I hope that you have some tissues nearby. This post could be a real tear jerker if you’re still missing a roller
coasterthat’s no longer with us. I invite you to let go. A good cry could help you move on.
A recent comment on the Drachen Fire post inspired me to take a look at some of the most missed defunct roller coasters of the past decade or so. Unfortunately, I don’t have the ability to aggregate all of the hurt feelings and broken hearts of thousands of roller coaster enthusiasts. So, this list is in no particular order.
Hypersonic XLC at Kings Dominion (2001 to 2007)
I didn’t lose a wink of sleep over my former home park (Kings Dominion) deciding to remove Hypersonic XLC. In my opinion, it was the epitome of a gimmicky roller coaster. Hypersonic boasted a fun air powered launch, but the short 1,500 foot layout was over before you knew it. I know that others may hold a special place for the ride in their hearts as you’ll see from the comments on my Hypersonic XLC review.
Great American Scream Machine at Six Flags Great Adventure (1989 to 2010)
To my surprise there are quite a few enthusiasts who will miss this rough Arrow looper. According to the poll on the “Chang Could Replace Great American Scream Machine” post, 30% of respondents say that they would rather keep GASM than have stand-up stand out Chang which I gave a 8.0 (Great) rating. And an additional 35% agree with Six Flags move, but are sad to see the punishing looper go. Maybe all of that head banging gave GASM’s biggest fans some kind of amnesia and they forgot how rough it was. Read my Great American Scream Machine review.
Drachen Fire at Busch Gardens Williamsburg (1992 – 1998, Removed in 2002)
Apparently, there are still people finding out (this week!) that Drachen Fire is no longer at Busch Gardens. The legendary Arrow-designed looper promised new and innovative elements. Unfortunately, those elements did nothing just found new and innovative ways to rough riders up. Read the full Drachen Fire saga.
Big Bad Wolf at Busch Gardens Williamsburg (1984 – 2009)
The wounds may still be a little fresh with this one. There was an out pouring of support to “Save the Wolf” last summer. But in the end according to the park, Big Bad Wolf had reached the “end of its service life.” Everyone wanted to invent their own reasons that the park closed the ride, but from what park told me on their Coaster Tour (in so many words) was that Arrow suggested that Big Bad Wolf would have a lifespan of about 25 years. I was sad to see Big Bad Wolf go. It’ll be weird seeing that section of the park without that suspended red track diving to the river. Where’d I put those tissues? More on Big Bad Wolf: Big Bad Wolf Review| Video of Big Bad Wolf’s Final Run
Hercules at Dorney Park (1985 – 2003)
When I rode Hercules in its last days it was mega rough. The record setting drop was long, but not very steep. And the banked turn over the pond was as rough as you’d expect on a turn that immediately follows such a tall drop. In the Fall of 2003, Hercules was dismantled and removed. Since it was a World record holder and a prominent woodie, I’m sure that there are many that have fond memories of it. The aptly-named floorless B&M coaster Hydra: The Revenge was built in its place. Read more on Hercules and watch this professionally filmed video of Hercules:
Note – This video was filmed by a professional with permission from the park.
For safety reason, please DO NOT take a camera on a roller coaster.
Here are a few other notable defunct roller coasters from the past decade:
Corkscrew at Alton Towers (1980 to 2008), Python at Busch Gardens Tampa (1976 to 2006), Hurricane at the Myrtle Beach Pavillion (2000 to 2006), Psyclone at Six Flags Magic Mountain (1991 to 2006), Flashback at Six Flags Magic Mountain (1992 to 2003), Shockwave at Six Flags Great America (1988 to 2004), Villian and Raging Wolf Bobs at Geauga Lake.
Future Candidates for the Scrap Heap in the Sky
Freestyle Music Park’s collection of coasters could be in trouble. Hopefully, they’ll be sold to other parks if there aren’t any other buyers willing to take a turn at re-opening the park. But, there’s a chance that no one’s in the market for a B&M looper like Time Machine or the prototype ferris wheel-driven Round About coaster. Will Kings Island’s Son of Beast be saved or finally removed after years of issues?
What’s Your Take?
Are there roller coasters that you miss? Did I forget your most missed coaster? Leave a comment below.
July 15, 2012 at 16:22
I will miss cedar point's disaster transport
July 16, 2012 at 01:34
I miss Orient Express at Worlds of Fun. So many fond memories of that coaster and I'm still disgusted with the park for removing it.
July 29, 2012 at 17:01
The Orient Express at Worlds of Fun! I am glad that others had the same reply. While Worlds of Fun may be slightly neglected compared to other huge parks, it is overlooked by coaster lovers far to often. The Prowler is my all time favorite ride, the Timberwolf is awesome, and the Patriot is a better version of Talon. I don't know why the park is always forgotten.
July 30, 2012 at 17:13
I will miss Disaster Transport at Cedar Point and Zambezi Zinger at Worlds of Fun.
August 28, 2012 at 23:27
I miss the Steel Phantom at Kennywood. It was rough but so great. Not that I don't like Phantom's Revenge, but I really miss all the elements from Steel Phantom.
November 15, 2012 at 01:35
I miss son of Beast. I know everyone complained about, lawsuits filed. but I never had a problem with it, grant it they could refurbish it but with out the loop it became lame. sad to see it come down.