Leaving Winter park (North of Orlando) at about 7:00, I thought we wouldnt make it until 9:00, but we somehow made it in 45 minutes, guess traffic wasnt that bad. We were pretty far back from the entrance turnstiles, but right when they opened we slowly inched forward.
Into the park we speed walked to Stanleyville and got in line for SheiKra, we were right under the drop as the first Riders of the General Public went through SheiKras Course (I got the first riders on film). It took about an hour to get to the loading platform... I hoped for either the front row, or the back row.
The ride attendant pointed to the back row, I was happy. We boarded the train (Did anyone else notice that the seats are deeper than Montu and Kumbas?) and pulled down our restraints, even though I left mine about 3 clicks loose . I was extremely nervous at this point.
We leave the station, take a large sweeping turn to the left and head up the very steep lifthill, it almost felt as if you were lying on your back, very comfortable. We rose higher and higher, with me saying a few curse words... we reached the top.
Going around the turn to the drop felt as if it took a lifetime. Looking over the edge of the train, seeing all the tiny, ant-sized people staring up at you is truly frightening. The straightaway to the hold... Raising my hand up into the air without even thinking, we slowly inched our way forward to the drop... I start yelling... Holding there ... 1, 2, 3, 4, DROP! ... Yelling at the top of my lungs, not even touching the seat, pure weightlessness for three seconds as we plummet towards the ground.
Racing up into the immelman, g-forces pushing you down, watching the people blur on the side of you... up into the top of the immelman, twisting out slowly to give some nice hangtime. Around the huge carousel turn to the right and up into the midcourse breaks.
With hardly any time to catch our breath from the first half of the ride, we head towards the second drop... but this drop doesnt hold you, it just rolls at a decent speed towards that sudden change in vertical angle. Getting thrusted over the 2nd drop, getting major ejector air and watching as the edge of the tunnel looks like its going to tear your head off as you plummet underground.
Up into another carousel turn and diving downwards into the splashdown. Plumes of water fly out from behind you, getting sprayed with mist (I think you only get wet on the edges of the back row) then rising up into the final helix and into the break run. Overall, great ride! Well worth the wait! I cant wait to do it again.... Oh, also, you can check out my SheiKra video on www.bgtguide.com
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