CoasterGallery.com -- Hersheypark

Hersheypark Press Release

Note from Joel: This coaster was cancelled by Hersheypark in early December 2004. The reported reason was that the original price of two million dollars had risen to over three million dollars. There are rumors about other reasons, but nothing can be confirmed at this time due to a lawsuit filed by Hersheypark.

As of the end of 2007, Interactive Rides never built any coaster of this type.

I am leaving this press release here for informational reasons, not because this coaster will ever be built!

Hershey, Pennsylvania (September 28, 2004) - Blend the excitement of a roller coaster with the thrill of a free-fall ride, and you create an entirely unique amusement attraction. The name of that new ride is “Turbulence,” and the experience will be available ONLY at Hersheypark in Hershey, PA!

This innovative style of drop coaster is the creation of Interactive Rides, Inc. of Logan, UT. A pivoting four-person vehicle takes riders up the side of the 150-foot structure, which is equivalent to a 15-story building. Upon reaching the top height, the vehicle moves straight out from the vertical lift and travels along the upper level of track. Then, suddenly, the vehicle drops 20 feet in a freefall curve. The vehicle levels out and then continues along the next section of track, which leads to the next freefall drop. This movement continues through a total of five drops.

Turbulence, the Park’s eleventh coaster, will be located adjacent to the famous historic Hersheypark Carrousel, which has been a guest favorite since it came to the Park 1944. The area surrounding the Carrousel, now known as Carrousel Circle, will be refurbished and renamed Founder’s Circle-- in honor of Milton S. Hershey, chocolate magnate, philanthropist, and founder of the Park. Total cost for the new ride and the renovation is approximately $4 million.
Milton S. Hershey founded Hersheypark in 1907; to commemorate the 98th season, Park officials have planned a complete makeover for Founder’s Circle. The new look will be vintage 1920’s and replicate the intricate craftsmanship and elaborate details that define the Carrousel, which was built in 1919 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company.

PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS:

Track Length: 750 feet
Vertical Ascent: 150 feet
Time of Ascent: 15 seconds

DESIGN FEATURES:

Ride Manufacturer: Interactive Rides, Logan UT
Model: Tower Coaster (World's First!)
Structure: Vertical steel track
Features: 4 passenger pivoting vehicles, Seats are back-to-back
Elements: Five "freefall" drops
Color Scheme: Shades of red, white, and blue
Station House: One station for loading/unloading

TIME / CAPACITY:

Theoretical Capacity: 960 riders per hour
Number of Trains: 7
Capacity per Vehicle: 4 riders
Approximate Ride Time: 2 minutes