Skycoasters Information and history - Flat Ride Of The Week 5

(not the best FROTW thanks Sam) Skycoasters are everywhere, and they are super fun rides!
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Sources:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skycoaster
www.rideentertainment.com/extr...
Credit (discord usernames)
Coaster Dave
Misty_Viper (sam)
Music used:(from youtube music database)
Royale
Workout

[@alanhyt79]

I was a ride op at Six Flags Darien Lake in 2001. I've flown on that skycoaster a dozen times, and it was the scariest experience of the park, in a different league altogether from Slingshot (fun, not that scary). 180 feet above water is not survivable, so yeah... it's a way of toying with the idea of death. But it's safe. South of Seattle is another skycoaster that's 120 feet up, but since it's over concrete and is definitely not survivable in a fall, it's just as scary. Every year at Darien Lake, there's a group of WWII Army veterans that ride skycoaster every year. They were Airborne troopers who parachuted into France together. I asked them if parachuting was scarier, and they said no. When you jump out of an airplane, you're much higher up off the ground so it doesn't seem like you fall very fast toward the ground. They said that the skycoaster experience is like the end of a fall if your parachute fails to open, the ground is coming at you so fast. Those old guys were fellow adrenaline junkies. Skycoaster was their favorite ride. Who are we to argue?

[@CoasterCollege]

Awesome story!

[@jackalanimatronics]

alanhyt79 Where was the name of the park south of Seattle?

[@Cheezus]

man that's awesome

[@markvolpe2305]

How is it compared to let's say, Falcon's Fury at Busch Garden's Tampa?

[@zfilms4858]

My local park got featured this time!

[@oofmodzz8101]

Everyone else: WW3 Me an introvert: Sky Coaster War

[@hadrionics2755]

Half-Life fans: World War 2: Episode One

[@SeanFlaharty]

I love skycoasters. While I haven't ridden them nearly as often as I used to, I will ride one at least a couple times during a year. I used to ride every single one I would find at a park. The 300-footer is fun but there is very little swing involved. Just by chance I was in the third ever group to ride that thing, back in 1997. I didn't know it until after I rode it. Lol. Also, if I remember correctly, Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut had planned to build a 500-foot version at one point but was scrapped due to planning or something.

[@CoasterCollege]

wow a 500ft skycoaster, if only it was built!

[@SeanFlaharty]

@@CoasterCollege I remember reading a statement from someone saying that the ride would no be able to pay itself off quickly without raising a single flight to over $100 or something like that. While I would still want to ride it, financially I am sure it didn't make a lot of sense to the casino.

[@user-dr4zh7oo4u]

I did the one is Orlando it was pretty great

[@user-dr4zh7oo4u]

A 500 foot skycoaster would be sooooooo awesome

[@TitanLRV]

I worked at a sky coaster last summer and yes there is a purple suit. The smallest is pink, then it's blue, purple, red and finally the largest one is black.

[@ethancarey402]

Great Escape is my home park so that's the first Skycoaster I've ridden and it's still my favorite to this day. Glad to know there's some secret reason why it's one of the GOATs too haha

[@rogmcc23]

14:05 Coaster Idiots ride a sky coaster sitting down!!! -ElToroRyan

[@Jacobpoe18]

Roger McCurdy SFOT has an option where you can sit down on a sled like restraint.

[@rogmcc23]

Epic Ocelot yeah, i was talking about the two guys in the video are some of the coaster idiots from eltororyan’s channel

[@Jacobpoe18]

Roger McCurdy Wait, were they at SFOT? I must have missed the video of it.

[@a_randomguy6061]

ONE TRAIN OPS!

[@medea27]

Knew I wouldn't be the only one who noticed them! LOL Looks like they might be in the ride/park's promo material

[@bigdaddy793-1]

iT hAs CoAsTeR iN tHe NaMe ItS a CoAsTeR

[@twobirdsonestone4836]

As a former site controller at the Great Escape, I have 2 reasons why we have the best Skycoaster: 1) the location is great, it's placed on one of the highest points in the park and the view of the Adirondack mountains is amazing! 2) it has a great freefall because of.... uh... reasons.

[@elisaplays6163]

You know, this is the ride that made say, "Oh, hell, no." But you've convinced me. I'll give Dive Devil a try this year at Magic Mountain.

