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Galactica (roller coaster)
Galactica (roller coaster)
from Wikipedia

Galactica
Previously known as Air (2002–2015)
Alton Towers
LocationAlton Towers
Park sectionForbidden Valley
Coordinates52°59′09″N 1°52′55″W / 52.9859°N 1.88205°W / 52.9859; -1.88205
StatusOperating
Opening date16 March 2002 (2002-03-16)
Cost£12 million
General statistics
TypeSteel – Flying
ManufacturerBolliger & Mabillard
ModelFlying Coaster
Track layoutTerrain
Lift/launch systemChain lift hill
Height20 m (66 ft)
Length840 m (2,760 ft)
Speed75 km/h (47 mph)
Inversions2
Duration1:40
Capacity1,500 riders per hour
G-force3.5
Height restriction140 cm (4 ft 7 in)
Trains3 trains with 7 cars. Riders are arranged 4 across in a single row for a total of 28 riders per train.
Fastrack available[1]
Single rider line available
Galactica at RCDB

Galactica is a flying roller coaster located in the Forbidden Valley area of Alton Towers amusement park in Staffordshire, England. It originally opened as Air on 16 March 2002 and is the first flying coaster manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard. Guests ride in a prone position, meant to produce the feeling of flight, as the train passes close to the ground, under footpaths, and narrowly past trees and rocks. The ride was refurbished for the 2016 season and reopened as Galactica. It features an 840-metre-long (920 yd) track and reaches a maximum speed of 75 km/h (47 mph; 21 m/s).

History

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Air (2002–2015)

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Alton Towers conceived the concept of a flying roller coaster in 1990, twelve years before Air eventually opened.[2] Following the opening of Nemesis in 1994, a flying coaster was planned by the park to open in 1998, but was delayed due to technological limitations.[3] During its development, Alton Towers marketed the ride as Secret Weapon 5 (abbreviated to SW5),[4] following the naming pattern established for previous major park developments.

Construction of Air began in mid-2001.[3] Later that year, Alton Towers initially advertised the new rollercoaster as a "next generation Aerial Inversion Ride"; subsequently revealing the name Air.[5][6][7] In early 2002, the ride began testing.

At the time of opening, Air tied with Oblivion as the most expensive ride at Alton Towers, at a cost of £12 million.[8][9] A £4.5 million marketing campaign for the ride included commercials based around the ride's slogan, "assume the position".[3] Air officially opened to the public on 16 March 2002.[8] On opening, Alton Towers entered into a five-year sponsorship agreement for the ride with Cadbury Heroes.[10]

Galactica (2016–present)

[edit]

In June 2015, the park submitted a planning application to make modifications to the station building and retail space. This proposed adding a new photo opportunity into the queue, enclosing the station building with new walls, and constructing additional theming elements around the ride area.[11] This was in addition to an earlier planning application to convert the existing ride shop into a restaurant.[12] In October 2015, the first promotional material was posted on the Alton Towers website, advising guests to "prepare for a new flight" and to "watch this space".[13]

On 12 January 2016, Alton Towers announced that Air would be re-themed as Galactica for the 2016 season and would include on-ride virtual reality (VR) headsets simulating a ride through the cosmos. The announcement was made at an event held at the Science Museum.[14] Each seat on the roller coaster was initially fitted with a Samsung Gear VR headset and pouch.[15] The virtual reality experience was optional, as guests could choose to ride without using the headsets.[16] A promotional website was also released explaining more information about the ride and its new storyline.[17] In late February 2016, the park announced that the official opening date would be 24 March 2016.[18]

For the 2018 season, the availability of VR headsets on the ride were reduced to the back three rows of each train only, with guests choosing whether to use the VR or not when they entered the station. In 2019, Alton Towers removed the virtual reality headsets altogether due to guest feedback.[19][20]

Characteristics

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Statistics

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At the time of opening, Galactica was the tallest ride at Alton Towers with a height of 20 metres (66 ft).[8][9][21] until it was overtaken by Wicker Man, which stands at 22 metres (72 ft). The 840-metre-long (2,760-foot) ride reaches a top speed of 75 kilometres per hour (47 miles per hour), and riders can experience a g-force of up to 3.5g whilst on the ride. One cycle of the ride lasts approximately one minute and forty seconds.[8]

Trains

[edit]

Galactica features a dual-platform loading station, permitting three trains to operate simultaneously. Each train has seven cars, with each car carrying four riders side-by-side in a single row. This configuration allows for up to 1500 riders per hour,[8] although this was heavily reduced when VR was in operation.

