New Austin
Welcome to New Austin, where the settlements are sparse and the landscapes are vast! Much like in the game franchise, New Austin is comprised of multiple regions which contain a variety of attractions and opportunities to interact with nature. Much like Ambarino, nature takes a significant focus in this region, so similar safety measures will be in place. However, there are many more man-made things to do in the three regions of New Austin. The first region is Hennigan’s Stead, home of ranches and natural expeditions. The second region is Cholla Springs, which hosts Armadillo, the primary settlement in New Austin. The final region is Gaptooth Ridge, where several abandoned settlements make for a mysterious visit. In the franchise, there was a fourth location, Rio Bravo; however, that land has been cut and its primary attraction, Fort Mercer, has been relocated to Cholla Springs to conserve space and concentrate attraction levels.
Welcome to New Austin, where the settlements are sparse and the landscapes are vast! Much like in the game franchise, New Austin is comprised of multiple regions which contain a variety of attractions and opportunities to interact with nature. Much like Ambarino, nature takes a significant focus in this region, so similar safety measures will be in place. However, there are many more man-made things to do in the three regions of New Austin. The first region is Hennigan’s Stead, home of ranches and natural expeditions. The second region is Cholla Springs, which hosts Armadillo, the primary settlement in New Austin. The final region is Gaptooth Ridge, where several abandoned settlements make for a mysterious visit. In the franchise, there was a fourth location, Rio Bravo; however, that land has been cut and its primary attraction, Fort Mercer, has been relocated to Cholla Springs to conserve space and concentrate attraction levels.
Throughout New Austin, maps leading to “buried treasure” can be found at various stores. Shopkeepers will loan supplies for digging and guests pay a small fee to get the map (difficulty ranges by age) to the buried treasure, which they get to keep.
Throughout New Austin, maps leading to “buried treasure” can be found at various stores. Shopkeepers will loan supplies for digging and guests pay a small fee to get the map (difficulty ranges by age) to the buried treasure, which they get to keep.
Hennigan's Stead
Hennigan's Stead
All guests will enter New Austin from the east, through Hennigan’s Stead. Here, hills and live oak trees reinforce the idea that guests are in an area inspired by Central Texas; however, there are several locations that are more swampy as well. The main attraction in Hennigan’s Stead is MacFarlane’s Ranch.
All guests will enter New Austin from the east, through Hennigan’s Stead. Here, hills and live oak trees reinforce the idea that guests are in an area inspired by Central Texas; however, there are several locations that are more swampy as well. The main attraction in Hennigan’s Stead is MacFarlane’s Ranch.
MacFarlane’s Ranch is the epitome of ranches. Run by father and daughter team Drew and Bonnie MacFarlane, this ranch truly has it all. One of the unique aspects of the ranch is the wide variety of activities that are available. Guests can play poker (paid or free) in the seating area at the general store, which also sells supplies, souvenirs, and food, play horseshoes, ride horses throughout parts of New Austin, and learn about ranch life by watching cattle and chicken demonstrations. The supplies that are sold include a camping kit. Guests can rent a tent and sleeping bags and spend the night under the stars in designated campground areas if they choose. The Southwest Railroad has a stop at MacFarlane Ranch. It also passes by Manteca Falls and Mescalero, which guests may choose to explore (although it really is just an abandoned Native American camp) and over Mason’s Bridge.
MacFarlane’s Ranch is the epitome of ranches. Run by father and daughter team Drew and Bonnie MacFarlane, this ranch truly has it all. One of the unique aspects of the ranch is the wide variety of activities that are available. Guests can play poker (paid or free) in the seating area at the general store, which also sells supplies, souvenirs, and food, play horseshoes, ride horses throughout parts of New Austin, and learn about ranch life by watching cattle and chicken demonstrations. The supplies that are sold include a camping kit. Guests can rent a tent and sleeping bags and spend the night under the stars in designated campground areas if they choose. The Southwest Railroad has a stop at MacFarlane Ranch. It also passes by Manteca Falls and Mescalero, which guests may choose to explore (although it really is just an abandoned Native American camp) and over Mason’s Bridge.