[@jonathansmith9891]

I've been on it many times, you should definitely try it

[@elisaplays6163]

@@jonathansmith9891 I will when I can!

[@josealcazar2922]

When magic mountain opens back up (also my home park) I'm 100% doing this

[@QueenRosez]

This made me want to ride one ! I might one day and hopefully I wont freak out lol!

[@otaku_nation_leader5984]

Sky hawk is amazing Darien lake is my home park

[@BmanTheChamp]

23:00 I would say as a fair middle ground that only the person who was responsible for pulling the rip cord and chickened out should be ineligible for a refund, anyone else with them is allowed to request their money back.

[@DarkPrincessAly]

Abt 7 years ago, my current partner and I went on the I5 Dive skycoaster at Wild Waves and the Enchanted Forest in Washington State. I was excited bc I hadn't been to the park since middle school, so I was up late the night before watching amusement park accident compilations. One clip I saw was a crowd recording of a skycoaster accident where the rider either hadn't been properly secured or his legs were too limp. He slipped out of his harness once he hit the end of the cable, and the crowd jumped into action to assist as he hit the ground with a wet slap. As my partner and I were mid free fall, I felt my legs go limp, and that clip flashed in my mind. I locked my knees so hard that I pulled a muscle in my leg, and I kept them locked until we were safely on the ground.

[@TayloreSaurusRex]

I love rollercoasters but every time I see this at Fun Spot I’m like “HECK NO”

[@user-dr4zh7oo4u]

These I’d argue are the most thrilling rides at parks

[@brady_06]

At Kings Island. If the person refuses to pull the rip cord, the person in the middle is allowed to reach over and pull the cord. I know because my brother refused

[@QueenRosez]

I've always wondered what that arch in FunSpot was

[@kamsavart]

I was a supervisor for the skycoaster at California's Great America (Paramounts Great America back then). Interesting experience it was. Fun times.

[@Fastaction9]

In a former site controller for Worlds of Fun! I'm glad you have this podcast. WOF is the most scenic and better ride experience! Its 189 feet tall

[@KB.84]

You should come to Orlando and ride the one at fun spot Kissimmee it’s the worlds tallest at 300 ft and they have different riding positions

[@sam.a.22]

Former team leader of cedar points skycoaster here! Height requirement per the company is 42" but all Cedar Fair skycoasters are 48" as well as any time flying the skysled. Cedar Points skycoaster is a 152' model, and the height did not change when it was relocated into the park. Ripcord was by far my favorite ride I've worked over my 5 years at CP, simply cause of how different it is from everything else

[@ninjapenguinblock]

Same here up at Canada's Wonderland. It's such a different pace and experience working a sky coaster than something like a normal flat ride or a coaster. Definitely a fun and unique experience.

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

Sam I did the Skysled at Fun Spot Kissimmee it was absolutely amazing

[@DeathMetalDerf]

Before I had the gastric bypass surgery, I used to weigh 500 pounds, which made riding this thing impossible for me. Now I weigh about 218 pounds, but the day that I went to Darien Lake to ride this thing, I actually weighed too little to ride by myself! I actually waited outside the load-in booth for it, and eventually convinced some parents to let their kid ride with me (he was probably not a day over 14) and I would even pay for him to go with me! I was just so happy to finally be able to fly on this thing, so I didn't care how much it cost me!

[@jonathandpg6115]

and you made a kids day

[@user-dr4zh7oo4u]

Sky coasters are my favorite rides to do and I did the one in Orlando recently that’s 300 feet tall and gonna do it next year when I go back it’s gonna be so awesome I’m hyped just thinking about it

[@6Six6Six6Bruh]

Oh mate we got one at Six flags great escape its 160 up over concrete with a 60 foot free fall. That snap at the end of the free fall is the best feeling in the world

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

I’ve ridden two Dare Devil Dive at my home park Six Flags Great Adventure and Skycoaster At Fun Spot America in Kissimmee

[@johnphillips3475]

My favourite SkyCoaster is on the South Pier in Blackpool, England - a 5 minute walk from Blackpool Pleasure Beach. It's the smallest model but firstly it's the only one I know that allows spectators underneath the ride, but more importantly, the arch is on the edge of the pier, with riders flying over the edge. Particularly good when the tide is in, and you fly out over the sea.