A train in the loading position
A train ready
A train in the loading position (left) and flying position (right)

Station and loading

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Riders board a train sitting down, in a similar style to inverted roller coasters.[22] Riders are restrained through a padded over-the-shoulder harness and a lap bar. Two flaps hold the riders' legs in position at their ankles, and close as the harness locks into place. After a train is fully locked and checked, riders are raised into the flying position and the train departs the station.[22] From 2016 to 2018, riders had the option of wearing virtual reality headsets, which were attached to the restraints.

Ride layout

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A train navigating the fly-to-lie
A train navigating the inline twist
Trains navigating the fly-to-lie (left) and inline twist (right) elements.

Galactica departs the station and ascends a chain lift hill. The train enters the first drop, dips to the right, and rises back up through the ride's centrepiece theming element – a portal – which correlates to the ride's space theme. Immediately following this, the track twists, turning riders from the prone position onto their backs.[23] The train then embarks on a large upward left turn before twisting again, returning riders to the prone position.[23] After exiting from this lie-to-fly element, the train passes underneath a small ravine before pitching up into a tight turn over the plaza area.[23] A 360-degree inline twist[8] is followed by a series of smaller turns and dips in the track, before coming to a stop on the brake run and returning to one of the ride's two stations.[23]

Reception

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The Tussauds Group, owners of Alton Towers in the early 2000s, claimed that Air contributed to the park's strong performance in 2002 and 2003.[24]

In Amusement Today's annual Golden Ticket Awards, Air was ranked in the top 50 among steel roller coasters numerous times following its opening. It peaked at position 24 in 2003,[25] before dropping to 34 in 2004 and 36 in 2005.[26][27] In 2006, it tied ranked 49th with another Bolliger & Mabillard flying coaster, Superman: Ultimate Flight.[28] The ride would drop out of the annual rankings the following year, although it would make a brief reappearance as Galactica in 2015 when it ranked 38th.[29]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Galactica is a steel flying roller coaster situated in the Forbidden Valley area of Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire, England, where riders experience a simulated flight in a prone, face-down position while navigating twists, turns, and inversions close to the ground and foliage. Originally conceived in 1994 by designer John Wardley to evoke the sensation of soaring through the air, the attraction—codenamed Secret Weapon 5—underwent development with construction beginning in mid-2001 at a cost of £12 million, before officially opening as Air on March 16, 2002, as the first flying roller coaster manufactured by Swiss firm Bolliger & Mabillard. The ride quickly became a staple of the park despite initial reliability challenges that were resolved by the end of its debut season, drawing riders through a themed cosmic energy wormhole narrative set in the year 3019. In March 2016, after a refurbishment, it relaunched as Galactica, incorporating (VR) headsets developed by Figment Productions to immerse passengers in an interstellar journey, positioning it as the world's first roller coaster dedicated to VR technology. However, the VR component was discontinued in following guest feedback regarding discomfort and operational issues, allowing the coaster to operate in its standard form while retaining the space-themed branding and entrance portal. Technically, Galactica stands 20 meters tall, propels trains to a top speed of 75 km/h over 840 meters of track, delivers up to 3.5 G-forces, includes two 360-degree inversions, and accommodates up to 1,500 riders per hour in 28-passenger trains, with a minimum height requirement of 1.4 meters. As of late 2025, the ride remains operational as a key highlight of Alton Towers' thrill offerings, celebrated for its innovative flying sensation and integration into the park's rugged, post-apocalyptic Forbidden Valley landscape.

