Mindbender Has Closed Forever at Galaxyland! A Sad End to an Iconic Schwarzkopf Roller Coaster

Galaxyland has announced that their famous looping roller coaster, Mindbender, will be removed from the West Edmonton Mall. This comes after the coaster has sat SBNO for the past couple years, with no signs of reopening. Now, with its closure, the park has stated that new family attractions will be taking its place.
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[@julianhudson7811]

Absolutely heartbreaking. This was on my bucket list too.

[@Montu-pc5gp]

Mine Too.

[@greyawesome23]

Same here

[@lospolloshermanos69]

My home park, and every single loop was a massive greyout of forces, it never seemed real compared to every other loop I've ever ridden

[@a.j.cappuccio2859]

it kicked the bucket

[@stephenn77]

I’ve been so obsessed with this coaster because I only ever rode it once when I was a teenager on a Canada trip. That first drop was crazy!

[@scottysoften]

Born and raised here in Edmonton, age 39. The Mindbender has been my home park roller coaster for almost my entire life. This news wasn't surprising but still devastating. A few weeks ago I did talk to someone who works for the mall, he said they were having a hard time finding the parts they needed to get it back up and running. Many times over the years Mindbender has closed for long periods but they always managed to eventually get what they needed. As a huge coaster enthusiast and having been to parks all across North America I too can attest the Mindbender was a beast! When you rode it, it woke you up, it was tough but always such a thrill. The g-forces were crazy enough I couldn't ride it twice in a row without the risk of blacking out, lol. It's not just the ride but also the iconic roar that would echo throughout the park that I'll miss. I'll miss having an extreme coaster that isn't less than a 1000 miles from home. I'll miss the countless hours of watching it run over and over again from the bridge that went through the loops. I'll miss convincing my friends to ride it with me when they insisted they were too scared. I'll miss making new memories with the coaster that's always been there for me... Sure roller coasters are inanimate objects but The Mindbender gave me so many emotions over the years. For me saying goodbye means letting go of something I Love. Saying goodbye hurts. Thank you my friend for so many memories, fun times, and thrills we shared together, you will be missed. 💔

[@CallumBlackGames]

bro wrote an entire essay

[@EDDIELANE]

Same> I’m an Edmontonian too and it was the best thing ever. I remember being so afraid of it, this roaring monster, when I was young (back when Bourbon street was scary and the tube-slide had a staff of 5) and then FINALLY I went on the first time when I was 12. Then I could not stop. I’m very upset it’s going.

[@scottysoften]

@@EDDIELANE yup I know exactly what you mean. There's so many great things about the mall that have all gone and never been replaced by something as awesome as the original. #Submarines #Firebreathingdragon #Kites&OtherDelights...That's awesome you are old enough to remember and appreciate the good days like I do 😄 Since you mentioned it, I actually have very fond memories of Raging Rapids tube ride! I was fortunate enough in my younger years to actually be one of the staff on Raging Rapids. My supervisors would schedule me to work the bottom of the slides but within an hour or so of my shift starting I'd trade all my breaks with coworkers so I could spend the day on tube ride 😂 I'm sure you've heard of Best Edmonton Mall? I helped him with his video about Raging Rapids, had no idea he would call me out for helping him in the video haha! Anyway, it's bittersweet but at least his channel is a living memory of all the "better" or golden days of West Edmonton Mall. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, it's a sad day but I am grateful others feel the same as I do about The Mindbender! 🤗 PS. Do you remember the Market Street area that was above the games area of Galaxyland?

[@EDDIELANE]

@@scottysoften That slide was so cool, and as a kid I always wanted to be one of the slide-people, so you’re definitely cooler than me. lol. I went to a church that would go to fantasy land every halloween as an alternative to trick or treating and there were so many rites of passage for us. The upsidedown boat, the drop of doom…. Do you remember when there was a petting zoo at the entrance of fantasy land??? Or sometimes you’d see peacocks walking around?

[@alextrebek8293]

i feel the same

[@zpaton]

The wildest, most intense coaster I have ever been able to ride

[@CourtMcCheese]

Never got the chance to ride it, closest thing I got is Olympia looping

[@TheJasonVoorhees]

It was pretty good and ive been on X2 and Tatsu

[@richardadkin7226]

@@CourtMcCheese More intense than Olympia Looping.

[@leviwiebe6909]

I live in middle of nowhere prairie Canada and the Mindbender was the only coaster I got to ride every year. It was my first big coaster and I will sorely miss it.

