Serving the themed entertainment community

Latest News

  • City of Edmonton renames road to honor planetarium pioneer Ian McLennan
  • Creative Technology celebrates women in AV worldwide
  • Pico Group selects AV Stumpfl PIXERA media servers for new exhibit at Singapore Discovery Centre
  • St. Louis CITY SC to create comprehensive professional sports campus in downtown St. Louis
  • Extreme Engineering completes Cloud Coaster at Quest, Doha Oasis
  • Former Walt Disney Imagineering executive Ian MacVittie joins Technifex
  • WonderWorks Pigeon Forge introduces new STEM exhibit explaining Earth’s spheres
  • Registration now open for Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2021, FREE registration for IPM readers
  • Home
  • Opportunity Hub
    • Leads & Opportunities
    • Webinar Calendar
    • Submit a Webinar
  • Explore
    • Features
    • News
    • COVID-19
  • Issues
    • 2020
      • #85 – Looking forward to the future
      • #84 – Everything the industry has to offer
      • #83 – Waterparks and more!
      • #82 – Solving Problems with Innovation
      • #81 COVID-19 and beyond
      • IPM guide to AV 2020
    • 2019
      • #80 – IAAPA 2019
      • #79.5 – IAAPA Expo 2019 Preview
      • #79 Europe and Waterparks
      • #78 – Asia/Tech
      • #77 – The Best in Themed Entertainment
    • 2018
      • #76 – Year End/Trade Show Round-up
      • #75 – IAAPA 2018
      • #74 – EME/Waterparks
      • #73 – Asia and Technology
      • #72 – Dubai/Museums
      • #71 – MENA/Entertainment
    • 2017
      • #70 – IAAPA 2017
      • #69 – Game Changers
      • #68 Going Global: Technology on the International Stage
      • #67 – Experience Design: Many Faces Many Places
      • #66 Theatrical Influence and Convergence
    • 2016
      • #65 IAAPA 2016
      • #64 Waterpark, Zoo & Aquarium 2016
      • #63 Technology 2016
      • #62 International
      • #61 Museums and Expanding Markets
    • 2015
      • #60 – IAAPA 2015
      • #59 – Zoos/Aquaria and Waterparks 2015
      • #58 – Technology 2015
      • #57 – International 2015
      • #56 – Museums 2015
    • 2014
      • #55 – IAAPA 2014 / Tenth Anniversary
      • #54 – Waterparks, Zoos and Aquariums 2014
      • #53 – Technology 2014
      • #52 – International 2014
      • #51 – Museums 2014
    • 2013
      • #46 – Museums 2013
      • #47 – International 2013
      • #48 – Technology 2013
      • #49 – Waterparks 2013
      • #50 – IAAPA 2013
      • 2013 Wrap-Up
    • 2012
      • #45 – IAAPA & WWA Wrap-Up
      • #44 – IAAPA
      • #43 – Waterparks
      • #42 – Technology
      • #41 – International
      • #40 – Museums
  • Subscribe
  • Advertise
  • About
    • About InPark
    • Privacy Policy
  • IPM books
    • Screens to scenes: Christie’s visual technology
    • Tales from the Expo
    • Themed entertainment in academia
  • follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linked
    • Youtube

The mysteries of Mystic Timbers

Aug 28, 2017 Joe Kleiman #69 - Game Changers, 2017, Features, North America, Theme Parks, World markets Comments Off on The mysteries of Mystic Timbers


The mysteries of Mystic Timbers

Kings Island leads the way for story-themed coasters in regional parks

by Kevin Dazey

Designing a new roller coaster today is an exercise in storytelling as well as engineering. Themed stations and ride vehicles, queue elements, and adjoining retail all combine to get the point across. Not only are the coasters and their environments skillfully themed, they include carefully crafted backstories to further push the excitement. Such is the case for Mystic Timbers, a new wooden roller coaster at Kings Island, a Cedar Fair park.

“With Mystic Timbers, we wanted to give our guests more than just a roller coaster – to make it more of an immersive, story-driven attraction,” said Don Helbig, Area Manager-Digital Marketing at Kings Island. “It gives our guests more to talk about, and it’s quickly become one of the most popular rides in the park.”

Whether of the wood or steel variety, highly detailed, story-driven roller coasters at the regional park level are relatively rare – although we think this may not be the case for very much longer.

