The curtains parted, the fog rolled out, and from it emerged a time machine -- or, more accurately, a machine from the future. "Time Traveler," the roller coaster opening next spring at Silver Dollar City, debuted Nov. 14 at the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions Expo in Orlando. The amusement industry's largest convention draws more than 32,000 professionals from around the world.
Designed by Mack Rides of Germany, the coaster breaks several records, according to Brad Thomas, president of the Branson theme park:
• Fastest -- with a top speed of 50.3 mph
• Steepest -- with a 10-story, 90 degree vertical drop
• Tallest -- custom designed for mountainous terrain
• Three inversions -- a dive loop, a vertical loop and a zero G roll
• Vertical loop -- A 95 foot vertical loop
• Double launch -- 0 to 47 mph in 3 seconds and 30 to 45 mph in 3.5 seconds
"This coaster's state-of-the-art controlled spin feature provides riders a unique thrill experience while still appealing to families," says Thomas. "Since Silver Dollar City's opening day in 1960, guests have taken a journey back in time with unique and world-class experiences. We strive daily to continue that tradition through our rides, our festivals, our crafts and our food. That pursuit continues in 2018 with Time Traveler -- 'a revolutionary coaster ahead of our time.'"
The vehicle displayed in Orlando is the first of four cars that will be positioned on each of three trains. Time Traveler features gears, cogs and other industrial components as part of its stylized look. Beyond that, the most cutting-edge feature of the vehicle is its 360-degree adjustable magnetic spin control.
"The car is the most advanced roller coaster car in the industry, featuring a free-spinning rotation on a launched roller coaster," says Christian von Elverfeldt, CEO of Mack Rides, the ride's manufacturer. "An on-board magnetic brake limits the rotation speed to allow the most enjoyable ride experience for all ages."
At an investment of $26 million, Time Traveler is Silver Dollar City's biggest attraction ever. "The interest in Time Traveler has been monumental from the perspective of guests, coaster enthusiasts and the industry," Thomas says. "Our goal is to make a global statement with a ride like no other."
Opening date for the ride is spring 2018.
-- Becca Martin-Brown
NAN What's Up on 11/19/2017