7 Shocking Secrets Behind Fahrenheit: Hersheypark's Beyond-Vertical Roller Coaster Masterpiece (2025 Update)
Fahrenheit remains one of the most visually stunning and intensely thrilling roller coasters in the entire Hersheypark lineup, and as of late 2024 and heading into the 2025 season, its reputation as a must-ride attraction is stronger than ever. This steel behemoth, instantly recognizable by its signature, near-vertical lift hill and bright orange track, continues to draw massive crowds looking to face the heat of its incredible 97-degree drop and six inversions. For coaster enthusiasts and casual park-goers alike, Fahrenheit offers a unique, compact, and relentless experience that perfectly blends height, speed, and disorientation.
Opened on May 24, 2008, Fahrenheit was a game-changer for Hersheypark, introducing a level of steepness and inversion complexity previously unseen at the Pennsylvania amusement park. Designed by the renowned Swiss manufacturer Intamin, the ride is a masterpiece of engineering, packing a high-intensity experience into a relatively short track layout. The current year sees the coaster operating at peak performance, a testament to its robust design and Hersheypark's meticulous maintenance, continuing to provide one of the best thrills in the region.
Fahrenheit Roller Coaster: Vital Statistics & Technical Biography
Fahrenheit is not just a ride; it is a technical marvel that briefly held the record for the world's steepest drop upon its debut. Understanding its specifications is key to appreciating the engineering prowess behind this Intamin creation.
- Park Location: Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States.
- Manufacturer: Intamin (Intamin AG).
- Type: Steel Roller Coaster.
- Opened: May 24, 2008.
- Height: 121 feet (37 meters).
- Drop Angle: 97 degrees (Beyond Vertical).
- Track Length: 2,700 feet (820 meters).
- Top Speed: 58 mph (93 km/h).
- Inversions: 6.
- Ride Duration: Approximately 1 minute 25 seconds.
- Unique Features: Vertical Chain Lift Hill, Norwegian Loop, Cobra Roll, Double Corkscrew.
- Trains: 3 trains with 3 cars per train, seating 4 riders per car (12 riders per train).
The 7 Secrets of Fahrenheit's Unforgettable Thrill
Fahrenheit’s enduring popularity stems from a series of brilliantly engineered and perfectly executed elements. These seven features combine to create a non-stop, high-energy experience that is unique among Hersheypark’s 14 roller coasters, including classics like the Comet and modern marvels like Wildcat's Revenge.
1. The Vertical Chain Lift Hill
Unlike traditional angled lifts, Fahrenheit begins its journey with a 121-foot vertical chain lift hill. This slow, tense ascent up a 90-degree angle provides riders with a spectacular, yet terrifying, view of the entire Hersheypark landscape and the surrounding town of Hershey, Pennsylvania. The feeling of climbing straight up into the sky sets a dramatic tone for the intensity to come.
2. The Beyond-Vertical 97-Degree Drop
This is the ride's signature element and its greatest claim to fame. After a brief pause at the peak, the train plunges down a 97-degree drop—a full 7 degrees past vertical. This extreme angle creates an incredible sensation of being pulled over the edge, offering a moment of pure freefall and airtime that is best experienced from the back row. The drop is not only steep but also incredibly fast, propelling the train to its top speed of 58 mph in mere seconds.
3. The Rare Norwegian Loop
Immediately following the drop, riders are launched into the first of the six inversions: the Norwegian Loop. This element is a rare feature on roller coasters and consists of two inversions—a dive loop followed by an immelmann loop—that are joined together. The train enters the loop, inverts, dives back down, and then inverts again, all in one fluid, disorienting motion. It’s a powerful start to the inversion sequence that differentiates Fahrenheit from many other steel coasters.
4. The Intense Cobra Roll
The second major inversion complex is the Cobra Roll, a classic element that flips the train upside down twice in a short, compact space. This element is known for its high G-forces and quick transitions, offering a powerful, whippy sensation. The Cobra Roll is perfectly placed to maintain the ride's momentum after the Norwegian Loop, ensuring the intensity never lets up.
5. The Double Corkscrew Finale
As the train approaches the end of the main track, it navigates a tight Double Corkscrew. These two final, rapid inversions twist the riders laterally, providing a disorienting, spinning sensation just before the final brakes. The placement of the corkscrews close to the ground adds to the feeling of speed and danger, making for an explosive finish to the main circuit.
6. The Over-Banked Curve and Airtime Hill
Between the major inversions, the track features an over-banked curve and a small airtime hill. The over-banked curve is angled far beyond what is necessary for a turn, providing a strong lateral G-force experience without fully inverting the riders. The small airtime hill provides a quick pop of negative G-force, offering a momentary lift out of the seat before the train barrels toward the final inversions. These elements ensure the ride is a complete package of different forces.
7. A Smooth, Modern Intamin Experience
Despite its age (opening in 2008), Fahrenheit has held up remarkably well. As an Intamin coaster, it is engineered for a smooth, high-capacity, and intense experience. Rider reviews frequently mention that, despite the multiple inversions and tight turns, the ride is not a "head banger," meaning the over-the-shoulder restraints are comfortable and the track is smooth. This allows riders to focus entirely on the thrilling elements rather than bracing for impact, a key factor in its continued high ratings.
Riding the Heat: The Full Fahrenheit Experience
The experience of riding Fahrenheit is a concentrated burst of adrenaline. The ride is relatively short, lasting only about 85 seconds, but every moment is packed with action. From the moment the restraints lock, the atmosphere is electric. The slow, vertical ascent builds an incredible amount of tension, allowing riders time to fully appreciate the height and the sheer drop awaiting them.
The drop is the defining moment. The beyond-vertical angle creates a stomach-lurching sensation that is impossible to replicate on a standard drop coaster. The train then immediately transitions into the Norwegian Loop, a series of quick inversions that pull the riders with strong positive G-forces. The Cobra Roll and Double Corkscrew follow in quick succession, blurring the line between the sky and the ground. The compact nature of the ride ensures there are no moments of rest, with the train constantly changing direction, speed, and orientation.
For those looking to capture the best Fahrenheit roller coaster photos, the most dynamic shots are often taken from the ground, capturing the train cresting the vertical lift or navigating the tight Cobra Roll. The bright orange track against the blue Pennsylvania sky makes for a striking image, perfectly embodying the ride's fiery theme. The coaster is a visual landmark in the park’s skyline, standing tall near other major attractions like Storm Runner and Great Bear.
Fahrenheit's Legacy and Future at Hersheypark (2025 Outlook)
Fahrenheit has cemented its status as a cornerstone of Hersheypark’s world-class coaster collection. It serves as a perfect bridge between the park's older, smoother steel coasters and its newer, more aggressive thrill rides. Its unique elements—especially the Norwegian Loop and 97-degree drop—ensure it remains a major talking point and a bucket-list attraction for enthusiasts visiting the Mid-Atlantic region.
As Hersheypark continues to grow and update its offerings, Fahrenheit remains a reliable and highly-rated performer. There are no current indications of major changes or removal, suggesting the ride will continue to "face the heat" for many years to come. Its robust Intamin design and consistent popularity mean it is a fixture in the park's future, a testament to the power of well-executed, high-intensity roller coaster engineering. For visitors in the 2025 season, Fahrenheit is a mandatory stop on any thrill-seeker's itinerary.
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