OK, let’s address the thematic issue right off. In a park dedicated to Cinema and Television, I think it is a stretch to include an attraction with a Boston band as its centerpiece. Sure, I love Aerosmith. When it comes to rock and roll, they are American royalty. But, if the theme is Hollywood, then a band like Van Halen may have been better – at least they are from California. The thematic fit of a Rock Music attraction in a Movie/Cinema themed park aside, the theme of the ride unto itself is flawless.
Entering the home of G-Force Records, you’ll pass by posters of recently signed artists and a number of microphones and other instruments in order to gain a sort of condensed version of music history. Suddenly, you find yourself in the middle of not only a recording studio, but what seems to be the end of a recording session. While in the studio, take a look around at some of the neat instruments. Also, see if you can find the hidden Mickey. After a few short moments of discussion around the song, the band is rushed out of the studio and off to a show. The good news, Steven Tyler and company won’t allow you to be left behind. Their agent quickly schedules a super stretch limo and ushers you and the rest of the group into the back alley to the theme of “Walk This Way”.
Details don’t stop here. It’s neat to see old show posters for other famous bands. The alley is well done too. As you wind your way to the boarding location, you’ll see other super stretch limos take off for the show.
Climb in and strap yourself to the stretch limo seat and listen as a DJ gives traffic updates and Steven Tyler counts down to liftoff. You are suddenly propelled from 0 to 57 miles per hour in under 3 seconds; which allows you to experience 4.5 Gs (thus, G-Force Records). This, interestingly enough, is more than an astronaut experiences during liftoff. The following few minutes are filled with twists, turns, loops and a mix of Aerosmith greats as you make your way from the studio to the show. As the car comes to a stop, climb out to see the band take a bow. Wow – what a show!
The music is great, the attraction is entertaining from beginning to end, and it is a thrill ride that won’t disappoint. From the queue video to the stretch limo, this ride, well – ROCKS!
One more thing - Let me also leave you with this tip – don’t let this be your kid’s first amusement ride. Though fun, it’s a little intense for a first time rider of any type of coaster. Yep, I speak from experience – and it took a while to calm my daughter down. She thought all dark rides were suddenly going to flip her upside down while blasting rock music in her ears. The good news, however, is that once you’ve done this attraction, everything else is a breeze!