Attraction Source Forum

Reading through Screamscape this morning, it seems that some plans have been uncovered for SeaWorld California's next coaster addition, which looks set to be a Mack Launched Coaster, with two launches. A sectional drawing of the train / track clearly shows a Blue Fire style train with a manta style stingray piece at the front of the train. It's not clear whether the coaster will have inversions, although it's quite likely.

It's about time some detail of another one of these coasters popped up.

Story and photos's in the link below.

http://screamscape.com/html/seaworld_california.htm

If it's half as good as Blue Fire they'll have a winner on their hands. I hope more parks buy those fantastic rides.

launch coasters seem to be the big thing at the moment

They have been since the early 00s, it's not a new thing, ever since Xcelerator opened, every park and their dog has been getting them.

As much as I don't believe a word Screamscape say, if the concept art and stuff are all genuine, then a new Mack launch can only be a good thing.

[quote=""screamspace.com""]2012 - New Coaster Attraction - In Development - (1/7/11) I received a strange e-mail today that contained a few very wonderful images that claim to be what SeaWorld California has in store for 2012. If I had to guess, it looks like the former 2010 coaster project that the park once had in development (Project: Abyss/ Project: Reef Runner) with Premier Rides has went in a new direction with a new company. Judging from the one drawing of the train itself and the indications of two separate launches on the layout drawings, I’d say without a doubt we are looking at the next Mack Launched Coaster. Though in this case, a much smaller sibling to the amazing BlueFire coaster system that premiered at Europa Park in 2009. It also looks like they’re adding a small little “Manta” style Sting Ray decoration piece to the front of the train, so at least we know the theme they are going for as well.
The layout has two clearly labeled launch zones, one right after the train turns to the right out of the station area, and the other about half way through the ride. I’m not sure if there are any inversions on this ride or not, though I see a spot that could be a zero-g roll or corkscrew possibly, though the old 2010 concept did not have any inversions. And like the old concept, I’m assuming that this new ride may feature both indoor and outdoor elements, but I’m not sure if they will attempt a splash-down effect at some point or not.
Looking back at the old artwork and layouts I had for the former coaster project, if we assume the park is still looking to locate this new coaster in the same basic location, I can plop down the layout drawing over an aerial picture of the park to get a pretty good idea of just about where the 2012 coaster project will be located. As before, putting the old empty ‘bowl’ site across from the Skyride to good use, as well as seeming to involve the demolition of the park’s very old former Japanese Village building, about the only thing remaining from the old Pearl Dive show from the 70’s to mid 80’s. The location of the nearby Forbidden Reef Ray and Eel caverns also fits right in with a Manta style theme as well. Of course this is all assumption that they are using the same site as the cancelled 2010 coaster project from Premier Rides, but given that these two projects share numerous design similarities, I’d say it’s a pretty good bet I’m on the right track. More as I dig it up and keep your eyes open in the park, as I assume they’ll have to begin construction on a project this size within the next 3-4 months to get it open in time for 2012.[/quote]
http://www.screamscape.com/html/seaworld_california.htm

Some pictures from the layout:

Beaten to it, there's a topic about this here Pedro. :P

didn't see it, sorry ^^

Merged discussion

Layout looks nice and twisty, full of airtime, but is that only one inversion? Would have expected more from a Mack launch with 2 launches, but oh well, it does look impressive.

Ohhhh yes! Finally one of the worlds great theme park brands is getting one of these beauties.

Delightful to ride.
Comfortable trains.
Unrivalled throughput.

This is an excellent move - and I so pleased there'll be 3 of these in the world come 2012.

Well done Mack!

here is an article from themeparktourist.com.

It gives more infos about the new Manta lauch coaster and a new concept art:

[quote=""themeparktourist.com""]Manta's first launch will be combined with a 270-degree screen which will use a cutting-edge projection system to immerse riders in the underwater world of the rays. Although riders will not actually get wet, the coaster will also pass over a water feature with effects being used to simulate "spraying" water.[/quote]
That launch could be amazing. Like a preshow, but much more immersive. Will be interesting to see how this compares to the larger, more exposed Blue Fire.

[quote=""AstroDan""]Ohhhh yes! Finally one of the worlds great theme park brands is getting one of these beauties.

Delightful to ride.
Comfortable trains.
Unrivalled throughput.

This is an excellent move - and I so pleased there'll be 3 of these in the world come 2012.

Well done Mack! [/quote]

Whats the throughput of Blue Fire?

I can imagine Rock 'n' Rollercoaster might pip it, if not then Space Mountain (DLP) certainly does. I chose those 2 as they're both launched coasters.

Seems like a great new addition to probably the weakest Sea World park

[quote=""Joelio""]Whats the throughput of Blue Fire?[/quote]
1720pph.

Yes, both Rock 'n' Rollercoaster (1800 pph) and Space Mountain (based on guess work as Space Moutain has a greater throughput than RnR) have better throughput compared to Blue Fire's capacity of 1720 pph - that's still not bad though.

Great to see a new Mack launched on the way though, although I'm not so sure on the layout at the moment, it'll probably grow on me. The 270 degree screen is very interesting, sounds like it could be more impressive than Manta's [s:d8ab9q9l]splash down[/s:d8ab9q9l] jet sprays.

Thats put to rest the unrivalled comment somewhat :P Pretty sure SM:M2 has a 2,400ph throughput.

I can't sniff at it though, and i'm not suggesting through brute force or ignorance that they get a Vekoma launch either :P

Its a weird layout, but I think it'll be a crowd pleaser.

The Mack system does have a lower throughput, but it's a far superior ride system to SMM2!

1,780, which is what Blue Fire offers, is still very respectable.

It may only be a crude NL video, but I think it looks immense, full of airtime, reminds me of Cheetah Hunt, and has a lot of Intamin about it, so I'm very impressed, and look forward to it, the idea of two launches looks like it could work well, it seems to fit into the flow of the ride well.

I am gutted there are no inversions. Blue Fire's inversions are stunning as the rider. The whole train just swoops you through them... and the lack of a heartline roll! Nooo!

I am surprised there are no inversions, but the sheer number of endless flowing s-hills should make up for it, especially if the concept art is repressentitive of the finished ride with the tunnels, bridges and midway turns.