I wish people would stop viewing every addition discussion as some binary choice. Epic having 6 individual coasters eventually does not mean there will not be other types of rides. For example a Mack Boat ride in a new land, or some of the other suggestions I set out on sub stack. The point is they continue to add more of everything. I cant remember what the final tally was for final build out options. but I think just using internal expansion pads and not new lands was something like 22 rides and attractions, so 6 is less than 30%
Earlier in this discussion I was just pointing out that storytelling-wise LSMs and other methods to move a coaster give way more options than a chain lift. Lift hills just feel like the Film Classification card at the start of the movie, its just an inconvenient thing youre forced to sit through that delays watching the film.
I think that mentality stems from the fact that these expansions take such a long time, and that space for these expansions is limited, even at Epic.
When it comes to making a new Potter ride, it
is kind of a binary for what gets built there. Unless we see the removal of our first non-Dueling Dragons Potter attraction, whatever is there is very likely going to be the singular new Potter ride we get at Epic. And if that time and budget is spent on a new coaster, that means it isn't being spent on another ride system.
A coaster would fit the structure of that land fine, paired with elaborate dark ride Battle next door; but I totally understand not being thrilled at the prospect of another coaster when the park already has a quite large selection of them. Other ride systems are just not represented as well, and prioritizing more coasters now means kicking that can down the road even further. Worst case scenario is current USF and its' very simulator-heavy lineup.
Also, while I can understand the sentiment, we just could not disagree more on lift hills haha. Lift hills are a necessary part of the incredible feel of so many ride systems, including coasters.
It's that feeling of dread and excitement as you inch towards the top, knowing what you'll be doing once you get there. It's a moment to stop and look around you, which on certain rides means looking out to the horizon which can be terrifying on certain rides, and totally beautiful and calm ... which just means that if you get too sucked in to staring at the distance you'll end up caught off guard by the 80ft plunge haha. The metallic whirring and clanking can also just add to that thrill.
It's a moment on the ride itself, in the seat and under the restraints, where you get to think about the thrills that are about to happen, and for myself, that rush consistently is one of the most memorable experiences on a ride.
Again, I do understand viewing lift hills as a loading screen that you wish you could skip. I see them as the Overture, a necessary easing into this new environment and buildup for the main performance.
I agree with
@Parkscope Joe , variety is key.