Comet (Hersheypark) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Comet |
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The Comet as seen from the since removed
Giant Wheel, prior to the addition of Skyrush |
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| Hersheypark | |
| Location | Hersheypark |
| Park section | The Hollow |
| Coordinates | 40°17′11″N 76°39′20″W / 40.286413°N 76.655644°W |
| Status | Open |
| Opening date | 1946 |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Wood |
| Manufacturer | Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters |
| Designer | Herbert Paul Schmeck |
| Track layout | Modified Double Out and Back |
| Lift/launch system | Chain lift hill |
| Height | 84 ft (26 m) |
| Drop | 78 ft (24 m) |
| Length | 3,360 ft (1,020 m) |
| Speed | 50 mph (80 km/h) |
| Duration | 1:45 |
| Max vertical angle | 47° |
| Capacity | 950 riders per hour |
| Height restriction | 42 in (107 cm) |
| Comet at RCDB | |
Comet is a super fun wooden roller coaster located at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania. You can find it in the "Hollow" part of the park, right next to another ride called Skyrush. This classic coaster was built way back in 1946 by a company called Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters (PTC). It has a special "double out and back" track, which means you go out, turn around, and come back! The Comet can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour (80 km/h) (about 80 kilometers per hour).
Contents
Comet's History and Upgrades
The Comet roller coaster first opened its doors in 1946. It quickly became a favorite ride at Hersheypark. Over the years, the Comet has received some cool updates to keep it exciting and safe.
Bright Lights and New Trains
In 1964, the Comet got a dazzling upgrade. Thousands of small, chasing lights were added to the ride. This made the coaster sparkle at night! Later, in 1994, the Comet received two brand new trains. These trains were given fun names: "Mork's Comet" and "Halley's Comet". One of the old trains is now a cool display at the Hershey Museum. The other was given to the National Roller Coaster Museum.
Keeping the Ride Smooth
To make sure the Comet stays in great shape, it gets regular care. In 2006, the entire track was replaced. This helped make the ride smoother and more enjoyable. Two years later, new seat belts were added for extra safety.
In 2012, the Comet was repainted its original white color. The station where riders get on and off was also updated. Then, in 2014, the lift hill was fixed and straightened. This removed a small bend that used to be there.
Riding the Comet
Get ready for an exciting journey on the Comet! The ride begins as your car slowly climbs a tall lift hill. This hill is about 97-foot (30 m) (29.5 meters) high.
The Big Drop and Turns
Once you reach the top, prepare for a thrilling drop! You'll plunge down 96 feet (29 m) (29 meters) at a steep 47-degree angle. After this first big drop, the car zooms up a hill. Then it makes a wide 180-degree turn to the left. You'll drop down another hill, go up a smaller one, and then climb a larger hill. This leads to another exciting 180-degree turn.
Twists, Turns, and Bunny Hills
After the second big turn, there's another drop. The track then makes a quick right turn, sometimes called a "dog leg." Next, you'll experience several fun "bunny hills." These are small hills that give you a feeling of floating! After these, the track makes another 180-degree turn to the left.
Following a second set of bunny hills, there's a final left turn and two more small hills. Finally, the car slows down smoothly as it glides back into the station. Sometimes, the car pauses for a moment before reaching the very end. This is because of extra brakes that used to be a separate unloading spot.
