7 Stages of Riding Out a Coaster Breakdown

There’s no good time for a coaster to break down — especially when you’re in line. And you have X number of minutes left at the park to ride X number of coasters. You’re halfway through a line when you hear the dreaded spiel over the PA system:

This ride has temporarily ceased operation. We do not know how long the ride will be closed. You are welcome to wait in line or exit the way you came.

There a number of possible scenarios of how this situation could play out. Below are the stages that I’ve found are typical when waiting out or bailing during a ride breakdown.

ride-closed

Stage 1: Laughing at the Mass Exodus

My wait time has been shortened significantly many times just because so many people left the line following a brief ride breakdown.

Once an employee announces that the ride is closed, many park goers may decide to exit the line and head to the next ride. Little do they know that the ride in question may very well reopen shortly.

But what if the coaster is closed for a longer period?

Stage 2: Situation Analysis

After the initial “mass exodus,” you’ll likely scope out the situation. Did someone just lose their lunch on the front row (I hope not) or is something more sinister.

Stage 3: Inquiring, Investigating

Rider operators may not know the exact cause of the breakdown and often are not able to divulge any specifics about the breakdown. But sometimes, employees can be helpful.

For instance, I was recently in line for Goliath at Six Flags Great America. The ride suffered some sort of breakdown, and the riders who had just been seated in the train (myself included) were instructed to get out of the train and back into the queue.

goliath-twist-shout

A rider near us politely asked a ride operator what caused the breakdown. The employee told the group that the ride had overheated (it was unseasonably warm on this particular day) and the ride’s computer system had shut the ride down as a safety mechanism. A mechanic was on the scene shortly and the coaster was operational again within 10 minutes.

But what if asking an employee sheds no light on the situation? You’re interested in roller coasters. Maybe you’ve read a book about them. Maybe you can do a bit of detective work and figure out what’s wrong yourself.

Stage 4: Mechanic to the Rescue

Almost always, a mechanic on site will come and reboot the coaster or analyze the situation if it seems more complex. This is a crucial turning point for a breakdown. A mechanic can save the day or provide false hope.

fix it

You pay attention closely. What is the mechanic doing? Does he or she seem confident? Or as confused as the rider operators?

You hold your breath and hope for the best.

Stage 5: Hurry Up and Wait

If the mechanic is unable to solve the problem quickly, you will enter the “hurry up and wait” stage.

At this point, you can either leave or stick around and hope that the mechanic is able to find what’s causing the problem. He or she may call in backup. They may leave the station to inspect the track or train.

But you are powerless. Your best bet is to send positive vibes to the mechanic(s).

Stage 6: Bargaining

After a certain amount of time has passed and you start to lose hope, you may begin to bargain with yourself.

“Okay, if it hasn’t opened within five minutes, we’re leaving.”

“Five more minutes — if it hasn’t opened in five minutes, we’re out.”

“Just one more minute.”

You can see how this stage may be the longest.

Stage 7: Admit Defeat

At this point, you’ve waited as long as you could. Perhaps an hour has passed.

Either the ride opens, or it does not.

not open today

Nothing’s happening in the station. Or perhaps a ride operator informs you that the ride will be closed for the remainder of the day.

You shake your head in dismay as you exit the queue.

What are your stages of riding out a coaster breakdown? Share in the comments section below.

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