Carowinds- Hurler Overhaul

Great Coasters International Gives "Hurler" at Carowinds an Overhaul.

 Some GREAT news today for both Carowind's Fans and Coaster Lovers all over.

 Great Coasters International has both confirmed and posted of photos of the wooden coaster "Hurler" located at Carowinds Park. The ride is getting repair work and it appears like a full track overhaul, which is much needed. This ride, while great, has been reported getting rougher each and every season.

For more photo's of the repairs to the Hurler Roller Coaster, check out- Great Coasters International's Facebook Page!

Universal Orlando- Zonko's Closure Confirmed

 Zonko's Closure Confirmed for Hogesmead section of Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

 With the full announcement of Diagon Alley on Thursday, Universal Orlando has confirmed that the joke shop "Zonko's" will closure.

 However, this isn't exactly bad news. With Zonko's closing the constantly busy candy store Honeyduke's will be expanded into the space that Zonko's currently occupies. All the merchandise available at Zonko's will be available over in the new Diagon Alley shop called "Weazley's Wizard Wheezes" which will be three full stories, like in the Harry Potter book series.

So..
Zonko's Closes, Honeyduke's Expands.
Not entirely a bad trade off!

Banshee Watch- Track Completed!

Banshee Watch- 1/23
Track is Now Completed!

 Some BIG News today from Kings Island.

 This morning the final piece of Banshee's track was put into place. Piece 100 was settled in and attached to the world record breaking roller coaster, set to open on April 18th, 2014.

  The park posted up on their Facebook Page and Twitter account some excellent shots of the final piece going into place as well as some great video.  Now we're just waiting for the coaster cars to arrive and station construction to finish up.

(The video post from Facebook is a bit slow to load but it's worth it!)

Post by Kings Island.

Knobels Amusement Resort- Something in the Air for 2015

 Something's in the Air at Knoebels Amusement Resort in 2015.

 Well with Knoebels finally getting to open their 7 year headache, Flying Turns, in time for the end of the 2013 season. Something new is in the air...

 Today on the park's Facebook Page this image appeared. They park states the 4rd generation was sent out during the summer to bring in the next "big thing" for the park in 2015.

 What did they find?

 Well no one knows for sure right now. However, fans of the park are speculating on everything from the park finally putting in a flood wall to a new roller coaster and possibly a next generation thrill ride. Right now, the park is being quiet on the matter but it'll be interesting to watch thought the 2014 season.

 We'll keep our eyes open and ears to the ground, bringing you any updates that drop from Knoebels Amusement Resort!

What will the new Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando look like? Have some Concept Art!

Well, news is flying fast out of Universal Orlando today and in the previous two posts we've gotten a look at some of the details surrounding the entire experience as well as a closer look at some of the shops and restaurants. Now, it's time to peek at the concept art that's behind all of this and see just what this amazing addition to Universal Orlando will likely look like!

Universal Orlando posted a ton of these on their Facebook page, but in case you don't feel like going there, we've assembled them all right here for ya! Everything from the Hogwarts Express to a look at the new Gringots ride to pretty much everything else in between can be seen and it's looking like Universal has once again knocked this one out of the park!

First up? Here's what the fully finished entrance to the Diagon Alley area of the park will look like once it's completed. How accurate this will be, who knows, but love the fact that the Knight Bus is there and if rumors are to be believed, the shrunken heads will be interacting with guests too!

The Shops of Diagon and Knockturn Alley!

Well, I gave a bit of a rundown on the shops in the last post, but here's a little more detail about what each of them will offer everyone that visits Diagon Alley or dares to venture into the darkness that is Knockurn Alley.

Unlike the Hogsmeade portion of Wizarding World at Universal, there will be more shops which are bigger and have a lot more selection of goods. Definitely something that's great to see as it's always been something that +Carrie H.C. and myself have wished they would've done in the original attraction within Islands of Adventure. While the ones in Hogsmeade are great, there's not enough and not nearly enough selection, I don't think that'll be a problem with what they're offering here!

I've spent the last little while going through everything that the new website has to offer and tried my best to sum it for everyone below. Here's everything that we could find!

There's a lot to cover here, so let's get   on with the details! First up?

Not only will there be plenty of places to shop and get all of your wizarding needs, but there's also a couple of new places to grab a snack or lunch while you're at it as well! I mean, what would Diagon Alley be without Fortescue's or the Leaky Caulrdon, right?

Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour

You'll be able to indulge your sweet tooth at the long heralded destination for all manner of frozen treats in a variety of unique and interesting flavors. Not much else is really given here, but I'm sure that the ice cream will be fantastic!

The Leaky Cauldron

Located right at the entrance, this popular gathering spot for all manner of witches and wizards is sure to set you right. Traditional British meals include, fish and chips, bangers and mash, cottage pie and of course Butterbeer and pumpkin juice as well!


