Volare Review, Zamperla Flying Coaster | Underrated or Torture Device?

The Zamperla Volare is one of the most maligned coaster models in existence. This is an ultra compact flying coaster where guests ride in cages. Most enthusiasts relentlessly bash these rides, but I genuinely enjoy them and I'll explain why in this review.
Video Credits
Birdman Contest (Lavi & Ollie)- • Red Bull Flugtag Lausa...
Flying Coaster (psyclonesteve)- • Flying Coaster, Elitc...
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Skytropolis (Theme Park Worldwide)- • Skytropolis Indoor The...
Time Warp POV (Canada's Wonderland)- • Official POV - Time Wa...
Background Music
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[@Shockzone1495]

crazy to think that this ride model was conceived in the 2000s. it honestly looks like something straight out of the early 1980s.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I can see that.

[@arturobianco848]

it sort of rides like that to, a bit Jerky and not very comfortable But after the first one i never had a painfull experience on them they are just not worth the 30 minutes waiting time.

[@coastercastaway]

Sample size N=1, but I agree for the most part. I've been on Super Flight a few times, most recently in 2017. Back then I gave it a 6/10, it had a little roughness but nothing too bad, and I found the drops surprisingly fun. My friend used to joke about the "McDonald's" color scheme, it's definitely polarizing, although along with the quirky layout I think it gives the ride character.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's a fun one.

[@altronproductions2179]

Actually a correction, the Volare at Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park is a relocated coaster from the former Genting Theme Park which opened in 2004 but closed in 2013 due to its renovation into a 20th Century Fox Theme Park. Iirc the latest new Volare Zamperla installed is at the ill-fated Wonderland Eurasia in 2019 😂

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks for clarifying!

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

I call them overhated. They're not bad. I rode them the way you described, and it worked great for me. I rode Time Warp once on each of the 3 days I was there, and enjoyed every ride. Not a top tier ride, but still fun. It's very quirky, which I always appreciate. I only did the one at Luna Park once, but it felt no better or worse than Time Warp in how it rode.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Glad I'm not the only one.

[@Sauci55on]

There’s a rare HUSS Fly Away at my home park, and I believe the riding position and the way you get in are pretty similar to the Volares, there’s even the lil cage-like thingy at the front. Most of the time it’s painful, especially since the ride pulls quite a lot of G’s, but on one ride I somehow managed to find a comfortable position, and it was much more enjoyable ! Thus I think those Volares might be fun if you actually manage to get comfortable rides , like you apparently do. Nice vid as always !

[@CanobieCoaster]

I used to ride the one at Six Flags New England. I prefer volares for the more diverse ride.

[@keithstransitexperiences9749]

These are intriguing as some silver linings for many people as the automatic sit to fly when rolling to avoid wasting time when still like on B&M and Vekoma flyers and the spiral lift hill with a rotating arm.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The lift is cool.

[@AG7-MTM]

The new name for this contraption (the upgraded one): Eaglez (new zamperla track, hopefully new trains with better restraints)

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@Coyotek4]

Living in the mid-Atlantic means you get the best of the 'mid' coasters: best SLC (Morey's Pier), best Boomerang (also Morey's Pier), and best Volare (Coney Island). I've been on all three of these and none of any other, so I've been blessed.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's fortunate.

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

The egg beater lift hills are the coolest looking thing about these coasters

[@CanobieCoaster]

They're quite quirky, but I like the barrel rolls best.

[@TheMediaArchivist]

Nice to hear how these ride! I’ve always had trouble climbing ladders, so I can’t ride these.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Sorry you can't get on them.

[@FlashFoxBox]

Something i have ever wondered about this lift: The Spiral lift in Europa Park (Can Can Coaster) has anti-rollbacks. How does this ride prevent rollbacks, if the arm snapps, that transports the ride upwards? EDIT: I was thinking about structual failure. I have a bicycle trailer, where the connection to the bike recently snapped because of rust.

[@TheWolfXCIX]

I'm assuming the column can't rotate backwards and is designed to not break. In the same vein of how can you prevent a rollback if the lift hill snaps in half 😂

[@sabretooth1997]

Same. I suspect it either can't go back, or the weight of the car just isn't heavy enough to push it back. Or, perhaps it is and it's able to gently glide back down. Would be an interesting credit lol.

