Bayern Curve , the horn would blow before the ride started moving not at max speed, the ride was just very noisy when it got to maximum speed. Zumba flume was awesome when it was new very long lines. I also remember yogis cave became smurf Forrest. The ending Gargamels house had crooked floors which freaked out a lot of kids. Bedrock aquarium was cool with dolphins at the time. Glad that we’ve moved away from animal shows now. Walking up the mountain path and behind the waterfall was also cool as a young kid. Watching the pirate ship show in Arthurs bay was fun. Watching the Cliff Divers climb up the mountain using those pocket holes , I believe the holes still exist except for the lower portion where you can see that they have been filled in so people can’t climb up the outside of the mountain anymore. I’m very lucky to own two of those opening year programs that you see the girl in the stroller holding.
I miss the old days and I do agree Paramount did remove some rides which could have been avoided. The viking ship flew higher before and now its just a little swing. Thanks for sharing this video.
It loaded in the same style White Water Canyon does. You snaked to one small chain lift facing away from the loading section, 180, then up the main chain lift for the main drop returning you back to loader. You didn't really get that wet and this ride was immediately over shadowed by Timberwolf Falls. I remember the African theme and the clunk clunk clunk of the chain lift.
I remember ordering a double Barney Burger with cheese and French fried Rubble spuds for lunch and sitting in a Flintstone's car while eating! I also used to have a University of Bedrock t-shirt with Fred's face in the middle. Wish I still had it!
You forgot to mention that it was called Blauer Enzian when it was outside, renamed Thunder Run when relocated into the mountain. Also, I only rode Pharoah's Falls .... once. The damn toboggan capsized on the flat section, dunking me into the water before I could get to the end. Yep I took a bath... thankfully it was a hot sunny day! Showing my age, yes I rode every ride you had in this video. Zumba Flume was a taller, faster, steeper version of the one you rode at Centreville. I can see why it was removed since Timberwolf Falls made it redundant.
Everything you said was perfect. Paramount ruined the park and Cedar Fairs is bringing it back. I definitely want the walls in the mountain back. I loved LOVED the Great Whale of China and Shiva's Fury and Zumba Flume. I am old enough to remember Yogi's Cave and Smurf Village. The only old ride you left out was Skyrider.
These are some great memories (and you're right, some real tragedies). Thank you. I can't believe you forgot the most iconic loss/change at the park though... Kingswood Theatre. Once a premier concert venue for top A-list performers to play at, and you could hear the concerts from the park. I saw quite a few concerts there over the years and it was a disaster when it got converted to a private venue for closed events and people would never see the incredible stage and grass stadium seating.
I remember riding Zumba Flume as a kid. Loved it, but it terrified me. the loading station was a turntable (like white water rapids) and had a massive very well themed queue. The year top gun and Xtreme Skyflyer took its spot was the saddest year at wonderlands history...well maybe not exactly, but what a loss. I also remember Great whale of China, best ride - it was the only one my mom would ride. She was gutted when they removed it. I agree with you that the two worst coasters took over that area. I lost my mind when Smurf village was closed. I had a massive temper tantrum as a child. Loved this flashback video. Thanks for posting!!! 👍
Oh man memories! Thanks for the video. I remember Flintstones, Hanna Barbara and more. I still have a flyer from 1985 that my dad kept. I’d love to see the walkway on top the mountain come back.
My dad used to tell me all about how you could originally walk on Wonder Mountain, and then I actually learned that Thunder Run took place OUTSIDE originally. Because of this, I grew so fascinated with both the mountain and Thunder Run. Sure, it's neither forgotten nor defunct, but it's odd history and evolution just butter my toast.
I was the perfect age for Hanna-Barbaraland when the park opened. The Smurf Cave was on of my favourites. The antique care run was huge. Zumba Flume was refreshing although white water canyons and Timberwolf falls fill that need nicely. I didn’t realize that ride was called Barton’s Curve (was it ever called “The Matterhorn”?) but I remember it well. Also the view from Wonder Mountain was great and you can still see the observation area from Vortex. Thanks for this delightful, nostalgic video.
I remember it well! It was the first ride I went on at Canada's Wonderland in 87! I remember being stuck halfway up lift due to a passing thunderstorm in 89!
