GaleForce receives new, improved train

Ocean City, New Jersey, USA

GaleForce, the beleaguered S&S triple launch coaster at Playland’s Castaway Cove on the Jersey Shore that was originally scheduled to open last year, has received a new train that features many improvements over its predecessor. The new train makes for a smoother ride thanks to the removal of the stadium style seating, relocation of the rear axle and a pivot joint between rows 2 and 3 that allows the third row to move independently from the front two.
Other improvements include larger wheels and a straight through rear axle that replaced the old one that worked off a central pivot point and caused the rear seats to bounce. Click the headline for more information

InvadR opens at Busch Gardens Willamsburg

Williamsburg, Virginia, USA

Busch Gardens Williamsburg opened InvadR, their new wooden terrain coaster, to the public today. The GCI (Great Coasters International) hybrid coaster is the park’s eight coaster and its first woodie. It’s designed with families in mind, but its 74 feet (22m) tall drop in a tunnel and nine airtime hills will thrill adrenaline junkies as well. The coaster is located in the New France village area and interacts with the nearby Le Scoot log flume and a section of the park’s railroad line. Click the headline for more information

9 Top Rated Things from IAAPA 2016

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo 2016 boasted a record breaking number of exhibitors and buyers. It was also record breaking for CoasterForce, with hundreds of likes and shares across our Facebook and Twitter. Click the headline to take a look at the nine most popular announcements from IAAPA as liked and shared by you, our lovely followers!

Intamin unveil new Zac Spin

IAAPA Expo, Orange County Convention Center, FL, USA

Intamin has revealed a new version of their Zac Spin coaster at the IAAPA Expo. The new model is configurable to allow three different seat layouts, controlled or free spinning options and a LSM launch out of the station. A Zac Spin is Intamin’s variation of a Forth Dimension coaster where riders free spin in cars positioned beside the track. Unlike the existing Zac Spin model where two pairs of riders sit back to back, an additional train allows for three different seat configurations depending on the park operators requirements. Riders can either face backwards, forwards or face to face.

Highlights from IAAPA 2016 – Day 2

IAAPA Expo, Orange County Convention Center, FL, USA

Highlights from the second day of the IAAPA Expo 2016 at the Orange County Convention Center included a new go-kart track to built in Florida, new Motion Theater rides from Simworx and Dynamic Attractions, Brass Ring Award winners and news of a record breaking attendance figures!

Highlights from IAAPA 2016 – Day 1

IAAPA Expo, Orange County Convention Center, FL, USA

Theme and amusement park owners from all over the world have gathered in Orlando for the annual IAAPA Attractions Expo. Highlights from Day 1 include unveilings for the new Wave Breaker coaster trains at SeaWorld San Antonio, InvadR coaster trains for Busch Gardens Williamsburg, a new coaster type from Mack, Triotech announced three new rides, S&S unveiled a new family inverted coaster and Zamperla celebrated their 50th anniversary. Click the headline for a full round-up!

East Coast(er) General test rides GaleForce

Playland’s Castaway Cove, New Jersey, USA

Our own East Coast(er) General was invited to test ride GaleForce at Playland’s Castaway Cove. The S&S triple launch prototype coaster has had issues that set its opening back until next spring due to track alignment.

A 30 foot section of track that leads back into the station could not be lined up correctly with the dual launch stators and a new piece of track is currently being manufactured at the plant in Italy.

East Coast(er) General described the coaster as nothing like he’s experienced before, that has “a fantastic launch, a great drop and pacing, as well as a fun element” that reminds him of a Norwegian Loop.

First GhosterForce in Europe!

Various parks in the Netherlands & Germany

For the first time in 13 years, CoasterForce held their signature Halloween event, GhosterForce, outside of the UK. Twenty four CoasterForce members headed to Walibi Holland, Toverland, Phantasialand and Efteling for four days of theme park fun. The group enjoyed exclusive ride time on Baron 1898 and Joris en de Draak at Efteling, a complimentary and awesome scare maze – Jefferson Manor – at Walibi Holland and a hour riding the new-for-2016 Taron roller coaster at Phantasialand! All attendees obtained reduced entry prices and managed to ride all of the coasters at every park! CoasterForce social media manager Ben Fry also rode his 1,000th coaster making the trip extra special for him.

Dollywood Hosts Lightning Rod Media Day In Spite Of Delay

Dollywood, Pigeon Forge TN, USA

Dollywood went ahead with the scheduled Lightning Rod media event today in spite of the coaster’s delayed opening announced last week. Dolly Parton made an appearance to welcome guests for the 2016 season, answer questions from select members of the media and perform a musical number.

The park also confirmed that the delay is due to safety and optimal performance concerns from Rocky Mountain Construction, the ride’s manufacturer, surrounding the world’s first launched wooden coaster.