[@maxhagenauer24]

It is absolutely insanely sad to see another 5 G Schwarzkopf go. I really didn't want parks to remove them as we won't have coasters as intense as these in the future, it's very sad. I love them so much that it honestly ticks me off.

[@keithstransitexperiences9749]

American Dreier Looping is listed at 6.1 G's.

[@maxhagenauer24]

@@keithstransitexperiences9749 Really? Where did you get this from?

[@keithstransitexperiences9749]

@@maxhagenauer24 RCDB

[@DaanBruins]

I wouldn't be so sure. Mack has kinda went crazy the past few years, who knows what demented ideas they will come op with next.

[@lightningboat]

​@@DaanBruins Vekoma as well, and Zamperla's new catalog looks very promising! Two of the former worst coaster manufacturers are and will probably become the best in the next few years!

[@GloryRenault]

i wanted to ride this so bad! it looked like such a cool ride it looked great!!

[@z3d-]

when I heard about this, I wanted to cry. Even thought I didn't want to get on to it, I still felt like it meant a lot to me. I'm not even that old but I remember watching it go around in loops with my dad.

[@Omega072.]

Noooo, this was at the top of my bucket list! 😭😭😭 I wish it would be replaced with another large coaster to please us thrill seekers, like a Gerstlauer Infinity or Eurofighter. What else are they gonna do with a 150+ foot-high ceiling in that area?

[@overlookers]

By "family-friendly" replacement, I would assume some form of Family Boomerang with 1 or 2 modern flats like a Sky Fly

[@maxhagenauer24]

It's definitely going to be demolished because for 1, indoor coasters have a much different footer system and it would need to be made different if put outside and 2, when they were building this, they built it with the mall before they put the roof on meaning they would have to carefully take the entire roof off to take each piece off carefully piece by piece.

[@djavatar68]

Made different if outside? Meaning?

[@nevaehhamilton3493]

If it does get removed, then odds are it will be sold for scrap. That hunk of junk isn't sustainable enough, not to mention the high costs of not only its rarity of the model, but also the maintenance hellhole the operators and mechanics have to endure during this time. Keeping it around just isn't worth ruining their reputations further when you know it has killed people in the past.

[@maxhagenauer24]

@Nevaeh Hamilton I disagree. Its actually its in really good condition, just like how Indiana Beach bought Quimera, it had in innocent and all but could be fixed and did get fixed. That could happen with this road but it literally can't be taken apart piece by piece so it must be remolished due to the fact it's indoors.

[@LucyLoud2002]

I've always wanted to go to the West Edmonton Mall for this park. It's truly sad that I never got to ride this.

[@elevatoralarmcoasterandarc1214]

Me too.

[@gregwalker4646]

I was lucky enough to ride Mindbender on a couple of separate trips to Edmonton. I always marvelled at what a feat of engineering it was to build this ride inside of a mall. At the top of the lift hill you are very close to touching the extended ceiling! And the ride is VERY intense! I even had the chance to ride the backward-facing car once. That was a very disorienting experience - I can't say I enjoyed it, but it was a unique experience. Such a sad day for all those who were still planning to head there to get a ride on this beast!

[@naderzein2435]

If you look at the history they actually built the coaster and then the roof/building around it! A big reason why it is super unlikely it will be relocated or replaced with something similar.

[@PvM88]

Being from Europe, I grabbed the chance to ride it back in 2015 on a vacation to Canada making it my first coaster in North America. Sad to see it go as it's easily the best Schwarzkopf I've ridden.

[@Jjayp]

This was an icon of my childhood. I remember me and my brother dragging my dad to galaxyland just to watch it cycle while we waited for my mom to get off work. Both of them worked in the mall. I only ever got to ride it 3-4 times. And I wish I was able to ride it more.

[@Christian-uz3jx]

Rode it 34 times, only 2 on the reverse car though. The forces of the loop feel absolutely crushing and gut wrenching while reversed and the whole layout feel way more rough. You absolutely needed to take a 5 - 10 minute break after riding the reverse cars, truly a wicked experience

[@LakeNipissing]

Yes, I rode the back facing car on the blue train. It is insane when you cannot "prepare" for what is coming!

[@craigauclair4026]

Glad I was able to ride it in 2001.

[@quentenmajoor5861]

With mindbender closing down I think now would be a good time to build a major regional amusement park in Alberta. Maybe build it in Red Deer as it’s the halfway point between Edmonton and Calgary?

[@chrisbroesky2932]

If I was rich I'd do exactly that. WEM can build more lame kiddie rides. My park would blow them out of the water.

