Shambhala
Specific Type: Hyper Coaster
|
Europe has become a hotbed of theme parks with exceptional theming throughout most of their major chains. However, it is the blend that creates that charm that many consider as the European style. A park like PortAventura is the perfect example of a well rounded theme park with a grand selection of rides and attractions. In creating their coasters however, PortAventura took coasters to the next level bringing in Bolliger & Mabillard to create what is called the tallest Hypercoaster in Europe: Shambhala.
Opened in 2012, Shambhala is located within the China section of the park themed to an expedition into the Himalayas to search for the fabled kingdom. Riders first meander their way through the well themed queue themed to a small Himalayan village to eventually enter into the station. Once seated in the train, riders will make a right turn into the 249.3 foot tall lift hill. After cresting the hill riders will plunge 255.9 feet down at speeds up to 83.3 mph into an Oriental themed tunnel. Racing out Shambhala veers left and ascends into an airtime hill. From here Shambhala drops into a Figure 8 element that leads into a small airtime hill. Riders will then ascend into another airtime hill that will drop riders into the faux splash pool that spouts water as riders pass by. Coming out of the splash pool Shambhala violently comes up into another airtime hill over the Dragon Khan coaster lift and the entry plaza. From here, Shambhala goes into various small airtime hills into a mid course brake run. Riders plummet down a left hand curved drop that leads into another airtime hill, to another drop that leads into a final brake run. Cited by the park for the speed and heights, Shambhala has become a poster child of the European Hyper Coaster class as one of the best of its kind. The next time you find yourself in PortAventura, make sure to travel to the distant land of China and join the expedition to the fabled kingdom, Shambhala. |
©1998-2016 COASTER-net.com, All Rights Reserved.