Soak City Announcement on

That's right, for some reason I thought it took 8 months to build MS, I forgot it took 2 years to build it due to the Lake and harsh winters. I also wasn't let in on the teleconference where RMC said they need 18 months to do the conversion... silly me.

JUnderhill said:

I understand that some think a possible conversion of MS would take 2 years but I still wonder why that is the case. And if so, why would they close MS 6 weeks early if it was a projected 2018 opening?

You asked why? you got a completely rational reason as to possibly why. And some people are basing this off of prior conversions in warm weather climates and having to work with a 20+ year old structure that has been altered and designed around the original specifications numerous times.

No, nobody here sat on the teleconference, which is why this isn't the best place to get Park Specific Information on Policy Changes either.

That's funny too as I never said this is the best place to go to get park specific information on policy changes. One can get incorrect information here, just as one can get incorrect information by calling the park or asking an employee at CP such questions.

*If* RMC was to convert MS no one knows how long it would take to do so unless they are involved in the planning of the project. Past projects are not always a good indication of what a future project timeline would be, working in the construction industry for quite some time I can guarantee that to be true.

I tend to agree that the simplest explanation for things are usually the correct ones. In this case, MS is closing 6 weeks early because they need that extra 6 weeks as some schedule fluff for bad weather, and other issues that might arise. That extra 6 weeks is what they need to get the project, whatever it is, done on time.

This is the first I'm hearing of RMC telling Cedar Point it would take 18 months. Not that I don't believe it, but source?

That's the other problem on here, nobody said it will. Theres a big difference as to may and will. Someone posited an answer to a question as to why some may think that. And a completely logical answer was submitted.

Perhaps we will find out that is indeed what will happen, on the flip side - what if that same conversation said they needed 8 months instead of 18 months. Thus the park decides to close MS 6 weeks early on Sept 16 instead of Oct. 30th? That seems pretty logical to me... at least in terms of our hypothetical discussion where RMC converts MS.

Hypothetically, the other side of the flip flop could say they're converting it into the first RMC Aqautrax and expanding Soak City to include the all new Wet Streak wooden coaster.

But I doubt that.

If it is an RMC conversion I really think it will be 2018. I dont think 8 months is even remotely enough time to complete everything. I live in Chicago and I think Goliath took 9 months to complete and it opened towards the end of June. That ride is small in comparison to Mean streak and I dont think CP will open a ride 2 months into the season.

I think whatever happens to MS will open in 2017. There really would be no reason to close MS early if this was a plan for 2018.

With this they can advertise 17 to family friendly people and thrill seekers.

18 will most likely have to do with the former STR location, which I am sure will be a new flume which hopefully relates a lot to WWL with obvious upgrades.

I've always thought the new Mean Streak, whatever it is, will be scheduled for 2018. It just makes sense to go ahead with a Soak City upgrade in 17, (making what some here would consider an "off year"), then open a new coaster in 18. As oft stated, Texas Giant was closed one entire season, and that was a Texas season. So any argument that it won't take that long goes out the window, it sure could. Maybe RMC, or whoever will be awarded the project is busy for 17 and CP's project is down the pipe.
Those that are clammoring for both projects next year should think about it for just a second. Why on earth would a park do that when they can get two seasons of perfectly acceptable new attractions and promotions out if it? And I don't wanna hear the "CP is the greatest so they can and will" b.s. That's just fanboy wishes. They'd be foolish to do it.

I predict instead they'll announce Soak City and not say a word in regard to MS- that's done for now. They'll give fans an entire fall, winter, spring, and summer to watch whatever demolition and construction takes place and argue at length about what's really happening and by whom. Then they'll make the announcement. Maybe. It could be the greatest mystery marketing ploy ever, and it won't cost them a dime. They'd be crazy not to do it that way.

Sorry guys, I believe I'm right. And if I'm wrong then I'll be a monkey's uncle.

Yeah, wouldn't that bring a lot of attention if Cedar Point didn't say another word about Mean Streak, and started to refurbish it over the next year and open it back up as a new ride in 2018? I remember when they were building Top Thrill Dragster and it wasn't officially announced until ~January of 2003.

Empirical evidence suggesting 2018:

A mid September closure does not permit enough time for full demolition and construction of a new attraction as evidenced by DT's late July closure, so a totally new ride is unlikely for 2017.

Mantis closed for conversion the third week of October, but that was a just a conversion of trains and the associated station work; its highly unlikely that the park can do all of what was needed on Mantis PLUS the replacement of several thousand feet of track with only four additional weeks to do so, especially considering we have yet to see any semblance of prep work outside of markings. Its also notable that most of the Roguaru station work could be done in adverse winter conditions due to it being tarped off and a workable atmosphere created inside; lifting pieces parts around in the air cant be done in driving rain or blowing snow.

There are plenty of reasons to close it early despite the new attraction not planned for a 2017 opening; they can shift the ride crews someplace else for the busiest time of the year, they can do prep work like concrete or other such things that winter temperatures wont permit. Maybe there is some mechanical aspect to the ride that needs replacement before the conclusion of the season they don't want to have to do it with the ride closing anyway. It could simply be a marketing ploy to get people talking about and anticipating a new ride during a highly attended part of the year; keep in mind a large percentage of people don't follow the park when they are away from it.

I find it interesting that we have really heard nothing of RMC's 2017 projects. A theory I have heard thrown around is that CP knew MS would be a huge project and that if they wanted to get it done in one off season then they would have needed to schedule it far enough in the future in a year they had no projects for so they could use all their guns and put all their effort into MS. Seems like a very valid hypothesis to me. Wether it's true is another question but I find it interesting nonetheless.

I too find it VERY odd that we haven't heard of RMC's projects for next year. My thinking is it may be both Cedar Fair parks: Cedar Point and Kings Dominion. That will give RMC enough manpower to complete both renovations. That's a really good theory.

Another possibility may be that Mean Streak was supposed to be completed for 2017 but got pushed back to 2018, and it may be due to RMC dealing with Lightning Rod's troubles and the recalls from this year. That's why Mean Streak's crew was originally rumored to be moved after July but that did not occur. Maybe RMC doesn't have any 2017 projects. :(

CPGuru said:
That's why Mean Streak's crew was originally rumored to be moved after July but that did not occur.

Give it time. I have a feeling this rumor isn't yet squashed... Or axed.

Renegade said:

CPGuru said:
That's why Mean Streak's crew was originally rumored to be moved after July but that did not occur.

Give it time. I have a feeling this rumor isn't yet squashed... Or axed.

What I mean is it was probably intended to have Mean Streak close in early August but it got pushed back to mid September. Or maybe it was always planned for mid September. No one will ever know for sure.

The park sure has enthusiasts second guessing themselves. Even myself.

I would totally put money on RMC Mean Streak though. Wether it be 2017 or 2018. I'd put myself at 95% confident in that and 99.9% confident of Soak City Expansion for 2017.

The big debate now is whether RMC Mean Streak is for 2017 or 2018.

I'm just glad there wasn't a big leak this year like we had with Valravn. Ruins (meaning a leak) the fun of waiting and guessing.

That's honestly the only reason I'm posting haha. Gatekeeper was also leaked early.

So Maverick was the last time I chimed in on speculation. This RMC prospect is the best "waiting and guessing" I've seen on here since there was a random 200+ft tower in the sky with 0 explanation in 2002...