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The Giant Dipper
Category: Active Life Amusement Parks Amusement Parks [Edit]
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk400 Beach St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-5590
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
78 reviews for The Giant Dipper
Review Highlights
"Been riding it since I was little and it never gets old."
(in 5 reviews)
"...coaster that my family has been riding for 5 generations."
(in 5 reviews)
"...in the US, national historic landmark, over 55 million..."
(in 3 reviews)
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78 reviews in English
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Review from Loli L.
San Francisco, CA
11/10/2011
If you do nothing else in Santa Cruz, you must ride this magnificent beast.. at least twice-and then check out your pics on the way out.
5 tickets to ride. Tickets were $1 each when we went, or less if you get the bulk-ticket deal.Listed in: Santa Cruz in less than a day
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Review from John E.
10/25/2011
Santa Cruz would not be Santa Cruz without the Giant Dipper.
Woohoo! This is the best rollercoaster I've ever ridden on. I've tried many others but this is still the best.
Yes, you will get slammed hard into the side of the car on some of the corners but it's worth it. If you ride it enough times, you'll figure out where the camera is so you can make stupid faces or do a little flashing.
I've ridden in the front, middle, and back. Wait for a seat on the front if you can. It's still the best! -
Review from Nick L.
San Francisco, CA
10/21/2011
WOOooo!
Great value ride. History too.
So much fun we went on twice!
Wife nearly puked her guts.
Good harmless fun. -
Review from Amber Elizabeth M.
San Diego, CA
8/31/2011
The Giant Dipper was built in 150,000,000 BC by several Brontosauri. Originally they created the track to resemble the long sloping backs of the giant Brontosaurus after they became tired of smaller dinosaurs running around on their backs.
Several million years later, Cavemen invented the wheel and the carts were added. This enabled the Cavemen to impress the women on their dates and the population in the area flourished.
In the 1920's when the coaster was uncovered by archaeologists, other attractions were added to the boardwalk. Cotton candy was abundant and everyone had sticky hands as they waited in excitement for their turn to ride the newly uncovered coaster.
Years later, a camera was installed to capture the riders as they whizzed past on one of the first and most severe drops. Some of the modern women began bearing their breasts at the camera making the Boardwalk a very popular hangout for prepubescent boys.
To this day, The Giant Dipper remains the star of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and excites riders over 42" tall of all ages.Listed in: cruzin' round santa cruz
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Review from vicky t.
7/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of my favorite rides.. since I was tall enough to ride it (enter short joke here) .. I think in my lifetime I have been on this at least 100 times...
Went here last night late night and had a blast!! -
Review from Rae W.
Goleta, CA
7/29/2011
The classic wooden rollercoaster lives on! Go on a Monday or a Tuesday night when each ride is only a dollar, and you could easily go on this one 4 or 5 times and still have fun.
The line is usually pretty long, but it moves fast and you won't even realize it. Informational slideshows on the TVs inside make it a learning experience as well!
Be sure to go at night when it's all lit up with thousands of lights and you can see the whole boardwalk from the top of the climb! Don't forget to smile for the picture! -
Review from Eric B.
3/27/2011
The mark of a great roller coaster is getting that momentary "Oh Shit" feeling at the top and then getting right back in line when the ride is over. And having your hands up the entire time just adds to the thrill.
I'm partial to my home town roller coaster located in Arnold's Park Iowa. However, the Big Dipper is even better and worth every minute of the trip and wait to hop on. -
Review from Jennifer A.
San Diego, CA
8/29/2011
What a great coaster. Aside from the interesting historical aspect to this coaster, the ride itself is just dang thrilling! The dips are practically completely vertical and they must have some good maintenance because I didn't come off having a headache from all the jitters. Loved it!
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Review from Jillian R.
Fremont, CA
6/10/2011
The wooden coaster itself is old, outdated, and old-fashioned.
It's something you HAVE seen before.
It's not the best coaster ever.
You have to pay $5 to get on this ride.
