SFDK's Tony Hawk's Big Spin Discussion

[R.C.]

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p13/RCMTHEii/Tony%20Hawks%20Big%20Spin/TONYSFDKlogo.jpg



Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Continues the Adventure with
Tony Hawk's Big Spin — An All-New Spinning Coaster for
2008 Season
Exciting new roller coaster allows guests the opportunity to experience the "Sky" like never before!

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is once again adding to its stellar lineup of Land, Sea and Sky experiences by offering guests a unique "Sky" adventure in 2008 with the addition of Tony Hawk's Big Spin, a one-of-a-kind spinning coaster the entire family can enjoy.

Themed to resemble an authentic skate park, Tony Hawk's Big Spin promises to put a new twist on the traditional coaster experience. With the opportunity to defy gravity just like professional skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, up to four riders will sit facing each other in a car that simulates tricks and maneuvers, traveling through banked fan turns, quick hairpin curves and steep, low-to-the-ground drops, all while freely spinning in circles! The spinning coaster cars, designed to resemble one of Tony Hawk's authentic skateboards, spin independently throughout the ride course so that no two ride experiences are alike.

"For the 2007 season, we received rave reviews from guests about our park's successful makeover to offer even more diverse entertainment and family-friendly thrills," said Six Flags Discovery Kingdom's Park President, Martin Lathrop. "The addition of Tony Hawk's Big Spin promises to offer enjoyment for kids, teens and adults alike. It is an excellent compliment to our unique ability to offer a wide variety of Land, Sea and Sky experiences."

Designed exclusively for Six Flags Discovery Kingdom by Gerstlauer GmbH of Germany, Tony Hawk's Big Spin will stand 53 feet tall, travel at speeds exceeding 35 m.p.h. and feature more than 1,351 feet of twisted steel track. At a cost of $6.5 million, the ride will be the first major all-ages attraction to be introduced at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom since 2003 and will be the Park's eighth roller coaster. Construction is set to begin in the coming months and those interested in following the ride's construction process can stay up-to-date by visiting sixflags.com/discoverykingdom (http://www.sixflags.com/discoveryKingdom/index.aspx).

"Tony Hawk's Big Spin is just one of the many exciting attractions that await our guests for the 2008 season," Lathrop said. "We're confident this exciting new addition will further solidify Six Flags Discovery Kingdom's position as the top entertainment destination for families in Northern California."

Now is the best time to become part of the adventure with a 2008 Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Season Pass. For just $69.99 each, guests can enjoy the best entertainment value around. Those who purchase a 2008 Season Pass not only get the chance to be among the first to experience Tony Hawk's Big Spin next spring, but also enjoy the rest of the 2007 season with events such as Fright Fest and the all-new Holiday in the Park. To order a Season Pass or to get more information regarding the Park's exciting 2008 season, visit sixflags.com/discoverykingdom (http://www.sixflags.com/discoveryKingdom/index.aspx) or call 707-643-ORCA.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom offers 135 acres of fun and interactive Land, Sea and Sky experiences for guests of all ages to enjoy. From more than 35 interactive and educational animal attractions, sensational shows from Shouka the killer whale to Odin the white Bengal tiger, 44 rides that range from the best roller coasters in Northern California to the most family-friendly rides and the opportunity to meet the JUSTICE LEAGUE Super Heroes and the loveable
LOONEY TUNES characters, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is the ultimate
family-entertainment destination!

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is located in Vallejo, California, off Interstate 80, just 30 miles northeast of San Francisco, 50 miles southwest of Sacramento and near the Napa Valley Wine Country.

Six Flags, Inc. is the world's largest regional theme park company. Founded in 1961, Six Flags celebrated its 45th Anniversary in 2006. Six Flags, Inc. is a publicly-traded corporation (NYSE: SIX) headquartered in New York City.



http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p13/RCMTHEii/Tony%20Hawks%20Big%20Spin/db_2008_TonyHawk_art1_6001.jpg


This new coaster will have the same layout as the Tony Hawk's Big Spin roller coaster currently opperating at both Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Six Flags St. Louis. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom's Tony Hawk's Big Spin will be constructed where Zonga used to sit, which is part of the park's "Air" section. It is not known if THBS will be placed on top of Zonga's cement pad or if the cement pad will be completely taken out for the new coaster. The THBS coaster going in at Six Flags Over Texas will have cameras that will take on ride videos of riders, much like Sierra Sidewinder at Knott's Berry Farm, so this THBS may also have the same feature. It is assumed that construction on THBS will start after Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park are over, because Zonga's cement pad is currently being used as a storage area for the decorations for both events.

