Cedar Point 2011

[nitrofan]

So it's been 4 years since Cedar Point has gotten a coaster, and now that SFMM has tied them for most coasters in a park, soes anyone else have a feeling something big is coming in 2011? This is all purely speculation, but if something big doesn't come to Cedar Point in 2011, I'm almost certain it will come in 2012.

Does anyone else have any thoughts or speculation on this?

[Austin]

If they get one it will replace Wildcat.

[hardie1010]

I really Loved Wildcat! Wildcat and Blue Streak were really under rated rides in my opinion! They should replace mean streak, that sucked.

[palmer]

Cedar Point's rumor from last year was the possible GCI. Yet, I can't see CP getting another woodie (even though the ones they have are old and aren't up to the newer generation of woodies). CF seems to like Intamin (looking at how CP has TTD, MF, STR, Maverick, just to name a few). Maybe an Intamin woodie like El Toro would be to CP's likings.

[Changsucks]

GCI. It could replace Disaster Transport, but I think there may already be enough space over there for one. It would be the perfect addition; a GCI is a good, solid, family friendly coaster, and is an easy record to Cedar Point to break. Not to mention they need another wooden coaster BADLY.

It would also really help that area of the park, IMO. It's like it is trying to be boardwalk with the midway games, flats and beach, but it just feels so dead and empty. A GCI over there would really help the feel of that area.

[Austin]

True. DT is the the biggest disappointment for me at any theme park. I was looking at coasters at CP back before our 2008 trip (keep in mind this is before I knew of RCDB) and the image for Transport made it seem like a launced coaster with no inversions or etc.

We get there at park opening time, I want to ride it so bad we wait for a half hour before it opens. Get on finally and it sucked completely! I mean sure its a nice bobsled but if I knew it was a bobsled I wouldnt have gotten my hopes up. And to add to that, its useless unless you buy 3D glasses.

But to support my wildcat statement, alot of rumors have pinned wildcat as the next ride on the chopping block. Also another possibility for a GCI is on MF's Island where they are building the new water ride. Or it could replace Mean Streak.

[Changsucks]

Not much can replace Wildcat. If it leaves, Cedar Point's next big ride won't be going there.

[Austin]

Its a good spot for a flat though. Especially with that gigantic walkway there.

[nitrofan]

I think a GCI is most likely, but there are options for WildCat's spot.

Just a few examples:

http://cache.rcdb.com/pictures/picmax/p21865.jpg

http://rcdb.com/2722.htm?p=21865

http://cache.rcdb.com/pictures/picmax/p26389.jpg

http://rcdb.com/3613.htm?p=26389

http://cache.rcdb.com/pictures/picmax/p1769.jpg

http://rcdb.com/528.htm?p=1769

or even something like this:

http://cache.rcdb.com/pictures/picmax/p15241.jpg

http://rcdb.com/2504.htm?p=15241

[palmer]

^A Stand-up? They have one - Mantis.

[nitrofan]

^A Stand-up? They have one - Mantis.

It's a floorless.

[Changsucks]

Wildcat is very compact. They could probably pull off an El Loco or a Ball Coaster, but the other two have to be double its size...

[palmer]

It's a floorless.

Oops! My bad. Those two can be mistaken, especially from a long distance.


Anyway, I wouldn't see CP wasting money on Kirnu, which really doesn't look fun at all, or a Steel Hawg, which is completely overrated and is only know because of that puny drop that happens to be the steepest in the world (thats only about 70 feet). Poletgiest wouldn't be that bad, but CF is huge with launch rides. Looking around, there's FOF (2), Volcano, TTD, Xcelerator, Backlot Stunt (2-3) from what I can think of. Another launch would show that that CF has the edge on SF for launches, but there is clearly other types and designs and what not out there that CF needs to contribute to be equal to SF. I wouldn't think CP would have both a B&M stand-up and floorless. They are very similar and both trains can go on each track because they are the same basic design, just seats are modified and all those little tid bits.

