On May 15th 1999 Darien Lake opened the worlds first Intamin Mega-coaster " Superman - Ride of Steel"
I remember the drive to Darien Lake in 1999. Seeing this large metal hill rise up from the horizon. I knew that this was going to be a great ride. The lines for the opening season were long. Wait times were measured in hours, not minutes. But the ride was worth it. Fast, with a breath taking drop. Not perfectly smooth, but definitely not rough. Just the right mixture of speed and movement that has not disappointed in the 10 years since it was opened.
The "Superman" in the name was dropped in 2007 when Six Flags sold Darien Lake to PARC management. 2008 saw the cars worked on to bring them back to their peak ride quality. The trains were as good in 2008 as I remember them in 1999.
The ride itself seems faster. I know that the maintenance crew takes great pride in keeping RoS running well.
Currently rated as the 19th Best in the world for Steel Coasters in Mitch Hawkers annual poll. Ride of Steel has been in the top 25 Steel Coasters since it opened.
This is out of over 350 Steel Coasters rated in 2008 world wide.
We tend to take for granted the things that we see everyday. So if Darien Lake is your "home" park remember that we have a great, if under appreciated, coaster right at home. Show RoS a little love this year and have a great ride at Darien Lake.
If you get the chance, ride RoS at night. The first drop looks like you are falling into nothing but darkness. I know that when I'm at Darien Lake I never miss Ride of Steel.
Check the Video section for the new Ride of Steel video.
A special thanks to Robb Alvey and Theme Park Review for some of the scenes used in the new video. I do not take on ride videos. Robb gets permission from the parks he videos and nobody does better video than Theme Park Review.
Check the "Links" page to go to Theme Park Review. They have a great "Forum" section and you can buy their Videos, Hoodies, etc. Darien Lake is on their "Coaster Expedition 4" video. TPR videos are fun to watch, make planning a trip to a new park easier, and help with the long, cold winter waiting for the parks here to re-open.
Why a fansite guide to Darien Lake?
I am working on a new look for this site. Unfortunately, with my work schedule, this is going to take longer than originally planned. So keep checking back.
You can get your 2009 season passes at the GoDarienlake web site.
Darien Lake regularly emails out specials if you sign up on their email list.
So go to godarienlake.com and sign up.
Be sure to check out the new pricing at Darien Lake for Hotel and Campgrounds.
Early and Late season price breaks.
Check them out at godarienlake.com or call 585-599-2211.
Prices are very reasonable and your tickets to the park are included in your room/site rate.
Remember -- Season pass holders get discounted rates!
You can call 585-599-4641 for Guest Relations and Park Information.
This site is being constantly updated. If you have any suggestions, comments, photos or videos to share etc. Please feel free to contact me at DLC@darienlakecentral.com
Thanks for viewing and check back often, this site is just getting started.