Fun Spot Atlanta ArieForce One Relocation to KI?

[ReedObsessor]

https://www.wcpo.com/money/consumer/dont-waste-your-money/kings-islands-next-big-roller-coaster-may-be-hiding-in-atlanta

 

A key statement:

 

The coaster is definitely moveable," wrote Darren Torr, president of Rocky Mountain Construction. "Based on ranking by coaster enthusiasts, it's a top 10 coaster in the world.  It has angle iron structure, which means it will require new hardware.  It has some topography changes, so a new site will need to be modified or the structure will be need to be reworked to match the site elevation. Ballpark, the cost to move is probably ~$10M less than building new. I have no idea what the future holds for AF1, hopefully, it continues to deliver smiles for guests."

This tells me that relocation is in fact feasible for AFO. But while many want it to come to KI (and this could be in The Vortex plot), I wouldn't consider it a certainty that it will happen.

There's other parks for consideration, including within Six Flags and from other chains including Herschend, United Parks, and Enchanted Parks. I'm not going to look into detail at all of these, but any park that has the capacity for it (and doesn't already have an RMC like it) could be in the running.

[IndyGuy4KI]

I would love an RMC, but I think we need a ground up RMC, not a relocation. Now, if this is the only way to get one, I am all for that too. What are your thoughts?

[WoodVengeance]

1 hour ago, IndyGuy4KI said:

I would love an RMC, but I think we need a ground up RMC, not a relocation. Now, if this is the only way to get one, I am all for that too. What are your thoughts?

I'm in the same boat. I think if Kings Island ever got an RMC, it would be best if it had 3 trains for better capacity. AF1 has two trains with only 5 cars instead of the usual 6. I think the layout for AF1 would also make it awkward to fit into either Vortex plot or Action Zone, assuming that's where it would go. I think AF1 would be a better fit at a park like Holiday World (especially the 4th of July area with that color scheme) but there's still no telling what's going to happen to AF1 at this point in time.

[TombRaiderFTW]

Quick note for future readers (this is not directed at anyone in this thread):

As of this writing, it is not rumored that ArieForce One is coming to Kings Island--or any other park, for that matter. This idea was originated by Reddit users who heard that a park containing a well-regarded roller coaster is closing, and they got their hopes up that the coaster would be sold to their local park. It has not been announced that AFO will be sold, has been sold, or even will be moved within the Fun Spot chain. For all we know, it's getting torn down with the rest of the Atlanta park.

RMC answered the question of "can AFO be moved." They did not drop any hints about it being sold/moved anywhere. No, Kings Island's PR team (or any other park's/chain's PR team) did not tell them to say that.

If ArieForce One does not come to Kings Island, I don't want to see anyone express disappointment that "misleading hints were dropped" or "that rumor wasn't true after all." There is a difference between someone wishing for something to happen and rumors (which have a source close to the decision makers.) The way the coaster fan world tends to eagerly blur the lines between the two is crazymaking.

Please do not set your expectations high because someone used their imagination.

[Rustbucket]

Arie Force One is located on nearly flat ground.  I am not sure if there are any location at KI that can accommodate this coaster except for parking lot. 

[RollerColt]

1 minute ago, Rustbucket said:

Arie Force One is located on nearly flat ground.  I am not sure if there are any location at KI that can accommodate this coaster except for parking lot. 

I agree. I think if it gets relocated it would be somewhere like Florida. 

[Rustbucket]

One place that may have some flat space is Carowinds.  Other Funspot parks do not have space, I think.  Orlando location does not have space.  Maybe Kissimmee location back parking lot could be an option.  

SeaWorld?  I am not sure if BGT can do this. 

[WoodVengeance]

Allegedly, management from SFOG went to assess ArieForce One to see if they could relocate it, but it was a no-go. The person who said this alleged they heard this from a family member of the park president, so take this with a huge grain of salt.

[Rustbucket]

28 minutes ago, WoodVengeance said:

Allegedly, management from SFOG went to assess ArieForce One to see if they could relocate it, but it was a no-go. The person who said this alleged they heard this from a family member of the park president, so take this with a huge grain of salt.

I am not sure if SFoG would be an option with Twisted Cyclone there.  AF1 is much better coaster but so similar.  My guess is that parks with RMC would not consider this.  Only difference being AF1 being a ground up RMC so that there is a uniqueness about it.  Other retrofit RMCs are very similar to each other.  

[RollerColt]

1 hour ago, Rustbucket said:

One place that may have some flat space is Carowinds.  Other Funspot parks do not have space, I think.  Orlando location does not have space.  Maybe Kissimmee location back parking lot could be an option.  

SeaWorld?  I am not sure if BGT can do this. 

Maybe Legoland? Not sure they have space either… or the cash…