Is the Sea Dragon still operating at the Columbus Zoo?

[ansley]

I looked at their website and so no reference to the coaster. Is it closed? Gone? What's the latest on this coaster?

Ted

[ansley]

Post by ansley
I looked at their website and so no reference to the coaster. Is it closed? Gone? What's the latest on this coaster?
Ted

So I finally found it in a sub-ling to Jungle Jack's landing. It is on the rides list, however not sure of the operating days as it doesn't really say. Anyone know if it is open at all on weekdays in April, how about April 11, Tuesday. I would highly doubt it, but I thought I'd ask!
Ted

[s***@aol.com]

I would like to know, too. I'm pretty sure it's not operating, but you never hear about this coaster as far as preservation, so.... ?

[GodsOnSafari]

Post by ansley

Post by ansley
I looked at their website and so no reference to the coaster. Is it closed? Gone? What's the latest on this coaster?
Ted

So I finally found it in a sub-ling to Jungle Jack's landing. It is on the rides list, however not sure of the operating days as it doesn't really say. Anyone know if it is open at all on weekdays in April, how about April 11, Tuesday. I would highly doubt it, but I thought I'd ask!
Ted

My recollection is that the coaster operates on weekends starting around May until sometime in the fall. It definitely is still there and definitely still runs.

[w***@gmail.com]

Post by GodsOnSafari
My recollection is that the coaster operates on weekends starting around May until sometime in the fall. It definitely is still there and definitely still runs.

Is that from recent personal experience...just curious as I have been wondering if it was still operating.

[trick track charlie]

Post by w***@gmail.com

Post by GodsOnSafari
My recollection is that the coaster operates on weekends starting around May until sometime in the fall. It definitely is still there and definitely still runs.

Is that from recent personal experience...just curious as I have been wondering if it was still operating.

I live in Columbus. It is defiantly still here and running.

[w***@gmail.com]

Post by trick track charlie
I live in Columbus. It is defiantly still here and running.

cool...there u go Ted

[Ricky]

Post by trick track charlie
I live in Columbus. It is defiantly still here and running.

"Defiantly?" Is it in danger somehow? :)

[Dave Althoff, Jr.]

ansley <***@usa.com> wrote:
: I looked at their website and so no reference to the coaster. Is it
: closed? Gone? What's the latest on this coaster?
:
: Ted

Not sure of the schedule, but the Columbus Zoo takes good care of the Sea
Dragon. Last season they even put a special 60th Season sign on the front
of the train.

The Zoo is open year round, but Jungle Jack's Landing (as they call the
ride section) only operates seasonally. Hmmm...if only there was some way
to find out...

Here it is. The season starts April 29 weekends only, then daily May
25-August 18. Wristbands are $15 which include all the rides and upcharge
attractions at the Zoo (not the waterpark); you can also buy tickets...last
year they were $2.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.
/X\ _ *** Respect rides. They do not respect you. ***
/XXX\ /X\ /X\_ _ /X\__ _ _ _____
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[[e-mail]]

: I looked at their website and so no reference to the coaster. Is it
: closed? Gone? What's the latest on this coaster?
: Ted
Not sure of the schedule, but the Columbus Zoo takes good care of the Sea
Dragon. Last season they even put a special 60th Season sign on the front
of the train.
The Zoo is open year round, but Jungle Jack's Landing (as they call the
ride section) only operates seasonally. Hmmm...if only there was some way
to find out...
Here it is. The season starts April 29 weekends only, then daily May
25-August 18. Wristbands are $15 which include all the rides and upcharge
attractions at the Zoo (not the waterpark); you can also buy tickets...last
year they were $2.
--Dave Althoff, Jr.
/X\ _ *** Respect rides. They do not respect you. ***
/XXX\ /X\ /X\_ _ /X\__ _ _ _____
/XXXXX\ /XXX\ /XXXX\_ /X\ /XXXXX\ /X\ /X\ /XXXXX
_/XXXXXXX\__/XXXXX\/XXXXXXXX\_/XXX\_/XXXXXXX\__/XXX\_/XXX\_/\_/XXXXXX
NEW! When emailing this account, include the 'canonical magic word' in
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Looking into possibly adding a half day visit to this park/zoo to a visit to the area this summer. Would be a weekday in July (likely a Monday, not July 4th week). Is the coaster open everyday that time of year or just weekends?
(I’ve never been to this park ever and while I do like zoos, if the coaster won’t be operating, I’ll likely not bother this trip, since it would be going out of my way otherwise.)

