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Thunder Run (Canada's Wonderland) facts for kids

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Thunder Run
Previously known as Blauer Enzian
Canadas Wonderland International Street viewofmountaincoaster.jpg
Canada's Wonderland
Location Canada's Wonderland
Park section International Festival
Coordinates 43°50′34″N 79°32′32″W / 43.8427°N 79.5423°W / 43.8427; -79.5423
Status Open
Opening date May 23, 1981 as Blauer Enzian, 1986 as Thunder Run
Cost $2.7M est.
General statistics
Type Steel – Powered – Mine Train
Manufacturer Mack Rides
Height 10 m (33 ft)
Length 330 m (1,080 ft)
Speed 64 km/h (40 mph)
Inversions 0
Duration 1:24
Height restriction 102 cm (3 ft 4 in)
Trains Single train with 10 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 40 riders per train.
Thunder Run at RCDB

Thunder Run is an exciting powered roller coaster at Canada's Wonderland in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada. It's designed to look like a runaway mine train. Unlike most roller coasters that use a chain to pull them up a hill, Thunder Run has a special electric motor right on the train! This motor helps the train zoom through the ride, especially as it goes into the park's famous artificial mountain, Wonder Mountain.

The ride first opened on May 23, 1981, and was called Blauer Enzian. In 1986, it was moved and made longer to become the Thunder Run we know today, fitting perfectly inside Wonder Mountain.

The Wonder Mountain Adventure

Thunder Run takes you on a journey right inside Wonder Mountain. This mountain is a big, artificial structure that's a key part of Canada's Wonderland. The ride uses the inside of the mountain, making for a unique and thrilling experience.

What Happens on the Ride?

Thunder Run through Wonder Mountain (28144088967)
Most of the ride is incorporated into the "Wonder Mountain".

When your train leaves the station, get ready for an adventure!

  • First, the train makes a turn to the left, leaning sideways a bit.
  • Then, it starts climbing up in a spiral shape, still turning left, inside Wonder Mountain.
  • Part of this climb is open to the outside, giving you a quick peek at the park around you.
  • Because the train has its own motor, it picks up speed as it goes higher!
  • Next, you'll dive back into the mountain, going down in a double spiral to the right. This part is in complete darkness, with cool special effects all around you.
  • You'll then enter a tunnel filled with lights, followed by another downward curve to the left.
  • The train passes through the station and then does the whole ride again! That's right, you get two trips around the track before returning to the station.

Family Fun and Special Effects

Thunder Run is a great ride for families because it has a height restriction that allows kids as short as 102 centimeters (about 40 inches) to ride. Even though much of the ride is in the dark, there are lots of fun things to see.

  • One of the most famous sights is the Dragon, which park employees sometimes call "Herman"!
  • You'll also see lighted tunnels and flashing strobe lights that add to the excitement.

The ride is designed to complete two laps, making the most of its track inside the mountain.

Halloween Haunt Fun

During the park's special Halloween Haunt event in October, Thunder Run gets a spooky makeover! It's renamed Haunted Thunder Run and features extra lights, sounds, and fog effects to make it even more thrilling for the Halloween season.

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