InvadR
- Thread starter TrevorBondi
- Start date
I got my first ride on InvadR on Friday. Just BARELY got the 1 click needed with a shove from a ride op after being stuck in a rain delay most of the afternoon obviously the test seat still said no but I realized the difference between red and green wasn’t much at all for me and I remembered what Zachary said about it being stricter than the ride itself so I decided to attempt the actual train anyway. Rode it in the very back really enjoyed this little coaster definitely a tame GCI but definitely still feels like a GCI and I really like how it compliments BGWs other coasters. Looking forward to riding it in the front at some point once I get my thighs a little smaller.
I noticed through multiple rides that the restraints all click at slightly different intervals. On the more difficult ones I had to scoot myself forward a bit so that the restraint could move down that extra bit. Bear is definitely less accommodating than Dragon from my experience.
Front is fun. The middle is brutal. I prefer the back, as I do for all coasters except Tempesto.
In addition to riding Nessie, my Grandson and I both rode Invadr for the first time. We both loved it!
I browsed through this thread and saw other fans happy with the theming. Frankly, I was disappointed. Yes, I saw the shields before loading. But the queue line was seriously lacking. A few symbols spray painted on a Home Depot backyard fence doesn't get me in a "Viking" frame of mind. And dying landscaping didn't enhance the experience, either.
I think what was truly lacking was immersion with audio (and more and better visuals). Music, sfx and voice acting to make you feel like "an Invadr". Even the boarding/exit announcing sounded like it was recorded at a college radio station.
Perhaps I'm spoiled by Disney and Universal treating their queue lines more "preshow-ish". I'm not expecting full blown preshows but add some entertainment.
I browsed through this thread and saw other fans happy with the theming. Frankly, I was disappointed. Yes, I saw the shields before loading. But the queue line was seriously lacking. A few symbols spray painted on a Home Depot backyard fence doesn't get me in a "Viking" frame of mind. And dying landscaping didn't enhance the experience, either.
I think what was truly lacking was immersion with audio (and more and better visuals). Music, sfx and voice acting to make you feel like "an Invadr". Even the boarding/exit announcing sounded like it was recorded at a college radio station.
Perhaps I'm spoiled by Disney and Universal treating their queue lines more "preshow-ish". I'm not expecting full blown preshows but add some entertainment.
I agree the entry plaza is fine. But, honestly, until I was reminded, I forgot each train was a different part of the story. And I'd venture to guess that the casual visitor to the park is clueless about this. Which takes me back to my suggestion of "setting the stage" in the queue line.
I have the same gripe (this probably should be in a different thread) about Nessie. Suspended monitors in the queue showing footage throughout her 40+ years would (IMHO) set the stage to riding a legend.
I have the same gripe (this probably should be in a different thread) about Nessie. Suspended monitors in the queue showing footage throughout her 40+ years would (IMHO) set the stage to riding a legend.
I will agree that there is virtually nothing in the queue that actually sets the story for the trains representing a battle of vikings vs. trappers. Frankly, if it weren’t for marketing promotions before the ride opened, I’m not sure if I would pick up on that aspect of the story either.
The entry plaza and station look great, but I do wish the park went a little farther in creating a more realistic Viking experience. This was the park’s chance to add some semblance of authentic Scandinavian theming, at least with some Scandinavian props or just informational signs in the queue. Instead, we got spray painted wood and a stereotypical charicatured look at comic book villain-esque “Vikings.”
I at least wish they played true Scandinavian music in the queue and plaza instead of generic movie “trailer music.” This change could easily be made today and would help easily transform the area’s tone from a cheap Six Flags apocalypse theme to a more authentic Old Country experience.
The entry plaza and station look great, but I do wish the park went a little farther in creating a more realistic Viking experience. This was the park’s chance to add some semblance of authentic Scandinavian theming, at least with some Scandinavian props or just informational signs in the queue. Instead, we got spray painted wood and a stereotypical charicatured look at comic book villain-esque “Vikings.”
I at least wish they played true Scandinavian music in the queue and plaza instead of generic movie “trailer music.” This change could easily be made today and would help easily transform the area’s tone from a cheap Six Flags apocalypse theme to a more authentic Old Country experience.
From my understanding, the queue area is a trapper's fortress. I still don't understand how Viking gear ended up inside a trappers fortress if the trappers are still alive. It's obviously trapper territory, but maybe the park couldn't decide who built the base that the queue is set in.
You are fighting for either side, depending on your train. Perhaps the theming is deliberately made ambiguous enough that the queue could be owned by Vikings or trappers. After all, people used to say that New France could easily become Scandinavia without making any significant changes to the buildings.
You are fighting for either side, depending on your train. Perhaps the theming is deliberately made ambiguous enough that the queue could be owned by Vikings or trappers. After all, people used to say that New France could easily become Scandinavia without making any significant changes to the buildings.
Ok, here's where the issue is...NO WHERE is this "story" conveyed to the casual visitor. Unless you memorized the press release, you've no idea about any of this. I never knew what the different trains represented and I follow pretty closely. And if the queue is supposed to be a Viking Fortress, they must have gotten supplied by the Oslo Home Depot.
^I mean it's not like Apollo's Chariot is very elaborately themed either. The entrance plaza, battering ram, fence, and viking artifacts definitely make the area attractive. It's not like Busch Gardens was trying to go for "Universal" or "Disney" quality with InvadR. It's smaller wooden coaster "loosely" themed to a viking battle in New France and I think that's fine. Another good comparison is Griffon. The station architecture is themed and somewhat matches the Aquatine area. Other than that there's no statue or anything. These rides are essentially here to be roller coasters loosely themed after something that matches the area they are placed.
I follow what you're saying. I guess what is dismaying to me is they went through creating what could be a compelling story on paper yet didn't follow through in conveying it on site. I'm not expecting a full blown Disney preshow. But if they have a story, tell it.
To be fair (or unfair) if you look into it BGW’s rides almost all have great stories on paper (as do other parks) but none of them are looking to invest the same as Disney/Universal amounts to tell the story. Those two are in such another realm that having them compared to BGW is unfair both ways.
I personally look at levels like this:
Amusement parks - rides are rides and that’s it. Cedar Fair is in this area.
Theme parks - Areas have cohesive themes, rides have stories. They aren’t about fully diving into it however. SEAS/SF are here.
Immersion parks - they emerge you in a world. They are about making you forget where you were and put you into a world. This is Universal and Disney’s playground.
I personally look at levels like this:
Amusement parks - rides are rides and that’s it. Cedar Fair is in this area.
Theme parks - Areas have cohesive themes, rides have stories. They aren’t about fully diving into it however. SEAS/SF are here.
Immersion parks - they emerge you in a world. They are about making you forget where you were and put you into a world. This is Universal and Disney’s playground.
I would like to point out that once upon a time almost every coaster had a full explaination of the coaster's story in the form of a queue video. Today we just see park advertisements.
I remember when I was younger they used to tell the story of Alpengeist in the queue and it was so cool and really built up the hype for the ride in the line. Now the screens are like “Purchase Quick Queue.”
Think how cool it would have been to see suspended monitors in the Loch Ness queue telling the 40th anniversary story of "the legend".
