-10-2007, 11:30 PM
I don't see capacity as an issue....que Deja Vu...oh wait, that was an issue. Regardless, I'm sure after the first season the wait times will drop down significantly when GP figure out exactly what type of ride it is.
These new rides are most likely the reason for Six Flags New England's Batman to be renamed to simply, Batman The Ride (formerly Batman The Dark Knight).
http://rcdb.com/id1549.htm
I can't believe they'd rename an existing ride instead of just renaming the new one...when they're the same theme! I wonder how many people are going to go back and jump in line for Dark Knight when they wanted Batman: The Ride. :D
That's the one thing I miss about old management, original names like Tatsu and El Toro.
A lot of people forget Raging Bull was rumored to be named El Toro. Personally, I don't really have a problem with repeat themes. All it has to do is target the regional park goers that know no different...
Voyage100
10-11-2007, 01:24 AM
The ride concepts are kind of pretty good, but I think they should re-think about the name of the Dark Knight. I thought as they were going to name it more creativity.
Airtime&Gravity
10-17-2007, 01:24 PM
^Dark Knight is just to tie in with the movie, and it will get the GP interested in the ride because so.
While I don't like the wild mouse chosen, they should have gone with one like at SFKK, it is nice to see a trio of hopefully good family coasters open up. While neither SFGAM, SFNE, and SFGADV don't need another family coaster(or any coaster for that matter since their selections are good as is), it is nice to see that the new management is still willing to build coasters at parks with large coaster selections.
sirloin
10-24-2007, 06:35 PM
If nothing else, at least we aren't seeing massive areas of real estate being eaten up by the supercoasters that have gone up at SFGAdv and SFGAm in recent years.
SFGAm is the one I don't really get. I mean, come on, it's a non-spinning Ragin' Cajun. It's also pretty similar to Pandemonium at SFNE (though the similarity is on a much smaller degree). I understand SFGAdv getting it in that it adds a slightly milder alternative to SFGAdv's mostly white-knuckle coaster selection. They could use the boost in the family department. SFGAm I don't see as really needing it, and SFNE is perhaps the champion SF park for family attractions.
I suppose we'll have to wait and see just how effective these rides really are.
Comet
10-24-2007, 07:27 PM
Wait...we're looking at a standard Mack wild mouse here?
If so, I'm thoroughly disappointed with this.
Not to mention the fact that it's gonna put a huge tin box in the middle of a beautiful section of Great Adventure, with another tin box (Skull Mountain) a stone's throw away.
The Storm Runner
10-24-2007, 07:36 PM
^Yes, it is a standard Mack clone. I think they're fun; and that's without theming. :) And I wouldn't exactly call Gotham City to be beautiful, lol.
Comet
10-24-2007, 08:02 PM
Yeah, but the area near The Chiller, I found to be particularly nice with a good amount of trees and benches.
Here is a photo update on the one going in at SFGAdv.
http://www.flyinphilsphotos.com/amuse/nj/sfga/dark-knight/2007-12-30/album0
Brandon
01-20-2008, 02:00 PM
I can see these clones becoming the "must-ride" attractions for the younger crowds, however, not really "must-ride" attractions for the entire family. I suppose we will have to see when they open.
I'm a skeptic of the theming that they plan to add to this. It seems like they will have to control the speed somewhat somewhere in the course, most likely in the zig-zag turnarounds in order for the riders to take in the theming and "special effects" Six Flags plans to add to this. If they dont, I find it hard for people to be able to see everything, unless, they do what Disney did with Mulholland Madness, which is put the theming at the ends of each zig-zag turnaround.
SFGAmworld.com has posted some interesting concept artwork for the ride.
http://sfgamworld.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8140&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=224
The Storm Runner
01-20-2008, 02:05 PM
^^Exterminator at Kennywood has a very themed queue, mannequins going up the lift, a bunch of set pieces in the middle of the ride (the actual room of the ride), and various other places. Some was hard to see, but for the most part, I don't think it'll be that much of a problem. And, like you said, they could really control the zigzag part of it (which there are like 7 straightaways of the zigzags).
