The Comet at Hershey Park is a classic wooden roller coaster featuring a modified Double Out and Back track layout. With its 97-foot chain lift hill, 78-foot drop at a 47-degree angle, and multiple bunny hills, the Comet offers riders an exhilarating experience. The ride’s layout includes several 180-degree turns, a ‘dog leg’ turn, and numerous airtime moments, all packed into a 3,360-foot track that reaches speeds up to 50 mph during its 1 minute and 45 seconds duration.
What Are the Key Features of the Hershey Park Comet Layout?
The Hershey Park Comet layout is designed to provide a thrilling experience for riders. Here are its key features:
- Modified Double Out and Back track layout
- 97-foot chain lift hill
- 78-foot first drop at a 47-degree angle
- Multiple bunny hills for airtime moments
- Several 180-degree turns
- ‘Dog leg’ turn
- Total track length of 3,360 feet
How Does the Comet’s Track Design Enhance the Ride Experience?
The Comet’s track design is carefully crafted to maximize excitement and provide a variety of sensations throughout the ride:
- Initial Drop: After climbing the 97-foot chain lift hill, riders plunge down a 78-foot drop at a steep 47-degree angle, setting the tone for the thrilling experience ahead.
- Airtime Hills: The layout incorporates multiple bunny hills, giving riders numerous opportunities to experience weightlessness or ‘airtime’.
- Turns and Twists: The 180-degree turns and ‘dog leg’ turn add lateral forces and directional changes, keeping riders engaged throughout the course.
- Varied Elevations: The alternating hills and drops create a dynamic ride profile, constantly changing the riders’ perspective and physical sensations.
What Are the Technical Specifications of the Hershey Park Comet?
Here’s a breakdown of the Comet’s technical specifications:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 84 feet |
| Drop | 78 feet |
| Length | 3,360 feet |
| Max Vertical Angle | 47 degrees |
| Top Speed | 50 mph (80 km/h) |
| Ride Duration | 1 minute and 45 seconds |
How Has the Comet’s Seating and Safety Features Evolved?
The Comet has undergone several upgrades to enhance rider comfort and safety:
- New Trains: As of 2024, the Comet features new trains manufactured by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters.
- Individual Lap Bars: The new trains are equipped with individual lap bars, replacing the previous buzz bars for improved safety.
- Aesthetic Upgrades: The trains now sport a three-tone blue color scheme with gold trim and diamond plate details.
- Seat Belts: Added in 2008 for an extra layer of safety.
- Station and Track Renovations: The station and ride have undergone various renovations, including repainting and rehabilitation of the lift hill.
What Are the Height Requirements and Capacity of the Comet?
- Minimum Height Requirement: Riders must be at least 42 inches (107 cm) tall to ride the Comet.
- Train Capacity: The Comet operates with 2 trains, each consisting of 4 cars.
- Seating Arrangement: Each car has 3 rows with 2 riders per row, accommodating a total of 24 riders per train.
How Does the Comet’s Layout Compare to Other Wooden Coasters?
The Comet’s layout stands out among wooden coasters for several reasons:
- Modified Double Out and Back: This layout provides a longer ride experience compared to simple out-and-back designs.
- Airtime Focus: The numerous bunny hills are specifically designed to maximize airtime moments, a feature highly prized by coaster enthusiasts.
- Balanced Layout: The combination of drops, turns, and hills creates a well-rounded experience that balances different types of forces and sensations.
- Classic Appeal: While incorporating modern safety features, the Comet maintains the classic feel of a wooden coaster, appealing to both traditionalists and new riders.
What Makes the Hershey Park Comet Layout Unique?
The Comet’s layout at Hershey Park offers several unique elements:
- ‘Dog Leg’ Turn: This distinctive turn adds an unexpected element to the ride’s flow.
- Multiple 180-Degree Turns: These turns create a sense of disorientation and add to the ride’s intensity.
- Varied Hill Sizes: The alternating large and small hills create a dynamic rhythm throughout the ride.
- Spill ‘n Fill Operation: An extra set of brakes serves as an unloading point, allowing for efficient rider turnover.
How Has the Comet’s Layout Influenced Its Popularity?
The Comet’s layout has contributed significantly to its enduring popularity:
- Nostalgic Appeal: The classic wooden coaster design evokes nostalgia while still providing thrills.
- Airtime Moments: Coaster enthusiasts particularly appreciate the multiple airtime hills.
- Varied Experience: The layout offers a mix of elements, ensuring the ride remains exciting from start to finish.
- Accessibility: With a minimum height requirement of 42 inches, the Comet is accessible to a wide range of visitors.
- Photogenic Design: The coaster’s layout, with its prominent lift hill and series of hills, creates an iconic silhouette within the park.
The Hershey Park Comet layout continues to captivate riders with its classic design and thrilling elements. Its combination of a steep first drop, numerous airtime hills, and strategic turns creates a roller coaster experience that has stood the test of time. As Hershey Park continues to maintain and upgrade this wooden coaster, the Comet remains a must-ride attraction for coaster enthusiasts and casual park-goers alike.