Coaster reviews

Location Dead spots Intensity

I know this is meant to be a kid/family ride, and it was built with the park in 1971, so I feel like I can’t criticize it too harshly. But, it’s just not that fun. The drops are kind of fun, but nothing intense obviously. I think the location of this one is its best feature, taking you through some beautiful Missouri forest, and getting views of some of the other coasters in this park. Keep it, if for nothing else than old time’s sake.

Intensity Layout Harness

I don’t know what the hate for this ride is all about, I happen to really like it. Granted, I didn’t ride it before they supposedly made it smoother, but I don’t think it’s as bad as people make it seem. It was a fun experience with some cool views and elements, and one that I’d ride again.

Inversions Location Disappointing! Intensity

I don’t know what to think of this one. A product of both Arrow and Vekoma, it’s certainly an interesting ride. Its layout is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, but I think that adds to the charm. It’s not bad, but it’s not super intense, and even with the inversions it’s just alright. Surprisingly it’s not extremely rough, I’d put it slightly above Viper at SFMM, though I’d take Viper’s layout and intensity over this any day.

Inversions Layout Too short

I don’t care what anyone says, I love the Batman clones. They’re generally smooth, intense, and the compactness adds to the experience. I think these need to be a bit longer, maybe even a little taller. I don’t think they’re bad by any means, but the duration leaves a little to be desired.

Location Layout Intensity

I actually had a great time on this one. Reminds me of Sierra Sidewinder at Knott’s, though maybe not as good as that one. The layout is fun, whipping you around the track with every turn. The ride is best enjoyed with a group of four obviously, but I think this is a fine coaster for this park. I didn’t get a chance to ride this clone at SFDK before it was replaced by Superman: Ultimate Flight, so I’m glad I got the opportunity here. Nothing too special, but a nice family ride.

Intensity Discomfort Tear it down! Layout

I wish we could go back in time and prevent Vekoma from ever designing the Boomerang (and SLC) model coaster. Surprisingly, this is probably the least rough boomerang I’ve been on, but that doesn’t make the ride any more enjoyable. The capacity sucks, the experience is boring to say the least, and it’s uncomfortable in the process. No redeeming qualities for this coaster and this model, tear it down!

Airtimes Launch Intensity Too short

This is by far the best coaster in the park, which makes it too bad that it’s so short. That 0-70 in 3.8 is a rush of adrenaline, but the vertical spike on this coaster is the crown jewel of the ride experience. Gravity begins to take you up the spike just as the LIMs kick in to pull you vertical the rest of the way. Then, you go through the layout facing forwards. I think the inside top hat element on the way back to the station is also a great moment for some hang time, which packs a punch as well. My only complaints here is the size of the trains/lap bars, and the fact that this coaster is less than a minute from launch to unload.

Location Rattle Discomfort Lap Bar

It’s too bad that such an imposing coaster atop the hills of this park is ruined by The Boss, which might be the most uncomfortable wooden coaster I’ve ever ridden, with the exception of the original Roar at SFDK. The trains are small, uncomfortable, and you’re guaranteed to have some bruises somewhere on your lower half after experiencing this clinker. The weakest of the three woodies here in St. Louis by far, which is too bad because the location of this beast is prime.

Comfort Layout Too short Airtimes

CGI will forever be my favorite manufacturer of wooden coasters, and rightfully so. The trains feel like a couch, the lap bars are comfortable, and the layouts never disappoint. I will say, I prefer Dollywood’s Thunderhead to this layout, but it’s still a great ride for sure. While the ride does give several airtime hills, they are not very intense/low quality when compared to other CGIs. This is easily the best wooden coaster of the three at STL, and it’s easy to see why.

Location Layout Rattle Discomfort

I love the location of Screamin Eagle: it traverses through the trees and gives you a lengthy out-and-back experience that makes for a pretty ride, but that’s where it stops for me. The trains are small and can make for a rough ride experience on the hips for us taller folks. I suppose I can’t criticize it too hard, as it was built nearly 50 years ago, but when American Thunder exists in the same park, it’s rightfully overshadowed a lot of the time.

First Drop Fun Layout Harness

Had the chance to ride X2 for the first time today and I was not disappointed. By far one of my favorite coasters ever. The only thing I have to say that’s less than positive is that the harnesses aren’t the most comfortable in the world, and there are a couple places with a shoulder rattle that make the experience a tad rough. Though, I was sitting on the inside seat so I don’t know if that makes a difference.

Theming Nice surprise! Location Dead spots

This is a decent family coaster, and actually packs more into it than you might expect. The backwards launch and navigation section is cool, but there are a few dead spots on the first half of the ride that do make for a pretty view, but a boring experience in terms of intensity. I would ride this again, but I wouldn’t wait more than 15 or 20 minutes.

Theming Fun Smoothness

This is far and away the best family coaster I’ve ever ridden. It’s lengthy, which makes for a good value, and the layout is phenomenal as it weaves through and around Wildwood Grove. My favorite part is the down section behind the waterfall and under the rock work. It truly is beautifully executed from the queue to the exit. The ride is smooth as butter, and the trains are very cool with the jeep-looking design, equipped with working headlights and brake lights for when the sun goes down. I was impressed with the ride ops too, and maybe it’s because of the ride’s newness, but I rode it three times the day I went and every time I only waited half the posted wait time. That, and the operations in the loading area were lightning fast. I highly recommend this coaster to anyone, there’s something there for all to enjoy.

Inversions Intensity Smoothness

Probably the best coasters Knott’s has to offer, this ride is one of the smoothest and scenic in the park. It has a great location and the helix at the end is spectacular. Fun ride all around.