EDIT: Wow those cars look nice and unSFish :)
This should be interesting. The cars looks pretty sweet, and the theming should be decent at the very least. I'm very curious to see how this all turns out in the end.
Mike T
01-20-2008, 05:52 PM
This definitely is looking like a winner and I hope that all of the thematic changes can be incorporated into it. One thing that interests me is that Great America's version will be using an existing theater for queuing purposes. The other 2 versions will just have stand-alone queues. I also am really loving the theme going on with the subway cars. It makes perfect sense to me, and I hope that they've developed a strong back story to make this ride ace.
sirloin
01-20-2008, 05:58 PM
I do question the reason behind giving one to SFGAm. These rides are extremely similar to Ragin' Cajun, minus the spinning effects. Why, why, why would you stick one of these there where it's hopelessly redundant? Mind you, I would heavily prefer this over Ragin' Cajun as Mack mice are pretty darn good, but you don't need one in the same park as a generic Reverchon mouse. In its defense, though, it is fully enclosed, so the similarities may be much harder to spot, but still...does Ragin' Cajun do all that much for the park anyways? I just see SFGAm's edition being much more effective at a park like SFA where they aren't that overly popular of a park to warrant something huge. Simply put, they've been waiting for seven years for their next coaster while this is SFGAm's 5th since the new millennium, and SFA could use some decent theming as well.
SFNE also suffers a slightly similar problem with Pandemonium and The Dark Knight in the same park, but I think there are enough differences between the two to make it a non-issue.
As for SFGAdv, excellent move. SFGAdv has an absolutely epic adult coaster selection, and this ride offers yet another intermediate, fun-for-the-whole family attraction that strengthens the bridge, so to speak, between the kiddie coasters and the adult ones.
The Storm Runner
01-20-2008, 06:07 PM
I think they are fully enclosed. Looking at that last pic, you can see a ceiling there. They just have tunnels to further exclude that section of track from stuff like lights and noises. I think, according to those captions, there will be subway lights in that tunnel, so it'll make for a better feeling of a subway tunnel. :)
I do question the reason behind giving one to SFGAm. These rides are extremely similar to Ragin' Cajun, minus the spinning effects. Why, why, why would you stick one of these there where it's hopelessly redundant? Mind you, I would heavily prefer this over Ragin' Cajun as Mack mice are pretty darn good, but you don't need one in the same park as a generic Reverchon mouse. In its defense, though, it is fully enclosed, so the similarities may be much harder to spot, but still...does Ragin' Cajun do all that much for the park anyways? I just see SFGAm's edition being much more effective at a park like SFA where they aren't that overly popular of a park to warrant something huge. Simply put, they've been waiting for seven years for their next coaster while this is SFGAm's 5th since the new millennium, and SFA could use some decent theming as well.
SFNE also suffers a slightly similar problem with Pandemonium and The Dark Knight in the same park, but I think there are enough differences between the two to make it a non-issue.
As for SFGAdv, excellent move. SFGAdv has an absolutely epic adult coaster selection, and this ride offers yet another intermediate, fun-for-the-whole family attraction that strengthens the bridge, so to speak, between the kiddie coasters and the adult ones.
That was my VERY thought when I heard about these. It just seems illogical for SFGAm to do it. Other parks could use it more, like you said SFA would be a perfect park for it. I hope it does well, and its good marketing for both the movie and the select Six Flags parks.
Youhow2
01-20-2008, 08:36 PM
Sfmm needs one of those....
Sfmm needs one of those....
While yes having one would be nice, SFMM needs flats before anything else as far as I am concerned. A couple years down the road when the third movie is close to coming out, then ya hopefully.
Voyage100
01-21-2008, 07:22 AM
^ Would love to agree with your thoughts.
SFMM now really needs to call up many kids, so the park is able to give them tons of blast. I guess they are now having some hard time, as they can't get on B&M loopers, just being under 54' tall. Can you say that SFMM is now the real Xtreme Park with tons of friendly ride for all ages? No, they still need to work on it.
Youhow2
01-21-2008, 09:13 AM
While yes having one would be nice, SFMM needs flats before anything else as far as I am concerned. A couple years down the road when the third movie is close to coming out, then ya hopefully.
