Monumental, ground-breaking, transcendental – these are words that cannot just be tossed around when talking about roller coasters. To have words such as those used in conversation, a coaster needs to be in another class by itself and reign supreme. Rides of that type of caliber are, quite frankly, rare. They are the coasters that beckon to enthusiasts young and old, summoning them to just experience the greatness that they possess. Every once in a while I come across a coaster of this nature and I am reminded why I have this hobby, this passion, for riding roller coasters. If there ever were a coaster to represent all that is great about traveling the country to ride them in the first place, then the Voyage is it. There are so many times where a coaster boasts of being the end all be all, but then falls short. But then there are the coasters that redefine our visions of what a great coaster should be. In my humblest opinion, Voyage is the poster child for roller coaster perfection.
Holiday World was a place that had been calling my name for years, as the park looked to have a unique charm to it and everyone had raved about their service and hospitality. However, a drive all the way to Santa Claus, Indiana seemed like a tall order, so I delayed the journey. Then, from the depths of the Indiana forest, there arose a mighty creation hell-bent on redefining the wooden roller coaster forever. As the awe-inspiring layout from the Gravity Group took shape, I knew that I could wait no longer to head to Holiday World. So, once last season concluded, I instantly began planning for HoliWood Nights 2007, for a chance to hop aboard the coaster from 2006 that seemed to be turning so many heads. I mean, who says 500 miles is a long drive?
As you approach Holiday World from the interstate and traverse through rolling fields and farmland, the first thing you see as you near the park is Voyage. Its massive lift structure catches the eye and leads to quite the "Whoa!" factor. Upon catching sight of this, I began to become giddy with excitement, as I already seemingly knew what awaited me. This 5 state trek was going to be worth every mile, or so I had hoped! Because of the nature of the Holiday World event, I was lucky enough to have 9 of my 11 magical rides on this beast occur in pitch black darkness, where this insane creation cuts loose on all cylinders and gives a ride unlike any this world has ever seen! The placement of it into the new Thanksgiving section is more than appropriate. Just as the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock and were amazed with what they saw, people enter the Thanksgiving area and are awe-struck by the centerpiece that stands before them. I know I was, especially when I saw a train fly into the last turn. So this thing hauls that much tail that late in the ride?!? Holy ……yeah, you get the idea. As the Holiday World sweepers came by and cleaned up my drool, I took a v-line to the entrance. The queue house is wonderfully laid out and themed nicely when you venture underground. The viewing pane is a nice touch, and the whole line sports an appropriate nautical theme. The lightning quick crew really hustles and keeps the line moving quickly, and before too long it’s time to strap in. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face as the train exited the station into the night. Our Voyage had begun!!
Climbing the impressive lift hill, I realized that I really couldn’t see much of the coaster, other than the first three massive hills. What went on back in those woods? I’d soon find out, from my seat in row number 2. The first drop is fantastic, fast, and very steep. The train flies down it, and from the back of the train you get some sickening ejector air as the sleek PTC train is whipped over the precipice. The next two hills are where Voyage begins to flex its airtime muscles. Seated near the front, my posterior went skyward about half way up each of the hills and stayed there for a good three quarters of the drops
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