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 that time, the inclusion of Arrow's signature double corkscrew made this a radical and thrilling ride. But what was new quickly became old.
About four years later, both Turn of the Century rides received huge refurbishments. The two camel humps were replaced with two powerful vertical loops, and both coasters were repainted in a much more menacing black, unlike the bright and cheerful white paint job they used to have. Thus the Demon at Six Flags Great America was born. This classic looping coaster by Arrow Dynamics is considered by many to be one of the smoothest they ever built. And although it has lost some of its smoothness over the years, it is still fantastic example of one of the most popular Arrow coasters of its day. 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. Another difference between the two Demons is the surroundings. Demon at Six Flags Great America is completely dwarfed by the newer B&M coasters X-Flight, the 2012 wing coaster; and Raging Bull, the 1999 hyper twister coaster. Walking through the queue for Demon, guests realize that it is one of the better themed Arrow loopers. Its tunnels and craggy rock formations offer that something extra the really sets this ride apart from other similar coasters. Once riders enter the station, they choose which row to sit in, pull down their restraint, and then it’s off into the Demon's lair. After passing through a small tunnel, the train climbs out of the caldera and slowly ascends to the top of the lift hill. Once the train finally reaches the top, it navigates a quick dip and turnaround poised to descend the initial 90 ft drop. Soon riders are plummeting down towards the first loop at 50 miles per hour. Loop number one sends riders head over heels 70 ft up into the air. Exiting the first loop riders surge ahead and encounter another vertical loop, this one only 55 ft high and encircling a faux rock structure. The difference in size is a notable one, as the second loop is much more intense than the first. Having survived the first two inversions, riders enter a lengthy tunnel with a low roof and strobe-light effects that greatly enhance the sense of speed. After exiting the tunnel, the track ascends up to the mid-course brakes which offer a quick breather. But soon the train takes a left handed u-turn, angling down towards a particularly foreboding looking rock structure. Through the rocks the riders go before careening up to the right as the rails corkscrew over the park's train tracks. Continuing on through corkscrew number two, the train spirals up 270 degrees to the right before riding into the final breaks. A right hand turn then directs the train back into the station where it all began. |
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