I agree with you fully.... But this is a family friendly, seemingly heavily themed attraction... SFMM needs something like that. It can substitute for a flat because it offers the same things flats do.
Also, I notice you've been popping up when ever I post about sfmm as of late... It's kinda creepy...:p
I agree with you fully.... But this is a family friendly, seemingly heavily themed attraction... SFMM needs something like that. It can substitute for a flat because it offers the same things flats do.
Also, I notice you've been popping up when ever I post about sfmm as of late... It's kinda creepy...:p
Well I have not had much posting time lately, so its just a coincidence more than anything. The forms seem pretty dead right now. Hopefully it starts picking up soon so I don't creep you out lol.
ArrowOwnzU
01-21-2008, 04:27 PM
^^ I see what you mean but the park needs variety. The park has 15 coasters, 2 flumes, and um..I think 6 flats since the park is getting rid of sierra twist, spin out, and circus wheel. Do you understand what I'm getting at?
Youhow2
01-21-2008, 04:29 PM
yeah, but this would give it a better some what of a variety.... yes, it would be another coaster, but it would be different for a cange....
ArrowOwnzU
01-21-2008, 04:32 PM
No it wouldn't. It's just another coaster except it's in a box. I don't think you get it.
I see what you mean Shaun, and your absolutely right. While building a Dark Knight clone at Magic Mountain would offer some variety in the coaster collection, it would offer no variety in the whole scheme of things. Just because a coaster is in a box, and "family friendly" doesn't mean that it would offer variety in the park, or be a good fit at Magic Mountain.
So, if Magic Mountain were to liquidate a few more.. quite a few more.. of its coasters, and add some flat rides, then this would be a good fit. But as of right now, the Dark Knight would not work at Magic Mountain. End of story.
Thrill Reconnoiter
01-21-2008, 04:53 PM
If this is a fully enclosed dark ride, then you guys need to remember, a 'large' percentage of GP won't think it's a roller coaster. Those that do, do, but people think Journey Into Imagination is a coaster too...so...
I think this could benefit any SF's park under these premises.
Michael
01-21-2008, 05:03 PM
^ Kind of like people comming out of Tomb Raider the Ride at Ki saying, "Wow, that was the best rollercoaster i've ever ridden! It did like 7 loops!!!" but vice versa :p
It doesn't really matter what the general public think, as long as...
1) They are pleased (even in their ignorance). And therefore...
2) They want to spend more money (by coming back another day, buying a souvenir, etc.).
This is ultimately the goal of parks, and if Six Flags thinks they can get those two things through The Dark Knight coaster, more power to them. I think it'll be a great attraction, as long as it is better than X:\ No Way Out (which isn't hard to beat). Things like these should attract a lot of guests...but in my opinion, flat rides are the way to go. They cost less than most major coasters, but can provide the same thrill to park goers. I can't wait to see the attendance records of the parks receiving these rides to see what kind of impact it has on attendance, and therefore spending.
Brandon
01-22-2008, 07:39 PM
I thought I should post this bit of related news here. Heath Ledger, actor to have played The Joker in the new Batman movie "The Dark Knight" has died.
Heath Ledger found dead in New York
Staff and agencies
Tuesday January 22, 2008
Guardian Unlimited (http://www.guardian.co.uk/)
http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2008/01/22/0122_heath_372x192.jpg
The actor Heath Ledger has been found dead at a residence in downtown Manhattan, according to a New York police spokesman. He was 28.
Police spokesman Paul Browne said Ledger had an appointment for a massage at the Manhattan apartment believed to be his home.
The housekeeper who went to let Ledger know the masseuse was there found the actor dead at 3:26 pm local time.
"We are investigating the possibility of an overdose," Browne said. "There were pills within the vicinity of the bed."
The Australian-born actor was an Oscar nominee for his role in Brokeback Mountain and has numerous other screen credits.
Ledger played the son of Billy Bob Thornton in Monster's Ball and had starring roles in A Knight's Tale and The Patriot. He was to appear as the Joker this year in The Dark Knight, a sequel to 2005's Batman Begins.
