If an interesting rumor from Screamscape turns out to be true, that aging Arrow looper at the Cedar Fair park near you may be on the way out. Here’s what Lance posted last week:
(11/6/12) According to an anonymous spy source, Cedar Fair is said to making plans to retire Vortex at Kings Island (1987) and Anaconda at Kings Dominion (1991) sometime in the next few years. Apparently they seem to believe that these two old Arrow coasters may be close to reaching the end of their practical lifespan, mixed with issues like increasing maintenance costs and declining guest popularity.
I have to admit that locally, I’ve heard first hand rumors claiming that Carolina Cyclone at Carowinds (1980) isn’t likely to be around in another five years. Makes me wonder if Cedar Fair may also be looking into removing the Corkscrew coasters from Cedar Point (1976), Michigan’s Adventure (1979) and Valleyfair (1980) and there are progressively fewer and fewer 70’s era Arrow loopers still running.
– Lance from Screamscape
Imagine an Arrow-less World
After writing for years about the headaches that these classic steel roller coasters can inflict, you might think I’d welcome their collective demise. I mostly do, but it’s worth exploring what these parks might be like without one of their bread and butter attractions.
It probably varies by park and roller coaster, but some of these still maintain a decent ridership considering their age. The general public can be much more forgiving at times when it comes to rides I’d considerable nearly unride-able. These rides also help in some way by keeping lines down for other attractions.
I’ve seen other aging Arrows become defunct recently, but I’ve never thought about a large scale extinction. It’s interesting to consider what that would be like. And parks might want to think of a way to make up for the lost revenue from travel size Tylenol.
Recently Defunct Arrow Coasters
In the past few years we’ve seen a few Arrow coasters sent to the scrapheap. In 2009, we saw a much loved, not painful Big Bad Wolf removed from Busch Gardens Williamsburg. A few years later, the park replaced Wolfie with Verbolten. And then in 2010, Six Flags Great Adventure did us all a favor (sorry), and removed Great American Scream Machine to make way for their re-vamped stand up coaster Green Lantern.
My Take – Nice To Know You
I rode Vortex at Kings Island just once or twice. While I thought it was one of the cooler looking loopers back in the day, I wouldn’t miss it if it was removed. I’m more closely connected with my first looper, Anaconda at Kings Dominion. I’d hope that they’d find a way to incorporate the lake pond into its replacement. I like it overall, but it’s got some really rough sections. I’d be fine with it getting removed.
I might actually applaud the de-construction crew as my local Arrow looper, Carolina Cyclone is removed. It looks cool and provides some great photo ops as it loops right over pathways, but it’s super rough and largely un-enjoyable. At end of the day, I’d be okay with these coasters being removed especially if there are plans to replace them with newer attractions.
For more why these rides can get so rough, see Busch Gardens Roller Coaster Tour with a look at Loch Ness Monster’s maintenance shop. There’s also more discussion of the photo above in: “A Picture Worth a Thousand Head Aches”
What’s Your Take?
This is just a rumor at this point, but what you think? Would you miss the Arrow looper at your closest Cedar Fair park? Do you think these rides are still needed in their lineups or do you think it’s time for them to go? What say you? Leave a comment below.
Coaster Critic 
52 responses to “Rumor – Cedar Fair Planning to Remove Arrow Looping Coasters”
The arrow loopers are very iconic and are probably responsible for a large swath of the general populations looping experiences. My first inversion was a cork screw and the cork screw at cedar point is a favorite of mine o this day. However, there comes a time when it simply doesn't make sense to maintain a ride anymore. I think if done, sensitively and tastefully, an arrow removal trend at cedar fair would be fine. For especially significant, historic, or very visually impactful coasters (like the corkscrew at cedar point) it would be wise to find a way to commemorate or preserve that aspect. The corkscrews over cedar point's midway still look amazing to this day and it is always cool to be near them as the screaming riders twist overhead.
I would definitely miss the Arrow loopers.
