Giant Dipper Wooden Roller Coaster POV Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

One of the last great 1920s classic boardwalk wooden roller coasters! The Santa Cruz Giant Dipper is AWESOME! Filmed & Edited by Robb Alvey - www.themeparkreview.com

[@logansor0413]

Its always great to see people enjoy the ride. I'm from Santa Cruz and i work at the Boardwalk and this roller coaster is considered a historical landmark!!

[@jukingeo]

Considered?!? It IS a historical landmark. I have yet to ride this beauty of a coaster, but intend to.

[@andkelly_5625]

thanks for putting a smile on everyones face

[@IndyCoasterCreator]

I was about to get on it like 4 years ago but my dad said I couldn't cause it was A wooden coaster. The one at my home park is really painful so I couldn't get on this

[@dasho2001]

i live in santa cruz too

[@r0bt93]

Can you open it for us when we're in the area on a weekday? :D Sucks that it'll be closed when we're nearby, looks like an amazing ride!

[@KeltasNTB]

To think this ride is 90 years old! It looks to be in great shape still. I hope to ride it one day :)

[@danielrodriguez5867]

I know right it's still in good shape like I mean it's the fifth oldest wooden coaster in the US and I LOVE IT

[@cringycookie1247]

I couldn’t breathe on the second drop! I went there just yesterday and it was super scary. Never going to ride again!

[@wusim5517]

@@cringycookie1247 same that ride is just too much for me

[@planetsimply54]

Jack Rabbit at Sunbreeze and Kennywood are both 99, the oldest coaster is 116

[@damnbruh2017]

I’ve ridden it like 100 times

[@coasterrebel9956]

Love that train whistle right before the train leaves the station

[@TommyBowerscoasters]

Ahhhh y'all go easy on this old coaster. It is a moderate to high-end thrill, but it is tame enough for the family. appropriate for the whole family (over 10!). Knowing the history of this ride and the perils it survived makes a true coaster enthusiast appreciate this once-classic woody and it's restoration. I actually enjoyed the ride very much.

[@hwalnut7202]

Pacific Fun Same

[@powersaveairlines6019]

Rev. Tommy J Bowers only moderate thrill! I thought it would have been high

[@papa_panzer9353]

Powersave Airlines it doesn't have that many features and it kind of loses its speed but still a good ride since this was my first rollercoaster

[@TommyBowerscoasters]

Powersave Airlines It has more braking than it probably did originally, and (I can’t think of the manufacturer☺️) but I don’t care for the trains.

[@Doggeslife]

I think it also appeared in "The Lost Boys", which was filmed in Santa Cruz (Called "Santa Carla" in the movie).

[@TheTransatlanticExchange]

Absolutely love this ride! Just went on it twice during my visit this month to California and used to ride it often while living there as a kid. For a coaster nearly 100 years old and with very simple technology, it packs quite a wallop - moreso than many of the new steel coasters today that are designed for speed and a rather smooth ride. I think the genius with the Giant Dipper that makes it stand out, especially given its age, is the fact is has both a tunnel and a drop at the very start, which most coasters don't. The banked turn after the first drop and the sharp descending turn after the emergency break run also set it apart. The last three dips at the end, when most coasters tend to peter out. give it a solid finale. It's not the biggest, tallest or fastest, but for a coaster built without computer technology or high-tech equipment way back in 1924, this is one of the very best! Thanks for sharing!

[@dennischiapello7243]

I'd also mention there's lots of air-time, and you get a nice kick back into the station, leaving everyone screaming and hollering. No boring straight-aways or brake-runs here; every foot of track is used for thrills.

[@vscx111]

Bruce B Chin ii

[@andkelly_5625]

this ride is made to wake you up in the best way possible or as a fantastic ending to your day. Gaurenteed to put a smile on anyones face.

[@whalebrigade]

Love your take on this classic ride Bruce. Many people give old Arrow loopers a bad reputation for having jerky transitions and rough track, but they forget that before all the amazingly smooth computer designed coasters of today the pieces of track were hand welded and bent by highly skilled craftsmen that put a lot of thought into what they were doing. The Giant Dipper is one of my favorite coasters and is the one I grew up riding as a kid and after riding many more roller coasters in my life this one still stands out to me. This ride along with the Looff Carousel are both absolute classics and I hope they continue to provide immense enjoyment for 100 more years at least.

