The Wild Cat roller coaster at Hersheypark has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from a classic wooden coaster to a modern hybrid thrill ride. The original Wild Cat, which operated from 1996 to 2022, reached speeds of up to 50 mph. However, the reimagined Wildcat’s Revenge, unveiled in 2023, now boasts an impressive top speed of 62 mph. This substantial increase in velocity has elevated the ride experience, making it one of the fastest attractions at Hersheypark.
What Was the Speed of the Original Wild Cat?
The original Wild Cat roller coaster, which thrilled visitors for over two decades, had a maximum speed of 48-50 miles per hour. This wooden coaster provided a classic ride experience with its:
- 106-foot height
- 3,183-foot track length
- 85.2-foot drop
- Forces of up to 3.5 Gs
While not the fastest coaster in the park, the Wild Cat’s speed combined with its wooden structure created a unique and intense ride experience that many enthusiasts appreciated for its raw, traditional feel.
How Does Wildcat’s Revenge Compare in Speed?
Wildcat’s Revenge, the hybrid coaster that replaced the original Wild Cat in 2023, significantly upped the ante in terms of speed and thrills. Here’s a comparison of key stats:
| Feature | Original Wild Cat | Wildcat’s Revenge |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 48-50 mph | 62 mph |
| Height | 106 feet | 140 feet |
| Track Length | 3,183 feet | 3,510 feet |
| First Drop | 85.2 feet | 135 feet (82-degree angle) |
As we can see, Wildcat’s Revenge not only increased the speed by about 12-14 mph but also enhanced every other aspect of the ride. The steeper first drop and longer track contribute to the higher top speed, providing a more exhilarating experience for thrill-seekers.
What Factors Contribute to Wildcat’s Revenge’s Increased Speed?
Several design elements of Wildcat’s Revenge contribute to its impressive 62 mph top speed:
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Taller Lift Hill: At 140 feet, the increased height provides more potential energy for the train to convert into kinetic energy (speed).
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Steeper First Drop: The 135-foot, 82-degree drop allows the train to accelerate more quickly than the original’s gentler slope.
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Hybrid Design: The steel track on the wooden structure reduces friction compared to the all-wood original, allowing for higher speeds.
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Modern Engineering: Advanced coaster design techniques and materials enable the creation of more efficient and faster rides.
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Extended Track Length: The longer 3,510-foot track provides more opportunity for the train to build and maintain speed throughout the ride.
How Does the Speed Affect the Ride Experience?
The increased speed of Wildcat’s Revenge significantly enhances the overall ride experience in several ways:
- Heightened Thrills: The faster pace intensifies the sensation of speed and excitement for riders.
- Stronger Forces: Higher speeds result in more intense G-forces during turns and inversions.
- Smoother Ride: Despite the higher speed, the steel track provides a smoother experience than the original wooden coaster.
- Unique Elements: The speed enables the inclusion of four inversions, including the World’s Largest Underflip, which wouldn’t be possible at lower velocities.
What Safety Measures Are in Place for Such High Speeds?
With the increased speed of Wildcat’s Revenge, Hersheypark has implemented several safety measures:
- Height Restriction: Riders must be at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall to ensure they can safely experience the high-speed elements.
- Modern Restraint System: The new trains feature advanced restraints designed to keep riders secure at high speeds and during inversions.
- Separate Load/Unload Station: This allows for more efficient and safe boarding and exiting procedures.
- Regular Inspections: As with all rides, Wildcat’s Revenge undergoes rigorous and frequent safety checks to ensure all components can handle the high-speed operations.
How Does Wildcat’s Revenge’s Speed Compare to Other Coasters?
While 62 mph is impressive, it’s worth noting how Wildcat’s Revenge stacks up against some other famous coasters:
- Kingda Ka (Six Flags Great Adventure): 128 mph
- Top Thrill Dragster (Cedar Point): 120 mph
- Superman: Escape from Krypton (Six Flags Magic Mountain): 100 mph
- Wildcat’s Revenge (Hersheypark): 62 mph
Although not the fastest in the world, Wildcat’s Revenge offers a unique combination of speed, inversions, and hybrid design that sets it apart from many other coasters.
What Do Riders Say About the Speed of Wildcat’s Revenge?
While specific rider testimonials are not available, the general consensus among coaster enthusiasts is that Wildcat’s Revenge offers:
- A significant improvement over the original Wild Cat in terms of speed and smoothness
- An intense yet enjoyable experience that balances speed with other thrilling elements
- A standout attraction that has quickly become one of Hersheypark’s most popular rides
Conclusion: Is Wildcat’s Revenge the Fastest Ride at Hersheypark?
While Wildcat’s Revenge, at 62 mph, is indeed one of the fastest rides at Hersheypark, it’s not the absolute fastest. That title likely belongs to Skyrush, which reaches speeds of up to 75 mph. However, Wildcat’s Revenge offers a unique combination of speed, inversions, and hybrid design that makes it a standout attraction in the park.
The transformation from the original Wild Cat to Wildcat’s Revenge represents a significant leap in roller coaster technology and design. The increase in speed from 50 mph to 62 mph, combined with the innovative elements like the World’s Largest Underflip, has created a thrilling experience that pays homage to the past while embracing the future of amusement park rides.
Whether you’re a speed demon or a coaster enthusiast, Wildcat’s Revenge offers a fast-paced adventure that has quickly become a must-ride attraction at Hersheypark. Its blend of velocity, inversions, and unique design elements ensures that it will continue to excite and delight visitors for years to come.