To be diplomatic, the younger generation of riders (both enthusiasts and general public) who have grown up with B&M's are just less tolerant of roughness. And yes some of us older folks have a harder time re-riding these rides.
Also, the roughness varies a lot. I have always found the Vortex at Kings Island to be the worst and in a bizarre way– it always bounces my head up and down against the head rest rather violently. That's worse than the side-to-side blows on the shoulder harness. I can usually do it around 3 times and I need a break. But I always make a point of riding it.
On the other hand, I do not find Carolina Cyclone rough at all. I would really miss that ride at Carowinds. I rode it repeatedly on my last visit a few years ago because I feared it was going to be on the chopping block.
We have the same problem with wood coasters. Everyone expects them to feel like steel coasters and parks don't want to spend anything on maintenance; hence the success of GGI and the advent of the "iron horse" and "topper track."
I live down the street from Kings Island If vortex was removed it would result in a lot less guest's Vortex is the leading looper at the park and its a Kings Island classic 😥
Vortex is a fantastic coaster that still holds up. Why dont they try building coasters in other parts of the park and remove some of the other coasters at KIngs Island that are very poor. Its one of the few coasters at the park that
a coaster geek like myself can ride and get enjoyment each time. ( I did get a headache from this ride this year)….worth it!
I'm fine with these loopers getting removed, except I would be sad to see Vortex go. Vortex is my favorite as it provides just a few head bangs. As long as Cedar Fair replaces these coasters It could be a good move. This also makes me wonder if Magnum will be removed. It is just as rough and the hyper coaster was a brand new concept at the time.
I want mine gone. along with the non-looper.
It is ironic to remove these arrow loopers that are responsible for inspiration behind a lot of our modern steel coasters. I would hate to see vortex at kings island go. It is a great ride and always seems to have a decent line. That being said, I think cedar point's corkscrew needs to go. It would be odd for the park to remove such an iconic coaster but it rarely gets a line and doesn't seem worth the upkeep.
Tear them down, this has been a long time coming.
I really enjoy Anaconda but I wouldn't miss this coasters if they were torn down. Just like humans coasters are born and then they pass away but we will always have their memory and history. I especially wouldn't mind if they put in a more modern B&M or Intamin that was more enjoyable to ride. The ONE arrow looper I wouldn't want to see go is Loch Ness Monster but I'm sure it will reach the end of it's servicable lifespan also.
I got to ride most of the Cedar Fair Arrow Loopers last year. I have to piggyback on some of the comments here and say that I'd hate to see Vortex go. It's easily my favorite Arrow looper (edging out Viper at SFMM). The straight drop section before the loops start is awesome, and I like that they have the batwing AFTER the double corkscrew (Viper has them reversed). The slow speed after the brake run gives you good hangtime during the double corkscrew. And then you have a helix to end it off. The best Arrow layout I've been on by far. I'd also have to agree with those that said that Corkscrew should say at Cedar Point. It does give an iconic view, still rides good, and still serves as a good intermediate ride to the high thrill loopers.
Now, I'd have to say that I wouldn't miss the Carolina Cyclone. I'd have to agree with CC that it was rather rough. And I didn't get a chance to ride Anaconda at KD. With Lochness Monster being only a few hours away from it though, I wouldn't say I'd miss that one either.
Really, Arrow loopers would all be a lot more fun to ride if they didn't have such restraining seats. Yeah, the trains are rough, but what really diminishes the rides are the cramped cars with the limiting restraints. A little bit more arm freedom would do wonders for the Arrow loopers.
I always hate to see a roller coaster go away, but I am also a realist. I realize that coasters age and eventually get to a point where it is no longer cost effective to keep a roller coaster running. As long as the ride is replaced with something better, I will always appreciate an update.
Good riddance….
Sorry to anyone who likes the Arrow loopers. There's no excuse for the roughness. Simply because a few of the Schwarzkopf loopers have been around equally as long and still provide very smooth and enjoyable ride.
