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Excellent coaster. I didn't have any expectations for this before I rode it. It doesn't seem to get any love online. After riding it several times back to back, I'm not sure why. Full disclosure it didn't crack my top 3 B&M inverts,--it is 4th, just behind Banshee, but it is very close and this coaster is definitely worthy of consideration. It belongs in the debate. It is that good. I have no complaints at all. It is fast and smooth just as you would expect from a B&M Invert--except for Patriot. Excellent pacing and it delivers very good forces--perhaps just not quite as intense as the best of the best. It really is an excellent coaster.

Débit

This was the longest line we waited in all day. I bucked up and bought the fast past wrist bands because we were only there one day. Even when Candymonium was a 90 minute wait we only waited 5 minutes because of the wrist bands. However on Laff Trakk it only cut off about 25% of the line and we still had to wait about 30 minutes. The mirrors in the line made about 5 of those 30 tolerable. The ride itself is pretty tame. The fun house theming almost made it fun. There are couple of the drops that almost generate enough forces to be called fun. It is an excellent family ride.

Débit Confort Fluidité Temps mort Layout Intensité

This is a B&M invert so even an average one of these is still a pretty good ride. This definitely falls into that category. It is no where near as relentless as Raptor, Montu or any of the Batman clones. It isn't as lifeless and jittery as Patriot, though. The way it starts sets the tone. It is a nice and easy turn around instead of an immediate drop off the lift hill. It then drops you into the first loop--again nice and gradually--it isn't steep at all. This is really where this coaster comes to life and you go through the major inversions and elements. None are overly thrilling, but very solid and fun. Super smooth like it should be. Then it changes character. The second half just has you meandering along the creek with a few lazy twists and turns at a very leisurely rate. I don't think it breaks 30MPH again. Nothing is inherently wrong with it, but it is no where near intense enough to any where near my favorite B&M invert.

I was super excited about this ride and was hoping that it was going to be my favorite in the park. Unfortunately, it wasn't for 2 reasons. By far the biggest reason is, I don't really fit in the restraints. I'm 6'0 tall and they are too short. As the restraints cam down they were crushing my shoulders. I kind of had to hunch down and it wasn't comfortable. As much as I tried, I couldn't get comfortable. I was under constant crushing pressure. They look like the design should be super comfortable, and they would be if they were 1" taller. I'm a big guy, but I'm not a body builder big or very tall. I should fit just fine and I just don't. The second reason this isn't one of the top 3 coasters in this park is that the ride has and extreme rattle/vibration. It basically lasts throughout the entire second half of the ride. It was much worse on this than Storm Runner. It really took away from the ride experience. The first hill is amazing on both the up and the way down. Really fun. On paper this should be one of the best, but it just doesn't quite live up to expectations. Still a good ride, but it should be great.

Excellent, classic woody. Sure, it rattles something fierce and jitters its way around the flat turns, but it is just fun. Excellent and surprising bursts of air over the hills. The train seems to skip along the track for much of the second half of the ride. I literally think the wheels were off the track as much as they were on it for much of the last 1000 ft. Excellent ride for sure. The fact that is over 75 years old definitely contributes to appreciation of this wonderful ride.

Layout Vibrations Inconfort

This is closing permanently on 7/31/22. I got to ride it 10 days before its retirement. After experiencing this, I must say that retirement can't come soon enough for this. That pains me a bit as I love GCI's. This has the wonderful Millennium trains. So, in the station I was thinking, this can't be that bad. Boy was I wrong. The layout seemed perfect--tons of tight twists and turns and transitions in all directions. I'm sure this was absolutely wonderful when it was new. I don't know what happened to this--total neglect or was it just that GCI didn't quite have everything figured out 100% as this was their first coaster? Again, I have no idea, but what I do know is that this is truly a terrible ride. I rode it in the back seat and even with the sofa-like Millennium trains, it was unbearably rough. I held on for dear life and braced myself the entire ride. I was almost in disbelief at how rough it was. This is by a very, very wide margin the worst GCI I have ever ridden. I assume the owners know that as it either needs a total retrack job or it needs to be torn down, hence the upcoming retirement date. I'm hoping for a retrack, but I don't think that is what is happening. I was sad to find out they were getting rid of a GCI, but after ridding it, I can honestly say, good riddance.