[Ansley]

We did visit the Zoo back in early April 2017, it was a VERY nice Zoo! The kids, then ages 10 and 14 loved it too. We were disappointed the amusment park/coaster weren't open yet. Someday I WILL ride the Sea Dragon, only been 28 years since I became a coaster enthusiast and I have het to ride it, but I have ridden the 2 at Stricker's!

Ted

[Dave Althoff, Jr.]

***@aol.com <***@aol.com> wrote:
:
: Looking into possibly adding a half day visit to this park/zoo to a visit
: to the area this summer. Would be a weekday in July (likely a Monday, not
: July 4th week). Is the coaster open everyday that time of year or just
: weekends? (I?ve never been to this park ever and while I do like zoos, if
: the coaster won?t be operating, I?ll likely not bother this trip, since
: it would be going out of my way otherwise.)

The coaster is 35' tall and is basically the same as the Beastie, only
without the trim brakes. Let's get that out of the way first so you know
what to expect.

As I understand it, traditionally the ride section operates daily during
the summer season. The flume has been removed and the Flying Scooters have
been relocated to a better location in the park, but it is a small and
generally unremarkable ride collection. Access to the rides is included
with Zoo admission, but rides are not. You can buy ride tickets, or a POP
wristband; the last few times I have been there they have offered a
discount on wristbands if you pay with a Fifth-Third Bank card. (Odd
promotion, that!)

The extensive waterpark is quite nice, and is a separate admission from the
Zoo, but I believe your waterpark ticket includes access to the Zoo and its
dry rides.

There are additional rides...a boat ride, a train ride, a carousel, and a
motion theater...which are included in the ride pass but not co-located
with the coaster and other rides.

Unfortunately back in the Fall the Zoo expanded its face-covering policy,
so I won't be able to see what's new there until that changes. Hopefully
that will be sooner rather than later, but today's COVID-19 report was not
particularly promising.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.
/X\ _ *** Respect rides. They do not respect you. ***
/XXX\ /X\ /X\_ _ /X\__ _ _ _____
/XXXXX\ /XXX\ /XXXX\_ /X\ /XXXXX\ /X\ /X\ /XXXXX
_/XXXXXXX\__/XXXXX\/XXXXXXXX\_/XXX\_/XXXXXXX\__/XXX\_/XXX\_/\_/XXXXXX
NEW! When emailing this account, include the 'canonical magic word' in
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[Heather Kendrick]

Post by ***@aol.com
Looking into possibly adding a half day visit to this park/zoo to a visit to
the area this summer. Would be a weekday in July (likely a Monday, not July
4th week). Is the coaster open everyday that time of year or just weekends?
(I´ve never been to this park ever and while I do like zoos, if the

coaster

Post by ***@aol.com
won´t be operating, I´ll likely not bother this trip, since it would

be

Post by ***@aol.com
going out of my way otherwise.)

The time I visited it was Memorial Day so I´m afraid I can´t offer any
advice about operations on normal weekdays. I will say that they have a
magnificent (if too-slow) Illions Grand Carousel inside the zoo that is not
to be missed. It´s not with the amusement park area so you need to make
sure to check it out. You´ll be able to observe the now-covered slots that
used to allow the carousel horses to swing outward for a "banked" ride
when the thing got up to speed. It´s really too bad it´s not operated
like that anymore.