Kings Island commissioned Holovis early on to show produce the entire attraction experience. They would work closely with corporate and Kings Island teams to develop the backstory and theming. Holovis enlisted Daniels Wood Land to provide props and scenery throughout. The roller coaster firm of Great Coasters International, Inc. (GCII) was selected as the ride manufacturer.

#Whatsintheshed

Well before Kings Island issued the full, official Mystic Timbers press release in 2016, clues were being released in a teaser campaign to indicate a new major ride was on the way. The press release was followed by a big reveal to an enthusiastic crowd, as part of a live nighttime event inside the park. Nearly all details of Mystic Timbers were made known that night – except one. The ride’s ending remained a mystery, keeping the public in suspense until opening day (April 15, 2017). Meanwhile, #WhatsInTheShed, another teaser campaign, kept attention on Kings Island during the off season.

GCII and wooden coasters

Mystic Timbers is the fourth roller coaster designed and installed by GCII for the Cedar Fair chain. “The popularity of wooden roller coasters by GCII at other Cedar Fair parks played a role in selecting who would build Mystic Timbers,” said Helbig. The list includes Prowler (Worlds of Fun), Renegade (Valleyfair) and Gold Striker (California’s Great America). “Like those coasters, Mystic Timbers appeals to both thrill seekers and families,” said Helbig.

GCII is best known for “twister” style wooden roller coasters: those with numerous track crossovers and very few straight sections of track. But while Mystic Timbers does contain a few twister elements, this creation would definitely be classified as an out-and-back style ride. All of GCII’s coasters are supplied with the company’s own Millennium Flyer trains; three are utilized here.

The wooden roller coaster is certainly alive and well, as proven by the multiple projects opening in 2017 from GCII alone. Older wooden coasters have something of a reputation for roughness, but modern construction techniques, materials and components have smoothed things out. “At Great Coasters, we continue to strive to make the smoothest, most exciting, and maintenance friendly wooden coasters in the world,” said Adam House, Senior Design Engineer at GCII. “One of the biggest enhancements is the use of Ipe wood [a very hard, dense Brazilian hardwood] on the track.”

Guest experience

Mystic Timbers starts in the Rivertown section of the park, in the fictional setting of the Miami River Lumber Co. The layout stretches into a wooded area away from park midways, and at times crisscrosses the park’s river rapids ride. At the turnaround point, track enters a tunnel, and from there begins the return trip, racing toward the aforementioned shed. The GCII Millennium Flyer trains were made to resemble the old blue truck of the storyline that is found in the queue area. “At this point, there aren’t any real limitations for theming the Millennium Flyers,” said House. “Obviously we need to be cognizant of the clearance envelope and passenger reach, but regarding the theme itself, the sky really is the limit!”

The story begins in the queue, building anticipation for the shed finale. A crashed pickup truck at the gate, and vine-covered signage are the first noticeable suggestions the lumber company has mysterious forces at work. “Every detail alludes to why it’s been abandoned for so long, with elements that seem ‘stuck in time’ from that fateful day in 1983 when the mill closed,” says Amy Steele, VP of Development at Holovis. “For example, from within the truck, you can hear radio shows playing. If you listen carefully, you’ll hear a talk show speculating on the mill closing, interrupted by music and Kings Island advertisements from 1983.”

More queue backstory: an empty guard shack houses monitors that display video of security personnel in the area attempting to locate trespassers. Audio warns visitors to stay away; as guests move closer to riding, the warnings become more frantic. And then, the ride itself begins to deliver on the promise. “Even the lift hill has a motion profile programmed to add to the show, then you get sent twisting, turning, and racing through a mysterious timber forest until you inevitably come to the shed and discover for yourself the secrets hidden inside,” says Steele. “The guest gets a total experience from start to finish.”

Backstory and theming

At the end of the ride, passengers finally encounter the mystery in the shed. Trains hop up to a flat track section where magnetic braking brings the action to a halt. A brief pause occurs before proceeding towards the shed. All the while audible warnings persist about proceeding. The train full of passengers slowly moves into what resembles an old lumber mill, overrun with vines. More of Daniels Wood Land’s handiwork is showcased in the shed. The company is known for using reclaimed materials to give character, and there’s no shortage here as pointed out by Andy Dauterman, Custom & Theming Projects Manager. “Using reclaimed materials is a crucial part of our theming business. They add to the realism; they have history and age. For the interior of Mystic Timbers, we used machinery and conveyers from a dismantled walnut processing facility. This same type of equipment was common in lumber mills, so we repurposed them to fit within the shed scenes. Wrapped with vines, they really add to the authenticity of the interior.” Where needed, fresh materials were modified to look old. “We age and distress the wood using a variety of paints, stains and washes, including rusting all the hardware. Then we layer in all the props and details,” said Dauterman.

