So not long back from the park.
Steady 30 min drive and I was at the park, having to line up for my season pass but me behind the crowds so by the time I git through the gates Wicker Man was running a 70 min wait.
Not an issue as everything else (that was open) was 20mins at the most. So I hit up Smiler, I covered construction of this ride obsessively. Seeing it built from ground up gave me a kind of special connection, it was like seeing an old friend that hadn't aged very well and I couldn't help but remember that fateful day whilst in the queue and again as I rode over the batwing element.
Smiler rides well apart from a couple of rough spots which existed since day one, it was nice catching up with my old buddy but it was a shame seeing her covered in moss, rust and graffiti all she needs a little love and care!
By this time it was 11am and the rest of the parks rides were now open, I hit up Oblivion and Rita in next to no time, whilst Nemesis was pretty much a walk on too. After all these years Nemesis is still one of the worlds great coasters. I didn't bother with galactic as it was at a 70 min wait, meh.
Since the rest of the park had opened Wicker mans line had dropped to 30 mins, now was the time. Unlike Smiler I didn't know too much about the ride, not exactly spoiler free but I hadnt gone out of my way to research it.
The queue is long with a lot of switch backs, you do get some good views of the coaster from the line but the rest of it just plain wood fence which still had builders merchant markings on it. Luckily the line was short today but on a busier day this line will seem like forever.
Once you get nearer the station you can hear the clank of the lift chain coupled with the hypnotic theme music your excitement level for your upcoming ride begins to build. You enter a wooden show room that is adorned with wicker work and other theming elements, the lights flicker and the typical AT towers (been lying dormant for 100s of years etc etc) Pre show video kicks in on a fluttering sheet, lights and a kick ass bass system complete the pre show before the lights go out and.............No spoilers here :grin:
Pre show over and the automatic doors open up to lead you into a well themed station, the trains seat 22 and I was sat in row 4. shoulder restraints checked, checked and checked again and we were off, as soon as the train comes out of the station and round the first downward bend you know its going to be s decent ride, it picks up pace in no time at all and before I had hit the lift hill I had a big grin on my face. The traditional clank of the chain going up the hill the smell of new wood builds the anticipation as you come over the precipice and gravity takes control. The ride is fast and throws you around a little. It is smooth but like any good coaster you have to ride the track to get the most out of it.
Decent speed and some great banks turns had me grinning all the way round. Two passes through rides Wicker Man Icon and some decent show elements also add to the overall ride.
This is the woodie that AT have threatened for many years, it isn't the cross valley woodie I had always hoped for but it is a great woodie none the less. It offers enough thrill for the older guests whilst not being too fierce for the smaller riders. It has decent theming and gives a ride that is pure fun. A winner for me and I am already looking forward to a return trip to ride again