[@naderzein2435]

Callaway park already exists and I don't think anything much bigger then that would be profitable with our weather and smaller population.

[@hlmills2000]

There's Callaway park near Calgary.

[@jeffc1347]

What we've been seeing across the industry and many other industries the past few years is companies looking to reduce operating costs and appeal to bigger spenders. From Disney (lower attendance = less staff + higher guest spending = higher profits) to Cedar Fair (removing old coasters even when they have plenty of space to build new rides without having to and appealing more to families) to now Galaxyland (removing their biggest ride that is expensive to keep operating, ditching the teen/young adult crowd, and dedicating that real estate to families who are going to spend more).

[@nevaehhamilton3493]

It's an economically smart move, although not exactly ethical since nostalgia is what's popular nowadays. Plus, why would we want our toddlers to ride a potential death trap and a painful reminder of one of our greatest failures as not only park managers but also functioning members of society?

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

I would’ve loved to have ridden this

[@ATLSloan]

Unfortunately, a relocation doesn’t look to be in the cards with all the tie ins it has with the mall structure. I don’t see a motivated individual like a Gene Staples taking on that risk and working with a firm to significantly redesign the structure in those needed areas. Super disappointed I didn’t get the opportunity to ride such an iconic Schwarzkopf

[@chrisreddy8958]

It won't be relocated because the German company that made it, isn't around anymore, and is almost near impossible to get them!

[@djavatar68]

It's not impossible, just probably costly.

[@coasterblocks3420]

@@chrisreddy8958 a number of Schwarzkopf coasters have successfully been relocated and refurbished long after the company went defunct. The old Arrow “Big Dipper” coaster at Luna Park, Sydney similarly had supports tied into existing building structures but was successfully relocated to Dreamworld with some new support structure designed and built for the new location.

[@nevaehhamilton3493]

​@@coasterblocks3420 the Wicked Twister coaster at Cedar Point had plenty of potential for relocation, but was scrapped instead. What makes you think this will be any different?

[@coasterblocks3420]

@@nevaehhamilton3493 in both cases perhaps there’s too much metal fatigue to have made it worthwhile, certainly with Mindbender careful dismantling might be way too disruptive to the park. It’s all hypotheticals speculation and wishful thinking in the end.

[@rollercoastermike4673]

This was on my bucket list ever since you came out with the first review 😢

[@pqfamilyadventures]

You feel those turns, they are tight. I lived in Alberta for a while and so it was awesome that I could ride it a few times in its life. I think it was time to retire it though, a reminder to people to ride those bucket list items cause coasters aren't forever.

[@jjgillmen]

What heartbreaking news. How can an indoor park like galaxy land replace such a signature ride like the mind bender?

[@naderzein2435]

It is gonna be replaced with a bunch of cheap off the shelf kiddy rides with Hasbro skins, watch.

[@coastaku1954]

Welp, West Edmonton Mall has just been kicked off my bucket list, I'm sure their attendance is going to go down after this

[@dokes3643]

awesome video! feels cool to see other people from outside of Edmonton enjoy this coaster. so sad its going to be gone.. I grew up in Edmonton and spent every childhood birthday at this park or the waterpark. i waited years hearing that iconic roar, feeling it deep in my core to be tall enough to ride the mind bender and when i finally could let me tell you i was out of controll! rode it 31 times in one day when i was 13. Incredible memories! very sad to see it go (side note my mother was next in line to ride in 1986 when the coaster derailed. she explained it as quite horrific)

[@Werner_Stengel_Engineering]

That was a good one. This coaster deserves a moment of silence.

[@pinkhelmetdude_3970]

I was there last year, went there form Germany, where i live. I was really exited to get my first ride on an oversea coaster ever. That day the thing was closed. It was the shittiest day of 2022 for me and I thing that says a lot. Although i see that I could have known that but like still really bad day.

[@overbanked]

Damn that sucks 😐

[@Ruxify]

An absolutely devastating loss. I don't know if I have any reason to visit Galaxyland anymore. Hopefully my favorite part of the mall, the world waterpark, won't follow the same fate.

[@alextrebek8293]

i don't even feel like going there anymore because of what they did

[@LakeNipissing]

Ruxify: I have seen you comment on my WEM videos. Of course you already know how I feel about this. Even though I rode the Mindbender almost annually from 1987 to 2019, I was looking forward to it again upon re-opening. And regarding your comment about the WWP, nothing seems to be sacred in the quest of cutting costs / cutting maintenance. Of course the wave pool is expensive to operate and maintain... but would that justify filling it in to become a giant kiddie splash pad ?

