I agree that the lost river ride in no way makes up for losing the classic rollercoaster Magnum Force. However Gordan Gibb the owner is on record saying that either selling the Bullet or Magnum force is essental to fund the construction of a megaphobia sized woodie in 2006 (rumored to be from S&S). Judging by the preposed site where the circus is now it will be quite compact.
If they kept Magnum Force they would have to re-locate it as the ride is disturbing the animals. I also understand that the thunder mountain rollercoaster is moving to Flamingo land's sister park pleasure Island for 2005. The park is replacing this ride with a 60ft Disc-o ride. This does leave FL fairly berefit of coasters for a season having only Corkscrew, Wild Mouse, and possibly the Bullet, but this is probably a price worth paying if we get a good woodie.
Its worth remebering that there is still a lot of work to be done to the lost river ride themeing wise and the animal exhibits are still not compleat. The current thinking is that they are going to put the lion exhibit in the centre of the river ride.
All in all FL is developing into a intresting little park