Ledger grew up in Perth and began doing amateur theater at the age of 10. At 16, he moved to Sydney to pursue an acting career, quickly landing TV film roles and guest spots on Australian television.
After several independent films and a starring role in the short-lived Fox TV series Roar, Ledger moved to Los Angeles and costarred in 10 Things I Hate About You, a teen comedy reworking of The Taming of the Shrew.
His latest role was in I'm Not There, in which he played one of the many incarnations of singer Bob Dylan.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,2245260,00.html
The Dark Knight clones are the second Six Flags attraction(s) in the past few months to suffer a related loss while being built. In late 2007, Evel Kinevel died of natural causes while the wooden coaster from Great Coasters International being built in his name at SFSL was underway, however, construction continued and no name changes took place. However due to the fact that The Dark Knight clones were expected to heavily use Ledger's voice of The Joker in the ride, how will this affect the ride's outcome?
However due to the fact that The Dark Knight clones were expected to heavily use Ledger's voice of The Joker in the ride, how will this affect the ride's outcome?
They'll find someone who can talk like Ledger and pay them a few hundred bucks to record their voice. I don't see it having an effect on the ride at all...
They will probably use sound clips from the movie, thats what I see them doing, truly sad news.
I can see the running joke with this attraction being that the Joker died from drug overdose.. fantastic.
Michael
01-22-2008, 10:43 PM
They will probably use sound clips from the movie, thats what I see them doing, truly sad news.
The Movie is likely to be canceled sadly :(
Rest in Peace Heath...
I assumed the film was done.. filming, what with the previews already released and the like.
This could really be a serious blow to Six Flags if the movie does end up being cancelled.
Michael
01-22-2008, 10:51 PM
I assumed the film was done.. filming, what with the previews already released and the like.
This could really be a serious blow to Six Flags if the movie does end up being cancelled.
It is likely to, considering his status in the movie world.
I too think this will effect the new rides :(
The Movie is likely to be canceled sadly :(
Rest in Peace Heath...Where'd you hear that? I think the filming has completed, and they're sitting on it until the release date.
Michael
01-22-2008, 11:03 PM
Where'd you hear that? I think the filming has completed, and they're sitting on it until the release date.
I just meant that since he was such a prominent actor, they may cancel it. But that's just speculation. I personally have been waiting a long time for this film :(
And I was especially happy to hear the announcment of a ride. Which I really hope will be sucessful.
I just meant that since he was such a prominent actor, they may cancel it. But that's just speculation. I personally have been waiting a long time for this film :(
The world can't stop with a death, and neither can a multi-million dollar movie. Though it's sad, a cancellation would cost tons of money, and I doubt the people involved with funding it really want to do that ;)
RollermanDan
01-22-2008, 11:13 PM
If anything, his death will cause more people to go see the movie.
They wont cancel the movie just because he died.. if anything this will boost the popularity of the movie.
The movie is in post-production. Filming has been done for a couple of weeks. I'll post the link to the article in a second.
I don't think the movie will be canceled just because of this, especially because all of the filming is done. I think we'll probably see mention of Heath Ledger's death in the credits though. I don't think it will effect the ride, as long as any of the scenes that required Joker for the coaster had already been filmed. If they haven't, a look alike may be used or they may just have some one else play the part.
EDIT: I can't find the article that I saw earlier today on MSN. They've update all of the articles and they don't have any info on the progress of the movie.
Some photos of blueprints have been posted on SFGAm World.
(http://sfgamworld.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8140&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=200)
^http://www.rollercoasterpro.com/community/showpost.php?p=9236&postcount=27
Thanks, missed that. I saw it on TPR and considered it relatively new.
Ya they wouldn't cancel a movie for Heath Ledger sorry. They didn't cancel it for Chris Farley, RIP brother, they won't even consider it for Ledger. It will make the movie more popular because, its "the last movie he will ever be in."
From all I have read about the movie, he is only in it for about 2/3 anyways...then its 2 face followed by the riddler.
