My first RMC Raptor model. I had high expectations but came away disappointed. The main disappointment was how uncomfortable the seats and harness are...
My first RMC Raptor model. I had high expectations but came away disappointed. The main disappointment was how uncomfortable the seats and harness are, especially being a taller rider. After the first ride I literally had to do stretches to work out stiffness in my thighs. After the second ride I just couldn't do any more rides. The straddling position in the car combined with the bulky restraint gave me leg cramps for a good hour after riding.
But I can see how Jersey Devil could be really great for someone who isn't bothered by the restraints. The first drop, inversions, and intensity are all great, but when you're in physical pain it really does just ruin the experience. Another disappointing aspect was the layout. The first two-thirds is a stellar sequencing of elements, but everything after the MCBR feels like filler and doesn't offer much in terms of forces, especially following the speed and intensity of the first half of the ride.
Ditch the MCBR, tighten up the layout as a whole, and especially redesign the restraint system and RMC could have a highly-cloneable and profitable ride model. Until then, I'll spend my time in this section of the park on Nitro and Batman. An orange mess of potential. Really disappointed in this one.
The best coaster I have ridden. I got two rides, my first in the front row and a second ride in the very back row. I have never been on a coaster with...
The best coaster I have ridden. I got two rides, my first in the front row and a second ride in the very back row. I have never been on a coaster with forces this intense, and it actually scared me for a bit during those first two airtime hills. The first drop is big and steep off-ride, but when you're looking straight down it in the front row and the back of the train starts pushing you down... oh wow. Just incredible. The valleys are so tight between the first major airtime hills resulting in some borderline illegal levels of G-forces. The "Rolling Thunder" hill really is the wildest ejector moment I've ever experienced. You really feel like you're riding a bucking bull that's trying to kill you, and it's fucking awesome. The tight banked turn sections is also really crazy. I had to hold on for that section as the forces and speed you take those turns at feels, again, borderline illegal. The 1-2 "dead spots" are short and sought-after respites to catch a couple breaths before this beast throws you into more insanity. So intense there were times I wanted to scream but was physically unable to do so. If you're a thrill seeker you NEED to experience El Toro. The first drop and ejector moments are better in the back car, but I think the overall experience is best in the very front seat. Cool Spanish theming that is about as good as it gets for a Six Flags coaster. For the second ride it started dumping buckets of rain, people were getting off the train in the station, and the entire crowd in the station was going nuts cheering and clapping the remaining passengers in the ride on. I've never been on a coaster with so much energy from the guests (and operators) both in the station and on the ride. Not just the best ride experience due to the psychiatric level of intensity, but you can just feel the energy from the moment you enter the queue. This is a bucket list coaster for a reason, and you should do everything in your power to get on this ride as soon and as frequently as possible. 11/10. No competition. I could not stop giggling and smiling for 10 minutes after my first ride, but by then I was back on the train and ready to go again. In the interest of fairness, there are a couple rough spots and one hill that doesn't do much, but I don't even care. The main downside of El Toro for me is knowing I may never find a better coaster, ever. Just fucking nuts.
Bobcat is fun, fast, smooth, and way too short. This is a perfect family coaster and a great fit for The Great Escape. The first drop is steep and qui...
Bobcat is fun, fast, smooth, and way too short. This is a perfect family coaster and a great fit for The Great Escape. The first drop is steep and quick, the airtime pops are legit, and the banked turns literally roar. Unfortunately every time the train hits the block brakes at the end of the ride it feels like the ride should have gone around for another lap— it certainly maintains its speed well enough to do so. The Great Escape should have scrapped their Go Karts and made the ride longer and more diverse. On a side note, props to The Great Escape for keeping the old entrance to The Alpine Bobsled with the USA train for a nostalgic photo op. Bobcat also has above-average theming for Six Flags, with a beautiful waterfall and rock feature entrance and an animatronic bobcat. Overall a good addition to the park that should have been longer.
This was my first B&M inverted coaster, having only done one Vekoma SLC prior to riding. In comparison, this one was smoother and more intense, and ov...