Dauterman talked about some of the intricate details, including many animated props, that his company provided and that complement the projections to create the coaster environment. “Lockers swing out towards the riders and the doors open, a sign drops, saw blades clang, chains rattle, overhead lights sway, and an air duct drops from the ceiling. All of these are pneumatically driven and triggered as part of the show sequence. Other gags include spooky red eyes, a playing tape recorder, and the lights on the vending machine going haywire.”

Encouraging repeat ridership

In addition to practical effects, Holovis created multiplescreen, projected endings that further beg for multiple re-rides. “Just when you think you’ve discovered the secret to Mystic Timbers, the experience and the story change,” said Steele. “You have to ride the attraction quite a few times and during different times of the day to find out all the secrets that lie in the shed. The elaborateness was also important because the story isn’t just in the final moments of the ride. Everyone, including GCII had to buy into the story, and an elaborate, fully-realized backstory is key to keeping everyone on point.”

Other than the kids’ area, Kings Island does not rely on licensed IP to theme its rides. The original story aspect is key to Kings Island and to Mystic Timbers. But story or no story, everyone on the team kept in mind that this was a roller coaster. “The attraction can simply be enjoyed as just a really great coaster,” said Steele. “But if you are a Kings Island fan, there are so many layers to discover. The longer people spend in the queue and the more times they ride, the more they will savor the mysteries of Mystic Timbers.”

Holovis and Cedar Fair

“Holovis has been working with Cedar Fair since 2015, with their Techtainment group responsible for adopting new and emerging technologies into attractions within Cedar Fair,” said Steele. The first collaboration was an augmented reality (AR) gaming experience, “The Battle for Cedar Point,” launched in 2016. It allows guests to use a mobile app to compete against others while exploring the park. “The AR overlay converts queue lines into battlefields, where guests engage in interactive games and networked battles against every other player in the park,” said Steele. The technology earned Holovis a Brass Ring Award from IAAPA in the category of technology applied to amusements and saw the concept expand to Kings Dominion in 2017.

Steele noted that Holovis is working on additional ways to apply new technologies and overlays to reinvigorate parks. “One of our key focus areas is using technology to personalize the theme park space. A lot of what our R&D teams are working on is about collecting data from the guest and using it to change the attraction in a deeply personal way. We anticipate a lot of interesting refurbishment and retrofit opportunities that will leverage technology and software to add story and personalization.”

Mystic Timbers may very well be a good indication of things to come according to GCII and Holovis. “Working with Cedar Fair and Holovis through this project made it all the more exciting,” said House. “The team did a fantastic job merging the ride with the show elements for the shed and we at GCII are excited and hopeful to work with a show producer again in the near future.”

Steele adds, “This combination created something special and shows how storytelling could be as integral a part of the experience as the coaster itself, setting a trend for ‘storytelling coasters’ that you’ll see in 2017 and 2018.” •

Kevin Dazey has a mechanical engineering background and works in R&D at a manufacturing company in St. Louis. He writes about ride engineering, roller coasters and related topics for InPark. dazey200x@yahoo.com

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Print

  • cedar fair, GCII, great coasters international, holovis, kings island, Mystic Timbers, new attractions for 2017, new coasters, themed coasters, wood coasters
  • tweet
Related articles
  • Cedar Point announces Summer 2021 will center around park’s 150th anniversary celebration
    Cedar Point announces Summer 2021 will...

    Comments Off on Cedar Point announces Summer 2021 will center around park’s 150th anniversary celebration

  • Cedar Fair seeks Corporate Director, Communications
    Cedar Fair seeks Corporate Director,...

    Comments Off on Cedar Fair seeks Corporate Director, Communications

  • Cedar Fair seeks corporate head of procurement
    Cedar Fair seeks corporate head of...

    Comments Off on Cedar Fair seeks corporate head of procurement

  • Luna Park Sydney investing $30 million on upgrades and new nine rides including world’s first single-track launch coaster
    Luna Park Sydney investing $30 million...

