But this year, this inverted coaster is offering another type of "twist": Six Flags is running it backwards!
First opened in 1992, Batman: The Ride was built by Swiss coaster makers Bolliger & Mabillard. Six Flags Great America themed this roller coaster to Tim Burton’s Batman franchise, which released Batman Returns the same year. This is also one of the first themed queues done for a Six Flags ride. The line starts in the Gotham City park (donated by Bruce Wayne), which is very well kept and bright, however, once beyond the park walls, we can see the grafitti and urban decay of Gotham. We see a shot-out police vehicle that hit a fire hydrant. Then we then enter a sewage duct to make our way into the Bat Cave and on to the ride.
Turning the cars backwards creates a new and disorienting experience for the riders. Here's my video report, with on-ride video of my brother, Alex:
The one downside with Batman is that this ride was made for people sized in 1992. The ride is not forgiving for, eh, us bigger people. The way the seat is situated and the safety harness makes this one of the most difficult attractions to fit. Still, Six Flags says that the backward train will run for a limited time only, so come on out and ride this classic backwards before it's too late.
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But I think Montu at BGT is much better...
Thanks again.
"Whoa...riding a backwards upside down coaster with glasses. Like a boss.
You sir, have earn my admiration and awe."
Anthony DOES deserve our admiration and awe. But he didn't ride. His brother did :)
And it's pretty darn easy to ride with glasses. Get a strap. I could not "SEE" myself riding without my specs, although I have done it occasionally. I've never been to Knotts, but I believe their policies forbid glasses, even WITH straps. Not sure if it's in effect on ALL their coasters.
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