Goliath

Updated December 31, 2025

Description

The Goliath is the kind of roller coaster that makes you rethink lunch plans. Not because it’s bad—because it’s intense, towering, and unapologetically bold. This steel hypercoaster is built for speed and airtime, the kind where your stomach feels like it stayed behind a few seconds ago. With a 255-foot drop and top speeds hitting around 85 miles per hour, Goliath doesn’t waste time easing you in. It climbs, pauses just long enough for you to question your life choices, and then drops you straight into the kind of scream that surprises even you.

What sets Goliath apart, in my opinion, is how smooth it feels for something so massive. I’ve been on coasters that rattle your teeth and leave you with a headache, but this one? It glides. You’re flying, really. There’s a rhythm to it: climb, drop, float, twist, repeat. And then there’s that double helix near the end—tight, fast, and weirdly elegant for something trying so hard to scare you. And yes, it succeeds.

This attraction is clearly designed for thrill-seekers, but it’s also surprisingly accessible. There’s a wheelchair-accessible entrance, which isn’t always the case with older or more extreme rides. That detail matters, and it shows some thoughtful planning behind the scenes. Expect lines, though. This is not a walk-on kind of experience, especially during peak season. Most visitors plan ahead and grab tickets early, and honestly, that’s smart. Standing in line watching train after train disappear over that drop just builds the anticipation anyway.

I remember my first ride vividly. It was one of those hot afternoons where everything smells like sunscreen and fried dough. I thought I was ready. I was not. And yet, I got off laughing, immediately checking the wait time to see if I could do it again. That’s the magic of Goliath—it scares you, then dares you to come back.

Key Features

• 255-foot first drop that delivers serious airtime
• Top speed of approximately 85 miles per hour
• Steel hypercoaster design known for smoothness
• Signature double helix that tightens the finale
• Open-air trains that amplify the floating sensation
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance for easier access
• Consistently long wait times due to popularity
• Designed for experienced thrill riders

One thing I always notice is how quiet people get right before the drop. The chatter stops. Phones go down. There’s this shared, silent agreement that what’s about to happen is bigger than small talk. That moment alone is worth standing in line for.

Best Time to Visit

If you’re aiming for the best possible experience on Goliath, timing is everything. Early mornings are gold. The first hour after the park opens usually means shorter lines and cooler temperatures, which actually makes the ride feel faster. Steel coasters can run quicker when it’s warm, but there’s a sweet spot. Too hot and you’re just distracted by sweat dripping into your eyes.

Weekdays, especially outside of school holidays, are your friend. I once made the mistake of visiting on a Saturday afternoon in mid-summer. The wait felt eternal. People around me were debating dinner plans before even boarding. Lesson learned. If you’re traveling and have flexibility, plan your Goliath ride for a Tuesday or Wednesday morning.

Seasonally, late spring and early fall are underrated. The weather is comfortable, crowds thin out a bit, and the ride still runs at full intensity. Fall has the added bonus of cooler air rushing past your face, which somehow makes the drop feel sharper. And if you’re lucky enough to ride at dusk, when the sky starts to change colors, it’s honestly kind of beautiful. Terrifying, but beautiful.

How to Get There

Getting to Goliath is generally straightforward, especially if you’re already visiting the surrounding amusement park. Most travelers arrive by car, and parking is well-organized, though it can involve a bit of walking. Wear comfortable shoes. I cannot stress that enough. You’ll thank yourself later.

If you’re relying on public transportation, plan ahead and double-check schedules. Some routes are seasonal or limited, and nothing kills coaster excitement faster than realizing you’re stranded. Ride-sharing services are popular, especially for visitors staying nearby. They drop you close enough that you won’t feel like you’ve hiked a mile before even seeing the first hill of the track.

Once inside the park, signage is clear. And honestly, you can usually just follow the screams. Goliath’s massive lift hill is visible from far away, acting like a beacon for adrenaline junkies. I’ve used it as a landmark more than once after wandering off for snacks.

Tips for Visiting

First tip: secure loose items. This is not the ride for testing the strength of your pockets. Lockers or secured storage are your best bet. I’ve seen hats sacrificed to the wind gods, never to be seen again.

Second, hydrate. It sounds boring, but dehydration plus intense rides equals regret. Drink water before and after, especially if you plan on riding multiple times. And yes, you probably will want to ride multiple times.

If you’re nervous, that’s normal. Everyone is. Even the people who act tough in line usually scream the loudest. My advice? Sit towards the back if you want maximum intensity, or closer to the front for a slightly smoother drop. I personally prefer the back. More whip, more airtime, more stories to tell later.

Pay attention to height and safety requirements, and listen to the ride operators. They’re efficient, direct, and there to keep you safe. The ride is intense, but it’s well-engineered and maintained. Trust the process.

And here’s a small, maybe weird tip: don’t overthink it. The anticipation can be worse than the ride itself. Once you’re moving, your brain barely has time to panic. It’s just sensation and speed and that wild feeling of being completely out of control in the best way.

Finally, give yourself a moment after the ride. Sit down. Laugh. Replay it in your head. Goliath is one of those attractions that sticks with you. You’ll find yourself describing the drop with your hands, exaggerating the height, insisting it was taller than it actually is. And that’s fine. That’s part of the fun.

For travelers chasing thrills, Goliath delivers exactly what it promises: height, speed, airtime, and a memory that lingers long after the harness lifts. It’s not subtle. It’s not gentle. But if you’re reading this, you probably don’t want subtle anyway.

Key Highlights

• 255-foot first drop that delivers serious airtime
• Top speed of approximately 85 miles per hour
• Steel hypercoaster design known for smoothness
• Signature double helix that tightens the finale
• Open-air trains that amplify the floating sensation
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance for easier access
• Consistently long wait times due to popularity
• Designed for experienced thrill riders

Location

Places to Stay Near Goliath

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