[-Drop Zone-]

Sounds like a great addition to the park, they need a good family coaster..

[p0tat0]

Small, compact, cheap coaster. The park doesn't get that crowded so it's nothing to be worried about with capacity. This does seem like a new craze because of the small design that everyone can ride.

[Sam]

I'm glad that the park is finally getting a new coaster. Zonga was a huge letdown and I was not surprised it didn't last. I just wish they would theme this coaster to fit the park's theme better.

[-Drop Zone-]

^ But if your think about it, does V2 really fit with the theme?

[Airtime&Gravity]

Great coaster for what appears to be a great park. The one at SFSTL is a lot of fun, and this one will be great for the kids or the thrill seekers.

[Zonga]

^ But if your think about it, does V2 really fit with the theme?

But V2 was built before the park was revamped. I think everyone was expecting that a new coaster would have a "discovery" theme: animals, etc.

What this really shows though is that they are not just about animals. The whole switch to Discovery Kingdom was to get away from the stereotype that they were just an animal park. With the addition of Tony Hawk, it's obvious that they are not really going to try to stick with a theme for that particular area. Zonga's old location is technically in the "Sea" area.

[R.C.]

^It's really in both the "Sky" and "Land" areas. This is part of the reason I wasn't so crazy about the different areas when they announced it. The only area that is all in one big place is the "Land" area, both the "Sea" and "Land" areas are mingled together.


I'm looking forward to seeing the construction of this coaster. It will be nice to finally have something major happening during the off season and it will fill out the front of the park again.

[John]

Seems like a fun ride.

I must admit, as great as I think it is that Six Flags Magic Mountain has all these "XTREME" rides, I am jealous that we don't have rides like this. ;)

[Tom]

I am not a fan of the Tony Hawk theme, I think it is stupid. If this coaster were to come out about 8 years ago, everyone would eat it up, but how long has he been retired for now?

[-Drop Zone-]

^ I had no clue that he's retired

[Jeff]

I don't like this idea. What will they do next come up with a Halo ride?!? lol. C'mon now coasters can't be everything. Although it does like like a fun ride, bet Sidewinder beats it by 10.

[Arez]

What you just said makes absolutely no sense at all...

A roller coaster can be 'anything'. Any theme, name, etc. It can be anything that a park thinks will appeal to their market, and I don't know about you, but a ton of little kids love to skateboard, and idolize Mr. Hawk.

-Alex

[IntaminFan007]

I wonder how much they paid Tony Hawk to have his name copyrighted into there...lol

[Jeff]

What you just said makes absolutely no sense at all...

A roller coaster can be 'anything'. Any theme, name, etc. It can be anything that a park thinks will appeal to their market, and I don't know about you, but a ton of little kids love to skateboard, and idolize Mr. Hawk.

-Alex

Just try to justify your statement. Why turn stuff into coasters? Each one should have it's own unique name instead of getting it from other stuff. And what does having little kids LOVE to skateboard have anything to do with it? What will they build next? ..a Burger King coaster?!? It will make the coaster industry doobius if they randomly started making things into coasters..

[Jake]

Again, that made absolutely no sense at all.

Yes a coaster can be anything. Especially when it makes a park a butt load of money. Think about it, how many little Tony Hawk fanboys are going to run up to their mommy's and daddy's begging to go ride the Tony Hawk coaster. Therefore, if building a Burger King coaster would make the park money, they would do it.

[jolash]

It's all marketing. Tony Hawk is probably the most recognized name in all of extreme sports. Slap that on a coaster, and it immediately catches guests' attention.