History

Development and construction

The development of what would become Air began in the late 1990s, with Alton Towers initially planning its unveiling for the 1998 season under the codename Secret Weapon 5 (SW5), part of the park's secretive ride announcement tradition. The project carried a projected cost of £12 million, tying it with the contemporary Oblivion as one of the most expensive attractions in the park's history at the time. The ride was designed by Swiss manufacturer (B&M), marking their first flying coaster installation in and the world's inaugural prototype of this model. It incorporated innovative prone-position restraints that positioned riders face-down to simulate flight, a concept conceived by ride designer to enhance the sensation of aerial maneuvers. Key engineering challenges included crafting a custom tubular steel track optimized for the flying configuration, which allowed for low-to-the-ground dives and interactions with the landscape, as well as two inversions—a horseshoe roll and a —while ensuring smooth transitions without traditional over-the-shoulder restraints. Integrating the structure into the rugged Forbidden Valley terrain required precise site preparation to blend the ride's 840-meter layout with existing paths and natural features, addressing delays stemming from these technical complexities that postponed the original timeline. Construction commenced during the 2000-2001 closed season, with major groundwork and site clearance occurring in mid-2001 amid challenging wet weather conditions that turned the area muddy. handled the track fabrication and assembly, collaborating with Consignia for control systems and Tussauds Studios for thematic elements. By late 2001, the core structure was largely complete, enabling initial testing with crash dummies in early 2002 to verify safety and performance. The ride received official in October 2000 following submissions in August of that year, paving the way for its debut. Initial marketing built anticipation through cryptic posters and media teasers starting in mid-2001, culminating in a major campaign that promoted the attraction as the "Aerial Inversion Ride" (AIR), emphasizing its groundbreaking flying experience. The strategy included nationwide television and cinema advertisements with the slogan "Assume the position," sponsored by Cadbury Heroes in a five-year deal, positioning AIR as a revolutionary addition to the Forbidden Valley area.

Operation as Air

Air operated daily during Alton Towers' theme park season from March to November, aligning with the resort's standard operating calendar to capitalize on favorable weather and visitor demand. Peak performance occurred in the summer months, when extended hours and high attendance allowed the ride to achieve its maximum throughput potential, often seeing queues exceeding on busy days. The ride's two-train operation, each with seven cars seating four riders per row for a total of 28 passengers per train, enabled a theoretical capacity of 1,500 riders per hour under optimal conditions. Maintenance practices for Air followed standard protocols for Bolliger & Mabillard roller coasters, emphasizing reliability and safety through regular checks on track integrity, train mechanisms, and passenger restraints. Alton Towers commissioned approximately 1,800 hours of independent ride inspections annually across its attractions, ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards; Air benefited from these routine evaluations without requiring major overhauls during its 13-year run as Air until the 2015 closure announcement. The ride's innovative flying position and smooth layout contributed to its enduring popularity, consistently earning high marks in UK theme park enthusiast rankings throughout the 2000s. It frequently placed in the top tier of Alton Towers' coasters and broader UK polls, praised for its accessibility and immersive sensation of flight that appealed to a wide range of riders. Early operations encountered minor issues typical of a new installation, including brief downtimes for adjustments, but no significant incidents or injuries were reported, underscoring the ride's robust engineering.

Relaunch as Galactica

Following the closure of Air at the end of the 2015 season on November 8, Alton Towers announced on January 12, 2016, that the ride would undergo a major retheming to incorporate virtual reality technology, transforming it into Galactica for the 2016 season. The refurbishment included an overhaul of the station to accommodate VR headset integration, with modifications to ensure seamless synchronization between the ride's motions and the virtual experiences, while retaining the original track layout from Air. This multi-million-pound project, developed over two years, involved extensive technical work to install the VR systems across all 84 seats. The retheming embraced a space exploration theme, featuring a new queue line that immerses guests in a sci-fi set in the year 3019, where a in Forbidden Valley serves as a portal to cosmic adventures. The station was repainted in an aqua blue metallic finish to evoke a futuristic spacecraft aesthetic, complementing the ride's flying position. In partnership with Figment Productions, integrated headsets, providing an optional overlay that transformed riders into astronauts on a synchronized journey, including encounters with nebulae and the birth of a star. The experience was designed to enhance the prone flying sensation, with visuals precisely matched to the coaster's inversions, drops, and speeds up to 75 km/h. Galactica reopened on March 24, 2016, billed as the world's first fully dedicated to , marking a significant innovation in theme park attractions despite the park's recent challenges from the 2015 incident. However, the launch encountered initial technical difficulties, including software synchronization issues with the VR headsets, which delayed full operational capacity until early April 2016. These early glitches required on-site adjustments by the technical team and Figment Productions to ensure reliable performance.