[@nevaehhamilton3493]

Since they're shifting towards the more family friendly approach, AKA toddlers and kids under 13, safe bets are that the water park will be downsized if not made into a different section of the park that's more friendly to preschoolers and kindergartners.

[@CoasterFlop]

This was one of those coasters that was high on the bucket list but I'd already admitted defeat that I'd probably never ride it. I really hope it gets relocated to somewhere easier to get to but I'm not holding my breath.

[@fauberthoude]

This was my home park, but I only ever had the chance to ride it before I really appreciated roller coasters. Really took this ride for granted.

[@draconiusultamius]

Aww, that's absolutely heartbreaking. This was the my favorite rollercoaster for years, I've ridden it several times and it really inspired my love for rollercoasters as a kid. I remember gazing longingly at it for years, waiting to be tall enough to ride it. I can still remember my first ride on it, I got really scared and closed my eyes on it, but it was still awesome! I've gone a few times since and every time, I always tried to ride it when I went. On my last couple of visits, there was virtually nobody riding it, so I think that may be the main reason. Also, the coaster was always really jerky and the restraints made my ears hurt afterwards lol. Galaxyland has declined since like 2012, it used to have a ton of very cool thrill rides. I remember there was one in the back that was named sunburst or something, which had two arms that swung you around vertically and had the tallest minimum height requirement of all the rides. Sadly, I never got to go on it. I don't think making parks more "family friendly" does anything good tbh. I remember being amazed at all the rides in the park as a child and dreaming of riding every single one someday. By making the whole park "family oriented", it feels like they're taking away that sense of awe and discovery. There's literally no reason to revisit galaxyland now as an adult, nor would I see much of a reason to revisit it as a child. You ride everything once, and you never need to go again. I last went in 2021 and it felt empty and lacklustre. The theming of the cosmos has taken a massive backseat, and it just feels cheap and unimaginative now, like a massive cashgrab. At this point, they might as well replace all the statues of that alien dude and all the colourful walls with some gravel, wouldn't change a thing tbh. The waterpark is probably more worth your time, and that place has been plagued by concerns about sanitation since I was a little kid. As a whole, west Edmonton mall itself feels like its declined since I was a kid. There used to be tons of water features all over the mall, and a river with spraying jets ran along the floor towards the central area. That's all gone now, replaced with modern interior design bs.

[@kenny-fair]

Rest in peace..

[@ThyPandora]

I'll quote an enthusiast friend of mine with: go out and ride the classics ASAP. Because he was devastated by the closure of Mindbender and is a follower and devoted fan of Schwarzkopf's work and legacy. I agree with him, he was able to ride it while I, myself wasn't able to (but had it on the to-do list). I'm disappointed I was never able to fly there, and it's less likely I'll be able to justify doing WEM at this rate (unless it's replacement is excellent or unique, which is doubtful). But the message is clear, and I'm spreading it. GO OUT AND RIDE THE CLASSICS. You don't know what you got til' it's gone!

[@stephenn77]

Many Schwarkoff’s have disappeared! They’re all known for being very intense coasters. Jet Star was another cool one they used to have at Santa Cruz Boardwalk.

[@ThyPandora]

@@stephenn77 That's still operating in Russia, since 2010.

[@Fox_on_a_Rollercoaster]

Tbh, this was the only reason for me to consider a tour to the us to ride some stuff. As a huge Schwarzkopf fan this was my #1 on the bucket list. I hope it gets relocated.

[@coasterblocks3420]

The coaster is indoors so it’s not like being exposed to the elements has ever been an issue. I hope that a swag of parks inundate Galaxyland with offers to buy Mindbender.

[@chickenmuffin]

Explain how they will remove it from the mall?

[@coasterblocks3420]

@@chickenmuffin with great dexterity.

[@katrina2253]

Nobody will buy it as the parts to repair it are getting harder to find. and after the last break down it has sat. and the speed and the magnitude of the ride is what puts the wear and tear on the coaster.

[@stephenn77]

Maybe Silverwood has room for it?

[@coasterblocks3420]

@@stephenn77 I want Dreamworld to relocate it.

[@MrSRArter]

Vortex at Calaway Park in Calgary is now the only roller coaster in western Canada with inversions.

[@lindseysharon259]

First thrill ride and coaster in general that I ever rode. It definitely set some high standards and it was ages before I found anything that could match it. I knew do little about rides back then that I didn’t realize it wasn’t a beginners ride. I’m looking forwards to the updates they’ve done to the park, and I do think this is for the best in the long term, but it’s still sad to see an end to what started my love of amusement parks. I just wish everyone had a chance for one last ride.

