• Chang @ Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom | Coaster Reviews

  Written by The Coaster Critic 7 Comments
  Last Updated: September 26, 2007

  Chang @ Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom:
  A True Diamond in the Rough
  Chang is an exception in more ways than one. It’s a stand-up roller coaster at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. That should be two big strikes against it. Stand-up coasters have a history of being uncomfortable and rough. Mantis at Cedar Point and Shockwave at Kings Dominion are two examples. And Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom widely considered at the bottom of the Six Flags barrel. Somehow, Chang not only bucked the odds, but it delivered the best ride I’ve ever experienced on a stand-up coaster.

  Like Mantis, Chang is located in a sort of marshy area in Kentucky Kingdom. I saw several laughable, strange, and unique things at SFKK. I got a kick out of the run of the mill restraint buckle latches that had “FOR MARINE USE ONLY” etched into them. What the heck could that mean? Well, if the buckles were good enough for the Armed Forces, I figured they were good enough for me.
  
  After the 15 story climb, you’re treated to a 144′ drop. A large vertical loop follows, then a dive loop, and next there’s a transitional turn. After the turn, the train roars up and into an inclined loop. Inclined loops are similar to vertical loops, just bent to one side. A brake run is followed by a two corkscrews. The first corkscrew flips riders over a support building. And the second corkscrew was the highlight of the ride for me. It begins low, hugging the ground. If you sit on the outside edges of the four across cars you feel like you can reach out and touch the ground. After dipping down to the ground you swoop back up and spiral over the queue line. Then the train careens back to the station.

  The entire ride is smooth and fun, the way it was meant to be. I have no idea how Chang offers such a different ride than Mantis does when they are pretty similar, but I’m glad I didn’t swear off stand-ups after that painful experience at Cedar Point. Chang definitely defies the odds and delivers a great ride. Finally, a stand-up coaster that makes the case for stand-up coasters. Chang is the jewel in the not so shiny crown that is Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. Final Rating – 8.0 (Great)

  Similar Roller Coasters:
  Mantis at Cedar Point
  Georgia Scorcher at Six Flags Over Georgia
  Riddler’s Revenge at Six Flags Magic Mountain

  This coaster is rated ‘TH’ for Thrilling. It’s a 3 out of 5 on my Thrill Scale because it includes several loops. If you fear going upside-down, then you may want to skip Chang.

  What’s Your Take?
  What do you think of Chang? What’s your favorite Stand-Up coaster? Leave a comment below.

  

  Related Posts:

  1. Kentucky Kingdom’s Chang Is Being Removed
  2. Six Flags Closes Kentucky Kingdom
  3. Girls Feet Cut Off @ Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom

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7 Comments

1. #1 Judy P in Pgh says:
   September 26th, 2007 at 8:27 pm

   No comments on Chang, but I AM loving that you are posting every day!

   Reply
2. #2 Anonymous says:
   June 6th, 2008 at 4:09 pm

   Without Twisted Sisters (Twins) and still pretty poor upkeep, Kentucky Kingdom is even worse than before.. At 6′ 4”, I’m a bit tall for Chang, and it hurts my thighs like heck. But back when I was shorter, I absolutely loved it. Great review.

   Reply
3. #3 Justin says:
   November 15th, 2009 at 12:54 pm

   cannot wait til it comes to six flags great america this coaster looks so awesome sorry for kentucky kingdom though….

   Reply
4. #4 Piedude81 says:
   May 28th, 2010 at 11:10 am

   Looks like a TON of fun! I feel bad for Kentucky Kingdom, just like Justin says. But, I live a mere 8 hours from Great America, so I hope to ride it soon!

   Reply
5. #5 Austin says:
   June 20th, 2010 at 10:04 pm

   Uh-oh, looks like GADV is going to get it.

   Reply
   • #6 Quil says:
     June 21st, 2010 at 6:22 am

     wait, do you mean great adventure? why is the bold writting on?

     Reply
6. #7 Warren says:
   June 25th, 2010 at 3:52 am

   Yes, they’re getting rid of Great American Scream Machine (Thank God), and putting Chang in its place.

   Reply