Notable Attractions
AstroWorld was the home of many unique attractions. It also developed or debuted several prototype ride concepts including the world's first river rapids ride (Thunder River, 1980), the first successful Arrow suspended-swinging coaster (XLR-8, 1984), the first Arrow mine train coaster to utilize tall steel column supports (Dexter Frebish Electric Roller Ride, 1972 and was later renamed Excalibur when the former County Fair section was rethemed Nottingham, 1980), and the first S&S Power sky-swatter ride (SWAT, 2003).
The Alpine Sleigh Ride was a dark ride attraction which opened during the park's first season. It had a ride control system and vehicles (ArrowGlide) designed by Arrow Dynamics. Riders passed through an alpine forest before reaching the show building which was designed to resemble a large mountain capped with snow. A waterfall cascaded from atop the mountain and down into a catch pond near the mountain's base. Once past the waterfall, riders would journey through many chambers within the mountain. These included an echo tunnel and an avalanche room with simulated snow. At several points throughout the ride, the vehicles would exit and travel along the exterior of the mountain-themed show building. The sleigh-themed vehicles were powered by an electrical bus bar where portions of the track ascended, and they were gravity powered during the descents which featured several surprise dips. Part of the show building was shared with the adjacent gas powered car ride (Le Taxi) which passed through a tunnel in the side of the mountain. The ride included an appearance by the "Abominable Snowman". Alpine Sleigh Ride was retired after the 1983 operating season.
Greezed Lightnin', a classic shuttle roller coaster designed by Anton Schwarzkopf which accelerated riders from 0 - 60 mph (97 km/h) in roughly 4 seconds was installed in 1978. Riders traveled both forwards and backwards during the course of the ride over a non-linear track with one loop and a braking hill on both ends. Greezed Lightnin's 1 millionth ride occurred on October 15, 2005.
The Ultra Twister, a TOGO pipeline shuttle coaster featuring three heartline twists, opened in 1990 and was the only ride of its kind operating in the United States. Originally featuring a 90-degree vertical lift, a new 45-degree lift hill was constructed for the ride when it was moved here from Six Flags Great Adventure. Exterior sections of the Alpine Sleigh Ride (which had not been in operation for several years) were demolished to make room for the Ultra Twister and its queue house.
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