[Jonathan]

I didn't hear it myself, but NewsPlusNotes has a summary including a few potentially interesting tidbits: http://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2014/ ... nings.html

The changes made at Knott's, mainly investing in atmosphere, refurbishments and improving the guest experience has been a home run success. Cedar Fair feels there is room to replicate this type of investment patterns at other parks to achieve the same results.

In the future, they expect to spend about $120 million a year on capital, which is up a bit from their older "9% of revenues" guidance.

If Rougarou is a success, and they expect it will be, they've already identified two other coasters where they can "make similar investments." One would think this would be Vortex at Carowinds and Vortex at California's Great America, two other (but smaller) B&M Stand-Up rides. Or it could be another coaster... but that seems less likely. I would expect unique names and themes if the transformations take place.

I've been operating under the assumption that both Vortex rides are too small to make it worth doing any conversion, but maybe not.

[coasterchitchat]

If anyone wants to listen to the 3rd Quarter Conference Call, you can listen to it here: http://www.media-server.com/m/p/i5mopkrh.

You will need to login with your name and email.

[tarheel1231]

Vortex getting converted would be awesome! I like Vortex, so if it was converted, Carowinds would have 4 kick[ ] B&M's.

[FamousAmos]

I would rather Vortex get floorless trains than for it to go entirely. That's my opinion. I happen to like Vortex.

[tarheel1231]

I think a conversion at CGA will be more likely. It's more interesting layout-wise, and it's at a smaller park with a small number of coasters. I wouldn't complain though if our Vortex got converted. It just seems less marketable.

[saxrokinhomo]

Vortex as it is right now I'm no fan of. And I don't think converting it would be much of an improvement. I wouldn't be a bit upset to see it go.

[Edwardo]

Putting floor less trains on Vortex east and west would be fine by me. If they want to spend the money to do it, that's be great.

[Mr.Nitro]

Vortex as it is right now I'm no fan of. And I don't think converting it would be much of an improvement. I wouldn't be a bit upset to see it go.

My sentiments exactly. It's been in the park over 20 years, good riddance.

[Wormy]

Not so fast. What else would you put there for a reasonable fraction of the cost, instead of gleefully sending it to the scrapheap? I know people have given the crotch-rocket hell over the years (myself included) but as a sit-down/floorless it would be a fun re-rideable higher capacity ride; it has some decent laterals and a couple of nice close-to-ground moments. IF a re-fit is what's in store that is - give it another chance at least first?

[TheCoasterMan1]

They could just be talking about giving two coasters the RMC treatment.

[FamousAmos]

^^This I wouldn't mind at all either.

[swampfox43]

I would love to see Vortex transformed to sit down trains. The standing gimmick has run it's course. Plus, it can be painful. I say bring it on!

And to add to it, I'd like to imagine the upward helix be enclosed in a dome, pitch black, maybe strobes or fog.

And speaking of fog. With this proposed increased investment, how about getting the fog back in the Afterburn Batwing tunnel. That was one of the highlights of the ride back when it opened. Feels good on a hot day too!

[Picklesthedrummer]

Unless Ragarou at Cedar Point is a flop, which I find doubtful, I expect Cedar Fair to transform it's stand ups to floorless as well within a few years. As for the removal option to another park I see just as plausible as well. Not sure which I would prefer more, depends on what could realistically fit into Vortex's footprint as a replacement.

[intaminboy]

Roller coasers that could fit in Vortex's spot could include a prototype B&M vertical lift and beyond 90 degree drop coaster, a launched euro fighter, an Intamin vertical lift coaster. A SUPER compact RMC woodie (Goliath) or an compact Intamin pre-fab (Balder). An Intamin Zac Spin, or an Intamin family drop coaster. A Gerstlaurer family or spinning coaster. Any Maurer Shone coaster. Most Zierer coasters except for the elevated seating Verbolten model, all the Vekoma coaster except for the Custom Dueling coaster and the mega looping coaster. You guys should go to the Vekoma website and check out the new single car launch coaster for it looks really intriguing. All of the Mack coasters would fit but you would need to have a custom compact design for the launch, water and the mega coasters. All Priemier coasters except for the wood coaster and the liquid coaster. S&S models could be the air launch, free spin, el loco, and the fly free coasters. Also from B&M, Carowinds could get the family coaster but that is highly unlikely because we already have a Vekoma suspended family.

[shane235]

I wouldn't want to see Vortex to go, but if it does, I would probably want something like Verbolten (even though it would have to be extremely small). I really would be happy with any launch coaster (I have only been on 2 before, and they were both really fun!)