This was my first B&M inverted coaster, having only done one Vekoma SLC prior to riding. In comparison, this one was smoother and more intense, and overall a better experience. The intensity cannot be understated. I went on every major (open) coaster at Great Adventure, and this was the only one to cause me to gray out a little (on the helix). This ride is fast, very well-paced, and the inversions come at you with relentless speed. I applaud the genius layout, and can understand why this ride has been cloned so much. A relatively small footprint and, in my opinion, the perfect ride duration. If it went into more elements it would probably feel more like filler, but this layout is all killer, no filler. Typical superior B&M capacity means when you hit the brake run and want to re-ride you can usually be on the train going up the lift again in little to no time. Very smooth, no discomfort, fun fun fun. A very good ride.
In a dark warehouse you will whip through tight turns that catch you off guard because you really can't see them coming. The theming outside the ride,...
In a dark warehouse you will whip through tight turns that catch you off guard because you really can't see them coming. The theming outside the ride, in the queue, and up the chain lift is good, especially for Six Flags. The first drop does have more force than expected. Unfortunately the ride seems to lose its pacing halfway through. The laterals are slightly ruined by the uncomfortable seats— it seems the bump on the seat was in the wrong spot, so I felt like I was sliding around and had to really "hold on" for comfort. Not great, not bad. Definitely a fun ride for kids and families. I can see myself getting a ride on this one in subsequent visits to the park.
I was not expecting much from a 50+ year old Arrow mine train, but this one was the biggest surprise of the day. There is an obvious rattle and jankin...
I was not expecting much from a 50+ year old Arrow mine train, but this one was the biggest surprise of the day. There is an obvious rattle and jankiness to the profiling on the turns, but it's really not that bad, and nowhere near as bad as I was expecting. The layout is mostly enclosed by trees which makes it feel cut off from the rest of the park. For a single chain lift this ride holds its pacing surprisingly well. And yes, that last airtime hill has no business being as wild as it is. I knew about it going into the ride, but watching the front of the train get violently whipped over it from the back seat was wild. Hold on for that moment! A very fun family coaster. I understand why it remains in the park to this day. Just good old fashion fun.
Obvious capacity issues aside, the word "fun" most accurately summarizes this ride. The launches are pretty forceless but do their job. The inversions...
Obvious capacity issues aside, the word "fun" most accurately summarizes this ride. The launches are pretty forceless but do their job. The inversions are smooth and the layout is varied enough to be fresh, especially after two decades of Boomerangs. The big hangtime moment is definitely the star of the show. But what elevates this ride for me was the combo of the on-ride audio which actually "slaps" (as the kids say) and the light-up train that looks very pretty off-ride. I had no issues with discomfort. Assigned seating is kind of lame and doesn't make any sense. Definitely go to this ride early or late in the day to avoid a long wait. A "very good" ride that just doesn't quite make it to the category of "great."
Boulder Dash is the first "world class" wooden coaster I've been on. And while it does have its drawbacks I still consider it a masterpiece, just one ...
Boulder Dash is the first "world class" wooden coaster I've been on. And while it does have its drawbacks I still consider it a masterpiece, just one that needs much more retracking to smooth out the ride experience. The layout, location, and overall ride experience is just wonderful. The long chain hill hugs the ground up the side of the mountain then flattens out for a few more seconds to let you take in the natural beauty. Then it's relentless speed and airtime hills out and back along the side of the mountain. There's enough variety and laterals to keep things fresh, as well as the aforementioned natural beauty. This coaster keeps its speed up very well and probably has an insanely high average speed even with the long slow chain hill. Unfortunately that speed comes at a cost. After three rides I developed a small headache from the rougher sections of the coaster. The speed of the ride and amount of track that needs to be maintained means this is probably going to be woody with some rough spots for the foreseeable future. One train operations also feels like the wrong move for the park's marquee attraction. It always leaves a sour taste waiting in line for 30 minutes and seeing the second train just sitting there.
Even with the rough spots and capacity issues there's simply no denying the greatness of this ride. Long, fast, substantial, exciting, beautiful. A work of art.
My first Sky Rocket coaster. Awesome. Just awesome. And short. Too short. One-train operations (obviously) was not a problem. I'm not sure if it's bec...
My first Sky Rocket coaster. Awesome. Just awesome. And short. Too short. One-train operations (obviously) was not a problem. I'm not sure if it's because Lake Compounce is a family-oriented park but I never had a line on my 7 rides I got in on Phobia. The operators were all friendly and conversational and even let us just stay in our seats for consecutive rides.
