For 80 years, Hersheypark’s Comet has thrilled riders with classic wooden coaster airtime, glowing night rides, and timeless nostalgia. Here’s why the legendary ride still matters today.
Full Story: https://themeparksbydon.com/hersheypark-comet-80th-anniversary/
Here is a top down screenshot from Google Earth. Of course, when I discuss this with Gemini, it claims that the natural topography actually drops and that the ride features a total elevation change of 180 feet over its course, while the lift hill is 154 feet tall. It also says that some supports integrate with the structure and foundation of the arcade building, and that the complex structure makes any relocation a logistical nightmare. The footers also had to be custom designed for soil density and load bearing requirements.
Since I used an AI as the source, the value of this data is limited. But page 16 of this source demonstrates that AF1 had months of delays and additional costs to meet county zoning requirements.
I wonder if relocating this would prove more expensive than it cost to build the coaster in the first place. A tax write off demolition may be the only feasible option.
Looking at this construction photo, the plot seems pretty flat from what I’m able to see. The only complication I could see is the area where it goes over the arcade building.
I think the coaster is on a flat plot of land, is it not? It wouldn't fit in Vortex's plot or over in Action Zone either due to both locations having ravines/steep hills. The steel structure also feels like it would be much easier to relocate than a wood structure as well depending on how much can be shipped intact.