[@stephenn77]

If we had been given a final year of operation I would have definitely booked my trip!

[@keithstransitexperiences9749]

If it were to be relocated, I've heard from some people that Gene Staples could buy it as that chain buys old and used rides. If not, the parts to be used for American Dreier Looping would work.

[@swami4442]

No way that's so sad! a few years ago when I was still in middle school before I was a thoosie my family and I went to Edmonton to visit some family friends and we ended up going here and while my parents prioritized shopping and hitting the stores inside this big mall my little sister and I marathoned this coaster from opening until we left the mall since Galaxyland was not busy at all - I recall my very first "loss of vision" throughout the inversions and now as a thoosie I know it was my first grey-out on a coaster. Was super cool to find out that this coaster was on a lot of peoples bucket list and to know that I was blind to that at the time! Super cool and I will miss this ride :(

[@gravitythrills5414]

It’s just so sad to see all these iconic classic looping coasters close. It’s like losing a generation of coasters. 😥

[@stephenn77]

Just like the Swarzkopf shuttle loopers that are going away! Does Knott’s still have Montezuma?

[@gravitythrills5414]

@@stephenn77 yes, it’s getting a refurbishment for 2023

[@nfcoasterferg]

I am sooooo bummed :(. I have been planning to fly up and ride it once it opened back up for two years now and they pulled the rug out from under me

[@thecoasterconnoisseur]

I hope an small park, indoor park, or FEC takes it and gives it a new home. I'd hope for a FunSpot park to get it

[@LakeNipissing]

I have rode the Mindbender from 1987 to 2019, essentially every year. Amazing experience, including riding backwards in the rear car of the blue train. This rollercoaster was iconic for the amount of G forces riders would experience. Removing this premier attraction is a monumental bad move. Everything requires maintenance and repair. We don't see Magic Mountain demolish the 1976 (Schwartzkopf) Revolution because it needs major maintenance, or Cedar Point demolish the 1964 Blue Streak, or King's Island demolish the 1979 Beast for the same. And even though these coasters are far from their respective amusement park's premier attractions today, they are on ACE's Landmark list. Also keep in mind there are dozens of rollercoasters operating which were built in the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s and are outdoors, in the elements and still maintained and operating just fine to provide tons of thrills at Cedar Point, Darien Lake, Canada's Wonderland, Magic Mountain, La Ronde. (including Schwartzkopf coasters). The Mindbender has never seen rain, snow, high winds, extremes of temperature or freeze-thaw cycles. It is almost preserved in a museum environment. I call BS on it being "beyond repair" or "too costly to repair". Mindbender was the premier attraction at Galaxyland. It was recognized by ACE for its extreme G forces, and being the only indoor rollercoaster of its kind, and appreciated by WEM visitors from all over the world. What could 555 replace the Mindbender with to be an even more thrilling and extreme experience to get the visitors and revenue?

[@babalab4486]

Im guessing 555 will replace it with a Ghurstlauer Eurofighter which is the same type of coaster that the two other malls that 555 has. the space mindbender has isnt as big as for TMNT shellraiser in new jersey at American Dream mall but larger space than rock bottom plunge in the Mall of america. also the fact that the Ghermezians are close friends with the amusment rides company Gurstlauer.

[@Digikid313]

This really ticks me off, because I've never gotten to ride it despite actually living relatively near it. I live in Winnipeg which is a 13 hour drive from Edmonton, which is not exactly a quick trip, but still very do-able and common. I went to Edmonton 3 times while the ride was open. The first when I was a kid, I was still too scared of going upside down, and then the two times I went as an adult, it was broken both times (once for an unexpected closure for the rest of the day, and once when it was scheduled to be down for maintenance until the day before my visit, and then they extended the maintenance another day).

[@mithex8414]

I live in Edmonton and I had not ridden it since I was 14. I thought to myself the other week as soon as it opens back up (it was down for a long time) I’m gonna marathon it. guess I can’t do that anymore

[@brayden-hp4ey]

I really and truly wonder, will a park relocate this? I see this as an opportunity. I hope it doesnt get scrapped.

[@Glosoli4]

So glad I had the chance AND more to ride this thing. The toot of the famous horn. That first trek up to the very top, almost touching the ceiling felt so unreal. Then the first face first drop to the floor. You’d go so damn fast and it was be so scary but you’d want to go on it again and again. It’s crazy that kids will see a new ride there and never think anything of the space or the ride that used to be there before it and the legacy it had. All to be erased from this planet. Only memories and photos to look back on. It will definitely be missed.