[Austin]

Hmm.. El Loco and the Zac Ball would be the most appropriate Id say. Only one El Loco in the US and no Zac Balls that I know of. But DT could be replaced with a launched coaster.

[Changsucks]

I'm not ruling out the idea of a compact but fun coaster like an El Loco or Ball Coaster, but it just isn't Cedar Point's style... Cedar Point goes for big and spread out, and most of the time, good capacity, which an El Loco and Ball Coaster don't have.

[hardie1010]

Plus, Cedar Point only uses custom coasters, none in their park are clones (besides the kid's coasters) I could see a dark ride (possibly interactive) come in since they have yet to have one. The only down side to that is that they would theme it to Snoopy :(. I love Snoopy but they already have PEANUTs overload!

[Austin]

No, itd be themed to Boo Blasters on Boo Hill featuring Boocifer. lol.

[Shayne]

I loved Boocifer!

[nitrofan]

Another sign?

Next year, the thrill is back.

Cedar Point's new ride for 2011, which already has been ordered but not been announced publicly, will be aimed at thrill seekers, said Dick Kinzel, Cedar Fair's CEO.

The amusement park's long-term plans for new rides is closely veiled.

But during an exclusive Register interview with Kinzel, he pulled the curtain aside a bit.



http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2010/05/16/front/2054709.txt

[palmer]

Cedar Point wants the title back. They are gonna be offically tied on May 29th with SFMM (that's the opening date for Mr. Six DanceCoaster from reports). 2011, I can see a coaster on the way. And just a guess, Vekoma or GCI. Why? Look at the coasters. Intamin and B&M rule the park (gathering that there's still others like Arrow). They haven't got a new woodie in a long while and Vekoma Flying Dutchman wouldn't be that bad.

[Austin]

Why get a Dutchman when you get a custom layout on a B&M? It could be built to travel around a large section of the park.

[palmer]

Not that bad of an idea. Maybe to take out Tatsu's record while taking out SFMM coaster championship record.

[acquaz10]

Who said SFMM isn't adding a coaster in 2011 though?

[nitrofan]

Cedar Point wants the title back. They are gonna be offically tied on May 29th with SFMM (that's the opening date for Mr. Six DanceCoaster from reports). 2011, I can see a coaster on the way. And just a guess, Vekoma or GCI. Why? Look at the coasters. Intamin and B&M rule the park (gathering that there's still others like Arrow). They haven't got a new woodie in a long while and Vekoma Flying Dutchman wouldn't be that bad.

As far as I've heard, Mr. Six still hasn't had footers poured. There's no way it's opening in May.

Vekoma...Cedar Point won't get a Flying Dutchman. Whatever Cedar Point gets will be a high quality thrill machine. That's how their coasters have always been in the last 10-20 years. That means Intamin, GCI, or possibly (though slight chance) a B&M.

Why get a Dutchman when you get a custom layout on a B&M? It could be built to travel around a large section of the park.

I can't really see Cedar Point getting a B&M. What type would they get?

[Changsucks]

They could get a flying coaster or a floorless coaster...or a dive machine. ;) I would love to see another B&M at Cedar Point, though. So many rides, such a big park, yet only two B&Ms...and that means lots of break-downs and in some cases, low capacity.

But GCI is my #1 choice.

[Austin]

Nitro i just said a B&M Flyer haha. The Vekoma Dutchman is their flyer.

[nitrofan]

Nitro i just said a B&M Flyer haha. The Vekoma Dutchman is their flyer.

Sorry, haha. I guess a B&M Floorless and a GCI are really all Cedar Point needs to keep bring their coaster collection full circle. I would love to see tham build another crazy Intamin that hasn't been built before.

[Austin]

Eh I still go for Flyer because you can spread it out and make it a really good coaster. Sort of like Tatsu where your flying over the park. Id really just like them to dredge some more land and expand a bit.

