Hydra: The Revenge

Date of Ride: August 27, 2011

Back in 2004 I remember checking out all the specs and video renderings of this ride, and was very excited for this new roller coaster. Other than this coaster being floor-less, it has the unique element of when the roller coaster leaves the station, it goes very slowly through a barrel roll, then does a 180* turn to go up the lift hill. Also, with 7 inversions, what is there not to like about this roller coaster?

The first time I rode this ride was the summer of 2005. When I arrived at Dorney, I ran straight to Hydra. To my dismay, this ride did not live up to my expectations.

This is probably one of the roughest B&M roller coasters as well as one of the roughest steel coasters that I have ever been on. This is very shocking especially for a B&M roller coaster because in my opinion they produce some of the smoothest coasters. I don't know if this ride is so rough because of poor construction or possibly construction mishaps? The worst is the cobra/boomerang bend, where you would be lucky if you do not receive a headache after riding this ride.

When I rode this ride in 2011, I was willing to give the coaster a second chance, hoping that the ride was smoother than it once was. Unfortunately, nothing has changed.

What also makes this ride disappointing is the zero-G roll and corkscrew simply isn't fast enough to give you the effect it is designed for. This is usually my favorite inversion and this ride ruined it. I was thinking that if this coaster's first drop was 20 feet taller, it would have the speed needed to reach the intensity level it should be at.

This roller coaster had so much potential to be an incredible ride, but simply falls flat.

On the positive side, it is still somewhat entertaining, mostly because of the slow heart-line roll you experience at the beginning of the ride.

THEMING: Practically the same as Talon, it has a nifty sign and shrubbery, but nothing else going for it. I give it 5 out of 10.

TRACK LAYOUT: On paper, this is an incredible track layout and has the potential to be one of the best floor-less coaster layouts out there. Obviously though, due to the roughness factor, it keeps it from reaching that potential. I give it 8 out of 10.

INTENSITY: I have ridden in the front, back and middle rows and the most intense ride is in the front seat - as well as giving you the best view. The back seat doesn't have as much of the "whip" feeling that it should have. I give it 6 out of 10.

EXCITEMENT/RE-RIDABILITY: If you rode in the front seat, there is no point in waiting in line again to ride in the back seat. I guess the only reason you would want to ride this coaster again would be to experience the heart-line roll at the beginning or make a goofy face when they take your picture. I give it 5 out of 10.

OVERALL SCORE: 6

Talon: Grip of Fear

Date of ride: August 27, 2011

When you pull into Dorney Park, the first thing you notice is the Talon. I enjoy how the ride interacts with the main entrance pathway to the park, how you can get really close and feel like you can almost touch the track as the roller coaster comes around it's sharp 90* bank turn.

This is the second time I have been to Dorney Park since Talon has been here, and both times I have been on this ride have been pleasant experiences. The one thing I have noticed since the last time I was here is the shrubbery/trees have gotten bigger, thus making the surrounding area look more pleasant to the eye.

When it comes to theming, there's really nothing else to mention except for one thing I will mention a little later.

When you glance at Talon it does give an impression that it is not as fast or intense as it truly is.

When it comes to riding inverted coasters, though some may disagree, I believe the front seat is the best pick. Not only do you have the best view on the train, I feel the g-forces are the best experienced in the front.

On your way up the lift hill, you will notice 3 signs that try to psych you for the ride ahead. Personally I find these signs somewhat humorous and entertaining to pass the journey up the lift hill.

After swooping down the first drop, you are sent through a loop, which I must say was the first time I ever experienced a grey-out on a roller coaster. Also to note: further down in the ride you experience a helix which I also had another grey-out. Followed by another grey-out when the coaster does its close to ground maneuvers and corkscrew.

Talon definitely is one of the more intense inverted roller coasters out there. Thus making Talon a great ride experience.

THEMING: Other than the trees, shrubbery, and signs on the lift hill, there is nothing as far as theming for this ride. Also to note, the ride's main sign has some nifty design to it. I give it 5 out of 10.

TRACK LAYOUT: For an inverted coaster, this is almost as good as it gets. I give it 10 out of 10.

INTENSITY: As mentioned earlier with the grey-outs, this ride is truly intense regardless of what seat you are sitting in. I give it 10 out of 10.

EXCITEMENT/RE-RIDABILITY: Fortunately when I was at the park that day, there were no lines due to a hurricane coming in that evening :) This ride is worth the wait and will keep you coming back again and again. I give it 8 out of 10.

OVERALL SCORE: 8.25