Shambhala Review, PortAventura Signature Attraction | Best B&M Hyper Coaster

[@StamfordBridge]

Not a fan of the park’s operations, to put it mildly, but Shambhala is not only the greatest B&M hyper BY FAR, but it’s also one of the greatest coasters in the world. Sheer joy.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Was it an issue with the number of Express pass users and trains in use? I've found the crew can dispatch the trains quickly.

[@musicjoe1224]

@@CanobieCoaster Yeah they let way too mant express pass in but thats been a problem for many years now. When it comes to dispatch times its pretty much hit and miss depending on the day.

[@YesImAYoshiFan]

I am PROUD of having this and Gotham City Escape as the signature roller coasters of Spain. When I first went on this... I... It was a BLAST. My favorite roller coaster in my country, even over Gotham and Uncharted.

[@CanobieCoaster]

An epic top 2.

[@JohnDoe-hx9vm]

This looks absolutely magnificent. I'm generally not a fan of hypers, but Shambhala looks like it's top-tier.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It is.

[@dingo137]

Yep, I'd agree with all of that. Best ride in PortAventura by far. Floater airtime is underrated by many enthusiasts - not everything has to be pummelling intensity all the time.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I love it!

[@RobertoCighetti]

When I visited the park back in summer 2020, during the pandemic, I didn't know what to expect exactly. Shambala was the first coaster I rode that day, and I came down quite shocked by how intense and thrilling it was! Also, it was my firs hyper coaster experience. I'm glad to know that I started with the best hyper coaster in the world! It was simply amazing, I enjoyed riding it multiple times during the day. Very nice review, loved it!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Glad you loved it!

[@attractionshubno1]

I first rode this in 2019 and I know a lot of enthusiasts say that you should never judge a ride after the first ride but it blew me away. That’s why it became my no1 rollercoaster 🎢. Shambhala is an airtime machine

[@CanobieCoaster]

Sure is.

[@attractionshubno1]

@@CanobieCoaster yep 👍🏻

[@oof3597]

Ridden 28 rollercoasters and this one was my favourite, 2 rides and it was absolutely spectacular.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@Joemama..]

This is the only B&M hyper I havent ridden, I am so excited to ride it next summer

[@CanobieCoaster]

Enjoy!

[@timahtoo]

Thanks for the detailed ( as always) description of my number 2 Rollercoaster, When I rode it all I had was a baggy t-shirt that I couldn't tuck in ,everytime I rode it the t-shirt was floating up over my face ,a total feeling of floaty joy

[@CanobieCoaster]

You're welcome.

[@ThemeParkLuke]

This is the best coaster I have ever ridden! Excellent review, you nailed every aspect perfectly!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@turnfan98]

amazing review as always! the quality-quantity ratio of your channel is matched by few on youtube! Keep it up! One thing to note, you are the first person I ever heard complementing shambala's crew. Generally people tend to bash the operations on this ride, 5 - 7 minutes is very common apparently.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I haven't had that issue. The only things I've seen happen are too many Express pass users or one train.

[@alexlents4689]

One of my biggest bucket list coasters! It looks like a masterpiece!

[@CanobieCoaster]

It is.

[@RemixedVoice]

Spain is my favorite country in Europe! PortAdventura is so fun. I can never decide whether this or Mako is my favorite B&M hyper. If they had a Nitro-style helix, they would be 10/10s

[@CanobieCoaster]

I take this over the US B&M hypers easily.

[@CancelHappiness]

I've got Mako as 1. This is a VERY close second though

[@HugeRMCFanBoY-bx3od]

@CancelHappiness I Thought I Was The Biggest Mako Fan

[@JB-fd8jy]

A great review 5:45 during my visit the single rider line always switched between being a walk on and having a 20 minute waiting time.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@StamfordBridge]

Yeah, the single rider line for this was amazing for me.

