How Long will Dinosaurs Alive Stay?

I actually think a woodie could fit on the island nicely. If needed, it could also travel across the lagoon, maybe go alongside Mine Ride or on the opposite side, twisting over and around Iron Dragon. The queue entrance would be at the current Dinos entrance (former Paddlewheel area). Then the queue would continue over a bridge and the majority of it would be on the island. I could see the station being on the NE corner of the island, the corner closest to Dragster.

Then the lift hill would be straight out of the station running parallel to the North part of the lagoons (Analogy: GK's lift is to the beach as this woodie's lift would be to the lagoon/North edge of the island.) The first drop would take the ride across the lagoon and there would be a turn to the left in the area near CPLE track and Mine Ride. Then I can see a few hills as it runs parallel to the train and mine ride's lift. Then it would briefly cross back over the lagoons and do a turnaround at the SW corner of the island, and then either stay on the island or cross back over and run right next to the track it just can from.

Once back toward the 1st turnaround and 1st drop, at this point I could see the ride begin a twister section in the middle of the island. It would weave under, over, and between Millennium Force many times creating many headchoppers, and I could see it making several sharp turns right next to Shoot the Rapids. Then the last part of the ride would be to the South and East portions of the island. There could either be a helix, more quick turns, or a series of bunny hops along the East half of the island. Then it would hit the brakerun and head back into the station. A woodie could work very well in this area, especially if the park keeps many of the existing trees or at least plants many new ones. Plus the headchoppers both from Millennium and itself would be fun. This, IMO, would be a fun, decently lengthed, yet compact coaster appealing to thrill seekers and families alike.

And I created this possible layout while looking at aerial Google map views of both the Millennium (I don't call it Adventure) Island and existing GCI coasters at about the same zoom. As long as this coaster twists and wraps around a lot, it can definitely fit as seen when I compare this area to the amount of land other GCI's take up. If planned well, this would be an awesome ride.

I find it silly that the parks got them as well.. I mean, the Cleveland Zoo does the same exact thing for years now and charges like $2 to go see it... (it was free for pass members at one point).

I have seen it from riding MF, good enough!

The original contract was for 5 years - so expect it for at least 5 years -- but its making bucket loads of money (there was another forum somewhere that showed the exact numbers). It costs CP nothing since its an attraction completely funded by the company supplying the dinosaurs (yes, the same one that does those zoo attractions too).

I hate to be a nay-sayer but its not going anywhere. Most of us (coaster fans) really don't care much about it, but don't misunderestimate how much money that attraction is bringing in for CP as a rental attraction and they do none of the upkeep...

Its a moneymaker that costs them nothing but some minor advertising dollars. Like it or not, its here to stay.

^For a few more years.

For at least a few more years. I can't imagine they'd remove it until its ROI drops significantly. And given the relatively modest investment cost, it would seem it would have to become very unpopular for that to happen.

A $1 million attraction that has a fee of $5 a person was a good investment for the park if you ask me. $1million/$5 = 200,000 people, which I would guarantee Cedar Point has already made their money back from the attraction. Yes, I went once and probably won't ever go back, but if you like to take pictures, Dinosaurs Alive is a great way to snap photos of Millennium Force that you probably have never seen before. I personally can't wait until it's removed for a better attraction, but like I said in the first sentence, the addition was a smart move for quick money if you ask me.

I think a launched family coaster would be cool there. Something not too intense, but not childish either.

I don't want anything there. Is it really necessary to crowd the island with other rides or even roller coasters?

I would love to see a small coaster on the island. Something similar to BLSC at KI, but with a different theme. Maybe Frontier Express?

The last thing CP needs (especially on one of the few "charmy" places in the park) is another coaster, especially when that land is so well-suited for something family-oriented.

It would seem that, considering DA brought with it the installation of a paved path and permanent bridge, once DA leaves, the island would be perfectly outfitted for a haunt.

And in the summer months, why not just allow guests to walk around it and relax? Maybe put in a few vendor carts, or some sort of themed decorations.

Well, even before DA, that area was perfectly outfitted for a haunt.

Agreed, perhaps even more so, because the lack of pavement and such probably added to the atmosphere. It's just that now they have plenty of infrastructure back there. For example, I'm guessing the availability of electricity has been improved.

I really like the area and I think it's a wonderful addition to the park. I just don't like the extra $5 admission cost. If they had just added it as another attraction that doesn't cost extra it would be a wonderful addition to the park.

Maybe after the lease is up they will keep the paths and infrastructure and just have a calm walking area in the park.

I'd like to see a nice area similar to Tower Gardens at Kings Island. Except without it being a smoking area.

In my opinion, Dinosaurs Alive has already lasted two seasons longer than it should have...

--Dave Althoff, Jr., who notes that the Columbus Zoo is now installing yet another version of the same show...

The park would have to close, because you adrenaline junkies don't have any money. ;)

Oh, we need a well rounded park. I just don't think the same dinosaur show that is running or has run at three zoos and at least one other park in the same state is the way to do it.

And I particularly dislike the expansion plan that still has the attraction count down by three even with Gatekeeper added.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

Oh we agree there.

It is what it is; a money grabber.

A cheap, tacky, lazy addition to the park with the sole purpose of making money. So yes, I agree, they can't leave soon enough. It's like having an eyesore in your neighborhood that just needs torn down.

Sort of like Disaster Transport. :)

Kevinj said:
The park would have to close, because you adrenaline junkies don't have any money. ;)

My adrenaline junkie family has quite enough money, thank you. And yes, we even spend money as a family at the park.

djDaemon said:
The last thing CP needs (especially on one of the few "charmy" places in the park) is another coaster, especially when that land is so well-suited for something family-oriented.

Yeah, something along the lines of a boat ride along the lagoons. It killed me personally to see Paddlewheel removed along with other rides the whole family could enjoy, you know like Space Spiral,Wildcat,Disaster Transport. Yes, my family of 4 enjoyed all of those together but my little one isn't big enough for GK. As much as I'm anxious to ride it, there has to be a balance of family attractions also. A dark ride would be nice.
I think the removal of PWE was one of the very few mistakes the park has made in its history. The ride was very unique and there isn't many of that type of ride in the world anymore. The dinos just don't fit the atmosphere/history of the park, sorry. Anyhow.....
Unfortunately (fortunately for the coaster fanatics) DJ, I truly can see the park adding yet another coaster in the next couple of years to draw even more guests to the park and probably at the expense of more "family related" rides and attractions. Remember my post if you ever see the park starting to tear down the Cedars Dorms by the Marina.