After spending the morning at Quassy Lake Park, we headed to Lake Compounce to try out the rides I was most excited about: Boulder Dash and Phobia Phear Coaster. As we approached the entrance gates, we noticed the testing tower of the OTIS elevator company nearby, where they conduct tests on their elevators.
Upon parking, we proceeded towards the main entrance. Similar to Kennywood, which is also owned by the same company, this park boasts a unique characteristic. To reach the front gate, you pass through a tunnel from the parking area underneath the road that runs alongside the park.
After passing through the front gate, I went to buy lunch from the stall that specializes in the famous potato patch fries. Here, you can savor freshly prepared fries and personalize them with a selection of toppings.
The Wildcat
It was time to head to the first ride of the day, known as the most challenging rollercoaster at the park, The Wildcat. This rollercoaster, built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1927, stands as the oldest one in the park, reaching a height of 85 feet. The ride featured unique millennium flyer trains, designed to allow air to flow through the front of the train via bars. Despite my initial excitement, I found this ride to be excessively rough. In fact, it was so rough that by the end of the ride, I had developed a Charlie horse in my right leg. In my opinion, this ride is in need of a complete track overhaul.
Boulder Dash
After a challenging ride on Wildcat, I headed to the park's main highlight, Boulder Dash! This wooden rollercoaster has been widely praised for its status as one of the premier wooden coasters in the region. Stretching across 4,725 ft, this impressive attraction seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings, making use of the terrain to amplify its exhilarating drops. With its highest drop at 115ft and a maximum speed of 60mph, Boulder Dash offers continuous moments of weightlessness along its track, with only a few rough patches to note. If you find yourself at this park, riding this coaster is an absolute must!
Phobia Phear Rollercoaster
Next up was getting a ride on Lake Compounces newest rollercoaster, Phobia. This rollercoaster has three consecutive launches, one that launches forward, then backwards, and then forward again up a spiraling ascent up to 150ft where the ride then does a slow barrel roll at its peak and then plummets into a non-inverting loop before flying back into the station hitting the breaks. I am honestly surprised this ride didn't have any line. I was actually able to stay on the ride three times without leaving my seat. This Skyrocket model rollercoaster has been copied to other parks but it is a very enjoyable ride!
Zoomerang
Finally, the park's boomerang rollercoaster Zoomerang was on deck. This marked the fourth boomerang rollercoaster on my 2022 journey, and it was consistent with my previous experiences. The ride involves moving backward up the lift, dropping down, going through three inversions, then moving forward up the next lift, and repeating the sequence in reverse. The ride was characterized by a significant amount of headbanging against the restraints. In conclusion, riding it once is enough if you want to check it off your list. It is likely the second least enjoyable rollercoaster in the park.
The Rest of the Park
In general, the park exudes a delightful atmosphere! The park was well-maintained, with the majority of rides operational when I visited. Notable attractions at the park include the Log Ride, Saw Mill Plunge utilizing the mountainous landscape, and the Ghost Hunt shooting ride, which had most of its special effects functioning. If you find yourself in the Hartford, Connecticut vicinity, this park is definitely worth a visit! Additionally, you can enjoy a full day for free by also exploring their waterpark, included with admission.
As always, Keep on Coast 'n' and see the trip report pictures below!
Arriving to Lark Compounce, you can see the OTIS elevator testing tower in the distance.
Entering the Tunnel for the park tot he front entry, you can see some nice landscaping touches.
A Better Look at the Tunnel. This has to look pretty cool at night!
There is the infamous Wildcat wooden rollercoaster int eh distance. It is said to be one of the worse rollercoasters around in terms of being very rough
First stop of course is getting the famous Potato Patch Fries!
And................ Wow! Those Potato Patch fries were pretty darn good!
Even through I hope the ride eventually drops down, I sure hope its not known for true "Down Time". Unique sign though!
You heard the sign! The ride was voted the best Wooden rollercoaster for consecutive years!
Taking A Closer look at the sign, it even has the exact specs of Boulder Dash
Onto the Phobia Phear Coaster! I still don't get the "Phear" Spelling in the rides name. Maybe someday Ill know, but not today...
You cant have a "Phear" of heights to ride the Phear Coaster!
The ride to the left is good. The ride to the right is bad.
Ugh, the Zoomerang is quite painful. With that, its time to head out of the park.
I will end this report with the only photo I was able to get from Boulder Dashes Layout.
Thanks for reading! That's all for now!
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