[@TravisOutlaw674]

My first ride on the Mindbender was in 1993. Nothing could truly replace it.

[@detroitdiezel7856]

Damn. Well, unless it gets moved somewhere, I'll have to take this one off my bucket list... 🪣

[@StormC9101]

Awww, this was on my bucket list. Oh well, saves me the trouble of having to go ALLLL the way up to Edmonton

[@dlantomaz9390]

@Coaster Studios I believe your analysis was correct. The maintenance and repairs on such on old ride is not worth it financially to keep it going. I guarantee coaster enthusiasts will be disappointed with what ever fills that space next. The Mindbender was envisioned and built at a time when WEM was trying to do something big and audacious in the mid 80's in a city that most people outside of Canada had never even heard of. It's sad to see it close, but I can appreciate what a ballsy move that was to build that monster in Edmonton in the first place.

[@sammylollollol]

Thats a sad but understandable end to the ride. I never got to ride it but It was such a spectacle to me when I was a kid cuz it was so tall and the sound the trains made when they were flying through the tracks were so loud it was incredible.

[@couchfingers164]

I have loved coasters my whole life and I live in Canada. When I went to galaxyland, I really wanted to ride the mindbender but it was closed during Covid-19. I’m really sad that I can’t go on it know cause that would be a dream come true if I could ride. I hope they add a different roller coaster but if they do, it definitely won’t be as crazy. :(

[@lospolloshermanos69]

This my home park. Smartest move they could do would be to fill half the spot with an RMC raptor. Otherwise there will be no need for older riders to visit the park. Having no larger thrill rides will continue to reduce attendance numbers for locals like myself. The park is way too expensive to visit with the current ride lineup.

[@Aerolandaircraft]

This ride was never on my bucket list, however I do feel sad when thinking about the end of a classic. In Australia, Superman Escape is arguably my favourite, as it approaches that classic age. I will definitely be sad to see that ride go. But other than that, I am super excited to see you in Australia, and what you think of our premier attractions!

[@kallescoasters]

Amazing vid!

[@thokro6152]

So sad. I'm living in Germany but rode the coaster when I visited my Uncle 20 Years ago. That time I believe it was the biggest coaster I rode so far and I loved it.

[@TrainCoasterFan]

Cmon Gene Staples, buy this!!

[@hlmills2000]

Lived in Edmonton all my life. Been a couple of years since its been running on days thday i would go but will always remember standing under the one loop and hearing it roar above me. I rode it 3x in my life because it scared the creepers out of me. Another great attraction gone in Edmonton that will be missed.

[@DruonGrawal]

This is really sad to see and I hope it won't come back to bite Galaxyland in the butt. I am not familiar with how much of a presence they have in their direct neighborhood, but from what I know it always pretty much was that unique coaster that put them on the map. At the very least for international visitors. Letting go of something that in some ways has become a 'landmark' really can't be good for their brand and renown. I wish the coaster could be saved, though I am sceptical if that is possible, given how the ride ties into the existing building. However, the most similar ride experience to Mindbender should be "American Dreier Looper" assuming it finally opens and Indiana Beach did not neuter the ride or otherswise severely strays from the original configuration. Sadly there has been a bit of a bad track record with Schwarzkopf Rides from the fair circuit ending up in US parks. I recall when Six Flags bought the travelling coaster 'Thriller' from the German showman Oscar Bruch and had it run as "Texas Tornado" in Six Flags Astroworld and later as "Zonga" in Six Flags Marine World. During those years they tinkered a lot with the coaster trying to tame the ride, as in reducing speed and high G-forces that are pretty much typical for those Schwarzkopf rides. The ride sadly ended up being only a shadow of it's former self and it was quickly sold off again.

[@stephenlee1664]

The only reason I would see myself going to Galaxyland was specifically because of Mindbender. Now I'm going to have to remove Galaxyland from my bucket list since I can't really find any reason to go all the way over to Edmonton for a park without anything unique about it.

