Canada's Wonderland Daredeviler Review & Reactions

Okay, we're here at Daredevil It's very exciting. They have these walk around characters for the rides official opening. And yeah, so it's going to open any minute now. Kind of nervous. >> Very. Not not kind of but like I haven't been on it forever. I remember on the last day of the year we were like should we go on Flight Deck and we were like no. >> [laughter] >> And now we've been like fighting over like getting on it like coming here every day. So yeah, it's exciting. So Daredevil not only features two new trains, it features a sound effect. As the train passes through the course, it makes a plane flying noise through the course. That's really cool this year as well as if you can't tell has themed music which is really cool. >> Yeah, and I've seen some from just from the outside there's a couple of new signs and things posted in the queue line which is going to be cool. >> Yeah, we'll showcase that as we walk through the queue line. So kind of excited. I know it's just an SLC like a rebranding of an SLC but it's kind of like a telltale sign of what could be coming down the road at Canada's Wonderland and World Expo. >> Passengers. >> You're going to have to take this pilot >> Okay, do you think we're good pilots? >> Oh, maybe. >> Oh, that doesn't look very brave. >> [laughter] >> So they don't have their by play licenses but you look at this, what's the first headline that comes to mind? >> Um intense. Definitely at the bottom of the list, but we'll look at that It was amazing. You should have been there. You would have loved it if you would have been there. 360 verticals. We would have been 360 No. No. Oh, okay. Here you have to have a a conversation. >> When you're done, let me know your experience. It'll be in my next issue. >> Okay. Okay, thank you. Thank >> [cheering] [applause] >> Okay, so Daredevil is officially open. Uh here we go. We're going to get our first ride on it. This is some of the new theme-ing for the ride as we walk up. So, the storyline for the ride is right here. It has a 52-in height requirement. 52-in height requirement and aggressive five rating. Here's that new biplane. That's sick. It does look like it's going to have some moving components, but I But, that could also be theme-ing. >> So, the radar's been removed and replaced with a shed. I guess it doesn't fit into the timeline. They got a crisp audio system. Here's some of the >> the new flush gates. >> Yeah, all new flush gates in here, all new systems. >> Look at the drive time. >> chains >> New drive time motors. There's the winch. There's the new restraints. So, the ride has come with some significant upgrades. It's got all new drive tires. It's like almost a complete upgrade. It's got There's the audio. Remember back in the Paramount days we couldn't be able to understand ride ops? They're all r-r-r-r-r. Now we can understand them. >> It also has nice speakers in the >> Brand new chain as well. It doesn't look new because it's all greased up now, but the ride operates so smoothly. Okay, so these are the new restraints for Daredevil. If you notice it's not that bulky side to side. You can see it right here on Jake. His ears are free of that like bulkiness. So, there's not going to be any head banging on the ride. It's a lot more comfortable. To be honest, these are more comfortable than >> Sure. >> These are a lot more comfortable than B&M vest restraints. >> Let's go. I will. You want Did it work? Guys, we are on Daredevil Double D at Canada's Wonderland front row ride heading up the lift hill. Here's the anti-rollback. Here's the lift chain. Uh it's a brand new system, all new speakers, new seat belts. This is what makes the ride a lot more comfortable. They are actually, no joke, more comfortable than a B&M vest restraint. I actually mean that. I hate B&M vest restraints. These have give that don't like choke you and I don't feel like forced back. So, a really good restraint, no head banging. Um and I just missed it. There's a storyline going up the lift hill. Double D everyone. WOO! OH YEAH! A LOT MORE SMOOTH, A LOT more comfortable. Zero head banging everyone. The same layout that everyone used to have on Top Gun and Flight Deck, but with just a much more comfortable ride experience. Remember all the head banging you would experience here? There's none now. Got to come to Canada's Wonderland and check out Daredevil. It's an awesome ride. Even the brakes are smoother. Your aircraft will be taxiing forward shortly. >> Thank you for flying >> and enjoy the rest of your day here at Canada's Wonderland. >> Oh, it like guides you in slowly. Remember before how you would head bang here? All right, we just got off Daredevil. What did you think, Jake? >> It was awesome. >> Much better. WOW. THAT WAS SCRIPTED. NO, I'm kidding. But it's so much smoother and I'm