ROLLER COASTER REVIEWS

Thursday, November 3, 2016

SIDEWINDER HERSHEYPARK

This Vekoma boomerang has been operating since 1991.  With 7 cars seating 2 across in 2 rows for a total capacity of 28 riders, the train is pulled up a 116-foot catch car lift hill before being released and propelled through the loading station and up into a cobra roll followed up a vertical loop.  It then ascends a second lift hill and goes through the course in reverse.

As all Vekoma boomerangs feature the same three inversions, I can’t say that this one is in any way novel or remarkable.  What I can say is that whereas I would have expected a coaster of this vintage to be rough, the ride was much smoother than anticipated.  Also the soft restraints were welcome although a bit heavy.   And at 5.2 the maximum G-force is pretty good.  Sidewinder offers an enjoyable enough ride.  2 ½ out of 5 stars.  For more information about rides at Hersheypark, visit www.hersheypark.com