Another major attraction is donkey/burro rides through Pike’s Basin, where guests spend an hour riding in the canyon and may see animatronics of bandits along the rim of the canyon. Near Pike’s Basin is the true E-Ticket attraction, the San Luis River Expedition, which takes guests on a river rapids tour of the San Luis river. Guests will be led by guides on this genuine river rapids journey, beginning at the base of Manteca Falls. Guests will ride down the river, helping their guide paddle, to a dock near Fort Mercer. From there, they can ride the train from Fort Mercer back to Hennigan's Stead if they choose. After guests disembark, the guides will be able to take their rafts around the river, boarding a long conveyor belt system backstage that allows them to rest on the way back to Manteca Falls before the next expedition. On either side of the river, guests will be able to see different animatronic vignettes of wildlife and different scenes of bandits. In essence, this river rapids ride is a spiritual successor to the never completed, oft dreamed of Western River Expedition; however, the realism of the animatronics and the quality of the guest experience will be brought into the 21st century.
Another major attraction is donkey/burro rides through Pike’s Basin, where guests spend an hour riding in the canyon and may see animatronics of bandits along the rim of the canyon. Near Pike’s Basin is the true E-Ticket attraction, the San Luis River Expedition, which takes guests on a river rapids tour of the San Luis river. Guests will be led by guides on this genuine river rapids journey, beginning at the base of Manteca Falls. Guests will ride down the river, helping their guide paddle, to a dock near Fort Mercer. From there, they can ride the train from Fort Mercer back to Hennigan's Stead if they choose. After guests disembark, the guides will be able to take their rafts around the river, boarding a long conveyor belt system backstage that allows them to rest on the way back to Manteca Falls before the next expedition. On either side of the river, guests will be able to see different animatronic vignettes of wildlife and different scenes of bandits. In essence, this river rapids ride is a spiritual successor to the never completed, oft dreamed of Western River Expedition; however, the realism of the animatronics and the quality of the guest experience will be brought into the 21st century.
Finally, guests can visit Thieves’ Landing. This is a swamp settlement at the very edge of Hennigan’s Stead where lawlessness reigns. Throughout the day, actors put on shows of shootouts and duels, and guests can interact with some of these criminals at the saloon, drinking, playing cards or dice, or watching dancers. Guests can also visit the gunsmith and blacksmith demonstrations or buy period clothing from the Tailor Shop.
Finally, guests can visit Thieves’ Landing. This is a swamp settlement at the very edge of Hennigan’s Stead where lawlessness reigns. Throughout the day, actors put on shows of shootouts and duels, and guests can interact with some of these criminals at the saloon, drinking, playing cards or dice, or watching dancers. Guests can also visit the gunsmith and blacksmith demonstrations or buy period clothing from the Tailor Shop.
Cholla Springs
Cholla Springs
The largest area in New Austin is Cholla Springs, a vast desert area which is home to several attractions; however, the most notable is the settlement of Armadillo.
The largest area in New Austin is Cholla Springs, a vast desert area which is home to several attractions; however, the most notable is the settlement of Armadillo.
Armadillo is the capital of New Austin, and it is full of activities common in the west in the late 19th century. Much like Thieves’ Landing, it has more developed smitheries, including a gunsmith and a blacksmith. Competing saloons vie for guests attention, or guests can choose to watch Westerns in the Cinema, which is actually a magic lantern show. Demonstrations of the technology will alternate with actual showings in the Cinema. The railroad has a stop here, and the stagecoach serves as the setting for one of the most impressive attractions in all of the resort.
