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Darien Lake unveils plans for new vertical drop roller coaster

Posted at 10:24 AM, Nov 03, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-03 10:51:31-04

We're learning more about a new roller coaster that could be coming to Darien Lake Theme Park in the summer of 2018. 

Planning documents submitted to the Genesee County Planning Board show the Thunder Rapids log ride would be demolished to make space for the new coaster, which takes riders down a large vertical drop.

The coaster is still in its planning stages, and hasn't been named yet. But planning board members have been reviewing plans and will give their recommendation to the Town of Darien at the next meeting on November 9th. 

The county's planning director called the new roller coaster one of the biggest investments the theme park has made recently, and the biggest roller coaster since the Ride of Steel debuted in 1999. 

In documents submitted to the Planning Board, Darien Lake Holdings describes what they're calling the '2018 Potential New Ride'.  While the name of it was not disclosed, park officials write that the, "size, scope and family thrill level will entice families all over the Northeast...and Canada to visit Darien Lake." 

The park's general manager also explains that the new ride will improve and sustain audiences from Buffalo and Rochester, and also drive more tourism to Genesee County.

It's likely Darien Lake will have a final answer from the town on whether to move forward with the project within a month.