I love Shwarzkopf coasters. They have wonderful trains and restraints. There is also something very special about the geometry of their loops that just make them more enjoyable than others. This ride however, it pains me a bit say, just doesn't quite deliver. The first part leading up to the loop is a bit tame as the slope degree on the decline is very mild. It takes a while to get up to speed to enter the loop. The loop itself was fine, nothing other worldly good or bad, but just fine. Then...well that's about it. There really isn't much to say for everything after the loop. It kind of just meanders around aimlessly. I don't think it breaks 25MPH anywhere after the loop. This ride is equal to Jaguar! from Knott's Berry farms with a loop in front of it. I was seriously surprised by the lack of excitement after the loop. It may have something to do with the terrain where it is built. Perhaps as this is one of their early loopers, they focused solely on the loop and didn't bother to put anymore fun in? I don't know. It is still a classic Shwarzkopf that I hope remains running for many years to come, but this isn't the company's best work.

Airtimes First Drop Intensité

I must admit that I went on this ride expecting it to be great. I was honestly hoping that one of the other two Intamins here would be my favorite, but no. This takes the cake--easily and by a wide margin. No doubt the best ride in this fantastically coaster rich park. I had zero issue with the restraints. They were perfect--open and free and just holding you in by your lap. I don't know what else anyone would want. I kind of get that because of the intense airtime this delivers that you could get a bit sore from it, but are people honestly saying they wish the ride didn't deliver the intense ejector air? That is crazy-talk nonsense. The coaster community craves ejectors--always. This delivers like very, very few coasters on the planet. Plus the airtime on this isn't just quick jolts, there are sustained moments of it. I can understand someone saying they don't like the feeling of literally being 100% at the mercy of the lap restraint for fear of their life--because that is literally what is happening on much of this ride, but to me that is what makes this spectacular and one of the greatest coasters on earth. I don't know of anyone getting off of any B&M hyper saying they felt like they were going to die. This, though, you can say that and it isn't an exaggeration. It delivers crazy out of your seat air on the first drop, then immediately transitions into face stretching positives. I literally could feel my cheeks getting tugged downward. Then it essentially repeats several more times. Throw in some crazy tight twists and turns all at incredible speeds and you have a recipe for a world class thrill machine. Did I mention that this thing is intense? It is not for the faint of heart. This is truly one of the finest coasters for the true thrill seekers out there in the coaster world. My only slight gripe is the "wing" design. To me it doesn't really add anything, unless you have a "wing" seat. So, 50% of the riders get zero benefit from this design. Even when you do get the "wing" seat, it isn't quite the same feeling like B&M's winged coasters. It is a bit silly, but because of the ride this delivers the seats don't matter much. Even with one of the regular, inner seats, this delivers thrills far beyond what most other coasters of capable of. Masterpiece of thrill.

This was a very good, classic, PTC, John Allen coaster. On its own in park with 10+ other coasters, this still would be have been a solid addition to that park. Being where it was at Bell's, it was truly a gem. This was the only coaster and by far the main attraction of the wonderful little park. I went several times over the course of just a couple of years. I had a blast each and every time. The coaster had manual brakes. You literally got to watch the ride operator pull on this 5ft tall wooden lever to apply the brakes as the train comes into the station. The ride experience was more than decent. Classis wooden shakes and rattles with excellent pops of air. The first drop into the Joker's mouth was fun and a bit of a head chopper. It was very, re-ridable. The coaster community lost a real treasure when Bell's closed.

