Since last May my opinions on Icon have really began to differ. As in when it first opened it quite literally was the bees knees (sorry for that expression lol). But recently my opinions have slowly began to change. So let’s have a chat as I discuss everything I love & dislike surrounding Icon. I’d love to hear your opinions in the comments or across my socials.
Let me begin with the fact I adore the carriages & restraints. Most basic and important aspect to any rollercoaster right? Well I like both. The restraints are very comfortable and the carriage itself has “big boy” seats which therefore it caters for everyone. Not to forget the restraints are a bonus for those pops of airtime and hangtime with them been lap bars. Okay so we’ve established I love the restraints and carriages.
Something which I ain’t keen on is the dull rides we’ve been having lately. Opening weekend and mid last year we had some dreadful rides. It felt bland I think that’s the best way to describe it. As in there wasn’t much of a kick to it at all and the coaster itself felt sluggish. Almost as if you were just crawling around the track and barely getting anywhere. The airtime felt self inflicted rather then the coaster physically wanting you out of the seat like the usual Icon we love.
Okay, back to a more positive aspect we adore which is when it’s good it’s good. You get Icon on the maximum throughput, hot summers day and you’ll have the best ride ever. It physically rides so beautifully when it’s got more trains on and the weather is better. The airtime is immense and hangtime even more so.
The two key elements of this rollercoaster which stand out to me is the bunny hill you face straight after the first launch. That on the back row is immense. The element after the second drop ( I won’t attempt to name it as I’ll probably spell it wrongly or say something opposite to what it is)
The final thing we don’t necessarily like is the fact it’s really a front or back rollercoaster. If you sit in the middle of the train your bound to have a meh ride experience. It just doesn’t offer what the front or back does. Back row is key for airtime and the front for forces. All told if you get right in the middle your not experiencing the full potential.
All told this can be the best UK ride experience on a good run. But when it’s not at it’s best, it’s far from good unfortunately. If your visiting when the weather is good and you ride it in the afternoon your bound to have a ace ride. We do love Icon still regardless as we are so lucky to have it in the UK. But over time the hype we once smothered it with has faded but there’s no denying it’s good so please don’t take this as if we are claiming it’s shit.
What do you think of Icon? Is it your type of ride or don’t you enjoy it?
Thank you for reading..
