Amazing Rollercoasters of Florida > Wooden Rollercoasters
The very term roller coaster brings to mind those wooden monstrosities which have stood the test of time. The concept behind a wooden roller coaster is the grandfather of all modern coasters. The simplicity of the wooden design allows the force of gravity to give extreme thrills. The clickety-clack of the lift hill is one of the most distinguishable sounds in any amusement park. The rumble of the trains going by displays the awesome power of these wooden creations. The shake of the timbers as the train goes over the tracks make on-lookers question the integrity of the ride as if the ride will snap in two. However, the wood bends by design – a design which beckons thrill seekers for miles around. The top three Florida coasters that represent the ultimate in wooden design are the Dania Beach Hurricane at Boomers, Gwazi at Busch Gardens Africa, and the Triple Hurricane at Cypress Gardens.
Dania Beach Hurricane
The Dania Beach Hurricane tops the list of wooden wonders in Florida. When you think of roller coasters and rides in Florida the first thing that comes to mind is Orlando. However, there are many other places in Florida to ride. One of those places is Boomers in Southern Florida. Boomers, just north of Miami and about 3 hours from Orlando, is a family entertainment center offering go-carts, miniature golf, and several amusement rides. At the top of the list for thrill seekers of the old-fashioned variety is the Dania Beach Hurricane, a traditional wooden coaster that offers that sought after “air-time” which all coaster enthusiasts crave. This two and a half minute journey offers dizzying heights and twisting turns. The ride layout is a “double out and back.” This means that the coaster leaves the station goes out to a point, turns around and heads back. Along the way, the ride goes in and out of the structure itself as the riders twist and turn, all the while ducking dizzily through the “head chopper” elements.
Gwazi at Busch Gardens
Gwazi at Busch Gardens
Gwazi at Busch Garden’s Africa is two wooden roller coasters in one. Riders choose one of Gwazi’s two sides – either Lion or Tiger. The two sides battle each other in a race of speed and agility. Once a decision has been made on which side to experience, riders go to their side of the extra-wide station which allows for loading of the two trains simultaneously. As both trains pull out of the station, each train embarks on a separate path towards the lift hills. Both sides, being almost equal in length, offer several moments of what appears to be “near misses” in which the other train zooms by. These near misses heighten the senses of riders, tricking the brain into thinking the trains will collide. From above the ride looks like one big twisted mess. Riders exiting the ride will attest to the fact that Gwazi offers a truly disorienting journey. Whether you choose to ride Lion or Tiger, Gwazi offers steep drops, fast turns, and a unique ride experience.
Triple Hurricane
In the Wooden Wonders category, Cypress Gardens offers the Triple Hurricane. This ride is unique in that it is made for families to enjoy the traditional wooden coaster experience together. The Triple Hurricane reaches heights of less than 50 feet and offers a tamer ride experience for those not ready to tackle larger coasters. The small height requirement allows for even young children to enjoy the wonders that make a wooden coaster unique. The Triple Hurricane has quite a bit of interesting history. Florida was ravaged by three different hurricanes during the construction of the coaster. Each time, Cypress Gardens had to reconstruct portions of the ride that was damaged. When it came time to name the coaster, Triple Hurricane seem to fit the bill. This ride is a typical “out-and-back” coaster. Along the way, the ride has many hills and valleys causing that "air time" sensation that thrills riders more than anything else can on a wooden wonder.
Something for Everyone
The roller coaster is a true American icon. Coasters are built to entertain, terrify, and please the masses. The coasters of Florida do all of the above. They cater to families and individual thrill seekers alike. As long as these thrills are appreciated, we can look forward to Florida playing home to many more of these incredible rides in the future. Next time you are visiting in the sunshine state, be sure to take part in the fun which is roller coaster riding. It is sure to be a wild and wonderful experience. Whether you are looking for family rides to enjoy together, extreme thrills to feed your wild side, or a nostalgic coaster ride, the coasters of Florida are a perfect fit.
Photographs - © Mark Burleson
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