Great Bear Review, Hersheypark Bolliger & Mabillard Inverted Coaster | Northeast's Best Invert

Great Bear is one of the most unique Bolliger & Mabillard inverts. This coaster starts with a helix, interacts with several rides, and has an odd setting on a hill. Most interestingly, B&M couldn't build into Spring Creek so this ride has some bizarre supports. These obstacles make Great Bear one of the more interesting inverts out there. Find out why in this review!
Video Credits
Great Bear POV (Hersheypark)- • 2019 Great Bear POV He...
Background Music
Cinematic Action Trailer by Infraction [No Copyright Music] / Skylight- • Cinematic Action Trail...

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

This ride is 24 years old, and it still runs great. It's amazing what B&M was able to do with this ride, given the challenges that Hersheypark gave them. Plus, who doesn't love a good B&M from the 1990s that just provides great pacing and whippy, intense elements?

[@CanobieCoaster]

They take great care of the ride.

[@mhtube01]

Glad to see you reviewing Great Bear. I know some enthusiasts don't like the straight track on this coaster but I really think it has one of the coolest layouts out there. Being able to see everything going on underneath you with other rides along with people walking is so neat. That initial helix is one of my favorite aspects of the ride too as I think it's a great introduction to the ride getting really good. It always gets people screaming. I never tire of watching and listening to Great Bear roar through the Hollow either. It has such a commanding presence and everyone stares at it, even with Skyrush's massive lift hill nearby.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The straight track isn't the highlight, but it does everything else so well.

[@S.J.C._Entertainment]

I like that part since it’s over the river, gives a cool view.

[@robertannable9584]

CAPTAIN CANOBIE, MY MAIN MAN!! This was my first, non-Batman clone invert. Love this great beast. It roars throughout the whole entire park. Was cool to learn why the strange drop shape and support structure placement. Canobie; the science O.G. WOOOOOOOOOO!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I love the roar.

[@WeWereInvertedVideo]

Always love seeing your views on rides I've ridden too many times to count. This is one of them with Hersheypark being 1.5 hours away. While Six Flags America is closer, when I was a kid, it wasn't an amusement park, so Hershey is always what I considered my home park. So many great memories there and with 30 or so visits theast 2 years, I've only grown to love it more and more.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

I actually like those final turns it’s like a calm down moment

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer a bigger bang for a finale.

[@moneyshot7785]

I’ve only been on this coaster once but I sat in the front row and it’s definitely one of the better inverted coasters I’ve been on. It really surprised me because I don’t typically love inverted coasters

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's a very good ride.

[@CoasterCollege]

Man I love great bear. I think its super underrated, one of the best inverts. I think its one of the best coasters at HP, solid review.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@ndelli23]

This is my fav invert. I absolutely love unique layouts. Definitely a great front row ride for visuals during the day, a back row ride at night for the forces. I’ll be getting on Banshee, Aplengeist, and Afterburn this year though (and a much needed Raptor reride). I rank the inverts that I’ve ridden: Great Bear Silver Bullet Talon Raptor Batman

[@CanobieCoaster]

It definitely is unique.

[@blackjackva]

Great review! I love great bear and it’s nice to see how you like it to

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@brybryguy6314]

Great Bear is a awesome ride. I mean awesome. Hersheypark is my home park and Great Bear is on my top 5 favorite coasters at the park. Some even consider this coaster as an terrain invert coaster. It's completely unique and no other inverte is like it. Love this ride.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It really is unique.

[@squidward7853]

Honestly, it’s one of the most re-rideable coasters at Hershey. The inversions are intense, but there are enough commas in the ride that it doesn’t get too draining. Meanwhile, the Intamins at Hershey all make me dizzy after one ride.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree it's very reridable.

[@mhtube01]

@squidward7853 it definitely is. I've ridden this coaster probably between 10-15 times on numerous visits where lines are short. I just never tire of it.

[@dbellwyd]

You do not stop! Keep grindin kid…

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@clairefunnell8481]

I like it. Looks really fun. This ride type would be a good addition for Canada's Wonderland. Fun looking ride.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Sure would.

[@StamfordBridge]

Nice review. One thing I’d add is that it gives a great night ride.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I usually reserve my night rides for Skyrush, but I agree.

[@kaz5407]

Less gooooo, someone actually likes great bear for once

[@CanobieCoaster]

I thought most people do.

[@izduckii8143]

I haven’t been to Hershey since skyrush opened and I’m hopefully going to go there this summer

[@CanobieCoaster]

Enjoy! It has really grown.

[@upsidedown_]

Looks like a solid ride👌🏻

[@CanobieCoaster]

It is.

[@maxhagenauer24]

This invert looks solid. Itsmid tier by the looks I would say. For a quick short layout, it packs some unique elements, like a corkscrew and turns next to a side of a hill over the water and of corse that pre drop helix section. It looks like a fun forceful ride for what it is. Before Candymonium, it served good as the parks only B&M.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I love its uniqueness.

[@michaeltaylor1603]

I've said it before, I'll say it again. B&M loves a terrain challenge! Yep! Love the "wonky" columns. B&M has some unique columns esp. on lift hills. I love the "fan ones" Even Morgan did the one @ Sea World San Antonio like that + Drachen Fire. Hershey is a great 'ol park! Plenty for everyone to do.

[@CanobieCoaster]

B&M did great.

[@layzabullit]

i love how it spans so many areas, but man does that make it difficult to find without a map!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I can see how it would be tricky for a first-timer.

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

I’m going hopefully next Saturday or Sunday hopefully the weather holds

[@CanobieCoaster]

Enjoy!

[@SlimFury]

To me Great Bear has become overshadowed by other B&M inverts. This was also my very first B&M. This coaster is definitely different, but it's powerful. This is also the only coaster that I have a shirt for.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I like the unique layout and the logo looks good.

