Great Bear

When I first arrived at Hershey Park and got the map, I thought "who in their right mind would name a B&M Inverted 'Great Bear?'" My thinking was that the name should apply to a mega woodie, until I realized the theming referred to the constellation, not the animal. OOOOHHHHH, now it makes sense!!! Either way, Great Bear is awesome! Like many people I've talked to, I agree that it could be longer, but it has several unique elements that more than make up for the short ride. First, it hits a left-turning helix before it ever even gets to the first drop. Speaking of the first drop, it starts off as a right-turn diver but quickly straightens out as it whips into the first inversion, a straight loop. after the loop it sails through a deep concrete trench (well below the surrounding ground level) and into a kind of flattened Immelman, which puts you BACK into the same trench, crossing over the loop exit run. The next inversion is a zero-g roll over (yes, ABOVE) the Wave Swinger. A series of S-turns and another corkscrew, the Great Bear makes a run over, under, and THROUGH the SuperDooperLooper, finally approaching the braking run, which could be a little smoother. If you're looking to get some great pictures of Great Bear, stand at the end of the concrete trench under the Immelman, where you can get eye-level views of riders on the straightaway between the loop and the Immelman!!! Who knows? Next time you ride, someone will get a picture of you from the same spot.

This coaster bring you right into the middle of HersheyPark's Comet Hollow midway. I thought it was a little short, but it is a great ride never the less. If you go to HersheyPark, you should ride this coaster if not for the thrills, then for the view of the park.

The Great Bear is a fast and furious flight over the amazing land of Hershey Park! The inversions are truly delightful and the speed is incredible! It could be longer though.

This is a true family B+M coaster. Hershey is a family destination, and this coaster is meant for the whole family. It is intense, but it is a very short ride, but because of its custom layout, it comes close to many rides and travels over a midway. This is a must ride, it is a great invereted coaster.