Storm Runner- Coaster Review

Next coaster centered in the middle of Pennsylvania is Storm Runner, a launched roller coaster that is very popular in Hershey Park. Although its not a lengthy ride, its packed full with excitement unlike any other in the park. Think about a mixture of a Kingda Ka launch with inversions, now thats what I call a ride. On this Intamin Accelerator Coaster, riders are launched from 0 to 72 mph in 2 seconds. The launch has a great viewing area where onlookers can wave at their friends and families aboard the ride.The first is a large looping maneuver known as an Immelmann.

I like these inversions on B&M coasters, but this one was just so-so. Storm Runner really redeems itself with the next few elements. After the Immelmann the train climbs back up to about 100′ in the air where you perform an awesome zero-g roll. Aside from a brief feeling of weightlessness, you can see how high you are as the ground is far below. The roll is followed immediately by Storm Runner’s coup de grace. A unique inversion Intamin has dubbed the flying snake dive. It’s tough to describe and the feeling it gives is pretty disorienting. In a good way. It’s easily the highlight of the ride. After it, you fly over a stream, go through a funky banked section and then hit the station brakes. So you’ve got a coaster with an exciting if not spectacular launch, a great drop, so-so inversion, great barrel roll, and a sick new inversion. I know Hershey is strapped for space, but at least a nice long helix or some bunny hills towards then end would really help balance out the ride. Lastly, it’s a great coaster for photo ops and has a unique layout. It’s not a bad ride by any means. One to experience for yourself and to be the judge of. Still this coaster is exciting and a great ride for a nice little stream of rush to fill your body. Visit www.hersheypark.com for more details about this ride.