[@bartonpercival2147]

@@whalebrigade I’ve ridden this coaster over a couple hundred times in my life. Brothers Charles and Arthur Looff built this coaster and the historic carousel along with the original Big Dipper And Looff merry go round that use to operate at Playland at the Beach in San Francisco from 1923-1972

[@anthonylong9067]

I dont always ride roller coasters, but when i do, i ride this one.

[@Khrisstieg]

Anthony Long is it fast fast !? 🎢😖😣

[@robfassi3297]

CHRISSY .G 55 mph

[@joesyauh]

I went yesterday

[@andkelly_5625]

you speak the truth

[@bk4tkf542]

This was my first roller coaster ride in 2016 I cried but when I came back 2019 I had fun😀

[@Graphite42]

This coaster was the first real coaster I went alone on as a kid. Was in the early 80's. Its what made me fall in love with roller coasters. The Giant Dipper will always hold a special place in my heart.

[@adamcaspe5139]

'Twas the first coaster I went on. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was yesterday.

[@Rysanekfan]

This is a classic coaster and can't, in fairness, be compared to contemporary ones. It's has great momentum, fun twists and its initial plunge into a dark tunnel always makes me laugh. I am biased, though, for my family and I would go to Santa Cruz when I was little and I was obsessed with this particular ride though I was too young to ride it. Didn't matter as I would look at it and endlessly draw it. I loved its shape. Years later I got to ride it and it was worth the wait. Just yesterday, I rode it a couple of times and I felt as if I was ten; I'm almost sixty-four!

[@maleahmcdonald5946]

theres always that one person who is in the background saying "Weeeeeeeeeee"

[@bobsquires4521]

can turn it down or off, need be. lol

[@jukingeo]

That guy always does that almost on EVERY coaster review. While I like Theme Park Review's coaster reviews, the problem is hearing that "Weeeeeeeee" all the time. Sadly, because of that, I mostly switched to Coaster Force reviews as they don't say anything on the ride. I can understand the occasional "Woahhhhh" or "Ahhhhh!" But everytime....."Weeeeeeee!" It just got on my nerves after a while. Thankfully he only did it once in this video.

[@harempriestess]

I love that "weee!" And I'm pretty sure it's the guy filming. It's the same one across numerous videos.

[@avery2554]

LOL YEAH

[@MrJest2]

First coaster I ever rode, and still a favorite. And I'm nearly 50 years old. :-)

[@DaveMorrowMusic]

The first roller coaster i ever went on with my dad :)

[@jessicapreston9808]

Me too!!!!!!!! Such an awesome memory.

[@ForwardSTARXI]

Me too

[@apig3754]

Same but with my brother

[@mjd4287]

Same

[@avery2554]

Same this was my 2st

[@qweet3796]

Love the Classic Wooden Coasters. They are a big thrill to ride just some dips and turns, not trying to defy gravity or take you upside down LOVE IT!!!

[@IKFKSwitch]

It doesn't break any records, but the Giant Dipper is still loads of fun, right down to the queue (right under the tracks, so you hear the rumbling and screaming) . Echo what the back seat fans say. Line up for those. You won't have the pants scared off of you, but it has a kick, and appeal.

[@jukingeo]

While it doesn't break records, it is a 'benchmark' coaster. Back in the golden era of coasters, Prior and Church designed coasters were those that other coaster designers tried to measure up to. Some succeeding, but most not. Even the world famous Coney Island Cyclone's layout was somewhat copied from the Giant Dipper's layout. What is cool about the Giant Dipper's layout is that it is a double out and back design, but with curving outbound and return runs. So it provides the best of a traditional out and back coaster with that of a twister style coaster. (The Cyclone is a twister). Church made really good use of the small space on the boardwalk here and managed to cram a lot of coaster into a small space. It is amazing that with constant upkeep and maintenance at how good this ride looks, and from what I hear, how it runs. When it comes to coasters, this one is definitely a benchmark which others are measured by and it is also a work of art with it's beautiful curving fan turns.

