by porterm » 01 Aug 2005, 21:36
Hello Vince,
Like yourself, I assume, I didn't know what the hell a booster was before I joined the European Coaster Club. If you look at the current photos of the park the Booster is that tall armed thing to the left of the drop tower (assuming it hasn't been moved since my only visit in late May this year).
The ride is similar, if you can imagine, to a ferris wheel on speed (this description I heard on Discovery Channel's "Top Ten Thrill Rides" programme. Only this one only has two seats; one at either end of the tall arm, and they rotate, or spin, and rock as the ride gathers momentum. I was nearly enticed onto this contraption by a coaster friend, Ian, on my last visit to Dreamland. I must admit though it was just before my big US trip and I have to say these rides, no matter how slow they operate, always give me the jitters just as an observer. I'd love to actually know what it feels like to be on board one day. Perhaps I'll take the plunge one day. Orlando, Florida, used to have quite an extreme one about four years ago in front of the Congo River Golf crazy golf course on International Drive. Not exactly sure why it was removed, but maybe the constant guests' screams had something to seal its eventual fate. Oh yes, and it was a very wet day on my visit back in May this year and I tend to never ride anything much in those conditions. Not much fun getting cold and wet in my book.
Have fun if you ever take the plunge to partake in a ride on one of these things; like the old old Dive Bombers of years ago, you'd be a braver man than me. (I've only just about conquered my fear of drop towers, well ones not over about 200 feet high anyway!) There's always another challenge for me out there.
Martin
