I just heard some unfortunate news — this labour day at 8p will be the last run for Skyrider, the stand-up coaster over by the Minebuster. I liked Skyrider, it was simple-ish, but it did it well with great pickup, letting you feel the Gs in your legs on the loop, counter-steering before a turn, and a harness design that wasn’t a head masher. Standup was a good gimmick and a great experience unlike any of the other coasters in the park. I don’t know what they’ll be putting in that spot, but if they’re losing a standup coaster that’s too bad. Please don’t put in another hyper-giga-mega-mondo-coaster — you’ve got two already! Something nifty — another standup would be great, or a Nemesis-like inverted terrain coaster. I’d be keen on a rocking new woodie too. (And I’m still rooting for my Dragon Fyre replacement coaster idea someday…)
How I found out about Skyrider’s demise was searching for a vid of the new 3D action adventure “coaster”/dark box Wonder Mountain’s Guardian. I won’t say much about the ride, for it impressed me not, but I will say something for the entry area — egads! You’re in the freakin’ mountain! And the ride loading area has a bit of rock… and a black, flat, unadorned, section of gyp wall with some painted signs on it? With a ceiling to match? Looking all the much like a part of a shopping mall currently walled off with temporary partitions for renovations? THEMEING PEOPLE, THEMEING! And with that, my rant is over.
Still a bummer about Skyrider, though. If you’re heading by Toronto (or live closeby) between now and Labour day — please head to Wonderland and ride Skyrider for me, one more time.