[acquaz10]

I heard it was just going to be a thrilling flat.

[nitrofan]

Eh I still go for Flyer because you can spread it out and make it a really good coaster. Sort of like Tatsu where your flying over the park. Id really just like them to dredge some more land and expand a bit.

Dredge some land? I hate to say it, but that's never going to happen.

[DarienLake:D]

what ever it is its going to be epic!

[palmer]

B&M flyer, all I have to say.

[DarienLake:D]

i hope ^

[Austin]

Wildcat has been on its last legs for years. Replace it with the flyer and use its location as the station. Theres a large plaza in front of it so you can use some of the plaza for the queue. It would be a worthy replacement haha.

[nitrofan]

Wildcat has been on its last legs for years. Replace it with the flyer and use its location as the station. Theres a large plaza in front of it so you can use some of the plaza for the queue. It would be a worthy replacement haha.

That's a good idea in theory, but there just isn't room for a flyer in that general area. I know you're going to tell me to think about Tatsu, but go on Bing Maps and look at it. There just simply isn't room in that area. Wildcat is completely surrounded bu other rides/buildings, etc. that there is no room for anything like a pretzel look or anything else that gets within 20 feet of the ground.

[Austin]

Go higher with the station and queue lol.

[nitrofan]

Go higher with the station and queue lol.

It's not going to work. Go on Bing Maps and see for yourself.

Cedar Point does have several rides that could be on their way out soon though.

[DarienLake:D]

plus they want to keep there record... not just replace a coaster.. thats not adding a coaster thats just staying with the same number of coasters...

[Austin]

Wildcat from what I hear and from my own experience, is hardly reliable. It broke down twice when I was there in 2008. But it did give me time to ride Iron Dragon a few times haha.

[DarienLake:D]

i like the ride it gives the park a more small park feel even though you are surrounded by metal monsters wherever you go lol!

[Jp]

Screamscape reported:
2011 - Thrill Ride - Semi-Confirmed - (7/9/10) According to this article the announcement for the 2011 attraction will take place in mid August. Dick Kinzel has hinted that, “It's going to bring back a lot of memories for people that follow Cedar Point”. Makes it sound like a throw-back ride… or a recreation of something popular long ago but lost. While one source tell us that it may actually be a flat ride coming to the park, it was also pointed out that The Point has seen a fair share of wooden coaster come and go over the years… 8 in fact according to RCDB. With our last leak claiming that Cedar Fair was looking more favorable at building new wooden coasters again… could this be a possibility? Certainly the early announcement date also seems to indicate that work on the project may become visible before the end of the season as well. More as we find out.

I wonder if..

[Changsucks]

Yeah, GCI...

[DarienLake:D]

defiantly and if its not a woodie CP/CF pulled our leg! And we all fell for it!

[Jp]

Reported from Screamscape:
2011 - Stratosoar / Thrill Ride - Semi-Confirmed - (8/3/10) Thanks to one of our readers for the tip, I’ve confirmed that Cedar Fair has filed Trademark application for the name “Stratosoar” on July 16th. Hmm… sounds like a perfect name for a gigantic Star Flyer style ride, doesn’t it? (Of course, since it was filed by Cedar Fair, it could be for any park in the chain… but The Point makes the most sense right now.

What do you think?

[nitrofan]

Stratasoar definately does not sound like a name for a wooden coaster to me. When I hear that, I think Flyer or Dive Machine.

[Jp]

When I first saw the world, I go what Las Vegas.. But, I think it's more like a flyer.

[DarienLake:D]

strata- 400ft

[nitrofan]

strata- 400ft

Oh Cedar Point, please don't. The last thing they need is another 400 foot tall coaster.

[Austin]

It might be some kind of thrill ride for the Challenge Park by Soak City? But they just listed their pirate ship on ITAL and the fact that their chaos is just a few hundred feet from it is also being shopped it might be a new ride in that location.

[Truth Seeker 1]

They stated before it's an old attraction that they are bringing back.