Zumba-flume was like the discount option when white water rapids was backed up. It was pretty leisurely for the most part couple mini drops, a few fast sections. and the log splash at the end. The fact they put Timber wolf falls next White water rapids made Zumba-flume redundant. I also fondly remember smurf village. Went to grad night on the last year it was up. A few of us got messed up, and in Gargamel's castle basically had a recreation of the episode of the simpsons when Lisa drank the water. I Do remember the walkway behind the falls and I think up top, from when I was very young. Surprisingly I do not remember Thunder run being on the ground, and that is my favourite ride. The beating heart used to scare me, it was a big deal when I conquered that fear lol.
I remember when Swings of the Century used to be called Swings of Siam. Zumba flume had a banging queue, but the ride theming was pretty lame and had a pretty large footprint. They could have doubled down on it and made the theming stronger, but fairly certain it was very difficult to maintain. I understand why they got rid of it.
Bayern Curve, Great Whale, and Shiva's Fury were my "graduated out of the kids zone, but not ready for the big coasters" rides, and I still miss them. Everytime I go back to the park, it feels like there's not enough "intermediate" flat rides like those anymore. Spinovator, The Rage, Klokwerk, and Swing of the Century...that's it. Definitely remember Hanna Barbera Land! I think we were the last park to switch over after the Cedar Fair buyout, but even then, they got rid of the little Bedrock Boats and Boulder Bumpers well before that.
Hi there. Watching from Toronto Canada. I remember Zoomba Flume and the Barons curve, pharaohs falls and Hanna Barberra land. My fav rides are all still there. Thanks for this. Took me back.
I have been in every ride you have talked about loved most rides. Yes I remember the smurfs and the flint stones. I lived at wonderland all g the trough the 80s. Loved it
Zumba Flume was a lot of fun. I feel like it was a long ride as well (almost five minutes) and it had a couple of small dives before the big finale at the end. Plus the theming was epic. It was a good way to cool down and yes, as someone said, if White Water Canyon had a huge line then you knew you'd only be waiting a few minutes to get on this one. Sadly, that's probably one of the reasons it was an easy decision for the park to kill it, likely even before Paramount bought it (and covered the whole place in tacky product placement). Wonderland was probably already considering removing it by the time they opened Splashworks.
I worked at Wonderland for many years... Zumaflum... my God, I couldn't remember what it was called. It was old school fun. Once they introduced Timber Wolf Falls, it was obsolete. Hanna Barbara land/kids ville had the dolphins pavilion which still stands as a ghost house part of the park. Flintstones and Smuffs was also parr of kidsville. You could also walk through the falls in the main mountain, until some kid jumped into the falls when he lost his teddy bear, you can still see the cut off and replacement doors covering the way. Now they have the 3D Rollercoaster in the walkway. I operated Thunderun and had to walk throughout the mountain on a daily basis. Cedar Parks ruined what could have been a global success, after they took over from Paramount. One thing Cedar Parks did, to their credit, was introducing new/more advanced Rollercoasters. That was a huge gripe back in the day.. seasons pass holders were tired of the same old rides every year. There's so much to tell!
I worked the rides in the late 80's for three years and had worked on most of these defunct rides at some point (except the kiddie rides) and made it up to "Assistant Supervisor". I can confirm that the reason we can't go behind the falls anymore is because someone fell into the reservoir at the base of the falls and drowned in 1988. That is the reason why there's fencing all around that area and the fountains as well as life preservers. Thunder Run used to be where The Fly is now. It was only there for about the first three years of the park opening. The heartbeat of the mountain was a bane to many employee's existent who worked that area. All day long you had to listen to a never ending 'thump- thump....thump-thump'.
Totally forgot about the dragon’s heartbeat inside Thunder Run lol. Of these I mostly remember the Flintstones stuff! IIRC the carousel in Hanna Barbera Land had characters you could ride like Dino? I’m not old enough to remember the pre-Paramount park so I was mad when they renamed Top Gun etc lol, but it’s cool that Cedar Fair is bringing back some of the old theming.
I visited from the UK when I was 5, all the way back in 1989. I remember sitting at Flinstones themed tables, and I went on that spinny pirate ship ride in your video (I can't remember it's name) and I couldn't stop laughing. I'm going to have to search through some old photos now.
I saw the aquarium show. They had two sea lions named Mr. Big and Sweet Marie. Both named after chocolate bars. They had dolphins there too. I remember Zumba Flume very much. I've only ridden it three times. Shiva's Fury and Great Whale were two of my favourite rides in the park aside from Sol Loco/Orbiter. Pharaoh's Eye was another favourite and probably the only Super Round Up in Ontario. I don't know where it was relocated, but I know that it had electronic doors that they later had issues with. Swing of the Century in its old location was named Swing of Siam. One thing to remember is Loblaws and the Wonder Dollars. Wonder Dollars could be spent towards admission to the park.