But this ride is such a CLASSIC. It's scary, fun, and just such a great thrill - the kind you just want to get on again and again. Perfect amusement park attraction. -
Review from Valina E.
Fremont, CA
6/6/2011
A True classic!
There is nothing like hearing the clickity-clack of a good old classic wooden roller coster. Not knowing if the ride is going to fall apart while riding it is half of the thrill!
It is a great ride and worth the wait!
Of course park Security didn't appreciate my friends throwing cheer stunts in front of the classic sign, but that is another story! -
Review from Jenny C.
7/25/2011
Such a classic wooden roller coaster that no one can ever get sick of! Great for a nice thrill and a view of the beach and the board walk!
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Review from Lizzie B.
Los Altos, CA
3/13/2011
WOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO YAAYAYAYAYAYAAAAAAHHHH AIEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is all I have to say ;D -
Review from Tom L.
2/23/2011
Do you like happiness? Then you will love the Giant Dipper.
I can remember how scary this roller coaster looked when I was a little kid. The first time I got up the balls to ride it I thought I was going to piss my pants as the car slowly clunked towards the peak of the first drop. Once I took that first drop I was hooked, not just on the Giant Dipper, but on roller coasters in general.
I can trace my entire love for roller coasters back to this ride, I feel like I need to buy it lunch to say thank you for all the great memories I owe to it.Listed in: Santa Cruz
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Review from Murphy O.
San Francisco, CA
2/20/2011 2 photos
Thee BEST roller coaster in the world!
I come on Tuesday nights during the summer to ride it for a buck whenever I can.
Listen: http://www.youtube.com... -
Review from Eric N.
8/5/2010
I have such fond memories of the Giant Dipper from when I was a kid.
Fast forward a few decades.
Then I worked at Disneyland.
While working at the Happiest Place on Earth I got the chance to visit the good ol' Boardwalk one day...I even plunked down the money to ride the rides.
La la la hangin out in line for the Dipper...not very much order to the line just a bunch of preteens trying to get ahead of everyone else.
Then they let you in...when its your turn...no station gates, not much in the way of safety. I guess this is an old fashioned ride without those new fangled things like station gates and que lines.
As for the ride itself, the view of the Boardwalk and the ocean is spectacular when you are going up the first hill.
You crest the hill, start down the first drop...
BAM
RATTLE RATTLE RATTLE
SCREAMS
RATTLE RATTLE RATTLE
BARELY MISSING AN OLD BOARD
SCREAMS
RATTLE RATTLE RATTLE
STOP
Back in the station.
Space Mountain this is not.
Jeeze its not even a Six Flags ride....you know that's bad. -
Review from John G.
This is your quintessential wooden roller coaster.
It may not be the fastest, it may not be the tallest but it's definitely one of the best. A classic wooden coaster that takes you on dips and dips and dips. It's the centerpiece attraction of the Boardwalk since 1924 and also a Historic Landmark.
Really!...look it up.
It boast 50 million riders throughout the years but who's counting, really?
You can't visit the Boardwalk without riding the Giant Dipper. That would be like going to Roscoe's and not eating the Chicken and Waffles. You can do it, but you will miss out on the fun and experience.
One of the best part is that there are no long waiting lines to ride this attraction unlike other Amusement Parks, and you can ride in the front car over and over again. -
Review from Ashlee J.
6/16/2011
Best ride on the boardwalk! The line is long but it is worth it. The ride itself has alot of history behind it & I enjoyed reading the facts as I waited. A MUST!
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Review from johnny l.
Lafayette, CA
4/15/2010
OH HELL YEAH!!!!!
Was there last weekend - best coaster around, from the pitch dark beginning, to the big drop, to all the physical mangling this coaster forces on the human body throughout the ride.
It's old, it's creaky, it feels like the tracks are going to come apart while you click/clack through the ride.
What a rush!!!!
