The Tom Anstey Column
www.parkworld-online.com
Standing out
As the industry enters an active cycle, Tom Anstey explores some of the standout stories that offer a snapshot of where the industry is heading.
T
his is the time of year when the weather starts to improve (at least in the Northern Hemisphere) and, as such, attractions start to ramp up in terms of openings and announcements. Fresh off of IAAPA Expo Asia, industry news is also flowing, so there’s a treasure trove of things to dive into this month. So to narrow it down a bit, I’ve picked the five standouts in the news at the moment to have a look at and break down into a bit more detail. Let’s go in reverse order…
Hungry like the wolf
At number five, Six Flags Fiesta Texas has announced a record-breaking coaster addition set to become the world’s longest family launch rollercoaster. Designed and manufactured by Vekoma, Werewolf Gorge will combine a number of elements to create a unique attraction when it opens in 2027. Stretching 4,120ft, the ride lasts more than two-and-a-half minutes, features four launches, and reaches a max speed of 45mph. As well as breaking the record
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for length, the ride will feature the highest number of floater airtime elements ever incorporated into a family rollercoaster.
According to Robert Bustle, the park manager at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, the ride will bring together “storytelling, innovation and a bold combination of ride elements that truly sets it apart”. Also dubbed a “defining addition” to the park, the storytelling aspect is exciting. Beyond theming, the ride will feature near-miss moments with towering werewolf figures, while a “cinematic” finale sees the rider tear through a crumbling quarry structure filled with shadowy movement and glowing eyes.
The project reflects a wider trend across the industry, where operators are increasingly seeking attractions that bridge the gap between family and thrill experiences. A favourite of mine is the Intamin- designed Yukon Quad coaster at LePal in France. Leaning into the story and at the top end of the market, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Universal Orlando's Islands of
Adventure is one of the best in class for this kind of ride. Attractions that combine accessibility, storytelling and excitement are becoming an essential part of the modern theme park offering, and Werewolf Gorge appears well-positioned to continue that trend.
Lex express Coming in fourth place on my list, Lex Luthor and Superman are at the forefront of a planned expansion of Warner Bros. World Yas Island’s DC-themed Metropolis area.
Opening first on July 26, and then later in 2028 the two new attractions add to a roster of rides that feature the likes of the Justice League, The Green Lantern and Batman, among others.
The first opening is the Luthor-themed Kryptonite Collider, an immersive spinning and rotating attraction that “launches guests into a centrifuge” in a fictional experiment to gain superhuman powers led by Superman villain Luthor. The 32-person spinning ride features onboard audio, lighting
SUMMER 2026
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