jlwhite3 wrote:Is this make believe or is Vortex really closing?
Vortex is practically confirmed to be getting this at some point, but the story covered in this thread is speculative fiction.
fishels wrote:Tosu97 wrote:Personally I'd rather Vortex meet the wrecking ball than be transformed. I rode quite a few times and I've ridden Rougarou this year. While it was a much better ride than before (aside from the name, none of the GP can even say it) I don't think doing to Vortex would have near as big of an impact on the ride. It is so short and small that it will still suck IMO.
But looks good in RCT3 
Haven't ridden that awesome looking ride at Cedar fair Rougarou but I totally agree. I have never enjoyed this ride or nighthawk. This is just my opinion but they both seem like such short and gimmicky rides. You don't have to be tall to be an amazing ride(Top gun) but I would love to see both of them go and be made into much better and groundbreaking rides. I would LOVE a Maverick clone.
That would be nice (though it would be a hit to the coaster count after Thunder Road), but I don't see that happening because of how set in stone this is. And Rougarou is awesome, way better than it was as Mantis.
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Coast Carolina Forums > Trip Reports > Vortex: The Last Stand Event Report!
Posted by
Sarah [SOCIAL MEDIA CAPTAIN] on
25 September, 2016I wanted to post this last night but I was really tired and didn't get to, so here goes! The Last Stand!
The event started with the Vortex Farewell Walkback and I got some really cool photos!
Goldrusher will never be the same either! I loved going up the hill and seeing Vortex towering over the little choo-choo train coaster, it'll be even worse with the sinister black and indigo of Lusca!
They've done so much repainting on the supports, having them mostly black for this event will be nice.
Right under the loop!
We were told on the walkback that the ride is being marketed in such a way that it symbolizes being sucked into the whirlpool known to be created by the mythical Lusca and entangled in its tentacles. This part of the ride is going to be nicknamed as the Whirlpool.
And yes, it's just as twisty as a sea monster's tentacles.
Enough with the walkback, let's go ride Vortex!
For the last time.
So sad...
I was right by Mike Fehnel's side as he walked us back to the ride and I briskly walked down the queue path so I could be the first to pick a seat.
I didn't get many action shots because I was busy getting my last rides in. Every time I left to go get my phone and work on the Facebook page I felt sad and went back to the coaster.
It looks as it did the day it was brand new...
Until you zoom out a pinch.
Loop the loop!
Eventually the shadows grew long and the sun set on Vortex.
That coaster would never operate in the light of day again.
Night rides were fun as usual, though. And knowing what Cedar Fair did with Fury's lighting package, I hope they can be even more fun on Lusca!
As the clock ticked 9:43, I knew I wouldn't have another time for another ride. And I wouldn't get one. They informed us that this was the second to last train they'd be sending out before final rides, and I was next. This here, kiddos, is my last Vortex train ever.
As the train was pulled up the lift, I remembered the first time I rode this when I was seven, how terrified I was to be standing up on a coaster.
I blocked out all thoughts of the coaster leaving and tried to live in the moment for my last ride ever on this iconic B&M that was the Fury 325 of its time.
While the ride was incredible (though a bit rough) as usual and I managed to enjoy standing on that train as it zoomed and twisted through the darkness, as soon as we hit the station, it hit me that I had to get off and never get back on again. Stepping off that train and leaving the station made me want to throw up.
Afterwards, they pulled all the people with a green WWF card on their lanyards into the station and let them pick their seats. And then the last Vortex train ever rolled out of the station, roared around in the darkness, and then made the worst sound of silence ever after the brakes hissed shut. Everybody was crowded around to watch, and applause slowly filled what would soon be Lowcountry Gardens.
And then silence. It was done. Its life was over. A legacy dating back to before the ownership that removed it finished.
I stood there as people started filing away. When I realized I was almost left behind, I snapped this picture. From there, the walk from the park was very emotional. I even saw a few tears from kids and older enthusiasts that grew up with it. I had this sinking feeling myself, not wanting to leave it. However, I thought about it. The credit was still around to be gotten and the track wasn't even going anywhere. As I thought to myself about the future for this B&M classic, I walked over the bridge to the parking lot as the soft green glow of Fury's hive dive illuminated the crowd that had come to say goodbye to Vortex as a song played over the loudspeakers. It was the same electronic music they'd been playing all season, but something about it and Fury just kind of fit. So I pulled out my phone and Shazammed it.
It was Cthulhu Sleeps by Deadmau5. At that point, I took that as a message. Vortex is done, it will be missed, but the past is in the past. Now it's not a coaster leaving but an experience on the rise. Goodbye Vortex, bring on Lusca!