[@nevaehhamilton3493]

​@@stephenlee1664 that should have been you first instinct

[@overbanked]

I can't believe that they aren't going to replace it with another thrilling coaster. A tall ceiling over some low rise family flats. Talk about a downgrade

[@kirbysuperstaruhh3769]

Exactly, would be waste of a space but unfortunately I think they are trying to kidify the place into a family oriented park WHICH SUCKS BECAUSE MOST PARKS ON THIS END OF CANADA ARE FAMILY PARKS ANYWAYS

[@jeridyn24]

Such a bummer, I feel fortunate to have gotten to experience it in the front, middle, and backwards while it was still open. After the covid lockdowns I constantly checked to see if it was operating and was ready to jump at the chance to ride it again. Its sad that it never got one last operation before shutting down permanently.

[@davefroman4700]

Galaxyland and Mindbender were never a good fit. Its always been a kiddy park with a monster in the back of it. I rode it way back before the accident a few times but back then it was a part of the actual mall management and the park was pay per ride. My hope is some other park will buy it and refurbish it. Being inside all its life the structure should be in really good condition. Its not had a great ridership count since the accident honestly. Last time I was there was in 98 and I thought it was down for the day but there were simply no riders and the op was reading a book.

[@stickynorth]

One of the best advanced roller coasters ever built in North America I had the opportunity to ride Mindbender only once on Xmas Day 2003. It left me with bruises and a stiff neck but one of the most thrilling rides of my life... It will be missed. I do hope that Triple Five can free up some cash and reinvest in the park and perhaps even expand it eastward into that gap space just outside of Mindbenders existing footprint. They could in theory slot in several more attractions for adults in this area... If they wanted to that is...

[@eternylbliss2151]

Indiana Beach has put up a very similar version 'Pirates Wind" they are still working on it but highly look forward to riding it.

[@ejectorairtime]

...And there goes another one off my bucket list.

[@TKDragon75]

As for a replacement coaster, what do you think it would be? I kinda was thinking newer vekoma family coaster? Those can have pretty compact layouts and would fit more with what they are going for.

[@carysage]

They could put a family coaster and a Raptor there. If only RMC could go to Canada....

[@Aaron.Rants.Reviews]

Colossus the Fire Dragon is also similar, albeit smaller, it's pretty intense with three loops crammed onto a small footprint!

[@joemcgrath724]

Absolutely love this coaster been on it 2 times the first time was in the front then the second time was on the backwards cart and that was absolutely insane compared to going forward

[@seriomarkj]

I wonder if Indiana Beach tried to buy this first...or if they are like "damn, wish we had known before we bought chimera "

[@carysage]

Another legend bites the dust before I ride it! Maybe Indiana Beach will buy it and make Franken-Schwarzkopf!

[@anaenae5350]

My friend works at galaxyland, he said that they didn't want to shut it down but they had to because they needed schwarzkopf parts that don't exist anymore to operate the ride.

[@Phoenixrising8313]

That's all rubbish. It's steel and welding. Anyone can manufacture a part that's just a joke. The gutless thing was they limped out and went behind everyone's back a took it out. Couldn't even give the mindbender the proper send off it deserves. WEM looks like a hospital now but hey that's what they are going for.

[@notoriousalien]

this is literally so sad. i never thought they would shut this down, i always wanted to ride it some day when i grew up and now i can't :( such a sad thing to miss out on. they better open another roller coaster then, because galaxyland has turned into more of a park for kids with their changes

[@MrJamieBattle]

Darn :( West Edmonton is my only holdout as far as the mega malls of Triple 5 (Mall of America & American Dream Meadowlands). Too iconic of a ride up there. I know Best Edmonton Mall will do a story about it soon.

[@stickynorth]

Already done a live stream, a story and at least two national TV bits about it... He is the go-to about all things WEM after all...

[@MrJamieBattle]

@@stickynorth yes i went by his live stream. I’ve expected nothing less from him.

[@seanagulan9481]

I hope other Schwarzkopf coasters will stand even longer.

[@nevaehhamilton3493]

Their models are wearing out, chances are, all of their models will eventually become extinct due to not only ridiculously high costs, but the lack of popularity and old-fashioned mechanics.

[@gianfeliciano9816]

@@nevaehhamilton3493 You are aware that his son's company fixes his rides right?

[@nevaehhamilton3493]

@@gianfeliciano9816 oh

[@TheRealConcertKing]

I went to WEM in the mid 00's and rode Mindbender like 7-10 times in the day. Other than the horrendous restraints that were actually painful, what an awesome ride. I'm sad I'll never get on it again. I remember it being fairly smooth and crazy intense. That last helix might be one of the most intense moments I've ever experienced on a coaster.

[@MrChuckGrape]

I'm heartbroken. I love Schwarzkopf loopers and was looking forward to getting a ride on this one. Hopefully it will find a new home. Preferably close to the Kansas City metro.

