OK, so Lagoon isn't Disneyland and it lacks Mickey Mouse. But the theme park has a long history of its own brand of mouse - and that rodent is coming back to Utah after a decade's absence.
The Wild Mouse will return as Lagoon's "newest" attraction next spring.Lagoon reports receiving numerous inquiries during the past 10 years about the absence of the Wild Mouse. "I don't think any ride that we've ever had that was taken out has generated this much interest," Lagoon spokesman Dick Andrew said.
Lagoon will open the 1998 season on April 11 (Easter weekend), and Andrew says the new Wild Mouse - the latest version from its German manufacturer - will be up and running. "We're excited about it," Andrew said.
The new Wild Mouse will be installed in the same location as the former mouse - the south end of the midway, northeast of the Fire Dragon coaster. Basketball shooting games are in that space now.
Lagoon has had two previous Wild Mouse rides. The second ride - the "Wilder" Wild Mouse - was taken out in 1988 after 15 years of service because of operating problems.
The original version opened in 1965 but was removed in 1971 after mechanical problems. The second version opened two years later.
Andrew said the new Wild Mouse will have the same thrill concept as its two predecessors - a small vehicle shaped like a mouse and a track layout somewhat similar to the Jet Star. However, unlike the Jet Star, the Wild Mouse does not reach high speeds. Rather, its biggest thrill comes in veering close to the edge of the track and making hairpin turns.
He expects that riders will have to be at least 50 inches tall.
- Andrew said attendance figures for 1997 haven't been analyzed yet, but the park did OK. In fact, he expects "Frightmares" to return next year.
However, he is certain that the I-15 reconstruction in Salt Lake County reduced Lagoon's overall attendance.
Lagoon is offering advance sales on 1998 season passports for use as holiday gifts. Individual season passport prices for 1998 are $59.85, plus tax, when purchased by families or groups in quantities of four or more. Prices are $69.95 for solo season passes.
One-time-use gift passes are $20.
For more information on season passports, call 451-8000.