Disaster Transport Theme Changed

JuggaLotus said:
A coaster in the dark is not a dark ride. Dark rides are a specific category of amusement ride, and are not coasters. Just because a coaster is indoors and has some themed story to it, does not make it a dark ride.

That's a little cut and dried, though, John. I'm sure you're well aware of a number of rides that qualify as both. In fact, I can think of at least a couple attractions that simultaneously qualify as a coaster, a dark ride, and a water ride. So it's not like the categories are mutually exclusive.

My thoughts exactly. I think, if it travels through "interactive" scenes, it then could fall under some kind of sub category of dark rides. The only reference I can come up with would be the Revenge of the Mummy rides that have both of best worlds. The types of cinematics seen on a normal type of dark ride (Darkastle, Forbidden Journey, etc) and the dynamic layout of a regular coaster.

So a "Dark Coaster" perhaps? ;)

I haven't posted for a while, but the lack of response to this question about enclosing the ride is annoying me. Whether or not Cedar Point maintains the theming to Disaster Transport or not, the reason they enclosed the ride in a building was because sand from the beach was being blown up into the trough by the wind and messing with the ride's performance. Whether this was slowing the ride down enough to prevent cars from getting all the way back to the station I don't know if it's been answered or not. But for those who keep asking why they enclosed the ride and why don't they just put it back to the unthemed bobsled Avalanche Run that it used to be, that is the answer.

That might be true, but Dick Kinzel also talked about the ride during the Q&A at Coastermania this year. He stated that after installing Magnum, they really wanted to do something to try to make Avalanche Run more thrilling. So I think that had to play some part in the changes as well.

^ I would not have a problem with it being avalanche run. The simple bobsled theme looked great, according to photos I found of it. now the theme does not make sense to me....: / hmm

the reason they enclosed the ride in a building was because sand from the beach was being blown up into the trough by the wind and messing with the ride's performance.

There may be some truth to that, but it is also only one piece to the puzzle. Dick wanted Space Mountain here in Sandusky. He took the good ol' boys on the board down to Disney to press it into their heads, and was enamored with the idea that a Disney-like addition could be right here is his park.

DT was born.

And started to die all at the same time.

And it was too loud for Judy K. :)

There is simply no getting around the fact that this ride is a giant piece of garbage. I hope this is one of the final times a thread like this emerges. I could not care less about ridership, its history, or anyone's nostalgia they may hold. Speaking as someone who holds some degree of sentimental emotion towards Cedar Point's past and future, it has been an embarrassment for far too long.

There is simply no argument for keeping this ride anymore.

If there was a donation box at the front of the park to pay for its demise, I would contribute much to that fund, just to not have to look at it anymore.

It was a dumb, poorly contrived idea from the beginning, with Kinzel surrounded by nothing but yes-men ready to bend over for him.

At least the man eventually admitted that it was one of his worst decisions. What is amazing is that while he admits it was retarded, he has never bothered to do anything about it. Ever. In fact, he let the exact opposite happen, letting it get worse with every passing season.

Rant over. Where's the Tylenol?

I have several thoughts on Disaster Transport I would like to share:

During my time working at CP, I've ridden DT three or four times. I actually enjoyed the nostalgia of the ride and feel that it has a certain Generation X appeal. It reminds me a bit of an arcade I frequented as a kid. I also see its downfalls in upkeep of the theming and its awkward placement in a potentially prime waterfront location.

I could see a couple of possibilities for the ride: A.) it could be intentionally marketed as a 1970's/1980's idea of what space exploration could be like. This may have some generational appeal and would be a direct effort to preserve what is there.

B.) The ride could be demolished and replaced with something that takes advantage of the proximity to both the water front and the nearby parking lot. One idea would be something along the lines of the Kemah Boardwalk in Houston (waterfront restaurants, shops, perhaps a nightlife entertainment venue for people staying on point in the hotels or Camper Village). It would probably not be as elaborate as that but this could be a possible idea.

C.) The ride could be changed a bit to make the exterior more appealing

D.) The ride could be demolished and something from the interior of the park that does not fit its surroundings could be moved to this location.

E.) It could stay as it is and continue to be one of those unresolved enigmas that will always lead to periodic discussion.

Personally I would like to see A or B happen, although I could settle for D if I thought about other elements of CP a bit longer.

F. Move Flight of Fear from King's Island in there but with Dragster...it's pointless except as training wheels maybe for Dragster's launch.

They should have fans or something on DT's lift...between the heat and the flashing lights, it can make ya a bit nauseous sometimes.

Well what my home park KI get in return?

Avalanche Run. :)

^ Great idea there!! ;)

Yes! Avalanche Run! Bring it back!

Is it a possibility that the reason for cedar point not fixing or updating DT's themeing because the ride will not be around for much longer.

If that were the case, then DT hasn't been around for much longer for quite a while now...

If anybody really believes that crap is gonna happen I have some ocean front land in Indiana for sale...

^hahaha I love it.

I'm 100% with you guys that DT's location is prime real estate. But I also agree that it's almost certainly not going anywhere for a long time.

if Halloweekends storage is one of the prime reasons they wont do anything about it, then they seriously need to have a newer location to store that stuff, i mean its not worth it keeping that building there.

I agree with everyone on the beach front location being used for something that takes advantage of the beach :)

I just think the building is very unattractive.