[@rct800]

Also, such a massive shame that the B&M hyper in chinas hot go dreamworld still stands there abandoned, that has the same turnaround and looks absolutely insane as well!

[@RemixedVoice]

Couldn't agree more

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

Yeah it’s sad

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's a shame.

[@MattMcIrvin]

This is an amazingly good coaster. To date it's the *only* B&M hyper I've ridden so I can't say whether it's the best one. But it is a beautiful and thrilling ride. The closest ride I've actually ridden to which I can compare this is the Intamin hyper Superman: The Ride at SFNE. These days, most enthusiasts would probably rank Shambhala far higher than Superman because of its superior trains, restraints and general presentation. All that's true, but I do think the stronger forces and greater variety in Superman's layout might still bump it higher for me. I have a hard time deciding. It hardly matters--these should both be bucket-list rides for any enthusiast.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer Superman for the reasons you mention.

[@MattMcIrvin]

@@CanobieCoaster Shambhala begins amazingly well but kind of peters out at the end after the midcourse brake run, whereas Superman has a strong, complicated finale.

[@dannyj.246]

My No1 I really need to get back to ride this soon . Drinking yards of beers in April and going on this with a express pass absolute dream ☺️

[@CanobieCoaster]

It never disappoints.

[@motrydooto1698]

Thanks for making this review, i really wanted to learn more about the park but couldnt find anything on youtube

[@CanobieCoaster]

You're welcome.

[@ssuuss539]

I love floater air

[@CanobieCoaster]

Me too.

[@aaronblashyrkh7655]

A tip about the test seat. It's the old test seat. It's more restrictive. Don't trust the test seat.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yeah we realized that. It seems to be one notch more restrictive than the actual train.

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

I wish we had more B&M Hypers with that Figure 8 Turn

[@CanobieCoaster]

Me too.

[@mateoalvira3514]

What do you think about Orion at Kings Island, Diamondback at Kings Island, Apollo's Chariot at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Shambhala at Port Aventura, Behemoth at Canada's Wonderland and Intimidator at Carowinds?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Like all those rides. Shambhala is especially great.

[@mateoalvira7826]

Which restraints do Shambhala use? Do you like, love or not like them? Are them for you comfortable or uncomfortable?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Love the clamshell restraints it uses.

[@youkonstriker]

Shambala looks awsome tbh

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's spectacular.

[@ethanG96]

Rode Shambhala for the first time in April. After finding Silver Star a bit rough and underwhelming, I expected the same, but damn. We spent three days at PA and marathoned Shambhala on the final day, I think we managed 9 laps in a row with the highest tier express pass. I agree about the stomach drop sensation but only on the first drop for me sadly. However I get this feeling on most straight first drops.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I rarely get that sensation on coasters. I get it on forceful drop towers though.

[@mateoalvira3514]

Would you like or would you love to go again to PortAventura?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I would love to.

[@jtwoolley]

best hyper ever!

[@CanobieCoaster]

From B&M.

[@MicrowavedBurrito1]

The B&M Hypers I have ridden are this and diamondback. Between the two, i prefer diamondback because the airtime just seems a lot more aggressive

[@CanobieCoaster]

The first 3 drops on Diamondback are great but Shambhala delivers more start to finish.

[@MicrowavedBurrito1]

@@CanobieCoaster i did ride in the middle early in the morning so I may have just gotten a bad ride

[@CleydoMC]

Hi Canobie Coaster! Great Vid! Will you do a review when the new ride is opened in Port Aventura? It is called uncharted.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It may be a few years until I'm back there.

[@mateoalvira3514]

Do you like or love the smoothness on Shambhala?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Love it.

[@mateoalvira3514]

Your favorite coaster: Your second favorite coaster: Your third favorite coaster: Your sixth favorite coaster: Your eighth favorite coaster: Your eleventh favorite coaster: Your fifteenth favorite coaster: Your least favorite coaster:

[@CanobieCoaster]

Worst is Coaster Express. I have a top 50 video with the full ranks of the others.