[@majorinfominer]

BOY! Watching this I was overwhelmed by fond memories of countless weekends as a kid spent there. And in the 60's and 70's, the Giant Dipper was the main attraction and was the most thrilling coaster around.

[@diepyman]

Even the screams bring me back! We would frequently go to Santa Cruz Beach and Seabright Beach nearby and the frequency of screams on the dips is very unique. You can hear them walking the boardwalk and even while playing the in the waves.

[@richardmspierto]

This is my all time favorite roller coaster. There is nothing extreme about it; it's just plain fun. I get off grinning from ear to ear. 😁

[@yofrankhere20]

This is my favorite ride. I really liked how the end of the ride, the people that are waiting to ride the ride, holds their hand out and you hi-five them until the ride is over.

[@deeSK8er]

The Big Dipper was always my favorite ! As a Kid and as an Adult. I grew up in Santa Cruz and the Bay Area. As an adult we would go out to dinner @ The Chart House, Manuel’s, ( mex. food ) Little Tampico’s (mex . food ) don’t know if they are still there, Then go ride The Big Dipper before we went home. I miss Santa Cruz, thanks for the great memories ! I left Santa Cruz 18 years ago and moved to Hawaii. My High School friends still live in the Santa Cruz area. After this COVID 19 virus is over, maybe it’s time to go Home for a visit. Go to dinner then Ride The Big Dipper again as usual !!!!!!! Aloha , 6/2020 COVID 19 Virus days .... Be Safe ! 🎢🎢🎢😊😷😷

[@toodie535]

Manuel's in Aptos is still there--still good!

[@bartonpercival3216]

You mentioned little Tampico's for Mexican food. Was that the small Mexican restaurant on the main street in front of the boardwalk just up the street from the merry go round building? I remember eating at the restaurant right across the street from the Looff merry go round in the 70's. It was a hole in the wall but the food was great!!!! 👍

[@marjiechauvaux5306]

This is the roller coaster that started it all for me! I've had a lifelong love and have been to several throughout it.

[@greenbrown7776]

I love how the coaster weaves in and out of its own infrastructure so much!

[@groovygrooves3]

My favorite roller coaster! It never gets old

[@echoeurope]

This ride is just amazing. The POV doesnt give it justice. Re-rode the ride today in thr back. Better than i ever remembered!

[@gtrdave]

I've ridden a lot of coasters across this country, but the Giant Dipper is still one of my favorites and one of the few wooden coasters that I'll still ride.

[@nocilantro_gack]

I went on that when I was 8 years old and it scared the hell outta me..Ive been on it a thousand times since..Its a classic fun wooden coaster..one of the best ever !!!

[@jcbobadilla10]

I loved the Giant Dipper it was awesome.

[@Thrillrider10]

Honestly, this is one of the coolest rides I've ever been on.

[@doakyyy]

This was my first rollercoaster ride ever. :') Amazing memories at this place. Watching the train go into the tunnel I could almost smell the smell. :P

[@tdub6106]

I totally agree with you. There is something about the smell of the grease they use to lubricate the tracks that makes it so nostalgic.

[@dasho2001]

my first too

[@Jonnysins-z5d]

giant dipper will always be the most iconic rides in history!

[@Isabel-ml4pd]

The back seats the best

[@arayem5539]

Not always. Once I got spit on in the back seat

[@TommyBowerscoasters]

Wolf_Girl better than 🤮 on...a fear of mine !

[@Doggeslife]

I like the middle, so you start to accelerate as soon as you crest the first (lift) hill. In front, you hang there until at least 50% of the train has crested. In the back, you get whipped over the top, but sometimes you find yourself slowing even before you reach an up-slope track, like at the climb to the second turn. Middle is best!

[@kylierosee]

The back seat on the blue car is great👌🏻😤👏🏻

[@clementine6005]

God this brings back so much nostalgia. I know no one cares but wow, I used to go to Santa Cruz every summer with my family from ages 3-7 for two weeks. The last time I went was with a friends family for a day trip was when I was 10 a few years ago.I love Santa Cruz so much and I hope I can go back there soon. Brings back so many good memories. I’ll always regret getting the chance to be in the very front of this ride the last time I went but I got too scared and forced my friend to let us go in the middle lol.

