Coney Islander Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 With all the rumors going around that our favorite Huss "Giant" Top Spin's years have been numbered, I find this thread as very appropriate. 1. If KI decided to keep the Crypt's building, but not the ride, what would you want or expect in the building? 2. If KI decides to demolish both, what would you think or expect in the land's future? 3. Does The Crypt, ride and theming, have any hope? ___________________________________ I personally don't believe the Crypt's near future is in danger. The ride is built by Huss, a company known to be fairly reliable, so I doubt that the rumors, 'the Crypt is tearing itself apart', are true. And with the information on The Crypt' being more popular than ever, what would be the reason of its removal? I personally think this is untrue... I rode on a very busy day at Haunt, and the Crypt had no one riding it... the line for the train's haunt attraction went far past The Crypt's little plaza, and (possibly because of the absentness of signage) no one even knew it existed. Nethertheless, if the Crypt is in fact getting removed, I could see a coaster similar to Mystery Mine going in the building. (With ample space for one or two haunt attractions, as well.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 You ARE kidding about HUSS, right? Delirium problems. MaXair problems. The waffle spin around thingy (Huss would want me to mention its name) at Six Flags New England's problems... HUSS reliable? Um....okay. If you say so... http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/200608/178/ And yeah, they were soooo reliable they went bankrupt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HTCO Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 I agree Terpy. I would say Crypt is not going to be around much longer... Will it go next off season? Maybe. The next? Maybe? Will we see it in 10 years? No. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coney Islander Posted February 21, 2010 Author Share Posted February 21, 2010 ^^ Huss went bankrupt? When did that happen...? The company still produces rides, right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 A successor company does: http://www.hussrides.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=117&Itemid=178 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dbfan Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 The building is too small for mystery mine.I think what would be good would be a log flume similar to the one at Universal Orlando. With the drop coming out near the top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 Oh...and the Topple Tower that almost never, ever operates at Dollywood? Whose ride was that? Huss. Yes, that's whose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 But to be fair, some of the older HUSS rides are reliable. Look no further than Shake Rattle and Roll/Troika (which is the rides model name). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 Yes, but that was a different time, and a different bunch of managers... On the other hand, how many HUSS Enterprises are still operating? A few, not many... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkroz Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 I, personally, enjoy the ride as it currently is (more than how it started off as The Crypt). The eight-flip cycle, to me, was far, far too forceful. Granted, it was the same (or, nearly the same) as the cycle used by Kings Dominion's Crypt (where I find the cycle to be quite enjoyable), but with the massive size of our gondola, it was simply exhausting. I physically felt drained afterwards, as did many of my friends, leaving me practically by myself for a second ride at the end of the day (I just love seeing the goddess, volcano, etc, so I do ride it quite often). The current cycle is very, very tame. Tomb Raider: The Ride was known as one of, if not the most tame cycle ever to be installed on a top spin, and our current Crypt has half the inversions that Tomb Raider had. However, here's some information that makes a lot of sense to me: 1) Cedar Fair came into ownership of easily the best themed attraction in Ohio. Easily. But, Cedar Fair doesn't do theming. Not on a grand scale at least. Sure, they can have some lanterns and Western music in Maverick's tunnel - but a ride like Tomb Raider was obviously going to be changed And even should some big money be set aside for something other than big new investments, a "washed up," operationally-stunted ride at Kings Island is unlikely to be the first priority. 2) Tomb Raider was "falling apart" in a way. It operated quite a while without its soundtrack, the lights were going off one by one without replacement, etc. so it's not as if Cedar Fair came into ownership of a fantastic ride and then removed all the lighting, etc. - the lighting that was left by Paramount is still in there! 3) Straight from his mouth, concerning the Giant Top Spin, "There's a reason it's the only one in the world." It started out with 77 seats, and due to the inability of the ride to operate very well, that was reduced to 56. Now, even the HUSS website displays the Giant Top Spin's capacity as 56, thereby sort of "admitting" that the 77 seat arrangement just didn't work out - in other words, even if a park were interested in a Giant Top Spin (don't know why they would be...) the biggest it comes is 56. 