[vekoma9]

I'm happy for Six Flags Discovery Kingdom actually adding a coaster. I just wished it was a Euro Fighter instead. With the Tony Hawk theme it totaly tears the park out of porportion. I mean yeah V2 isn't appealing either. You would think after re-painting it, the management would change the name. Still the Tony Hawk coaster is really odd to have at a Discovery Kingdom park. I guess that they add skate boarding to being a discovery and I understand that.

I just want to find out when media day is.

[Comet]

Perfect coaster...awful theme.

[Arez]

Why does everyone hate the theme?..It's perfect for a family coaster. It's not really themed to 'Tony Hawk', just mainly skate boarding, which kids love.

-Alex

[Sam]

^Skateboarding and animals don't really mix. That is why some of us (especially from Nor Cal) aren't too excited about the theme.

[jolash]

It seems like a theme that simply doesn't mesh with the rest of the park... or even any park for that matter.

But again, the fact that his name is on it is instant hype for the ride.

[disneylhand]

The name of the park is Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.
A ride involving skateboarding isn't, IMO, that 'random' and doesn't deserve all these complaints.

-disneylhand

[R.C.]

The reason so many people have a problem with the Tony Hawk theme is that we expected more out of SFDK, with the name change and new theme for the whole park. SFDK isn't just another Six Flags park, so we expected a better fitting theme for this coaster.

Unfortunately, the only roller coaster that is currently at SFDK with a unique name is Kong, all of the others share their name with other SF coasters. Zonga was unique, but now it's gone. I kind of figured that the coaster that took it's place would also have a unique theme, but it won't, oh well.

Really, I'm just glad SFDK is finally getting a new coaster!

[Zonga]

Yea, seems like we all had REALLY high expectations around the new coaster. I'm sure it will all work out though. That whole part of the park is pretty very bland though, just a midway. Hopefully the new coaster will make that area nicer.

[Jeff]

Why does everyone hate the theme?..It's perfect for a family coaster. It's not really themed to 'Tony Hawk', just mainly skate boarding, which kids love.

-Alex

Lmao.. it's not that we hate the theme. Coaster CAN be ANYTHING, but not everything... I think it was a bright idea for this ride.

[disneylhand]

Jeff, you have posted the same words just mixed around many times, and I have yet to understand a single one.

-disneylhand

[Jake]

^ Amen...

I love the Tony Hawk theme...just not at SFDK. It just..doesn't fit with the rest of the park. And unless things have changed since I lived in Nor Cal, skateboarding isn't "cool" anymore.

[jolash]

I don't like this idea. What will they do next come up with a Halo ride?!? lol. C'mon now coasters can't be everything. Although it does like like a fun ride, bet Sidewinder beats it by 10.


This is an older post, but I could actually see a Halo coaster. With the outrageous success of the games, and with a simultaneous launch with the movie (yes, there's a Halo movie coming), a coaster could be a great addition to a park. The series also boasts a great sci-fi theme; well-suited for a coaster.

[Jeff]

This is an older post, but I could actually see a Halo coaster. With the outrageous success of the games, and with a simultaneous launch with the movie (yes, there's a Halo movie coming), a coaster could be a great addition to a park. The series also boasts a great sci-fi theme; well-suited for a coaster.

First of all, Halo would have nothing to do with a Sci-Fi theme, second.. there is'nt a movie coming out, it was just a rumor. And last, coasters can't be everything but can be anything. Sorry if I confused anyone, but I meant I don't like the idea of coasters being everything(not that they will) but this specific one is a good idea.

[Tom]

^Correction it IS going to be a movie. It is, as of right now, slated to come out in 2009. Halo would be a good ride, and whichever company gets exclusive rights to it, I can see a "Halo Land" section of a park, or even a possible retheme of an entire park to Halo.

And yes a coaster can be everything. I mean a name/theme is what marketing teams work on. They do test markets, see what appeals, what doesn't and they go from there. So say something as THBS didn't get the amount of people they had hoped they would have to research some more and then try again. Coaster names are all marketing.

[jolash]

First of all, Halo would have nothing to do with a Sci-Fi theme, second.. there is'nt a movie coming out, it was just a rumor. And last, coasters can't be everything but can be anything. Sorry if I confused anyone, but I meant I don't like the idea of coasters being everything(not that they will) but this specific one is a good idea.