Post-relaunch developments

Following the 2016 relaunch, the (VR) headsets on Galactica were limited to the back three rows of each train starting in the 2018 season, in response to guest feedback regarding and extended dispatch times caused by the fitting and adjustment process. The full VR system was removed entirely in March 2019, allowing the ride to operate as a standard flying while retaining its Galactica theming and narrative. The ride was closed from March 2020 to March 2021 due to the , during which postponed its entire theme park season opening. Upon reopening in 2021, Galactica underwent maintenance focused on its track and restraints to ensure safe operation after the extended downtime. In , updated loading protocols improved operational efficiency, enabling the ride to achieve its theoretical maximum throughput of 1,500 riders per hour without the prior constraints of VR headset management. efforts continued into 2023 with upgrades to sensors aimed at reducing weather-induced stoppages, a common issue for outdoor coasters like Galactica. On March 31, 2025, announced the permanent closure of Galactica after the 2025 season to facilitate new hotel and car park infrastructure developments, with operations ceasing on November 9, 2025.

Design and characteristics

Track layout and statistics

Galactica is a steel flying roller coaster located in the Forbidden Valley area of Resort, , , where its track layout is designed to weave through the rugged terrain, skimming close to the ground and paths to enhance the sensation of flight. Manufactured by (), it utilizes a tubular steel track typical of the company's flying coaster model, marking the debut of this restraint and positioning system in 2002. The ride's circuit begins as trains exit the station and make a right turn toward the , ascending to a maximum height of 20 meters over a nearby . At the crest, a brief pre-lift brake run slows the train momentarily before the 20-meter drop plunges riders to the right through a themed portal featuring , , and sound effects. This leads into the first inversion, a horseshoe roll, followed by a dive to the left and an ascent into the second inversion, a zero-g roll that delivers a moment of . The layout then features a tight right turn, a small dip for airtime, and a series of sweeping banked turns and additional low-level airtime hills that hug the landscape, culminating in a 180-degree left turn into the brake run and return to the station. Key performance statistics for Galactica are summarized in the following table:
SpecificationValue
Track 840 meters
Maximum height20 meters
Drop height20 meters
Top speed75 km/h
Inversions2
Maximum G-force+3.5 G
Ride duration1 minute 40 seconds
These metrics emphasize the ride's focus on smooth, sustained speed and moderate forces, prioritizing aerial maneuvers over extreme drops or launches.

Trains and restraints

Galactica operates with three steel trains manufactured by (B&M). Each train consists of seven cars, with riders arranged four across in a single row for a total capacity of 28 passengers per train. The trains are designed for a flying coaster experience, where riders board in an upright seated position before the cars tilt forward into a prone, face-down orientation to simulate flight. The restraint system on Galactica features flexible over-the-shoulder harnesses that riders pull down, combined with individual lap bars and two padded leg flaps per seat to secure the thighs and lower legs. Footrests are provided for additional support in the flying position, and the system includes automatic locking mechanisms that are electronically tested for each rider prior to dispatch to ensure secure engagement. These restraints integrate seamlessly with the train's tilting mechanism, allowing for smooth transitions during the ride cycle without compromising safety. The ride's overall capacity is approximately 1,500 riders per hour when operating all three efficiently. Maintenance protocols for the and restraints adhere to the European standard EN 13814, which mandates annual inspections of critical components such as harnesses, locking systems, and structural integrity to maintain operational safety.