Okay this is so strange but when I rode the Great Canadian Minebuster in 2014, there's a maintenance / staff area South of the park that you can see from the ride, and I saw what appeared to be a Pharoah and some theming laying in that area. I assumed it might have been for an upcoming Halloween event, or a new ride, but I never heard anything about it after that. After watching your video I googled "Pharaohs Falls" and the Pharaoh I saw matches the theming on that ride! Could it be possible that they keep parts of defunct rides at the park?
I remember going up on top of the mountain, but only just. I did not know Thunder Run had previously been outside. Baron's Curve was a great ride considering it's simplicity. Saw Kim Mitchell at Kingswood where he claimed to be playing "Rockland Wonderland" for the first time in public, no idea if that was true. Was back there this year for the first time in 10yrs, had a great time.
I would like to see both the walkway up the mountain and behind the falls re-opened. I had the pleasure of working on Shiva's Fury and Great Whale of China in the mid-eighties, was very disappointed when they were replaced. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!
It's kind of crazy seeing not just pictures of the park from the 80s, but what's around it. I first went to wonderland in 2015 so all I remember are tons of homes around it, but with the old photos, there is nothing but farmland around it.
When I first started going there in they 90's, literally you drove past farms on the 400 and then in the middle of nowhere, there Wonderland was. There was a massive chicken coop on the Northside of Major Mackenzie. Depending on which way the wind was blowing, some days Wonderland (and I mean the ENTIRE PARK) smelt like chicken sh*t 🤣🤣
Before I watch video; my fav 2 rides as a kid that vanished were Zumba Flume (replaced with horrible Tomb Raider / Top Gun rides) & the dark walk through Yogi Bear (updated to Smurfs then removed for a store). I did enjoy Jet Scream and Skyrider but the previous two were def my favs. I dont even remember the Seaworld place (like at all) and I never saw (but wish I had) the Scooby Doo Boo Blasters. *edit Post watch video. Zumba Flume is tame by todays standards (I am sure from a technical standpoint Timberwolf has a steeper drop + you do get way wetter) but Zumba was a fun ride as a kid and has way more anticipation. I recall riding Pharoahs Eye when I was very little but not liking it very much (too young prob). Oddly I have no recollection at all of Racing Rivers (I cant even remember seeing much less riding it). It shows just how many times I went through Yogi forest lol I would have been SO young then but I have really fond memories of it (and the walk through made more sense to the Yogi "storyline" although the dark room Smurfs did look better I grudgingly admit (but as a young kid was so mad the Smurfs took over). Snail Trail is another that mystifies me as no memory at all (I do rem Boo Boo previously though). Oh I loved both mountain walkways but hadnt thought of them as rides.
Agreed, the anticipation on Zumba Flume made it much better than Timberwolf Falls IMO. Timberwolf Falls is one hill, one bend and then SPLASH! Soaked to the bone. Mind you, that's awesome on a sweltering hot day...
Feel super old lol. Does anyone remember this attraction with these tank boats in a big pool. Two people fit in each tank boat. one person steered and the other shot balls out of the tank gun at other boats. Definitely got a little wet lol For the older stuff, I remember being so small with my dad lifting me up to see Blauer Enzian running. I don’t remember Yogi’s cave but remember Smurf Cave. Zumba Flume was always great because the queue was themed and it never had a line. Even on a busy summer day, the line would start at the big turn table. The whole themed area with Zumba Flume, Shiva’s Fury, Great Whale of China and Sol Loco (Orbiter) was pretty great.
Sky flyer was also another ride that’s not there anymore! It was the stand up roller coaster! I miss that ride the most! I mostly miss Canada’s wonderland cause of this pandemic
Would love for the walkways to return, I know for halloween haunt you can go in the basement for attractions, and I do remember all that about thunderous
It would be nice to see the Boulder Bumper Cars which were the Flintstones theme when Barneys Burger's was still there before it turned into the Pizza Pizza. Two kids were allowed on the Bumper cars and they had to stay seated in order for the car to go. The bench seat was the trigger to allow the car to be able to move. Then it switched to Rugrats Tunepike and they had a switch to turn on or off at the back of the car and only big enough for one kid. Now it's Snoopy themed.