What a great compact coaster. We must have ridden this 10 times the day we were there. The straight up and beyond straight down first hill is definitely the highlight, but this isn't just a one trick pony. The rest of the ride is excellent. The tight twists, turns and inversions all really work here. It is a very smooth and quick transitioning little coaster that really delivers and excellent ride.

I really enjoy spinning coasters. This one is a fine example. Plus, being built where it is, there are tons of near misses with everything else in this small space that ups the intensity a bit. This was the longest line all day. Good ride. Good times.

This was essentially a glorified wild mouse, but with its own layout and character than most. In most parks, this would be an afterthought, but in a small park with only 3 coasters, this is essentially a highlight of the park. However, compared to the truly epic, world-class woodie, The Ozark Wildcat being a walk-on, there was no reason to ride this more than once. It delivered typical herky-jerky type ride with rather intense drops and turns. It delivered almost exactly what I expected from it.

This was one intense little coaster. It felt more "full" size than it was. It had the quick jerky transitions we are all familiar with on compact coasters like this, but they weren't quite as bad as most. It delivered forces more like a full sized coaster with an actual train instead of just a car. By far the most intense element was the final diving turn, I'm not sure what the actual term for this element is, but it is almost a dive loop without truly counting as an inversion as you never break 90 degrees. It was a very small radius turn that dropped substantially. It jarred you pretty good during this. I wouldn't say this was brutal or a anywhere near a torture device, as I believe we rode it several times during out Branson weekend. That said it was not a fluffy smooth ride by any means. Plus, with the world class gem of Ozark Wildcat 50 yards away being a walk-on all weekend, there was no reason to ride this more. It was more than a good a additional to this wonderful little park.

This was my favorite wooden coaster on the planet--for about 10 minutes--the time it took for me to walk from the exit of this ride to the entrance of The Voyage. This thing is incredibly intense from the very beginning to the end. You have no idea what is coming as 90% of the this coaster is completely hidden from view anywhere in the park. The helixes are insane and seem almost never ending. The laterals are crazy. This is so much fun. Sure it isn't liquid smooth, but it is in no way painful. Intensity, intensity, intensity. It just makes me laugh like an idiot every time I ride it. One of the best.

Another awesome surprise at Dollywood. It is a family ride. So, I wasn't expecting much at all. I love going backwards and I had no idea that this did that. I only wish it did it for longer. Excellent theming and theatrics to boot. The ride itself is decent enough--obviously not too terribly fast or thrilling, but definitely not a total bore fest. Of course, it is comfortable and smooth. Overall, way, way better than a typical mine train, "family" coaster or any of the compact kiddie coasters out there. It does more than just provide a lame ride to entertain the kiddos, it is good enough and unique enough to entertain even seasoned coaster fanatics. Perhaps the best family coaster I have ever ridden.

Excellent "family" coaster. It is very forceful and an excellent ride even for seasoned coaster nuts. With the spinning action each ride is unique. I really enjoy it. My issue with it is they took out the auditorium with the pool to put this in. Now I would always trade any show for a decent coaster. However, the show used to occupy hundreds of people that lessened the lines everywhere else. That of course doesn't take away from the ride experience which is more than pretty solid. An excellent addition to the park.

Every time I think about my coaster rankings, I debate this ride in my head. How can I still have it so high on my list? I rode it originally back in 2004, which was a time the world barely knew that such levels of thrill were even possible. Now almost 20 years later and close to 150 more coasters under my belt, how do I still rank this in my top 5. It simply comes down to that initial adrenaline rush. The first time I ever rode this, it was an epiphany. I had ridden other launched coasters at that point--Mr. Freeze is at my home park of SFSL. But this is a whole other level of insanity. The launch is just nuts. Just when you think you can't go any faster it keeps on going. It is FAST. The forces make your body react with adrenaline. It is such a rush. The hill and the height are barely even an factor compared to the launch. Is it 1 trick pony? Perhaps, but it is the best trick I've ever experienced on a coaster. It is super short? Of course it is. But I can't think of a better way to spend 15 seconds with my clothes on.