Well, now that the food options have been laid out, let's get to the rest of the shopping before heading off to Hogwarts and Hogsmead!

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringots and Diagon Alley Details!

Kitsune here, and I'll be your guide through all the news and updates coming to us live from Universal this morning! So, with that, let's get on with it, shall we?

During the live webcast, Universal Orlando has released even more information about the Diagon Alley expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The expansion, which takes over where Jaws used to be within Universal Studios Florida, has been watched like a hawk ever since the project was announced.

The live broadcast was done in front of a facade of Gringot's Vault (maybe a mock of to represent part of the new dark ride?) that's the corner stone of the event and judging by the details as Mark Woodbury, Universal Orlando's Creative Director, talked? Holy crap this thing looks awesome! The level of detail has been heralded by stars of the film and it's an amazing immersive experience.

First up? The Hogwarts Express, it's an entirely movie accurate reproduction. Every detail is represented, but is complete unlike a traditional set would be where filming is done in pieces and the like to allow for camera work. Guests will be able to board either at the Hogsmeade or King's Cross stations. Also, the trip from each direction will be completely different experience as well, which only makes sense, as you travel from one area of the park to the other.

In Diagon Alley, several of the shops that were in the movie will be featured. Including the Magical Menagerie, Madam Malkins, an all new Olivander's, Scribullus, Wizeacres Wizarding Equipment, Weezely's Joke Shop and Quality Quidditch Supplies and of course the Leaky Cauldron as well will all be featured.

Each of these shops will be decked out to the nines just as their movie counterparts were on film. Yes, that's right, if it's sold in them on film, it will be available in the shops as well. 

That's right, you'll be able to buy all your Quidditch gear at Quality Quidditch Supplies from robes and other things from your favorite teams along with various stuffed animals and all kinds of things from the Magical Menagerie as well. Guests will also be able to fully outfitted with robes and other wizarding wear at Madam Malkins!  

For more info check out our detailed post about each shop and what they'll offer!

Knockturn Alley will also be featured, in a much darker and mysterious manner, this is extremely important to Universal to bring the forboding atmosphere to the area. One of the biggest features of Notcturne Alley will be Borgin and Burkes, where guests can purchase Death Eater masks and other "dark side" paraphernalia!

Last, but not least, Universal unveiled the official name for the center piece ride for the new Diagon Alley expansion, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringots. It's promised to be like nothing else that's been seen before. It's a multi-sensory, multi-dimensional experience that promises to top even that of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey!

There's going to be more details announced in the coming months, so we're just going to have to wait for even more details to be released from the Universal Orlando Creative Team.

Universal Studios- Final Diagon Alley Teaser (Big Reveal Tomorrow)

The Final "Diagon Alley" Teaser Trailer
-The Big Reveal is Tomorrow-

 Prepare to Go- This is the FINAL "Diagon Alley" teaser trailer from Universal Studios Orlando and for very good reason.

 Tomorrow morning is the big event when all the plans for the newest portions of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Diagon Alley" will be revealed.  With tomorrows special "webcast reveal" event, we here at InSanity lurks Inside are going to be bringing you all the news just as soon as possible!

 Stay Turned, The Big News Hits TOMORROW! 

Carowinds- Sky Flyer has Moved

Carowinds has Relocated Sky Flyer.

 As predicted, Carowind's Park has relocated the "Sky Flyer" attraction to another area of the park.

 This picture, posted up on their Facebook Page shows the attraction in it's new location- Between Nighthawk and Flying Ace Arial Chase.

 The relocation is part of the massive work currently going on at Carowind's with their influx of budget for the 2014 season.

Banshee Watch- 1/21

Banshee Watch- 1/21

Polar Vortex or not, Kings Island refuses to stop.

Today on their Facebook Page we got a nice shot of Station Construction on the new, world record breaking roller coaster, Banshee.  Honestly, this coaster is just looking more amazing with each new photo they post.

 We are still waiting on news about the track being completed and about the trains for the coaster arriving. Nothing yet!

...if I squeal any louder about how much I already love this thing without riding it, Kings Island may have to start paying me. I suspect Montu may have a fight on it's hands to keep the title of "Carrie's Favorite Steel Coaster".

Rumor Alert- Could Zonko's Close?

 Rumor Alert- Could Zonko's Close at Hogsmeade?

 Another new rumor coming from Universal Orlando, this time around their popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas.

 It seems the rumor mill  has been working overtime lately with the opening of Universal Studios Orlando's new Diagon Alley coming into the home stretch. 

 Some are saying that the popular joke shop from the Harry Potter book series, Zonko's could close in the Hogesmeade area. With the new London Area, Diagon Alley opening to the public this summer could that area have it's own joke shop, making two of them rather redundant?

 Diagon Alley is rumored to have it's own joke shop called "Weasely's Wizard Wheezes" which would be larger that the current Zonko's (at least according to the Harry Potter Books). The rumor is stating that Zonko's will close to make way for the newer and larger shop.  This would be the frist closure of anything in Wizarding World.

