The Great Bear roller coaster at Hershey Park is an exhilarating inverted steel coaster that offers a unique and intense ride experience. Located in the Kissing Tower Hill region, this coaster stands 90 feet tall with a 124-foot drop, reaches speeds of up to 60 mph, and features four inversions. With its 2-minute 55-second ride duration and scenic route over Comet Hollow and Spring Creek, the Great Bear provides visitors with an unforgettable adrenaline rush.
What Are the Key Features of the Great Bear Roller Coaster?
The Great Bear roller coaster at Hershey Park boasts several impressive features that make it a must-ride attraction:
- Height: 90 feet (27 meters)
- Drop: 124 feet (38 meters)
- Maximum Speed: 58-60 mph (93-97 km/h)
- Inversions: 4 (vertical loop, immelmann, zero-g roll, corkscrew)
- Duration: 2 minutes and 55 seconds
- Track Type: Inverted steel
These features combine to create a thrilling experience that keeps riders coming back for more.
How Does the Great Bear’s Height Compare to Other Coasters?
While the Great Bear’s initial lift hill stands at 90 feet, its impressive 124-foot drop sets it apart from many other coasters. This unique design takes advantage of the park’s hilly terrain, allowing for a more dramatic plunge than the initial ascent might suggest.
To put this into perspective, let’s compare the Great Bear’s height to some other popular coasters:
| Roller Coaster | Park | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Great Bear | Hershey Park | 90 feet (124-foot drop) |
| Millennium Force | Cedar Point | 310 feet |
| Kingda Ka | Six Flags Great Adventure | 456 feet |
| The Incredible Hulk | Universal’s Islands of Adventure | 110 feet |
As you can see, while the Great Bear isn’t the tallest coaster out there, its clever use of terrain and the resulting drop make it a formidable thrill ride.
What Makes the Great Bear’s Speed Exciting?
The Great Bear roller coaster at Hershey Park reaches a top speed of 58-60 mph, which may not seem extreme compared to some of the world’s fastest coasters. However, several factors contribute to making this speed feel particularly exhilarating:
- Inverted Design: Riders are suspended beneath the track, creating a sense of vulnerability and heightening the perception of speed.
- Tight Turns: The coaster’s layout includes several sharp turns that maintain high speeds throughout the ride.
- Low-to-the-Ground Sections: Parts of the track bring riders close to the ground, enhancing the feeling of speed.
- Interaction with Surroundings: The coaster weaves through other attractions, adding to the thrill as riders zoom past familiar landmarks.
These elements combine to make the Great Bear feel faster and more intense than its top speed might suggest on paper.
What Unique Experiences Does the Great Bear Offer?
The Great Bear roller coaster at Hershey Park provides several unique experiences that set it apart from other coasters:
- Inverted Track: Riders are suspended beneath the track, offering a different perspective and sensation compared to traditional seated coasters.
- Scenic Route: The coaster passes over Comet Hollow and Spring Creek, providing beautiful views of the park.
- Interaction with Other Rides: The track weaves through other attractions like the SooperDooperLooper and Coal Cracker log flume, creating an immersive experience.
- Pre-Drop Helix: Before the main drop, riders experience a helix, building anticipation for the plunge to come.
- Multiple Inversions: With four inversions, including a vertical loop, immelmann, zero-g roll, and corkscrew, the Great Bear keeps riders guessing what’s coming next.
These elements combine to create a ride experience that is both thrilling and memorable.
Where Is the Great Bear Located Within Hershey Park?
The Great Bear roller coaster is strategically located within Hershey Park:
- Primary Location: Kissing Tower Hill region
- Nearby Area: Comet Hollow
- Surrounding Attractions:
- SooperDooperLooper
- Coal Cracker log flume
This location was chosen to help distribute guests evenly throughout the park and avoid overloading existing facilities. The coaster’s integration with surrounding attractions adds to its appeal and creates a dynamic park experience.
What Are the Ride Requirements for the Great Bear?
To ensure safety and enjoyment for all riders, the Great Bear roller coaster at Hershey Park has specific requirements:
- Minimum Height: 54 inches (137 cm)
- Maximum Height: No restriction
- Physical Requirements: Riders must be able to transfer to the ride vehicle independently
- Safety Features:
- Netting below portions of the track to catch objects from inverting riders
- Secure restraint system designed for inverted coasters
It’s important to note that while there’s no maximum height restriction, the ride’s design may be less comfortable for extremely tall individuals.
How Has the Great Bear Impacted Hershey Park?
Since its introduction in 1998, the Great Bear roller coaster has had a significant impact on Hershey Park:
- Attendance Boost: The addition of this high-thrill coaster likely increased park attendance.
- Competitive Edge: It helped Hershey Park compete with other major theme parks by offering a state-of-the-art inverted coaster.
- Park Layout: The coaster’s integration with existing attractions enhanced the overall park experience.
- Versatile Space: The station area has been used for various purposes, including catering events and as a former Sky Ride stop.
- Iconic Status: The Great Bear has become one of Hershey Park’s most recognizable and popular attractions.
The Great Bear’s enduring popularity demonstrates its importance to the park’s lineup of attractions.
In conclusion, the Great Bear roller coaster at Hershey Park offers a thrilling and unique experience that continues to excite visitors year after year. Its clever design, integration with the park’s landscape, and heart-pounding inversions make it a must-ride attraction for coaster enthusiasts and casual park-goers alike.
References:
1. Amusable – Great Bear at Hersheypark: Height, Age, & Weight Restrictions
2. Wikipedia – Great Bear (roller coaster)
3. Coasterpedia – Great Bear