I know we're getting horribly off-topic now but... did you just say that Halo is not sci-fi? :eek:

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

Two whole pages of people complaining about themes...

It's going to be Tony Hawk's Big Spin regardless, so instead of whining, why not ask yourselves 'what are the positives?'

[Michael]

^Correction it IS going to be a movie. It is, as of right now, slated to come out in 2009.

I have to correct this so sorry :rolleyes:

Look at Bungie's site, it officially states the movie has been canceled, for good.

But back on topic ;)

[The Storm Runner]

Do you think that eventually all the parks will have the same coasters? If they keep doing clones, and they all are the same, people wouldn't want to go to the other parks cause they've already ridden everything? People who just went to SFSL to ride Tony Hawk will want to go to SFFT just to ride Tony Hawk? Or do you think Six Flags just wants to attract the people in that general area?

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

Do you think that eventually all the parks will have the same coasters? If they keep doing clones, and they all are the same, people wouldn't want to go to the other parks cause they've already ridden everything? People who just went to SFSL to ride Tony Hawk will want to go to SFFT just to ride Tony Hawk? Or do you think Six Flags just wants to attract the people in that general area?
No offense to any outside enthusiast(s) reading this, but I think most GP are ignorant enough to not know that rides like B:TR are different from one-another...despite the theme. Generally speaking, SF's parks are more of a 'regional' destination. No one in Chicago is driving to Six Flags St. Louis, they're headed to Six Flags Great America instead. This reason is why clones have been a success to their franchise.

[Mike T]

Its all about promoting the image of a "Daycation", rather than nationally recognized attractions such as Space Mountain. The only reason you know there are more than one is because you look for it, rather than normal people who don't put an emphasis of the Amusement Industry into their everyday lives.

[jolash]

Look at Bungie's site, it officially states the movie has been canceled, for good.


http://imdb.com/title/tt0464037/

Fox has purchased filming rights and says the project will go on


Sorry, but really, let's get on topic now :rolleyes:

[p0tat0]

Status Updated:

5 July 2007 ^^Agreed. Anything that brings in more income is great for the owners

[adioloco]

Anyways, Im not really complaining about the theme, because I mean what does V2, Medusa and Boomerang have to do with animals aswell?
Well maybe Medusa a little.
As for Kong, it really doesn't have a theme...

[Zonga]

Like I've said before, that was before the name change. Everyone seemed to think that now with a new identity, they'd go with a more animal theme. Or discovery, or adventure, etc.

[rollercoasterfreak91]

im just happy that theyre getting a new coaster at all. The theme could be worse, I guess. I mean, what if they themed it after britney speras or something? UGGGHHH!! i would like not even want the coaster credit. akateboarding does fit with the sky theme. well, sometimes a skateboard is in the sky...

[Michael]

^ I wouldn't mind that at all ;)

j/k j/k j/k

[Sam]

Here is the layout posted by screamscape of the coaster.

http://www.screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_SpinningCoaster_380_web1.jpg

[Arez]

Looks like a fun layout, can't wait to ride it. Does anyone know how construction is coming along?

-Alex

[Sam]

I'm going to the park on Saturday. I'll let you know when I get back. ;)

[rollercoasterfreek]

I'm looking forward to it since I will be there next season.

[Voyage100]

Go Tony Hawk Big Spin! To make more bigger blast for all riders. So good choice for SFDK so they can attract all people no matter how old, young, big, or small.

[rollercoasterfreak91]

http://www.gerstlauer-rides.de/Images/refer/2007/R07_SC_Bonb01g.jpg
http://www.gerstlauer-rides.de/Images/refer/2007/R07_SC_Bonb02g.jpg
http://www.gerstlauer-rides.de/Images/refer/2007/R07_SC_Bonb03g.jpg
A few pictures of the other model of this ride. Looks like its reversed, but I have to say I'm really looking forward to this.

