ArieForce One coaster at Fun Spot Atlanta exceeds expectations
Speed, thrill, looks, inversions, and coaster fan enthusiasm. That’s what I experienced at the ArieForce One roller coaster opening at Fun Spot Atlanta. Coaster fans, you need to get yourself to Atlanta for this one.
ArieForce One is an all-new high-speed RMC coaster at Fun Spot Atlanta. It’s opening event was my first visit to Fun Spot America’s Atlanta location. I knew I would be coming up on the coaster, but to see it towering above the trees was a spectacular sight, and it’s vibrant red, white, and blue design instantly makes this attraction a stand-out among competitors.
ArieForce One Queue and Theming
The queue is built to accomodate about twenty minutes of riders, but, on opening day, Fun Spot America Atlanta showed how they could easily create a temporary extended queue to hold many more than that. This ride does require walking up stairs, towards Deck B (the primary load area); however, there is an elevator lift for those utilizing wheelchairs at Deck A (the unload side of the building).
The queue has some light theming, as well as space travel references and jokes. Before ascending the stairs to Deck B, there is a photo-op wall as well. During last year’s IAAPA Expo event, we got an up-close look at the themed ride vehicle.
The track layout, ride vehicles, and color choices can’t be described as anything except iconic, and ArieForce One’s looks will place it in the history books. The vibrant red, white, and blue design, alongside the structural support beams of the coaster, are simply beautiful, and while photos look good, an in-person visit is needed to truly appreciate the scale and pops of color against the Georgian trees and sky.
ArieForce One Ride Experience
Coaster fans at the event compared ArieForce One to other famous offerings like Twisted Timbers, the VelociCoaster, and Iron Gwazi. In my opinion, you could think of ArieForce One as the child of VelociCoaster and Iron Gwazi.
ArieForce One feels a lot like Iron Gwazi. This ride has speed, aggression, and huge elements. The initial drop felt just like my first experience on Iron Gwazi (and much like that great ride, the speed never stopped). I was also surprised at how smooth the ride was, and while it isn’t buttery smooth like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, it’s certainly less bumpy than Iron Gwazi. In fact, for the speed and G-force you experience, the coaster was significantly less shaky than I anticipated.
For the VelociCoaster comparisons, ArieForce One also has unique track elements that are timed really well. The zero-G stall on ArieForce One is the best I have ever experienced, even surpassing VelociCoaster, in my opinion. Right after this moment (which is sure to be a highlight for many) you go into an outwards-banked airtime turn over the load station. This is where you’ll be thankful for the restraints, as you feel like the restraint pressure on your legs is the only thing keeping you from launching to the other side of the park. The VelociCoaster also features an outwards banked element (before diving towards water), but once again, I believe ArieForce One does it better. These two elements aren’t exact in nature, but both produce a similar feeling.
In addition to the initial drop and these two memorable moments, you still have numerous airtime hills and two more inversions before you return to the station. It’s also important to note, that this rides does not have any trim brakes, so you’ll feel the full speed for the entirety of the ride, and ArieForce One does not let go.
Rider Requirements
All riders must be 48 inches tall to experience this attraction. In addtion, this coaster is not for the faint of heart, and it is highly recommend that riders be in good health and do not suffer from heart, back, or neck issues of any kind. This ride is fast, offers extreme elements, and has a strong final brake before heading into the unload station. Your body will be put through the elements on this attraction (but don’t worry super coaster fans, I myself rode six times and didn’t get woozy at all).
Fun Spot America Atlanta is a free-to-enter park, but wristbands are scanned to experience this attraction. Fun Spot America Atlanta offers an all-day of rides ticket for the entire park for just $35 online.
Author’s Opinion
ArieForce Fun is one of the best roller coasters I have ever ridden. It has style and speed, aggression, and wild track elements. My only problem with this ride is that I live six hours away.
Coaster fans (especially those in nearby areas), should rush over and experience this beast of a ride. And at $35 day pass, you definitely can’t visit any other park with a ride like this, for that low a price.