If this rumor is true, it will be sad to see them go. Although, slightly happy…But more sad…
Vortex at Kings Island was very fun a few years ago. However, it the last year or two, it really became rough.
I'll be sad to see Corkscrew go at MI adventures, that was always a fun little ride, and it is not rough. (For some odd reason) Although, I doubt that they would take any coasters away from MI adventures, for, its such a little park.
And Corkscrew at Cedar Point was a great ride for little kids. It was one of my first coasters, so I'll be sad to see that one go to.
Magnum won't go…For a long time. Magnum was in the top ten steel coasters this year, not to mention it has historical significance. And it actually isn't that rough where its painful.
Just as long as BGW doesn't tear down the Loch Ness Monster.
Never rode Anaconda, but what I've heard about it isn't good.
Like many other people, first looper was an Arrow, the Lock Ness Monster to be exact. It's probably the only Arrow looper I still see in a positive light. Every other that I have ridden has led to a painful experience. Corkscrew at Cedar Point: bad. Steamin' Demon at the Great Escape: Bad. Anaconda at Kings Dominion: Bad. Vortex at Kings Island: Very Bad. And but not least, the Great American Scream Machine at my home park, Six Flags Great Adventure: Horrendous. Sadly, I wouldn't shed a tear if any were torn down. Loch Ness would be the only one I would miss, as it's both sentimental, and a solid ride.
I know many have not ridden it and it’s not a Cedar Fair coaster, but since we’re talking Arrow loopers, I’d like to save both Nessie AND Dollywood’s Tennessee Tornado. TT is shockingly smooth for an Arrow. Like many have said, Arrow might have “gotten it right” too late as that was one of their last coasters.
I loathe this coaster and would be happy to see it go. Yes, the drop into an underwater tunnel is fun but it's otherwise a real head-banger and at my age I don't need that. Interestingly, I found the last two inversions to be painless but otherwise the ride was much too rough to be enjoyable. I only recently got into riding loopers but even in my limited experience with them, I can cite a few which are far, far better: i.e., Talon at Dorney Park, Tennessee Tornado (speaking of Arrow), which I agree is relatively smooth, and Bizarro Six Flags Great Adventure. I wouldn't waste my time riding Anaconda again when there are far better rides at the park, most notably Intimidator 305 and Volcano.
I have so many memories growing up with Anaconda and (my first) Loch Ness Monster! Losing Anaconda would be sad. But, it doesn't enjoy long lines, so I wouldn't be surprised with its demise. The first drop through the underwater tunnel into what must be one of the highest loops ever built is still a lot of fun!! If you hold your head away from the head rest during the turn before the corkscrew and you can avoid the headaches. Of course only us season pass-holders probably know that. It recently got a paint job, so they appreciate how aesthetically pleasing it is to the park decor. Hopefully, they will replace it with something that will help me make even better new memories!!
Being an older enthusiast, I've ridden most of these 'Arrows' in their heyday….and they were amazing. I remember when I first saw the Corkscrew at Cedar Point the first year it opened. My friends and I were completely awestruck. Literally, standing in the middle of the midway with our mouths gaped open, totally slackjawed. I was just 15-years old and we rode every ride in the park before riding the Corkscrew because I was completely terrified. I just knew this crazy looking 'roller coaster' was going to throw me out onto the midway in a bloody mess…lol When we (I) finally got up the nerve to ride, I took the front seat….(Hell, if I'm going to die, I might as well go out in a blaze of glory!!!) — Part 1
Part 2 — The first thing I found so interesting was the front seat had no foot panel, so you could stretch your legs out all the way. I didn't realize at the time how comfortable that legroom was until they installed those obtrusive panels. Nevertheless, nothing will ever compare to that very first ride on the Corkscrew. If they decide to remove that iconic ride, it would be a shame…but, totally understandable. Alas, just like anything else, everything comes to pass. And while some of us may miss them, it may be time to let them go…Besides, I'd rather bask in the memory of a good ride…then to watch a good ride go bad…
My home park is Kings Island, even though. Vortex is not my favorite coaster at the park(#1 The Beast) and I can only ride it one or two times a trip it is part of roller coaster history and engineering history. When it first open in 1987 it was the tallest and first coaster to have 6 inversions. Today designers, design coasters on the computer much like rct3, plus. build all the track segments at the factories truck them in and piece them together, back in vortex's time it was all designed by simple physics models,and, hand welded onsite which gives its roughness but the roughness has character that only an arrow can provide. Kids today are weak they want the smoothness, which im all for but getting bumped around is what a coaster is suppose to feel like. the Vortex is still one of the popular rides at the park and I know that it is not going to last forever but when that day comes it better be on the brink of crumbling. Losing Vortex will be a huge lost for Kings Island and Coaster History.
