Shambhala (roller coaster)
| Company type | Roller coaster |
|---|---|
| Industry | Amusement rides |
| Founded | May 12, 2012 |
| Headquarters | Salou , Spain |
| Products | Steel hypercoaster |
Shambhala: Expedición al Himalaya is a steel hypercoaster situated in PortAventura Park located in Salou, Spain. Built by Bolliger & Mabillard, it debuted in 2012 as Europe's tallest () and second fastest () roller coaster. These distinctions were later surpassed by Red Force () at PortAventura's Ferrari Land in 2017, followed by Hyperion at Energylandia in 2018. The ride draws inspiration from the legendary Himalayan realm of Shambhala. It was officially revealed on 24 October 2011 and opened its doors on 12 May 2012.
History
Speculation about a new Bolliger & Mabillard coaster at PortAventura began circulating in late 2010, initially thought to be a Dive Coaster. By mid-2011, details surfaced about a hypercoaster that would soar over Dragon Khan. Land clearing commenced during the summer of that year, and the attraction was formally announced in October 2011 shortly after its track layout was leaked. Track assembly was finalized by mid-April 2012, followed by testing phases and an official opening ceremony on 12 May 2012. The construction process involved more than 300 workers from countries including Germany, France, Hungary, Poland, Switzerland, and the United States.
Upon its debut, Shambhala set European records for the tallest height, longest drop, and fastest hypercoaster, overtaking Silver Star at Europa-Park. These records have since been eclipsed by Hyperion at Energylandia.
In September 2019, a video went viral showing a rider catching a phone that another guest dropped during the ride.
Ride experience
Following departure from the station, the train makes a 90-degree right turn before ascending a tall chain lift hill. At the summit, it plunges down at a 77.4-degree angle, reaching speeds up to as it enters a tunnel and passes near Dragon Khan's midcourse brakes. The train then veers slightly left into the first of five camelback hills before navigating a helix shaped like a figure-8 (ampersand turn). On the return leg, it crosses a small speed hill and an unactivated trim brake, proceeds into the second camelback hill, turns left beneath Dragon Khan's initial drop, and features a splashdown element. Unlike other coasters with splashdowns such as (Diamondback, Sheikra, Griffon), Shambhala’s splashdown uses water jets without the train making contact with water. After traversing additional camelback hills and passing through the mid-course brake run, the train completes a banked left turn, crosses the final hill, and enters the brake run returning to the station. A full ride cycle lasts approximately three minutes.
Trains
Shambhala operates with three trains constructed from steel and fiberglass. Each train consists of eight cars with two riders per row, accommodating 32 passengers per train. Safety is ensured through individual lap-bar restraints while allowing for an estimated capacity of 1,680 riders per hour. Riders can experience forces up to 3.8 g. The trains are painted in gold and cyan hues with black seats and cyan lap bars. Each row is fitted with video cameras to capture riders’ experiences ("videoride").
Track
The steel track extends approximately in length with a lift height of , spanning an area close to 14,000 m2.[1][2] While the coaster does not feature any inversions, it incorporates five camelback hills stretching over , a splashdown element, and an inclined figure-eight layout.[3][4][5]
The entire structure, including its supports, has an estimated weight of .[2] The foundations required 4,000 m3 of concrete, with some sections extending to depths of .[2] The track itself is painted white with cyan-colored rails, while the supporting framework is finished in grey.[5]
Theme
Shambhala’s design draws inspiration from Nicholas Roerich and the Kingdom of Bhutan, portraying a mythical Himalayan realm believed to be the origin of true happiness. Visitors embark on a journey to discover this hidden land as they progress through the immersive themed queue and board the coaster train.
This attraction is located within the China area of PortAventura Park.
Reception
Following its launch, Kirmes & Parks magazine honored Shambhala as the best European attraction introduced in 2012. Patrick Purcell of Mirror described it as "one of the smoothest roller coasters I've encountered." Sophie Castle from Travel Channel UK emphasized its impressive height, calling it "an experience not to be missed." In 2013, Shambhala appeared on Travel Channel’s series Insane Coaster Wars: World Domination.
The coaster made its first appearance in Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards in 2018, securing the 45th spot among top steel roller coasters, and was ranked 49th in 2022.
See also
References
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