Bolliger and Mabillard forever changed the roller coaster industry with the introduction of their revered inverted coaster design. With the first inverted coaster opening in 1992 at Six Flags Great America, Batman the Ride became a resounding success. Not only was the type of coaster a success, but the small, action-packed layout was as well. As a result, this innovative design was copied nine more times at parks in the United States, Spain, Canada, Japan, and Kuwait. One of these copies was erected at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey. Being my first Batman the Ride, I was expecting a lot from this compact coaster. Sure enough, I was not disappointed.
Located in Movietown, Batman the Ride towers over the area with its fresh, yellow paint scheme. Approaching the ride, anticipation mounted as I heard the legendary B&M roar that is prevalent in so many of their designs. Well, Batman’s appearance is certainly top notch. Not only does the ride’s paint scheme really stand out, but the ride is surprisingly well themed, especially for a Six Flags coaster. The queue line is very well done, as it begins by being themed to a beautiful Gotham City park, but it eventually transforms into a darker environment resembling the Axis Chemicals building from Tim Burton Batman movie. Finally, one reaches the station, which is perfectly themed to the Batcave. Complete with Batman paraphernalia, darkness, and a chilling soundtrack (Batman music, bat noises, and sewer sounds), the Batcave station amplifies the Batman atmosphere exponentially.
Due to the ride’s rather short duration, Batman really seemed to churn through people and have a high capacity. As a result, I typically only waited 15-20 minutes for any seat during my visit this past summer. Even better, Batman seemed to be a walk-on near closing as many visitors would flock to the park’s bigger, more intense attractions such as El Toro, Kingda Ka, and Nitro. Of all the seats, I personally enjoyed the front row best simply because of the view, but any seat is a blast on Batman.
Beginning with a quick lift hill, Batman then follows it up with an intense, curving first drop. Especially when riding in the back seat, there is a considerable whip produced from this drop. Following that is an intense vertical loop that really packs on the Gs due to the loop’s compactness. As a result, I momentarily began to black out on each of my rides while navigating this loop. Well, Batman didn’t give any time to catch my breath, as it immediately soared through my favorite element on the entire ride- the zero-G roll. Taken at high speeds, the zero-G roll is incredibly disorienting and thrilling, as there is some sensation hang-time during this element. Next, Batman zooms through yet another vertical loop. While this vertical loop is not quite as intense as the first one, it is still really intense and possesses plenty of positive Gs.
Kicking off Batman’s second half is a tight, thrilling upward helix. While this maneuver may look innocent, it is surprisingly intense and forceful as I felt all of the blood rush straight for my feet. Following that is a swooping drop and the first of two corkscrews. Taken at considerable speeds, the corkscrew is very disorienting and provides a great whip throughout the train. Next, there is a quick turn and then the second corkscrew, which is every bit as good and intense as the first one. Finishing off Batman is one final and intense 180 degree turn, as Batman then charges into the brake run. The entire experience is a smooth one, but what really impressed me was the ride’s impeccable pacing. From start to finish, there were simply no dull points or moments to catch my breath.
After riding Batman the Ride, I now understand why this design has been replicated so many times. Despite the ride’s fairly small footprint and pedestrian maximum height, Batman is an incredibly intense experience from start to finish. Not only that, but Batman is glass-smooth throughout; however, this is to be expected from a Bolliger and Mabillard creation. With that being said, Batman the Ride was not only one of my favorite attractions at Six Flags Great Adventure, but it was also one of the best inverts I’ve been on anywhere thanks to its great drop, fantastic forces, and excellent pacing.
Favorite Seat: Front Row (1:1)
Best Part: Zero-G Roll
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