This coaster pulls some serious G's in a short span of time. The launches are smooth and exhilarating. My favorite moment on Phobia is the second backwards launch that stalls you at a unique angle that gives you a combination of weightlessness and a stunning view of the park and lake and surrounding wilderness. My ears pop every time you shoot up 150 feet in what feels like one second. I find holding on tight is best to avoid lateral whip as the coaster turns you around as it goes up.
This is followed by the undeniably awesome 150ft. high "jojo roll." I was eventually brave enough to keep my hands up during this moment and it comes highly recommended. To feel like you're falling but being safely secured at a substantial height is a definitely a unique experience. It should be noted this particular coaster has a much more open restraint system than most Sky Rocket models. The seat and restraint are tight and firm but not uncomfortable and offer hangtime. (I like the idea of Boomerangs being replaced by models like this.)
The trim breaks after the jojo roll are welcome as they let you soak in one more second of the beautiful view before the fast twisting remainder of the ride.
All in all it's fun and intense and unique. It's also too short and I always wanted more at the end. Which was fine because this was always a walk-on. It just left me desiring a more drawn out and substantial layout with the same concept. Fun.
I was hesitant going in given this coaster's reputation, but there's no doubt the retracking work was a success. This was the biggest surprise of the ...
I was hesitant going in given this coaster's reputation, but there's no doubt the retracking work was a success. This was the biggest surprise of the day. Wildcat is nothing special— a by-the-books figure-8 classic woodie, but it's now smooth and fun. It could be a little faster in the turnarounds. Beautiful location in the center of the park's photogenic entry plaza. An historical ride. Don't go in expecting high thrills. Very enjoyable.
The smoothest Vekoma Boomerang I've ridden so far. But still a Vekoma Boomerang. The color scheme of the train, track, and supports was visually impre...
The smoothest Vekoma Boomerang I've ridden so far. But still a Vekoma Boomerang. The color scheme of the train, track, and supports was visually impressive.
A certified classic. Fast, intense, wicked fun. A fast and varied layout follows a classic big hypercoaster drop. Above-average theming and incorporat...
A certified classic. Fast, intense, wicked fun. A fast and varied layout follows a classic big hypercoaster drop. Above-average theming and incorporation around the walkway/ramp during the spaghetti bowl ending. Note: This coaster's restraints are more painful for taller guests. I am 6'3" and need to either twist my foot on the outside of the train 90 degrees or hope I don't get stapled— which happens every time. Fair enough given the ride's history).
The compact layout offers a uniquely intense experience. It's essentially a micro-B&M floorless coaster, which causes the classic elements and inversi...
The compact layout offers a uniquely intense experience. It's essentially a micro-B&M floorless coaster, which causes the classic elements and inversions to come fast and hard. Some mild banging on the second half is barely worth mentioning. High capacity operations mean little-to-no wait times. A nice surprise.
This is my first RMC coaster. My expectations were blown away. What can be said that hasn't already been said about this ride and the hybrid coaster m...
This is my first RMC coaster. My expectations were blown away. What can be said that hasn't already been said about this ride and the hybrid coaster model in general?
The ride is relentless. From start to finish it doesn't give you a moment to catch up as it whips you through element after element. The twisting track looks like it's going to break your back but it was one of the smoothest coasters I've been on. I love the quick, steep chain lift into the steep drop. This is definitely a back row coaster. You get absolutely flung out of your seat in the back row on the first drop. The quick pops of airtime and off-banked turns make boring old wooden coaster turnarounds into fun little ejector moments. The three inversions on the ride are all butter-smooth and insanely fun— I specifically like how they all wind through the dense wooden structure of the ride. Several fun head choppers.
The theming is also pretty cool on this ride. A little airplane is crashed into the side of the station, there's litter and naval equipment and boats scattered all around the ground of the coaster, the walls of the station are plastered with fake newspaper headlines of the cyclone. An old sign for the ride Goliath was a fun easter egg. Another interesting easter egg that I learned about later is the clapping the operators and some guests do as the train leaves the station (like a "stomp-stomp-clap") is actually a feature that was present on the original Cyclone. Very cool.
