Blogs

originally posted on 8/25/2025

Photo: HaeKyung Thompson. View full-sized image.

On July 26, 76 ACE members and their guests made the choice to brave the heat of Iowa and all the humidity that comes with it (77 degrees with 80% humidity), only to experience more heat, also known as Fire.

Registration began at 9 a.m. outside Lost Island Theme Park in Waterloo. As the guests arrived and checked in for the day, there was a buzz in the air. For some this was their first visit to Lost Island, while others have been coming year in and year out since it opened four years ago. The reason there was a buzz was because the first thing on the agenda was an hour of ERT on the brand-new Fire Runner.

The event began with an hour of ERT on Lost Island’s newest coaster, Fire Runner.

Opening only a week before on July 18, Fire Runner is the first Rocky Mountain Construction single rail coaster in the Midwest and the first compact model to feature 12 cars (other models include only eight or 10). As attendees went through the queue, they could see that Lost Island — true to form — didn’t hold back on the theming. Featuring a lava tunnel, a Fire Runners Champion Throne and much more, it was over the top. With a continuous load, station attendees were jockeying for position, trying to get the coveted front row rides and the back two rows, all while not leaving a seat empty. ERT gave those in attendance about three to four rides. Once the park opened, many attendees were able to get as many rides as they wanted, as park attendance was light owing to the heat.

A behind-the-scenes tour following ERT afforded fantastic photo opportunities.

After ERT a group photo was taken outside of the entrance, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of Fire Runner. Everyone in attendance got escorted behind the park’s addition to photograph unique angles of the coaster. The group also was able to enter the maintenance shed, where the park kindly asked for no photos. While coming out, some ACEers got an up-close demonstration of why riders are asked to secure all loose items, as a stray phone came flying off the coaster. Everyone was okay, but that is the kind of story that makes behind-the-scenes tours memorable for the wrong reasons.

As is the case with other Lost Island attractions, Fire Runner’s theming is highly detailed.

There was no group meal planned for the day, but everyone at the event was given a $10 gift card to use in the park on food or merchandise. Some used their gift card to try the new Cinder Festival Foods challenge. This challenge features four new food items at the park and is tied to the park’s interactive app. If a Muran Warrior (Fire Warrior) can finish all four of the foods, they get a nice prize from the gift shop.

As the heat continued to mount, many ACEers chose to head to Lost Island Waterpark via the new-for-2025 shuttle. This was the first time attendees had an opportunity to use the park hopper ticket; for many, it marked their first time at Lost Island Waterpark, which is constantly ranked on USA Today’s top 10 waterparks in the country. A tip if using the park hopper: visit a little later in the day, as the crowds start to leave the waterpark about 3 p.m.

The primary reason for the park hopper ticket was that ACE North Central had arranged an hour of ERT on the park’s water coaster, Wailua Kupua. This hydromagnetic water coaster gives some great airtime, and attendees loved riding it again and again to figure out the best combination of weight and seating positions.

The Mura Fire Dancers proved a wonderful way for attendees to wrap up the day at Lost Island Theme Park.
Photo: Tom Nickerson. View full-sized image.

After ERT, many headed back to the theme park for a rare opportunity to see the Mura Fire Dancers and to experience the park in its full night lights. Overall, it was an enjoyable day, and ACE North Central extended thanks to Lost Island for its wonderful hospitality and generosity.

— Tom Nickerson, ACE North Central Regional Representative

#ACENews