FARMINGTON — Every ride in Lagoon has a different feel and thrill. The Jet Star 2, located at the north end of the midway, is unlike anything in the park, and quickness is this attraction's keyword.
A compact, high speed, metal roller coaster, the Jet Star marks 30 years at Lagoon this season.
Cars spiral up the track in the first half of the ride, reaching a height of almost 50 feet, before looping downward in what reaches speeds of up to 45 mph over about 1,900 feet of track.
Tight turns at dizzying speeds are the highlight on the downward plunge.
The 90-second ride is also a popular one with couples, because unlike the majority of Lagoon's rides, two riders are required per seat. There are no single riders in the Jet Star — you need a companion or buddy.
The ride has eight different cars. Each one can hold six people, two people per car section. There's only one seat belt at the front of each section, as the person in front of each section holds the other rider in place.
Unlike Lagoon's other coaster rides, riders unload on the extreme south end of the ride and then empty cars loop around to reload.
As many as 1,680 people per hour can ride the Jet Star 2.
Because of its tight turns and quickness, the Jet Star undergoes an extensive safety checklist each morning before it opens. As such, it may be among the last rides to open.
Those with neck or shoulder problems may find this ride particularly uncomfortable.
Also, the Jet Star 2 is one of the first rides in the park that will close in the event of precipitation — probably for safety reasons.
The Jet Star 2 originated at the 1974 World's Fair in Spokane, Wash. Lagoon bought the ride afterward. It opened the same year as Pioneer Village and the Log Flume.
The Jet Star was refurbished from 2004-05.
To ride the Jet Star 2, you must be 50 inches or taller.
For more information, Lagoon's official Web site is: www.lagoonpark.com.
For a good, unofficial look at Lagoon, go to: lagoonisfun.com.
E-mail: lynn@desnews.com