California Screamin' is Disney's Most Expensive Attraction to Maintain

[DoctorQ9]

This is quoted directly from the Orange County Register article:

Indiana Jones Adventure was among the most innovative attractions ever created when it opened in 1995: It was the first to put an independently moving platform that holds the passengers, like the Star Tours' simulator, on top of a vehicle that runs along a track.
Today, the Jeep-journey ride ranks as the second-most expensive attraction to maintain in the Disneyland Resort, behind California Screamin' at Disney California Adventure, said Jeff Corder, Disney senior manager of engineering services.


Now I thoroughly enjoy California Screamin', folks, but it is still a rollercoaster. No AA's, no special effects, just cars and tracks (and a launcher, OK). How can a rollercoaster cost Disney more to maintain than a technologically-complex attraction like Indiana Jones?

[mycroft16]

Screamin' does involve Linear Induction Motors. They can be expensive.

[BrodyDanger]

It's that dang loop.

[goldenstate5]

Unlike Indy, CS actually gets its money's-worth. Before TLM, it had the highest capacity in the park (I believe it still has the potential to be as well) The ride still runs smoothly and the music consistently works. Thumbs up.

[Mickey Mouse Jr]

It's that dang loop.

Beat me to it... I'm still gonna say it.

Wait for it... because of the loop.

[bee1000]

Since most of the special effects in Indy at beyond repair are this point, there's nothing left to spend money on maintaining!

[Ryan120420]

Runs six trains (all of which have moving parts and have to be inspected)

Its one of the longest roller coasters in the world and has one of the most dense structures on any steel coaster that has to be inspected regularly.

Has many, many brake and block zones, all of which have moving parts and have to be inspected.

The launch, not only to maintain to keep safe but the amount of electricity to launch a train is enormous.

Replacement parts such as wheels, restraints, and other components are very expensive. With B&M coasters (yes, I know CA Screamin is an Intamin coaster) one wheel alone will set a park back $500 - $700. And I imagine the way Disney runs Screamin that coaster goes through wheels regularly.



It all adds up.

[MactheMan]

Yep, you it it on the nail, Ryan. In addition, Intamin coasters are notoriously expensive to maintain. Plus the elements involved in the audio can add up as well (sensors along the block sections sinc. it up). But mostly, it's all the block sections: LIMs on the lift and launch, magnetic brakes. Paint can add up too; unlike Indiana Jones, Screamin's' mile long track is completely on display.

[JM Disneyland]

I would kill for another Indy Type ride.

It's a great coaster but nothing like Space or Matterhorn.

[DannyLand]

ok, i just went on this ride sunday twice. first without music then music. the music really adds to the ride to make it faster and better.
someone needs to fix the music or update it so every train has it different just like Rockin Roller Coaster.

[sir clinksalot]

Since most of the special effects in Indy at beyond repair at this point, there's nothing left to spend money on maintaining!

And good point

I would kill for another Indy Type ride.

It's a great coaster but nothing like Space or Matterhorn.

You are right, it's better. (well, better than the highly overrated Space Mountain)

[Eonevoli1017]

On top of everything else, I'm assuming weather has a factor in terms of maintenance given that it's outdoors. Indy (as abused as it is in terms of maintenance) doesn't have those kinds of issues to deal with because it's all enclosed. Just other issues like...WORKING!

[lazyboy97O]

Disney gets no support from the coaster's builder Intamin AG, who has disowned the coaster.

[MactheMan]

You are right, it's better. (well, better than the highly overrated Space Mountain)

Hey! Space Mountain is themed--it's covered by a black box. :P

[toonaspie]

Disney gets no support from the coaster's builder Intamin AG, who has disowned the coaster.

I wonder why that is.

Anyway, the fact that the most expensive ride at Disney to maintain is a ride that really has nothing Disney about it is pretty depressing.