[acquaz10]

Oh Cedar Point, please don't. The last thing they need is another 400 foot tall coaster.

Who said it was a coaster? I thought it was going to be a flat. That intamin star flyer thing is what comes to mind, except 400 ft in the air. Awesome? Yes.

[Jp]

From Screamscape:

We’ve heard from a few readers that Cedar Point has set up a giant present box addressed to Snoopy near Planet Snoopy with instructions not to open it until August 8th. As predicted, this should be next year’s new attraction announcement. While the Stratosoar rumor is the strongest right now, it’s funny how the coaster rumor keeps popping up. Is it just a fanboy dream [Pointbuzz] or a deliberate attempt at misinformation spearheaded by The Point? Perhaps a little of both… and maybe… just maybe… there could be some truth to it. To help keep their record intact, I have heard a new rumor claiming that the park just might add a new kiddie coaster to the Planet Snoopy area as well since SFMM is adding a kiddie coaster next year. Gotta keep that coaster count up you know.

What do you guys think?

[Changsucks]

That's low. :p

[Austin]

Cedar Point shouldnt bother with the record. They are almost on the opposite ends of the coast and Cedar Point I would say still has more reputation. Plus not very many will know of the change in the record for a while giving Cedar Point time to take it back. Cedar Point is known for its record, and coasters. SFMM has some good coasters but nothing like CP's. Plus SFMM is only putting a kiddie coaster. If they was serious about the record they would have added something larger.

[DarienLake:D]

Well watch they make an announcement saying "this coaster will make us the park with the most coasters!" boom confetti shooters etc.. lol!

[Austin]

Coasters will ruin CP. If they are willing to take out two flats for a coaster as well as a show then there really is no hope for their future. They're getting rid of too many flats. They already dont have many and now they want to take more out? Pretty soon it will be mostly for coaster nerds.

[Changsucks]

Nah, Cedar Point has a great flat ride collection. I think a coaster is necessary, specifically a decent sized one like a GCI.

[DarienLake:D]

Maybe just one more :-p ^ GCI woodie sounds good...

[Austin]

If they want to build another major coaster I know a location in the park where some firewood currently is located. A GCI would be perfect there.

[Changsucks]

The GCI wouldn't have to replace Mean Streak. They could squeeze it in by the beach (Wicked Twister Midway).

[Austin]

Mean Streak needs to go. It seems all the wooden coasters made in the late 80s to about 2000 all are rougher then hell. And then GCI and GG changed that thankfully. I'd say its a lack of attention to quality.

[nitrofan]

Coasters will ruin CP. If they are willing to take out two flats for a coaster as well as a show then there really is no hope for their future. They're getting rid of too many flats. They already dont have many and now they want to take more out? Pretty soon it will be mostly for coaster nerds.

I disagree with that completely. Cedar Point does make sacrifices, but they are always replaced. The log flume was taken out for Maverick, and it was replaced with STR. Cedar Point is constantly balancing out the park from what they removed for a coaster. Just because a park has lots of coasters doesn't mean it is just for coaster lovers, many teens and adults like coasters as well. Think of all the people who go to parks and don't ride flats or see shows. Cedar Point has a large group of visitors in that category.

[Austin]

I go to parks for both coasters and flats. And their collection of flats was not impressive. A Chaos, a pirate boat, monster, matterhorn, a wave swinger, troika, steeplechase, a bumper cars, super himalya, an enterprise, a steeplechase, multiple kiddie rides, and a very old gyrorator. Then you got MaxAir, Sky Hawk, and the Power Tower.

None of those flats besides the last three are even slightly thrilling.

[nitrofan]

^But most people in Cedar Point's target demographic think OMG 17 Coasters!!1!!1!

Who goes to Cedar Point for MaxAir? No one, they go for Maverick, Millenium Force, and the other major coasters. The smaller coasters and the flats are just something else fun to do while you are there.

