I rode it on Sunday, 5/3, then again yesterday, 5/6. The first time the sign said 15 minutes and it took 45, yesterday it said 20 minutes and it took 55. I think if they get the kinks worked out, the loading process will go well, with two different sides to load and unload. Unfortunately, the loading process went really badly both times I rode, with one side having problems the first time and not going at all the second time. Also, they spent a lot of time making sure people secured or left behind their loose items once they were already in the restraints. It seems like they could do a better job of checking this before people get in line.
Perhaps because of the frustration with the loading process or the crazy hot heat this week, I really didn’t enjoy the ride as much as I expected. From the outside, the coaster is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, with all the landscaping and water features, but I didn’t feel like I could appreciate it on the ride. I didn’t care much for that first inversion. Both times I started choking and had trouble catching my breath when I was upside down on my back. I don’t remember experiencing that sensation on a coaster before, even when I rode SUF at SFOG and SFGA, but it’s been a few years since I rode those. I thought the barrel rolls got kind of monotonous. My favorite part was going up the lift hill and waving to the people down below.
On the plus side, the queue was nice, with lots of rays and fish. So if you get stuck in a long line, at least you’ll have something to look at. And the splashdown effect was kind of neat, though it is harder to appreciate when you’re on it. Personally, I still think Kraken is a much better ride, but all coaster enthusiasts should ride and form their own opinion. Coaster chickens should stay away; I think this would be considered scary by anyone who has a fear of heights or coasters and it was definitely intense.
I am a coaster chicken, however I managed to do RcnRC at Disney and Everest with no problems. I was humming and hawing about perhaps trying this, but You just clinched my decision to not do it with the descriptions of the inversions and feelings of the forces on your body. I am wondering though, is Kraken a really scary coaster? or would it be a coaster that most would enjoy? Remember, I am very leary to try new rides, but once I tried the two at Disney, I did enjoy them. Now all I have to do is get up the guts to try Tower of Terror, and I've done all the Disney stuff.... That's still a on-again, off-again debate at this point though since I am such a scaredy cat! What are your thoughts on Kraken for someone who is a little leary?