Wild Mouse (Idlewild)

Last updated
Wild Mouse
Wild Mouse Idlewild.jpg
Idlewild and Soak Zone
Location Idlewild and Soak Zone
Coordinates 40°15′35″N79°16′48″W / 40.2598°N 79.2799°W / 40.2598; -79.2799
StatusOperating
Opening date1985 (original)
May 15, 1993 (current location) [1]
General statistics
Type Steel
Manufacturer Vekoma
Track layoutWild mouse
Lift/launch system Chain lift
Height56 ft (17 m)
Length1,640 ft (500 m)
Speed30 mph (48 km/h)
Inversions 0
Height restriction48 in (122 cm)
Wild Mouse at RCDB

Wild Mouse is a roller coaster at Idlewild and Soak Zone in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. [2] [3] It is the one of two coasters in the park, and is the only steel roller coaster in the park. [4] It is the only wild mouse coaster designed by Vekoma.

Contents

History

Wild Mouse was originally located at Prater in Vienna, Austria, where it operated as Speeedy Gonzalez from 1985 to 1987. [1] It featured a yellow-orange color scheme. It was then moved to Alton Towers, an amusement park in Staffordshire, England, where it was renamed Alton Mouse and reopened in 1988. [1] At Alton Towers, the ride featured a covered lift hill, which was used to conceal the curves at the top of the hill from riders until they reached the top.

Alton Mouse closed in 1991 for a multitude of reasons. The harsh curve and braking system had diminished its popularity over time. Additionally, the section of the park in which it was located was small, and the ride was popular, causing issues with congestion. Local residents also complained of the noise levels. When Alton Mouse was removed, so were the other rides in its section, which was then subsequently closed off from the rest of the park.

On May 15, 1993, Alton Mouse reopened at Idlewild as Wild Mouse. [1] The track was painted rust red, and the supports were painted black upon its initial arrival to Idlewild. Rough air brakes continued to hinder the ride until 2002, when a smoother magnetic braking system was installed by Pribonics Technologies. [5] The ride's track was also repainted gray.

Wild Mouse features a traditional layout, including tight, unbanked curves and short, steep hills.

The ride did not operate during the 2012 season. It reopened to the public on July 14, 2013. [1] [4]

Following the end of the 2024 season, the ride underwent a large refurbishment, most notably including an improved electrical system. [6] The ride reopened on June 28th, 2025.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Roller Coaster Database" . Retrieved June 28, 2012.
  2. ↑ Bates, Jill. "Idlewild Coaster Promises Thrills" (article with captioned photo). Latrobe, Pennsylvania: Latrobe Bulletin, May 5, 1993, front page (subscription required).
  3. ↑ Lepley, Patricia. "The 'Wild Mouse' Debuts at Idlewild." Somerset, Pennsylvania: The Daily American, June 5, 1993, p. 20 (subscription required).
  4. 1 2 "Official Idlewild and Soak Zone Website" . Retrieved June 28, 2012.
  5. ↑ Yeomans, Michael (1 May 2005). "Roller coasters use magnetic brakes". Tribune-Review. Pittsburgh.
  6. ↑ "Wild Mouse | Idlewild & SoakZone Attraction Rides". Idlewild & SoakZone. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
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