Armadillo is the capital of New Austin, and it is full of activities common in the west in the late 19th century. Much like Thieves’ Landing, it has more developed smitheries, including a gunsmith and a blacksmith. Competing saloons vie for guests attention, or guests can choose to watch Westerns in the Cinema, which is actually a magic lantern show. Demonstrations of the technology will alternate with actual showings in the Cinema. The railroad has a stop here, and the stagecoach serves as the setting for one of the most impressive attractions in all of the resort.
At The Armadillo Stagecoach Adventure, guests board a stagecoach and ride through the Wild West! The attraction opens with guests leaving Armadillo behind and heading west, further into New Austin. Various animals such as buffalo will be grazing in the fields. As guests drive past them, they start a stampede, causing the stagecoach to move quicker on a turbulent race away from the buffalo. Guests will be able to view various landmarks-waterfalls and rock formations as they enter Gaptooth Ridge. Suddenly, bandits jump on the top of the stagecoach, taking control of it. As they guide the coach back to the Thieves Landing, at the southern end of Hennigan's Stead, intimidating guests with interactive and personal dialogue, the Armadillo Sherrif and his posse intercept the stagecoach, causing a shootout. Bullets whiz past guests and hit walls of the coach before the Sherrif finally takes it back, escorting it back to Armadillo.
At The Armadillo Stagecoach Adventure, guests board a stagecoach and ride through the Wild West! The attraction opens with guests leaving Armadillo behind and heading west, further into New Austin. Various animals such as buffalo will be grazing in the fields. As guests drive past them, they start a stampede, causing the stagecoach to move quicker on a turbulent race away from the buffalo. Guests will be able to view various landmarks-waterfalls and rock formations as they enter Gaptooth Ridge. Suddenly, bandits jump on the top of the stagecoach, taking control of it. As they guide the coach back to the Thieves Landing, at the southern end of Hennigan's Stead, intimidating guests with interactive and personal dialogue, the Armadillo Sherrif and his posse intercept the stagecoach, causing a shootout. Bullets whiz past guests and hit walls of the coach before the Sherrif finally takes it back, escorting it back to Armadillo.
The technology behind The Armadillo Stagecoach Adventure is what makes it so spectacular. Employing technology developed in 2015, guests will actually be inside an EMV ride vehicle akin to those in the Dinosaur and Indiana Jones Adventure attractions. However, these EMVs will be within miniature theaters that show the action happening on screens all around them. Each stagecoach simulator will have glassless windows so that guests can view the screens without any obstructions. The front of the vehicle also has a large window so that guests can see from any angle. Because the stagecoach is within a theater, we can control the elements and sensory experiences of the guests. For example, fans will blow a cool breeze throughout the coach, and when the guests are attacked by bandits, the top of the coach will dent and animatronic hands or feet may come down into guests' views. When the shootout occurs, lighting effects will show where bullets have struck the outside or inside of the coach.
The technology behind The Armadillo Stagecoach Adventure is what makes it so spectacular. Employing technology developed in 2015, guests will actually be inside an EMV ride vehicle akin to those in the Dinosaur and Indiana Jones Adventure attractions. However, these EMVs will be within miniature theaters that show the action happening on screens all around them. Each stagecoach simulator will have glassless windows so that guests can view the screens without any obstructions. The front of the vehicle also has a large window so that guests can see from any angle. Because the stagecoach is within a theater, we can control the elements and sensory experiences of the guests. For example, fans will blow a cool breeze throughout the coach, and when the guests are attacked by bandits, the top of the coach will dent and animatronic hands or feet may come down into guests' views. When the shootout occurs, lighting effects will show where bullets have struck the outside or inside of the coach.
This innovative technology opens up new doors of creativity for our designers, allowing the guests to enter a fully immersive world within the confines of their stagecoach, and it ensures that The Armadillo Stagecoach Adventure will be a tremendously popular attraction for years to come.
This innovative technology opens up new doors of creativity for our designers, allowing the guests to enter a fully immersive world within the confines of their stagecoach, and it ensures that The Armadillo Stagecoach Adventure will be a tremendously popular attraction for years to come.