[@Joypyf]

Great night ride!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes, although I usually ride the hypers at night.

[@Joypyf]

@@CanobieCoaster I still need to experience Candymonium!!

[@CoasterRoaster]

This is one of those rides that are so special to me because I have such fond memories of this being my favorite coaster before becoming an enthusiast, and I still think it's a kickass ride

[@CanobieCoaster]

I've been riding it for almost 2 decades at this point.

[@vinniet2828]

Great Bear is literally "great"! It is the smoothest coaster (outside of Seven Dwarfs at Magic Kingdom) I've been on. The zero-g-roll and corkscrew are very intense.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's impressive how smooth it still is.

[@vinniet2828]

@@CanobieCoaster Yes, even after 24 years!

[@user-pm2ki1zt4z]

Great i rode when i was a kid it was a great B&M inverted coaster

[@CanobieCoaster]

Still love it.

[@user-pm2ki1zt4z]

@@CanobieCoaster sure do.

[@michaelod8841]

3:13 my man on the cable car NOT having a good time

[@CanobieCoaster]

Lol

[@ParkVisions]

I find Great Bear to be a underrated invert it has a unique layout which I like and has some good whip and forces

[@CanobieCoaster]

True

[@Nytalite]

I rode this for the first time two days before this comment was posted. It was fun overall, but I had trouble feeling the G-forces (I believe I was in row 5 or 6). Although I did staple myself on purpose because the restraint was initially kind of loose, and although the ride operators thought it was fine, I was concerned about getting flung into the restraint.

[@CanobieCoaster]

No problem doing that.

[@skyguyismyguyr12turn]

Which number is it at if you were ranking the B&M Inverts?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Probably towards the middle.

[@donkeyentertain]

I'm a big fan of this ride, especially how unique the layout is. Even though the coaster finishes weakly, in some ways I like the ending better than other rides because it really owns it. After that fantastic fourth inversion it's just kind of a nice scenic joyride back to the station. Even just right across the way Skyrush had a similar space constraint but I think the ending didn't turn out as enjoyable.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The weak ending isn't a dealbreaker since everything before is so good.

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

So it was your first invert, while I had ridden every other B&M invert in the US before this one. I always appreciate unique rides, so I like the layout. I also feel that it's one of the smoothest B&Ms.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Hershey takes great care of this one.

[@jtwoolley]

I love the name. 🐻🧸🐻‍❄

[@CanobieCoaster]

Me too.

[@chargedonpc9989]

I really wish I could've ridden this when I went for the bonus weekend. It was on the list, but then they removed it.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That stinks!

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

Are you reviewing Super Dooper Looper next

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@t-shirt7549]

I actually experienced a lot of head banging when i went on this when I was little but it’s probably because I didn’t know how to ride inverts yet.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Usually it's glass smooth.

[@nonononononononononononononope]

Fuck yeah there’s my baby!

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's a great ride.

[@mateoalvira7826]

Canobie Coaster, was Great Bear your favorite ride at the park? I was asking you about all coasters at the park, what's your favorite? Canobie Coaster would say: My favorite coaster at the park offers a ride experience unlike any other. It doesn't feel like it should exist. The ride feels like it's trying to kill you. The first drop starts giving ejector airtime, but halfway down something happens. There's a kink that somehow springboards you even higher.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Skyrush is ny favorite there.

[@SkyrushFanboy]

The only 2 inverts I've ridden are raptor and great bear. In my opinion, raptor is more intense, but I like great bear slightly more for the setting

[@CanobieCoaster]

I find Great Bear equally as intense and smoother too.

[@teddym2808]

When B&M made smooth coasters.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Some of their new ones are still very smooth like Orion and Candymonium.

[@teddym2808]

@@CanobieCoaster Yes but the key word is some, and both retracked projects have made the coasters worse than before, in Hulk's case, a LOT worse. Nemesis now rattles and never had one prior in 20+ years. Not even a hint. The community in general does now equate B&M's new coasters with a rattle, and Vekoma as now the smoothest coasters on Earth (along with ibox steel RMC). I just never thought the tables would turn like this in my lifetime, honest. I LOVE Vekoma now. Love them.

[@jeremylando40]

If I was Hershey I’d add theming for the Hershey Bears throughout the ride

[@CanobieCoaster]

That would be fun.

[@tentenchu8140]

I agree that this has probably one of the worst finales on any coaster, but that the beginning and middle are top notch. I dont mind the lackluster ending that much, though, since it gives me time to catch my breath after an intense experience.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish there was an extra barrel roll or something.

[@certifiednucci6315]

This ride is so inconsistent for me. Sometimes when I ride it its a top 5 invert for me and sometimes its forceless and one of the worst

[@CanobieCoaster]

Usually it's strong for me.

[@Paolo8772]

I'm guessing Raptor doesn't count as a B&M invert in the North East of the U.S.A. ;)

[@CanobieCoaster]

I also prefer this and usually Batman clones to Raptor anyway.

[@Paolo8772]

@@CanobieCoaster WOW!

[@HugeRMCFanBoY-bx3od]

I guess you can say great bear is pretty........... Great

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@pancake_rabbit]

w homepark

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

That first helix is pretty deceptive it doesn’t look as fun as it is

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's way better than it looks.

[@WednesdayAddams5150]

First

[@warriorseamonkey1693]

See ya chump

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@jtwoolley]

🐻 lol

[@CanobieCoaster]

I see the bear.

[@GreatBearProductions]

8.5!!!! WHY NOT TEN!!😡😡😡😡😡

[@CanobieCoaster]

The length and finale.

[@jtwoolley]

RANGE IS A BAD RIDE

[@CanobieCoaster]

Sure is.