 Again, this is currently ONLY A RUMOR. Universal Orlando hasn't confirmed or denied any portion of this rumor.

Coaster Giant B&M to build their First Family Inverted Coaster

Image from RCDB

 Coaster Giant B&M to build First Family Inverted Coaster.

 While the coaster company Bolliger and Mabillard may be known for their giant ride, it seems their doing a first for the Happy Valley Park in China.

 The company isn't known to build smaller, family style coasters but according to Roller Coaster Database it seems they are now. These small, inverted family coasters are normally the mark of Vekoma Coasters but it seems B&M is now getting into the game. They normally run only a single coaster train and sit only two people per row.

 The currently unnamed coaster is being installed at Happy Valley Park in Shanghai, China.

Grand Texas Theme Park- Greased Lightnin' Not Returning

Image from Culture Map Houston

Grand Texas Theme Park- Greased Lightnin' Roller Coaster NOT Returning.


 The New Theme Park, Grand Texas is ready to begin construction but they've got some bad news for possible future guests.

 While people may be calling the park "The New Astroworld" it will be missing a key piece of the now extinct park. While Grand Texas had planned to rebuild the classic Schwarzkoph Shuttle Loop roller coaster, those plans have now been scrapped.

 Greased Lightnin' was sold when Astroworld closed and has changed hands at least twice. However, the once iconic ride has never been re-assembled at either park which owned it. We're unsure if the current owner refuses to sell the ride or if this is purely a money issue.. but Grand Texas has announced they won't be getting the once iconic thrill ride.

 Rather Grand Texas has stated they will be building another roller coaster, which promises fans a trip down "Coaster Memeory Lane". The park is being very quiet about what the new plans may involve but they are currently promising disappointed fans that the new ride will be a "taller, faster and similar" ride.

 Could Grand Texas be looking at a New Shuttleloop Coaster? Perhaps another model from another park? Right now, no one seems to know. We'll bring you more information as it becomes available. 

Epcot's International Flower and Garden Festival- Event and Concert Info

 Epcot's International Flower and Garden Festival- Event and Concert Information

 While it may be winter in most places, Epcot Center at Walt Disney World has been preparing for their spring event- The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

 This special event runs mostly weekends from March 7th, 2014 through May 18th, 2014.

 While you might not be a huge fan of flowers and gardening, the event has a lot of offer even non-garderny type folks. Amazing topaires, Special events and it's own concert series.

 This year again boasts over 100 specialty floral designs of both popular Disney characters but also designs themed on each country of World Showcase. Along with this the event has returned the popular outdoor food pavilions, much like the popular "Food and Wine" festival with special dishes.

 The two biggest draws are the Concert Series and the Appearance by HGTV stars. We've got the full list of both down below!

Kings Dominion- 40th Anniversary Birthday Bash

 Kings Dominion having a 40th Anniversary Birthday Bash.

 As part of the great festivities and returning fan favorites, Kings Dominion is really throwing out the red carpet for their 40th Anniversary Season.

On May 10th, 2014 Kings Dominion is throwing an special event called "KD40 Birthday Bash- A Coaster Enthusiast Family and Friends" event.  The park is billing the event as the following:
We're finally over the hill. Time to hold on! You're invited to KD40 Birthday Bash: A Coaster Enthusiast Family and Friends event commemorating Kings Dominion's 40th Celebration! This exclusive, first-of-its-kind coasting event at Kings Dominion will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2014 and will feature upscale food, interactive games, fun, prizes, exclusive ride time and more! 

Birthday Bash will embrace the 40th Celebration Birthday theme, including hats, balloons, presents, surprise gifts and more!

Special events will include exclusive ride time on some of the parks roller coasters, a special dinner buffet, live music and dancing as well as a cocktail party with the PEANUTS characters.

 Pricing for the event hasn't been announced yet but keep your eye's on the website for more news and prices for this event.

Universal Studios Orlando- Diagon Alley Construction

 Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley Construction- Scaffolding comes down.

 Orlando Theme Park News has some amazing new photos up of the construction at Universal Studios Orlando and their newest project- Diagon Alley.

 This newest addition which has raised up with shocking speed is replacing the former JAWS attraction. The area will feature both Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley from the Harry Potter books and is Universals newest addition to their "Wizarding World of Harry Potter".

 While it looks simply lovely up close, something about this bothers me.

 Orlando Theme Park News is rather famous for having some amazing panoramic images from the theme parks but looking at this one, the flow is bugging me. It doesn't seem to fit, like to much is crammed together with too many styles. I understand their trying to convey London into a very small space, and maybe it IS just me, but I think this may look nicer from across the lagoon if the outside was more uniform.

 Either way, for more photos of the construction of Diagon Alley go check out Orlando Theme Park News. They always have excellent photo updates!