DarKoaster

[nick]

I'm sorry I keep bringing this issue up in various threads, but I'm curious. I know Pantheon has a bar everyone must walk under to ensure they're under the height limit. I haven't been to BGW since 2021 but I won't even try to ride Pantheon for that reason. Does DarKoaster have a similar height check? I know there's a technical limit, but I'm curious if employees are as strict as they are on Pantheon, for both DarKoaster and even more so for the 2025 coaster.

I've found the level at which riders are checked for maximum heights varies wildly, even within the same park. Heide Park has a limit of 6'6 on almost every major coaster, and I was only asked for two of them (and ended up riding both). Phantasialand checked RELIGIOUSLY for Black Mamba (which I missed), but not at all for Winjas (which I rode like 6 times). Hoping BGW is the same. BGT will likely have my answer for project 2025 here soon.

Really hope the next coaster after 2025 if more accessible for taller guests. I hate having to worry about this stuff. If nothing else I can hold onto my pipe dream that the height limit will be removed like it was for El Toro.

Good morning,
Yes, DarKoaster does have the bar for height check. Usually there’s an employee standing out front measuring the younger ones and the tall ones. My father, about 6’4” was very close to the bar, but made it on.

With that said…I don’t know about “strict,” but I think with your height, it would be more obvious that you’re too tall.

 

[the_pantsmith]

Yeah, any sort of bar you have to pass under is a no go for me. I'm 6'8. Guess I'll just have to hope SEAS (or whatever it is now) reexamines the height limits at some point. 3 straight coasters with max height limits is ridiculous

 

[nick]

My dad believes it’s a headrest issue, versus a “head chopper” issue. They have seats for larger people; now all they need are seats for larger people. It could be an “only in rows 4-5” thing.

As as shorter tall person, my knees run into more issue than my height. DarKoaster is not spacious whatsoever!

 

[EBITDADDY]

I'm sorry I keep bringing this issue up in various threads, but I'm curious. I know Pantheon has a bar everyone must walk under to ensure they're under the height limit. I haven't been to BGW since 2021 but I won't even try to ride Pantheon for that reason. Does DarKoaster have a similar height check? I know there's a technical limit, but I'm curious if employees are as strict as they are on Pantheon, for both DarKoaster and even more so for the 2025 coaster.

I've found the level at which riders are checked for maximum heights varies wildly, even within the same park. Heide Park has a limit of 6'6 on almost every major coaster, and I was only asked for two of them (and ended up riding both). Phantasialand checked RELIGIOUSLY for Black Mamba (which I missed), but not at all for Winjas (which I rode like 6 times). Hoping BGW is the same. BGT will likely have my answer for project 2025 here soon.

Really hope the next coaster after 2025 if more accessible for taller guests. I hate having to worry about this stuff. If nothing else I can hold onto my pipe dream that the height limit will be removed like it was for El Toro.

Was at the park Friday. I am 6’5”. On Pantheon the station operator asked the folks checking restraints to check my height after I was already locked in. Since that height check post is already fixed at 76” it was easier to slouch and they let me on. Darkoster was the same thing—made it to the seat, got locked in, and then they asked how tall I was. They seemed to wait a bit, then unlocked me and had me go get measured. That height post was similar to one you’d find at the doctor’s office (moveable), so was harder to gauge and knew I’d be close since I’m right at the limit, but they cleared me. Was somewhat annoying to have been checked so last minute multiple times. No one ever said anything at either entrance.

 

[Seaworld History]

Just wanted to mention this, and not sure how 100% accurate the information is, but the reason Darkoaster is closed Monday-Thursday is training including “efficiency training”. Plus it’s running with 2 trains, I was watching the on-ride photos show up lol, but I do give them credit for having the store open!

 

[Mushroom]

That sounds like the least efficient way possible to facilitate “efficiency training.”

 

[Coasternerd]

Maybe the idea is to see how they can better run the ride? Even with 2 trains on their capacity really isn’t that great, so they may be trying to streamline some operational things.

 

[RollyCoaster]

Close the ride for efficiency training? On the slowest fucking days of the week? Pleaseeee….

 

[KellyBGW]

Hey all, long time lurker, first time poster.

Made an account to report that DarKoaster was running with both trains today (a Tuesday), despite the posted weekend-only operation. Annoyed at the poor communication with regards to what attractions are/are not open. Was happy to get a ride, though!

 

[Zachary]

Thanks for the report! Super helpful! Glad to hear both trains are in rotation again too!

I wonder if it's still not listed on the website due to the park anticipating intermittent operations? Or maybe Alpie's downtime has encouraged the park to get DarKoaster running during the week?

But yeah, welcome, and thanks again!

 

[Seaworld History]

Thanks for the report! Super helpful! Glad to hear both trains are in rotation again too!

I wonder if it's still not listed on the website due to the park anticipating intermittent operations? Or maybe Alpie's downtime has encouraged the park to get DarKoaster running during the week?

But yeah, welcome, and thanks again!

Alpi being down is definitely the reason

 

[the_pantsmith]

My dad believes it’s a headrest issue, versus a “head chopper” issue. They have seats for larger people; now all they need are seats for larger people. It could be an “only in rows 4-5” thing.

As as shorter tall person, my knees run into more issue than my height. DarKoaster is not spacious whatsoever!

It is a headrest issue. Which makes it all the more frustrating. It'd be such an easy fix to have a few rows with taller headrests. Maybe Zachary can put a good word in for us tall folks at the next super secret BGW insider meeting.

I'm jk obviously, I'm sure it's not that simple. Still wish something could be done on the park's end

 

[Click]

Have there been any additional data points from this past week of DarKoaster running during the week? I was planning a visit for this Wednesday May 29 for the express purpose of experiencing DK and the refreshed Nessie but may bail if the ride schedule doesn't change (it is six hours driving round-trip for me). I hope the official schedule updates in the next couple days. As it shows officially now, it won't even be open Memorial Day Monday.

 

[CoasterMac]

Cool (and thematically depressing) lights-on footage here, surprised they were allowed to film inside!

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[Mushroom]

Credit to the darkness — sparse as the theming is, you actually don’t realize how insanely empty the building really is during the ride. It is sad, though, thinking back to the time I did the DarKastle tour and remembering all the elaborate sets and tiny details that used to be packed into that same space.

One other thing: I do love the music they chose for DarKoaster. The mysterious and almost melancholy strings are so much better than what could’ve been a very cheesy “action” song for the ride, and I like how the way the strings draw out and end are synced with the ride.

 

[AIR]

Riding with lights on is noticeably more exciting also. You really feel the speed and like you're about to hit the walls and ceiling.

 

[Seaworld History]

One neat thing about this ride is just it’s engineering, I know it sucks but it’s kinda cool they were able to fit a coaster in the building

 

[willrobs3]

One neat thing about this ride is just it’s engineering, I know it sucks but it’s kinda cool they were able to fit a coaster in the building

DarKoaster doesn't suck. It's just not Curse of DarKastle.

 

[mikes]

One neat thing about this ride is just it’s engineering, I know it sucks but it’s kinda cool they were able to fit a coaster in the building

It's a missed opportunity, if theming was good and told a good story on each lap, it would be great. It feels like a controller spinner would have been ideal here.

 

[Jwanger93]

I am prepared to die on the hill that in 5 years time when the hype as died down, the waits are reasonable, we all have had time to heal our wounds from the gutting of our beloved dark castle, darkoaster will be revered as one of the most average middle of the pack, great to beat the heat rides in the park, it’s not bad it’s not amazing, it’s just there and we don’t mind it.