I will be going to Great Adventure this summer, and was wondering what everyone thought of Rolling Thunder. From pictures, and Badnitrus, it looks like cool coaster, but I never hear anything about it. So, What do you think of it?
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I'd Rather Be Riding Rollercoasters
It's in terrible condition (I've never ridden it though). You can download an on-ride video (front seat and RACING) at
http://www.eastcoastthemeparks.com
*** This post was edited by The Shy One on 3/29/2001. ***
It's a pretty old woodie...nothing spectacular...a lot of little hills for air time. They used to run one backwards and one fowards but, not anymore.
It's a woodie that, unfortunately, has ''fallen from grace.'' It can still give an OK ride, and last year, it was racing more than 85% of the time. For the best ride, may I reccomend Car One, front row, or Car One, Row three for the best ride.
Enjoy!
-rob
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Rob Vaccaro
Its rough, got good air, some good headchoppers, it looks crappy and dangerous...but its fun. i recomend the left side(thats my opinion) go left in the entrence... when are they gonna paint this thing? all of us coaster fans should go in there and do it ourselves! well show up with a can of paint each for petes sake!
Don't let looks deceive. It is in desperate need of a paint job but, is still maintained very well. Much of the track was rebuilt last year and the few times I went by the park over the winter there were work crews working on it. At coaster celebration last year it ran the best it had in years.
I love this coaster. Part of the experience is the poor condition. I'm not sure what train number it is but take the line for the far side where you have to go under the track first.(to the left I believe) If you take that side in either the front or back, it will definitely scare the crap out of you. Not because of speed, height or any other typical factor but because it feels like it might go off the track at the top of the first right turn which is not as high or as sharp on the inside track. Also, this ride is awesome in the rain. It make you wonder what it would be like if it were kept up even more. However, I do not have any concerns whatsoever about the maintenance on it. The only injury it ever had was an employee that wasn't thinking too straight. Great ride and I hope if they build a bigger, better, and faster woodie at GAdv they will at least leave this one and let it become a classic just like Hershey Park has done. Have FUN!
I like Rolling Thunder but now I have to go on it alone. My friends and family members who went on it last year refuse to go on it anymore because of the Appearance of being in need of repair, screeching around curves, roughness, etc. I, on the other hand, like it and recommend trying both tracks as they are two very different rides. One is a little rougher laterally, don't remember which one. It's fun, do it.
jgfama said:
"It's a pretty old woodie...nothing spectacular"
I wouldn't call it pretty old. It was built in the 1970's.
I think it is a great coaster that is in need of of a little TLC. The one side truly does feel like it is going to leave the track. That is one of the roughest turnarounds I've ever experienced. The brake run is pretty violent too. I love the ride but it can be downright painful at times. Avoid this one if you have had a recent tailbone injury (spoken from experience). I never experienced this coaster racing. Are the two sides "fair?" Each has a fairly different agenda.
Rolling Thunder is a fun coaster that can be little rough. A new paint job and a little grease would do wonders.
it was the first woodie ive ever been on so i have 2 love it. It barely ever races and I wish there was still a backward train. Although rough, you just gotta love it!
Rolling Thunder is great! I love this ride and I think the lack of fresh paint adds character. The people who always go to GAdv. love Rolling Thunder because it always feels like its out of control, and its look adds to that. The far side (which you have to go through the tunnel in the queue is much better than the close side.
Rolling Thunder was my first ever roller coaster. I went on it when i was 6 and i loved it so much i went on it 35 more times. It has gotten bad over the years but if u just ate dont go in the back, just a little warning.
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NITRO! The Next Sphere of Thrills!
April 7, 2001
Rolling Thunder is sadly neglected. It needs paint desperately, and someone should teach the folks at SFGAdv about oiling the track on woodies. When the weather is dry, the ride is slow and boring. It is also hard on the ears hearing the dry steel squeal on dry steel. If you can ride right after a rain shower when the track is wet, the ride really picks up and has good air time.
No matter what is said about Rolling thunder I will take it over Hercules at Dorney Park any day.
robbie said:
"No matter what is said about Rolling thunder I will take it over Hercules at Dorney Park any day."
I second that opinion!!! Hercules was aweful :0(
FloridaCoasterRider said:
"I will be going to Great Adventure this summer, and was wondering what everyone thought of Rolling Thunder. From pictures, and Badnitrus, it looks like cool coaster, but I never hear anything about it. So, What do you think of it?
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I'd Rather Be Riding Rollercoasters"
Me and my husband love rolling thunder!!It is the first ride we go on because,when your half asleep,this ride wakes you up and preps you for the rest of the park.We never Have to wait long either so,theres no standing in a line the first half hour your in the park.The air time is great and basically thats what i look for in a ride so Nitro should be awesome for me :0)I'm hoping it knocks Steel Force out of the number one spot on my Northeast coast list!!
I read on thrillride that it got hit by lightning. Is that true?