[Sam]

Mirror images are always nice. It makes me wonder why we haven't seen any mirror image Boomerangs or SLCs. ;)

[Comet]

Oh.
I got excited for a second and thought Discovery Kingdom's would have a different color scheme then the other ones...then I saw it was from Bonbon-Land :(

[Sam]

I'm going to the park later today. I'll bring back an update on how construction is going if it has started.

[Zonga]

Hopefully they've started. Last time I was there, absolutely nothing had been done, no track, etc. With this late start on construction, hopefully we won't see another really late opening of an attraction like Thomas Town.

[Comet]

Well considering they're getting the portable version...
It won't take long to get up once they get started.

[rollercoasterfreak91]

http://cache.rcdb.com/pictures/picmax/p8473.jpg
Here's another thing of what to expect in terms of layout, this one isn't reversed, but the color scheme is wrong. This is from a park in Japan, and you can tell the SF one will NOT turn out like it did: (even though I wish it would)
http://cache.rcdb.com/pictures/picmax/p10949.jpg
(Can anyone tell I'm excited to have a new ride at SFDK?:D)

[R.C.]

^ I wish THBS was going to be themed that extensively.

Sam, how was your trip? Did you see any signs of THBS construction?

[Sam]

^ http://www.rollercoasterpro.com/community/showthread.php?t=415

[R.C.]

Yeah I saw it after I asked you about it. I just never got back to change my post. Thanks though.

[rollercoasterfreak91]

Anybody been to SFDK lately to check up on if they've started yet? Last I heard Zonga's station was repainted but that's it. Any news?

[Sam]

This picture, taken by my friend Adam, should interest you.

http://a238.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/116/l_47b9d2c8bdb4b6de2b0b51f16b7dde1d.jpg


More construction pictures here:
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=152594370&albumId=2452817

[JD71]

http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/?p=1402
To go along with the new coaster, SFDK is adding a skate park.

Never saw it coming...

[thatdancingbear]

So can anyone go in and skate?

I would, but hopefully we wont have to use those crappy scooters...

[R.C.]

No, according to the LA Times article you have to use the Fuzion Skateboard-Scooters...


Riders wearing helmets and safety pads will be able to test-drive Fuzion scooter-skateboards on the 50-by-70-foot skate park for up to 15 minutes.

I wonder where they are putting this thing? I just don't know where there is any extra room for this thing, unless they are somehow putting it in Zonga's old spot with Tony Hawks Big Spin.

[thatdancingbear]

How many people will they let in? What about the six year olds who want to play too?

Im interested in seeing how this thing works out...

[rollercoasterfreak91]

I don't think it'll work very well. The little kids will drive the older kids crazy, and vice versa. And all the teenagers will practically refuse to wear pads, and then talk to their friends about the 'stupid small skate park where you have to wear pads even though you can't possibly get hurt.' I don't know if it will go that bad, but I don't think this will work out too well, and I see it leaving within 2 seasons.

[thatdancingbear]

^After the first kid falls and busts his face open, its not really in the park's interest to keep it. That will make it to the media, but kid's fall all the time at a regular public skate parks...

[Sam]

They now have a construction page up for the ride. It looks like the ride is being built at the factory to be painted and tested before coming overseas. This looks as if once the track arrives next month that the ride will be ready in no time at all!

http://www.sixflags.com/discoveryKingdom/rides/ConstructionPhotos.aspx

[R.C.]

^Yeah I saw that. I wonder why they are doing that, but I think it will be a good thing, because if there are any problems, they can fix them right there at the factory. I'm actually surprised that SFDK posted those pictures.

By the way, according the Coasterdom podcast "The Kevin and Nate Show" SFDK will be getting a Johnny Rockets this year. I wonder where it will be going?

[rollercoasterfreak91]

Sure sounds like they'll have to hurry on THBS. They have to build, paint, test, deconstruct, transport, rebuild, test, and theme it all within a couple months. Good thing it's a portable model.

[Zonga]

By the way, according the Coasterdom podcast "The Kevin and Nate Show" SFDK will be getting a Johnny Rockets this year. I wonder where it will be going?

I do believe the eatery that is next to Taz will be converted to Johnny Rockets.

[R.C.]

