Wild Mouse (Idlewild) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wild Mouse |
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| Idlewild and Soak Zone | |
| Location | Idlewild and Soak Zone |
| Coordinates | 40°15′35″N 79°16′48″W / 40.2598°N 79.2799°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opening date | 1985 (original) 1993 (current location) |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel |
| Manufacturer | Vekoma |
| Track layout | Wild mouse |
| Lift/launch system | Chain lift |
| Height | 56 ft (17 m) |
| Length | 1,640 ft (500 m) |
| Speed | 30 mph (48 km/h) |
| Inversions | 0 |
| Height restriction | 48 in (122 cm) |
| Wild Mouse at RCDB | |
Wild Mouse is a fun roller coaster located at Idlewild and Soak Zone in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. It is one of two roller coasters at the park. The Wild Mouse is the park's only steel roller coaster, while the other is the classic wooden Rollo Coaster.
Contents
Roller Coaster History
The Wild Mouse coaster first opened in 1985 in Vienna, Austria. It was called Speedy Gonzalez back then. A company called Vekoma built it. This was the only wild mouse style coaster Vekoma ever made!
Moving to England
In 1987, the coaster moved to Alton Towers, a theme park in Staffordshire, England. There, it was known as the Alton Mouse. This version had a special covered lift hill. The cover made it a surprise when riders reached the top. It also made it feel like you were going upside down!
The Alton Mouse closed in 1992. People found the ride a bit rough. Also, the area it was in became too crowded. Neighbors also complained about the noise. So, the coaster and other rides in that area were removed.
Finding a New Home
In 1993, the Wild Mouse found its current home at Idlewild. When it first arrived, the track was a rust-red color. For a while, the ride had some rough braking. But in 2002, a new, smoother braking system was added. At the same time, the track was painted gray, keeping its black supports.
Ride Experience
The Wild Mouse coaster has a classic design. It features sharp, unbanked turns that make you feel like you might slide off the track! It also has short but steep hills. This coaster is a bit taller than most wild mouse rides. It offers a thrilling and slightly bumpy ride.
Recent Operations
The Wild Mouse did not open for the 2012 season. But don't worry! It started testing again in July 2013. On July 14, the Wild Mouse reopened to the public. It has been thrilling riders ever since!
