Fun Spot America, the family‑owned amusement‑park chain that operates locations in Atlanta, Orlando, and Kissimmee, announced on Thursday that its signature hybrid roller coaster, Arie Force One, has been sold to an undisclosed park. The decision follows the coaster’s closure in August when Fun Spot shut down its Atlanta venue.
Why the coaster is moving
John Arie Jr., owner of Fun Spot America, told USA Today that the 3,400‑foot‑long, 155‑foot‑tall coaster simply “does not fit” within the footprint of the company’s Florida parks. While the ride attracted long lines and enthusiastic fans during its brief operation, its size and cost made it impractical for the smaller, go‑kart‑focused sites in Orlando and Kissimmee.
From Atlanta to a new home
Arie Force One was built as a hybrid steel‑wood coaster, a $13 million project that represented a bold gamble for Fun Spot when it opened at the modest Atlanta park. The coaster quickly became a regional draw, with enthusiasts traveling from across the Southeast to experience its steep drops and smooth inversions. After the Atlanta location closed, speculation grew that the ride might be relocated, and Arie confirmed the sale without revealing the buyer’s identity.
Impact on the local amusement‑park scene
The sale underscores the challenges smaller regional parks face when investing in high‑profile attractions. While a marquee coaster can boost attendance, it also demands significant space, maintenance, and marketing resources. Fun Spot’s decision to move the ride reflects a strategic shift toward attractions that better align with the company’s core offerings of go‑karts, flat rides, and family‑friendly experiences.
Local fans expressed mixed feelings. Some lamented the loss of a world‑class coaster in the Atlanta area, noting that it had put the city on the map for thrill‑seekers. Others praised the company’s pragmatic approach, recognizing that maintaining a massive hybrid coaster at a smaller venue could strain finances and divert attention from other guest experiences.
What’s next for Fun Spot
With the coaster out of the picture, Fun Spot America plans to focus on expanding its existing attractions and exploring new entertainment concepts that fit within its current park footprints. The company has hinted at possible upgrades to its go‑kart tracks and the addition of family‑oriented rides that cater to a broader demographic.
For now, the mystery buyer remains silent, but industry insiders expect the coaster to find a home at a larger park capable of accommodating its size and capitalizing on its reputation among coaster enthusiasts.
Original reporting: Orlando Rising — read the source article.
