The History of Thunder Run at Canada's Wonderland

In 1986 Canada's Wonderland introduced a radical transformation of a former ride, creating Thunder Run, a roller coaster that would leave an unpredciatable changes on the park forever. #canadaswonderland #themeparkhistory #cedarfair

[joe_z]

I've never been able to see Herman when I went on that ride. Mostly because the strobe lights were so distracting that I had no idea where to look. Your video is literally the first video I've seen that actually even lets me see what it looks like.

[jealousblousewipes]

Great video!

Barely anyone ever talks about the heartbeat sound effect that once was. That sound was such a great element to the ride and it’s just not the same without it. They really need to bring that back, and abolish that extremely annoying “chooo chooo” - I hate it so much!

On a side note, I also miss the beautiful waterfall that was in between the two tunnels right after you left the station.

[Lorijenken]

as someone whos been going park since 1987 I can legit say I have ridden Thunder Run both out side and Inside.

[ThreeLions]

Thunder Run is still popular now. That says a lot given how many rides ive seen lose interest over time and die out.

[supero]

When I rode this ride with my friend, we didn’t know the dragon had a name and we just started calling him “Seth Rogan”

[junkbox_]

Thunder Run was a much better improvement than the original ride that was near the RC boats.

I can't believe they got rid of the heartbeat. The heartbeat got a reaction out of patrons joining the line. It was intense and people knew it. Maybe it caused tennitis for ride operators who had to work the platform for hours in a row. Or maybe it was some MK-Ultra Clockwork Orange level stuff.

The original strobes gave a semi-conceiled sense of depth and perception while circling the core.

I didn't get to ride the original ride. It was always closed for mysterious reasons, and eventually it was removed. When Thunder Run opened everything prior was explained and forgiven.

I read the one user post about the removal of the small waterfall on the back corner. What a shame. This park has always hated frills. They over do gimmicks but when it comes to asthetics and finer details Canada's Wonderland always came up short in that department compared to it's mother park in Mason OH as well as others. The lack of trees and shade is also a shame.

[SmoggyCow]

Where did you get all of those old videos? I found a very good picture of Herman online but people say that he was remodeled at some point which I belive looking at him in person and then seeing the picture

[Lostlife]

They remodeled the dragon, I am pretty sure it's concrete now? It also has orange glowing eyes.

[tolkis-wife]

I went recently, and I could see Herman very very well? The strobe lights seemed to be working well enough to be able to see him easily.

[loloangelplayz]

You mean the old "Boat Boom Ball" location...before the Fly.

[Vixen]

Apparently Herman is a German name and it means Army man; Warrior, fighter.