Magic Springs changes (Hot Springs AR)

biscuitcreek · October 07, 2012, 08:52:45 AM

Magic Springs has announced that the X-Coaster will close at the end of this season due to declining popularity. Also, there will be a multi-million expansion of the water park. Here are few more details from KTLO radio:

http://ktlo.com/wire/newssun/05310_Hot_Springs_amusement_park_to_grow_retire_coaster_054435.php

chittlins · October 07, 2012, 05:37:11 PM

Oh how I wish OzCat found a way to Magic Springs, but that will never happen. I'd like to see them get an S&S El Loco or a small euro fighter that Gerstlauer makes like the Iron Shark in Galveston. Magic Spring puts on a great concert series every year that appeals to most somewhere along the line and it's good to know that it's doing well enough to put good money into the Waterpark.

chittlins · October 09, 2012, 07:06:38 AM

Interestingly enough is that the owners of Magic Springs is the same as those of Elitch Gardens and Darien Lake and they employ HFEC to manage those two. X Coaster may be headed to Denver and Elitch according to Screamscape.

Ozark Outlaw · October 24, 2012, 11:48:40 AM

The X-Coaster has been plagued with problems since it first opened. Although a neat idea in concept, I think the final product leaves a bit to be desired. Good news about the water park expansion. For folks in central Arkansas, it's more convenient to visit the Wild River Country water park. Improvements, and/or additions would be a great incentive to bring in more crowds to Magic Springs.

Swoosh · October 24, 2012, 06:19:05 PM

I heard it got repossessed because it never was fully paid for and that's why they couldn't get parts.
Not sure the truth of that, but you never know

chittlins · October 24, 2012, 10:05:15 PM

Quote from: Ozark BBQ on October 24, 2012, 11:48:40 AM
The X-Coaster has been plagued with problems since it first opened. Although a neat idea in concept, I think the final product leaves a bit to be desired. Good news about the water park expansion. For folks in central Arkansas, it's more convenient to visit the Wild River Country water park. Improvements, and/or additions would be a great incentive to bring in more crowds to Magic Springs.

Isn't Wild River Country a year to year proposition in and of itself. You can barely see it from the interstate, it's really hid. Magic Springs does a great job with it's concert series.

KBCraig · October 25, 2012, 03:41:32 AM

Quote from: Swoosh on October 24, 2012, 06:19:05 PM
I heard it got repossessed because it never was fully paid for and that's why they couldn't get parts.
Not sure the truth of that, but you never know

Well by all means, then, you should probably tell it twice.

Swoosh · October 25, 2012, 07:12:50 AM

Quote from: KBCraig on October 25, 2012, 03:41:32 AM
Quote from: Swoosh on October 24, 2012, 06:19:05 PM
I heard it got repossessed because it never was fully paid for and that's why they couldn't get parts.
Not sure the truth of that, but you never know

Well by all means, then, you should probably tell it twice.

U Mad Bro?

Swoosh · October 29, 2012, 10:42:00 PM

Got confirmation that the coaster is headed to Elitches.
Also hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the park is slowly become a waterpark only park. There is more than just XCoaster leaving before next year.

Junior · October 30, 2012, 05:02:57 PM

Move being made for just the waterpark...does not surprise me. Magic Springs has been there a long time, and closed for several years before being bought, totally revamped, and now, the new owners realize why the park closed in the first place.I am sure the water park is what is making them money.

chittlins · November 05, 2012, 11:27:12 AM

Quote from: Junior on October 30, 2012, 05:02:57 PM
Move being made for just the waterpark...does not surprise me. Magic Springs has been there a long time, and closed for several years before being bought, totally revamped, and now, the new owners realize why the park closed in the first place.I am sure the water park is what is making them money.

The other ride going is the wild mouse. I get that the waterpark needs to be the focus at this point and easiest way to drive up numbers bit I hope they don't completely ditch the dry side.

Ozark Outlaw · November 05, 2012, 12:02:59 PM

Even with Crystal Falls, I don't think Magic Springs itself is going anywhere anytime soon. Without the X-Coaster, Magic Springs still has other rollercoasters, and several dry attractions to offer. Besides, to me the X-Coaster barely even qualifies as a coaster since all it does it make one giant vertical loop. The X-Coaster was more of a fad anyway.

chittlins · November 05, 2012, 04:05:23 PM

One of the problems with Magic Springs is that it doesn't overlap Oaklawn's racing season much, if at all. I don't think people realize how many families go the races.

Ozark Outlaw · November 06, 2012, 08:39:16 AM

Probably because all of the managers at Magic Springs are at the races themselves!

Magic Springs is definitely more of a summer destination for sure. Perhaps if they could find a way to market themselves earlier, and later in the year.

chittlins · November 06, 2012, 09:46:38 PM

Quote from: Ozark BBQ on November 06, 2012, 08:39:16 AM
Probably because all of the managers at Magic Springs are at the races themselves!

Magic Springs is definitely more of a summer destination for sure. Perhaps if they could find a way to market themselves earlier, and later in the year.

I wish for a late summer/fall meet.