The Great Bear at Hersheypark is a thrilling inverted roller coaster that stands at an impressive height of 124 feet. This steel giant offers riders a heart-pounding experience with its 90-foot drop, reaching speeds of up to 61 mph. The coaster’s height requirements and specifications make it a popular attraction for thrill-seekers visiting Hersheypark.
What is the Exact Height of Great Bear at Hershey Park?
The Great Bear roller coaster at Hersheypark boasts a towering lift hill that reaches 124 feet above the ground. This impressive height contributes to the exhilarating experience that awaits riders. Here’s a breakdown of the key height-related statistics:
- Total Height: 124 feet
- Main Drop: 90 feet
- Track Length: 2,800 feet
The difference between the total height and the main drop is due to the coaster’s design, which incorporates the drop as part of the overall ascent.
What are the Height Requirements for Riders?
Safety is paramount at Hersheypark, and the Great Bear has specific height requirements to ensure rider safety:
- Minimum Height: 54 inches (137.16 cm)
- Maximum Height: No specific maximum, but riders must fit properly in the restraint system
It’s important to note that while there’s no maximum height limit, guests of larger size may not be accommodated due to the configuration of the safety restraints. This is to ensure the safety of all riders during the intense maneuvers of the coaster.
How Does Great Bear’s Height Compare to Other Coasters?
To put the Great Bear’s height into perspective, let’s compare it to some other well-known roller coasters:
| Roller Coaster | Park | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Great Bear | Hersheypark | 124 feet |
| Millennium Force | Cedar Point | 310 feet |
| Kingda Ka | Six Flags Great Adventure | 456 feet |
| The Incredible Hulk | Universal’s Islands of Adventure | 110 feet |
While not the tallest in the world, Great Bear’s height is still impressive and provides an thrilling experience for riders.
What Makes Great Bear’s Height Experience Unique?
The Great Bear’s 124-foot height contributes to several unique aspects of the ride experience:
- Inverted Design: As an inverted coaster, riders are suspended below the track, enhancing the sensation of height and exposure.
- Initial Drop: The 90-foot drop creates an intense rush of acceleration and weightlessness.
- Varied Terrain: The coaster’s layout takes advantage of Hersheypark’s natural landscape, making the height feel even more dramatic at certain points.
How Does the Height Affect the Ride Experience?
The Great Bear’s height plays a crucial role in shaping the overall ride experience:
- Speed Generation: The 124-foot lift hill allows the coaster to reach its top speed of 61 mph through gravity alone.
- Inversions: The height provides enough potential energy for the coaster to complete its various inversions, including loops, corkscrews, and a zero-g roll.
- Ride Duration: Despite its impressive height, the Great Bear offers a relatively short ride time of 2 minutes and 15 seconds, packing intense thrills into a compact experience.
What Safety Measures are in Place Due to the Coaster’s Height?
Given the Great Bear’s impressive height, Hersheypark has implemented several safety measures:
- Restraint System: The ride features over-the-shoulder restraints to keep riders secure during inversions and high-speed maneuvers.
- Height Check Stations: Multiple stations throughout the queue allow guests to check if they meet the 54-inch height requirement before reaching the loading platform.
- Trained Operators: Ride operators are specially trained to ensure all restraints are properly secured before dispatch.
Are There Any Height-Related Accessibility Considerations?
The Great Bear’s height and intense nature do come with some accessibility considerations:
- Guests must be able to transfer from a wheelchair or ECV to the ride vehicle independently.
- Riders with prosthetic legs must remove them, and the residual limb must be below the knee to ride.
- Guests wearing casts or hard braces are not permitted to ride due to safety concerns.
How Does Weather Affect the Operation of Great Bear at its Full Height?
The Great Bear’s impressive height makes it susceptible to weather conditions:
- High Winds: The ride may be temporarily closed during periods of high winds for safety reasons.
- Lightning: As the tallest metal structure in its immediate vicinity, the coaster will be closed during thunderstorms.
- Extreme Temperatures: Very cold weather can affect the ride’s hydraulic systems, potentially leading to closures or delayed openings.
What Tips Can Enhance the Height Experience on Great Bear?
To make the most of Great Bear’s impressive height, consider these tips:
- Choose Your Seat: Front-row riders get an unobstructed view of the drop, while back-row riders experience more intense G-forces.
- Visit During Off-Peak Times: Shorter lines mean more rides and opportunities to experience the height from different perspectives.
- Use Fast Track: If available, this option allows you to skip the regular line, maximizing your ride time.
- Secure Loose Items: Due to the height and inversions, only items that can be securely fastened in pockets are allowed on the ride.
How Has the Height of Great Bear Influenced Hersheypark’s Popularity?
The addition of Great Bear and its impressive height has had a significant impact on Hersheypark:
- Attendance Boost: The coaster’s debut in 1998 led to increased park attendance.
- Thrill Seeker Appeal: Its height and inversions attract coaster enthusiasts from around the world.
- Marketing Asset: The coaster’s distinctive silhouette has become a recognizable part of Hersheypark’s skyline and marketing materials.
In conclusion, the Great Bear’s 124-foot height is a crucial element of its design, contributing to its thrilling experience and popularity among Hersheypark visitors. Whether you’re a coaster enthusiast or a casual park-goer, the Great Bear’s impressive stature and exhilarating ride make it a must-try attraction at Hersheypark.
References:
1. Great Bear | Hersheypark
2. Great Bear at Hersheypark: Height, Age, & Weight Restrictions
3. Plan Your Hersheypark Day by Height Category