Blogs

The Great American Revolution at 50 Years

By ACE News posted 3 days ago
Photo: Doug Perry. View full-sized image . For roller coaster enthusiasts, the Schwarzkopf classic that debuted in California as The Great American Revolution remains an essential ride in a park packed with scream machines. At a destination now home to 17 operating coasters, with an 18th on the way, this legendary attraction stands not only as a thrill ride, but also as a landmark piece of coaster history that holds a special place in the hearts of many ACE members. The Great American Revolution . Photo: Doug Perry. View full-sized image . The experience begins with the unmistakable sound of the lift hill, slowly building anticipation ...

ACE’s Preservation Manager Asks Why Are We Losing So Many Coasters, and What Can We (and You) Do About It?

By ACE News posted 3 days ago
Although excited to be ACE's newest preservation manager, I wish to turn our preservation attention to the distressing number of coasters that have been lost in recent developments. Three woodies ceased operation in 2025 ( Roar and Wild One at Six Flags America and Switchback at ZDT). Roar may be a casualty because of Six Flags America closing. Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image . Can Wild One (formerly the Paragon Park Giant Coaster ) at the now-closed Six Flags America be saved and preserved one more time? Photo: Richard Koppelman. View full-sized image . ZDT's unique Switchback shuttle woodie remains ...

ACE Pacific Southwest: West Coast ACEers

By ACE News posted 3 days ago
All photos: Jackie Edwards. View full-sized image . There is a song that states it never rains in southern California. Well, it does from time to time, and when it does, it seems that anything having to do with the outdoors shuts down. The threat of rain for the weekend of West Coast ACEers had many on edge. Fortunately, that rain did not manifest, and 100 people attended ACE Pacific Southwest’s annual West Coast ACEers event at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. Attendees came from the region as well as Florida, Texas and Virginia. The weather was perfect for the event with sunshine and no rain. Check-in was where attendees ...

ACE Events — JUNE 2026

By ACE News posted 3 days ago
Check out ACE’s flagship, regional, informal meetup and digital events for June. See the Events tab on the ACE website for all the details. June 2 DIGITAL: Behind the Fun: A Worlds of Fun History Chat 8-9 p.m. Registration ends Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Contact: Jes Niemiec ( jesniemiec@aceonline.org ) June 4 DIGITAL: Pre-Con Meetup 8-9 p.m. Registration ends Thursday, June 4, 2026 Contact: Jes Niemiec ( jesniemiec@aceonline.org ) June 5-6 PARK: Coaster Rodeo Six Flags Fiesta Texas 17000 W I-10 San Antonio, TX 78257 June 5 REGIONAL: ACE Drives Go-Karts Plus 6910 Richmond Rd Williamsburg, VA 23188 Contact: Evangelos ...

ACE Europe: Springfest Meetup at Walibi, Holland

By ACE News posted 18 days ago
Photo: Jo Pools collection. View full-sized image . Saturday, May 2, was once again time for the annual Springfest meetup, this year at Walibi Holland (Biddinghuizen, Flevoland, Netherlands). The group was smaller than usual, which meant that the planned ERT sessions couldn’t happen, but, as is often the case with ACE outings, that didn’t dampen the fun one bit. In fact, it turned into a surprisingly relaxed day, in which the sun, atmosphere and friendships made for a good time. There was a short rain shower in the morning before the gates opened, but the group just stood under a roof. Despite the rain, the day already felt good at the entrance. Because ...

ACE Southeast: ACEers in the Wild: A Rainy Start, a Wildly Fun Finish at Wild Adventures

By ACE News posted 18 days ago
All photos: Michael Dutterer and Johnny McWilliams. View full-sized image . ACE Southeast members gathered on Saturday, May 2, 2026, for ACEers in the Wild at Wild Adventures in Valdosta, Georgia — and despite a soggy start, the day turned into one of the most memorable regional events in recent years. With a mix of coasters, critters, great food and some of the friendliest staff around, Wild Adventures proved once again why it’s a hidden gem worth the trip. A Wet Welcome… and a Warm One View full-sized image . View full-sized image . As attendees arrived at the park, the skies opened up with a downpour that ...

