Cyclone (Coaster Dynamix CDX Blocks)

We're back with another CDX Blocks build.  This time we are building the much larger Cyclone roller coaster model.

Here's the back of the box.

Unpacking all of the parts to the model.  It's easy to see that there are a lot more pieces than the Little Dipper model.

Step 1: Build the foundation for the final curve into the lift hill.

Step 2: Adding another layer to the base.

Step 3: We get to add a little bump where a smaller hill will go.

Step 4: Add the cross ties and connection points.

Step 5: Next we move to the first turn around area.

Step 6: Adding another layer to this section.

Step 7: Adding yet another layer to this section.

Step 8: Finishing up with a few more braces.

Step 9: Begin adding cross ties and connection points.

Step 10: Finishing up adding cross ties and connection points to this section.

Step 11: This is the base of the lift hill and the hill that runs along the lift hill.

Step 12: Continuing our build up of the lift hill.

Step 13: The lift hill is starting to near its final peak.

Step 14: Adding some major cross ties as we near the peak of the lift hill

Step 15: We reach the top and add the top fear for the lift hill chain.

Step 16: Adding the other two gears for the lift hill chain.

Step 17: Pulling the chain.

Step 18: Adding height to the hill that runs next to the lift hill.

Step 19: Filling out the supports for the hill in front of the lift hill.

Step 20: Adding the cross ties and connection points.

Step 21: Adding the CYCLONE marquee to the lift hill.

Step 22: Put the 3 sections together.

Step 23: Time to add the track and additional cross ties.

This is the most time consuming step in the process.

Step 24: Connect the ends of the track together with the connection pieces and put the train chassis on the track.

Step 25: Build the train.

The following photos are some close ups of the details of the CYCLONE model.

Personal Thoughts:  I am extremely impressed with this model.  We were able to get the model on sale so it was definitely worth the price we paid.  

It is a lot bigger than the Little Dipper Model and displaying it will take up quite a bit of space.  However, it is by far the most detailed, working model we've ever built and we are extremely happy with the end product.

World Changes (WOF)

Welcome back to WOF.  We are going to take a look at recent changes to the park.  Starting with the welcome balloon planter which looks much brighter now that its flowers have filled out.

The flowers around the trees in International Plaza are starting to bloom.  Once they do, that will give the area a lot of needed color.

Work continues on the hardscaping of the river that runs under the Orient-Scandinavia bridge.

Doesn't look like much work has taken place on the other side of the bridge, yet.

A new water feature was added to the Bamboozler lake.  These three tall granite structures have water coming out the top and then trickling down the sides.

A new panda statue has been added just outside the queue for Bamboozler.  I hope they add some bamboo or similar greenery around him to finish off the look.

The dragon kites that were flying over this lake have been removed.  It is possible that they were damaged by the severe storms that we had roll through the area this past week.

More work has been done in this area.  It looks amazing and a major upgrade from the overgrowth that had been there for years.

RipCord Lake is still dry.  We've been told that they are going to reseal the lake to help with loss of water.  Apparently the foundation had become very cracked.

The dining area near the Americana food court looks very nice and organized.  I am glad they made the decision to expand it this season.

The Dippin' Dots stand has returned.  We'll see if they ever use it this season.

Large potted palm style plants have been added near Steel Hawk.  There are several more on the other side of the ride leading to Patriot Plaza.

We unfortunately have missed this on our previous visits, but Flying Dutchman received a new paint job this off season and looks great.  We hope eventually the park can replace some light bulbs on this ride as most of them are out at night.

The topiaries continue to arrive.  Some new smaller cacti have appeared near the Depot.

We finally made it up into Planet Snoopy and were delighted to see that they replaced the signs that were sun damaged last season.

We are so happy to see the park doing the little things right so far this season.

Much better.

Finally, there is a new Lego style Snoopy model on display at the gift shop in Planet Snoopy.  This is to help promote the new Lego style building sets the park is selling this year.

Timber Wolf (WOF)

We now have an official "Opening Date" for Timber Wolf v2.0

May 18th for Season Passholders.

Here is the look of Timber Wolf as of today.

A sign at the entrance says that it is opening soon.

The extended queue is still there for Timber Wolf.  I wonder if they will need to use it in a few weekends when people here that it has reopened.

The trains are on the track with water dummies - so testing is taking place.

New Fountain (WOF)

Additions continue to appear at the new fountain.  This week tables and chairs have been added.  I'm not sure how must use they'll get considering they are out in the direct sunshine without shade.

The flowers continue to grow in and help make the area look amazing.

Another week and more growth from the plants around the center.

They finally added flowers in the bed closest to the Coca-Cola Marketplace.  They just haven't bloomed yet.

Floral Clock (WOF)

The floral clock is really growing in nicely.  The colors are really popping now and additional small plants have been added to round out the area.

Typhoon Twister (HHSTL)

Typhoon Twister has gone vertical.  The tower for the slide now has a large piece of actual slide attached.  It will be fun to watch this thing get built as it is a massive addition to the waterpark.

Bernie's Barnyard (Adventureland)

Looks like they have a long way to go on Bernie's Barnyard still.

Park Changes (Adventureland)

Inverter is no longer.  The park has removed the ride and the old Super Screamer station that was left over from when the roller coaster used this area.  We would imagine that something big will be going here in 2019.