The Hot Wheels Roller Coaster’s Lead Designer Tells Us The Element Of The New Mattel Adventure Park’s Ride That ‘Screams Hot Wheels’

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The Hot Wheels Roller Coaster's Lead Designer Tells Us The Element Of The New Mattel Adventure Park's Ride That 'Screams Hot Wheels'

As a dad who grew up with Hot Wheels and still holds a soft spot for these iconic toys, I can hardly contain my excitement about the upcoming Mattel Adventure Park in Glendale, Arizona. The idea of stepping into the worlds of Barbie, He-Man, and Hot Wheels together is like a dream come true for a kid who spent countless hours racing his Hot Wheels cars down ramps made out of cardboard boxes.

Rather than just Universal Orlando and its upcoming Epic Universe park grabbing all the spotlight, there’s another exciting new theme park on the horizon: the Mattel Adventure Park in Glendale, Arizona. This nearly-open attraction promises to merge the universes of Barbie, He-Man, and Hot Wheels for the very first time within a theme park setting.

It’s worth noting that Barbie was a significant success at the box office, and there have been ongoing attempts to produce a fresh He-Man movie and a Hot Wheels film. However, these intellectual properties have seen varying results in entertainment. Yet, they are poised for a unique revival through new theme park attractions.

Lately, I had an interesting conversation with Cindy Emerick, the chief designer of Mattel Adventure Park. Prior to her current role, designing an entire park was a new venture for Emerick, but her expertise lies in creating roller coasters. As such, she takes great pride in the two Hot Wheels-themed coasters that the park will feature. She believes that anyone who has been or still is a fan of Hot Wheels will find these attractions delightful.

The Twin Mill Roller Coaster Will Feel Like You’re Inside A Classic Hot Wheels Play Set

During her tenure as a roller coaster designer, Cindy Emerick has contributed to several world-renowned record-breaking coasters, such as those labeled as the “tallest” or the “fastest”. However, when it comes to the Hot Wheels coasters, Boneshaker and Twin Mill, her focus was not primarily on breaking records.

As a thrill-seeking gamer, I can’t wait to experience Mattel Adventure Park’s adrenaline-pumping highlight – the Twin Mill coaster! This ride is more than just a roller coaster; it’s a tribute to the joy of playing with Hot Wheels. From the moment you buckle up, you’ll be immersed in a world reminiscent of classic toy sets. The excitement starts right from the launch, which mimics the classic Hot Wheels experience. Emerick explained…

The Twin Mill represents an upgrade from the Boneshaker, and it includes a few inversions – this aligns with the Hot Wheels toy sets we’re familiar with. Our goal was to incorporate the launch mechanism into the first Hot Wheels roller coasters. For us, what embodies Hot Wheels for our riders is the thrill of launch, so I believe that’s what we’ve achieved here.

Anybody who has played with Hot Wheels toys will know what she’s talking about here. Virtually every Hot Wheel track included a way to launch your car down the track to get the fun started. While a launch start isn’t revolutionary for roller coasters, the concept seems tailor-made for a Hot Wheels coaster.

One Hot Wheels Coaster Is Designed To Get Kids Excited For Roller Coasters

Given that Hot Wheels enthusiasts span across generations, as anyone alive in the last six decades could have fond memories, the design of the coasters needed to cater to a broader spectrum of visitors. Mattel Adventure Park’s other coaster, Boneshaker, was crafted in such a way that for a young child experiencing their first “real” roller coaster, it would captivate them from the very start. This is what she elaborated on…

The Boneshaker roller coaster is designed primarily for young thrill-seekers experiencing a roller coaster for the first time. Instead of settling for a children’s coaster, they aim for the real deal. It’s created to help them conquer their initial apprehensions.

As a father of two little girls, one not yet ready for roller coasters and another on the verge of enjoying the thrilling ones, I find this insightful. Emerick seems to grasp that the initial roller coaster ride might shape whether someone continues to love roller coasters throughout their life.

These parks aren’t just kid-friendly spots; they transform into multi-generational havens when well-designed. I can splurge on a delightful meal at Universal Orlando’s Mythos restaurant, yet nothing beats the joy I find in sharing moments with my children at Dollywood.

Although Hot Wheels coasters might not set any new records, they seem like a blast for anyone who’s a fan of roller coasters or Hot Wheels! The real question is when we can finally experience the thrill. However, it appears that Mattel Adventure Park, initially scheduled to open in 2024, may have to wait as the year is quickly drawing to a close.

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2024-09-08 21:38