Texas Tornado (roller coaster) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Texas Tornado |
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Looking south towards the Texas Tornado and Shoot the Chute
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| Wonderland Park (Texas) | |
| Location | Wonderland Park (Texas) |
| Coordinates | 35°14′37″N 101°49′55″W / 35.243721°N 101.832064°W |
| Status | Open |
| Opening date | 1985 |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel |
| Manufacturer | Hopkins Rides |
| Length | 2,050 ft (620 m) |
| Inversions | 2 |
| Height restriction | 50 in (127 cm) |
| Texas Tornado at RCDB | |
The Texas Tornado is an exciting steel roller coaster located at Wonderland amusement park in Amarillo, Texas. It first opened in 1985. This roller coaster was the very first one designed by a company called Hopkins Rides. They are known for making water rides.
A fun fact about its design is that the idea for the Texas Tornado was first drawn on a napkin! This happened at a party during a trade show. In the winter of 2009, the park repainted most of the ride's track. It changed from plain white to bright red, white, and blue colors.
Riding the Texas Tornado
Your adventure on the Texas Tornado begins with a climb. The ride's train goes up a chain lift hill. This hill is right next to the highway. It takes you to the highest point of the coaster, which is 80 feet (about 24.4 meters) high.
After reaching the top, the train rushes down the first big drop. Right after this drop, you zoom through a tall vertical loop. This loop is 72 feet (about 30 meters) high! Then, the train moves along a raised section of track. It has a small dip to the right.
The train then turns downwards and left. It quickly goes back up and left towards the second vertical loop. This second loop is 52 feet (about 15.8 meters) tall. After going through the second loop, the train heads down again. It goes through a tunnel that is 13 feet (4 meters) deep and 200 feet (61 meters) long. Finally, the train climbs back up to the brake run, where the ride ends.
The Texas Tornado is famous for its two loops. They are not one right after the other. But they are lined up in a way that makes them look like they are!
