originally posted on 7/14/2023
All Photos: Mike Schuster. View full-sized image.
Following an extended offseason reworking, Elitch Gardens’ (Denver, Colorado) 1995 John Pierce Twister II roller coaster has been reintroduced as Twister III: Storm Chaser.
Elitch Gardens’ 1995 Twister II received a thorough reworking during the offseason and has been reintroduced as Twister III: Storm Chaser.
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Guests are greeted at the coaster’s entrance by a cow thrown through the roof, complete with cow moans radiating from speakers. As the queue area is entered, the sound effects transition to those of a storm with wind, rain and sirens. Continuing on, guests experience the storm’s devastating aftermath by passing through a flooded area with overturned boats, a chicken coop, camper and storm chaser vehicle.
Upon entering the queue, guests are welcomed by a cow having been tossed through the roof by the storm.
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Having finally reached the loading platform, guests encounter Twister III’s freshly painted trains with new padded seats, seat belts and lap restraints providing a much more comfortable ride experience. As for the ride itself, the first drop has been rebuilt to be taller than before, providing some nice ejector airtime cresting the first hill. The blackout tunnel was made a little longer, and flashing lights have been added to create lightning effects in keeping with the coaster’s new storm theme.
The coaster’s two Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters trains received new paint, padded seats and restraints to coincide with modifications to the track and tunnel.
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Overall, Twister III is a little smoother in spots but maintains that much-loved wooden coaster shake, rattle and roll! Congratulations to Elitch Gardens for the successful revitalization of its classic coaster into a much-improved experience.
Twister III: Storm Chaser’s improvements include a much more immersive queuing area, supporting the coaster’s new theme.
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— Mike Schuster, ACE Rocky Mountain Assistant Regional Representative
#ACENews