Coaster Community

Prowler has been unleashed and season pass holders along with media and other VIP's got a chance to preview the ride before it's official opening to the public.  Initial reactions to the ride were as good as anyone could have expected.  The crowd was energetic and enthusiastic and every train returned to the station cheering and clapping.  In addition to the new ride the park put together a party like no other.  I've attended a handful of events across the country and I've never witnessed anything like it.  Worlds of Fun partnered with the Cedar Cover Feline Conservatory who displayed a Leopard, Serval and Caracal.  The Leopard was a little shy but the Serval and Caracal were jumping around like a couple of house cats jacked up on nip.  The park also brought in a DJ and placed him in Prowler's plaza.  There was a lot of dancing, which included the funky chicken and it kept the crowd pumped up as they waited for their turn.  African/safari props were placed throughout the area as well.  Food was provided along with free slushies.  The slushie line was the 2nd longest.  The amount of effort that the park put into the event really showed and I couldn't have been more impressed.

The ride itself certainly added to the overall excitement.  I was blown away buy my first rides.  The speed throughout the course is constant and it ends as aggressively as it begins.  There are several surprising moments of air and since it's so twisted it's hard to know when they're coming unless you're in the front car.  I rode in several different rows and didn't find one that didn't like.  On most rides I stick to the front or the back but on Prowler I'll be happy where ever the shortest line is.  The highlight of the ride for me is probably the 2nd hill that jumps through the lift along with the ending.  The 2nd hill threw me right out of my seat and then twists before dropping again.  It didn't look impressive while it was being built but the GCI guys pulled another magic trick out of their hat's with that element.  The ending is one air hill after another.  I'm pretty sure that there are 4 in a row and each one is just as impressive as the last.

I can't think of a better way to recreate the experience of riding on the back of a black leopard as it chases down it's dinner.  Since they usually hunt at night I'll have to get back to the park in the next couple of days and see what that's like.

On to the photos.