^That should be a good spot for it. It won't necessarily fit in like the old food place does, but it should get a lot of people passing by it there.

[mitchellPAUL]

I know this is for the Tony Hawk in California, but does anyone know about the opening date for Tony Hawk at SFOT? I'm going out there next Friday and wanna know if it's anywhere near completion?

[Xtreme Descent]

^The park's official website says it'll open in Spring 2008. They have construction photos, but the most recent ones are from last month, and they don't show any track in place.

[rollercoasterfreak91]

OK, this isn't about TH, but it's the best place I could find to put it. Has anyone noticed that all the rides at SFDK have gotten nice shiny new paint schemes, except Kong? Kong, In my opinion, needed it the most, definetely more than Boomerang, ehich you can barely see until you're in the park. *starts rumor* I think that we might see some thing replacing Kong in the next few years. Does anyone have any other explanation?

[R.C.]

Actually, Boomerang did need the paint more, because Kong has been painted since it has been at SFDK, Boomerang hadn't. I do think that Kong needs to be repainted and I think it will get it in the next couple of years, if it doesn't happen this season....

I really don't think we'll see Kong leaving the park anytime soon. Every time I go to SFDK Kong has a pretty good sized line through out the whole day, it can be longer than Medusa's line sometimes. Kong's trains have been struggling lately, but I think that those problems should be dealt with now.

[Sam]

^It's time they get those new trains like at Morey's Piers. Maybe then I won't get bloody ears as a result of riding. :biggrin:

And yes, Boomerang really needed the new paint more than Kong, but when I was there a few months ago, Kong was starting to look pretty bad. The paint was literally falling off. Just see for yourself in this picture from my Holiday in the Park update. (http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/5596/1000047ok5.jpg) I didn't get a picture of it, but there were many orange paint chips on the station floor too. :blink:

The long lines on Kong are usually the result of one train operation. Bad operations. I (along with you rollercoasterfreak91) would really like to see this coaster replaced with something decent sometime soon.


Back on topic to THBS.

[Zonga]

Just a couple of notes from the past couple of weekends:

- All coasters are up and running.
- Johnny Rockets is open.
- Both of the water rides are open.
- Two train operation at Medusa even though some trains have been going out half empty.
- Six Flags TV has been added to Medusa, Kong, Roar, season pass processing, and by Shouka Stadium. It should be pretty cool once the lines get a bit longer during the summer.
- Tony Hawk should start construction once April rolls around.
- Guitar Hero contest is now running between now and March 28th, sign ups are at 3:30 every day.

And of course the park is now open daily for spring break, 10:30 AM to 7 PM.

[RollermanDan]

I was just up there on Sunday and will have an update sometime within the next day.

[Sam]

Track and supports have finally arrived!

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/copy_of_imgp0379_791.jpg

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/imgp0380_204.jpg

[R.C.]

Sweet. Now it has a really good chance of opening by Memorial Day weekend or maybe sooner. I'm just glad to see some more progress on this coaster. Thanks for finding those pictures Sam!

[Voyage100]

I've always had a feeling like, adding Tony Hawk's Big Spin at some Six Flags theme park, could be kind of a best bet to attract so many people, no matter how old or young they are.

[Michael]

^ Yeah you've got a good point. Family attractions are awlays big winners at theme parks. They bring in ton of revenue also :smile:

[sirloin]

Awlays? That's what I say whenever the only chips left in this house belong to that previously-mentioned brand instead of Utz.

Duh-duh-ching!

I must say, the Tony Hawk theme fits in so well with these types of rides, and on top of that, these rides are ridiculously fun. It's one of those instances where name recognition has a bonus effect by working well with the ride style in and of itself.

[Sam]

Theme Park Village posted a great update showing off the ride. It looks really great since the vertical construction is nearing completion!

http://themeparkvillage.com/index.php/parkupdates/six-flags-discovery-kingdom-may-01-2008.html

[Steelinwood]

What is it with Six Flags and off the shelf coasters?

[The Storm Runner]

^They're cheaper to make because they're clones; they have the same design. It's a lot cheaper than making a custom-layout coaster. Six Flags is still in a financial pit, so it's smart for them.