Remembering Edward DeWolfe

By ACE News posted 18 days ago
View full-sized image . Edward R. DeWolfe, of Quincy, Massachusetts, died peacefully on Monday, May 4, 2026, surrounded by the love, comfort and care of his family following a period of declining health. He was 85 years young. Raised in East Boston, Ed was the son of the late Francis and May (Potter) DeWolfe. He graduated from East Boston High in 1959 and attended Northeastern University. He worked for many years as an insurance agent in the greater Boston area, retiring in 2001 as vice president of Appleby & Wyman Insurance Agency in Dedham, Massachusetts. Not one to “sit around,” he quickly took a job at a storage facility, where he worked another ...

Two Coasters Open in France; Theming Is Showcased

By ACE News posted 25 days ago
Kyūbi Unchained . Photo: courtesy Zamperla. View full-sized image . Valkyrie . Photo: courtesy Festyland. View full-sized image . France has said “bonjour” to two new coasters in April. Each makes a significant statement for each park. Both opened in early April. The largest is at Parc Spirou Provence (Monteux, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France). The park has been open for less than 10 years. It debuted in 2018 with three coasters, all of them from Zierer. Family thrills were raised a bit with a Fireball model from RES Rides a year later. Parc Spirou Provence is themed after a comic book figure, Spirou. Ironically, the new coaster is an ...

Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World To Remain Closed in 2026

By ACE News posted 25 days ago
Silver Comet . Photo: Richard Koppelman. View full-sized image . On April 30, it was announced that Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World on Grand Island, New York — a short distance from the tourist destination that is Niagara Falls — would not open for the 2026 season. The news followed earlier reports and rumors of the park having encountered various difficulties, heightened by its failing to post job openings and season pass sales. Beginning with its opening in 1961, the amusement center that opened as Fantasy Island (the preferred Fantasy Land name was deemed too similar to Fantasyland at Disneyland in Anaheim, California) endured many ownership ...

Coaster Milestones: March-April

By ACE News posted 25 days ago
100 — Courtney Clark, Lightning Rod , Dollywood. View full-sized image . 400 — Jodi Ketelsen, Galacticoaster , Legoland California. View full-sized image . 500 — Manuel Freitas, Hala Madrid , Real Madrid World. View full-sized image . 700 — Kyle Steinhauser, Medusa , Six Flags Mexico. View full-sized image . 1,000 — Alan Trotter, Flash Vertical Velocity , Six Flags Great Adventure. View full-sized image . 1,200 — Mike Thompson, Arctic Rescue , SeaWorld San Diego. View full-sized image . 1,600 — Al Varano, Longfeng Roller Coaster , Chuanlord Holiday ...

Raptor Coaster at Family Kingdom Opening Delayed

By ACE News posted 29 days ago
Construction of the highly anticipated, single-rail steel roller coaster at Family Kingdom Amusement Park, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has been delayed until later this year, according to Les (Corky) Powers, an owner of the seaside attraction. Powers said the park is currently working through some permitting and other challenges before the ride will be installed at the property. It will not be operational for the 2026 season. #ACENewsNow

Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World Will Not Open for 2026

By ACE News posted Apr 30, 2026
As revealed in an announcement by IB Parks and Entertainment today, April 30, 2026, the park will not open for the 2026 summer season. After considerable investment and significant efforts to revive and improve the park, management has concluded that operating and financial realities have made opening the park this year unsustainable. Full refunds will be processed over the next 30 days for those who purchased 2026 season passes. The plan is to continue the July 4th fireworks tradition from the park property, with more details to come. #ACENewsNow

ACE Events — MAY 2026

By ACE News posted Apr 24, 2026
Check out ACE’s flagship, regional and digital events for May. See the Events tab on the ACE website for all the details. May 2 REGIONAL: ACEers in the Wild Wild Adventures 3766 Old Clyattville Rd Valdosta, GA 31601 Contact: Josh Herrington ( jherrington@aceonline.org ) May 3 INFORMAL MEETUP: Magic Kingdom Meetup Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Bay Lake, FL 32836 Contact: May Reinert ( mreinert@aceonline.org ) May 8 INFORMAL MEETUP: Revolution's 50th Birthday Party Six Flags Magic Mountain 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy Valencia, CA 91355 Contact: Jackie Edwards ( jedwards@aceonline.org ) May 15 FLAGSHIP: ACE Spring Conference ...

