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

[@brookestephenson2216]

I rode this as a kid in the 80's; I remember the first run in the mountain, the room being completely dark except for a red beating heart. The second run in the room was more visible and so you were able to see the dragon. I moved away from the area and when I went back in the late 90s, I was disappointed they had removed the effect.

[@more_bumps_ahead]

I remember this and how great it originally was - here’s hoping for changes next year!

[@Lorijenken]

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

[@chrisaburto95]

thats awesome

[@lilkalanadiangirl31]

Herman deserves some love and updated lighting effects!

[@your_local_fazbear1497]

Good news: He should be getting some this year!

[@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.

[@more_bumps_ahead]

@jealousblousewipes We speak the same exact language and can only hope the park hears us!

[@PumpkinHeadMan]

I never new that but I have gone on it over 100 times

[@PumpkinHeadMan]

Thank for telling me

[@Ender-A]

Me neither

[@WonderlandWeekly]

Awesome video! Small note: Guardian's dragon is named Ormaar and he's referred to as the "Usurper under the mountain." My interpretation has always been that the rider is the eponymous Guardian, not the dragon.

[@more_bumps_ahead]

Thanks for this as with a coming Guardian film I'll certainly need to have the name right!

[@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

[@sucrose2083]

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.

[@more_bumps_ahead]

Can gratefully report saw Herman and he is looking well this year :)

[@supero643]

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”

[@loloangelplayz3357]

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

[@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.

[@yeeaahhzz]

Paramount hated frills. They loved gimmicks and i'm excited to see what six flags/cedar faire have in store this summer according to sneak previews by @amusementinsiders

[@evancrew1234]

how come there are no photos of this dragon online?! it’s been there for like 30 years

[@more_bumps_ahead]

It is frustrating!

[@lanLewis]

Someone needs to get a well lit clear photo. I’m going in 8 days so I’ll try to get a good picture

[@OompaLompa_]

I got a clear picture of him who wants it

[@BoneMach1ne2]

@@lanLewis did you get one?

[@lanLewis]

@@BoneMach1ne2 sorry I forgot to, I’ll try to get one this summer ☹️

[@exultanteseiozeke2192]

Used to be at the fly location

[@ThreeLions82]

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

[@more_bumps_ahead]

Still among the park's essential rides!

[@Lost4life123]

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

[@gaming4tense]

Hey