Looks like the end of an era is upon us coaster enthusiasts. I echo the sentiments that these old work horses paved the way for the Giga & Hyper coasters we all now love. However, we all knew this day would come. I agree that the time for these dinosaurs has come & passed. My first taste of a coaster was Arrow's Walbash Cannonball @ Opryland & I was hooked instantly. Will definitely miss them for the nostalgia purposes, but understand the importance of rider-ship,rider comfort, real estate (especially @ my home park of Cedar Point), & maintenance must always be kept at the fore-front for any park. I am hoping they keep at least a couple of them & use some for spare parts (Corkscrew being one of those saved–its loops over the mid-way are so iconic I couldn't imagine the park without them)
I wonder if this will be the beginning phase of getting rid of most of the old Arrow coasters @ CF parks. If that's the case, it could change the whole landscape of Cedar Point. Corkscrew, Gemini, Iron Dragon, Mine Ride even (I shudder as I type this–even Magnum) are all Arrow coasters. On the up-side, this move could signal Mr. Ouimet's desire to usher in a whole new Golden Era of coasters at the CF parks (an era I would welcome).
One thing I'd like to see (if possible) is for CF to offer many of its de-commissioned coasters to Seaside Heights to replace the coasters destroyed by Sandy.
The iconic corkscrews in the CP midway should not be touched, unless they make a new looping coaster with 2 identical corkscrews. I know its not Arrow but one coaster i will never want to see get replaces is Kumba. I hope it remains there for at least 20 more years
I agree but in light of the recent removal of another icon, Space Spiral, I no longer think any ride there is safe. However, due to the fact that most of those 70's Arrow coasters seemed to be cookie-cutter twins, they could use the parts of the de-commissioned loopers to keep Corkscrew running for yrs to come (I hope). Not to mention its small footprint.
My prediction is that the 2 coasters on the chopping block at CP are Mine Ride & Iron Dragon. My layman prediction is that Mine Ride will go first. The testing of Gemini trains on MR last spring tells me that those rides use identical parts & that MR parts could be used to keep the much more popular Gemini running for yrs to come. MR has seen decreased ridership the last few yrs. Not to mention that MR takes up a large footprint in one of the most beautiful areas of the park that doesn't sit on the coast. CP could easily put another large B&M or Intamin in that large footprint
Sadly, most Arrow loopers age badly, with very few exceptions. The Scream In Pan Machine at Great Adventure is missed by few. Both Anaconda and Vortex are on my list of Never Again's. Hopefully Nessie will survive for a few more decades. It's not only visually stunning but historically significant as well.
Sadly, most Arrow loopers age badly, with very few exceptions. The Scream In Pain Machine at Great Adventure is missed by few. Both Anaconda and Vortex are on my list of Never Again's. Hopefully Nessie will survive for a few more decades. It's not only visually stunning but historically significant as well.
Before I reached 5 foot 5 inches or so I dreaded sit-down looping coasters, especially arrow, because of their roughness and head-banging. However, as soon as my head cleared the shoulder restraints, I my experience became MUCH more enjoyable. I still had to clench my neck so my head wasnt flung around, but since my head was above the restraints, my head wasn't banging constantly against the restraints. Anyone else find this to be true?
