The Flash: Vertical Velocity — Attraction in Vallejo

The Flash: Vertical Velocity at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is a unique steel launched shuttle inverted roller coaster manufactured by Intamin. Notably, it is the only Impulse Coaster model to feature an inversion, making it a standout attraction at the park. ParkFrog +6 Coasterpedia +6 Coasterpedia +6 Wikipedia +3 Coaster101 +3 Roller Coaster Database +3

🎢 Ride Overview Type: Inverted Impulse Coaster Manufacturer: Intamin Model: Impulse Coaster / Twist & Spike Opened: June 8, 2001, as V²: Vertical Velocity Rebranded: 2019, renamed to The Flash: Vertical Velocity Location: DC Universe section, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo, California Coasterpedia +2 Wikipedia +2 Coasterpedia +2 Coasterpedia +2 Roller Coaster Database +2 Coasterpedia +2 Wikipedia +4 Coasterpedia +4 Coasterpedia +4 📊 Key Statistics Height: 150 feet (after 2002 modification from original 186 feet) Track Length: 630 feet Top Speed: 65 mph Duration: Approximately 1 minute Inversions: 1 (inline twist) G-Force: Up to 3.0 Gs Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds Capacity: 900 riders per hour Train Configuration: Single train with 7 cars; 2 rows per car, 2 riders per row (total of 28 riders) Height Restrictions: Minimum 54 inches; Maximum 75 inches Wikipedia +7 Coasterpedia +7 Coasterpedia +7 Wikipedia +6 Coasterpedia +6 Roller Coaster Database +6 Wikipedia +4 Roller Coaster Database +4 Coasterpedia +4 Wikipedia +1 Roller Coaster Database +1 WIRED +2 ParkFrog +2 Wikipedia +2 🔧 Design & Modifications Initially, the coaster featured two vertical towers reaching 186 feet. However, due to Vallejo's 150-foot height ordinance, the ride was modified in 2002: Wikipedia +3 Coaster101 +3 Coasterpedia +3

Front Tower: Tilted to a 45-degree angle, creating the world's first twisted inline rollback. Rear Tower: Reduced to 150 feet, maintaining a vertical ascent. Coaster101 +4 Coasterpedia +4 Coasterpedia +4 Coaster101 +2 Coasterpedia +2 Coasterpedia +2 These modifications resulted in a distinctive "U-shaped" track layout, with riders experiencing a unique inversion as they ascend the angled front tower. Coaster101

🌀 Ride Experience Riders are launched via Linear Induction Motors (LIM) up the front tower, experiencing a twisting inline inversion before descending backward through the launch station. The train then ascends the rear vertical tower, drops, and repeats the process, providing an exhilarating experience characterized by rapid acceleration and inversion. WIRED +4 ParkFrog +4 Coaster101 +4

🎨 Theming & Color Scheme In 2019, the ride was rebranded to align with the DC Universe theme, adopting "The Flash" moniker. The track was repainted red, and the supports were changed to yellow, reflecting the iconic colors associated with the superhero . Wikipedia +2 Coasterpedia +2 Coasterpedia +2

🛠️ Current Status As of January 2024, The Flash: Vertical Velocity is closed for refurbishment. The ride has experienced intermittent closures in recent years, including the removal and disassembly of the train during the 2016 refurbishment and a prolonged hiatus following the COVID-19 pandemic. The train was completely removed during the latter closure, and as of early 2024, it remains absent from the station . ParkFrog +5 Wikipedia +5 Coasterpedia +5

⚠️ Important Visitor Information Operating Seasons: Typically open during the Spring and Summer; closed during Fall and Winter. Maintenance Closures: May occur during the operating season; guests are advised to check current status before visiting. Height Restrictions: Riders must be between 54 and 75 inches...

Six Flags, get this ride together! Every time I come to this park, The Flash: Vertical Velocity is ALWAYS closed! It was closed for 3 full years! It closed for 1 year during the pandemic obviously. But after that, it was still closed. It didn't reopen until March 2023. Thats just last year. And here it is marked on the Six Flags website "Closed for the Season" once again! That of course means we will not get to see this ride in operation at all this year. Get this ride together Six Flags. I have never ridden this, but I hear it's super fun. At this rate Idk if I ever will get to ride this. I hope so. Hopefully they don't get rid of this before I can get my ride on it. I don't see myself ever riding this thing. Which really sucks because it does look very fun. But oh well. Hopefully Six Flags does something about it eventually

Edit: It is finally back open as of...

Very fun roller coaster!!! I love all roller coasters but this one is unique in a cool way! Yes, it’s often closed or not working but I got to ride it when it was open and it was super fun! The first launch that gets the ride started is pretty punchy and fast, I was not expecting it because the operator didn’t give us much of a warning😂 part of the fun! After that is a short but very exciting and intense experience! This ride also has some of the best hang time at the park and arguably the best on...