Shaman (2021) • Gardaland

Theming Headbanging Intensity

Gardaland was my first amusement park where I could ride big rollercoasters and I rode all of them in September 2018. After Blue Tornado which completely traumatized me because of the roughness and pain I didn't want to ever ride a rollercoaster again and I was about to quit my "challenge" of riding all the rollercoasters in Gardaland. Shaman was my only one left after Blue Tornado but I didn't want to get on it. I still managed to to so and I am so glad for it. Because if I didn't ride it right away I would probably never fall in love with rollercoasters. It felt really calm and smooth, not as scary as the other big rides in the park. HOWEVER, the current Shaman after the retracking is not as smooth. There is a very problematic transition during the corkscrew and it really gives a neck jolt. I read about it and it's true. I definitely felt it, it wasn't to a point of injury or anything remarkably painful but it was not nice. One of my friends felt it stronger than me. The other parts of the rollercoaster are the same. It is not super scary in any way. Maybe a little too tame after the other rides. If it didn't have this technical problem it would be an amazing rollercoaster for beginners. Actually even with the jolt I think it is pretty good for someone to try something moderately scary. In my opinion, not as bad as in the reviews. Maybe I just got some luck I didn't feel the jolt so bad. Something which is also worth to mention is that the ride is still very beautiful and pleasant with the water and the inversions and the trains. It's super beautiful. It also has a brilliant soundtrack. The main song of Shaman is amazing, it progresses and changes a lot with every single part. It is definitely worth a listen. Shaman Mistic, Buffalo and the Bison and Eagle is Back are also very exciting! So the theming of the ride is actually really good. Also the station. Not that intense and somewhat still good for someone to overcome their fear. I hope they fix the inversion at some point but don't be too afraid and definitely give it a ride. It is completely alright for a ride or two, it's just probably not a ride for a marathon.

Theming Disappointing! Discomfort Intensity

The retracking is really disappointing. It just made it worse in my opinion. The vertical loops are fine, but nothing noteworthy and the corkscrews are really rough and uncomfortable. I had to take a break after my ride, otherwise I probably would've ran around with a headache all day.

just an old good vekoma MK model; recently received new trains, new track and upgraded magnetic brakes, so it's one of the best of it's kind.

Inversions Layout Too short Theming

I rode this coaster after the retracking made by vekoma during the summer 2024 and the ride seems like a new ride. surprisingly smooth,fun and you can appreciate the inversions without any hurt at your neck

Fun Headbanging

Cool ride, but there are some painful sections.

Inversions Too short Discomfort

It's old and simple. I'm disappointed because it used to be Magic Mountain and then was changed in Shaman, with the idea of using VR visors on it, but it is not an option, now. The feature of virtual reality could really help this ride. Do it only if the queue is 15 minutes or less, otherwise you'll be disappointed.

First Drop Theming Headbanging Harness

Pretty bad coaster that hurts your head but the theming is nice

Airtimes Fun Intensity Headbanging

I found this really really fun lol

Inversions Intensity Rattle Too short

I was expecting this to be a piece of hot garbage, but it wasn't all that bad. It's a bit rattly, but it seems the previous jolt of death I had been dreading has been ironed out, that came as a great relief when I hit the brakes with my head still attached to my spine. Otherwise it's pretty intense, but a short and uninspiring layout. Theming is okay but nothing to shout about. I'll take the fact I was pleasantly surprised though

Theming Disappointing! Discomfort Layout

Honestly, the theming's not bad. But the layout is just very boring. I mean, you get some positive G's in the beginnings of the loops, but there's little to no hangtime, the ride runs slow and the layout is just basic. Additionally, there's this punch at the end of the second corkscrew wich is sometimes really uncomfortable. The vest restraint isn't nice either, I prefer the one of Raptor. Overall, rideable yet not exciting or intense.

Inversions Fun Layout Headbanging

I heard they are fixing it for the 2024 season, if they will do that, I will update my review.

Rattle Headbanging Layout

Old layout, and my head keep hitting the restraints in a same point, and tha headache I got was so strong that i didn't get to enjoy the rest of the rides

Location Harness Discomfort

Nice views of the lake on the lift hill but nearly knocked my head off.