[@haiderodes]

I worked Sky Screamer, the 250’ Skycoaster at MGM Grand Adventures, from 2000 till it’s closing in 2002. I know I am bias, but it had a pretty remarkable location in the center of the park with water all around it and The Strip behind you.

[@CoasterCollege]

I can imagine! If only it was still in that location!

[@ErieRosewood]

I've always been interested in riding these but I've always been scared of a problem. The fact that theres only been one notable accident makes me feel a lot better about them. I might ride one when quarantine is over.

[@sonic23233]

I didn't know that Kennywood was the first to have it

[@jZ0357]

sonic23233 it was originally going to place sandcastle waterpark owned by kennywood park

[@sansational15]

I've been on the world's tallest SkyCoaster at Fun Spot in Kissimmee, Florida four times. I come to Fun Spot all the time just to go on it!

[@theshevirgo]

I love Sky Coasters did it a few times but not recently. I remember when my family went to Six Flags and my dad made everyone tall enough to do it. Including my younger sisters who was like 8 or so. One of them is a now a thrill the seeker and the other hates thrill rides and coasters stemming from that very moment

[@inujosha]

I was actually able to ride a ride like this at six flags astroworld called the barn stormer and we bought the VHS. I wish I still had it.

[@anaz5918]

I have ridden the sky coaster with two of my friends , I was surprised how fun it was but for whatever reason the slingshot scares me .

[@snowlunawolfq8492]

My nearby park has one and it’s so fun. My first time on it I pulled the string and it was so scary but it was fun since then I have gone on it four times.

[@mazda9624]

I've only ever been on the one that used to be at the Royal Gorge National Park in Colorado back in August 2008. Sadly, the ride was destroyed during the wildfires that destroyed most structures at the park back in 2013.

[@zachcoastercrazy4032]

I have only ridden one skycoaster, but they are amazing. It feels like you could die, but you are not going to. It's a ton of fun.

[@CoasterCollege]

@Anthonie White Yes!

[@devonritchie1899]

@Anthonie White of course you do because you are falling, its different than on a roller coaster due to being pulled down the lift hill and around the track, so the sky coaster while you can feel every bit of the drop and fall its no where near as intense as on even a kiddie coaster

[@harumochizuki]

That’s probably what they were getting at about the hypothetical stunt ride that may or may not have happened. It actually feels like you’re falling into danger, not just in restraints and safe from harm.

[@kevinmcnutt2558]

The Skycoaster at my home park in OKC only has a 1/2 arch flight tower. It goes up and when it reaches the top it stops.

[@brandonwinchester4564]

These are fun, but also extremely daunting.

[@andrewpike2398]

I rode the one at fun spot last week for the first time it was the scariest thing I've ever done bu also really fun as well

[@COASTER_CHASER_1]

42 at Great Escape in NY.... my friends 4yr old rode it. Haha

[@ethanstephens1510]

Great video man!

[@dr.jackbright963]

The one at mt Olympus in Wisconsin dells goes over the hecka huge wave pool

[@SGTRandleOneOne]

I have never been slightly scared on a ride before, until I hit the 250 one at fun spot.

[@richardlong172]

Darien Lake used to make the announcement over the megaphone counting down for the flyers.. its been years since they have done but they should bring it back its a good marketing strategy

[@nightisright1873]

The one at Sea side heights is on pier it swings you out over the Atlantic Ocean

[@edwardbath4091]

You guys should do a video on The Ejection seat / Sling Shot

[@erikzimmerman3230]

I rode the Rip Cord at Michigan's Adventure last summer and I was kind of underwhelmed but it was still very enjoyable. I'm sure they all don't feel the same tho.

[@TitanLRV]

In the manual it says that flyers should not be refunded if they refuse to pull on the Ripcord if they were winched up higher than 3/4 the height of the launch tower.

[@theusefulidiot4202]

I've seen vids of these being built on the side of cliffs with one side swinging over a 1000ft drop

[@theshevirgo]

I’ve done this a few times not recently tho. It’s pretty fun scary the hardest part is letting go and pulling that cord. One of my memories is going to Six Flags either Astroworld or Fiesta Texas with my dad and he made the whole family do it. Everyone that was tall enough had to do it. My youngest sister was 6. To this day she doesn’t fuck with theme parks 😅 he messed her up for life that day.

