The oldest ride operating in Southern California, this is still one great roller coaster! This wood monster was built in the 1920s by Prior and Church, who were infamous for their wickedly twisted wood coaster designs that really rattled the bones and nerves of the riders. There are very few of their coasters remaining, so the Giant Dipper gives us a glimpse into the past at what coaster riders of previous generations got to experience. The ride begins through a long, pitch black tunnel before reaching the lift hill. The first drop is banked and turns you around more than 180 degrees, which is quite unusual for a woodie. Tons of banked turns and drops of various heights follow. I didnt find this ride to be excessively rough (as some people report), but there were some great lateral gs that really pressed you over to the right side of the train at several turns throughout. Being on the boardwalk right next to the ocean makes this coaster all the better. Fantastic!

ok.... retired my mom from roller coaster riding but still ok cuz its the only coaster around...

I love going to Belmont and riding this coaster. I am so happy that it is still here.

Anther classic ride and a must for wooden coasters. Glad it is still rinning today we almost lost this one. Still worth staying.

Rode the Giant Dipper back in May, 1976 during our high schools senior trip... Right before Belmont Park closed indefinitely. The entire park, and the coaster were in SUCH disrepair, we literally wondered if wed survive the place. Thank goodness for the wonderful folks who saved the Park and the Dipper. Its a fantastic piece of history and a really fun ride!

A great coaster! Thank you to the folks who rescued this one from demolition. The front seat gives a great view of the curvy tracks. Fast, aggressive, a great view of Mission Bay, and a pitch black tunnel all make running back and fourth to the ticket booth to burn away more money for re-rides all the worth while.

Short, fast, small, fun, and ROUGH. This is the only ride that ever made my neck hurt. Still fun enough to ride more than a few times. Rough Rocks.

Its A great woodie.The best part about the ride is the roughness.B)

This is an incredible wooden coaster- a true thrill. The reviews here are all great- for a great ride. The tunnel is cool, with sharp turns in absolute pitch-black (and I went during the day). The view from the lift is great, as you can see Mission Bay and the Pacific. The first drop is one of my favorites ever- some serious hangtime (I rode front seat of course). With some great average speed and some nice air-time, this ride truly is worhty the $4, and I recomend it to anyone in SoCal. Also, even though its more than 70 years old, it was actually SMOOTH in all but a spot or two.

This is a great woody. I love living a few blocks away from it.