The Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster – Paris

It seems like yesterday when my cousin returned from one of many trips to Florida to inform me that the Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster was a great ride. As a confirmed fan of coasters in the dark I was very jealous as this ride appeared to be right up my street. Happily it wasn’t long before I found myself at Disneyland Paris after the same ride was opened there.

DLP89 (750x563)

I was anxious to try out the Rock ’N’ Roller and headed straight for it on my first day. I knew immediately that this thing was going to be an act of genius by the brilliance of the exterior. A rather small looking and uninteresting warehouse conceals what lies within and the element of the building containing the bulk of the ride is hidden from view. I wonder how many unsuspecting guests have thought that they were about to board a simulator?

I was a little wary of this machine as I knew it to be a Vekoma construction and these are not exactly renowned for their comfortable ride. Indeed I had got into the habit of removing all jewellery before riding anything built by Vekoma as the constant pummelling and head bashing on the shoulder restraints would inevitably result in being stabbed by your own adornments and exiting with a bad case of cauliflower ear! Anyone who has braved Infusion at Blackpool Pleasure Beach or Blue Tornado at Gardaland will know exactly what I mean. I removed my ear jewellery and silver bracelet before entering the queue secreting them in my bag!

The queuing area begins outside and is uninteresting until you enter the building when you can pass the time admiring an impressive collection of rock and roll memorabilia before entering a mock-up of a recording studio for a brief pre-show featuring Aerosmith. The doors then open and you enter the station area next to the start of the ride. It is at this point that some guests are met with the sudden realisation that this is not a simulator, it is a launch coaster! At the time of my visit I had never experienced a launcher and when my turn came I virtually threw myself into the train in my excitement.

The ride begins with a brief countdown and then launches you at 0 – 60 MPH in 2.8 seconds and straight into complete darkness. You are then thrust into a 360 degree loop followed by a merry jaunt around the circuit with several drops and inversions in semi-darkness flying past neon signs. Your journey is accompanied by the vibrant music of Aerosmith pulsing out of on board speakers and the whole thing is a blast. I exited the ride with a huge smile on my face and had not received any injuries from the surprisingly smooth experience.

I have since ridden many launch coasters, most of them more severe than the Rock ‘N’ Roller but I still love this ride. The overall experience is so uplifting and fun that I never tire of thing despite having ridden it more than 50 times. It is thrilling, comfortable and fun. The music is a great addition and eleven years on it is still absolutely my favourite coaster in the dark!

Byline

Article by Sally Stacey