Heather

[[e-mail]]

Post by ansley

Post by ***@aol.com
Looking into possibly adding a half day visit to this park/zoo to a visit to
the area this summer. Would be a weekday in July (likely a Monday, not July
4th week). Is the coaster open everyday that time of year or just weekends?
(I´ve never been to this park ever and while I do like zoos, if the

coaster

Post by ***@aol.com
won´t be operating, I´ll likely not bother this trip, since it would

be

Post by ***@aol.com
going out of my way otherwise.)

The time I visited it was Memorial Day so I´m afraid I can´t offer any
advice about operations on normal weekdays. I will say that they have a
magnificent (if too-slow) Illions Grand Carousel inside the zoo that is not
to be missed. It´s not with the amusement park area so you need to make
sure to check it out. You´ll be able to observe the now-covered slots that
used to allow the carousel horses to swing outward for a "banked" ride
when the thing got up to speed. It´s really too bad it´s not operated
like that anymore.
Heather
--
Heather, the Carousel Rabbit

Can you explain what a banked carousel ride exactly is? I don’t believe I’ve been on a carousel like that.

[Heather Kendrick]

Can you explain what a banked carousel ride exactly is? I don´t

believe

I´ve been on a carousel like that.

I don´t know if there´s a technical term for it. I mean that the horses
lean inward so the ride can go faster without people feeling pulled off the
saddle. This is accomplished by having a slot (in a radial direction) at the
bottom of the pole so that the bottom pole can shift outward, resulting in
the horse being at a mild angle. It´s easier to show a picture. The
(inoperable) slots can be seen in this photo I took at the Columbus Zoo.

<https://www.flickr.com/photos/bunnyhugger/35102469480>

Geauga Lake´s carousel also used to have this feature.

[[e-mail]]

Post by Dave Althoff, Jr.

Can you explain what a banked carousel ride exactly is? I don´t

believe

I´ve been on a carousel like that.

I don´t know if there´s a technical term for it. I mean that the horses
lean inward so the ride can go faster without people feeling pulled off the
saddle. This is accomplished by having a slot (in a radial direction) at the
bottom of the pole so that the bottom pole can shift outward, resulting in
the horse being at a mild angle. It´s easier to show a picture. The
(inoperable) slots can be seen in this photo I took at the Columbus Zoo.
<https://www.flickr.com/photos/bunnyhugger/35102469480>
Geauga Lake´s carousel also used to have this feature.
--
Heather, the Carousel Rabbit

I just checked out the photo link. Interesting! I don’t think I’ve ever noticed that on any carousel I’ve been on. Unfortunately, I don’t think I ever rode Geauga Lake’s carousel. This is kinda like the American Racing Derby’s “galloping” effect, but side to side, instead of back and forth (that’s how it appears to me, anyway). Thanks for explaining.

-“Surf Dance” Chris

[Tyler Eaves]

Post by ***@aol.com
I just checked out the photo link. Interesting! I don’t think I’ve ever noticed that on any carousel I’ve been on. Unfortunately, I don’t think I ever rode Geauga Lake’s carousel. This is kinda like the American Racing Derby’s “galloping” effect, but side to side, instead of back and forth (that’s how it appears to me, anyway). Thanks for explaining.
-“Surf Dance” Chris

I don't think it's mechanically driven, just centrifugally. Think more of a chair swing, only on a pole instead of chains.

[Heather Kendrick]

Post by Tyler Eaves

I just checked out the photo link. Interesting! I don´t think I´ve ever
noticed that on any carousel I´ve been on. Unfortunately, I don´t think
I ever rode Geauga Lake´s carousel. This is kinda like the American
Racing Derby´s "galloping" effect, but side to side, instead of back
and forth (that´s how it appears to me, anyway). Thanks for explaining.
-"Surf Dance" Chris

I don't think it's mechanically driven, just centrifugally. Think more of a
chair swing, only on a pole instead of chains.

Yes, that´s my understanding too. It´s really a neat idea and
unfortunately just isn´t needed when carousels are almost never run at
decent speeds anymore.