What can I say about Raptor that hasn't been said before--not much, but here is my take. This is my second favorite invert-behind only Montu. I think I like the Batwing better than the cobra roll and the tunnels and theming up the ante. With that said this is a fantastic ride. It absolutely has to be in the conversation for best invert there is. The initial drop almost seems like you are over the midway. It is pure intensity from there until the end with the one slight pause on the mid course break run. The ending seals the deal, though. The spiral tries to pull your face and rip you feet off. Positive G's that you don't experience in this way just about anywhere else. Great invert. Great coaster.

Confort Fun Chef d'oeuvre

This was one of the best GCI coasters ever. It was a small footprint, twister that was relentless and amazing. It kept you moving up and down, left and right continuously, but because of the wonderful Millennium trains, comfort was always there. We rode it 25 times in one day. I could have ridden it 25 more. Truly a shame that this park is closed. The coaster community lost one of its finest.

What a great coaster. I get why some people have issues with it. It does not have many elements, very true. There is not ejector air, also very true. But what it does deliver, it delivers like no other. First of all the you have to start with the trains. Not as comfy or easy as the huge B&M's for sure, but the open feeling and freedom of only being 2 across without a true, enclosed car is amazing. It totally adds to the experience. In my opinion, these are the best there are. Then the lift hill. Yes, the cable lift instead of the usual clankety-clank of a chain lift is not only unique, but it is FAST. Then it accelerates the train over the top. That is just a precursor for the rest of the ride. Then you get to the famous first drop. Everyone in the coaster world can recognize the shape of the first hill. This is "THE Drop" that all others will forever be compared to. After that...what can I say besides speed and more speed and then some speed piled on top of that. The way it maintains that speed is almost scary. You are still going faster than the top speed of most coasters when you hit the brake run on this. Did I mention this thing is fast. Oh and BTW it is long. You continue to travel faster than most interstate speed limits for well over a mile. Ride it in the back seat at night--epic. Ride it in the front seat during the day--epic. It's not often you get to travel at 90+ MPH in open air with just essentially a lap bar. It is fast, long, smooth and very non restrictive. This is a great recipe for fun. While it may not deliver jolts of negative G's, or flip you around, or any other "elements", it doesn't matter because what it does deliver, it does so better than any coaster ever built before it and better than the vast majority of those built after it. Still a legend in the coaster community for good reason. World Class.

Situation Intensité Layout Vibrations Inconfort

This used to be my barometer for a fun, intense woody. That was many years ago. It was always a bit bouncy and jolting--you're on a woody doing 60+ MPH through turns, that is to be expected. It used to be thrilling. It hasn't aged well. The helix at the end used to be amazing--better than The Beast's famous helix, but the last 10 years of its existence, it was very, very rough. So rough they removed it entirely a few years back. The last time I rode this about 4-5 years ago, was the last time I will ride it until major renovations are done. It isn't the roughest or worst I have ever ridden, but it is no where near smooth or comfortable. Again, you are getting beat up at over 60+mph for much of it. I don't know of another coaster right now that could use the RMC treatment more than this. It is huge, it is fast, and there is plenty of ground around it to work with.

We went here second right after Xcelerator. There was absolutely no one in line. I think we rode it 8 times in a row. I really like the straight up and the more than straight back down. All of the inverts work and the pacing keeps you scrambled up internally from beginning to end. It remains smooth throughout. Great compact coaster.

My favorite B&M invert. Raptor and Banshee are both great, as is Silver Bullet, but this wins. I like the batwing more than the cobra roll on Raptor. Plus the theming and troughs it passes you through put it on top for me.

