I've only ridden one alpine coaster so far, but it was at the Great Wall of China! It was a surreal experience as there were Chinese employees about every 50 yards screaming 'Slow Down!' in English. I was planning to try the current one at Anakeesta last month, but it was closed. :(
Wait, what? At the Great Wall of China? Surreal experience would seem to be an understatement! As I noted in my article about Anakeesta (https://www.aboutthemeparks.fun/p/anakeestas-elevated-experience), I found that mountain coaster's single rail and the design of the car and restraint system made me want to brake often.
This was maybe 7 years ago now, and I was in Beijing for work, but got to do some fun things like this. Looking at it now, I guess it is technically a slide. I couldn't get it to go full speed for all the pleading to slow down, so it felt pretty slow to me. I was also going to add a YouTube video link, but all of the videos I see so far do not capture my experience of having to go down slowly. The people in the videos got to go down it much faster.
I’ve been eager to hear Arthur’s opinion. This location is amazing. But the area has no rides; most of the stunning attractions are natural. Did the company do it right? After reading this, it sounds like it is definitely worth a trip. Thanks, Arthur, for visiting a town that is very dear to me.
Yes, the coaster is great, and the small park is fine. And yes, the location is quite amazing. As for the area's attractions, I wouldn't describe giant pretzels, oompah bands, and Bigfoot t-shirts as "natural!" But I would describe them as delightfully tacky.
I forgot to mention it in my article, but a detour to Snoqualmie Falls (and the "Twin Peaks" diner!) on the trip between Seattle and Leavenworth is definitely worth it.
I've ridden all the alpine coasters in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge and they're a blast. I don't really compare them to traditional coasters - to me they feel more like a land-based waterslide. I highly recommend night rides if you get a chance - riding the lift hill up through the dark with woods all around is truly a magical experience.
I haven't done the research, but I strongly suspect that the Smoky Mountains region has the most number of alpine coasters in the country and possibly the world. I guess I can see the water slide comparison. Maybe a cross between a conventional coaster and a water slide would be more apt (although closer to a coaster IMO).
I love alpine coasters...especially the long lift hills! It really gives you a chance to separate from the world, and get into nature, before you go zipping down through it. This one sounds like a great addition!
I’m becoming a fan as well. I had never been on one until last year. It’s a little odd to be in a single-person vehicle, though. There’s something about the camaraderie of a train filled with screaming passengers.
I've only ridden one alpine coaster so far, but it was at the Great Wall of China! It was a surreal experience as there were Chinese employees about every 50 yards screaming 'Slow Down!' in English. I was planning to try the current one at Anakeesta last month, but it was closed. :(
Wait, what? At the Great Wall of China? Surreal experience would seem to be an understatement! As I noted in my article about Anakeesta (https://www.aboutthemeparks.fun/p/anakeestas-elevated-experience), I found that mountain coaster's single rail and the design of the car and restraint system made me want to brake often.
This was maybe 7 years ago now, and I was in Beijing for work, but got to do some fun things like this. Looking at it now, I guess it is technically a slide. I couldn't get it to go full speed for all the pleading to slow down, so it felt pretty slow to me. I was also going to add a YouTube video link, but all of the videos I see so far do not capture my experience of having to go down slowly. The people in the videos got to go down it much faster.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/great-wall-slide
I’ve been eager to hear Arthur’s opinion. This location is amazing. But the area has no rides; most of the stunning attractions are natural. Did the company do it right? After reading this, it sounds like it is definitely worth a trip. Thanks, Arthur, for visiting a town that is very dear to me.
Yes, the coaster is great, and the small park is fine. And yes, the location is quite amazing. As for the area's attractions, I wouldn't describe giant pretzels, oompah bands, and Bigfoot t-shirts as "natural!" But I would describe them as delightfully tacky.
I forgot to mention it in my article, but a detour to Snoqualmie Falls (and the "Twin Peaks" diner!) on the trip between Seattle and Leavenworth is definitely worth it.
I've ridden all the alpine coasters in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge and they're a blast. I don't really compare them to traditional coasters - to me they feel more like a land-based waterslide. I highly recommend night rides if you get a chance - riding the lift hill up through the dark with woods all around is truly a magical experience.
I haven't done the research, but I strongly suspect that the Smoky Mountains region has the most number of alpine coasters in the country and possibly the world. I guess I can see the water slide comparison. Maybe a cross between a conventional coaster and a water slide would be more apt (although closer to a coaster IMO).
I love alpine coasters...especially the long lift hills! It really gives you a chance to separate from the world, and get into nature, before you go zipping down through it. This one sounds like a great addition!
I’m becoming a fan as well. I had never been on one until last year. It’s a little odd to be in a single-person vehicle, though. There’s something about the camaraderie of a train filled with screaming passengers.