WILD BEAST - CANADA'S WONDERLAND

Wild Beast is the smaller of the two wooden coasters at Canada’s Wonderland manufactured by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters.   Seating 28 riders (7 cars seating two across in two rows), the train makes a left turn out of the station, veers slightly right and ascends an 82-foot lift hill.  It then drops 78 feet to the left, traverses a small hill, makes a left turn, goes over another small hill, turns right for a couple of small hills, then left for more small hills before heading back to the station.   What struck me most about this coaster is the lateral motion.  It’s a rough ride, and the experience of repeatedly being thrown from side to side reminded me of the Coney Island Cyclone at its worst – although this is not nearly as good or thrilling a ride as the Cyclone.  2 out of 5 stars.  For more information about rides at Canada’s Wonderland, visit www.canadaswonderland.com

MIGHTY CANADIAN MINEBUSTER - CANADA'S WONDERLAND

This wooden coaster built by  Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters dates back to the opening of Canada’s Wonderland in 1981.  Consisting of five cars seating two across in rows of three, the train makes a left turn out of the station and ascends a 90-foot lift hill, making a dip before turning right and dropping 87 feet, reaching a maximum speed of 55.9 mph.  It then traverses a succession of small hills, turns right and drops.   After more small hills the train banks left and enters a tunnel.  Upon exiting the tunnel it makes a left turn and returns to the station.  The ride is just OK for negative-g forces but what a bumpy ride!  I found myself bouncing up and down to the point at which it felt uncomfortable.   Mighty Canadian Minebuster feels every bit as old as its 33 years. 2 ½ out of 5 stars.  For more information about rides at Canada’s Wonderland, visit www.canadaswonderland.com