[@Railstar_YT]

I was hoping to ride this next year, but now look what Edmonton Mall did... It's quite heartbreaking to see this go, and I attempted a recreation of this in Ultimate Coaster a while back. I do see why it had to go, though.

[@michael7054]

Great video!

[@MetaverseAdventures]

I really hope it ends up somewhere as I would love to ride it again.

[@scaryhobbit211]

I was looking at height comparisons, and I wonder if they could build a Premier Sky Rocket 2 in Mindbender's section of the park. The Sky Rocket 2 is 150 feet tall, while Mindbender is 145 feet. It does have a much more narrow footprint than Mindbender, so maybe with a few tweaks (or even a Sky Rocket custom-designed for the park), Galaxyland could put in a big thrill coaster _and_ some family attractions in the space.

[@Funzone49]

The coaster will be remembered by it's Silver Ticket Award: The only indoor coaster to be closed for rain.

[@carysage]

I thought that happened on Disaster Transport as well...

[@patrickderegt2582]

wait what!?

[@overlookers]

@@patrickderegt2582 there was a leak

[@Funzone49]

@@patrickderegt2582 February 2017 Silver Ticket Awards, at 3:46

[@cslkenny]

Eurosat in Europa Park also often closes in heavy rain

[@stephenn77]

So sad!! 😢 End of an era for sure! The coaster was a beast and totally iconic. Very intense! I only rode it once and what I would give to ride it again just one more time. I think we should protest! Nothing will replace this landmark coaster… It should be a National Landmark, but it’s Canada not the U.S.

[@corybourrier9722]

Ive ridden it , OMG its intense, hopefully this coaster will get to live at another park!!?

[@officer_electro2021]

I'd love to see the backlash west Edmonton mall would face if they replace it with a sad kiddie ride I've always hated that place ever since I saw them changing their amusement park into Hasbro theme and now my hatred grew after hearing about now

[@DevilsFan3]

I remember seeing this ride on the Travel Channel

[@DarrenShaw-ev5tb]

Cant believe this is such a hot topic ! I really wonder why they cant repair and keep it running ?

[@kateorourke6390]

Cant believe I never got to ride this beast! I was THIS close to getting to canada in 2020 but of course...

[@zero-gravitythrills7163]

Unfortunately I went to the West Edmonton Mall in 2022 when it was closed. I will never be able to ride this again, and now I’m so sad. This makes me as sad as missing out on Dragon Challenge. I understand this closure more, but it still hurts. I don’t know if I will ever be able to ride a coaster like this or Dueling Dragons again. I wish I could go back in time and experience them. I would do this more than anything

[@assemblyrequired7342]

I've been on Dueling Dragons back when it operated under that name, but it really wasn't much different from other suspended floorless coasters, other than the twin act. I would have traded those experiences to ride the Mindbender once. There is still the Shockwave in Texas, which actually has a higher level of G's, even if it lacks the intense layout outside of the loops.

[@mushieslushie]

Wow, I wish it was able to reopened for a bit before this announcement. I'm actually going to be in Calgary in a couple weeks, but I probably wouldn't have been able to make it out there anyways.

[@patrickderegt2582]

I live in Edmonton I got to ride it once in like October 2019 I'm glad I got to ride it then but I was looking forward to it reopening. :(

[@DanTheCaptain]

I wasn’t even aware this closed. I’m even more sad about this now that I’ve been on Olympia Looping. Especially, cause I’m from Canada too.

[@JeffreyMichaud]

I’m super bummed it closed

[@coasterboss1654]

I think mindbender was the northernmost permanent roller coaster in North America

[@witemandown]

My home park, super disappointing that I’ll never hear the roar of the trains anymore when I’m at the mall 😢

[@smokenstein]

This is sad. I've been to galaxyland twice. The first time, my friend didn't want to ride it with me. The second time, it wasn't running. I wish they gave us a heads up so those of us who didn't get the chance could still get that credit.

[@frederikhein4195]

that´s really sad. i hoped that i´d one day get the chance to ride this marvel of a coaster.

[@kourallightning4812]

I cried when I first went on it so fun it’s sad that it’s gone now it was a really fun ride.

[@robhaley5136]

DAMN!!! Never rode it. I've got to book to go on some coasters before they close too!... any plans for relocation, or will it just be scrapped..

[@peatmarshnotfound]

The backwards cars were like a blindfolded boxing match. Very sad that it's gone.

[@katlynklassen809]

Sad i will never get to ride it again. Just a fantastic ride