Cutting it Close on the Starliner at Cypress Gardens
Update: Via the comments, Bob Gernert informs us that the launch has been delayed.
If you've missed the barrage of advertising from Cypress Gardens, their latest roller coaster, Starliner, will open on June 30th. Construction crews have almost been working around the clock. I've seen them working in the early morning and the evening on Sundays.
The deadline is fast approaching, but the question is, will they make it? I'm not talking about construction though, you can always throw more people and money at that. My concern is testing and certification. How long does it take to test and certify a roller coaster before guests can ride on it? What happens if there is an issue with the certification process?
I e-mailed Cypress Gardens' spokesperson Lynn Wright to see if she can fill in the details.
Comments
Per park owner Kent Buescher: "We expect everything but the painting to be completed by late today. (Wednesday)Inspections are scheduled for tomorrow. Unless we hit some major
unexpected snag, we'll be ready to go on Saturday."
See you at the top of the first hill! - BG
Posted by: Bob Gernert | June 27, 2007 10:27 AM
This just in ... Several technology components required to upgrade the coaster's operation and safety mechanisms have not arrived in time for installation and testing. While the park has worked at breakneck pace to get the historic ride ready for June 30, that date is now being pushed back. It is our understanding that park officials will issue a new "drop" date within the next week. BG
Posted by: Bob Gernert | June 27, 2007 05:24 PM