I never rode them when I was shorter, but I do find that, at 5'11", I have much less trouble with headbanging on loopers with horsecollar restraints than most other people do. I suspect that a tallish man is pretty much what these restraints are typically designed for, which shortchanges everybody else.
Yeah, I’m only 5’7″ but if I sit reasonably straight my head clears the restraints. I find loopers with these restraints more enjoyable than say, standup coasters and the occasional rough floorless or inverted coaster, because on those, the restraints reach up past the ears, so the headbanging is more relevant and painful.
You know how in your neighborhood there use to be a store or a house or some structure that made it home? I've been a native to Kings Island for the past 16 years of my life. The vortex is by far my favorite ride there. Plus it's a starter coaster for those riders who are trying to step up their thrill. The track layout can't even be matched by modern day layouts. The first drop, steep and fast. It's like the ride pulls you in. 6 inversions: 2 loops, 2 corkscrews, and a counter clockwise helix. Come on? That's a hype ride. Yes it does beat the shit out of you a little bit, and leg space (except for the front seat) is limited. But there are more pro's then cons. Even if you hate it you gotta love the way it looks. These parks make billions. Repair and maintenance is a part of roller coaster life. I say redesign the damn thing. Make it a smoother more comfortable ride and it's still one of the top three rides in the park if not the best. It's irreplaceable.
Can someone explain to me why parts are so hard to come by? Doesn't Velkolma offer pretty much the EXACT same thing, and with how Arrow trains are known to have been run on Velkoma coasters, and these rides are classics, Corkscrew (CP) was the first coaster to go upside-down 3 times,Vortex was the first to go 6. But my point is that if Velkoma offers the same thing, why are parts so hard to come by, I completely understand about train parts, be how different are the wheels, lift motors, and brakes? And hell, if the Velkoma suspended trains were fit onto an Arrow suspended coaster (Vampire at CWoA) and how Arrow trains work on Velkoma coasters, why can't the new Velkoma soft trains, you know, the ones that remove the headbanging from all reports, work on Arrow coasters? sure they lack to classic style that the Arrow trains have (much like PTC trains on woodies and Millennium Flyers on GCI woodies), but they'd also make the rides enjoyable again for ages to come,
I could be wrong about how the parts work, I admit that I could be completely wrong, and I also admit that I don't know everything about Arrow loopers, but if you look at it that way, it doesn't make much sense,
i'm a cedar pointer. i've been going since i was 5, i'm 63. i love the coasters and all the other rides. i went with my children and now my grand children. i can relive every eye opening moment through them. at halloweekends it saddens me to see the ride cemetery. so many rides are gone. but, it has always been rough riding on the corkscrew. i've ridden vortex and hated that ride from the getgo. both of these rides gave me a headache that lasted all day long. but on the other hand, they make other people happy and i hate to see them go.
I agree that the old Arrow Loopers are incredibly rough. The only place that is somewat comfortable to ride in is the very back. I disagree however with removing them. They are some of the coolest looking rollercoasters around, and an incredible part of roller coaster history. What companies need to do with them is re-track, refurbish them, and find more comfortable trains. If you can make the ride smooth and enjoyable, then people would enjoy so much more.
So all of the Arrow Loopers are to be scrapped?? What about Viper at Six Flags Magic Mountain??? Hopefully i can get to Kings Island this summer to ride Vortex. i can’t miss out on that ride. I think its a good idea to replace them all because they can be a pain. It’s funny because the only Arrow Coaster that got saved was Kennywood’s Steel Phantom. And do i miss that ride so much but atleast the ride is still here. Phantom’s Revenge is a huge improvement on Steel Phantom. But i will make sure to ride the Vortex. I can’t get over to Viper thats to far away but i will be sure to ride the Corkscrew at Cedar Point. Anaconda at Kings Dominion looks like i wont be able to ride that one either because its to far of a drive. But R.I.P to the Arrow Coasters. Yall served the parks very well. Steel Phantom i will never EVER!!! Forget that ride.
I doubt Corkscrew will be removed in the next few years. It’s historical, why would they get rid of it?
