Pacific Park amusement park at the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California, is bringing a new concept to its steel roller coaster, called Route 66 West Coaster, which is set to debut this summer.
According to a news release from Pier Communications:
The reconcepting of Pacific Park’s steel roller coaster that races 55 feet above the Santa Monica Pier and provides unparalleled views of the Southern California coastline will cost more than $1 million and include an all-new guest experience starting with the roller coaster’s loading station that will be enhanced by an automotive décor with old-time gas pumps, license plates and maps of Route 66, and specialty memorabilia. The guest experience along the length of track that runs throughout the Park will feature vintage-themed billboards that highlight the unique roadside attractions, landscapes and towns that link the historic “Mother Road.” The all-new roller coaster has been designed from the wheels up as the new ride cars feature design elements of classic American touring cars that harken back to a bygone era of automotive excellence and beauty.
“The Route 66 enthusiast can get hip to this timely tip to celebrate its namesake roller coaster at the western end of Route 66. Guests are sure to revel in the authenticity of the reconcepted roller coaster,” said Nathan Smithson, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. “Route 66 presented travelers with an open road from Chicago to Los Angeles that offered unique mom and pop dining spots, first-of-its-kind motor lodging and one-of-a-kind roadside attractions; all facets represented in the new Route 66 West Coaster roller coaster.”
Pacific Park offers 12 amusement rides, 14 midway games, an oceanfront food plaza and beachside shopping. In addition to the Pacific Wheel solar-powered Ferris wheel, Pacific Park’s signature rides include the current West Coaster roller coaster and Inkie’s Air Lift Balloon Ride, the high-flying, family-sharing kids’ ride.
The Santa Monica Pier also is the home of the oft-photographed “Route 66 – End of the Trail” sign that serves as a traditional if not actual endpoint for many westbound Route 66 travelers. The sign, shepherded by 66-to-Cali owner Dan Rice, was installed more than 10 years ago.
(Artist renderings of the Route 66 West Coaster coming to Santa Monica Pier’s Pacific Park)