Opened
in 2014, this coaster from Zamperla changed the landscape of Luna Park by
being the tallest and most state-of-the art ride at Coney
Island . Seating three
across in three rows for a total capacity of nine riders – with three trains
operating – it features a vertical chain lift hill and four inversions. The restraint consists of an over-the-shoulder
harness and heavy lap bar.
Upon
dispatch, the train makes a left turn out of the loading station, travels a
short distance and pauses briefly before proceeding up the 114.8-foot vertical
lift hill. Vertical lift hills can be
somewhat unnerving – this was my third such experience – but the train made it
to the top fairly quickly. Once there, it plummeted at a 90-degree angle and
then ascended into a 98.4-foot vertical loop.
The next element was a zero-g roll, followed by an overbanked turn, dive
loop and corkscrew. On the way back to
the station the train navigated a couple of bunny hills.
The
initial drop, essentially a freefall, was thrilling and the loop did not
disappoint. Neither did the zero-g
roll. However, as the ride progressed
the inversions became progressively rough and the lap bar became
punishing. This restraint exerted
extreme pressure on the legs, to the extent of being painful. The force of the lap bar was particularly
noticeable on the bunny hills at the end of the ride.
Thunderbolt
is essentially a very solid, exciting coaster but would be better if the
inversions were less rough and the lap bar were less forceful. 3 ½ out of 5 stars. For more information about rides at Luna Park
No comments:
Post a Comment