Like many early Chance Rides attractions, the Toboggan imparts a distinct impression of danger. Im no biophysicist, but I would wager that the seating position on this ride - with the rider seated on the hard floor of the car, legs straight out in front like a three-year-old watching TV - transfers ride forces directly to the spinal column more efficiently than any other production model coaster. If that alone doesnt do the trick, the head clearance to the top of the enclosed car, even for my own short torso, is about four inches, virtually guaranteeing trauma to the cranium and thoracic vertebrae as the pod negotiates the series of short bunny hops at the bottom of the tower. Moreover, the Toboggan has no lift hill to speak of, only a lift chain. If that were to snap during the 90-degree ascent to the spiraling track, the unfortunate rider would take the impact of the eventual collision with the next cued-up car directly on the back of his skull and spine, unable to maneuver into a less vulnerable position because of the huge, over-stuffed restraint that completely immobilizes ones lower body when the hatch comes down. If youve ever wanted to know what those unfortunate Soviet canines felt like in the Sputnik capsules before they burned up during re-entry, look no further than the Tobbogan.
But for all that, indeed, because of that, the Tobaggan has personality, and personality, as Jules Winnfield will tell you, goes a long way. I like the look of this ride, especially when its lit up after dark. I also like how utterly imperiled the lift tower makes you feel and the moment of relief that comes as youre dumped out onto the track at the top. I sort of admire Chance Rides for building what amounts to a big, scary decoration that not incidentally allows us to augment our track records and the parks to augment their coaster counts with an attraction that offers a combination of high visibility and a small footprint, but not much else.
Riding the Tobbogan is fun because its weird, but truthfully, its not particularly exciting once you get past the lift-tower and the initial emergence into daylight. The spiral is kind of slow, and I personally dont get to enjoy much airtime during the final trip around the perimeter, since I usually have at least one hand braced against the ceiling to force myself down against the floor so I dont crack the top of my head. If I had to use one word to sum up the experience, it would be "clausterphobic." Still, Ill alpine that youve got nothing to luge by giving Tobbogan a whirl.
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