Another major point of interest in this region is Fort Mercer, which is an abandoned military fort from the Mexican War. The fort now serves as an in-world military museum, describing the war and the way wars have been fought in the west in the context of the game. This fort will also facilitate large scale airsoft gun wars, with the guns designed to look like guns from the late 19th century. To maintain safety, all guests will sign an additional liability waiver as well as be required to wear pads, gloves, and full face helmets. Whenever a person is hit, their padding will emit a burst of sound, so that the judge can tell who’s out of the game. The winner of the game (five daily) will get a $20 gift voucher to be used at any retail location within the resort. Near Fort Mercer is Mercer’s Station, another stop for the railroad.
Another major point of interest in this region is Fort Mercer, which is an abandoned military fort from the Mexican War. The fort now serves as an in-world military museum, describing the war and the way wars have been fought in the west in the context of the game. This fort will also facilitate large scale airsoft gun wars, with the guns designed to look like guns from the late 19th century. To maintain safety, all guests will sign an additional liability waiver as well as be required to wear pads, gloves, and full face helmets. Whenever a person is hit, their padding will emit a burst of sound, so that the judge can tell who’s out of the game. The winner of the game (five daily) will get a $20 gift voucher to be used at any retail location within the resort. Near Fort Mercer is Mercer’s Station, another stop for the railroad.
Ridgewood Farm serves a similar function as MacFarlane’s Ranch in Hennigan’s Stead. Here in Cholla Springs, Ridgewood Farm serves as a community gathering place, where guests can gather for some simple home-cooked meals and a game of cards.
Ridgewood Farm serves a similar function as MacFarlane’s Ranch in Hennigan’s Stead. Here in Cholla Springs, Ridgewood Farm serves as a community gathering place, where guests can gather for some simple home-cooked meals and a game of cards.
The final main point of interest is Lake Don Julio, where guests can use canoes to go around the lake, and fishing is available onshore and in canoes if guests choose.
The final main point of interest is Lake Don Julio, where guests can use canoes to go around the lake, and fishing is available onshore and in canoes if guests choose.
Gaptooth Ridge
Gaptooth Ridge
The final region of New Austin is Gaptooth Ridge. Gaptooth Ridge is a small region with several minor points of interest and one major E-Ticket. As with all the regions in New Austin, this region’s train station is Benedict Point.
The final region of New Austin is Gaptooth Ridge. Gaptooth Ridge is a small region with several minor points of interest and one major E-Ticket. As with all the regions in New Austin, this region’s train station is Benedict Point.
Cueva Seca is a cave that has been designed to facilitate spelunking. Once a home for criminals, guests can now take guided expeditions into the cave to see underground wonders. If guests are physically impaired, a hidden elevator to the bottom of the cave is also available in those circumstances.
Cueva Seca is a cave that has been designed to facilitate spelunking. Once a home for criminals, guests can now take guided expeditions into the cave to see underground wonders. If guests are physically impaired, a hidden elevator to the bottom of the cave is also available in those circumstances.
Tumbleweed was once a town on the forefront of western exploration, but as technology advanced, Tumbleweed was left behind. Now the Southwest Railroad Company leads tours of the ghost town before they tear it down to make way for their new Western Outpost. Within the town, guests will be shown the church, the saloon, the general store, the sheriff's office, residences including a mansion and a cellar, and a gunsmith. The tour guide will explain why technology advanced past the town and how the Company is proud to be embracing the past as it makes way for the future.
Tumbleweed was once a town on the forefront of western exploration, but as technology advanced, Tumbleweed was left behind. Now the Southwest Railroad Company leads tours of the ghost town before they tear it down to make way for their new Western Outpost. Within the town, guests will be shown the church, the saloon, the general store, the sheriff's office, residences including a mansion and a cellar, and a gunsmith. The tour guide will explain why technology advanced past the town and how the Company is proud to be embracing the past as it makes way for the future.