[@mateoalvira3514]

Would you like to go to PortAventura in summer or months?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer when it's cooler, but I'd go anytime.

[@ThemeParksAndAttractions]

Nice review 👌

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@ChillaxeMake]

I gray out on the exit of the figure eight rather than the entry. Also, on my first ride, I grayed out in the tunnel and regained my vision when the floater airtime hit.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Those are some nice spots of positive Gs.

[@mateoalvira3514]

This is your 25th favorite coaster?

[@CanobieCoaster]

See my top 50 list for the most accurate placement.

[@mateoalvira3514]

What do you think about the smoothness or the roughness of: Shambhala at Port Aventura Dragon Khan at Port Aventura Furius Baco at Port Aventura El Diablo at Port Aventura Tomahawk at Port Aventura Stampida at Port Aventura Stunt Fall at Parque Warner Madrid Batman: Arkham Asylum at Parque Warner Madrid Superman: la Atracción de Acero at Parque Warner Madrid Coaster Express at Parque Warner Madrid Abismo at Parque de Atracciones de Madrid Tornado at Parque de Atracciones de Madrid Muntanya Russa at Tibidabo

[@CanobieCoaster]

Coaster Express is brutal. Stunt Fall has some headbanging. Stampida and Furius Baco have shuffling. El Diablo has awkward transitions. The others are smooth.

[@clairefunnell8481]

Same seating plan as Behemoth. This ride looks great. Pretty neat ride.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I much prefer it to Behemoth though.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I much prefer it to Behemoth though.

[@GarryWilliams555]

It's my number 5 coaster in Europe

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@mcbekon9019]

Is this first drop really so steep? It doesn't seem that steep on the photos or onride videos, but it may be perspective. I'm asking because i'll be there next month, and i don't like steep or vertical drops (i don't have a huge experience though, only Zadra and Hyperion, but i didn't like this feeling too much). But i'm still thinking about riding this one.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Zadra and Hyperion have ejector airtime on their big drops. This one has floater airtime, so it feels more like you're floating rather than being yanked upwards.

[@leanen6424]

I've ridden this countless times and it is one of the greatest coasters with one of the greatest settings that exists. Three things I am not a fan of though. The turnaround looks nice, rides nicely as well, but I am missing some change in direction in the whole ride. Some sort of s-bend entrance into the turnaround to shake things up a little. For me it is a helix that is not delivering on positive Gs like Nitro. One thing the often crititized Silver Star is actually better at with the more conservative turnaround and the zig-zag finale. (one other small thing is that you don't get one of those ejector drops off of the MCBR or the helix like Silver Star). The other thing is the MCBR itself or the placement of it. The ride has a terrible finale, it is as it starts off incredibly strong and after the last hill before the Mid-Course it just meanders into the break run. Manta sort of has the same problem but at least the curve after the break run there is it's signature element. Lastly I simply don't understand how this ride can be so unaccomendating to larger guests. I really understand that with unhealthy body dimensions you will have problems on rollercoasters, but with being 6'5'' and a little bit larger around the legs this ride was always a tight fit. Again, Europapark while having the overall inferior ride managed to even offer a row of slightly modified lap bars for a better fit. PortAventura will unfortunately never be truly elite with those operations.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Shambhala unfortunately has the lap bars that need one more click than other B&Ms. That can make it a challenge. Candymonium has the same thing. I don't mind where the mcbr is since everything before it is spectacular

[@leanen6424]

@@CanobieCoaster do you know by any chance why they both opted to do this?

[@mateoalvira3514]

Is there rattle?

[@CanobieCoaster]

No

[@Whatismyname146]

My number 2 coaster in Europe after Hyperion

[@CanobieCoaster]

Both are excellent, but I prefer Shambhala.

[@adriacerezobertran8507]

We are all wainting for your Port Aventura rides countdown!!! Top 15 or Top 20?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Probably next week.