Youhow2
01-23-2008, 06:38 AM
two face, the joker and the riddler? Darn you movie goer.. I didnt even know that...
Ok, well let me rephrase that. Joker for first half. Two face shows up, they work together. End of movie, like VERY end is Riddler.
I worked at a movie theater over Christmas Break, I learned some stuff, about this and Ironman. Which needs to be a ride!
rcwhiz
01-23-2008, 02:59 PM
Just looked at that concept work and I must say that at least they are plopping the box containing the ride where everyone can see it. There at least hiding it behind some buildings that are at least themed to the area.
And I agree with everyone that said the movie won't get canceled as the production company won't let a death of an actor cost them millions of dollars or said amount that the movie cost. As tragic as it is it will never ever happen that a movie would get canceled after filming due to a death. But I must say that Six Flags is getting lucky (Sadly) with these deaths to help boost the advertisements of their new rides.
The Storm Runner
01-23-2008, 03:14 PM
The movie was done filming. Now it's in Post-Production, according to IMDB.
Anyway, I sure am excited for this. :) Just, at SFGAdv, they already have an indoor family coaster, Skull Moutain. But we'll see. :)
EDIT: SFGAdv pics up: http://www.sixflags.com/greatAdventure/rides/constructionphotos.aspx
Youhow2
01-23-2008, 03:38 PM
Omg!!!! when did they remove chiller! OMG I'm late...
^ Where have you been? Chiller was removed months ago.
Youhow2
01-23-2008, 05:00 PM
I've been around... I havent read anything about the removal though, only that they replaced the zero-g roll(s)
I've been around... I havent read anything about the removal though, only that they replaced the zero-g roll(s)
Same here, I don't know how I missed it though...crap.
Exceller
03-03-2008, 07:48 PM
Promo video, and I must say, it looks promising.
http://www.dailyherald.com/multimedia/?category=9&type=video&item=91
rollercoasterfreak91
03-03-2008, 07:51 PM
It looks great to me, but if it's as intense as the video suggests, I don't see how it can be marketed as a family ride. Also look at the promo art on Screamscape, very interesting.
^ It's a wild mouse, it's a family ride no matter how you slice or dice it.
The promo looks great, I can only hope the rides turn out this good.
Michael
03-03-2008, 07:54 PM
Wow, this looks like an incredible ride from that promo! Crreeeepy! :scared: But awesome!
RaptorOMGZ
03-03-2008, 08:20 PM
This ride does look creepy. The creepyness kind of reminds of Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Orlando, but I have to say it looks a little better than that one.
rollercoasterfreek
03-04-2008, 01:20 AM
I am a bit too lazy to watch the video but I read the article about it. The theming will look pretty good I think.
Brandon
04-14-2008, 06:27 PM
Looks as if Six Flags has jumped on the viral marketing bandwagon that is looking to be the trend as of late.
A new site has opened, GothamCab.com (http://www.gothamcab.com/). Here is what the site currently says.
At Gotham Cab, we seek to provide you with personalized service.
About Us:
Gotham Cab was established on Valentine’s Day, 1995 on Karl and Mary Breitup’s 10th wedding anniversary. We started with three cabs. Since then we’ve grown, adding more cabs and more drivers. It’s a family company.
Gotham Cab is now offering free taxi service within The Narrows and the Gotham City Rail destruction zone (http://www.gothamcab.com/imgs/cab_3.jpg). Simply present your transfer ticket to any Gotham Cab. If you need pick-up, give us a call.
Service Suspended.
Gotham Cab wants to thank our customers for your many years of business.
It was a pleasure assisting you with your transportation needs. We are currently working with the city to restore our service to the streets of Gotham. Future updates will be posted to this website, or call us for current status.
Under the new requirement by Gotham City Council, all recovered properties found onboard taxis will be kept for up to three months. If unclaimed within three months, these items will be donated to a local charity.
http://www.gothamcab.com/
There is also a working number on the website. The number is 1(877) 530-CABS, or, 1(877) 530-2227. The phone message says as follows.
Hello, this is Gotham Cab. We shut down, and, no, we're not talking to the press. I can't thank all of you enough for the contributions to our child fund. Goodbye, and, god bless.