[@FlashFoxBox]

​@@sabretooth1997 I was thinking about structual failure. I have a bicycle trailer, where the connection to the bike recently snapped because of rust. What if it isn't properly maintained. Is there a secound line of defence, so to speak. Like rotation brake in the wheels to slow the car down, like on alpine coasters?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I don't think it can rotate backwards.

[@FlashFoxBox]

@@CanobieCoaster and If the catching arm falls because of rust?

[@aldodaci9055]

The cars definitely do like torture chambers but im glad you gave everyone a stratergy on how to ride volares without getting beat up zamperla certainly makes good rides

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope my strategy helps.

[@Paolo8772]

Well, I've ridden two; in 2021 I rode Timewarp at Canada's Wonderland and in 2022 I rode the one at Luna Beach NYC. The one at Canada's Wonderland I liked worse than Flight Deck, the horrible old Vekoma SLC at the same park, (the story was funny and cute; involving a young Chinese Canadian girl her mom was looking for someone to ride with her since mom hated coasters, and I was gonna ride it only once in the back since I wasn't planning on a 2nd ride, so mom flagged me down as I was running the cue, which I ignored at 1st because I didn't understand what she was asking me. Her mom asked again and I agreed as long as she rode it with me in the back, since I was gonna ride it there during my one and only ride I'd planned on it. When we rode it we both helped each other, and her mom was appreciative! If only that little girl knew how brave she was!) but I digress; the Zamperla Volare at Luna Beach was better than either of the two worst metal coasters at Canada's Wonderland, which come in as a 3 way tie as worst coasters ever in the same park with them and Great Canadian Mine Buster. But I don't like them as much as you do: I'd give Soaring Eagle a 4 and Timewarp gets a 3 assuming it even deserves it. That's ok: we all have different opinions and I have a lot of respect for yours. Thanks for posting!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I know I'm in the minority with these rides. I much prefer them to standard SLCs.

[@gemmachaos]

I've been on the one in Vienna and I've never been so terrified in my life. I don't think I was too badly hurt - the experience is mostly a blur - but I remember clenching my entrie body thorughout. The thing with these: riding a Volare is work. You can't cut loose and just enjoy the ride. When I got off, some other riders asked me in German how bad it was. I merely shook my head, lost for words. Such is the life of an enthousiast.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It is freaky having those restraints for the inversions.

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

I’ve only ridden the one at Coney Island and that was back in 2014

[@CanobieCoaster]

Rough is shaky. Aggressive is wild. It can lead to roughness though.

[@KingGamingRoblox]

Do you have a review for Busch gardens Williamsburg?

[@travisjones8902]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWSUY36pe9Vlq6ssi=g05FIIwuPYm8t5GO

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@AbuZaheerElMasri]

Do you mind if I ask what your height is? I’m 5’8 and wonder if I’d personally be tall enough, kinda like how you describe being able to clear the Aero/vekoma over-the-shoulder harness (which my head does not, so I get some light headbanging)

[@CanobieCoaster]

5'9

[@AbuZaheerElMasri]

Thank you for sharing! I bet that extra height makes the difference. I’ve heard you mention a few times that your head fully clears the Aero over the shoulder harness (thus preventing headbanging for you), but mine personally doesn’t (not fully at least), so I’ll hit my head/neck a bit. As a result, I usually skip the SLC, boomerang, or old Aero. I’m also just not one of those people that can appreciate that “older style” of coasters built without computers; tbh I personally much prefer modern, heartlined coasters. I think I’ll skip this one too, only because I don’t think I could perform your technique mentioned in this video. A bit random, but I absolutely loved your videos on how to flip on a Gerstlauer Sky Fly, and how to correctly ride a B&M Stand Up. I’ve done both successfully, thanks to your techniques. You’ve really got it down to a science!

[@TheIntimacyGram]

Fun ride, especially when you have friends onboard to laugh with.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Fair!

[@singlerailindustries1763]

I See The Volare As A Failed Prototype. Sure It's Extremely Compact Fitting In 2 Inversions But It's Extremely Rough. The Train's Restraints Are Bad. The Track Layout Looks Smooth But I Never Rode A Volare Before So I Can't Tell. Is The Track Smooth But The Trains Are Bad Or Are Both Equally Bad? Credit To Zamperla For The Attempt At A Flying Coaster Though. Hope They May Revise That Concept Like Vekoma Did With Their Flying Dutchman.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I think Zamperla designed this to fit in the same plot as a Galaxi coaster, but the concept didn't take off as much as something like a wild mouse.

