[gabed]

I've never been on a wing coaster, but I have to see, Watching POV's of Gatekeeper and hearing the screams, a wing coaster looks really cool and fun to me.

I've ridden two, and all I have to say is if you've ridden a sit-down coaster, then you've ridden a wing coaster. The only time that you realize that you're on the "wings" of GateKeeper is the twist that leads to the first drop. After that, it's just a really rough ride.

The second one I've ridden is Wild Eagle. Although it doesn't have the twisting first drop that GateKeeper has, it's still a much better ride in my opinion. But just like on GateKeeper, you never really realize or pay attention to the fact that your riding on a wing.

[pproteinc]

Nope...they strive to have what's best for them and their market. While I would hate to see it go I would definetly embrace the idea of it for something like...

Maybe with a longer train a la the smiler...

Well if Carowinds got that I'd be thoroughly happy saying "away with vortex."

[redrunner97]

I like Vortex. I think it adds variety.

If we're talking launched coasters, I would without a doubt want a Mack Rides Launched like Blue Fire. Or a Smiler that's not quite as, erm, rough/intense/painful/deadly.

[DarK Ei8ht]

I like Vortex. I think it adds variety.

If we're talking launched coasters, I would without a doubt want a Mack Rides Launched like Blue Fire. Or a Smiler that's not quite as, erm, rough/intense/painful/deadly.

To me Vortex has gotten much rougher recently and of course it is already uncomfortable. Add two and two together and its just not a fun ride. Demolishing Vortex and putting a Mack launcher there would be FANTASTIC for the park.

[redrunner97]

I would certainly let go of Vortex in exchange for a taller and faster version of Blue Fire with a big top hat after the launch. Make it about the size of Xcelorator at Knotts, with the regular Blue Fire elements after the first hill... Wow that'd be a great type of ride to bring to the park. Especially if they don't want to work with Intamin (although I imagine they will eventually, right?).

[Koallinbear]

Eventually

[mark40511]

I've never been on a wing coaster, but I have to see, Watching POV's of Gatekeeper and hearing the screams, a wing coaster looks really cool and fun to me.

I've ridden two, and all I have to say is if you've ridden a sit-down coaster, then you've ridden a wing coaster. The only time that you realize that you're on the "wings" of GateKeeper is the twist that leads to the first drop. After that, it's just a really rough ride.

The second one I've ridden is Wild Eagle. Although it doesn't have the twisting first drop that GateKeeper has, it's still a much better ride in my opinion. But just like on GateKeeper, you never really realize or pay attention to the fact that your riding on a wing.

Gotcha - yea, I've read comments like comments on youtube about Gatekeeper like "best ride and the park" and "smoothest ride I've ever been on", and then you read the complete opposite.......but most of what I've read was overwhelmingly positive.....Good to know about the wing thing....I wondered if that added anything special to the feel of the ride...

Regarding Vortex.........Yea, it adds variety, but if they don't convert it to something else, I think it should go...

Is it considered a popular ride in the park - meaning, are there usually lines?

[redrunner97]

Vortex, on a busy day, usually has a line down the stairs. This season, multiple time, I've seen it get VERY long. But I wouldn't call it popular. It's not a favorite of most people because its "uncomfortable and rough". I disagree, its all knowing how to ride it, and not trying to sit on those bicycle seats.

I'd love for B&M to come up with a new type of Train to replace it and make it more comfortable while still keeping the stand-up aspect (and Afterburn to get the new Inverted trains too while were at it).

[Mr.Nitro]

I've been saying, a Dive coaster like Griffon could fill Vortex's space and be infinitely more exciting.

[HavenHamilton]

I found Gatekeeper to be very fun and incredibly smooth. One of the smoothest big coasters I've ever been on.

[DarK Ei8ht]

I saw someone on FB say there of plenty of room to rebuild White Lightnin, and it gave me an idea. Obviously, as the ride is relocated to Africa, so it won't happen. But maybe for the 2017 season Carowinds could built a Premier launcher that has the same layout as White Lightnin except these differences:
-Record breaking acceleration- 0-85 mph in record time.
-World's tallest vertical loop- 185 feet
-And then a 220 foot tower
And of course, then you do it all again backwards!
Carowinds really needs a launching coaster, and what a great way to bring back the White Lightning name!

[intaminboy]

If we got a dive coaster in vortex's place, then the splash down could be in the central lagoon or lake. The one that is right under nighthawk and right next to vortex.

[ReillyK721]

I saw someone on FB say there of plenty of room to rebuild White Lightnin, and it gave me an idea. Obviously, as the ride is relocated to Africa, so it won't happen. But maybe for the 2017 season Carowinds could built a Premier launcher that has the same layout as White Lightnin except these differences:
-Record breaking acceleration- 0-85 mph in record time.
-World's tallest vertical loop- 185 feet
-And then a 220 foot tower
And of course, then you do it all again backwards!
Carowinds really needs a launching coaster, and what a great way to bring back the White Lightning name!

Just sounds like an upgraded Full Throttle, and making it white would make them look extremely similar. But this is all just speculation, and I do like the idea. It's a lot more plausible than my Vortex converted to a dive coaster idea

[Chris]

If we got a dive coaster in vortex's place, then the splash down could be in the central lagoon or lake. The one that is right under nighthawk and right next to vortex.

How big do y'all think the Vortex space is?!

[tarheel1231]

I know I sound like anyone who complains on Facebook, but you could fit a Log Flume in there.