My fondest memory of SCBB is when I went with my BIL, sister, dad and brother after having a BBQ of burgers, hot dogs and baked beans at my dad's in Pacifica. My bro, sis and BIL and I were on the tilt-a-whirl when all of a sudden, sis turns green. Next thing you know, she's spewing forth like Old Faithful while we are all huddled, against centifugal force mind you, to try and stay clear of her stomach contents.
BIL: AWWWW SHIT, you got that on my leather coat!!
Me: EWWWWWWWWW, hot dogs and beans!!!!
BIL: Damn woman!!! Don't you chew your food??!!??!!??
And so it was, and so it goes.
Ya feel me? -
Review from Brian B.
5/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Such a fun wooden rollercoaster. Been riding it since I was little and it never gets old. Sure you can find better coasters in the world, but none are quite like this. The location is excellent as well...right on the beach!
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Review from Arianna M.
Fairfield, CA
5/25/2010
I.HATE.ROLLER.COASTERS.
But this one was fun. It didn't bash my industrial bar into my head. Or do any damage to my ears. Me and my dad took my 9 year old sister on it. She'll probably never go on another roller coaster again (this was her first one) But it's still a pretty cool thing that she got to go on this one for her first one. (: -
Review from Lolia S.
San Francisco, CA
7/27/2009 1 photo
Newer rollercoasters may go faster and higher and have loops, but the Giant Dipper remains a thrilling classic that will hopefully continue to bring joy to coaster riders for years to come. It's the best ride at the Boardwalk and will always be the best. Happy 85th birthday Giant Dipper!
I recently rode the Dipper at night, for the first time. It's even better at night. First you wait in line and read about the history of the ride on the way, e.g., fifth oldest roller coaster in the US, national historic landmark, over 55 million riders, featured in movies, etc. They don't let you wait around for the seat you want (unfortunately, since the very back or the very front are best).
There isn't any place to put your belongings, so you have to bring them in the car with you. You're held in by a metal bar that goes across your lap but leaves enough space for you to slide around and be lifted off your seat by the ride (vs. the newer restraints that do a better job of holding you in place). That's part of the charm.
At night the first part of the ride takes place in complete darkness (very cool) and then you ascend for awhile (time to admire the views of the Boardwalk). There are quite a few dips and curves and the ride is longer than the newer rides today (another big plus for the Dipper).
Well worth $4.50 and a trip to Santa Cruz. They also take your picture during the ride and it's available for purchase.Listed in: Short list of places you must…
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Review from Ron L.
Concord, CA
3/31/2010
As of this review, there are 41 posts, only 7 are four stars, the rest are five stars. That should tell you something.
It's regularly one of the top 10 roller coasters in America, and one of the 10 oldest. It's very well maintained, too.
I first went on the Giant Dipper in high school. I was in the Santa Cruz Band Review, and we went to the Boardwalk after the parade. I rode this coaster eight times that afternoon. Then I became a student at Bethany University, and I've ridden this coaster at least once a year every year since then.
My favorite seat is the back left. In that seat, not only do you get thrust out of your seat on the dips, but you get thrown to the right on most of the turns, your butt almost into your neighbor's lap.
When you get off, if you're not grinning with delight, then check your pulse. -
Review from Carla X.
Santa Cruz, CA
8/2/2011
Ehh. Ok ride. Ive gone on much better. Much, much better. Its just a whole scattering of small dips. Great ride for someone who is terrified of riding anything, this thing is 0% scary.
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Review from Virgo M.
Bay Area, CA
2/19/2009
WOW!
Look at all the Yelpin' STARS from the others! Yes, this is the coaster of all coasters. One thing I love is that nothing has changed! It was the same coaster a year or so ago that it was back when I was 10! Classic wooden coaster with lots of sharp turns and speed speed speed. I can honestly say that I have rode this more than any other coaster ever.
I heart to death the Giant Dipper for LIFE! -
Review from Rinky N.
East Bay
3/13/2007
This is my FAVORITE roller coaster! I can't stand the modern coasters that twist you upside down and jolt you sideways, but the Giant Dipper is wonderful!
I love the way it looks......majestic! rickety wood that will last forever!