[@sillysoapy]

this was just pure pain sitting on the edge

[@bellakrueger8040]

Such a fun ride! My brother and I rode it six times in total while visiting the boardwalk!

[@bobsquires4521]

Amazing - A Prior and Church coaster. I'd been on the Cyclone at Revere ('25-'69) four times before it burned and expired. It seemed a lot larger than this but I was really psyched to see the P+C supports here to understand the Cyclone better. The unique tunnel approach to the first climb was one of his stamps. More recently on the Yankee Cannonball at Salem NH, half of it sports fresh new wooden supports and they've smoothed it out - no more jerky neck abuse to the riders. It was a marked improvement - hopefully they'll get the neck break out of this one too at some point. These are treasures which should be protected like the endangered species they really are!

[@deeSK8er]

Best ever, thanks for the memories and ride

[@naiab]

I went out this ride it was super fun and really good for being 100 years old! It’s overall really fun for people who are scared of roller coasters. I am super scared of roller coasters and I actually enjoyed it!

[@tiftiff5452]

Thank you! I've always earned to go on it but I'm so scared of roller coasters!

[@MayumiP2288]

The ride was an absolute blast! It was filled with thrilling twists and turns, and the finale was solid!

[@denizatayolu]

It was a good ride but the turns really hurt :/

[@RubLox_Live]

this ride needs to be fixed a little bit with lubrication

[@vinny7543]

It really doesn't hurt at all

[@willieharrisjrisgay605]

it does hurt for some people like when I go down big hills on roller coasters it hurts my stomach

[@SixOThree]

I felt beat up after riding this.

[@thecowgoesmoo2285]

yep

[@cleawox]

Beautifully designed. Love this ride.

[@elliemorris8752]

I went on this ride 7 times in one day

[@juman1038]

Ur cool

[@monimoo88]

Ellie Morris lol I did too and ended up throwing up after the 7th time 😂😂😂

[@judeannlapena6339]

I went on this ride 5 times in one day XD

[@noneofyourbusiness7626]

the most ive gone on in one diay is 4. The line is too longgggg

[@michaeleden1228]

17 in 45 minutes

[@kristashafer93098]

Cool video of an AWESOME coaster!

[@Shadows987AJ]

when ever it drops and turns, the turn is harsh and hurts my arm but this is the best ride there! its always a traffic jam when i go there! :)

[@stevejoyce3151]

I used to ride this all the time in middle 60's. At one time it was ranked as one of the scariest..but then the advent of all the steel coasters

[@khalilnash2751]

Just rode this last weekend. Pretty fun coaster in my opinion

[@mossshady847]

I can hardly wait for the Boardwalk to be open again. I wanna ride this thing again when I'm 100 years old!

[@themeparkreview]

We shot this video about two months ago.

[@marshmom2001]

I LOVE this ride! It was my very first coaster.

[@OhNoNotAgain42]

Scariest coaster ever! It shakes and rattles so much that you wonder if it’s actually going to collapse.

[@toodie535]

the shaking, rattling and clanking MAKE this coaster tons of fun--and it looks much scarier going up to the top than it appears to in THIS footage. The whole family (those tall enough) can enjoy this one. I would repeat but you have to get at the end of the line; so instead head down to the merry-go-round get on an outside horse, grab a brass ring, and see if you can ring the big bell with a toss! The calliope music alone is worth the price of the ride!

[@macias7125]

Happy 100th Giant Dipper 💯 🎉

[@ermandochavez4206]

This was my first roller coaster and I made my mom ride it with me 5 times in a row.

[@barbaragarrett1744]

Watching the video, my body remembers the airtime and getting thrown around on the turns and feel of when the breaks grab at the end as you ride back into the station smiling. Will always be a favorite, regardless of anything.

[@AngelJimenez-zt1wx]

I'm going there for the 4th of July and I'm staying at Santa Cruz for 3 days so IMA ride is like 100 times lol hope I have fun

[@tylerbrown4866]

Angel Jimenez how was it

[@acampbell8957]

0:37 DAYLIGHT!!!!

[@lovethosebudgies]

This coaster is the max I can handle. Perfect for me and I really enjoy it. Go on it every time we're going by Santa Cruz when my daughter and I travel.

