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Ultimate Rollercoaster > Roller Coasters > Where to Coast™ > The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom > Comet

Comet

The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom

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The Comet is a classic wooden coaster with a traditional "out and back" layout. This roller coaster began its life as the famous Cyclone coaster at Crystal Beach in Ontario, Canada in 1927. The Cyclone earned a bad reputation as being a brutal, fearsome roller coaster that frequently injured riders. Injuries were so common that a permanent first-aid station was apparently placed at the end of the ride.

In 1947 the Cyclone was to be no more. The steel support structure was torn down and designer Herbert Paul Schmeck rebuilt it as the Comet where it continued to operate until September 4, 1989. Shortly after closing Charlie Woods, owner of The Great Escape Fun Park, made a successful bid and took ownership of the roller coaster. After standing, but not operating for five years the Comet was saved and relocated, re-erected, restored, and continues to operate The Great Escape today.

Roller coaster enthusiasts love the Comet because of its exceptional "air-time" and historical significance, and as a result it is frequently recognized as being one of the top wooden roller coasters in the world.

Roller Coaster Stats

Year Track Type Designer
1994 Wood Double Out and Back Herb Schmeck
  • Height
    95
    feet
  • Drop
    87
    feet
  • Length
    4,197
    feet
  • Top Speed
    50
    miles per hour
  • Ride Time
    2 minutes
    minutes : seconds
  • Number Of Trains
    2 - 24 passenger
     
  • Train Designer
    Philadelphia Toboggan Co.
     

Comet Facts & History

1947 – The Comet opened at Crystal Beach and operated until September 4, 1989.

1994 – Relocated from Crystal Beach Park in Ontario, Canada to The Great Escape and reopened on June 25, 1994.

Features: Steel Structure

Opening date: June 25, 1994

Estimated cost: $125,000

Train has four cars with three rows each, seating two abreast per row.

Height requirement: Riders must be at least 48 inches tall

Where to Coast

Visit The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom to ride this roller coaster.

Find Where to Coast with Ultimate Rollercoaster® Database