Coaster reviews

Theming Masterpiece Intensity

wintertraum night rides

Location Launch Fun

Though I love crazy forceful coasters, I am still a huge fan of ones that just bring you on a really fun journey; Cheetah Hunt is practically this perfected. Ripping through Busch Gardens' savanna right over the animal exhibits always puts a huge smile on my face. This ride is far from forceless, though. Those three launches pack a surprising punch, there are several moments of solid airtime, and the roll gives some really nice hangtime. Though it would of course benefit from lap bars, I'm short enough that the restraints didn't bother me at all, and I was actually able to ignore the shoulder straps for the most part. Don't go into Cheetah Hunt expecting mind-blowing elements; expect a one-of-a-kind adventure through one of the most gorgeous parks in the world. 9/10 - what is with that random support inside the gift shop

Inversions Location Intensity Theming

Kumba is an intensity monster that takes a lot out of you to ride it, but it's definitely worth it. All of the inversions pop so well and deliver face-melting positives, especially the snappy zero-g roll. This ride's location in the back of the park allows it to feel like a secluded journey, but it still has some neat interaction with walkways. It's a bit of a nitpick, but I think this ride could have some better theming, especially considering its competition in Montu at the same park. 8.5/10 - I came the closest I ever have to a fight at a theme park while in queue for this ride

Comfort Intensity Layout

It seems that with many B&M loopers you trade a comfortable ride experience for unbridled intensity. Kraken is kind enough to let you have both. The inversions on this ride deliver some spectacular positives without the discomfort I've found on similar coasters. I'm a sucker for rides that dive into trenches like this one does, so that makes me like it even more. I went into my visit to SeaWorld expecting this to be a ride I wouldn't care for, but it actually turned out to be one of the better ones in the park. 8/10 - shoutout to the guy who sat next to me on this coaster; he was one of the only enthusiasts I actually held a fun conversation with on my Florida trip

Airtimes Fun Intensity Rattle

I think this is a ride where you have to look past some of the discomfort and appreciate the forces. Yes, it has a nasty rattle, especially in the back, but since there isn't really anything to headbang against it can absolutely be tolerated. In my opinion, this coaster actually has both the single strongest moment of airtime and moment of positives in the entire resort. If you are sitting in the front row those hops into the brake runs absolutely send you, even if they aren't sustained for long at all. Additionally, the helix near the far side of the layout almost made me blackout on my rides. I get that it can be uncomfortable, but I can set that aside for a ride with such powerful elements that lets me blast "Free Bird" the whole time. 8/10 - this is the only ride that can say its brake runs are its best elements

Pointless Layout

Boring, pointless B&M invert.

Inversions Location Discomfort

I really wanted to like Manta more, but I think B&M flyers just aren't for me. I was hoping my experience on Superman was isolated to a bad day, but I'm now 2 for 2 on these rides making me feel nauseous and discombobulated. I don't get that feeling at all on the flying dutchman I've done, so it's likely related to the pull-up flying position as opposed to the lean-back. That said, I absolutely love this ride's location over the midways and scenery throughout the layout, and the pretzel loop is of course incredible, but I just can't bring myself to rate it higher due to its lack of reridability. 7.5/10 - the aquarium in the queue is awesome, but why is it so damn dark in there?

Theming Location Fun Dead spots

This is a really solid family coaster with some great elements and theming. The elevator lift is both a spectacle to watch and a great way to tie into the rides story, and the theming throughout the queue and ride are superb. I think the forwards section of the ride is quite good and surprisingly intense, but the backwards section is pretty lame and the spinning one is hit or miss. I'd say this ride is definitely worth doing at least once, though I don't think I'll rush to reride. 6/10 - apparently the track is supposed to simulate riding along the cobra's tail??? That's awesome actually

Airtimes Inversions Hangtime Rattle

Just a great time from start to finish. The jojo roll is such a fun way to start off the ride and serves as a preview for the great hangtime that you're about to experience. And that's what this ride is: hangtime. From that roll to the first loop to the cutback there are so many great moments where you're dangling from the seat. Though it's true that the launches aren't great, I do think they're hated a bit too much. The first one is actually quite solid, but the second is understandably clowned on. This thing can also have a nasty rattle; it isn't that uncomfortable but it can be annoying. 8.5/10 - it may be great but it'll never replace the Thunder Road-shaped hole in my heart

Airtimes Theming Fun

This ride is cool. The theming is great with a beautiful entrance sign, an aquarium with rays in the queue, some nice tropical landscaping, rays painted on the station ceiling, and the pre-launch effects tunnel. Operations are always on point. The trains are also beautiful and super comfortable. The best seat for airtime is Row 9 (least obstructed view in the back) and the best for the launch is the front. The lap bars do come down but are not noticeable until you hit the final brakes. The pre-show tunnel is cool and immersive with upbeat music, and the tunnel effects are cool. The launches also have some punch. There are several ejector moments, notably the first drop after the 1st launch and the two last twists in the second half. The first camelback gives some nice floater. Several of the turns are also very forceful for what it is. The biggest downside is the MCBR. It’s oddly forceful and messes up the pacing. The queue is also very long. Marathoning this when the park is dead can be a workout when there is no shortcut. Other than that, this is a fantastic coaster. Night rides are also awesome! UPDATE JAN 2024: They’ve updated/replaced the projectors in the tunnel so the effects are brighter than ever.