Station and loading system

The station for Galactica is an enclosed sci-fi themed building located in the Forbidden Valley area of Alton Towers, featuring a prominent wormhole portal as the entrance that riders pass through during the launch sequence. It utilizes a dual-station design, enabling two trains to load and unload simultaneously, with a transfer track to store an additional train for efficient operations. Each station accommodates one train of 28 riders across seven cars arranged in a single row of four seats, providing a total station capacity of up to 56 riders at peak loading. Storage lockers are available between the stations for loose items, and subtle signage references the ride's former identity as Air. The loading process occurs on a single platform per station, where riders are allocated to specific rows by staff and enter through air gates once the previous train departs. Riders board in a seated position before the cars tilt backward into the flying orientation, with crew members performing assisted checks on the over-the-shoulder vest restraints and ankle flaps to ensure secure fit. Trains are then dispatched after the tilting mechanism locks, achieving an operational throughput of 1,500 riders per hour through efficient alternation between stations. Queue features include a main path on the left for general riders and a separate Fastrack on the right, with paths merging at a small building where staff direct groups to the left or right station based on availability. Single riders are typically routed to the right station to fill empty seats, optimizing capacity, while the disabled access entrance leads directly to the left station. Height restrictions are enforced at the queue entrance, requiring riders to be at least 1.4 meters tall. For emergencies, evacuation protocols involve side exits from the stations and access to stairs, allowing safe disembarkation; procedures may require assistance for riders in the flying position. In 2016, the station area was expanded to incorporate distribution stations as part of the ride's relaunch, where optional headsets were handed out to riders before boarding to enhance the experience—though this added time to the loading process. The VR system was later scaled back in 2018 and fully removed by March 2019 due to guest feedback on comfort and extended wait times.

Theming and technology

Theming elements

The theming of Galactica immerses riders in a futuristic space exploration narrative set in the year 3019, where participants become civilian Galactinauts piloting AIR-WING 6000 crafts operated by the fictional aerospace corporation Galactica. Through a multi-dimensional wormhole portal fueled by cosmic energy pockets in the Forbidden Valley, riders journey to alien dimensions and galaxies such as Vega 10 and Espin, encountering interstellar phenomena along the way. This storyline, introduced during the ride's 2016 relaunch, emphasizes themes of discovery and interdimensional travel, transforming the coaster into a simulated flight beyond Earth. Visual elements reinforce this cosmic motif throughout the experience. The station features murals illustrating space stations, planetary vistas, and high-tech launch facilities, creating an atmosphere of advanced . The track incorporates metallic blue accents to evoke sleek , while the queue line employs and effects to mimic hazy alien atmospheres and nebula-like conditions. At the launch portal—a towering 10-meter structure—integrated lighting and vapor bursts activate with each departing train, simulating a breach. Audio design further enhances immersion with a custom composed by IMAscore, blending orchestral sci-fi scores, pulsating electronic rhythms, and synchronized whooshing effects that correspond to the ride's accelerations and dives. In the station, a pre-show video narrates the mission briefing, detailing the journey's perils and providing operational instructions for the AIR-WING crafts. These elements culminate in an of hurtling through , complete with countdown sequences during launch. Galactica's theming seamlessly integrates with the surrounding Forbidden Valley area, a post-apocalyptic landscape characterized by jagged rock formations, rusted metal debris, and barren terrain that evokes a dystopian wasteland scarred by ancient catastrophes. This setting amplifies the ride's narrative of forbidden cosmic incursions, with visual and auditory cues linking to nearby attractions like Nemesis, where the valley's "containment zone" vibe suggests shared lore of extraterrestrial threats. The relaunch retained core elements from its predecessor Air, such as the low-altitude flyover of natural valley contours for a sense of unbound flight, refocusing on physical theming.