    Comments Off on Luna Park Sydney investing $30 million on upgrades and new nine rides including world’s first single-track launch coaster

More in this category
  • City of Edmonton renames road to honor planetarium pioneer Ian McLennan
    City of Edmonton renames road to honor...

    Mar 08, 2021 Comments Off on City of Edmonton renames road to honor planetarium pioneer Ian McLennan

  • Creative Technology celebrates women in AV worldwide
    Creative Technology celebrates women in...

    Mar 08, 2021 Comments Off on Creative Technology celebrates women in AV worldwide

  • Pico Group selects AV Stumpfl PIXERA media servers for new exhibit at Singapore Discovery Centre
    Pico Group selects AV Stumpfl PIXERA...

    Mar 05, 2021 Comments Off on Pico Group selects AV Stumpfl PIXERA media servers for new exhibit at Singapore Discovery Centre

  • St. Louis CITY SC to create comprehensive professional sports campus in downtown St. Louis
    St. Louis CITY SC to create...

    Mar 05, 2021 Comments Off on St. Louis CITY SC to create comprehensive professional sports campus in downtown St. Louis


Quick Takes

My Tweets

Latest Issue

Leads & Opportunities

  • Creative Technology celebrates women in AV worldwide
    Creative Technology celebrates women in AV worldwide

    Mar 08, 2021 Comments Off on Creative Technology celebrates women in AV worldwide

    " In this article, we look at a handful of these...
  • Themed Entertainment Association hires executive search firm for Executive Director position
    Themed Entertainment Association hires executive search...

    Mar 04, 2021 Comments Off on Themed Entertainment Association hires executive search firm for Executive Director position

    Position profile is anticipated in mid-March
  • Eleventh Hour seeks Technical Proposal Writer/Manager for entertainment company client
    Eleventh Hour seeks Technical Proposal Writer/Manager for...

    Feb 16, 2021 Comments Off on Eleventh Hour seeks Technical Proposal Writer/Manager for entertainment company client

    The position is ideal for a technical proposal writer who...
  • Little Canada seeks Visual Arts Specialist
    Little Canada seeks Visual Arts Specialist

    Feb 16, 2021 Comments Off on Little Canada seeks Visual Arts Specialist

    Little Canada is a highly detailed and animated journey...
  • Scenario seeks LA-based safety manager
    Scenario seeks LA-based safety manager

    Feb 15, 2021 Comments Off on Scenario seeks LA-based safety manager

    The main office/shop located in San Fernando with various...

Top Posts

  • Crayola IDEAworks® traveling exhibit unleashes colorful creativity in young minds
    Crayola IDEAworks® traveling exhibit unleashes colorful creativity in young minds
  • City of Edmonton renames road to honor planetarium pioneer Ian McLennan
    City of Edmonton renames road to honor planetarium pioneer Ian McLennan
  • What will it mean to postpone Expo 2020 Dubai until 2021?
    What will it mean to postpone Expo 2020 Dubai until 2021?
  • Sally Brings the Animal Animatronics of Five Nights at Freddy's to Life in New Attraction Concept
    Sally Brings the Animal Animatronics of Five Nights at Freddy's to Life in New Attraction Concept
  • Pico Group selects AV Stumpfl PIXERA media servers for new exhibit at Singapore Discovery Centre
    Pico Group selects AV Stumpfl PIXERA media servers for new exhibit at Singapore Discovery Centre
  • UAE and Israel relations stand to benefit Middle East tourism and Dubai Expo 2020
    UAE and Israel relations stand to benefit Middle East tourism and Dubai Expo 2020
  • St. Louis CITY SC to create comprehensive professional sports campus in downtown St. Louis
    St. Louis CITY SC to create comprehensive professional sports campus in downtown St. Louis

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Instagram

Categories

  • IPM Interviews
  • Theme Parks
  • Museums
  • Water Parks
  • Attractions
    • Haunts
    • Zoos & Aquariums
  • World markets
    • Asia
    • Europe & Middle East
    • Latin America & Mexico
    • North America
  • Technology & Media
  • Business
    • Events
    • People
  • World Expos

InPark Magazine

2349 E Ohio Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53207 USA
262.412.7107
mpalicki@inparkmagazine.com

View our Privacy Policy

Copyright 2018 InPark Magazine / All rights reserved
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Instagram