[@jacobselleck9750]

I’m very small so every movement on the ride sends me flying and is very uncomfortable due to the all plastic seats

[@CanobieCoaster]

Oh no!

[@flooo7045]

I rode the Volare at Prater more than five Times over the years. This is one of the most underrated coasters in my opinion. The first turn is very rough, but the Rest of the Layout is smooth, fun and enjoyable. I really hate the trains thiough mostly because I feel unsafe. It seems like I could fall out of the vehicle, although I know that that the ride is save

[@CanobieCoaster]

Glad you enjoy it too.

[@mattyorshin]

I love these unigue coasters but they hurt. If they had like a two seater b and m flying train it might be insanely great

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes, B&M makes better flyer trains.

[@ruipeixoto5737]

Did it at Prater last year, pretty sure I jammed shoulders on padings because the op signaled me to do so pushing is hand up on my back and saying something in German I couldn't understand. Still felt like a pinball ball between bumpers. Other than the discomfort, didn't felt as intense and exciting as it looked from the outside. If it had something to add up, I could tolerate the discomfort, but overall it felt bland too. I had done the Olympia Looper right before, that one is even rougher and comfort nowhere to be seen too, but the intensity of the ride overshadows everything negative, great (compact) ride. Totally recommend. Volare in the other hand, had nothing that stood. Can't recommend, or better: recommend not doing.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I found Olympia Looping comfortable, but I was advised before riding to sit up straight at all times to deal with those accordion harnesses.

[@danthecoasterman22]

I’ve only been on Time Warp. I have it ranked #7 in the park… but I can’t tell if that’s a compliment to Time Warp or a testament to Canada’s Wonderland’s trash

[@sabretooth1997]

CW has a good top tier and a good mix of lower-tier (but not bad) family-ish style coasters, though that understandably doesn't appeal to enthusiasts. Honestly the only one I would call bad is Flight Deck. The woodies are kind of bad, too, but could be good with some TLC - especially Spinebuster. What CW doesn't have is a solid middle tier. Aside from Vortex (possibly the best Arrow suspended), there's nothing. I'd love to see them get something like Rougarou, even if it's just a hand-me-down from another park. Compared to say somewhere like Cedar Point, which in my [likely highly controversial] opinion, has a bumper crop of solid middle tiers, a somewhat lacking and increasingly out of date top tier (aside from Steve), and nothing truly quirky or unique like this.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I find it enjoyable.

[@samuelahoffman]

cool

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@MrCollerRoaster]

Underrated

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@jtwoolley]

great

[@CanobieCoaster]

Fun for me.

[@Paolo_DLR]

I've only been on Time Warp and it really wasn't bad at all.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Glad I'm not the only one!

[@clairefunnell8481]

Haven't ridden Time Warp yet. I heard it's very bad and very painful. Could be on the are list for our next 2025 Rollercoaster.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Most people dislike it.

[@arturobianco848]

I must have found it for myself after the first ride i made some adjustments and never had a really painfull experience. To say they are comfortable though is a bit much but they aren't worse then many of the other Zamperla models. To be honest they just aren't good enough to stand in line for if it walk on i do more then one ride but usealy there is a better coaster around that also doesn't have a que. A 5 out of 10 is about it maybe a 5+.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm glad you also don't hate them.

[@arturobianco848]

@@CanobieCoaster I really don't understand the hate for the model. If wel maintained its a pretty fun ride.

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

I wish these trains were like the B&M Flyer trains the cages are so weird

[@CanobieCoaster]

B&M does have better flyer trains.