Okay, I'll be honest. The ride itself isn't actually much much smoother. There's still a wheel gap which creates that vibration that everyone uh talks about. But what is smoother is those restraints. The restraints have created a much more comfortable ride experience. Um especially like for those of you that have earrings or hated the head banging on the ride, much better. It's completely eliminated. The best restraints, in my opinion, as a bigger person, are a lot more comfortable than like a B&M vest restraint. So, definitely, for me, the restraint is great. I love it. 10 out of 10 for the restraint. What do you think about it? >> I agree. It's really good. I love all the new like spiels and auto spiels and things that they have around the ride. Um, the whole new speaker system is fantastic. Like, just the whole experience has been elevated. >> Yeah, of course. And going up the lift hill, there is a storyline, and in the brake run, there is a little storyline. Um, the the plane makes noises as it goes through the layout. It's absolutely fantastic. [music] This is the kind of theming and attention to detail that we've wanted from Canada's Wonderland for quite some time. Does it suck a little bit that it's on our SLC? Yeah, being transparent, it's a little, but you know what, we'll take it because that means our next coaster is probably going to have the same attention to detail that we're seeing here on Daredevil Air. So, here's Daredevil Air's storyline, a legend born in the skies. At the turn of the 20th century, world expositions captivated crowds with visions of the future. Among the wonders of the era was a revolutionary experimental aircraft unveiled by French inventor Etienne Volant, known as the Daredevil Air. The prototype was engineered to attempt maneuvers no aircraft of its time could safely achieve. The plane's true fame came during the barnstorming era, piloted by the fearless Canadian aviator Clara Hawk Redmond, whose breathtaking dives, barrel rolls, and near miss stunts dazzled audiences wherever she flew. Though the original aircraft faded into aviation folklore, its reputation for heart-pounding exhilaration never disappeared. Now, that legend rises once more. Classical reimagined for today's thrill-seekers, the Daredevil invites guests to step into a grand world expo themed experience where past ambition meets modern engineering. Sweeping through tight turns, dramatic drops, and adrenaline-pumping inversions, riders are launched into a high-speed thrill ride inspired by the daring feats of early stunt pilots. The reborn The reborn coaster features new trains with improved seating and open vest-style restraints, targeted track refinements for a smoother, more dynamic ride, enhanced comfort and visibility for immersive flying sensation. From lift hill to final dive, every moment is designed to make riders feel like they're taking the controls of a legendary stunt plane. Strap in, take flight. With its bold new theme, refined ride experience, and tribute to fearless aviation pioneers, the Daredevil delivers a thrilling fusion of history, high-speed excitement. Guests are invited to relive the spirit of invention, courage, and spectacle that once stopped crowds in their tracks. Robotic Daredevil show starts today. Got to come check it out. Perfect. We're here with Peter Switzer of construction and engineering at Canada's Wonderland. Is that correct? >> Uh maintenance and construction. >> And maintenance and construction at Canada's Wonderland, who we just unveiled, or you just unveiled, the Daredevil. Um I'm wondering if you could go into a little detail about what some of those modifications were that were done to the Daredevil. >> Sure. So, um we have the next generation trains running now. Um we also upgraded the pneumatic system. So, new valving, lubrication on the pneumatics. We replaced the chain and the sprockets. We put a new gearbox up on the top of the lift. Um new control system. Um new operator panels. And then we modified some of the columns. So. >> Yeah. >> So, was the column modifications like a last-minute modification to the ride, or was that a known modification? >> Um depends on what you mean by last minute. So, later in the project is when we um had to make a decision whether we're going to modify them or not. Um it was something that wasn't fully known to us at the start of the project. So, we discovered that we had a choice to make, and we made the choice to modify the columns. Um, and yeah, here we are. >> Awesome. And what sort of decisions go into uh, choosing which rides at Canada's Wonderland get a refurbishment similar to Daredevil or Mindbuster uh, versus other rides maybe like Wild Beast? >> Um, there was a few decisions. Um, one of them is about potential. Like what can we do and and is it worth the investment? Cuz it's not free. It costs a lot of