[@coasterfootage]

i have a question that i really want you to answer, i never get flotsr airtime, do you know why?😊

[@CanobieCoaster]

On this ride you should get a ton of floater airtime.

[@stearrow_3245]

Had about 12 rides on this back in 2018. It's a different ride experience than Mako (which it's often compared to), I would describe Shambahla as being noticeably more intense. Mako does have better sustained floater though. I preferred Shambahla, I can understand why people like Mako more.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree Shambhala is more intense.

[@mateoalvira7826]

What do you think about the front, middle, and back rows on Shambhala?

[@CanobieCoaster]

All have great airtime, but I like the back best.

[@mateoalvira7826]

What do you think about the front, middle and back rows of the ride?

[@CanobieCoaster]

All rows have airtime. The drops were better in back.

[@mateoalvira3514]

What do you think about Shambhala, a smooth ride? What do you think about Dragon Khan, a rough ride?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Both smooth.

[@jordif7310]

@@CanobieCoaster Dragon Khan smooth? It's a guaranteed headache each time for me hahahha

[@Aerolandaircraft]

Honestly, I was a little disappointed by Shambhala. I was expecting that stomach dropping feeling you’d get on DC Rivals backwards, but I got none. There were some good moments, like the drop and ejector airtime hill, but overall this coaster didn’t do a whole lot. During my visit I also rode Dragon Khan, Furius Baco and Red Force and this may be my least favourite out of those.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I get that stomach drop on a few hills due to their size.

[@freundlichermensch7540]

I would argue, that Red force is the better coaster in those parks. To be fair, i had just one ride on Shambhala, in the last row, with best weather condition and it was a great ride, but feeling the trim breaks is a bummer, when you prefer ejector airtime over floated airtime. I can see why people like it. When i was at the park this year, i was praised enough to ride red force in the rain... amazing experience (with 0min queue time) I am sure Shambhala would be a great ride in the rain as well.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The park closed Shambhala in a decent steady rain. They did the same with Dragon Khan.

[@Greddward]

I’ve been in Shambhala over 20 times in all times of the years and all types of weather. I have never felt the trim breaks. You have been extremely unlucky!! I hope your next experience is better!

[@deloron8813]

Shambala might just be the best B&M in Europe. I experienced something similar with larger guests as you did when I was there this summer. Found that to be irritating to say the least.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It was an annoying policy.

[@rct800]

Yeah, I can easily see that this is the best hyper coaster! One question though: Isn't Port Aventura known for its poor operations? Or is this ride an exception?

[@CanobieCoaster]

The issues I've heard with PortAventura are them giving too much priority to Express and having a tendency to run one train. The staff members can load and dispatch the trains they're given very quickly across the park.

[@JannaBanana]

PA has poor operations in general. Some days they get it right and then sometimes they go painfully slow. Plus if it's a windy day, the mechanism won't let them throw the trains until the sensor thinks it's safe (I waited in line for 45 minutes and a train stood there waiting prepared for like 20 lol).

[@maxhagenauer24]

So many peoples favorite B&M Hyper, it is absolutely crazy, the crazy flojector airtime and the massive scale of this thing, it might as well be a giga, more so than Orion lol. The figure 8 is a lot bigger than Irions and I loved Orions. The ended is cool and how the mid corse is at the end of the ride with a couple more hills after it, abd a fake waters splash but honestly, I'm kind if glad it's fake as a real one would slow it down to much and kill the pacing for the ending. Behemoth has about the same amount of hills so I don't know.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I think the airtime is more sustained than Behemoth. And you also have a smoother ride and far better views.

[@abry5951]

I went to PortAventura last month and every major coaster was closed for wind except Furius Baco. I wish to go back soon

[@CanobieCoaster]

Oh no! How windy was it? I was surprised this ran on my last day in upper 20 mph wind gusts.