[@jondunham174]

it almost resembles the rollerocaster on Rollercoaster Tycoon at Bumbly Beach

[@Marchant2]

That's actually one of the better ones I've seen on this channel.

[@bgee006]

That looks kinda scary! For me.

[@alcd6333]

One of the all-time great roller coasters at the last remaining ocean side amusement park in the US.

[@bartonpercival2147]

On the West Coast of the USA. Coney Island is a seaside amusement park older than Santa Cruz and it’s still in operation

[@alcd6333]

@@bartonpercival2147 Thanks for the correction; yes, I meant the West Coast. Coney Island has been around longer and is still operating.

[@bartonpercival2147]

@@alcd6333 No problem. I enjoyed your video, brought back lots of memories of spending time there. I’m a Northern CA native, and spent lots of time at SC Boardwalk, along with Playland at the Beach in San Francisco when it operated before its demolition in 1972

[@alexcoimbra]

Muito legal!

[@jannette8099]

One of the neatest rollercoasters... Santa Cruz is one if my favorite beaches. Born in Arizona, i always had a soft spot for Santa Cruz. Lived there for about 3 years, then returned to Az to be with family. Cheers!

[@MestizoFilipino]

I think this coaster might've been in a movie once. I can't remember what it was called, but the coaster was in the opening scene of it.

[@Willbs21]

The Lost Boys perhaps?

[@Willbs21]

Well yes but I was just stating the one off the top of my head haha. Sudden Impact too.

[@lindabalinda7887]

Yeah they have a list of movies it was in

[@josephhicks1200]

David Michel It was featured prominently in the film "The Sting 2" with Jackie Gleason. I think it was standing in for the Coney Island Cyclone. When I rode this back in 1983 they had photos on the walls of scenes from this movie and how it was supposed to be the Cyclone in the film.

[@lucyb4579]

Lost boys is a great film 👍🏻

[@theinsectoid7536]

I love the bell as you go into the darkness because it makes it feel more vintage

[@lukasiaklover4280]

i rode this ride in second grade and im in 8th grade now and im going this summer! im excited yet scared :D

[@bryanGarcia-qz7ki]

Same here pretty scary right😜

[@lukasiaklover4280]

yup cant wait to back XD

[@TwinTailedGamerfox]

I could've gone if I stayed in ca longer

[@maria-se3nt]

U would have fallen off*

[@emmav1156]

haha have fun going into your senior year

[@ItsaHutchy]

Awwww. I really want to go on a roller coaster now!

[@blerp52]

I realized what I was getting into when I was on the first drop Oh, Jesus won’t spare your life on that thing

[@09nicky]

Love this ride! Really thrilling yet a perfect coaster for everyone!

[@v.o9215]

It looks small in this video but in real life Its a bit big and I know cuz im in santa cruz beach boardwalk rn 😂

[@mr.jamster8414]

yeah, it looks big in the lost boys.

[@TheRealBrook1968]

In 1988, my friend, Joanie, and I got to sit in the very front and go time after time for a dozen times in a row because it was Christmas break, the boardwalk was open, but we were the only ones there. Great memory!

[@BAKU2K2]

TheRealBrook1968, Did you ever ride it when the original trains where still on? Because from what I know, the trains the ride uses today were added in 1988.

[@SAD-rp3tn]

I've always wanted to go on it but I'm to scared😶😂

[@lilac2316]

i cried on it lmao, i felt so nauseous, then again it was my first rollercoaster

[@djwiggles9579]

does this remind anyone of Coney Island's Cyclone?

[@gamecheater8033]

DJ Waggles me

[@pooryorick831]

This will always be my favorite roller coaster. I first rode it in 1974 when it was 50 years old. Next year will be 100. I hope I get to ride it again someday. The first 500 times weren't enough.

[@Rainy._.Cactus]

Anyone in 2024? 👇(not forcing/begging)

[@aggiesjc]

My favorite roller coaster of all! Classic old gem!

[@JeffersonMapping1776]

Only thing fun about living in SC. The rest of the city or no county is horse shit.

[@JeffersonMapping1776]

i bet you haven't even been to Santa Cruz.

[@JeffersonMapping1776]

Honestly you got no idea where I've been and who I know,.Hell, I could have been your neighbor kid.

