Fire In the Hole!
| Fact Sheet | |
| Ride Type: | Sit-down Indoor Roller Coaster |
| Year: | 1972 |
| Manufacturer: | Custom Made by SDC |
| Drop Height: | ~30′? |
| Height Requirement: |
42 inches to ride alone, 36 inches with adult |
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Fire-In-The-Hole is one of the oldest and most favorited rides at SDC, having made its debut back in 1972 and still being one of the most popular attractions in the park. Some call it a coaster, some say it’s a dark ride. Really, it’s a bit of both.
Ride Experience:
After being seated in one of the 3 cars one each train, riders are sent off at a slow pace through a series of scenes depicting a town in flames after an attack from ‘the baldknobbers’. Quite a few animatronics are used through-out the ride, impressive for a ride over 30 years old. After going in slow circles through several scenes, the action picks up a bit. If riders hadn’t picked up on the fact that they have been rising in elevation, they might notice it now, as the train heads toward what looks like a bridge that has been burned out. The train enters the bridge, and immediately takes a fast dip, but then quicky slows down, so riders can be shot at by some baldknobbers going around the next bend.
Then comes the most exciting section of the ride: the train slowly coasts through a curved tunnel, and as it rounds the bend, a beam of light hits riders and a train whistle goes off. All of a sudden riders find themselves plummeting downwards, but only for a moment. The train slows down – but only for a second – just long enough for an unseen man to shout “fire-in-the-hole!”. The train then abruptly plumments downward again, hitting a large splash-pool. The train rounds a final bend and riders are back in the station.
Additional Ride Info:
The drops on this coaster are not particularly large, and are heavily breaked with little actual coasting. Don’t worry about the splash at the end, as it never gets anyone too wet, though the amount of wetness varies with the season.
This ride is suitable for most family members, as it isn’t terribly scary, and children only need to be 36 inches to ride.
Theme song lyrics:
Baldknobbers comin’, ridin’ fast, armed with rifles, wearin’ masks
Baldknobbers comin’ they’re drawin’ near, everyone’s heart is filled with fear
Run boys run; don’t be slow, Baldknobbers comin’, there’s a Fire in the Hole
Run boys run; don’t be slow, Baldknobbers comin’, there’s a Fire in the Hole
Grab the children and don’t be slow, Baldknobbers comin’, there’s a Fire in the Hole
Grab your clothes and leave your home, Baldknobbers comin’ and it won’t be long
Fire on the mountain, woe be woe, fire on the mountain, Fire in the Hole
Fire on the mountain, woe be woe, fire on the mountain, Fire in the Hole
Come here daughter, come here son, baldknobbers comin’, everybody run
Grab you fiddle, forget your bow, no time now for Cotton Eyed Joe
Run boys run; don’t be slow, Baldknobbers comin’, there’s a Fire in the Hole
Run boys run; don’t be slow, Baldknobbers comin’, there’s a Fire in the Hole
Men and horses all over town, thundrin’ hooves that jar the ground
Women and children weepin’ and cryin, towns on fire, people are dyin’
Fire on the mountain, woe be woe, fire on the mountain, Fire in the Hole
Fire on the mountain, woe be woe, fire on the mountain, Fire in the Hole
Flames and smoke are rollin’ high, Baldknobbers set this town on fire
It was peaceful livin’, ’twas our home town ’til Baldknobbers came and they burned it down
Run boys run; don’t be slow, Baldknobbers comin’, there’s a Fire in the Hole
Run boys run; don’t be slow, Baldknobbers comin’, there’s a Fire in the Hole
Men and horses all over town, thundrin’ hooves that jar the ground
Ain’t no need for us hangin’ round, all our homes are ashes now
Fire on the mountain, woe be woe, fire on the mountain, Fire in the Hole
Fire on the mountain, woe be woe, fire on the mountain, Fire in the Hole