[@abry5951]

@@CanobieCoaster I think it was in the upper 20s as well the day I went. Even Stampida was closed because of the wind, which seems very weird to me.

[@mateoalvira7826]

Would you like to go again to the front, to the middle, to the back row?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'd ride in any row, but the back is my preference.

[@LKoufax32]

My wife and I went here on our honeymoon and were blown away by this ride. I do disagree with one thing you said - While the first drop is better in the back row, the rest of the ride is better in the front row. The airtime is stronger and more sustained in the front, over the entire camelback, while in the back, you only get it on the way down. We had many rides in both the front and back throughout the day, and to us, it was obvious.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I rode the front and back consecutively. I much preferred the back. But both rows had plenty of airtime.

[@LKoufax32]

@@CanobieCoaster I'm usually a back row guy myself, that's why I was surprised. Maybe it was just that day. Great video, keep the content coming.

[@skyguyismyguyr12turn]

How many B&Ms have you ridden?

[@CanobieCoaster]

All but the China one(s).

[@JannaBanana]

Caution, the test seat is NOT like the real seats: I tried the test seat and it didn't give me the green line even though I'm pretty average compared to some people going on the rides. But then I queued and got into it and it stapled on me no problem. So if you are unsure it will fit you, don't guide yourself by the test seat. I've seen many other people trying it and the green line was far from showing even though they weren't very thick. Just a word of warning because I felt stupid when I tried it then went into the coaster and fit perfectly ahahaha.

[@CanobieCoaster]

We had the same experience. The problem is that some employees won't let you in the queue if you fail the test seat.

[@mateoalvira7826]

Would you like to ride this again? And which row or seats?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I love this ride. Back row is best.

[@bluetomato2184]

God i love this ride

[@CanobieCoaster]

Me too.

[@VelocicoasterFanboy]

Same :)

[@paco1461]

I was there at halloween and I only got 3 rides, Most of the day the queue was full and it was painfull how slow it was because there were many fastpasses but it was worth it :)

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yeah they give extreme priority to Express.

[@ChillaxeMake]

I have never seen the trim hit either. I visited in May.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@mitchel4361]

That top a frame support should be tilted downwards a little bit just like the one below it ...

[@CanobieCoaster]

Sorry?

[@mitchel4361]

@@CanobieCoaster ..the supports...kind of like how the giga coasters supports are not straight up but tilted to hold the first drop better...

[@Joypyf]

What other coasters do you get the stomach dropping sensation on?? 😳

[@CanobieCoaster]

It needs to be a long and sustained drop. Steel Eel and Phantom's Revenge have done it too.

[@Joypyf]

@@CanobieCoaster phantom’s revenge is amazing!!! The night rides I got last summer were epic!! Top 5 and it had previously fallen out of my top 30

[@VelocicoasterFanboy]

Have You Ridden Hurakan Condor?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes, it's incredible.

[@jtwoolley]

what is the best hyper ever for you. manufacturer doiesnt matter

[@CanobieCoaster]

Lightning Rod if you count it.

[@TheCoasterConnorisseur]

It is weird because layout wise, Mako looks like it is quite a bit longer than this, but in reality, this is MUCH longer due to just how HUGE it is.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The size really helps.

[@S1LLY_H0WL_LOV3R]

Shambala Ranks 18 On My Favourite Coasters List, I Thinks It’s A Bit Overrated, But Still My 2nd Favourite B&M Hyper.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Which hyper do you have above it?

[@JJJJ-he8bz]

This just looks like a somewhat upscale Diamondback and mini Orion

[@CanobieCoaster]

Combines both.

[@mitchellries256]

So if this is your favorite B&M hyper then what's your least favorite?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Hollywood Dream. But I need to add the caveat that ride has assigned seating and I got stuck in the middle each time.

[@UwePieper]

Take 2 😀🙈

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yup, that part is being edited out.

