The Great Bear at Hersheypark is a thrilling inverted roller coaster that offers an exhilarating ride experience. With its impressive speed and unique design, it has become a favorite among park visitors. The Great Bear’s maximum speed ranges from 58 to 61 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest coasters in the park. This steel giant features a 124-foot drop and four inversions, providing an intense and unforgettable adventure for thrill-seekers.
What is the Exact Maximum Speed of Great Bear at Hershey Park?
The Great Bear roller coaster at Hersheypark reaches a maximum speed between 58 and 61 miles per hour. While most sources cite 58 mph (93 km/h) as the top speed, some reports indicate it can achieve speeds up to 61 mph. This slight discrepancy may be due to variations in weather conditions or other factors that can affect the coaster’s performance.
To put this speed into perspective, here’s a comparison with some other popular roller coasters:
| Roller Coaster | Park | Max Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Great Bear | Hersheypark | 58-61 mph |
| Millennium Force | Cedar Point | 93 mph |
| Kingda Ka | Six Flags Great Adventure | 128 mph |
| Top Thrill Dragster | Cedar Point | 120 mph |
As you can see, while the Great Bear isn’t the fastest coaster in the world, its speed is still impressive and contributes significantly to the thrilling experience it offers.
How Does the Great Bear’s Speed Enhance the Ride Experience?
The Great Bear’s speed plays a crucial role in creating an intense and memorable ride experience. Here’s how:
- Heightened Adrenaline Rush: The rapid acceleration and high-speed turns increase adrenaline production, giving riders an exhilarating sensation.
- Enhanced G-Forces: The speed contributes to stronger G-forces during inversions and turns, intensifying the physical sensations experienced by riders.
- Amplified Wind Effect: At speeds of nearly 60 mph, riders feel a strong rush of wind, adding to the overall thrill of the experience.
- Increased Perception of Height: The high speed makes the coaster’s 124-foot drop feel even more dramatic and stomach-dropping.
What Are the Key Features of the Great Bear Roller Coaster?
The Great Bear isn’t just about speed. It offers a variety of thrilling elements that make it a standout attraction at Hersheypark:
- Inverted Design: As an inverted coaster, riders are suspended below the track, providing a unique perspective and sensation of flight.
- Four Inversions:
- Vertical Loop
- Immelmann
- Zero-G Roll
- Corkscrew
- 124-foot First Drop: This initial plunge sets the tone for the intense ride ahead.
- Helix: A high-speed spiral that increases G-forces and adds to the ride’s intensity.
- Curved Drop: This element swings riders out over the park, providing both thrills and scenic views.
How Long Does the Great Bear Ride Last?
The duration of the Great Bear experience can be broken down into two parts:
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Actual Ride Time: The coaster run lasts approximately 2 minutes and 55 seconds, though some sources list it as 2 minutes and 15 seconds. This discrepancy might be due to different measurement methods or slight variations in the ride’s operation.
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Queue Time: The total time spent in line can vary greatly depending on factors such as:
- Time of day
- Day of the week
- Season (peak vs. off-peak)
- Special events at the park
- Use of Fast Track passes
It’s worth noting that Hersheypark offers a Fast Track option, which allows guests to skip the regular lines on select attractions, potentially reducing wait times significantly.
What Are the Height and Safety Requirements for Riding the Great Bear?
While the exact height requirement isn’t explicitly stated in the available sources, most high-thrill roller coasters at Hersheypark typically require riders to be at least 54 inches (137 cm) tall. However, there are several important safety considerations and restrictions:
- Wheelchair Transfer: Guests must be able to transfer from wheelchairs or ECVs to ride.
- Size Restrictions: The safety restraint system may not accommodate guests of a larger size.
- Prosthetics: Guests with prosthetic legs must remove them, and the residual limb must be below the knee.
- Casts and Braces: Riders with casts or hard braces are not permitted on the ride.
These requirements are in place to ensure the safety of all riders and to maintain the integrity of the ride experience.
How Does the Great Bear Compare to Other Roller Coasters at Hersheypark?
While Hersheypark boasts several impressive roller coasters, the Great Bear stands out for several reasons:
- Inverted Design: It’s the only inverted coaster in the park, offering a unique riding experience.
- Speed: At 58-61 mph, it’s one of the faster coasters in the park.
- Inversions: With four inversions, it provides more upside-down thrills than many other rides.
- Scenic Views: The layout takes advantage of the park’s terrain, offering riders spectacular views.
Here’s a quick comparison of some of Hersheypark’s major coasters:
| Coaster | Type | Max Speed | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Bear | Inverted | 58-61 mph | 124 ft |
| Storm Runner | Launched | 75 mph | 150 ft |
| Skyrush | Wing | 75 mph | 200 ft |
| Candymonium | Hyper | 76 mph | 210 ft |
What Makes the Great Bear a Must-Ride Attraction at Hersheypark?
The Great Bear has earned its status as a must-ride attraction at Hersheypark for several compelling reasons:
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Unique Experience: As the park’s only inverted coaster, it offers a ride experience that can’t be found on any other attraction in Hersheypark.
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Thrilling Elements: The combination of high speed, inversions, and drops creates an intense and memorable ride.
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Scenic Route: The coaster’s layout takes advantage of the park’s natural terrain, providing riders with beautiful views of Hersheypark.
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Smooth Ride: Despite its speed and inversions, the Great Bear is known for its smooth ride quality, making it enjoyable for a wide range of visitors.
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Historical Significance: As one of the earlier installations of B&M inverted coasters, the Great Bear holds a special place in roller coaster history.
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Accessibility: While thrilling, the ride is not so extreme as to alienate moderate thrill-seekers, making it accessible to a broader audience.
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Night Rides: The experience of riding the Great Bear after dark adds an extra layer of excitement, as the sense of speed and height is amplified.
In conclusion, the Great Bear’s max speed of 58-61 mph at Hershey Park is just one aspect of what makes this roller coaster a standout attraction. Its unique design, thrilling elements, and overall ride experience combine to create an unforgettable adventure for park visitors. Whether you’re a seasoned coaster enthusiast or a first-time rider looking for an exciting challenge, the Great Bear offers a world-class thrill that shouldn’t be missed on your visit to Hersheypark.
References:
1. Great Bear (roller coaster) – Wikipedia
2. Great Bear – Coasterpedia
3. Great Bear | Hersheypark