[Sam]

I'm just glad the park is getting a new coaster. :cool1:

Their last new coaster was a complete failure in terms of operations, and that was five years ago. Their newest operating coaster is V2 which opened seven years ago.


Although the park may be full of clones, I still find the rides at SFDK much more enjoyable than those down at CGA.

[coastermatt]

Dang, that was quick! Looks great.

[Aahz]

Greetings, folx!

I was out at SFDK with my daughter, Z, last weekend and took a bunch of pics of TH. Would have posted them sooner, but spent the week going out to South Carolina for the opening of Hard Rock Park :D

I'm not much of a photographer, but what I lack in quality I try to make up for in quantity ;) The first group is through the fence upon walking up to the park from the parking lot, the second half is from the queue for Roar.

Here's everything I've got...

http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257044.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257044&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257048.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257048&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257052.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257052&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257060.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257060&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257069.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257069&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257078.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257078&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257081.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257081&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257086.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257086&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257097.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257097&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257103.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257103&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257119.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257119&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257135.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257135&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257144.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257144&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257158.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257158&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257170.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257170&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257301.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257301&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257332.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257332&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257344.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257344&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257357.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257357&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257367.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257367&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257381.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257381&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257390.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257390&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257397.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257397&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257411.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257411&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257441.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257441&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257443.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257443&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008257461.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8257461&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008259484.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8259484&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008259485.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8259485&owner=Aahz) http://www.shareapic.net/preview3/008259487.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/content.php?id=8259487&owner=Aahz)

Z and I will be back on May 23rd for the grand opening - definitely for nighttime ERT, possibly at park opening (need X's permission to take Z outta school).

www.rollercoasterpro.com/updates/sfdk05.11.08

[Jake]

Great pictures, Y! (Sticking with the variable theme).

Tony Hawk looks like a solid addition to the park, although I'm still not sold on the theme.

[Aahz]

Great pictures, Y! (Sticking with the variable theme).

Tony Hawk looks like a solid addition to the park, although I'm still not sold on the theme.

Thanx. The variables are actually an ironic bit of reality - my daughter's name starts with Z (and since it's a unique name and she's a young girl I prefer not to use it online) while I got in the habit of simply calling my ex-wife X when I blogged since it's easier :)

Given the general lack of theming throughout most of SFDK I don't see Tony Hawk as 'Sky' to be any more of a stretch than anything else. But I'm just looking forward to the ride.

[Zonga]

Z and I will be back on May 23rd for the grand opening - definitely for nighttime ERT, possibly at park opening (need X's permission to take Z outta school).

Sounds good to me! I'll probably be there that night as well passing out the Coasters After Dark wristbands. It shall be a tiring weekend!

-Eric

[Sam]

Sounds good to me! I'll probably be there that night as well passing out the Coasters After Dark wristbands. It shall be a tiring weekend!

-Eric
See ya next week, and again in two weeks! :smile:



I went to the park this afternoon today to get my 2008 season pass processed, so here are some pictures of the new ride. It actually looks bigger in person than in photos.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg208/sfjohnson3000/100_0157.jpg
Looking at you through the fence...

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg208/sfjohnson3000/100_0158.jpg
Stationage

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg208/sfjohnson3000/100_0159.jpg
Behind this tangle of track are the trains still in their shrink-wrap.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg208/sfjohnson3000/100_0160.jpg
Could this be a new signature shot?

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg208/sfjohnson3000/100_0162.jpg
Look at the bottom of this picture and you will see this is indeed a parking lot coaster. In fact, every major coaster at SFDK with the exception of Boomerang is a parking lot coaster. They just did a good job at hiding it unlike a certain Six Flags park down south. Now I know what you're thinking, there is still plenty of old parking lot underneath Medusa, but at least they themed the station and queue.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg208/sfjohnson3000/100_0174.jpg
This will be more than just credit #62 for me.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg208/sfjohnson3000/100_0175.jpg
View from Roar's queue.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg208/sfjohnson3000/100_0176.jpg
Obviously, much work has been done in the Tony Hawk area.


I will be back next Sunday with my friend who will be visiting from out of state, and again on Friday May 23 for the opening of the new coaster!