[@rowan4918]

Duude Santa Cruz is the best. I've lived here all my life.

[@JeffersonMapping1776]

Your comment just shows the failed educational system in the LOSD.

[@rowan4918]

+JeffersonMapping 1776 I don't even go there but ok. Perfect grammar is needed online, right? It's a waste of time.

[@raymondmeyers8983]

This was the very first roller coaster I ever road. Classic.

[@mandyzimmer1052]

Watcher from PA. The tunnel at the beginning brought back old Conneaut Lake Park vibes. Where my old Blue Streak fans at?

[@shelleypineo-jensen6690]

I must have ridden this roller coaster 50 times. I used to live up the street from it, back in the day. The view from the top is spectacular and the ride is smooth. The whole boardwalk is delightful. Try the deep fried artichoke hearts and/or zucchini if they still have them.

[@Raven1015]

I can't get over how smooth this looks for a woody. Given it's age you would think that you might get beaten up a bit but not at all. Good thing I'll be moving to California next year! I'll have to take a ride! :D

[@robertdowler3347]

It was always a blast in the past.

[@Charlie_Allen5253]

Standing up on the drop is fire

[@brettharrison9972]

Rode this coaster this summer -- so much more fun than modern coasters. It felt like there was a real sense of danger.

[@crescentmo0ns]

As someone who’s scared sh*tless of coasters, I enjoyed this one so much I went on it more than one time! I even went on undertow the other big coaster, you don’t feel the drops, and if you’re scared don’t be because you’ll be fine

[@pajarowalking]

Such a good vid, feels just like the real thing.

[@jojovaldez2766]

I miss my Boardwalk days One of these days I ll go back over there when I can. I LIVE FOR THIS RIDE😀😀😀😀😀

[@electriceyeslide5959]

Great ride. I’ve ridden it. It’s a bit rough but nothing terrible and it’s really really fun. Highly recommended.

[@jessicapreston9808]

Ahh yes :) The first coaster I ever rode and the reason I am so obsessed with them to this day! The dark tunnel at the beginning is and always will be my favorite part :)

[@Timsonicboom88]

I went to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk today. I rode Giant Dipper twice without getting off. They were so nice to do that. I sat in the front car with my brother in law.

[@cynthiacler9284]

This is a smooth wooden coaster. I really like this ride.

[@dopeterminator9174]

I went on a Sunday and went on this ride 50 times in the front row................ Man I love this ride

[@foocheech]

My favorite seaside amusement park!

[@johnnatale-le1uo]

A wonderful coaster ride with a long tunnel lead in before reaching the lift hill!

[@fleebin2794]

My Grandma was riding this when she was young, back in the 20’s. There was a train that went from the Santa Clara valley right to the boardwalk. Her old pictures showed the beach covered with people and umbrellas. More than today. Then, they decided to take out the railroad because “it’s no longer needed thanks to highway 17.” That was a bad decision!!

[@TwinTailedGamerfox]

This is possibly the best boardwalk coaster ever

[@74AC240PC]

Recently, the Boardwalk was voted the best seaside amusement park in the world. As it should be. :D

[@TwinTailedGamerfox]

I know :P

[@NatertotGD-v1j]

I love how you can see the train slowing down so that the ride operators can confiscate the camera then it cutting to a new shot. You are a very persistent pickle

[@xaktah2]

This was my first somewhat major roller coaster. And let me tell you, it changed my life and is what got me into coasters in the first place.

[@paytonsosa4583]

The people are lucky who can ride this with their hands up. When I rode this for the first time, when I put up my hands, I almost flew out of the cart!

[@andkelly_5625]

The amount of nestolgia this ride brings me is amazing. I go here almost every summer since i was 4.

[@mossshady847]

See you there for the 100th birthday!! May 17, 2024

[@andkelly_5625]

@@mossshady847 I posted this 10 months ago but okay 👍

[@MoriahWalter]

The best of the best!! I have ridden it a hundred or more times!!

[@ninja_spectre1747]

Soo many damn good Memories here in Santa Cruz😊🤘

[@stephenn77]

The back is very bangy! Holy cow! It’s a classic though.

[@Senor0Droolcup]

From a Santa Cruz local, thank you for showcasing our Giant Dipper....