Virtual reality integration

Galactica featured an optional virtual reality (VR) system integrated into its flying coaster design, enhancing the space-themed narrative by immersing riders in synchronized digital environments. The system utilized Samsung Gear VR headsets mounted to each seat's restraints, powered by a control pack that included an accelerometer, gyroscope for tracking head movements, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi controllers. A large battery under each seat supplied power, recharged via the electrified track rail during off-hours to ensure reliability. Riders could select from three distinct VR experiences, each developed by Figment Productions and lasting approximately 90 seconds to align with the core ride sequence: a flight across heavenly clouds in the , exploration of lava lakes on the volcanic planet Nero 5, and traversal of frozen landscapes on the Kepler 9. These modes complemented the coaster's theming by transporting participants into interstellar adventures that reinforced the attraction's narrative of . Synchronization between the physical ride and VR content was achieved through the Vector VR system, which used ride sensors and real-time data from the vehicles' accelerometers and gyroscopes to match on-screen events with track elements, such as aligning inversions with virtual rolls, ensuring precision within hundredths of a second. This integration aimed to minimize by closely mirroring physical sensations with visual cues. Implementation presented operational challenges, including extended dispatch times due to headset fitting and removal, which reduced throughput and lengthened queues compared to the pre-VR configuration. Battery management and headset maintenance added complexity, though the tethered design and automated charging helped mitigate downtime. In March 2019, removed the VR headsets entirely following guest feedback, citing low participation rates—often below half of riders opting in during later seasons—and reports of discomfort including , alongside the system's negative impact on ride capacity. The headsets were subsequently scrapped, allowing Galactica to operate without VR while retaining its space theming.

Operation and reception

Ride experience and incidents

Riders on Galactica experience a prone flying position that simulates the sensation of flight, with trains launching from a stationary position and soaring face-down close to the ground while brushing past trees and footpaths. The ride features two 360-degree inversions, where passengers flip from a lying position to facing upward, combined with high G-forces up to +3.5G during spirals and hills that produce airtime moments. Front-row seats offer optimal views of the surrounding terrain and themed cosmic elements, enhancing the low-clearance thrill. The ride's operation is sensitive to weather conditions, particularly , due to automated s that halt launches to ensure safety; this is a frequent occurrence given the UK's variable climate. In one such instance on May 2, 2016, obscured a , causing the to stop automatically near the top of the first drop and stranding 28 riders in the for approximately 20 minutes before safe evacuation. Another operational stoppage occurred on October 27, 2022, when the ride halted mid-circuit after a guest fell ill, with medics attending on-site; no injuries were reported in either event. Galactica maintains a strong safety record with no fatalities reported since its opening in 2002, adhering to UK (HSE) regulations for amusement devices, which mandate regular inspections and risk assessments. The ride includes standard warnings for guests prone to , advising them to observe operations beforehand, and features assisted evacuation procedures in case of stoppages, utilizing team support and handling aids for safe disembarkation. The previous virtual reality integration briefly amplified the flight-like immersion during themed sequences.

Critical and public reception

Galactica, originally opened as Air in 2002, received acclaim for its innovative flying coaster design by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), often praised for its exceptional smoothness and the unique sensation of flight that set a benchmark for the type. Reviews highlighted the ride's engineering quality, with enthusiasts noting it as one of the smoothest coasters at Alton Towers even after two decades, earning a 4.1 out of 5 rating on Captain Coaster based on nearly 1,000 user submissions. In Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards, the ride (as Air) consistently ranked in the top 50 steel coasters worldwide from 2003 onward, peaking at No. 39 in 2015, recognizing its enduring appeal post-opening. The 2016 relaunch with (VR) integration drew mixed critical responses. While the core ride experience was lauded for its forces and pacing, the VR element faced criticism as a superficial gimmick that detracted from the physical thrills, with reviewers noting it reduced the immersive flying sensation and caused discomfort for some riders. Publications like GeekMom described the VR as "fun as a gimmick" but ultimately limiting, as it prevented views of the park's landscape during the layout. The VR system was discontinued in 2019 amid declining usage and operational challenges. Public feedback has remained largely positive, emphasizing the ride's and repeatability for a broad audience, though complaints about long queues and the post-VR theming feeling outdated persist. On , reviews frequently highlight Galactica's comfort positively, despite occasional downtime affecting perceptions. The relaunch contributed to a 2.9% increase at the park in , reaching 1.98 million visitors, partly attributed to media buzz around the VR innovation. Galactica has been featured in coverage, including reports on its launch and operational incidents that underscored its pioneering status in theme park technology. In 2025 fan polls, such as the Alton Towers Fandom Top 20 Rides ranking, Galactica placed mid-tier at No. 6 among the park's attractions, appreciated for its timeless flying elements but seen as needing a thematic refresh due to its age. In 2025, the ride has faced criticism for increased downtime and reliability issues, contributing to mixed visitor experiences.

References

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