[Austin]

Its very unbalanced. It would be a lot better park if they had a better collection.

[Changsucks]

I go to parks for both coasters and flats. And their collection of flats was not impressive. A Chaos, a pirate boat, monster, matterhorn, a wave swinger, troika, steeplechase, a bumper cars, super himalya, an enterprise, a steeplechase, multiple kiddie rides, and a very old gyrorator. Then you got MaxAir, Sky Hawk, and the Power Tower.

None of those flats besides the last three are even slightly thrilling.

You basically just contradicted yourself because that is a lot of flats. Doesn't matter if they're thrilling or not; that's not always the point of flat rides. What's important is that Cedar Point has a lot of non-coaster rides. It is a VERY well balanced park. Also don't forget the Challenge Park, because while it is up-charge, it's there if you're interested.

You can also compare that collection of flats to any other US park and you may think differently.

I'm not trying to say The Point is lacking in coasters, but they're definitely not lacking in flats, so since coasters are the main draw to parks (especially CP) it would be the best idea to add another one.

[Jp]

From Screamscape:
2011 - Stratosoar / Thrill Ride - Semi-Confirmed - (8/6/10) The latest rumors about StratoSoar is that the Star Flyer style ride will hold 64 riders at once and stand 300 feet tall. I’ve also heard that the new ride could replace Ocean Motion, the park’s swing ship, located right next to the beach.

[Truth Seeker 1]

If anyone is complicated on what a Star Flyer is these links are for you

http://www.funtime.com.au/data/advant2.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1FngVMHP7s

[Austin]

You basically just contradicted yourself because that is a lot of flats. Doesn't matter if they're thrilling or not; that's not always the point of flat rides. What's important is that Cedar Point has a lot of non-coaster rides. It is a VERY well balanced park. Also don't forget the Challenge Park, because while it is up-charge, it's there if you're interested.

You can also compare that collection of flats to any other US park and you may think differently.

I'm not trying to say The Point is lacking in coasters, but they're definitely not lacking in flats, so since coasters are the main draw to parks (especially CP) it would be the best idea to add another one.

I'm just saying I would have enjoyed the park more if there was newer flats. A matterhorn and a himalaya are basically the same almost. And they are old and usually only found in traveling fairs.

A nice flat addition would be something like Sum of All Thrills at Epcot. A coaster simulator that provides multiple axes of motion. Would be great for those who dont like to experience the coasters themselves or give them a preview of what it would be like.

Looking at a list of flats maybe a Huss Flipper or a Huss Booster could replace Calypso.

Also as for 2011 look at this:

http://www.funtime.com.au/data/advant2.htm

"The StarFlyer can be operated in many different programs, which include variations with speeds and durations, one useful program is called the promotion mode in which the gondolas spin at full speed at the top of the tower without patrons in the seats, the purpose of this is to bring people to the ride. In this way the StarFlyer can be used to bring patrons to what has previously been a 'dead' part of the park, this is the way the StarFlyer is utilized in Prater Park, Vienna. In addition to being an attractive addition to your skyline the StarFlyer can serve other purposes. Special lighting at night can make the unique steel framework a new icon for the park. Also, sponsorship opportunities abound as teen-oriented food products and soft drinks all lend themselves to being associated with the 'extreme ride for all' nature of the StarFlyer. "

[nitrofan]

^You have to also consider that you are not the average park guest.

Why would you want Cedar Point to go replacing flats if you don't think they have enough flats?

[Austin]

They have flats but they are outdated. Why do you want to keep out of date rides? Calypso when I was there was a walk on wait. And its in a dead portion of the park. Only blue streak is there.

Lets put it this way, if you had a outdated phone would you be excited about it? Now if you had say a iPhone would you be excited? A new flat in that area specifically where calypso is, a thrilling one at that, would help bring that area back to life. Every ride in there including Blue Streak was a walk on, and I was there on one of the busier days to.

[Changsucks]

Lets put it this way, if you had a outdated phone would you be excited about it?

