Skyhawk - New Thrill Ride at Canada's Wonderland
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Can you believe that May is almost over? I've said it before and I'll say it again: somebody needs to touch base with Mother Nature and let her know it's almost summer. I'm sure she keeps missing the memo because really, snow flurries in May? Recently, the family and I were invited to Canada's Wonderland to check out Skyhawk, their newest thrill ride, and, unseasonal weather notwithstanding, we braved the cold temperatures and ventured a trip to one of my favourite places to visit.
The first of its kind in North America, Skyhawk is a 135 feet tall thrill ride where pilots in training can earn their wings. Riders are secured in single-person "airplane" that rotates in the air, granting them a stunning view of the amusement park grounds.
Each rider is in control of their own cockpit and can manually raise or lower the wings in an attempt to complete a full 360 degree barrel roll. In fact, riders are challenged to beat the current record for the number of inversions during a single ride, which I believe currently sits at 59. Um, yeah. I think I'll pass on that challenge.
Here is a slo-mo video I shot with my iPhone that gives you a clearer picture:
The entire ride lasts about a minute and 30 seconds and is located in the Action Zone next to SlingShot. Skyhawk is also one of the many rides on the Fast Lane Plus lineup so you can beat the crowds. It has received a thrill rating of 5 which means it can be a pretty aggressive ride if you're trying to beat the record. Riders must be at least 48" tall but for the younger pilots in training, they can try their hand at Flying Eagles. These two-person planes glide 28 feet above ground and allow each rider to control their flight and ride experience.
While at Canada's Wonderland, don't forget to stop by Wonder Mountain's Guardian, an innovative coaster ride into a world of mythical creatures. Each rider navigates through five different layers of a 4-dimensional medieval world where they will put their gaming skills to the test in a battle with guardians of the dragon's treasure.
Once the quest is over and you've worked up an appetite, you can stop off at any of a myriad of dining locations throughout the park, including my son's favourite - Coasters Diner.
Tickets to Canada's Wonderland are available online for as low as $35 for a 35th Birthday Ticket valid on May 23, 2016 only or $39.99 for a 3-day advance ticket. A season pass is only $69.99 which is a steal if you plan on going more than once but you'll need to hurry as prices go up May 23. Benefits include 15% off food and merchandise and, new for 2016, Season Pass renewals receive FREE admission to Dinosaurs Alive!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company in conjunction with Blog Meets Brand, and I have been compensated for my participation. All opinions are my own.
36 COMMENTS
I think I would just sit and take in the views, I would be to chicken to work the wings!! but looks fun for the thrill seeker
ReplyDeleteYeah, I hear ya. I might try a barrel roll but would be perfectly content taking in the views, too.
DeleteOmgosh, this is frightening to me lol I'm sure it will be a blast for most folk, but I just can't do rides like this!
ReplyDeleteRafflecopter Name is Anne Taylor
The 360 degree spin might do me in but I would enjoy taking in the sights, even despite the heights.
DeleteI love wonderland can't wait to go this season, I try to get my kids to go on the scary rides but they won't
ReplyDeleteSame here! The weather did not really cooperate when we went so I hope to go back again this summer.
DeleteWow, it looks like quite the ride but I would be too afraid to go on it. Rides have never been my thing. (Judy Cowan)
ReplyDeleteIt's funny because when I was a kid, I was a coaster demon. Now, I easily get nauseous so I have to limit the number of rides and take a break in between.
DeleteI'm game. I'm never too old to take on a new ride. Love rides!!
ReplyDelete(Debbie W)
High five, sister!
DeleteWow that ride is crazy!! I love rides but that one combines my fear of heights with spinning & so it's a big no for me! But Canada's Wonderland offers a ton of other fun activities which I would love to go with my family one day.
ReplyDeleteI would TOTALLY go on the new ride Skyhawk! don't know if I would be up for their challenge but I would definitely go on it for the height of it. I am actually afraid of heights but that's why I go on all these awesome rides, for the thrill of it all. I went last year with my hubby (he isn't a fan of the coasters or waiting in line for a ride to it brings on his anxiety) but now that i know they have a new ride, he is gonna have to make the trip with me again this year :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to Canada's Wonderland in ages! Definitely on my to-do list.
ReplyDeleteOmg! The new ride looks so scary
ReplyDeleteI wish I had more of a stomach for the thrill rides. I may try the kiddie version though :)
ReplyDeleteIt's been FOREVER since I went to Wonderland. Great to hear they have more rides now
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to going this summer I love going on all the rides.The bigger the better
ReplyDeleteI love roller coasters but find that any rides that spin make me sick. I have a problem with balance so spinny rides make me sick BUT I'm totally up for any and ALL roller coasters!
ReplyDeleteI have never brought the kids to Wonderland and the oldest is 7! Thanks for the pics, and the reminder that this should be the year!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the ticket info.....we haven't been in years! Would love to change that!
ReplyDeleteSKY HAWK not for me thanks
ReplyDeleteWill be a must go to when we go out to visit! Not sure if I could do the ride though..would have to watch and observe it first!
ReplyDeleteSweet!!! I definitely must go on this ride. I'll try anything once. I rode the Leviathan only once but at least I can say I did it. -lol-
ReplyDeleteYou would not catch me anywhere near that ride. I couldn't even watch it from close up.
ReplyDeleteI love how there are never ending rides and excitement to be had at Wonderland
ReplyDeleteI love Canada's Wonderland and that ride looks exciting!
ReplyDeleteI don't think that ride would sit well with me but I can guarantee you my kids would love it!
ReplyDeleteI don't think that ride would sit well with me but I can guarantee you my kids would love it!
ReplyDeleteThe Skyhawk is right up my alley!! Even being old I could ride coasters all day, the bigger the better!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of a thrill ride kinda person I would stand firmly on the ground and watch the hubby enjoy the rides and Do Skyhawk
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of a thrill ride kinda person I would stand firmly on the ground and watch the hubby enjoy the rides and Do Skyhawk
ReplyDeleteI can't even sit on a swing without feeling sick. I can't do rides unless it's bumper cars lol
ReplyDeleteI'm sure someone in my family would love the new ride.....I can tell you, however, it wouldn't be me! Yikes!
ReplyDeleteThat ride sure looks interesting for the brave folks,it would not be for me !
ReplyDeleteI would love to ride it! I haven't been to Canada's Wonderland in such a long time. I need to bring my boys.
ReplyDeleteEven just reading about the ride gives me butterflies in my stomach.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to leave a comment here on Toronto Teacher Mom. Hope you have a great day!