[@sabretooth1997]

The only one I'm familiar with is Time Warp, which I've been on maybe as many as 20 times. While I don't love it, I have to admit it is growing on me. As a Fast Lane holder, I'm usually one of the few idiots that actually uses it on that thing and it's almost always a walk-on. You do need to ride it somewhat defensively, which is always a minus, but if you can anticipate what it's doing you can escape without any headbanging. As for how to ride it, I tend to disagree with you. My position is to step as high as you can go as you say, but then take one step down. It'll take all pressure off of your shoulders, as I personally find the shoulder pressure/banging to be worse than the headbanging. It then frees you to anticipate the next turn and move your head accordingly. In the end it just boils down to personal preference. Obviously, Time Warp seems to be in perpetual speculation for removal (along with Flight Deck - kill that one with fire) but I'd be curious to see what's put in its place. Seeing as it takes up hardly any space (maybe 2x the footprint of the nearby carousel?) it seems a lot of removal scenarios may call for removing it for the sake of removal as opposed to just building around it.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer the shoulder method to stabilize myself, but I know that method isn't for everyone.

[@First-Drop-Studios]

I find pretzel loops way more painful than Volares. I think these coasters are criminally underrated.

[@Goliath146]

They aren’t painfully they are just forceful

[@First-Drop-Studios]

@@Goliath146 they restrict breathing and rush a bunch of blood to your head. It’s painful and forceful.

[@360coasters]

@@First-Drop-StudiosI rode my first B&M flyer (it also had a pretzel loop) and I didn't feel that way. It was fun

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer pretzel loops to anything on Volares myself.

[@First-Drop-Studios]

@@CanobieCoasterthe barrel rolls are some of my favorite inversions anywhere.

[@maverickheartlineroll]

*Worst Punishments in Human History*

[@CanobieCoaster]

Oh my. I don't think it's that bad.

[@michaelod8841]

looks like it was made in RCT3

[@CanobieCoaster]

I think you can make it in that game.

[@wf6190]

I initially found these fun as I hadn’t ridden other better rides out there. Gradually, I started to realise why these were hated upon. The ride is incredibly rough, the transitions are horrible, and most ironically, it is nothing like a flying sensation due to its shakiness.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I like them, but know I'm in the minority.

[@bigc1280]

2 out of 10 for me!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Sorry you are not a fan.

[@pfirsichdrop]

I have ridden the one at Wiener Prater and it's the worst coaster I've ridden by far. 0/10 ride, 10/10 pain. The lift is kinda cool tho

[@CanobieCoaster]

That one is shakier than the other Volares, but I still find it tolerable.

[@BryanMark-mw8sz]

It's an underrated torture device of the first order.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I know I'm in the minority for liking this ride.

[@WCfanboy]

I don’t like these rides but they just… don’t hurt? I mean they’re a little weird and awkward but like I’m not gonna be annoyed if I’m riding one for the credit

[@CanobieCoaster]

I find them tolerable.

[@Cheezbat]

You are the ONLY person I know who will actually consider riding these garbage rides. They are terrible. Places like Canadas Wonderland should axe theirs asap.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I don't ride the Canada's Wonderland much due to the stacked lineup, but I do ride it at smaller parks like Rye Playland more.

[@arturobianco848]

Wouldn't say they are terrible just that they are not worth the waiting time for what they offer. I must say i enjoy the Vekoma's family rides more then this one but for a small parj it would have been a nice extreme ride a couple of decades ago.

[@aldodaci9055]

I would rather ride time warp then flight deck flight deck is just brutal time warp on the other hand is ok and it does look fun

[@CanobieCoaster]

I much prefer it over Flight Deck.

[@dytamic]

why dont you like pikmin

[@CanobieCoaster]

Never found it fun.

[@heather1980]

If you are on the short side these are just torture chambers

[@CanobieCoaster]

I didn't have a problem as a kid. I just went all the way up the ladder.

[@urbex_coasters]

Have B&M or Vekoma redo the vehicle based on their flying coaster restraints and these could be alright. But as a Zamperla? Mass produced overly restrictive crappy ride.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'd welcome a redesigned vehicle.

[@aldoparise1224]

They are ok. Not bad but not the best.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I find them fun.

[@micoasters]

These coaster will probably be better than the b&m models as they don’t have the pretzel loop. Those pretzel loops are too much for me in that position

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer the B&M ones.

[@Topitopi14]

Horrible

[@CanobieCoaster]

Sorry you are not a fan.

[@Topitopi14]

@@CanobieCoaster I tried it at Wien Prater and it was one of the worst coaster experiences ever. I'd didn't deliver anything but pain. If I find it at a park I'll give it another try, but I won't pay for it again. Great review anyways

[@VelocicoasterFanboy]

Underrated

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes