Thunderbird Launched Wing Coaster
Zero to 60 in 3.5!
That’s right! Thunderbird launches riders from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds. Then multiple loops, rolls, twists, and turns begin: including a 14-story Immelmann loop, Zero-g roll, barrel roll, and the tallest vertical loop on any wing coaster! Ride it in the front, the back, and both wings for multiple experiences! Thunderbird is America’s first launched wing coaster, which means that riders fly through the air next to the track, with nothing above or below!
Continuing Holiday World’s tradition of sending roller coasters through thickly wooded and hilly terrain, Thunderbird steel roller coaster at first soars and loops high in the air. Then it hugs the ground, surprising riders with rapid-fire “near misses” such as chimneys, a windmill, other rides, trees, and even a barn.
Tips for your visit
Love the thrill of a “near miss”? Be sure to ride on Thunderbird’s left wing – the outside seat.
Wait times tend to be longer for the front seats.
Before you get in line, we encourage you to try out Thunderbird’s test seat. There are two different types of seats on the ride to best accommodate our Guests.
Need a little more room? Seats in Rows 2 and 3 are equipped with a longer safety belt (and are still safe for smaller individuals to use, too).
Take off flip-flops or other footwear that doesn’t fit snugly before boarding the ride.
Be sure to leave any loose items, including those in your pockets (especially cell phones and keys) in the designated area of the station so they aren’t lost in flight.
Don’t forget to check your photo!
Ride Opened
April 25, 2015
Legend
In 1620, as the Mayflower neared the end of its 66 days at sea, a mighty storm nearly capsized the ship, taking it hundreds of miles off course. As passengers and crew feared all was lost, an immense bird appeared in the sky. The thunderbird, whose wings created the thunder and eyes flashed the lightning of the powerful storm, rescued the ship by launching it through the sky to the New World.
Ride Designer
Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), Switzerland
Coaster Type
Launched wing steel coaster
Ride Elements
- Launch, using LSM technology
- 140′ Immelmann loop
- 125′ Vertical Loop
- Elevated Horseshoe
- Elevated Spiral
- Zero-G roll
- S curve
- Fly-through barn
- Carousel
- 360 in-line twist (barrel roll)
- 2 Crossovers with The Voyage
Accessibility Information
Please Ride Responsibly
This attraction is not recommended for Guests who have high blood pressure, a back or neck condition, recent surgery, injury, or illness, are pregnant, prone to motion sickness or dizziness, have a heart condition, fear of heights, or are sensitive to strobe lights.
No loose articles
Loose articles – especially cell phones and keys – should be stored in the designated storage area in the station or left with a non-rider. Filming and/or photography while on-ride is prohibited.
Vehicles
Two trains, each with five four-person coaches
Rider Restraints
Ride requires use of individual shoulder harness and safety belt. Longer safety belts are available in rows two and three. A test seat is available at the entrance to Thunderbird.
Ride Description
An intense, high-speed wing roller coaster that launches to 60mph in 3.5 sec. Thunderbird includes multiple inversions, steep drops, high-speed turns, and sudden stops.
Riding Position
Riders must be able to maintain an upright position and control of upper torso, head, and neck throughout the ride. At minimum, riders must have at least one functioning hand and two legs, or two functioning hands and two leg remnants at or below the knee. Thunderbird has a full-body harness available for Guests who do not meet this requirement. In order to ride Thunderbird with the full-body harness, Guests must have a minimum of one leg remnant, along with a leg remnant that extends at least 4” beyond the leg strap of the harness, and two arm remnants that extend at least 6” in length from the shoulder.
Casts and prosthetics are not permitted.
Attraction Access
Accessible entrance at ride exit. Must transfer from wheelchair/ECV. A transfer device is available.
View Accessibility GuideOther Rides You’ll Enjoy
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