This ride feels like it was specifically designed for people who love roller coasters. From start to finish the entire train was screaming and laughing their heads off on all four rides we got in. The only negative is that four rides left me with some bruising on my elbows. Still an easy 5-star roller coaster, and the best one I've ridden to date.
This is my first suspended looping coaster. I got two rides in and experienced none of the discomfort this ride is known for. The ride rattles but was...
This is my first suspended looping coaster. I got two rides in and experienced none of the discomfort this ride is known for. The ride rattles but wasn't an uncomfortable ride. The feeling of being suspended is unique and intense and the first drop definitely caught me a little off guard. (There's a fun little sign on the ground below the chain lift.) The ride follows a rapid twisting layout packed with fun inversions. There's a few really effective foot choppers throughout the ride where I actually retracted my legs back toward the middle of the train.
Quick, intense, fun. A nice surprise. The brakes at the end are a little harsh.
My first wild mouse coaster. Each turn causes pain. A couple surprisingly effective head choppers. Easily the best theming in the entire park. The run...
My first wild mouse coaster. Each turn causes pain. A couple surprisingly effective head choppers. Easily the best theming in the entire park. The run-down, dark, industrial setting secluded in the trees is great and works well with the Gotham motif. The ride is basically invisible in the park until you walk up the only path to the ride. The theming and location save it from the lowest possible rating for its discomfort.
I've never been on a coaster like this before and I doubt I ever will again. I was curious about this one and came away disappointed. On my single rid...
I've never been on a coaster like this before and I doubt I ever will again. I was curious about this one and came away disappointed. On my single ride in the back row the forces were barely strong enough to even qualify for a family coaster. You won't have to wait in line and the ride will be over right after it begins.
I have a soft spot in my heart for Comet. Firstly, this is my home park and this was the first "big," intimidating coaster that I had to work my way u...
I have a soft spot in my heart for Comet. Firstly, this is my home park and this was the first "big," intimidating coaster that I had to work my way up to. Secondly, it is easily the best coaster The Great Escape has ever had. I've ridden several woodies at this point and they have all paled in comparison to Comet. This coaster is an historical landmark (with a plaque in front of the queue line) almost 100 years old at this point, being relocated from Canada in the 90s. This is also the only coaster I have ever hardcore marathoned, with somewhere around 50 consecutive rides while at the park for my birthday in middle school. My friends actually had to take breaks riding with me because I simply refused to get off.
It has been over 10 years between this and my last ride. The coaster has lost some pop over the years. The floater and ejector airtime are both slightly nerfed. I can happily report the ride is no rougher than I remember it being. Some of the best moments are the unbanked U-turns when the track is hot and you're slammed against the person next to you and the train feels like it only wants to depart the track and fly into the waterpark/trees. The first drop definitely still hits for its ~100ft. height. Back seat is the best for G-forces and airtime. Front seat has a great view of the open back area of the park.
I don't think this ride will ever be RMC'd, and I doubt it is going anywhere for a very long time. And that is just fine. A classic, and a special place in my heart.
What needs to be said that hasn't already been said? This is the next coaster to go at The Great Escape. What they do with the land will make a big di...
What needs to be said that hasn't already been said? This is the next coaster to go at The Great Escape. What they do with the land will make a big difference for the park. They need a compact coaster with a visually appealing design and layout. There are options. Please tear this terrible coaster down and give The Great Escape some good inversions.
A bad, boring, slow wooden coaster that offers nothing to justify waiting in its long queue (1 train operations). Uncomfortable with one small ejector...
A bad, boring, slow wooden coaster that offers nothing to justify waiting in its long queue (1 train operations). Uncomfortable with one small ejector airtime moment. As someone who has Comet as his home park classic woody, this thing just stinks.
My first spinning family coaster. A very nice surprise. Smooth, exciting, and very fun. I avoid spinning flat rides as they only make me nauseous, but...
My first spinning family coaster. A very nice surprise. Smooth, exciting, and very fun. I avoid spinning flat rides as they only make me nauseous, but I experienced no nausea on this ride. The spinning is tasteful and works to accentuate the small layout rather than make it gimmicky and sickening. Again— surprising to me and my friend, and one of the favorite rides in the park for both of us. Inherently slow operations due to 4 people/car.