What an amazing surprise. When I saw they built this, I was highly confused. What is the point of a relatively, by today's standards, small coaster without inversions? It is not even close to hyper, so no huge height or speed and it doesn't go upside down--so what gives? What this coaster delivers is a ride experience unlike any other coaster I have ridden. Again it doesn't really fit any of today's popular categories. I would call it a steel twister. My expectations weren't very high, but after riding it, I can tell you they were shattered. This thing is amazing. Air on top of air on top of air and then they threw some air in for good measure. Think of a wooden airtime machine that is silky-steel smooth and that's it. Simple formula that we don't see, but man oh man does it work. We rode this I think 10 times in one day. Where you sat didn't matter much--they are all excellent. Of course there are differences and I had my favorite, but dead center of the train was still a great, great ride. By far the biggest surprise of the trip. Truly a one of a kind gem for Chance and KK. Hopefully Chance will get to build more of these.

I still like and appreciate these old, classic loopers. The thing I like best about Demon is actually from the walkway parallel to the loop. Just watching the train bend over backwards in a seemingly too tight to fight radius loop is rather impressive. It almost seems like the riders at the front and the back of the train could reach up and give each other high fives as the front exits and the back enters. The tunnel at the beginning is...interesting. The first half is decent, not too much banging. The one spot that is really a killer is the transition into the first corkscrew--it really throws you sideways into your restraints. After that it is decent again. Again, I still enjoy these type of coasters as they still deliver a decent ride. This one is pretty standard, middle of the pack. It is no where near the best or the worst of the genre.

Even with the great coaster resume that is available at this park, this might be my favorite of the bunch. It is simply a great woodie. This is what a twister is supposed to be like. It keeps you hopping in all directions all the while never beating you up. When ridden as it should be, arms up, you have the feeling like you are going to get thrown out repeatedly. Great ride. Interesting memory: First time I rode this, someone on the ride before we us had a...how do I put this...vertical release of bodily fluids? Always a good sign.

I've seen some woodies in pretty bad shape over all the years of riding coasters, but nothing has ever been as bad as this. Going up the lift hill, I wasn't sure it wasn't going to collapse. Splintered and rotted wood everywhere. It was shocking how bad it was. It looked as if it hadn't had any maintenance at all over all the years it stood out in the weather. It was deplorable. Unfortunately, the condition of the ride was a perfect indicator of the ride experience itself. It was awful. My favorite coaster type is a GCI twister. So this, in theory, showed promise. It absolutely did not deliver. It was one of the single worst rides I have ever been on. This did not age well at all as it was basically neglected and left to rot. I am not sorry at all to see that it is gone.

When this was new it had OTSR's that sucked out loud. They switched to just lapbars forever ago and it has been great ever since. Then they turned it around several years ago and now run the trains backwards. The reverse launch is pretty awesome. It is intense and super unique being backwards. You go from dark to bright daylight and can't see anything until you are upside down in the tophat. It has been very reliable over the years. The two train operation keeps people moving through the line pretty well. Overall a very exciting and excellent coaster.

If you were to look up 80's looper in the dictionary, this ride should come up. This was the quintessential and ultimately the culmination of this type of coaster. It has the most of everything. It was one if not the longest, tallest, fastest and most inversions of this type all in one ride. Most from this era were 1 or 2 trick acts, but not Vortex. It had many up its sleeve. This one seemed to age better than the vast majority as well. Even in its final years it very re-ridable. I wouldn't go quite as far as to say it was liquid smooth by today's standards, but you could somewhat comfortably ride this several times in a day without getting beat up too much. Again this was probably the best genre. Sorry to see it go.

Six Flags was super creative with this name, huh? Its a boomerang. What shall we call it? I know, "Boomerang." Brilliant. What can I say its one of many across the country. They do deliver a decent ride. I really love going backwards so that helps. This one isn't the smoothest, which is somewhat surprising as it is the "newest" one I know of--or more correctly the one reassembled the most recently. Again, it's a boomerang. If you have ridden one, you have ridden them all. Good, not terrible and not great.