*hang up*
At the tone, leave a message. Administrators, enter your pin now.
*beep*
ArrowOwnzU
04-14-2008, 08:05 PM
So who wants to try and find the pin number?
coastermatt
04-14-2008, 08:07 PM
It's probally all the release dates combined or something...
rollercoasterfreak91
04-14-2008, 08:17 PM
If you leave the wrong pin, it says:
I'm sorry, that extension is not recognized. Please try again.
So, it asks you to try again. Who wants to follow directions? We don't even know how many digits it is...Too bad. I tried 1111 so don't try that one. :)
coastermatt
04-14-2008, 08:27 PM
I just left a voicemail quoting the viral-voicemail advertisement from the movie:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qggd_UMXW14
EDIT: When you call alot, it says, "We're sorry, but no-one is here to take your call" or something. Is it my phone or the system? Not that I've been calling or anything...
coastermatt
04-14-2008, 09:37 PM
Sorry for the double post, but I GOT IT! The code is 6773, and it'll tell you you have two unread messages, with a man's voice talking about whats the best for the children and to meet him at Rossi's, which is a restraunt across the street from where TDK is going to be! Also, a survey marker was put into the park this year with a 4 digit code next to Batman, I bet you anything it says 6773.
I was hoping for a creepy Joker laugh or something.. Still pretty cool :).
rollercoasterfreak91
04-14-2008, 09:42 PM
Nice. How'd you find it?
ArrowOwnzU
04-14-2008, 09:43 PM
Someone has a little too much time on their hands.
coastermatt
04-14-2008, 09:51 PM
^Me and Dan (coasterdan) are trying to figure it out together, he found it and now we are investigating, and ArrowOwnzU, you put the idea in my head ;)
Go rob a bank.
So when you do it am I going to get arrested too?
How did you figure out the code?
ArrowOwnzU
04-14-2008, 09:53 PM
I got bored and I discovered that if you click the link to the map you can change the last digit to a 1 or 2 and get different maps.
coastermatt
04-14-2008, 09:59 PM
Jake, I didn't figure it out, coasterdan helped me, and we are now looking into alot of possibilites, he thinks it may have something to do with Chiller, since the cabs are now "out of service", but we don't know. This is crazy, and I bet the maps have to do with something...
EDIT: Also just found out that one of the names in the voicemails is "GothamJohney" and since GADV is building a Johney Rockets in Gotham City and the rumor they are renaming it to GothamJohney...
Viral Marketing going on for the movie and coaster at the same time...I LOVE IT!!! This always gets the anticipation up so much more for rides and everything. I do not have the time to do this as its mid terms now, but I will follow this.
rollercoasterfreak91
04-14-2008, 11:58 PM
Very cool. So...what's the next step on this. Do we send someone to Rossi's? :)
coastermatt
04-15-2008, 12:45 AM
CoasterDan will be going Sunday and checking out all the things we talked about...so yes, we are ;)
Brandon
04-15-2008, 04:13 PM
It looks like this Gotham Cab viral marketing promotion has no relation to the new Dark Knight coasters. Instead, it has everything to do with the new Dark Knight movie, according to this Dark Knight ARG Wiki site.
http://batman.wikibruce.com/Home
http://batman.wikibruce.com/Gothamcab.com
I was really hoping Six Flags was behind this. :sad: Oh well, everyone can dream I suppose.
Sorry for the double post, but I GOT IT! The code is 6773, and it'll tell you you have two unread messages, with a man's voice talking about whats the best for the children and to meet him at Rossi's, which is a restraunt across the street from where TDK is going to be! Also, a survey marker was put into the park this year with a 4 digit code next to Batman, I bet you anything it says 6773.
So this is just a coincidence?
In response to the cancelation (http://www.rollercoasterpro.com/community/showthread.php?p=14859#post14859) of the project, it has now been confirmed that what has been built for the ride will be dismantled and the coaster will not return sometime in the future.
Six Flags New England is canceling plans to build a $7 million "Dark Knight" indoor roller coaster.