[Dave Althoff, Jr.]

Tyler Eaves <***@gmail.com> wrote:
: On Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 11:12:46 PM UTC-4, ***@aol.com wrote:
:
: > I just checked out the photo link. Interesting! I don?t think I?ve ever
: > noticed that on any carousel I?ve been on. Unfortunately, I don?t think
: > I ever rode Geauga Lake?s carousel. This is kinda like the American
: > Racing Derby?s ?galloping? effect, but side to side, instead of back
: > and forth (that?s how it appears to me, anyway). Thanks for explaining.
: >
: > -?Surf Dance? Chris
:
: I don't think it's mechanically driven, just centrifugally. Think more of
: a chair swing, only on a pole instead of chains.

That's exactly right. To avoid problems, all the horses in the row are tied
together at the bottom so they all slide together, and it is not driven.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.
/X\ _ *** Respect rides. They do not respect you. ***
/XXX\ /X\ /X\_ _ /X\__ _ _ _____
/XXXXX\ /XXX\ /XXXX\_ /X\ /XXXXX\ /X\ /X\ /XXXXX
_/XXXXXXX\__/XXXXX\/XXXXXXXX\_/XXX\_/XXXXXXX\__/XXX\_/XXX\_/\_/XXXXXX
NEW! When emailing this account, include the 'canonical magic word' in
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[Dave Althoff, Jr.]

Heather Kendrick <***@ameritech.net> wrote:
: On Apr 10, 2021, ***@aol.com wrote
: (in article<70a54d9b-827e-40c2-8a05-***@googlegroups.com>):
:
: > Can you explain what a banked carousel ride exactly is? I don?t
: believe
: > I?ve been on a carousel like that.
: I don?t know if there?s a technical term for it. I mean that the horses
: lean inward so the ride can go faster without people feeling pulled off the
: saddle. This is accomplished by having a slot (in a radial direction) at the
: bottom of the pole so that the bottom pole can shift outward, resulting in
: the horse being at a mild angle. It?s easier to show a picture. The
: (inoperable) slots can be seen in this photo I took at the Columbus Zoo.
:
: <https://www.flickr.com/photos/bunnyhugger/35102469480>
:
: Geauga Lake?s carousel also used to have this feature.

Yes, and when the carousel moved to Worlds of Fun they eliminated it. When
the ride was running at Geauga the slider mechanism actually worked.

To elaborate a little..

If you look not-so-closely at most PTC and Dentzel carousels, you might
notice that the floor is not flat, and the horses do not hang straight up
and down. Instead, the platform is higher on the outside edge than it is on
the inside, and the horses are tilted a little towards the center. This is
quite common, and even found on track machines...Cedar Point's Racing Derby
is built like this as well, with a noticeable tilt towards the center.

Where you won't see this is on portable carousels. Chance carousels have
flat floors, for example. When Mangels was building big carousel
mechanisms, he built them with flat floors, but used a horse hanger that
allows the animal to tilt relative to the crank arm, and a sliding
mechanism in the floor to allow the figure to slide outward a few degrees.
This accomplished the same thing as the canted construction of the PTC and
Dentzel machines, but allowed for simpler machine assembly (since the
sliding shotgun assembly could remain attached to the floor section).

I really need to see if I have any video from the Geauga Lake carousel
where this action is easily visible; I doubt that I do thanks to draconian
on-ride video prohibitions; the action is not easily seen as the figures go
whizzing past.

--Dave Althoff, Jr
/X\ _ *** Respect rides. They do not respect you. ***
/XXX\ /X\ /X\_ _ /X\__ _ _ _____
/XXXXX\ /XXX\ /XXXX\_ /X\ /XXXXX\ /X\ /X\ /XXXXX
_/XXXXXXX\__/XXXXX\/XXXXXXXX\_/XXX\_/XXXXXXX\__/XXX\_/XXX\_/\_/XXXXXX
NEW! When emailing this account, include the 'canonical magic word' in
the body of your message for a quicker response.