The hype for this ride was huge. Almost too huge, but after three rides on this baby and I was able to form an opinion. While Im not the biggest wooden coaster fan, I am a huge fan of terrain coasters and mountains for that matter, so I was itching to get up to CT and check this thing out. While overall it didnt dissapoint, it was rougher than I expected. Also, Im glad I rode it several times because I wasnt completely blown away on my first ride. It was relentless and thrilling, but as others have pointed you can get a different ride depending on where you sit and the time of the day. My ride in the last train, last seat was very rough. I was jolted so violently at one point that the lapbar came down another notch. A notch further than it shouldve been able to go. I also slammed my ribs pretty hard.
After knowing what to expect and that this ride is a monster, I boarded the train in the middle for my third ride. The climb up the lift is great as youre immersed into the foilage and exposed rock. The drop is a fast, swooping drop reminiscent of almost every B&M invert or floorless. I wouldve prefered a more intimidating straight drop, but it was still fun. From there on the ride is nothing but speed and airtime as you charge back up the mountain on a pretty long trip out to the turnaround by the lake. An excellent ride, relentless and it feels about as fast as woodie should be able to go even if it isnt the wooden coaster speed record holder. My favorite part by far is the turn around at the lake, its sick and along with some gs the speed just seems to increase that much more, almost like you hit some LIMs or something. Awesome!
I was at the park on a Wednesday and the wait was never longer than 15 minutes. Also, the ride operator had some personality and tried to get riders fired up. Both were plusses. So why not a 10? It just wasnt there for me. The rough rides and the fact that I had to deliberate between a 9 and a 10 are enough. A 10 should grab you and tell you "Im a 10!". There should be no question. It did however, climb my top ten defeating perennial favs like Hulk and Volcano and sits at #5 as my highest ranked woodie ever. Boulderdash was great and one that Im glad I traveled seven hours for. Get to The Lake and you wont regret it just know youre about to ride a beast (forgive the pun). Final Rating - 9.5 (Excellent-Approaching Superior)
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