Park spokeswoman Melissa Pinkerton said the Batman-themed coaster won't be built at the Agawam park as expected. Work already done will be dismantled.
Park officials cited a tight construction schedule and other "unforeseen delays" in the decision to cancel the project, which was slated to open this season.
Agawam officials ordered Six Flags to stop work on the coaster in February, saying it started construction before getting a building permit and permission to exceed the area's 45-foot height limit.
The park received several key approvals from town boards since then, but still did not expect to have the ride built and open until at least late May or early June.
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/15886845/detail.html
So maybe a last minute instillation late this year at another park? Or will this project be moved to another park for next year?
Exceller
04-15-2008, 05:58 PM
I doubt it would be moved to another park. It would be a little late to move it now, but I could see the whole project going to a new park, possibly SFEG if they have the room.
Six Flags no longer owns Elitch Gradens.
coastermatt
04-15-2008, 07:36 PM
It looks like this Gotham Cab viral marketing promotion has no relation to the new Dark Knight coasters. Instead, it has everything to do with the new Dark Knight movie, according to this Dark Knight ARG Wiki site.
http://batman.wikibruce.com/Home
http://batman.wikibruce.com/Gothamcab.com
I was really hoping Six Flags was behind this. :sad: Oh well, everyone can dream I suppose.
Jake, I'm pretty sure this also has to do with the ride, because if you split 67/73 and look at a GADV map, (the grid version), move up 6/7 and you will go right to TDK's spot, move 7/3 and it moves you to the surveys marker (fire hydrant) that has 6773, plus everything else can relate to the park (Rossi's, GothamJohney, etc.).
One other thing, call the number on this site (also related), and you may get a call back from none other than the Joker:
http://www.bettyshouseofpies.com/
Exceller
04-15-2008, 08:55 PM
^^Whoops, never was aware that the park was sold.
^That's interesting enough. Just one thing, shouldn't it be to move up 6,7 instead of 6,3. Anyways, kudos to you for figuring this all out.
coastermatt
04-15-2008, 08:58 PM
Whoops, I'll fix that typo now, and thanks!
Luxornv
05-21-2008, 10:40 PM
I was at SFGAm today and was able to ride The Dark Knight. It wasn't until 12:30 that it actually opened though. I talked to one of the ride supervisors and he said that there were still some minor problems with some of the special effects not triggering when they are supposed to.
The preshow for the ride was mildly interesting. I won't say what it is specifically as not to spoil it for anyone. I don't see this part of the attraction staying much long after the first few seasons. Basically, there is the regular queue. This part is themed nicely; it's a lot like a subway station. Then, they allow about 40 people into the room where they do the preshow. After that, an employee will escort you to the platform and you then board the trains. The trains do not stop, but they move slow enough that you can get on safely and they can check you make sure you're locked in.
As for the special effects, I couldn't catch most of them. The ride moves really fast, so you really need to ride a few times before you see everything. The actual ride though was really good, and overall the attraction exceeded my expectations.
Now for some pictures:
The Outside:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Luxornv/outside.jpg
The Crowd for Opening:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Luxornv/crowd.jpg
The Queue:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Luxornv/quue.jpg
The Preshow
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Luxornv/preshow.jpg
To the Platform:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/Luxornv/toplatform.jpg
I don't have any pictures of the platform because we had to get on a car right away. There was no time to take a picture.
Mike T
05-21-2008, 10:51 PM
Please do me a favor and resize those photos according to spec, listed in the policies thread. But it sounds like you had a good time!
zburns999
05-22-2008, 11:44 PM
Right, so I got around to riding the Great Adventure version last Saturday, and I have to say that I was not at all impressed.
Don't get me wrong, I think Great Adventure has been making great strides as of late (it's quickly turning into my favorite park), but this thing just doesn't cut it. A lot of people will inevitably make the argument that this is a family ride. You have to realize though, there is no time other than when you're actually on the ride when you'd think this is a family ride. It's just not advertised this way. Of course I knew it was going to be a wild mouse, but other's didn't. I heard so many people in the queue saying that it was going to be like Rockin Roller Coaster or ROTM, and why the hell can't it be, especially when all you can see is a huge box. I just feel like the overwhelming majority was tricked.