Airtimes Rattle Too short

This is one of the better coasters in the park (of the four), but it’s not great. I say airtimes because the first drop can be decent depending on where you sit, but the trains are too compact for anyone over 5’6” and the duration is just too short. Plus, the final 1/3 of the ride is pretty rough.

Location Pace Disappointing! Dead spots

This woodie lacks in so many areas, namely that the drops lack all intensity and have zero airtime. Bryce layout is pretty through the trees, but this is not a coaster that’s going to pack much of a punch

Comfort Smoothness Too short Intensity

This is a great family coaster/intro to thrills for youngsters. Not anything intense or notable, but super smooth and comfortable. Wish it was longer!

Airtimes Intensity Rattle Too short Harness

This ride is actually better than it looks. With only three of its kind in existence, Diamondback is not only unique, but the reverse half packs a serious punch, more than expected. There’s great intensity on the reverse launch and backwards loop, making this a fun credit to add to your lineup.

Fun Smoothness Too short

This ride was a nice surprise to me. It’s a little more family-oriented, but is still a good time for anyone. The turns are thrilling, first drop was nice and fun, and the speed is legit for a ride of this caliber. I only wish it were longer, as I felt it took twice as long to leave the station as the duration of the ride.

Theming Disappointing! Tear it down! Layout

I may too hard on this ride, but it’s massively disappointing on every level. It’s hard to even classify this as a coaster, as there’s barely two little drops and the rest is a circular journey through a decently themed indoor set. The dark ride element does make this an enjoyable ride for the younger kids, which is why it deserves some credit.

Airtimes First Drop Intensity Too short

Wow. This ride is truly incredible. One of the best RMC’s I’ve ever ridden. The first launch is more intense than it looks, and the ride only gets better from there. The first drop over the mountain is awesome, the overbank turns are fantastic, and the airtime hills complete the experience. I’ve done a number of RMCs, and this one is up there. Two flaws with this ride come in the lack of inversions, and the duration. It’s just slightly too short and could use an extra 20-30 seconds in my opinion. But, the granddaddy of flaws is how unreliable it is. It seems to constantly break down and often closes early for the day entirely. I recommend bolting to this attraction at the beginning of the day so you can be sure to get on. Massively unreliable as some RMCs tend to be, but a fantastic experience if you get the opportunity.

Inversions Location Intensity Too short Harness

One of the best Arrow Loopers I’ve been on. It’s filled with great inversions and an intense ride throughout, that wouldn’t feel too rough if it wasn’t for the annoying harnesses. I’ve always had a problem with Arrow/Vekoma restraints, this one being no exception. It makes the ride more rough than it needs to be. That, and the fact that this ride is barely 60 seconds with the lift hill makes it shy of the extra star.

Airtimes Intensity Ejectors Rattle

This is a great woodie. One of Dollywood’s best, similar to Apocalypse at Magic Mountain. It’s fast, filled with ejectors, and jackhammers you throughout the duration of the ride, which is its biggest downfall. But, being a woodie, it’s expected and easy to look past. Great ride.

Theming Layout Hangtime Discomfort

This ride pleasantly surprised me. My first trip to Dollywood, wasn’t sure what to expect with this one. The 90° incline hills and subsequent drops made this ride for me. The layout as it goes around the Timber section of the park was really cool, especially at night. The biggest problem I have with this ride is the sudden stops which are almost always rough.

Theming Comfort Layout Dead spots

A Disney classic with slight differences than it’s counterparts. It’s not a bad ride, typical BTMRR. For some reason, I feel this version was even less thrilling than the California one, but maybe it’s in my head. I will say I like this station and load area more than I do in California.

Launch Rattle Too short Reliability

This coaster is just fine. It’s a typical boomerang style launch coaster with minimal intensity and just one inversion. My biggest complaint is that it never seems to be open. I’ve been to Knotts a couple times, and it’s usually closed. I hear that it’s hit and miss with the operation. When it is running though, this thing is loud. Not much intensity and a boring track layout make this one of Knotts’ weaker coasters in the lineup.

Location Pointless Dead spots

I like the area around this land, and the water compliments the coaster nicely. It’s a kiddie coaster in a kiddie land, but personally I think they could’ve done something more with this area. Roger Rabbit is right across the way and it’s a much more enjoyable ride than this. I get it that the aim is kids/family rides here, but this one just isn’t worth it.

Theming Layout Dead spots Intensity

You know what you’re getting before you get on, it’s a kiddie coaster and it knows it. Virtually the same layout as Disneyland’s “Gadget’s Go Coaster”, but with the added element of the barn that makes this just a little bit more enjoyable.

Theming Layout Discomfort Dead spots

As a Disney fan and California native, I was expecting more from WDW’s space mountain. It was one of the most underwhelming experiences I’ve had on a roller coaster. The trains are far worse than it’s California counterpart, and there’s virtually no leg room. There’s no intensity throughout the ride, and the lack of renovations this version has gotten compared to the Disneyland one is telling. New trains and a retracking would do this Disney classic some good.

Layout Headbanging Capacity

Vekoma SLC’s are notoriously painful, and this is no exception. First time on this about killed my brain, but it has since gotten better and more smooth. The layout is standard for most SLC’s, and some parts are kind of intense. Ride ops aren’t great here, largely due to the fact that they usually only run one of the two trains. Theyve given this coaster a VR overlay in the past, and when they do it slows things down even more. SFDK doesn’t have that many coasters, so I understand if you want to ride it or just want another credit. But, it’s usually a skip for me on my visits.