I love screaming and drooling with every dip and curve!
I love being in temporary camaraderie with my fellow Dipper riders as we all scream in harmonic unison!
Note: My cousin was proposed to at the top of the Dipper as she was screaming her guts out! That moment was immortalized forever in the photo the remote cameras take before you plunge down the hill!
Note #2: My hubby and I once made the mistake of riding the small roller coaster on top of the arcade. Before we boarded our car a couple of ultra hip teen gals said very loudly, "God, where did those old people come from?" Ouch! That remark hurt us more than the jolts and plunges of the manic ride! = )Listed in: They Make You Feel So Young, Sentimental Journeys
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Review from Gene A.
San Mateo, CA
4/7/2008
I've lived in the Bay Area for all of my life. I've seen all the commercials. I ran by the Boardwalk numerous times training for my marathon. I walked under it in a futile attempt to see Eddie Money last summer. I don't know why I've never been on the Giant Dipper until yesterday.
My psuedo-girlfriend/psuedo-ex and I ventured out to Santa Cruz for a relaxing picnic at the beach. We were about a mile away from the Boardwalk and could hear the screams emanating from the Giant Dipper. I told the pgpx that I've never been on the Giant Dipper. After we left the beach, we headed over to the Boardwalk.
The line was fairly long, but I'm sure could've been longer relative to other Saturdays. The anticipation is half of the ride, in my opinion, as while you're in line you're in a tunnel that shakes as the trains go.
As we were nearing the front of the line, I noticed how many people were being let on and guestimated how many people were in front of us and I said, "Hey, we might get the front." The line progresses forward and one couple was ahead of us. The next train comes around and the couple picks a middle car! Jokes on them! The pgpx and I quickly darted to the front row of the front car.
I don't want to spoil anyone's first time experience by giving out details, but mine was amazing.
It's 9 bucks for one ride for two people. -
Review from Eóin Ó.
Campbell, CA
12/27/2010
I have not been on a lot of roller coasters in my life, so I was excited to take a ride on my first wooden one. It was awesome and I am not sure what happend to me during the first downhill, but i started laughing my arse off and couldn't stop.
The SCBB should be on anyones to do list when visiting Santa Cruz. -
Review from Amethyst U.
Santa Cruz, CA
6/14/2010
The standard to which all other coasters aspire. For me, anyway.
I still remember how excited I was the first time I was tall enough for the Dipper and how much fun my first ride was. Since I was a scrawny kid, every one of the final dips caused me to fly out of my seat.
No matter how thrilling the thrill rides get, the Dipper will always be my number one roller coaster. -
Review from Chad H.
6/30/2010
How does this ride get 5 stars? Have you people ever been on another roller coaster in your life?
Maybe I'm a bit of a roller coaster snob (okay, I am) but could name off at least 10 wooden coasters I've been on that are better and at least 40 coasters overall (wooden or metal).
Sure, it's okay for what it is, which is a roller coaster sitting in the middle of a beach. But the ride is short, the hills are small, the speed is slow, and the price is too high ($5 for one ride).
When I think of a five star coaster, I think of something like The Beast at Kings Island in Cincinnati. This thing is a kiddie ride compared to that.
Skip it unless you've got the unlimited rides bracelet or you just HAVE to ride a roller coaster. -
Review from Gabriel T.
Rocklin, CA
7/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
It doesn't get any better than this! Especially for a 100 yr old rollercoaster! I recommend riding it as many times as you can!
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Review from Tara H.
San Jose, CA
4/26/2010
Seriously? People are reviewing The Giant Dipper???
That's an easy one..... loved it as a kid... not sure I trust the ancient coaster to ride it again.... LOL! -
Review from Yvette B.
Ventura, CA
12/7/2009
You'll end up feeling like a kid all over again!! =0) The Giant Dipper was amazing and the unique experience of of riding a roller coaster that has been around since before I was a child was almost terrifying!! ;0)
The Boardwalk as a whole was so wonderful. I cut loose like a teenager and rode crazy rides that you'd think only teenagers would ride. I ate a greasy Corn Dog and had our fortune told by a machine in the video arcade. What a blast!
