Review of Cannonball Run at Waterville USA

Rising from Alabama’s Gulf Shores skyline stands Cannonball Run at the Waterville USA amusement and water park. The 1995 Custom Coasters International (CCI) wooden coaster is 65 feet tall and only 1,700 feet long. Although it may seem unassuming, Cannonball Run packs a surprising punch for an aging CCI coaster at a small beach town amusement park.

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The white-and-blue out-and-back coaster wraps around the perimeter of the Waterville USA parking lot. If you park in the back half of the parking lot, you’ll pass under the coaster’s support structure as you park.

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The coaster doesn’t border the beach,  but the surrounding area is lush, and the park’s landscaping is beautiful. I’m surprised that the park hasn’t expanded into the surrounding territory.

The coaster’s sole 20-seat train is a product of Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters. Riders board the coaster near the park’s indoor arcade.

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The train quickly climbs the 65-foot lift hill. The view of Gulf Shores from the top is impressive. The curving drop is unexpected, especially if you are sitting towards the back of the train. The train plunges, reaching a top speed of 43 mph.

Two fun pops of airtime follow the first plunge. The turnaround is rough. This is where the CCI coaster shows its roots. Luckily, the brutal turnaround is short.

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The second set of bunny hops offer more pops of airtime.

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The coaster dips to the right and flies into the brake run. The ride lasts around a minute, but it keeps its speed consistently through the entire course of the ride.

Watch a video of Cannonball Run in action below:

Cannonball Run is jarring in parts, especially in the turnaround. Luckily, the train’s seats feature dividers, so you won’t be plastered against your fellow rider. For a CCI coaster, it’s not bad.

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Cannonball Run may not be the tallest, fastest or smoothest wooden coaster, but it provides a nice break in the monotony of a week at the beach. Its classic out-and-back layout is a nod to seaside amusement parks of decades past.

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Sundays are supposedly the park’s slowest day, so if you’re interested in marathon rides, visit then. See Waterville USA’s website for more information about the amusement and water park. As of this posting, $5 will get you three laps on the coaster when the water park is closed. You can find more pictures of the coaster on our Facebook page.

Have you ridden Cannonball Run? Share your thoughts about the coaster in the comments section below.

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