Darien Lake Rides

Boomerang Coast to Coaster is one of two rides of the same type, name, and color within 250 miles (the other being at the Great Escape).  While not particularly original in more ways then one, the ride is still enjoyable and better then a lot of Vekoma boomerangs.  The boomerang placement is done rather nicely on the lake's edge, although the ride sits apart from many of the other attractions.  While just another check mark on a list to some, the ride can still hold its own within the park.

Between 1995 and 1997, 5 Vekoma SLCs all painted the same colors opened at several Six Flags parks.  Although not owned by Six Flags any longer, this ride is one of that group.  Not much can be said about any one SLC over another.  While not an overly rough ride, it's not smooth by any means.  Still, Vekoma's ability to pack 5 inversions into a thrilling layout is commendable.  The ride's setting is nice as well, located around a small lake (which makes for some good reflections).

OCC MotoCoaster is Darien Lake's first coaster in 9 years and Zamperla's debut of the motorbike coaster (beating Pony Express at Knotts Berry Farm). This stock, portable model operated for several years at Zamperla's factory until being bought by Darien and set up here. Although not a particularly fast launch, the acceleration rate feels quick and the ride is incredibly smooth.

Besides big coasters, check out these other things to do at Darien Lake!

Predator is a custom wooden coaster from the Dinn Company. With a double out and back layout along a lake, the ride's setting is really great. Often reported as not one of the smoothest wooden coasters, this author found the ride be relatively smooth (minus the usual shakiness of a traditional wooden). The airtime is relatively good and the pace is hgih throughout the whole ride. Predator is a good classic style wooden coaster that's really enjoyable.

Ride of Steel is Intamin's debut of the Mega Coaster concept.  This huge ride is filled with airtime and turns in the long layout.  Small t-bar restraints and stadium seating provide for an open view and unrestricted ride.  The first drop dives into a smooth, banked corner leading into a large second hill with good airtime.  Throughout the rest of the ride, hills provide some extreme ejector, especially in the front and back of the train.  What lets the ride down, however, is the large amount of wasted track.

Viper was the world's first 5 inversion coaster.  The ride has a loop, boomerang element (2 inversions) and a double corkscrew.  A brake run in the middle allows for 3 trains, although that isn't ever needed.  One of the nicest features of the ride is the final helix, which is partially enclosed in an underground tunnel.  Few coasters incorporate tunnels, so this is a welcome change.  For some, the ride may be rough as many other Arrows are, but in terms of layout and pacing, the ride is very nice.