That's where you're missing the point. Those old, classic flats aren't what you go to to Cedar Point for. They are just not the excitement of the park; the coasters are. While you're there, those flats are nice to ride and balance out the park (which is why they should not be removed and a replacement is unnecessary) but coasters bring people in.

Anyway, whether I like it or not, this 2011 additon is looking more and more likely to be a flat ride.

[Jp]

Cedar Point recently reached 500,000 fans on their Facebook page and just posted this:

‎500,000! IEItRmA.

That word is "AIRtImE" mixed up. A clue perhaps, and do the caps mean anything?

[bobbinbop20]

Then you got MaxAir, Sky Hawk, and the Power Tower.

None of those flats besides the last three are even slightly thrilling.

Most parks have zero thrilling flats besides like drop towers. at Least CP has skyhawk and Maxair which are both really good rides

[Truth Seeker 1]

A reader sent us a link to an old Park World article about a new creation Mondial announced in early 2010 called the Wind Seeker. In short, the ride was developed as their own version of the Star Flyer… one that could operate in higher wind conditions as there steel arms holding the twin-seater chairs in place instead of wimpy chains. So could The Point’s new ride really be the first Wind Seeker?

Source: Screamscape.com

[Jp]

http://themeparkreview.com/forum/files/clue.jpg

Now you got a windmill and a dinosaur.

I heard three rumors so far about this:

Stratosoar
Zamplerla flyer
Halfpipe (like at Nickelodeon Universe or at Elitch Gardens)


But I am still going with a Stratosoar ride, becuase you swing like a windmill and it is as tall like a dinosaur's neck.

[nitrofan]

I think that the dinosoar is a hint at the "soar" part of the ride, it could mean tall, but I don't think so.

As for Cedar Point getting an Intamin Halfpipe, I can't really see that happening. It has too low of a capacity for Cedar Point, the lines would be ridiculous!

[Austin]

Plus they have a similar ride with Wicked Twister. Its got to be something that needs alot of room considering they are getting ride of the boat and chaos.

[nitrofan]

Plus they have a similar ride with Wicked Twister. Its got to be something that needs alot of room considering they are getting ride of the boat and chaos.

Chaos just needed to go, it may be replaced, but Chaos leaving had nothing to do with this expansion.

What boat are they removing?

[Austin]

The pirate boat. It and chaos are within 30 seconds of each other. Litterly only the pathway separates them.

[Changsucks]

Both rides don't really take up a noticeable amount of space. It's not like those two rides being removed make the difference of this being a huge coaster or not.

[Austin]

Cedar Point is officially getting the Mondial Wind Seeker. Ocean Motion is also reported as moving to Demon Drop's former location. With the Wind Seeker replacing Ocean Motion on its current location.

Chaos as it turns out seems to have nothing to do with it.

[Truth Seeker 1]

where did you hear that?

[Austin]

The maker of the Star Flyers is threatening to sue Cedar Fair for selecting the Wind Seekers.

http://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2010/08/star-flyin-wind-seekin-drama-erupts.html

The Sandusky Register totally blew the cover off of Cedar Point's plans for their 2011 attraction with this article, published late yesterday.

The article states that Funtime, the creator and patent holder of the StarFlyer attraction, is furious that Cedar Point is going to build a Mondial Wind Seeker, a ride similar in design to the StarFlyer - only with seats suspended on arms, not chains. So angry, in fact, that the company says they will sue Cedar Point if they build the ride. On what grounds I'm not sure - I'm no lawyer but it strikes me that suing the park would be pretty silly.

Seems that Funtime expected to receive the contract for the ride after Cedar Fair officials visited the one in Florida some time ago, but obviously that's not how it turned out. They planned to build a 400 ft. attraction for the park, the article says.

I'm interested to see if this is just a lot of hot air or if Funtime will really enter litigation over the issue. Knott's Berry Farm has joined Canada's Wonderland in their Facebook new-attraction-teasing, and from their hints I think that all three parks are due for their own StratoSoar ride.