4) The water, rising door, and fog were removed because "it was one less thing to worry about." When the ride was barely operational at the end of its Tomb Raider days / beginning of The Crypt era, it was simply ridiculous to think that fountains would be a priority - think about it - each time the ride broke down or needed adjustments, the lava had to be drained to access the gondola's hardware. When the ride is breaking down everyday from an overly-stressful cycle, just turning the water off is a lot easier. Also, a lot of people lost things in the water and it became more trouble than it was worth in that regard. 5) According to what I gathered from the OD of Rivertown, Cedar Fair was required to change the theme of the ride to differentiate it from Tomb Raider - essentially, the ride could not relate to it former self - it couldn't be "adventurous" in the sense of the Tomb Raider franchise being about globetrotting and ancient treasures, it couldn't have to do with a fight between the elements, etc. Keeping that in mind, the idea of a crypt actually is quite smart, and I can't think of another way to retain as much as possible from the ride without having an adventurer theme. 6) The musical score added a whole new dimension to the ride. During the months that it was not functioning, the ride was really quite boring. Now that it doesn't actually have a real "score," the ride's weakness in the thrill area really shows. As I've mentioned, adding Kings Dominion's Crypt score would help alleviate this. 7) Don't forget, of course, that the front row of the gondola was removed to allow for the eight-flip, acrobatic program. Now, though, the ride operates a very tame two-flip program. Notably, this program likely could've been done back when the ride had 77 seats. In that train of thought, the ride's capacity was cut by one-third essentially for nothing. And trust 21 less people per cycle DOES make a difference on weekends and Halloween Haunt. All that being said, there might be a future for the ride. Who knows? Its cycle, today, leaves it operating much more often than ever before. Though it may be "boring," if a ride is working well and has ridership, there's no need to demolish it. So in that line of thinking, the first thing to do is to re-invigorate the Crypt's image - it's now a family ride, and ought to be advertised as such. The map, website, etc. touting it as a psychological experience and a level-5 thrill and a battle between the elements and a desperate escape... That's obviously going to leave riders disappointed. My ideas for the ride's future (if there is one): 1) Keep it running as it is now, advertise it as a family ride (maybe point out on the map, on a sign, etc. that the ride inverts twice - then people won't be disappointed) and install some fog machines. Even just having them poof out some fog every couple of the minutes or so would give the ride a more disorienting feel, especially with the currently-operating lights pulsating. Then (and I always mention this, so I must do it here) install Kings Dominion's Crypt soundtrack. It may not synch up to the ride, but it certainly doesn't synch up to Great America's Firefall, and yet it's in use there (despite the fact that that ride was never even remotely associated the Tomb Raider franchise, keeping in mind Cedar Fair is the one who installed that music there, not Paramount). 2) Let's not forget that, realistically, should Universal or Merlin or SP&E come into ownership of Kings Island, the Crypt will either be quickly removed, or quickly revamped into something fantastic - Whether it be The Mummy, Tomb Blasters, or something unique, some of the more notable companies could easily fix up the ride and give it a whole new identity very quickly, and not let it fall into disrepair the way that its previous and current owners have. I loved Paramount for the rides they created, but the fact of the matter is, Cedar Fair has actually done a better job keeping The Crypt themed. When a light burns out, they replace it. The thing is, though, that the keep it all to a minimum, so as an overall effect, the ride is far, far, far less immersive and well-themed. If you read any of this post, read this!: 3) Remove the ride and literally just replace it with an exact replica of Kings Dominion's suspended top spin (even putting the suspended top spin on a big cement block, thus allowing only minor modification of the current boarding bridges). An exact replica of Kings Dominion's Crypt placed inside the building. Imagine getting on the pitch-black ride with only the current loading lights, hearing waterfalls all around you, and then, as the ride begins (with the same cycle and music as Kings Dominions) lights increase until you see the rockwork, flames, and temple facade all around you - I'm sure contacting HUSS and the designers of Tomb Raider: Firefall and saying you just need an exact replica would be cheaper than constantly fixing our Giant Top Spin, and it would give us a new, thrilling flat ride. And since the idea of Giant Top Spins, suspended top spins, etc. is a little over the head of most guests, just advertise that the Crypt is now floorless, flips eight times, and has fire / water effects. People would LOVE it. Not to mention, it could be built in to the existing volcano structure - Kings Dominion's Crypt with its rockwork and fountains and flames built into our dark building with the goddess (inadvertently) lit by flames with our pure darkness and KD's intense cycle... Now that would be a ride, and again give us the distinction of having better themed and better selections of flat rides than Cedar Point - something we used to be known for, but in which we have since been matched. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monroe Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 The only good Huss rides are those that have re-engineered parts from outside engineers. That also goes for the older Huss rides too, the Troika's had major hydraulic issues due to hose size when they first came out. The giant top spin that we are talking about can be salvaged, but at a cost, it will cost a lot of money to re-engineer this one. I personally think that the car should be re-engineered, the swing arms and supports all look heavy enough to support the forces exerted in the '08 season. I am under the impression that the drives and motors were bulked up for that season so the only thing I see left is the car. This is merely an opinion, I have not worked on this Huss (another stupid Huss rule) so I can only go by what I have heard. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coney Islander Posted February 22, 2010 Author Share Posted February 22, 2010 Goodyellowkorn182, I agree with everything in your above post, and admire that you took the time to gather all known (and some little known) facts into one place. I urge everyone in the KICentral community to read it... you should learn a lot. So, do you have any ideas of what might be its replacement, if it is in fact removed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted February 22, 2010 Share Posted February 22, 2010 Well, I can tell you to not expect to see any real fire effects inside the current Crypt building. There would need to be some modifications made to the building to support that added effect. Not going to divulge how I know this, but you can certainly trust me on this one. And it is not as simple as saying lets just switch out the Giant Top Spin for the floorless regular top spin like Kings Dominion has. The two ride types have different dimensions. As such, they each would have different foundation requirements, which means a structural engineer would need to be brought in to design new foundations, if they were switching out the ride hardware. Its not like kiddy rides that can simply be places on a 4, 6 or even 8" concrete slab. These rides exert strong forces, and need to have foundations that are designed to adequately dissipate the loads into the ground. (Consequently, it is also for this reason that the constant rumors about The Vortex sinking are false. The structural engineers have soil sample data at their fingertips when they are designing the foundations to adequately design the foundations to the soil conditions). I think that is enough technical information for one post. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkroz Posted February 22, 2010 Share Posted February 22, 2010 I imagine you're 100% right. However, my thought is, look at the trouble that the current Crypt has caused. The money that has been lost due to its constant downtime, multiple needs for reprogramming, mechanical ware, and perhaps most notably, its poor customer satisfaction (and what I can only assume is low re-ridership) probably could've already paid for itself had the ride been replaced by a more reliable and efficient suspended model back when it first started showing problems in 2002. At this point, it would be all but ridiculous to continue running it as it is when there's a perfectly suitable replacement available. I can only imagine that the cost to reconfigure the building to meet the fire codes would be worth it. And, though again I'm sure you're right, it seems to me that the foundation changes necessary would be much easier than most parks would have it: The Crypt is anchored into a smooth, large, cement foundation. Just thinking of other top spins, many are buried in dirt and landscaping long before they hit their foundations. Not to mention, many top spins fold into and out of trucks, like Transformers! Not saying they're the same thing, because they're not. Only that I personally would guess (I am no expert) that the reconfiguring of the existing ride space is absolutely worth it and, in the scheme of things simple. My idea (ridiculous as it may be) is that The Crypt continues to run for the 2010 season. Then, give it a year (2011 season) off for the structural improvements discussed, allowing the building to be reconfigured as need be (and perhaps, painted go-away green or at least have some vines grow down the sides...). What I'm saying is, for our next "big" investment (likely circa 2012), why not add a suspended top spin (which, all things considered, can't be more than $12 million*), a Ferris wheel, and maybe an S&S Screamin' Swing in Coney Mall. Altogether, those three things wouldn't top $23 million*, which is about what you'd expect the park to invest in its "big" addition, and it gives us three fantastic (and much needed) flats. My thing from the beginning as been, there used to be a time when people would say "Sure Cedar Point has roller coasters - but what they're lacking is anything else." But today, they have matched (and in many opinions, have beaten) us in the flat rides category that we once held dear. They've matched us where possible, and in the few areas that we held over their heads (see, Tomb Raider: The Ride), we've shot ourselves in the foot. Of course, all of this is contingent upon the idea that, this time next month / year, the park is owned by someone who hasn't already torn it down, or improved it by leaps and bounds (perhaps the leaps and bounds I've described in my first post). Though the Crypt's ridership went up this year, I'd argue that that is due most entirely to a ride time lasting significantly less than two minutes. I'd also wager that most of those riders are first-time riders, and will likely not be returning to that particular mysterious cavern in Rivertown next season, unless advertised in a new and more appropriate way. * I may be tens of millions of dollars off on these estimations. I have no idea. Just giving it the ole' college try of a guess! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasper Posted February 22, 2010 Share Posted February 22, 2010 I would like to see another ride go in there along the lines of a Skyhawk at CP. Just remove the building and all, if they choose to do that, and then put in an S&S Screaming Swing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkiboy Posted February 22, 2010 Share Posted February 22, 2010 Oh...and the Topple Tower that almost never, ever operates at Dollywood? Whose ride was that? Huss. Yes, that's whose. I wonder if it has down time in the summer. pkiboy who has only been to Dollywoold durring the Christmas Season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkroz Posted February 22, 2010 Share Posted February 22, 2010 Oh...and the Topple Tower that almost never, ever operates at Dollywood? I wonder if it has down time in the summer. Almost never operates = downtime in the summer. So yes, it has downtime in the summer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coney Islander Posted February 24, 2010 Author Share Posted February 24, 2010 Q: Brian Krosnick wants to know if there are any immediate or long-range plans for The Crypt, or is the goal right now just to keep it up and running. He would also like to know when the 2010 park map will be available on our website. A: An adjustment was made to the ride program for The Crypt last year that accounted for an increase in ridership of 91,987 over the previous year and more than 100 hours less of downtown. There are fans of the ride that miss the original program, but the adjustment that was made enhanced the ride's performance. Seems that Cedar Fair has more to say about our favorite tomb. Good news, in my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamondback FOF Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Q: Brian Krosnick wants to know if there are any immediate or long-range plans for The Crypt, or is the goal right now just to keep it up and running. He would also like to know when the 2010 park map will be available on our website. A: An adjustment was made to the ride program for The Crypt last year that accounted for an increase in ridership of 91,987 over the previous year and more than 100 hours less of downtown. There are fans of the ride that miss the original program, but the adjustment that was made enhanced the ride's performance. The adjustment to the Crypt ride program for the 2009 season accounted for an increase in ridership of 91,987 from the previous year. The ride also had 100 hours less downtown than the previous year. (emphasis added to both) http://kingsislandin...up-in-2009.html They still can't even fix their spelling errors. But, it is, of course, the same quote with a couple small changes. Edit: I was reading topics from my 'New Posts' page, and replying as I went. I didn't know this had already been discussed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark6495 Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 goodyellowkorn you make some good points but I question your thought that it would be worth it. Would it be worth it for park riders who enjoy rides like the top spin? yes. Would it be worth it for the park? I am not 100% sure about that one. If they would have made the change in 02 or just put in a ride like you spoke about it would have been worth it. The ride is already 8 years old at least? (not sure on the age so correct me where needed) The general public would not see it as a new ride but just a new seating space (no different than getting a new coaster train on a coaster, and even then some GP assume that it was just refurbished not replaced). So would the money invested really be worth it? That would take a study and lots of money. They can just keep it open as is (and market it like you said, as a family ride) and run it till its past its usefulness. As someone said (too lazy to look back) odds are against seeing the crypt open in 10 years so why put in a new ride that would not attract the new crowd if the GP will abandon the ride in 10 years (give or take)........ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkroz Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 The reason that the ride is unlikely to be open in 10 years is because of its constant downtime and it's reputation, which first decreased due to lack of theme, then plummeted due to lack of thrill. It's almost inconcievable to us that, on Kings Dominion fansites, there's abolutely no worry at all that their Crypt could be removed. It's never broken, it's extremely popular, and it's considered an invaluable flat ride! It's a mindfreak to us that a ride called "The Crypt" could be a stable, well-loved staple of a park. Haha. It is in no danger of removal, and as far as anyone there can tell, it will still be a major attraction for the park in 10 years. Ours could be the same (or, even better with our already-in-place, but unused special effects!) And as far as marketing, as I said, phrases like "top spin" and "suspended top spin" and "giant top spin" would go over the heads of the public, but a sign placed out front reading "This ride is now floorless and has more thrills!" and even with a small marketing campaign on brochures, commercials, etc. would allow the public to know what's up. Imagine a commercial set to pulsating jungle drums with just a few flashes of flame, a flash of screaming riders flipped upside down, a burst of water, and then the screen reads "Eight inversions. Flames. Water." A voice speaks: "You'll never feel more alive than when you're locked into The Crypt - now floorless, and more thrilling than ever before. Only at Kings Island." Besides, if the park plans to keep the current top spin for even five more years, they might just as well replace it this off-season - the cost of current mechanical ware, the constant breakdowns, the maintenance staff that revives it all the time, and perhaps most importantly, the awful reputation it has gained add up to a lot of financial loss. Though replacing it with a suspended top spin would be a larger upfront cost, it would pay off far more in the long-term when, fifteen years from now, The Crypt could still be thrilling and lively. But, as can be seen in instances such as food pricing, Flight Deck's paint job, etc., Cedar Fair seems almost unable to factor in long-term gain - it's all about a quick payoff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark6495 Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 good points goodyellow. If they do a kick *** marketing campaign then I could see it helping the ride. But if they are going to redo the ride could they remove the box lol (After doing what you said) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkroz Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 If they removed the box, they might as well remove everything that currently stands. The highly themed queue leading to an outdoor ride? It would be a shame to ruin that whole buildup. And, of course, if the ride were placed outdoors, but on the current foundation, it would be facing The Beast's breakrun... Not like Kings Dominion's where there's a plaza around it and folks can watch. All things considered, I think you might as well keep it in the building. The darkness and lighting add a unique element that no other top spin on Earth (literally) has. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark6495 Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 If they removed the box, they might as well remove everything that currently stands. The highly themed queue leading to an outdoor ride? It would be a shame to ruin that whole buildup. And, of course, if the ride were placed outdoors, but on the current foundation, it would be facing The Beast's breakrun... Not like Kings Dominion's where there's a plaza around it and folks can watch. All things considered, I think you might as well keep it in the building. The darkness and lighting add a unique element that no other top spin on Earth (literally) has. True, I was just being sort of sarcastic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RingMaster Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 This is where Talocan comes in: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWYxDwY-KcU = Off-ride video http://www.lifthill.net/berichte/talocan_eng.php = English review of the ride complete with pictures This, in my opinion, is how an outdoor Top Spin should be themed. It cost Phantasialand 7.5 million euros (close to 9 million US dollars), so it's a cheap attraction to build when compared to the four massive coasters the former Paramount Parks received at roughly $22 million a piece (excluding Great America). However, given Cedar Fair's theming capabilities and short-term mindset, I don't see this happening anytime soon, maybe not even under Apollo's guidance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkroz Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 Very true! But, consider: Tomb Raider: The Ride inspiried Tomb Raider: Firefall. Tomb Raider: Firefall is often credited as inspiring Talocan. Tomb Raider: Firefall and Talocan inspiried Firefall at Great America - That, of course, means that we have the one that started it