Cedar Point looks to reclaim the title of Coaster Capital of the World (with 18).
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Is There a Flip Back Between Coaster Capitals?
It’s a shame to see coasters go, but losing children’s coasters is a lesser blow to most coaster enthusiasts. In a December announcement, Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia, California) reported that, as part of revamping its children’s area into Looney Tunes Land to welcome families in 2026, Magic Flyer and Speedy Gonzalez Hot Rod Racers would be replaced with other new activities.
With the recent removal of a few of its coasters, Six Flags Magic Mountain will drop to 17 coasters in its lineup.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Once this happens, Magic Mountain’s coaster count will drop to 17. The park once held a record of 20 coasters. For a few decades, Cedar Point was the Coaster Capitol of the World until Magic Mountain surpassed it. It would seem that once the children’s coasters close, the Point’s 18 will reign supreme once again.
An argument could be made that Canada’s Wonderland (Vaughn, Ontario) also has 18, but that’s only accurate if a powered ride is included (Thunder Run). Likewise, Energylandia’s (Zator, Poland) lineup also has 18 (not counting a powered oval, which is not anything like a coaster at all), but a significant number of its coasters are small children’s or family coasters. It would be a tie, but Cedar Point has the more significant hardware in comparison.
Marineland did not open for the 2025 season.
Photo: Steve Gzesh. View full-sized image.
Among its standing-but-not-operating attractions is the enigmatic Dragon Mountain.
Photo: Bobby Nagy. View full-sized image.
Could a New Theme Park Be Coming to Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls, Ontario, announced a strategy in December to boost tourism and economic growth. The aim of the multibillion-dollar strategy is to attract 25 million annual visitors and double the region’s tourism impact, according to those pushing for the initiative.
One of the goals is to build a new theme park to replace Marineland, but it would be without animals.
Other attractions and services (including revitalizing the Niagara District Airport) are a part of the plans.
Early renderings of the park clearly show intentions for roller coasters.
Rendering: courtesy Draculaland. View full-sized image.
How About Romania? A Theme Park With Bite!
A new theme park is being developed in Romania about 20 minutes from Bucharest. The €1 billion event destination is planned to hold a concert arena, an e-sports stadium, hotels, a waterpark, food and shopping outlets and exhibition spaces. And, oh, a theme park — Dracula Land. But what’s at the theme park? It remains unclear. Advance promotion said the park will have six immersive lands with more than 40 attractions. The “Transylvania,” “Port of New Orleans” and “Dracula’s Castle” zones are said to have roller coasters.
The project looks overly ambitious. If it all comes to pass, it would be globally noteworthy. According to the press, construction is to begin in September with an anticipated opening as early as 2027 (which seems very fast to complete a theme park, but perhaps the destination will open in phases).
Oakwood’s Speed: No Limits looks to see new life.
Photo: Cheri Armstrong. View full-sized image.
Speed: No Limits Relocated to Walygator Sud-Quest
When Oakwood closed for good following November 2024, it was a significant loss, primarily owing to the renowned Megafobia Custom Coasters International woodie.
Recently, it has been confirmed that its Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter, Speed: No Limits, installed in 2006 will find a new home. Walygator Sud-Quest (Roquefort, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France) has acquired the two-inversion, compact steel coaster. Speed: No Limits ran with eight-seater cars. It will join three other steel coasters at the park. The name for the ride following relocation is not known.
Six Flags Great Adventure on “Track” for 2027
Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, New Jersey) is receiving track for its new-for-2027 roller coaster. The park is sharing its excitement with fans, but no details are released yet. Blue supports and purple track are being delivered. On one section of track, writing in German might give weight to rumors of the attraction being supplied by Mack Rides. The park has indicated it will be a major investment, so once the season begins, it shouldn’t be long before visitors can see vertical construction going up.
And speaking of track, the park has also reported on track work being done on El Toro. Guests should enjoy a smoother ride this season — always a good thing.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News
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