NOOOOO freaking way. Cedar Fair, you better listen to me GOOD. If you EVER take away the Corkscrew from Cedar Point/Valley Fair, or Vortex from Kings island…. I could just SPIT.
Let me put it this way… Corkscrew (Cedar Point) [Im pretty sure Valley Fair’s is the same since Ive seen videos…] is my first looping coaster, so therefore it is one of my favorites. Ive never been on Vortex Ive never been on, but Ive heard Its one of the best Arrows out there. PLEASE DONT RID THEM EVEREVEREVER!!! 😥
I would miss anaconda always try to ride it at least once when I am at kings dominion being my home park.
I live closest to Valleyfair and they still have the corckscrew and they recently repainted it and i am confused if they r going to tear it down. It is really shaky, and i would not be that sad if they tore it down.
If all Arrow coasters were to become extinct then the major parks like Cedar Point (especially Cedar Point) would lose a lot of coasters. Because most of Ceadr Point`s coasters are Arrow coasters. For example… Corkscrew, Gemini, Magnum, Cedar Creek Mine Ride, and Iron Dragon. That is getting rid of 5/15 of Cedar Points roller coasters!!!!!! So I hope that this rumor doesn’t become a reality, because if it ever did….. it would be a REAL pain in the rump. (Even though most Arrow roller coaster have a reputation to age bad and cause pain) But still it would suck if parks would get rid of all of the Arrow coasters.
Thank you for sticking in to read this whole response, I am sorry it’s so long.
My home parks are Knotts and SFMM and my first loopers were rides like Viper, Boomerang and Ninja, plus there’s something about them that looks amazing and intimidating all at once from the ground and the air. Yes I’d be very sad to see them go. IMPO if they can maybe revamp some problems to make the coasters smoother they could start pulling in more riders.
I think that the Vortex at KI seems like a great ride. It would be sad to see it go. That seems like one of the better arrow looper coasters. I hope sometime in the future that a park makes a B&M version of KI’s vortex.
Or they could sell Vortex to another park, but with the new vekoma trains as used on Carolina Cobra. The trains take away from the head banging with shoulder restraints that actually go up to your shoulder.
If Cedar Fair does anything to their classic Arrow Loopers, they should have Vekoma re-track them and install new trains.
Plus, are Arrow loopers really that bad? I’ve only been on one Arrow coaster, and that was a mine train. It was pretty smooth. The looping ones must at least be smoother than an SLC.
Not speaking about cedar fair, Canobie needs to say goodbye to their corkscrew. Their corkscrew every year gets rougher and rougher. I rode it in 2010 and thought it was just a bit bumpy. Rode it in 2013 and it hurt insanely. My cousins and friends got off holding our heads in pain saying “Ouch! Why did we go on that thing!?”
I’d always heard that Canobie was hanging on to that thing so that they would have at least one inverting coaster, so I assumed they’d tear it out after Untamed went up. But, no, they even repainted it, suggesting that they’re planning on keeping it for a while. I suppose some people who are freaked out by Untamed’s initial drop might consider themselves up to the Corkscrew, though actually Untamed is by far the less punishing ride.
The Canobie Corkscrew is actually mildly historic: in its original location in Illinois, it was the second modern coaster to go upside down (the first being the similar Corkscrew that is now at Silverwood). But they don’t capitalize on that fact.
…Anyway, I’ve thought for a while that what Canobie Lake really needs now is a good family coaster, to fill the gap between the Dragon kiddie coaster and the Yankee Cannonball (you could argue that the Cannonball is already a family coaster, but its height minimum is 48 inches). The spot where the Corkscrew is now would be just the right size for something like a GCI Big Fun woodie.
I think someone should buy all of the old coasters and start a huge park from cedar fairs and six flags and the rest of the amusement parks. I also would like for someone to make a new Demon drop that is bigger.
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Well it’s now 2018 and Vortex is still at Kings Island. I think it’s fair to say that rumor is just that…a rumor.
oof