Demon
Specific Type: Custom Looping Coaster
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In 1976, the two Marriott’s Great America parks, now known as California's Great America and Six Flags Great America, both received new Arrow looping coasters called Turn of the Century. These roller coasters featured 90-foot drops followed by two camel humps and two corkscrews. At the time, these were very thrilling and amazing coasters because of their two corkscrews.
About four years later, both Turn of the Century rides received huge refurbishments. Two vertical loops replaced the two camel humps, and both coasters were repainted a much more intimidating black and red color scheme, unlike the bright and cheerful white color scheme they used to have. This is how the Demon at California's Great America was born. This classic looping coaster by Arrow Dynamics is considered by many to be one of the smoothest they have built to this day. Although it has lost some of its smoothness over the years, it is still amazingly smooth for an Arrow Dynamics coaster. Many people wonder if there are any differences between the two Demons at California's Great America and Six Flags Great America. The layouts of both are exactly the same. The only noticeable differences are in the scenery. Six Flags’ Demon has its second vertical loop encircle a large rock formation, and its tunnel has some light effects in it, unlike California's Great America‘s Demon. But these are the only differences between the two rides, and they are both just as exciting and thrilling. California’s Great America’s Demon is also surrounded by different coasters than its twin at Six Flags Great America. Grizzly is a clone of the original Coney Island Wildcat, two of which were built. The other Grizzly can be found across the country at King’s Dominion, California’s Great America’s sister park. When walking through the queue for Demon, guests realize that its theming is great! With its caves, waterfalls, trees, and tunnels, this ride is great to look at. Once you reach the station, choose which row you want to sit in, and pull down your restraint, the train is slowly departed from the station. The train enters a small tunnel and begins its slow ascent to the top of the lift hill. Once the train finally reaches the top, it quickly drops into a small turnaround, and descends the 90-foot drop. The train quickly picks up speed, reaching approximately 50 miles per hour, and quickly navigates the 2 vertical loops. They provide riders with plenty of vertical G’s. The vertical loops are much more intense than they look, and if you aren’t expecting the forces, you will be surprised. The second vertical loop is much more intense than the first one. The vertical loops are followed by a long straightaway enclosed in a tunnel. The tunnel is very tight and the ceiling is very close to riders’ heads, causing it to be very intense and giving you the illusion of almost hitting the ceiling. After exiting the tunnel, the track ascends up to the mid-course brakes. This is the only chance you have to catch your breath, because the brakes are followed by a turnaround into a dark cave with a waterfall. The train begins the double corkscrew with everyone’s heads inches from the waterfall. The corkscrews are very smooth and quite enjoyable. The ride’s grand finale is a small helix that ends with the final brake run. The train then slowly crawls back into the station, and riders exit the train, all with smiles. Demon is one of Arrow Dynamics’ most landscaped looping coasters. It is a great ride for the average thrill-seeker, and an enjoyable ride for anybody that doesn’t mind going upside-down a few times! Also, Demon barely ever has long lines, so you’ll be able to ride it many times if the park isn’t crowded. |
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