The main attraction in Gaptooth Ridge is located at Gaptooth Breach. Gaptooth Breach was once a mining settlement, but now it’s abandoned due to a flood in the mine shaft; however, some enterprising individuals believed that the mine could be re-excavated, and they are employing guests to journey down the mine shaft and discover what all needs to be done to make the shaft operational. This attraction pushes the boundaries of technology as guests discover that not all roller coasters take place exclusively on land.
The main attraction in Gaptooth Ridge is located at Gaptooth Breach. Gaptooth Breach was once a mining settlement, but now it’s abandoned due to a flood in the mine shaft; however, some enterprising individuals believed that the mine could be re-excavated, and they are employing guests to journey down the mine shaft and discover what all needs to be done to make the shaft operational. This attraction pushes the boundaries of technology as guests discover that not all roller coasters take place exclusively on land.
The Gaptooth Run comes across as unsuspecting at first glance. Located inside of an abandoned mine shaft, guests journey deeper into the shaft throughout the queue before boarding a line of mine carts. The attraction begins with scenes similar to those that were popular in Mine Train through Nature's Wonderland in Disneyland. One of the highlights will be a recreation and improvement on the Rainbow Caverns. At the end of this cavern, guests zip along a track on their runaway mine cars. However, this attraction does not take place just on the track. The car will approach a wide chasm and jump it, falling into a rushing underground river.
The Gaptooth Run comes across as unsuspecting at first glance. Located inside of an abandoned mine shaft, guests journey deeper into the shaft throughout the queue before boarding a line of mine carts. The attraction begins with scenes similar to those that were popular in Mine Train through Nature's Wonderland in Disneyland. One of the highlights will be a recreation and improvement on the Rainbow Caverns. At the end of this cavern, guests zip along a track on their runaway mine cars. However, this attraction does not take place just on the track. The car will approach a wide chasm and jump it, falling into a rushing underground river.
Before continuing to describe the attraction, it's important to explain how these two effects will work. First, the jump will actually be a jump. Because the cars have a rail across the top, hooks hanging from steel cables will latch onto each of the rails as the cars approach the jump. These hooks will automatically close when they attach to the rail, and if one of the hooks does not attach, a failsafe brake will be engaged on the cars so that they don't attempt the jump without all the hooks in place. The cars will jump the track as the cables carry the car on the same specified path, crashing down into the water below. Once the cars have made the jump, the cables will disengage and loop back around for the next set of cars. In the water, the cars will be pushed by underwater electromagnets until they reach the track, which will begin underwater and will lock onto the wheels of the cart as the magnets guide it back onto the track.
Before continuing to describe the attraction, it's important to explain how these two effects will work. First, the jump will actually be a jump. Because the cars have a rail across the top, hooks hanging from steel cables will latch onto each of the rails as the cars approach the jump. These hooks will automatically close when they attach to the rail, and if one of the hooks does not attach, a failsafe brake will be engaged on the cars so that they don't attempt the jump without all the hooks in place. The cars will jump the track as the cables carry the car on the same specified path, crashing down into the water below. Once the cars have made the jump, the cables will disengage and loop back around for the next set of cars. In the water, the cars will be pushed by underwater electromagnets until they reach the track, which will begin underwater and will lock onto the wheels of the cart as the magnets guide it back onto the track.
After making the jump and entering the river, guests will be taken on a high speed river rapid race through the underground caverns of the mine shaft. More scenes similar to those in Mine Train through Nature's Wonderland and Rainbow Caverns Mine Train will play out while guests are in the water before getting back onto the track and concluding by racing to the end of the attraction.
After making the jump and entering the river, guests will be taken on a high speed river rapid race through the underground caverns of the mine shaft. More scenes similar to those in Mine Train through Nature's Wonderland and Rainbow Caverns Mine Train will play out while guests are in the water before getting back onto the track and concluding by racing to the end of the attraction.
