Vleermuis

8

 

At first glance this may seem to be a kiddie coaster with a fancy gimmick. It's in a section of the park dedicated to kiddie rides, and consists of a short simple circuit of track.

There are two notable gimmicks. The first is that it has a twin track, although some differences in the layout of each lane means it doesn't really work as a racing coaster. The really good gimmick though is the cars are suspended below the track, where you stand in a box with special restraints to ensure you don't come out. Once in these cars it's on to the elevator style hill lift up to the top of the first drop. Seeing as it's a continuous downwards path from their you could say it's the only drop, which the cars glide down in a smooth movement.

It's at this point you realise this is more than a kiddie coaster. Thanks to the exposed feeling created by the cars, gliding down the track provides a hugely fun experience. It's a little on the short side, I'd love it if a version about five times as long could be made, as this ride provides enough thrills to distinguish it not just from other kiddie coasters, but from a lot of other family coasters.

The only problem with the ride, which I think has stopped it appearing at more parks is the low capacity. I went on a moderately busy day and it still had a long queue compared to the rest of the park, which stopped me doing the repeat rides I would have loved to have done. Still, it would take a horrendous queue for me to say this ride wasn't worth the effort for one go.