The Comet (Great Escape) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Comet
Station and lift hill of The Comet.
Great Escape
Location	Great Escape
Park section	Fest Area
Coordinates	43°21′4.91″N 73°41′6.23″W / 43.3513639°N 73.6850639°W / 43.3513639; -73.6850639
Status	Operating
Opening date	1948 (Crystal Beach), June 25, 1994 (relocation to Great Escape)
General statistics
Type	Wood
Manufacturer	Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters
Designer	Herbert Paul Schmeck
Model	Wooden track coaster
Track layout	Double Out and Back
Lift/launch system	Chain lift hill
Height	95 ft (29 m)
Drop	87 ft (27 m)
Length	4,197 ft (1,279 m)
Speed	55 mph (89 km/h)
Duration	2:00
Capacity	720 riders per hour
Height restriction	48 in (122 cm)
Trains	2 trains with 4 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 3 rows for a total of 24 riders per train.
The Comet at RCDB

The Comet is an exciting wooden roller coaster located at Great Escape in Queensbury, New York, United States. This classic ride has a long history, starting out as a different coaster before becoming the Comet we know today. It was moved to Great Escape in 1994 and quickly became a favorite.

The Comet takes riders on a thrilling 2-minute journey over several hills. The first and biggest hill drops you about 87 feet (26 meters), sending you speeding up to 55 miles per hour (89 km/h)! In 2007, The Comet celebrated its 70th birthday, showing just how long it has been a popular ride.

The Comet's History

The Comet's story began in 1927 at Crystal Beach Park in Fort Erie, Ontario. Back then, it was called the "Cyclone" and was known for being a very intense ride. After many years, the Cyclone was taken down. Its metal support structure was then used to rebuild a new coaster called The Comet in 1947.

Crystal Beach Park closed in 1989. Luckily, Charlie Wood, who owned The Great Escape, bought The Comet. The coaster was stored for a few years before it was moved to Great Escape in Queensbury, New York. It was rebuilt by Martin & Vleminckx and opened again in 1994, ready for new riders!

Riding The Comet

The blue train going down the first hill.

Many roller coaster fans think The Comet is one of the best wooden roller coasters in North America. They love its history, its fun hills and drops, and the amazing "air time" it gives. Air time is that cool feeling like you're floating out of your seat!

The Comet uses two trains, one red and one blue. Each train can hold 24 riders in four cars. You need to be at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall to ride.

Because The Comet is located at the back of the park, the wait time is usually short, often less than ten minutes. If both trains are running on a day with fewer people, you might wait less than five minutes. A good tip is to head straight to the back of the park when it opens. This way, you might get to ride The Comet several times in a row without waiting! Sometimes, early in the day or late at night, you can even stay in your seat for another ride.

Riders often say The Comet is fast and smooth. It doesn't shake or rattle much during the ride. This is because it's a special kind of coaster. Even though it's called a wooden roller coaster, it's actually a "hybrid." It has a strong steel frame, with wooden parts on top, and then steel rails where the wheels run. The turns are tight and only slightly banked. A camera takes your picture on one of the dips near the control booth, so you can buy a fun souvenir photo!

The Comet's Look

The Comet uses its historical name, but there isn't much special decoration related to "comets" around the ride itself. However, when you buy your on-ride photo, you can choose to have flames added to the picture. This makes it look like your train is really flying like a comet! Signs around the park that point to The Comet also have this fiery theme.

In the loading area, there's a sign that tells the story of The Comet. It also mentions that the covered area where you wait in line uses some of the original metal parts from the old Cyclone coaster.

A Special Landmark

A plaque from American Coaster Enthusiasts.

On September 8, 2009, a group called American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) gave The Comet a special honor. They named it a "Coaster Landmark." This means it's recognized as an important and historic roller coaster.

Awards and Rankings

The Comet has often been ranked as one of the top wooden roller coasters in the world. Here are some of its past rankings in a popular poll:

• The Comet (Great Escape) at the Roller Coaster DataBase