What's Italian Job like?

Ive heard good things about Italian Job: Stunt Track at PKI and the pictures of it look really neat. Those of you who have been on it, whats it like? Is it really good? I wanna get to PKI and was just wondering about that ride. Thanks!

It's a very family-oriented coaster.

I don't think the theming is all that remarkable, and I don't think the ride is exceptional either. It's very short and not very fast or forceful. However, it's smooth, it's unique, and it's a great attraction for families.

If you're expecting a Universal-caliber thrill ride, you're going to be disappointed. If you're expecting a fairly well-themed family coaster then you'll enjoy yourself.

-Nate

What if im expecting something like Kennywood's Exterminator? I realize 'Terminator is not a mouse or a launched coaster, but in terms of "that kind of ride" or "that type of attraction," are they similar?

It sounds like you're asking us to compare apples to a bucket of sand.

Yeah, I'd say that's a fair comparison. I still much prefer Exterminator to the Italian Job, but that could be because of the darkness. The other Reverchon/Zamperla spinning mice don't do much for me.

-Nate

Ahh, no.

I think IJ:ST is a much more complete 'ride experience' on the theme/storyline level than Exterminator is. (being familiar with the movie helps that quite a bit - and I am familiar with it)

But as for the ride itself, it is an odd comparison to make. One I can't do.

*** Edited 6/29/2006 2:45:12 AM UTC by Lord Gonchar***

Italian Job rocked. If you don't go in expecting something over-the-top, than you'll come out pleased. There are some freaky moments on the ride, that's for sure. And what do you mean that Exterminator is not a mouse? Of course it is!

Well do you recommend it?

I meant Italian Job isnt a mouse.

PKI's ride no longer had the sound in the cars on, which was kind of a bummer. It was never loud enough, but it kind of helped illustrate the theme. No headlights anymore either. I guess there were serious problems with getting the battery charged quickly, because the trains aren't in the station long enough to do so.

The system on Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Disney/MGM solved that issue by using an array of caps rather than batteries. They charge up in a flash and could last several laps around the track before going dead. I'm suprised that the Paramount and/or Premier folks couldn't come up with something robust enough to cut it.

its over way too quickly....

I haven't been on the one at PKI, but I was pleasantly surprised by the one at PKD. I had heard a lot of booing and hissing about it so I didn't expect much. I won't do it if there's more than a 10 minute wait, but I always enjoy it when I do.

As a side note: I tend to grey-out on the helix, like 4 out of 5 times. Anybody else have this happen? It's odd, because it doesn't seem all that forceful.

^How hot was it the day you went, the more hot it was the more likely you are to brown out.

The helix on PKI's IJ is pretty intense for a cuddly little ride. If PKD's is identical then it's pretty well deserving of a grey out.

If it were a brown out I'd be worried.

How can you possibly compare Exterminator to IJ? They are two totally different coasters. :)

IJ is a "fun" coaster. I rode the ones at King's Island and Canada's Wonderland. The launch is cute...nothing intense. The upward helix is my favorite part of the ride, along with the tunnel. I am kind of bummed to hear that PKI did away with the sound effects within the cars as well as the headlights, Jeff. I agree that added to the whole experience.

I agree IJ is a very "family oriented" type of ride. It's fun, enjoyable, and pleasant. Both IJ's had some good pops of air at times. If it's your first time, Tbolt, it's worth the wait!

-Tina

No headlights anymore? :( To me, that was one of the neatest effects in the final tunnel, seeing the taillamps of the car in front of you, and your headlamps' reflections. They gonna turn the lights of the cop cars off, too?

In all, I thought IJ:ST was a great family ride. Well tied into the movie as well.

Later,
EV

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EchoVictor said:
In all, I thought IJ:ST was a great family ride. Well tied into the movie as well.

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I thought the ride was VERY well-done, having been to PCW twice since the installation. Pretty sure the headlights were working, I know the sound was...but I'm kinda bummed the *stair effect* never got working. It was a really good joke at SpringCon that the stairs WERE working, but in fact had been relocated to "Mighty Canadian Spinebuster". (Credit to Al Franken's "kidding on the square" reference.)

The COASTER itself might disappoint some, kinda like Everest, but if you don't *get* the theming elements and the story-line tied in, IMO you're missing out on the better half of the "attraction". I call IJ a real winner...well, for Paramount it was. Shame PKI's isn't being kept up like PCW's....
*** Edited 6/29/2006 3:17:16 PM UTC by rollergator***

I realize 'Terminator is not a mouse

Actually Exterminator is a mouse...a spinning mouse. That's part of where the whole theme of the ride came from!

Tbolt - Thanks for asking this question. I've been wondering myself. I'm not sure if I want to go to PKI this year or not. That park doesn't thrill me as much. I just don't think they have enough coasters to make up for the 2.5 hour drive. Or...enough coasters that I enjoy. I'm hoping Cedar Fair will change that.