Wild Thing

Wild Thing is a steel hypercoaster located at Valleyfair amusement park in Shakopee, Minnesota. Opened in 1996, it was built by the renowned coaster manufacturer D. H. Morgan Manufacturing. Wild Thing stands out for its impressive height of 207 feet, and its thrilling 200-foot drop provides an exhilarating experience right from the start. The coaster reaches speeds of up to 74 mph as it navigates a series of airtime-filled hills, sweeping curves, and a dark tunnel. It features over 5,000 feet of track, making it one of the longest coasters in the world at the time of its debut. With its intense speed, smooth ride, and stunning views, Wild Thing remains a popular attraction for coaster enthusiasts.

Wild Thing offers a thrilling experience due to its combination of height, speed, airtime, and track elements. Here’s what makes the ride particularly exciting:

1. Massive First Drop: The coaster’s 200-foot drop provides a rush of adrenaline as riders plunge at a steep angle. The sensation of free-fall at such a height is a major thrill for riders.
2. High Speeds: Reaching up to 74 mph, Wild Thing delivers an exhilarating sense of speed, especially as it navigates through banked turns and long stretches of track.
3. Airtime Hills: Wild Thing is famous for its series of camelback hills that produce “airtime” – the feeling of weightlessness as riders are lifted off their seats. This repeated sensation keeps excitement levels high throughout the ride.
4. Long Track: With over 5,000 feet of track, the ride is one of the longer coaster experiences. The variety of elements along the course, including drops, turns, and airtime moments, make for a diverse and dynamic ride.
5. Tunnel Surprise: Near the end of the ride, Wild Thing plunges into a dark tunnel, adding an element of surprise and thrill, as riders are suddenly thrust into darkness at high speed.
6. Smooth Ride: Despite its intensity, Wild Thing is known for its smooth track, allowing riders to enjoy the thrill without discomfort, which adds to the overall excitement and makes it accessible to a wide range of thrill-seekers.