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