Oh, and 9/10 people coming out told us to get off line, so I guess that would mean that Great Adventure ultimately failed with this. I do find it funny that nobody complains after riding Hershey's mouse or Dorney's mouse--because they know what they're getting. That's just not the case here, so people are going to be dissappointed.
If it's any consolation, there's deffinitely room for improvement here. For starters, make the building darker. You could see everything. Add some strobes or something; it did wonders for Skull Mountain. And why not sop the car for a few seconds at the top of the hill and try to explain to riders what the whole story is via some intaeractive scene or something. The lack of story really hurt the ride, and the riders' virtual inability to take in the scenes (which were pretty mediocre) didn't help.
I'll give it a 4/10 for now. I think Six Flags isn't done with this yet, though.
Thrill Reconnoiter
05-23-2008, 11:15 AM
For starters, make the building darker. You could see everything.
I was really wondering if this would be a factor, pretty unfortunate.
And why not sop the car for a few seconds at the top of the hill and try to explain to riders what the whole story is via some intaeractive scene or something. The lack of story really hurt the ride, and the riders' virtual inability to take in the scenes.
I do agree here, but look at ROTM. Talk about a confusing storyline... I believe most people don't even realize the whole ride is supposedly you [the guest] filming a scene, or the transition from New York museum to Egypt. I think the same can be said for SM. Then of course, you have those rides with no defined storyline, just a bunch of related stuff tossed-in to add variety.
How long did the both of you wait for the attraction and what was the longest wait time you saw throughout the day?
zburns999
05-23-2008, 04:27 PM
Two of my friends and I sprinted to Dark Knight the second they lifted up the police tape when the park opened to get a place in line for the rest of the group (unfortunately, about ten of them were too slow and had to ride Batman the Ride instead, haha). We were the second group into the pre-show room, so I'd say we waited ten minutes outside, then an extra 15 or 20 minutes with the actual pre-show and the remaining indoor queue.
Later in the day though, the entire queue was full and extended past the Justice League building and almost up to B:TR's entrance. That's got to be a two or three hour wait, at least. Capacity seemed to be much better than most standard mouses though. They were running a lot of cars, which helped things out a bit.
Michael
05-23-2008, 05:50 PM
It's sad to hear about the end result of the ride, I was really looking forward to something impressive.
Luxornv
05-23-2008, 07:19 PM
The ride didn't open with the park, and I was actually waiting there for about 2 hours before the ride actually opened. After the ride opened, it was only about a 15 min wait for us since the people in my group and I were some of the only people who had been waiting since opening. I didn't mind waiting that long for one of the first rides, but I wouldn't wait that long again.
zburns999
05-24-2008, 02:06 PM
It's sad to hear about the end result of the ride, I was really looking forward to something impressive.
Honestly, I'd still suggest checking it out. Don't let my opinion influence yours if you haven't been on it yet. I just think that I was hyping it up too much in my head, and expected something different.
I'd say for Six Flags first real attempt at theming a roller coaster throughout the course, it looks nice. Now it's not the amazing special effects and thematics we may have been expecting, but it's still pretty nice. And as has been said, there will be plenty of time for them to add to and enhance the ride later on. I'm sure they'll take complains, comments, suggestions, etc. And try to address them over the off-season, if not right now.
Airtime&Gravity
05-26-2008, 10:17 PM
I rode SFGAM's today, and I was impressed. The theming is good for Six Flags, but like has been said before, the end is a disappointment. The ride itself is really fun, and it is a great family coaster. Today the ride itself broke down a few times, and there were audio problems with the pre-show and queue line televisions.
One bad thing is is that vandals have already attacked the first part of the queue(before the main section). There is already graffiti on the walls(not part of the theming), and people have chipped large sections of paint off.
I will say that this ride is going to be extremely popular as both of my waits today were over an hour(1.5 and 2). Now the ride broke down both times, but even once the bugs are worked out, this coaster is going to have long lines. The queue house is air conditioned really well, so on days like today where it is hot and humid, the line will probably be longer than usual.
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