With the announcements due in less than a week we won't wait long to find out!

http://www.sanduskyregister.com/sandusky/2010/aug/19/ride-wars-cedar-point

The fate of Cedar Point’s new ride could already be up in the air as a patent war brews between two ride manufacturers.

Brian Mirfin, of Australian ride manufacturer Funtime Group, said the new ride will be the Wind Seeker, made by Dutch-based manufacturer Mondial.

The Wind Seeker, however, is a patent-infringing copy of the StarFlyer — a tower ride the Funtime Group made and owns a patent on, Mirfin said.

Both rides are tower rides that spin riders around as they extend high in the air.

The StarFlyer pulls seats attached to a chain. The Mondial design is similar but uses arms instead of chains.

In its news announcement in early February, Mondial said it came up with the new ride “following requests from clients who wanted a StarFlyer-style ride they could still operate within normal wind conditions.”

“It’s almost like Mondial’s plagiarizing our idea,” said Mirfin, director of the Funtime Group and owner of Cottingham Agencies, which holds the patent for StarFlyer. “It makes us very, very angry.”

Executives at Mondial did not return an e-mail from a reporter seeking comment.

Dick Kinzel, president, chairman and CEO for Cedar Fair, said Wednesday night he had no comment. He repeated that the company plans to make an announcement at 2 p.m. Tuesday about the new ride for 2011.

Mirfin said his company, which has built 22 StarFlyers so far, thought it had a deal to build one for Cedar Point after amusement park executives flew to Orlando, Fla., several months ago to look at a StarFlyer at the Magical Midway.

Mirfin said his company planned to build a StarFlyer for Cedar Point that would be 400 feet tall — even bigger than the StarFlyer at Prater Park in Vienna, which stands 384 feet tall.

Instead, Funtime learned Cedar Point was buying a similar ride from Mondial, Mirfin said

“Now, not only do we not get the contract, now we’ve got to get into litigation,” Mirfin said. “The ones that we’ll be suing will be Cedar Point and not Mondial.”

Funtime’s U.S. patent for StarFlyer — patent No. 7666103 — was granted Feb. 23.

Tony Handal, the Connecticut attorney who filed the patent, said he believes the Mondial ride would be a patent infringement on the StarFlyer.

“It looks pretty much like the same thing to me,” Handal said, adding that he doubts litigation will be necessary.

“I think Cedar Point will not go forward without a license,” Handal said. “They can either do that or they can have the ride built by a licensed company.”

View details on Australia-based Funtime Group's StarFlyer ride here.

Read about the U.S. patent, No. 7666103, here.

Read reporter Tom Jackson's earlier blogs about these two rides here. Be sure to follow the links to view video of the rides.

[Truth Seeker 1]

They are suing them for not buying their product? That is ridiculous. On a positive note, 400 feet sing ride seems amazing.

[Austin]

I know its ridiculous. But this swing ride sounds perfect! I wonder if this is what is heading to KI also. I mean they have that back corner area where they had Flight Commander (Removed due to death) and the old lot from Laser Tag (torn down last year) So it could really revitalize that area of the park.

[nitrofan]

They are suing them for not buying their product? That is ridiculous. On a positive note, 400 feet sing ride seems amazing.

No, suing them for an alleged patent violation.

[Austin]

Put why would they sue Cedar Fair then?

And as far as "plagiarizing" Mondial did no such thing. What they did was called piggy backing. They took an idea, and improved it basically. Star Flyers from my understanding cant operate in the wind or bad weather but with these Mondial's they have arms, not chains so they have a significantly lower risk of injury during wind and storms so they can operate in almost any weather CP would see.

[DarienLake:D]

All CP has to say is "Sorry we were not satisfied with your product we are going with a better one..." I bet there suing them for attention...

Edit: I honestly think i'm glad Cedar Fair did not go with FunTime's version....