I could tell you a bunch of dull, boring facts about the Mission Beach roller coaster, commonly known as the “Giant Dipper”. Like the fact that the Mission Beach roller coaster is one of two original oceanfront roller coasters still operating on the west coast. Or that the Mission Beach roller coaster was rebuilt and reopened in 1990. Instead, I will get right to the good stuff. Riding the Mission Beach roller coaster is simply a whole lot of fun.
In the age of mega roller coasters with massive vertical drops and corkscrew turns, one might ask, how could a small, wooden roller coaster be so much fun? The answer lies not in the statistics but in the experience.
The Thrilling and Historic Ride
Walking
up to the landing area you are whisked back to yesteryear. White washed
wood, carnival lights, clanking steel and creaking timbers remind you,
this is no modern marvel. The screams from a ride in progress test your
nerves: are those people really scared or just having a great time? The
answer is both.
Riders
are seated in small rail cars, just like the old days, with a drop down
bar. With no fancy seat belts the question always comes to mind, did
the bar lock? Of course it did but wondering makes it just a little bit
scarier. The ride begins with an abrupt jolt, you can actually feel the
steel chain grab the car and off you go. As with most roller coasters
the beginning is fairly benign, but don’t get too comfortable, the
screams you heard will soon be your own
As
the car speeds up you are rushed through a series of hair raising turns
and steep vertical drops that whip you back and forth, making you
wonder once again about that drop bar When the car crests the top of
the tracks, you can briefly enjoy the best view of Mission Beach before
quickly descending. The car races through a darkened tunnel, eliciting
loud screams of terror and excitement. Just when you think you have had
enough, you arrive at the landing. You stumble out of the car and walk
past the wide eyes of the next group of riders.
Don’t be surprised if you get back in line and go again, it’s that much fun. Next time you visit Mission Beach, take home one of San Diego’s best memories, the Mission Beach roller coaster.
Getting There
The Mission Beach roller coaster is located at the Mission Beach amusement park (Belmont Park), on the corner of West Mission Bay Drive and Mission Boulevard in Mission Beach California. For information on pricing and hours of operation visit the Giant Dipper Website.
John Rogers, the author of this article, was born and raised in San Diego. He spends much of his free time exploring the beaches and open spaces of California, especially those described on this site.
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