The SooperDooperLooper at Hersheypark is a classic steel roller coaster featuring a 2,614-foot track with a 70-foot height and 75-foot drop. Its layout includes a vertical loop, sweeping turns, and a terrain-following design. Located in ‘The Hollow’ section, it interacts with other coasters like Great Bear, creating an exciting ride experience within a compact area of the park.
What Are the Key Features of SooperDooperLooper’s Layout?
SooperDooperLooper’s layout is a masterpiece of roller coaster design, combining thrilling elements with a terrain-following track. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
- Track Length: 2,614 feet (797 meters)
- Maximum Height: 70 feet (21 meters)
- Main Drop: 75 feet (23 meters)
- Vertical Loop: 57 feet (17 meters)
The ride begins with a 28-degree incline lift hill, setting the stage for the excitement to come. At the summit, riders experience a left turn with a small dip before plunging down the main 75-foot drop. This drop leads directly into the coaster’s signature element: a 57-foot vertical loop.
After conquering the loop, the train embarks on a long, ascending sweeping left turn that passes through the center of the loop, offering riders a unique perspective. The journey continues with a gentle right curve that includes a short tunnel, adding an element of surprise and darkness to the ride.
The layout then follows the park’s natural terrain, incorporating various turns and a downward spiraling helix before reaching the final brake run. This terrain-following design not only makes efficient use of space but also enhances the ride experience by utilizing the landscape’s natural contours.
How Does SooperDooperLooper Interact with Other Nearby Rides?
The layout of SooperDooperLooper is intricately woven into the fabric of Hersheypark’s ‘The Hollow’ section. Its proximity to other major attractions creates a dynamic and visually engaging environment:
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Great Bear Interaction: The Great Bear roller coaster, which opened in 1998, passes over and under SooperDooperLooper several times. This intertwining of tracks creates exciting near-miss moments and adds to the visual spectacle for both riders and observers.
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Proximity to Skyrush and Comet: SooperDooperLooper shares ‘The Hollow’ section with other popular coasters like Skyrush and the Comet. This clustering of major attractions creates a thrilling hub within the park.
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Compact Design: The layout’s efficient use of space allows it to fit snugly within a densely packed area of the park, contributing to the overall excitement and energy of the section.
What Unique Design Elements Does SooperDooperLooper’s Layout Feature?
SooperDooperLooper’s layout incorporates several unique design elements that set it apart from other roller coasters:
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Terrain Coaster Design: The layout follows the natural contours of the land, creating a ride experience that feels integrated with the park’s landscape.
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Triangular Lattice Loop: The vertical loop features a distinctive triangular lattice of steel tubes, a unique characteristic among early Schwarzkopf roller coasters.
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Tunnel Section: The layout includes a tunnel, adding an element of darkness and surprise to the ride experience.
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Interactive Track Design: The way the track passes through the center of its own loop creates interesting visual effects and enhances the ride’s sense of speed and disorientation.
How Does the Layout Affect Ride Capacity and Operations?
The layout of SooperDooperLooper has been designed with efficiency in mind:
- Train Configuration:
- 6 cars per train
- 2 rows of 2 riders per car
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Total capacity of 24 riders per train
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Dual Train Operation: The ride operates with two trains, allowing for efficient loading and unloading to manage queue times effectively.
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Elevator Access: In 2012, an elevator was installed to improve accessibility to the ride, demonstrating how the layout has been adapted over time to accommodate more guests.
What Accessibility Features Are Incorporated into SooperDooperLooper’s Layout?
The layout of SooperDooperLooper includes several features to enhance accessibility and safety:
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Height Restriction: Riders must be at least 42 inches (107 cm) tall to ride.
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Safety Restrictions:
- Guests with casts or hard braces are not permitted to ride
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The ride may not accommodate guests of larger size due to the safety restraint system
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Convenience Features:
- Complimentary lockers near the ride for securing loose items
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Elevator access added in 2012 to improve accessibility
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Park Amenities: While specific locations aren’t detailed, Hersheypark provides restrooms and first aid stations throughout. Guests can inquire at any in-park Guest Services for directions to these facilities.
How Has SooperDooperLooper’s Layout Evolved Over Time?
Since its opening in 1977, SooperDooperLooper’s layout has seen some changes and updates:
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Removal of Animatronics: The ride originally featured an animatronic spider that would drop down towards the train in the tunnel section. This element has since been removed.
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Accessibility Improvements: The addition of an elevator in 2012 improved access to the ride without altering its core layout.
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Integration with Newer Rides: The introduction of Great Bear in 1998 changed the visual landscape around SooperDooperLooper, creating new sight lines and interactions between the rides.
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Maintenance and Refurbishment: While the fundamental layout remains unchanged, ongoing maintenance and potential refurbishments may have resulted in minor adjustments or upgrades to the track and support structures over the years.
SooperDooperLooper’s enduring popularity is a testament to the strength of its original layout design. Its ability to thrill riders while efficiently using space and interacting with newer attractions demonstrates the timeless appeal of well-conceived roller coaster layouts.