The Great Bear at Hersheypark offers an exhilarating point-of-view (POV) experience that combines speed, inversions, and scenic views. This inverted steel coaster, designed by Bolliger and Mabillard, features a 90-foot lift hill, reaches speeds of 61 mph, and includes loops, corkscrews, and a zero-g roll. Riders dangle from the track, experiencing 2 minutes and 15 seconds of heart-pounding action as they soar through Hersheypark’s landscape, offering unique perspectives of attractions like SooperDooper Looper and Spring Creek.
What Makes Great Bear’s POV Unique?
Great Bear’s POV experience stands out due to its inverted design, allowing riders to feel more exposed as their feet dangle freely. The coaster’s layout takes advantage of Hersheypark’s terrain, providing a mix of thrilling elements and scenic views that create a memorable ride experience.
Key features of the Great Bear POV include:
- Inverted seating position
- 90-foot lift hill with panoramic park views
- Smooth transitions between elements
- Interaction with surrounding attractions and landscape
- River finish with quick left-right corkscrew
How Does the Ride Experience Unfold?
The Great Bear POV experience can be broken down into several stages:
- Boarding and Ascent
- Riders secure themselves in the inverted seats
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The train climbs the 90-foot lift hill, building anticipation
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First Drop and Initial Elements
- A thrilling drop sets the tone for the ride
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Riders experience a series of inversions and turns
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Scenic Sections
- The coaster provides views of other park attractions
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Riders get a unique perspective of Hersheypark’s landscape
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Finale and Return
- The ride concludes with a river finish and corkscrew
- The train returns to the station after 2 minutes and 15 seconds
What Are the Height and Safety Requirements?
While specific height requirements for Great Bear are not mentioned in the available sources, Hersheypark implements safety measures to ensure rider well-being:
- Size restrictions may apply due to the safety restraint system
- Guests with prosthetic legs, casts, or hard braces face additional restrictions
- The park offers a Fast Track option for reduced wait times
How Does Great Bear Compare to Other Hersheypark Coasters?
To understand Great Bear’s place among Hersheypark’s attractions, let’s compare it to another popular coaster, Skyrush:
| Feature | Great Bear | Skyrush |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Inverted steel coaster | Steel coaster with wing design |
| Height | 90-foot lift hill | 200-foot lift hill |
| Speed | 61 mph | 75 mph |
| Length | 2,800 feet | 3,600 feet |
| Ride Duration | 2 minutes, 15 seconds | 1 minute, 45 seconds |
| Key Elements | Loops, corkscrews, zero-g roll | Airtime hills, beyond-vertical drop |
What Do Riders Say About Great Bear’s POV?
Rider feedback on Great Bear’s POV experience is generally positive:
- Smooth and graceful ride quality
- Balanced mix of thrills and scenic views
- Appreciation for the unique river finish
- Praise for the variety of elements, including the zero-g roll
- Considered a favorite among coaster enthusiasts
How Can You Prepare for the Great Bear POV Experience?
To make the most of your Great Bear POV ride:
- Secure loose items before boarding
- Follow all safety instructions provided by park staff
- Consider using the Fast Track option to reduce wait times
- Ride early in the day or during off-peak hours for shorter queues
- Take in the views during the lift hill ascent for a full appreciation of the park’s layout
What Are Some Tips for Capturing Your Own POV Footage?
While personal recording devices are typically not allowed on rides for safety reasons, you can still capture your Great Bear experience:
- Use Hersheypark’s official on-ride photo service
- Record your reactions before and after the ride
- Share your experience on social media using Hersheypark’s hashtags
- Watch official POV videos to relive the experience or prepare for your visit
The Great Bear Hershey Park POV offers a thrilling and unique coaster experience that combines inverted riding with scenic views and smooth transitions. Whether you’re a coaster enthusiast or a casual park-goer, the Great Bear promises an unforgettable journey through one of Hersheypark’s most iconic attractions.
References:
1. YouTube – Great Bear On-Ride POV
2. Hersheypark – Great Bear
3. YouTube – Great Bear POV at HERSHEYPARK