The NEW Texas Giant: A Gut Wrenching Journey

By: Garrett Podell

   It was a humid night in Arlington, Texas. The walk up to the coaster was eerie as Reed Simpson ‘14 and I were the only ones in line on our walk up to our doom. The Looney Tunes cartoon on one of the TV monitors had just ended, so as we walked past the screen, it was flashing the Warner Brothers trademark slogan, “That’s all folks,” which was VERY reassuring for us (sarcasm intended).

Once we arrived at the boarding, we surveyed the line and only six other people were there. The slogan Reed and I were using for the night was, “Front or nothing”, so naturally we had to sit in the first car. We proceeded to freak out as Reed’s lap bar wouldn’t go down the first three times he tried to pull it down, so we had to exit the coaster as the staff adjusted it. On try number four, the bar clicked. As the Giant made its up for the first drop, we looked at each other.

“See you on the other side,” Reed said. We fist bumped and went down. The ride itself was smooth overall, but I was seated on the right side and when the Giant made the first lean right, I felt like I was about to fly right out of the car. I probably felt that way because of the coaster’s history, but I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. We rode the NEW, Texas Giant three more times. I rode the coaster before it closed down and after it closed down. Both times were satisfyingly thrilling and I suggest you hop on the Giant for excitement that will you last you the next three weekends.