money to do this, and it's a lot of effort on a on a lot of um, on a lot of people to to get it done. So, Mindbuster, we decided to take a phased approach. Um, because we couldn't afford to have the ride closed all year. We closed it for a portion of the year to finish the first phase and the second phase. Um, Daredevil, this was something that we couldn't really go with a phased approach. You know, we couldn't paint half the ride. Um, we couldn't only change one train. We sort of needed to go all in. Um, but we saw the potential that this was a a fan favorite from back in the day that when you compared it to current new attractions, it didn't provide the experience that guests really [music] wanted. They wanted something smoother and um, less um, uncomfortable, I guess. We wanted to make it more comfortable. It's still got its bumps. It's it is still an old um, older generation ride, but um, from my perspective, it's it's re-ridable now. People can get off and I want to go again. Let's go again, and we can go as many times as we want. Uh, we don't need to take a break from it. >> Of course. >> But the old ride, you needed to take a break. Like Mindbuster, you could ride that, and then you needed to take a take a break, right? So, um, yeah, instead of getting rid of it and replacing it, we thought the investment was worth the uh, the benefit. >> Uh 1,000% 100% was worth it. To be honest, the restraints are phenomenal. Like genuinely, I'm not even just saying that. So, and Mine Buster Eurydo, it's great. So, I think the the choices were amazing. But >> That's good. >> Thank you so much for your time. I'm sure you're very busy today, so All right. Have a good one. >> Yeah, you too. >> Very specific music playing somewhere. Did you hear about that? >> heard Top Gun music yet, but I heard it. >> Oh, that's what everybody says is playing somewhere. Am I >> I haven't heard it yet. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Okay. Awesome. All right, we're here. You are You already know where. Everyone watching, this is Great Skook. >> Hi guys. >> Uh so, we are debuting They're debuting. I'm acting like I'm a part of this. Uh Daredevil at Canada's [music] Wonderland. So, I was wondering if you could go into the storyline a little bit. >> Right. Okay, yeah. So, everybody knows when this coaster opened in 1995, it was during our Paramount days and it was Top Gun. And then we changed it to Flight Deck, but it was always themed to like military, Air Force base kind of thing. And this area of the park is Grand World Expo. Uh if you don't know, we've been working to get back to our history and get back to our roots, the original theme here at the park. So, Grand World Expo being a place of innovation, you know, celebrating world wonders and technology technology through the decades and stuff. Um we wanted to lean into the barnstorming era of the 1920s and stunt flying. So, the barnstorming just for a quick explainer is when you know, these these former ace pilots would put on these stunt shows over farmers' fields. And I guess the term barnstorming was like some of the really good ones would actually they'd open the barn doors in the barn and like fly through it as one of the stunts. Anyway, I'm getting really off track. [laughter] I love the history stuff and like the back stories if you can't tell. So, uh we wanted to lean into that, but even beyond just the the stunt plane element, we do have in our backstory, and please check the sign at the entrance to the the queue for more information. Um, we talk about the inventor of Come on through. >> [laughter] >> to uh the inventor of the original Daredevil Daredevil prototype. Uh he was a French inventor, and he invented the Daredevil prototype around the time of the World Fairs and the Grand Expos and stuff. So, if you would imagine, it'd be the type of thing that would be on display at a World Expo. Fast forward into the 1920s, and we have this amazing legendary stunt plane uh piloted by a Canadian ace pilot, Clara the Hawk Redmond, and uh this is what you get to try here today. So, the idea is you're you're getting into the cockpit, you're getting to experience what it's like to fly a stunt plane in the 1920s, and we feel like that is a better fit here for Grand World Expo. Um, you know, than what we had before. So, I think it certainly looks great. Uh the theming's great, the colors are great. Uh we hope everybody's going to love it. >> That's awesome. Um it truthfully is really good. I keep saying this everyone, but the restraints, I like them way more than B&M. >> Oh, wow. >> Like genuinely, yeah. So, the coma, like yeah, great. >> Well, I rode it today um for the first time as well, and I could keep riding it, you know, and that says something, right? And I even went on with my earrings. Didn't have to take them off, which is great, too. Um and it