[@UwePieper]

@@CanobieCoaster Didn’t know that was possible like this 👍🏻Gotta look more into what‘s possible with uploaded videos. 🤔 And I really need to finish my (German) video on the park. Your footage will help for sure ❤️

[@tomitankengine]

So disappointed I didn't get to ride this. I was there for three days and it was closed the entire time.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Was it recent? I heard it was an issue with the lift motor.

[@tomitankengine]

​@@CanobieCoaster Yeah I got back yesterday. I can't help but feel a bit let-down after the trip, this was the ride I was most looking forward to riding.

[@handledav]

himalaya

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@iamRepublican2]

I get the stomach drop on every roller coaster. Idk why

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's different for everyone.

[@Novhlol]

Shohmbhala

[@CanobieCoaster]

Took me a while to spell it right.

[@mjlocks9475]

i thought this was planet coaster at the start ⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nope!

[@zenthous9568]

Lmao the failed intro

[@CanobieCoaster]

Enjoy it while it lasts. I have an edit waiting haha.

[@BoyRoy18]

hahahahaha heavy rain never slowed us down at Python in the efteling. If the ocean is comming down from the sky, if people wanne ride, they are going to do so XD. When the train returns, everybody is soaked, but nobody cares. A lot of them will return or stay put is there is no one waiting and go for a marathon. Its a different sensation in the heavy rain. I have done it also manytimes. Your already wet, so why dont go crezy.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I know some rides cannot safely operate or function properly in the rain. But I'm pretty sure a B&M can based on what I've seen at Great Adventure.

[@Paolo8772]

Fury is probably the best, B&M coaster in operation but for regular sized B&M hypers I'd say Diamondback and Behemoth have a better layout, longer length and even longer prime ride time with as much sustained airtime on large hills than Shambala has, as well as having the long staggered seating trains. Then again I must admit that of the coasters I mentioned I've only ridden Behemoth. But I'd say that Shambala has the best drop of any coaster by B&M in the back car due to having those long staggered seating trains and a 356' drop reaching a Max. angle of 77 degrees, followed by large floater airtime camelbacks. But I find it surprising to find the post drop (1st) camelback of Shambala to be actually smaller than the drop of the 1st camelback of Diamondback. Furthermore: Diamondback, Behemoth and Intimidator; the other B&M hyper w staggered seating trains are actually longer than Shambala in total track length which adds even more to the prime ride time duration even more than the track length (although Intimidator can get f@#%ed having turnarounds after every major drop and either potential if not actual trims on its biggest camelbacks before the MCBR. Besides: Nitro has the longest Prime Ride time of any B&M). Of the four I've only ridden Behemoth but it's my favourite B&M I've ridden, the other three being Leviathan, Nitro and Raging Bull. But it's the best coaster at Port Adventura imo possibly only beaten in Europe by Hyperion, Karnan, F.L.I. Zadra, Wildfire or Ride to Happiness. Thanks for posting this great review!

[@CanobieCoaster]

It also helps for me having that amazing view start to finish and the fact the mcbr occurs so late in the ride.

[@Joshua___]

Had an absolutely terrible experience with operations when I visited, wouldn’t recommend the park or visit again

[@CanobieCoaster]

Was your issue too many Express passes and/or one train? I've found the crew can check trains fast.

[@Joshua___]

@@CanobieCoaster we had a 90 minutes wait time on Shambhala with one train ops and when i asked the crew to put one more train to the course they answered ˋNo sorry, that way guests wouldnt have to wait that longˋ. Never experienced anything similar anywhere else in the world yet

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

And have you seen the trim kick in on the speed hill in summer?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Not that I remember.

[@CancelHappiness]

I've ridden over 250 coasters and I've never "grayed out". Am I doing something wrong here??

[@CanobieCoaster]

No, you may just have a higher tolerance.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

PortAventura: See Shambhala's first drop and Stampida's first drop. There are trims on the later, but I don't mind. What do you think about the two, Canobie Coaster?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Shambhala's drop is far superior.