[@Goliath32114]

I just did the one in Kissimmee which is theworld's tallest sky coaster. It stands 300 feet tall.

[@sansational15]

I love the Kissimmee one. It is my first and only SkyCoaster I've ridden.

[@eggystax4681]

Oh heck yeah carowinds was mentioned!

[@jZ0357]

Fun fact about the kennywood park one it’s original was going to place at there water park sandcastle own by same company

[@pproteinc]

Off topic. You’re a ride op at Carowinds? How long? I was a ride supervisor from 99-06. If you’re still there today why is Zephyr programmed so weirdly and the cycle is mad short. It’s a waste of time if you ask me lol

[@justinknight1209]

I know this video is old and the guest may no longer work there but Carowinds is my home park!

[@ZoniesCoasters]

ive been someones training dummy for the sky coaster at SFOT

[@shonhunt5566]

Surprised opryland isn’t on the list we had it here in Nashville Tennessee I rode it when I was 8 years old I cried thought my lil self was going to die with my auntie she kept saying nephew look at the batman building as we went up I’m 29 years old now 😂

[@warmerparty3862]

The one at Kennywood doesn’t usually operate, but it is quite far.

[@kennethwilliams6916]

My favorite is bungie jumping! I was told that I could no longer do such as I shattered my ankle and the company said uhh yea no we do NOT want to be responsible for pins or other hardware to move.

[@idkusername4106]

Can you do Screamin' Swing by S&S?

[@cube_control]

I got to ride Xtreme Skyflyer at Kings Dominion

[@moppupaws]

I saw a video of someone on a skycoaster who got released from the harnesses because I'm guessing they broke?? And it looked like he was just dangling by his feet. Is that video real? It's in plenty of amusement park accident videos.

[@mathieulacasse254]

What wil happen if you pull the string before it reach the top ?

[@exactchunk5685]

Completely unrelated to the video, but I know you are an expert in cedar point. I might be going on a once in a lifetime trip there and want to go on a completely empty day. What months do you recommend?

[@CoasterCollege]

May or june on weekdays.

[@exactchunk5685]

GP To Enthusiast thank you

[@KB.84]

I worked there for five seasons and may is definitely the best time to go Wednesday’s are the best to go

[@Happymali10]

If you're flying alone, could you technically ask the ride-ops to only be winched up, like, halfway or 2/3 for the first time?

[@TwoFingersOneBall]

Technically no. Trust me, when you’re 2/3rds up the tower, there will be virtually no difference. Once you pull the ripcord, it’ll be the most fun thing that you have done all day.

[@Tracks777]

nice video

[@CoasterDave]

FRICK I WAS AT GREAT ESCAPE

[@devonritchie1899]

I love the giga sky coaster at fun spot Kissimmee, its way better thats the 250ft at fun spot orlando, the winch is slower because its older which adds to the anxiety of being pulled up the tower and on top of it all its a completely different ride so in my opinion the 300ft giga sky coasters are lightyears better than any of the smaller ones

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

Devon Ritchie I rode it with the sky-sled position it was awesome

[@devonritchie1899]

@@ThrillsofColdplay I've never done it in the seated position, hell i didn't even know you could do a seated position so now i got to get back to florida so i can do it seates

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

Devon Ritchie It’s more fun then the laying down position I actually hate the one at Six Flags Great Adventure I don’t ride that one anymore

[@KB.84]

Coldplay360 RollerCoasterFreak the sky sled was definitely amazing the rush you get from the drop almost as if you will flip over on the way down

[@jasminejohnston6393]

The Drop Zone is Playland’s sky coaster. I wouldn’t go on it...

[@davidfrischknecht8261]

I'm surprised they haven't come up with a way for the operator to release the rider remotely. If I was on one of those, I'd be too chicken to pull the cord.

[@Georgie94]

I guess if the guest has control it allows them to chose to go or not or if there is a medical problem like a panic attack or something (it’s probably a lot different feeling looking at it until your up there) they don’t pull the cord but if the operator has control they wouldn’t have any idea if there was a problem as they can’t really see hence can only hear you. Probably another reason why first time guests end up pulling the cord.