just I think it lends itself to an immersive ride experience because you feel more free, right? >> Yeah. >> It's you're more part of the ride than you were before, so. >> A thousand percent. Love that you guys are preserving those classics like Mind Buster and and Top Gun getting called out. People want to call it Top Gun still. >> that's important for us. It's like we're not here to just put in new attractions, but also we're committed to investing in the classics, the ones that have potential to be great again. Uh and then we certainly hope that people are going to notice the difference. >> Of course. All righty, we are here with Christopher. >> Yes. >> What did you what what what did you think about the ride? >> I think it's great. It's a brand new life on a existing attraction. And already just even our first day see a lot of fans new and old coming back to ride a a favorite here at the park. >> Yeah, we were trying to convince there were a set of older ladies we were trying to convince them to get on the ride. They were a little too scared, but hey it's a high thrill it's still a high thrill rating >> attraction, but the the onboard experience is much much improved. So we're we're excited to share that with the guests. >> Awesome. So we we obviously know Daredevil is new, it's refurbished Top Gun Flight Deck, whatever you want to call it, but there's there's themed music in the area. >> Themed music, yes. Our tech and event team they everybody involved with this project. So whether it's our sign shop, our rides maintenance, our creative team, and our tech and event services, everyone wanted to put a special touch kind of on this attraction. So our tech and events team they really worked on the theme music. We got the sound effects from the propeller kind of as it goes by. They figured out the timing on that pretty good. So it's a small little touch, but it's it's something that you know, a little kid coming by the first time sees it gets excited or you know, someone like me that also gets excited when I hear those little small things. >> I was blown away when I heard it. It was like it reminded me of Dollywood. So I was just like really excited. >> good. The first time I heard it I thought there's something with the ride. But then but then once I saw it I talked to them I was like, oh yeah, that's what you guys were talking about. So I thought it was great. I was really impressed. >> I love it. >> So we noticed that there's a building in World Expo currently under renovation. Wondering if you could touch on that at all. >> Yes, so very briefly nothing's officially been announced yet, but it is going to be returning as a food and beverage unit. We're pretty excited cuz it's going to be some different menu items than what you find elsewhere in the park. >> Awesome. Okay, Christopher. Are you a front row rider or a back row rider right there, Daredeviller? >> I'm a front-row rider. I love to see where I'm going. I think it's neat. And I always kind of geek out when I ride rides anywhere, not just at Wonderland, but any rides. I love to see like the sensors, the switch tracks, uh the braking mechanism. I love all that stuff. So, I like to ride in the front row and get to see where I'm going. >> I agree. I agree. It's so much better in the front. It's like you're actually a Daredeviller. >> You're right. Exactly. >> All we need is a barn for the barnstorming. >> Maybe Well, we kind of have one in the queue, but it's >> [laughter] >> Well, maybe we'll touch that up, so. >> Awesome. Thank you so much for your time. I'm sure you're so busy today. >> You know what? Uh so, have you guys noticed the Rage Cycle? >> Yes, we rode it. >> Okay, and what's the feedback on it? >> Much better. >> Much better? All right. >> Much better. Yeah, yeah. It feels more forceful, too, but I guess that's the electric like motor. >> It's a different drive system, different kind of technology from the hydraulics back in the day. Um so, we're we're excited about it and uh we're we're excited that it it runs a little longer and a little bit higher than it did before. >> That's awesome. >> Have you been on the new Riptide with the water cycle? >> I haven't, and it's so funny. I tried filming Whitewater ages ago to get the water splashes, and it took us so long to get it. We went to go film Riptide, and the one time we filmed it, it didn't it didn't spray, but we saw it spraying later. >> Okay, all right, good. All right, good. >> Which is so good to see. >> Yes, I I I told her I worked with our maintenance team and like either we got to rename it or we got to turn the water back on, so. >> You can go back to Cliffhanger. >> That's right. That's great ride to operate. A lot of fun. >> Yeah, that's where you originally were at. >> See, I was the I was the team leader at Cliffhanger, uh Dragon, and Spin Invader. And uh back in