Welcome to the sixth edition of my new blog series, the Trick Track. In this series I will be discussing little nuggets of industry-related items...anything from my thoughts on News stories, to new ride openings, quick ride reviews, industry innovations, construction progress, pretty much anything industry related that pops into my head.

Cedar Point Wing Rider

Most amusement enthusiasts have heard by now the “memo” from Cedar Point discussing their new $25 million B&M Wing Rider for 2013. Though park and Cedar Fair officials have yet to confirm or deny (or comment any further) on the memo, which was brought to light by the Sandusky Register, it seems like a strong possibility. The price tag is about right, the company would fit Cedar Fairs recent trend after finishing its contract with Intamin, and it’d be about time for Cedar Point to add their first big coaster since Maverick.

And why not try and break the records they are trying with it? If you’re going to make a coaster the “longest, tallest, etc” of its type, best to do it when there aren’t a lot around yet, then you don’t have to go quite so big (i.e. trying to build the new tallest or fastest coaster period). Everything about this just seems like it would fit well into the “coaster capital’s” plans and the park.

Along with the additional ride, the park would be losing its skytower attraction and Disaster Transport. With the addition of the WindSeeker on the “beach” area of Cedar Point near Wicked Twister, it’s perhaps redundant to have two rides which provide “panoramic views” in one place. And Disaster Transport, can’t say I’m surprised. I rode it once about 10 years ago when I went, and it was honestly one of the least enjoyable coasters I’ve ever been on. It could have been the fact that it was pitch dark, no effects of any sort, or perhaps it was the fact that I was small and being tossed around in the car a bit, which when you can’t see what’s coming or where anything is, it’s pretty terrifying. Plus, it’s not a terribly common ride, meaning parts are likely hard to come by, and it’s just getting a bit old and out-dated, time to replace it. Removal of these attractions would certainly open up a lot of real estate for the proposed coaster.

SeaWorld vs. OSHA

A battle that has been raging between SeaWorld and OSHA since the death of trainer Dawn Brancheau in February 2010, when the parks biggest killer whale, Tilikum, pulled her under water and she drowned. Since that time, SeaWorld and its trainers have been fighting not only to keep the Shamu show alive, but to allow trainers to continue to go in the water with them during shows. Just recently though, OSHA announced that it was upholding a ruling which would require a physical barrier between trainers and “huge marine predators” to provide some level of safety.

This means that trainers will no longer be allowed in the water with the killer whales during live performances, hurting the show in several ways. First, interacting with the whales allowed for some spectacular “stunts” to be performed, such as trainers riding the nose of the whale and being launched up and out of the water. Second, and more importantly, the show loses that personal touch and sentiment, and the heart-warming moments when “killer” whale and trainer would unite in a love and respect of one antoher…something that helped provide such a strong love for the whales.

What’s even more interesting is that while OSHA ruled this “physical barrier” rule for public performances, there is no concession for training the whales, which will presumably resume as always. OSHA seems to be proving a bit hypocritical here by only doing this when the show is in public eyes…if you’re going to make a rule like that, should you not always enforce it? You do realize that dolphins in large groups could be far more dangerous than a killer whale right? Not to mention the fact that the trainers, the ones who are putting everything on the line, fought in SeaWorld’s favor against OSHA, but clearly their opinion doesn’t matter…

Skyrush

I must say, Skyrush is building up anticipation for me more than any other coaster for 2012. It started off as an intriguing rumor and announcement, but seemed to be a total bust when the intial promo videos and “on ride” recreation were shown. Then as construction progressed, more and more was revealed about the ride, the crossovers, the ground-hugging turns, the popping hills, the Stengel-esque curves, much different than the initial videos looked. Then we saw some overbanks appearing that were certainly not originally shown, it just kept looking better and better. The V-style trains were unveiled (though admittedly closer to B&M 4-across than V-seats), and it was soon time for testing. Initial tests looked good, but nothing to impressive, but as the ride was cranked up, loaded with dummies, and broken in slightly, it was up to full gallop…and what a gallop! After seeing more test run videos, I am thoroughly impressed—the speed looks fantastic, and it looks like this thing will have not just any airtime, but ejector airtime. Heading to Hersheypark in just about a month’s time, you can bet I am highly anticipating this ride.