[@medea27]

It's a liability thing, as well as a safety measure.... this is more akin to bungee jumping (free-falling) versus a coaster (where ride ops can hit an e-stop mid-ride). Ride ops can't tell if there's a problem once they've winched you up, since yelling & screaming is expected during the ride experience. Free-falling is also a psychologically different experience... it's harder to judge how you'll react ahead of time, and you can injure yourself if you panic or pass out. That's why all free-fall experiences like skydiving or bungee require the individual to _actively_ decide to 'jump',

[@44bthknuckles]

Dartron. Hurricane and Tivoli orbiter

[@ridemonster189]

Can you do the fabbri booster?

[@CoasterCollege]

In a few weeks yes, when I make the video may I use some of the footage you have on your channel of the ride? I will give credit!

[@marty13612]

I have no idea what they were describing about the incident

[@Rompler_Rocco]

😂 Here's what I got: Guy was "stunting" by hooking himself in backwards.. facing the tower with his feet dropping first? (while showing video clip of another rider freely rotating in both directions) "He got first a two good hopefully functional at the time feet into the rolling platform and then got his head in the rolling platform and then just a slap slap slap slap became a a a beca- a became a Vekoma skycoaster, a real headbanger, backwards.. and the pain" 🤔

[@scottsoifer1347]

Site controllers where you at?

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

Will you do slingshot rides soon

[@CoasterCollege]

Yes!

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

@@CoasterCollege I’m excited

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

I don’t like the duel tower model it looks very strange. I like the look of the one at Fun Spot Kissimmee, Myrtle Beach Speed Park, Casino Pier and Morey’s Piers

[@opbpm553]

What part of ohio do you live in?

[@ssj4kel]

Uh what does GP mean. I deadass dunno

[@louiselanthier5135]

How much does it cost to do this (ballpark figure)?

[@CoasterCollege]

To ride?

[@louiselanthier5135]

@@CoasterCollege Yes, to go on the ride experience! Very curious! I've never seen anything like this before! Scary!

[@CoasterCollege]

@@louiselanthier5135 around $15 - $30 a person, depending on the location.

[@louiselanthier5135]

@@CoasterCollege Thank You! That sounds very reasonable! I know that Sling Shot was like CA50.00 at Canada's Wonderland a few years ago! Also scary!

[@hornbrute2529]

YEEEEEEEEEEEET

[@Segatari]

Another sky coaster accident: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4XQl4ebar-XbNE

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

Laying down on this ride is very uncomfortable in my opinion

[@dgpkira9440]

3, 2, 1, Yeet! "I've actually done that before".... Please, I need details...

[@tismejaytee]

It’s not a coaster!

[@bjtgaming]

What are you? Taylor?

[@alanhyt79]

It's not a tumah!

[@RidesandRambling]

Wow, references minecraft and says "yeet" un-ironically, all within the first 10 mins... *facepalm*

[@katkenobi6765]

I like this episode better than the ones with the German guy. No offense to him, but he’s hard to understand and he throws the pacing of the vid off. I realize it’s because english isn’t his first language, but it still bothers me and I can’t watch any of the vids he’s in.

[@jaredlucas4815162342]

I kind of hate them. I am just really against the up charge for a ride inside a park I payed to enter. Though if it makes the parks money then whatever. I just won’t buy into the system.

[@CoasterCollege]

Ride is too low capacity to be included with entry!

[@jaredlucas4815162342]

GP To Enthusiast of course. Then don’t put it in the park. I have the same reaction to fast lane or flash pass stuff. I am just a cheap guy who doesn’t like up charge stuff.

[@cynthiarohr9405]

There was one in Wisconsin Dells I went on a couple times that was just there by itself as it's own attraction. Not park of specific park to my knowledge. I think I like that idea better.

[@jaredlucas4815162342]

Cynthia Rohr agreed. Much better venue for a pay per ride such as this.

[@PolkaPower0]

Rode this at Kissimmee, fl man. This is glorified skydiving.

[@kabuto0789]

I don't like this kind of rides... ...the lines are really long!

[@joeydoink-doink742]

You guys sound so unprofessional commentating that it is making my ears bleed.. you guys had zero game plan on who says what? Weak