the day, we used to be able to program Cliffhanger, uh so when I was uh 312 in that area, uh when I needed a break or I needed to just kind of have some fun, I'd reprogram it and call in our our electrician uh manager, electrical manager, uh he was really good about it, but I think I'm a little bit better than he is. >> I always said it would be fun to work Whitewater just to be able to if you're having a bad day, just spray uh random people. Well, I used to be able to control like the brakes on the gondolas so I could have them facing each other. The extra water button worked. Uh so, people would get off the ride very, very wet sometimes. >> Okay. And then, the most important question we could ask, besides what's coming next, okay, what's your favorite funnel cake flavor? >> I'm a classic strawberry sauce and powdered sugar. >> I agree. >> That's the classic and I you know, I've been to many parks around the world and uh I will say our F&B team, we have the best strawberry sauce uh ever. We We make it by scratch in in the park. >> Yeah, best funnel cake, period. We always say that. Who uses whipped cream only on a funnel cake? >> That's right. You got to You got to You got to go crazy, so. >> Awesome. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> All righty, we're here with Thrill Warrior. Thrill Warrior, what did you think of the ride? >> Oh my gosh, so much better. I've done a couple of these. You said you haven't been on any of these new SLCs yet. >> Yeah. >> Uh it's just like the other ones. I think it's personally the best SLC. I've been on a couple, but so much smoother. Track environments are great. The new trains behind us, so much more comfortable. Better than the B&M restraints, like you were saying. >> Way better. Way better. >> I got to know everything. I want to hear about it before Tommy writes about it tomorrow. >> Okay. So, we just got off Daredevil, right? Okay. What is your involvement >> Oh, my deepest apology. Vivian, pleasure to meet you. >> Nice to meet you. >> Face of the Grand World Expo. So, I'm here to make sure everybody has a good time today cuz I've been around with a couple of world expos here. I've seen things come and go. I remember last year they had that Alpen Fury gimmick and that was a thing of the year. And then this year when Etienne was announcing he was bringing something new uh new, it was going to be the find of the season. So, I matched my dress today to the supports on the ride. Same thing with my eyes cuz I knew it was going to be incredible. And I've been waiting right here very patiently as folks leave cuz I want to hear about the headlines before Tommy writes them tomorrow. Don't get me wrong, I love reading the paper, but they sold out too fast today. >> Wow. >> And I like being in them, but the social papers. I do like knowing what is going to write. >> It's great. >> It is. >> It's amazing. >> Oh, good. >> the world expo is going to be a huge hit. >> Oh, incredible. I saw that he put a couple of those twists and turns in there like Clara does. I was counting them. Allegedly there's there's five of them. >> I think so. Five I'm a little GP, but I think we went upside down in the plane five times. Five times, yeah. >> Oh, okay. Cuz I watch her up in the sky all the time. And she does things that absolutely defy the physics. I get a funny in my tummy just looking at them. But you know what? I fully support her. She's doing incredible things. That one where she goes horizontal. That truly blew me away last year. I was standing there watching it going Hope she doesn't fall. Hope she doesn't fall. And she didn't. She held on by her fingertips. >> Takes true talent. They're they're they're we're supposed to get her license from her and um >> Oh, oh, oh, you're going for your your flying license? >> We're trying to get our flying license, yeah. >> All right. And and you've completed all your prerequisites? >> I think so, but I don't think we can do what she does. >> You know what? There's a reason they call her the Hawk. Because she is truly incredible. I just stand her going Bravo. Bravo, my dear. Bravo. She really is something exquisite. And can we just talk about the artistry from Etienne on this show? Because we can't forget as much as she is the inspiration, Etienne was the one who put this all together. And boy, oh boy, did he do a good job. >> Wow. >> Like look at it. All I've heard today is how smooth it is. >> Very smooth. Um >> Woo! There it goes. >> Intense, too. >> Intense? >> Yeah. >> Like how intense we talking? >> Like she she she was relentless with her maneuvers. >> Oh, oh, he was he was accurate about that. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. Cuz once again, we got to remember Etienne was the one who put all these things together. Clara's the inspiration. >> Clara's the inspiration. That's it. Okay. Okay. did >> the hard work on this. >> Then knew exactly what he was doing cuz that was relentless. >> Well, he is a little mad even though all the best inventors are. I do call him an acquaintance though and he's he's just so good at what he does. Which it's great, it makes Tommy's job easy. I'm sure he's already written his next five headlines. >> Uh period. We're going to have to interview him I guess. >> Well, yes. But it's okay as long as I'm in the social papers and he meant some mention of how I mashed this today. But I'm a happy camper. >> Your World Expo is a huge hit. I hope you I hope you do much more to come. >> Oh my goodness. Well, here's to hoping you never quite know. My social calendar is planned out for the next little bit, but I would love to make a comeback. >> Period. We'll we'll be here your next event. >> I certainly hope so. You all have a good day now, sugars. >> You too. All right. Hello. We are here at Daredevilry. It was recording? All right, we are here. We're recording for THE NEWSPAPER. >> OH. >> THIS IS NEW STUFF. I I ONLY KNOW THAT A TYPEWRITER. We're we've only used typewriters. >> Yeah. Um we might be time traveling a little bit. Oh, we heard about the legend so we had to come visit this time frame. Of course, Clara. >> You've met Clara. Yeah. >> We're in 1920. It's the World Expo, of course. Yeah, we're supposed to be getting our licenses, but we heard you're the hawk and I think we compared ourselves to like a sparrow in comparison while riding. >> Yes. >> Yeah. So we're wondering if you can give us any advice on the inspiration that came from you. No, we have we have. >> Never met Etienne? Oh, you should. He's an inventor. He's amazing. >> So I was like I kind of need my own. >> Yes. >> Inspired by the one that I like they already made. So he started making it for me and I love to do tricks. I'm always doing twists, twirls. I love doing barrel rolls, you know, I I love to do my figurines. So I thought what not better to do than bring the Daredevil here, you know, for everybody's right? I don't >> Such a good idea, right? Right? Such a good idea. >> that we get to like open it up for everybody >> Open it up for everybody. So brave. >> It's amazing. >> It's great. >> So so great. >> Yeah. Well, I What what was your inspiration? >> you know, like I just saw how beautiful it is. All the flips and tricks based off Clara's invention, right? And then all these brave souls all around us read my newspaper and all here to celebrate. >> Oh, period. So I I I guess we should read your newspaper. >> Oh, well, of course. Oh, you have it ready yet? No. So how'd you hear about this? >> Um >> Somebody else tell you about it? >> Maybe somebody somebody else. >> Maybe a a different newspaper? >> Okay, sounds good. Different different great. >> Where can I Where can I read your newspaper? >> Oh, you know, all over the place. I'm sold out right now. I'm selling all extra extra all over the place. >> We did hear that. We did hear that. That's why we didn't read it. Yes. I don't know how it works. Uh you got about another 80 years >> 90 years? >> Oh, okay. Before Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, and then they'll look a little different, but yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. >> We're here to celebrate. It's very cool, very exciting. It's a legend you're part of history right now. >> It is. >> This is part of history. >> a huge hit. >> Of course. >> Super excited. >> Now how how does this work? Like do you have a headline for this or anything like that? Like do you type anything or >> Um We haven't thought of one yet. >> thought of one yet. >> Yeah, you're putting me on the spot like that. Yeah, yeah, I'm not as I'm not as genius as you are, you know? >> Okay, let me think. Let me think. >> [crying] >> Back in time with the Daredevil. >> Does that work? >> I think so. >> You're second guessing it. >> Maybe we'll call it Maybe that the new the new the new newspaper >> Yeah. >> will be called that. >> Sounds good. >> Yeah. >> That's awesome. I can't wait. >> Back in time with the Daredevil. Editor, insert, what does that mean? It's just an instruction to the editor in the future. >> You can insert within the text. >> Yes. >> Yeah. So you don't have to throw out the paper? >> No. >> The editor from the future will type that out. >> Oh, wow. >> So you don't have to throw out the paper if we mess up, you have to throw it out. >> So they they could like fully just Wow. That's that's so cool. >> That's also history. Maybe >> They just got a little lazier in the future. >> Oh, that's not fun. >> [laughter] >> That's not fun. But anyways >> Yeah, I can't wait to hear more about it. >> Of course. Thanks for your time. Of course. >> Share the news, share the legend. >> Yeah, we're going to go have to do some barnstorming. >> Oh, totally. >> Thank you. >> See you.