The Comet, Wooden roller coaster at Great Escape, New York, United States.
The Comet is a wooden roller coaster at Great Escape featuring a double out-and-back design that rises 95 feet above ground and reaches speeds of 55 miles per hour. The track spans 3,400 feet and uses traditional wood construction with twin trains that carry riders through a series of traditional hills and turns.
Built in 1948 at Crystal Beach Park in Ontario under the original name Cyclone, the ride operated for decades before the park closed in the early 1990s. The structure was carefully dismantled, relocated to New York, and reassembled at Great Escape where it reopened in 1994 with its new name.
The name reflects a fascination with speed and spectacle that defined mid-century American parks, and today's riders experience the same thrill-seeking spirit that earlier generations pursued. The ride remains a centerpiece of the amusement experience, drawing people who value traditional wooden coaster engineering.
Riders must meet a minimum height requirement of 48 inches to board, and the ride can accommodate two full trains running simultaneously. Plan for wait times during busy periods, particularly on weekends and days with pleasant weather when the park draws larger crowds.
During its original years at Crystal Beach Park, a medical station operated near the ride's exit to assist passengers who felt dizzy or unwell after the intense experience. This thoughtful approach to rider wellbeing reflects the safety concerns of that era.
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