ACE Western Pennsylvania: CoasterBash! XXXVII

By ACE News posted Apr 24, 2026
Early March is too soon to ride coasters in western Pennsylvania but certainly not too soon to anticipate what one’s favorite parks might be planning for the upcoming coaster season. To catch up on what’s happening, 219 attendees gathered on March 7 for ACE Western Pennsylvania’s nonriding winter event CoasterBash! XXXVII. It was a surprisingly warm 72 degrees outside, but all the action was inside Salvatore’s, an event space in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Corey Maley and Heather Macdonald helped out at the mini ACE General Store. Photo: Val Lucas. View full-sized image . Martin Windisch and Sarah Windisch manned the Preservation ...

ACE Eastern Pennsylvania: Merry-Go-ACE

By ACE News posted Apr 24, 2026
Photo: Adam Ahmed. View full-sized image . ACE members gathered for an evening of classic charm and carousel fun at The Carousel at Pottstown during ACE Eastern Pennsylvania’s first-ever Merry-Go-ACE event on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Photo: Millie D’Auria. View full-sized image . The registration crew was ready to greet attendees. Photo: Millie D’Auria. View full-sized image . The event began with exclusive ride time on the beautifully restored carousel, giving attendees the opportunity to enjoy multiple rides while taking in the craftsmanship and historic details of this treasured attraction. Photo: Nathan ...

The Great Nor’Easter 2026

By ACE News posted Apr 16, 2026
Photo: Scott Conley. View full-sized image . On a breezy and sunny March 14, 109 regional ACE members and their guests attended the ACE New England region’s off-season event, The Great Nor’Easter. Held in the Starlight Theater at Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut, it was a great way to reconnect with fellow enthusiasts and park representatives after a very long, cold and snowy winter. Great Nor’Easter attendees received a special Lake Compounce coin display. Photo: Scott Conley. View full-sized image . Attendees checked-in to find the park had gifted everyone a water-resistant cell phone holder and two express ride passes to use ...

Nuts & Bolts – April 2026

By ACE News posted Apr 16, 2026
El Toro . Photo: Sarah Windisch. View full-sized image . That’s No Bull Although Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, New Jersey) has stated El Toro is receiving some TLC from Intamin in efforts to bring back the legendary smoothness fans will remember from when it opened, it isn’t reported on how much track work is being done. The release just said “newly installed track sections.” El Toro is one of a handful of woodies that received the term “plug and play” from enthusiasts because sections of track could be removed with new ones dropped in. Photo: courtesy Six Flags Great Adventure. View full-sized image . Blue and Purple ...

ACE Executive Committee Meeting Summary, March 2026

By ACE News posted Apr 16, 2026
Nine members of the Executive Committee, along with ACE’s association manager, Jeffrey Seifert, met on March 21-22 in Dallas, Texas, for one of the Executive Committee’s three in‑person meetings each year. Two members attended on one day, each via Zoom. This was also the final weekend‑long meeting of my presidency. I am proud of the thoughtful discussion and healthy debate throughout the weekend as we worked to determine the best path forward for ACE. Each board member brought their own experience and perspective, and that helped us make well‑rounded decisions. Our main focus was to bring current projects and past discussions to a clear resolution so the incoming ...

Remembering Tom Rhodes, 1948-2026

By ACE News posted Apr 16, 2026
Long-time ACEers will remember Thomas Glen Rhodes, who passed away March 14, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Tom was born July 2, 1948, in Saratoga Springs, New York, and was a lifelong resident of the city. He graduated from Saratoga Springs High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Union College and a master’s degree from SUNY Albany. His interest in roller coasters began with an interest in trains. In kindergarten, he received a Lionel train set that his father set up in the basement. He belonged to at least two train clubs in the Saratoga area and at one point was a dispatcher for the former D&H railroad. Tom joined ...

ACE South Central: Fiesta Fest

By ACE News posted Apr 09, 2026
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image . ACE members and the Melanin Coaster Network had the opportunity to take part in Fiesta Fest at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio on Saturday, March 14, 2026. This special event happened during Texas’ largest Mardi Gras celebration, coinciding with the busy spring break period. Fortunately, participants had Fast Lane passes, which proved invaluable for skipping long ride lines. They also enjoyed exclusive access to the Coca-Cola VIP lounge for a more relaxed experience. Jeffrey Siebert led a tour of the site of an “upcoming attraction.” Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image . ...