all amid themed top spins. I used the word "have" because it's all still there - the goddess, the volcano, the fountains, the lights, the speakers, even the hose used to fill up the lava pits is wrapped around the front row's queue fence. All it takes is a company willing to go the extra half-mile and actually use what is already there, just sitting and gathering dust to return it to its former glory (or pretty darn close)! It's not as if we're asking for Cedar Fair to build fountains and stuff - they're already there! Just not filled up. It's worth thinking about. The other thing I have to say is, Cedar Fair can do theme. They've not only kept up the theme at Kings Dominion's Crypt (if you think those fountains / flame mechanisms / mist machines haven't needed maintanence in the last three years they've owned the parks, you're nut), but they've went ahead and installed a similar theme at Great America's Firefall. Firefall is surrounded by volcanos and waterfalls (though, of course, not the extent of Kings Dominion's Crypt), plays Kings Dominon's Crypt's music, and uses flames and synchronized fountains. Cedar Fair did that. When they came into ownership of that ride, it was Texas Twister at Geauga Lake. They elected to add those special effects all by themselves, Paramount didn't do it for them. So why they can't put a little extra time and money into ours (which is literally bursting with potential) is beyond me. I'll say what I've said from the beginning: Playing Kings Dominion's Crypt music (the same music they took to CGA's Firefall, despite its never having been related to the Tomb Raider or Crypt franchise) on our Crypt would improve the ride by leaps and bounds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark6495 Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 so if Cedar Fair does it for other parks why not KI? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkroz Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 Because there's no need to spend money on water effects and fog machines on a ride that breaks so frequently. As I said, each time the ride breaks, the water has to be drained to access the gondola, so when a ride has as much downtime as our Giant Top Spin, first priority will always be operations. Of course, now that it is operating more frequently and seems to have found a ride cycle that "works," perhaps that may be reevaluated in the future. But, it's a double-edged sword - that ride cycle that increases operations also seems to have drastically reduced guest satisfaction, dooming the ride for different reasons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjkjkj Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 What I don't understand is, Paramount kept the lava pit filled, when in had it's original cycle.And they managed to keep it running the majority of the time. Then Cedar Fair takes off a row of the ride, drains the lava pit, and adds a more intense cycle. It breaks down all the time. So then they change it to the dullest most boring ride cycle it's had, and yet we still get no fountains. I don't see why the park doesn't just operate it under the old Tomb Raider cycle. Sure it wouldn't make much sense because none of the scenery is still there, but it would definitely be more exciting than the current cycle..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkroz Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 I actually agree... On the condition that they sort of reduce the hang-time, at least by a little bit. The Tomb Raider cycle wasn't that much longer than the current Crypt cycle, and it has far more interest as far as movements. The problem is, I don't know if it would still be possible to perform the Tomb Raider cycle... With a third of the ride removed, the entire mechanism must operate differently. Different center of gravity. Different weight. Different capacity... It may not be physically able to perform the movements it once did. Ironically, one might imagine that they caused all those mechanical problems and reduced the capacity by 33% for nothing - I'm sure the ride could perform its current cycle with three rows. And that would REALLY make a difference on hot summer days and Halloween when the line stretches out the cavern. If the Tomb Raider cycle would put more wear on the ride than the current cycle and Cedar Fair refuses to get a suspended top spin, I'd rather keep what we have and enhance it than try to change it drastically. My suggestion in the "keep the Giant Top Spin" category is to either return the Tomb Raider cycle (or even keep it as it is now, if you must), fill the water pool, and screw the "icicles" back to the ceiling. Painted a dull-brown, they would resemble simple stalactites. The lightbulbs in place in the lava pit are deep reds and oranges, so just call it "a pool of blood," maybe have a skeleton floating in it. They needn't even turn on the fountains, just have the illuminated red water and the rocky stalactites lit throughout the entire ride cycle. The ride needn't "interact" with them or anything... Just as long as there's something to look at! That with would honestly make for a WAY better experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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