I will post a general photo park update later.

[rollercoasterfreak91]

Looks good. What's that thing across the final break run though? I'm just bummed that I have a season pass but can't get a ride from Sacto to SFDK for Coasters After Dark.

[Sam]

Looks good. What's that thing across the final break run though? I'm just bummed that I have a season pass but can't get a ride from Sacto to SFDK for Coasters After Dark.
I'm pretty sure that will be the exit ramp.

[Brandon]

Nice update Sam! I gotta say, although SFDK's Big Spin is a parking lot coaster, it kinda fits the whole theme of a Tony Hawk coaster. It is a shame though that SFDK wont be adding any halfpipe props and the like that have shown up on the other THBS coasters. I look forward to seeing your THBS opening PTR, as well as your general park PTR!

[rollercoasterfreak91]

I was lucky enough to catch the first test run ever of THBS. I've uploaded a video here (http://www.freewebs.com/bigspinsfdk/information.htm), since youtube takes a few hours to upload. It looks good, even though it doesn't spin as much as I hoped. It still looks fun though, and I hope to ride it sometime.

[rollercoasterfreak91]

I have a question about SFDK, and I want to know if anyone knows the answer. Every time that I've been there, Roar has been running one train, and there's no train on the transfer. Where is the other train? Anybody know? Also, is anybody in South Sac able to give me a ride after school to SFDK for Coasters after Dark?

[R.C.]

Usually, especially during the summer, Roar is running two trains. I believe that right now Roar's second train is in rehab, but I don't know for sure.

It's actually rare for me to be at the park and to have Roar only running one train. Most of the time when I'm there it is running both trains, and if it's not the other train is on the transfer track.

[rollercoasterfreak91]

Strange. I don't think I've ever seen it with 2 trains on the track. Then again, I usually visit spring and fall.

[Sam]

I saw the other train on the transfer track when I rode it on Sunday. They have apparently painted the brown train so now it is orange too.

[rollercoasterfreak91]

Well, they must have put it back on between Friday and Sunday. Hopefully the next time I go it'll be 2 train op.

[Zonga]

Tony Hawk's Big Spin opens tomorrow! Here are a few photos I took today:

http://themeparkvillage.com/images/parkupdates/sfdk/052208/tonyhawkopening01.jpg
^ The large sign and video screen are up and running. You can also see that there is some landscaping around the entrance.

http://themeparkvillage.com/images/parkupdates/sfdk/052208/tonyhawkopening05.jpg
^ Zonga's old station is now home to the bulk of the queue. These neat displays feature Tony Hawk history and facts.

http://themeparkvillage.com/images/parkupdates/sfdk/052208/tonyhawkopening06.jpg
^ Food Network star Guy Fieri was one of the first riders on Tony Hawk's Big Spin.

http://themeparkvillage.com/images/parkupdates/sfdk/052208/tonyhawkopening07.jpg
^ A view from the queue. The cars really get spinning in the upper switchbacks and helices when the weight isn't evenly distributed.

http://themeparkvillage.com/images/parkupdates/sfdk/052208/tonyhawkopening08.jpg
^ Riders ascending the lift.

http://themeparkvillage.com/images/parkupdates/sfdk/052208/tonyhawkopening12.jpg
^ Everyone approved of Tony Hawk's Big Spin!


Overall I really enjoyed the ride. It's a very solid addition and a family ride that the park really needed. Now there is even more to do for those families with kids that aren't quite ready for Medusa or V2. The spinning action on the ride is fairly tame, but can get intense with an uneven load. When I rode with nobody else, the car was really spinning.

Tony Hawk's Big Spin fits perfectly with this park. It is so great to have a ride at the front of the park that is actually fun!


You can check out the rest of the photos here. (http://themeparkvillage.com/index.php/parkupdates/sfdk052208.html)

[rollercoasterfreak91]

It looks great. They really themed it a lot better than I expected. But why would a Food Network guy be there? Skateboarding and food? What?

[Miller Lite]

What a great addition to the park! It's not a real "thrill" ride but it gets the job done in the fun catagory. I love it. 7/10