May 30, 2020

Runaway Mountain Coaster


Welcome to the Runaway Mountain Coaster - Branson's original mountain coaster.

The entertainment complex recently added a zipline course, but it was unavailable today.

Here is the loading area

The Runaway starts with a 3 minute climb to the top of the mountain

It really is a peaceful journey to the top

The ride down is very exhilarating 

My only complaint is that there are some "pot holes" on the way down that really jar you if you are going full out.

It is an extremely long track.  They claim that it is the longest in the midwest

There are two spirals on the way down.  The first one takes you clockwise

You really pick up speed between the two spirals.

The second spiral goes counterclockwise and you really feel the G-force here if you aren't afraid to go full out

The ride then ends with a long straight section over the creek back to the station.

Here is the unloading area.

It is a fun ride.  Definitely recommend it in the dark when they have the light show going.

Branson Sawmill

Welcome to the Branson Sawmill Entertainment Complex

The Sawmill is home to two attractions, the first being the Buzzsaw

This is a swing ride that takes you up and spins you around offering great views of the Strip, the complex and beyond.

The main attraction is the Branson Coaster - and you know it is going to be a good day when I get the cart with my favorite number on it.

The Branson Coaster is unique in the fact that it is basically two tracks on the same plot of land.  You start out on track one which offers a very twisty ride down the hill.

There are lots of curves on track one.

The trees have really grown in since my last visit

At the end of track one, you go up lift hill one back to the top of the complex.

Hi there.  Long time no see.  After a very long void of trip reports, we should be getting back into the swing of things.  I have to admit, I never dreamed that this would be my first coaster of the year.

Still headed up lift one

Track two is all about speed.  It is not as long as track one but offers some fun straight areas and some high G-force turns

Track two is a lot of fun.  I wish it was longer though.

So what are my thoughts on the Branson Coaster?  It is easily one of the smoothest mountain coasters I have ridden.

I think it is a lot of fun and I will probably make an attempt to visit again soon.

May 24, 2020

Riptide Raceway (OOF)


Progress on Riptide Raceway continues.  It appears that a good portion of the tubing is already installed.

It looks like the load platform is in the process of being constructed.  Soon the starting docks will be added and then connected to the already existing tubing.

May 21, 2020

Park Update (Adventureland)

Looks like the Dragon isn't the only ride leaving during this extended off season.  The Splash Over is headed out for good as well.

The ride has never been very dependable.  The park even did a major refurbishment not that long ago, but it doesn't look like that made much of a difference.

It will be interesting to see what they decide to put here (and when) as this is some prime real estate on the main ride midway in the park.

May 18, 2020

Dragon Slayer (Adventureland)


Looks like Channel 8 thought aerial photos would be a good idea too.

As we predicted yesterday from the photos, the helices are almost completely gone already.

The track that connected the helices and final brake run are also gone.

I imagine this section will be gone before the end of the week.

You know, that tract of land that the Dragon was on is a lot bigger than it looked.

Looks like they are just cutting the pieces apart.  I would say that the Dragon is headed to the scrap yard.

Won't be too much longer before these iconic loops are gone.

One last zoomed out view.  You can see the bunny hops out of the station are still standing.