About The Ride
Gold Rush is a family lift and launch coaster by Intamin. That incredibly only has a hight restriction of 1 Meter. There is two different cycles to this coaster creating a very re-ridable coaster. As we all know my knowledge of elements and technical stuff is not the best so here is a great explanation of the two different layouts from RCDB: ‘The layout is basically comprised of 3 major anchor points, being the station, the lifthill and a themed shed with a tire propelled launched. Together with switch tracks it makes for two different ride cycles.
1) The first cycle uses the lifthill in a straightforward way which leads you eventually up to the launch shed. There you are being launched backwards to arrive again at the lift but now backwards. The lifthill now sends you back forward through other parts of the layout.
2) The second cycle uses the lift to get the train to a height from where it is released backwards. When arriving at the launch shed, a forward launch follows sending you through the lifthill and the rest of the layout.’ You can find out more by clicking here gold rush rcdb
Disabled Access
In this part of the ride review I detail what disabled access was available for the ride. Please note: I do not detail all ride restrictions as these are subject to change. Full ride restrictions for disabled guests can normally be found on the attractions website.
Mobility information
Sadly Gold Rush is not accessible for those with limited mobility. Due to the many flights of stirs in both the easy pass and main queue line as well as the exit. I have a full video of both the easy pass queue line and exit in the ‘how easy access works for Gold Rush’ section of this blog post. In terms of the ride vehicle its self there is a slight step into it and a divider in between the legs as well as a tight fitting lap bar. The park are actively looking into solutions regarding a lift.
How easy access works for Gold Rush
The easy access pass is a reasonable adjustment for guests that are unable to access a conventional queue line due to a disability. In order to get an easy access pass simply head to Guest Services (located near the pirate ship) and show your Access Card with the standing and queueing symbol. You can find out more about the access card via my blog post by clicking here what is the access card and is it worth it?. You will then be given a wristband for you and up to 3 accompanying guests to use the easy pass. Please see bellow my step by step guide for using the easy access pass on Gold Rush.
Step1: Check ride restrictions
Before going on Gold Rush it’s important to make sure you have checked the ride restriction to make sure Gold Rush is accessible for you. The ride restriction board for Gold Rush is located next to the Gold Rush Entrance as seen in the images bellow.
Step 2: Find ride easy access pass entrance
Now you have found out Gold Rush is accessible for you it’s time to find the easy access pass entrance. For Gold Rush the easy access pass entrance is located to the right of the area as seen in the images below. I’ve also have a POV of the queue line that you can see bellow so you know exactly where your going.
Step 3: Show your easy access pass
Once reaching the front of the easy access pass queue line a ride host will ask to see your blue wristband before allowing you entry to the ride. For Gold Rush, easy access users were let into the station before the main queue and there was no set seats for easy access users.
Sensory Information
In terms of sensory information, The ride area and queue line play themed wild west music as well as featuring many theming elements and throughout the day walkabout actors in the area. the easy access pass queue line runs next to the main queue making it quite noisy so I recommend ear defenders as well as some fidgets to help cope with the sensory features within the queue line as it is inside, themed and very dark as well as the exit being through a gift shop. I have a full video of both the easy pass queue line and exit in the ‘how easy access works for Gold Rush’ section of this blog post.
During the ride itself you go through the launch shed containing many sensory effects. Within the launch shed there is red lights, smoke effects, loud music and audio voice telling you to escape. Ear defenders can be worn on the ride and I have included an on ride POV of both settings below so you can prepare yourself for this and know exactly what to expect with the ride.
My Review
I was very impressed with the elements of this coaster and still shocked at the 1 meter hight restriction. I believe this ride is perfect for younger sensory seekers and help to kickstart a love for rollercoasters. I prefer cycle one to cycle 2 however, were both enjoyable and fun rides. The ride cycle does not seem repetitive despite the long duration due to the unique track design and of course the switch tracks. If we take away the access issues I truly believe Gold Rush sets president for what to expect from Drayton Manor in the future of course I hope disabled access is better implemented during the parks future developments.
Final Thoughts
Well, thank you so much for coming to Frontier Falls with me to experience Gold Rush! A great family coaster with some great thrilling elements. Have you experienced Gold Rush yet? If so what was your favourite layout? Keep your cowboy hats at the ready as a full disabled access review for Drayton Manor is coming soon. I guess I’ll see you on my next adventure, bye for now!