Theming Nice surprise! Fun Discomfort Layout

Quite a pleasant surprise. More fun than what I remembered of Python @ Efteling (probably my memories were wrong). Layout is totally unspired, though. I rode towards the back, so the drop gave some nice, weakish floater, and after the loops there was also some very mild air. The loops feel awkward, too small for such long trains (or maybe the other way round), and the corkscrews were nothing special. Quite a tame ride overall. Theming was pretty simple, but it worked well enough for me. I love how this coaster is themed to drugs, so unique (my interpretation of the film on the queue, you smoke something with the Indian chief and then... roller coaster!). Most of the transitions weren't as janky as I'd expected, but the one after the second corkscrew everybody complains about... I'd never imagined it could be THAT bad. Wow. What the hell happened there, Vekoma?!

Inversions Fun Headbanging

My first intense ride, I loved it but please stay in the front!

Location Fun Intensity Headbanging

BE CAREFUL, after the second corkscrew there is a massive headbang from the right especially for the latest cars, such a shame. Other than that the ride is actually pretty smooth.. A very classic. Stay on the front cars for a good experience.

Disappointing!

What they did to this classic is so brutal. I loved the old Shaman.

Inversions Pace Intensity Headbanging Harness

This is a really solid ride with 2 good loops and awesome Corkscrews, to bad that the exit out of the 2nd Corkscrew tries to break your fucking neck. If it weren't for that, this coaster would easily be my 3rd favorite at the park. Also the vest restraints dig into my shoulder and they kinda hurt

Headbanging Discomfort Tear it down!

Whoever made this, needs to take a ride on it, before letting others ride this hideous creation. I hit my head on Shaman. The turn was so painfully fast, me and all my friends on the ride hit our heads. I was dizzy and needed 10 minutes to walk, my head is still hurting. My friends neck locked, another can't turn his head. This is a tragedy. SOMEONE COULD GET KILLED. BURN. IT. DOWN.

Headbanging Discomfort Tear it down!

This ride is absolutley disgracefull. I hate it. For the first time in my life i got hurt that much on rollercoaster. Whate a shame!

Headbanging Theming

The retracking wasnt worth it

Headbanging Discomfort Tear it down!

Since the retrack backrow riders get a huge hit in the entry to the helix. It is so bad that you never want to ride it again.

Fun Headbanging Discomfort Tear it down!

I hit my head at the end of the ride. Im hoping its not serious but my head hurts. I also had a nose bleed soon after. This coaster is wating for someone to die. Do Not Ride

Inversions Nice surprise! Intensity

Shaman really surprised me. I thought it’d be a rough, janky looper, but it turned out suprisingly smooth with some great elements. I did only ride once in the front, so that may be what caused me to experience it this way. It’s really well paced, and the two vertical loops have some sustained positives. The corkscrews are good too, even though there’s a few janky moments during the ride. I’d say give Shaman a shot and you might come off pleasantly surprised.

Theming Headbanging Discomfort

I love the theme, Shaman is such a cool idea for a ride. I’m a big fan. BUT I actually got hurt on this ride. I got my head so badly that my neck locked up. I went on the ride again, maybe it was my bad for not keeping the head to the headrest. Nope, it’s poorly designed. It’s such a shame, cuz it could be awesome.

Rattle Headbanging Tear it down!

The coaster was a standard Vekoma looper with vest restraints. It got a retracking during spring 2021, and i was really hyped to ride it with those new shiny rails. But somehow, that retracking made the already horrifying Vekoma transitions even worse! The two loops are just as janky as before, but those corkscrews... Were the blueprints drawn by a 6 years old on microsoft paint? Also, after the corkscrews there's a ridiculously painful jolt. Trust me, it is that bad. So bad that one week after i rode it, due to the constant complaints, they had to install some awkward leather pads that are placed to the sides of your head. They tried to give the coaster a new life, but just made it worse. Burn it down together with sequoia adventure and build a GCI or something.

Fun Headbanging

It was an okay ride, except at the end in the corkscrew there's some very unexpected intense headbanging. One and done.

Rattle Headbanging Tear it down!

Discomfort Intensity

Discomfort Tear it down! Pointless

Theming Capacity Harness Headbanging

Inversions Nice surprise! Pace Rattle Too short

Theming Inversions Intensity Rattle Discomfort

First Drop Theming Headbanging Harness Inversions

Location Rattle Too short

Rattle Harness Discomfort

Theming Fun Headbanging Harness

Headbanging Discomfort Tear it down!