I'm definitely doing this again! =0)
Yvette L. Brownstone from Ventura, CaliforniaListed in: Day Tripping
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Review from Brandon T.
Portland, OR
8/27/2008
I think the first time I went on this I was probably six or seven and it was my first trip to santa cruz. I didn't return for probably thirteen years and I always wondered where that place was where I had ridden that amazing roller coaster......
then I saw it one day when I was walking around down in that area and it all came back to me..........I remember being terrified, the first time, of getting splinters because it was made out of wood......
ANYWAYZ!
I rode it again, but to be honest it was much more fun as a kid.
AND I got a splinter as an adult....what are the odds honestly?!?
(no I actually didn't but if I had then it would have been a good ending) -
Review from Shawna M.
San Leandro, CA
6/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
My fav ride since I was a lil kid!! Ill never forget the first time I rode it.... I truly thought I was gunna fly out, the adrenaline was great! I still get the same rush 15 years later. Great ride!!
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Review from Jackie F.
Updated - 4/10/2009 1 Check-in Here
I kicked off my 25th birthday on this ride....
Oh yea!! =)1 Previous Review:
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2/26/2009
This one is CLASSIC!!!
I've been on many a coasters and this always gives me good chills! =)
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Review from Kelly M.
Mountain View, CA
1/12/2009
This coaster never gets old and the only ride worthy of my $4.50 for admission. Try to get seats as close to the front as possible. Hold your hands up and you'll be lifted off your seat. I'm too much of a weenie and only hold my hands up on the straight aways. Yes I know, what's the point? I suppose it's just a mental thing. =)
It's just a classic coaster with all the thrills!Listed in: Santa Cruz
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Review from Sheila T.
Oakley, CA
8/8/2010
This ride is a classic, and if you don't ride it, it better be because you are majorly disabled and simply can not ride.
The ride is best from the back, many people wait to sit in the front, but sitting all the way in the back is way wayyyy better.
This ride does whip you around so if you have a back injury or neck injury or...bruise easily I suggest you either take some pain medications or just not ride.
Yes, this is not the best coaster in the world, but it is the best ride at the park, and it is great and if you don't ride it at least once, then why are you at the boardwalk?
Its a historic landmark, its the 6th oldest coaster in the US, it has been entertaining for 85 years, and if you don't ride it for the ride, ride it for the history, people have been riding it for 85 years...its like stepping into a time machine for a minute to have an experience that thousands of people go to the boardwalk for. -
Review from Caroline L.
Sunnyvale, CA
4/27/2008
ooooh! I love this rollercoaster. i didnt know you could yelp rollercoasters...are their yelp reviews for disneyland rides? b/c my fav is indiana jones..
anyhow, as i write this, i am looking at the picture we bought at the big dipper when me and my sign other were on the ride. it's quite hilarious. i'm hugging a teddy bear in it too. super fun super fun. not too loopy and lots of ups and down! wheeee! -
Review from Danny A.
Campbell, CA
7/1/2008 2 photos
My first time on this roller coaster happened this past weekend. Two words: Brutally Fun!
More Words: Wood smell, Lumber, Steel, History, Screech, Screams, Cotton Candy Smell, Excitement, Adrenaline Rush, Old School, Hecka High, Arms Raised, Hold On, 10 second Darkness, Sharp Turns, Super Fast, Very Up and Very Down, Woah
** See picture in the picture section of my reaction. -
Review from Hannah S.
Mountain View, CA
9/2/2008
As I screamed allllllllllllllllllll thhhhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeee way doooowwwwwnnnnnnnn the first hill, I managed to think to myself "maybe I will survive this ride."
Getting over my fear of heights is apparently a theme this summer. I went on this for the second time yesterday and besides being knocked around in my seat enough to look like I was in a fight the day before, it was definitely fun to feel the breeze through my hair and get my heart beat going without breaking a sweat.