I'd love the walkways to be open, but I doubt their lawyers would allow it. The liability is likely too high. In the 80's people had enough common sense not to climb over the edge. Today, I fear there are too many that don't grasp the consequences of their actions. I've been up top several times over the years for various events, it's a magnificent view. Sad it can't be shared. Zumba Flume was one of my very favourites. Flintstones and all back in the day!
Two attractions that i would love to see an comeback at my home park, maybe the great whale of china but in Frontier Canada or for a rumor camp snoopy at the park & Wonder Mountain walkaway.
This was an awesome video. RIP Zumba Flume, The Fury and the Great Whale of China. Paramount literally came in like a wrecking ball, and ruined the park. We need to petition to get rid of Top Gun and Time Warp....no one ever rides them anymore
Oh and for laughs: General admission is $9.95 for adults, $9.25 for children up to 9 years of age and older people. General admission plus a 12-coupon ticket book is $11.95 and $10.95. Bus service ($1.25 one way) is available from the York Mills subway station on Toronto's Yonge Street line and from the Yorkdale station on the Spadina line.
What was the price for the Pay-One-Price Passport in 1981? Back then if you bought that you got a handstamp which let you into all the rides, otherwise you had to use those coupons (coded A, B, C, or D depending on the intensity of the ride).
@@racingphotographer8251 I am too young to have purchased at opening but I am 99% sure there were no all day passes in first year. Either paid for grounds admission or grounds + tickets.
@@robcav8747 Almost certain they had the pay-one-price passport from day 1. That was the big sales pitch for them, unlike the CNE and other carnivals the rides are included. I was 7 years old back in 1981 and I remember it being strange getting on rides without having to dish out X number of Conklin the Clown tickets. Blauer Enzian was my first coaster ever!
Zumba flume had a area where you could jump off your log into a mid island/bush area...then jump into the flume that came up next on either side. Yep....
I rode on all of these, attended the aqua show and later operated The Fury as well as Great Whale, and Top Gun. Also filled in operating rides no longer there , Sol Loco, Water snake, Jet Scream and SkyRider
I had the Flintstones Flyboys, the kids car track that we had to use a blow dryer after the rain to dry the tracks lol. I also had the playpark with the plastic balls and the yellow slides with the potato sacks to slide down on. Boulder bumpers were fun to operate.
I remember being at Wonderland the first summer they opened. I was 8 yrs old, and terrified of any kind of ride that drops, so I was not too pleased that my parents made me go on Zumba Flume. Getting wet added insult to injury😂. I remember Yogi’s cave BEFORE the Smurfs came in. And yes, I remember standing on the observation deck of Wonder Mountain.
Yes I am always remembers bymyself lots laughied with my big sister and with my parents went to lots fun and lots laughters with my parents joined summer time since in 1981
Great story. Around 1998 in grade 7 on a class trip. We were betting loonies racing down Pharoahs Falls. Only water ride you didn't need a bathing suit lol well, Michael Tran was tired of losing so when going down he leans forward trying go faster and when it hit the bottom he flipped over and landed in that cold filthy water. Soaked the whole way home
Bayern Curve , the horn would blow before the ride started moving not at max speed, the ride was just very noisy when it got to maximum speed.
Zumba flume was awesome when it was new very long lines.
I also remember yogis cave became smurf Forrest. The ending Gargamels house had crooked floors which freaked out a lot of kids.
Bedrock aquarium was cool with dolphins at the time. Glad that we’ve moved away from animal shows now.
Walking up the mountain path and behind the waterfall was also cool as a young kid.
Watching the pirate ship show in Arthurs bay was fun.
Watching the Cliff Divers climb up the mountain using those pocket holes , I believe the holes still exist except for the lower portion where you can see that they have been filled in so people can’t climb up the outside of the mountain anymore.
I’m very lucky to own two of those opening year programs that you see the girl in the stroller holding.
Really missing Bayern’s Curve...loved that horn! I also have fond memories of Hanna-Barbera Land and Jet Scream. Thanks for the great video!
Aging myself.. I was at the park the first year it was open with my parents , remember all these old rides
That’s actually so sick!
Smurfs & The Flintstone's I do remember as well as Yogi Bear as I'm old🤣
I miss the old days and I do agree Paramount did remove some rides which could have been avoided. The viking ship flew higher before and now its just a little swing. Thanks for sharing this video.
Zumba Flume is CW's greatest loss - I remember it fondly.
It loaded in the same style White Water Canyon does. You snaked to one small chain lift facing away from the loading section, 180, then up the main chain lift for the main drop returning you back to loader. You didn't really get that wet and this ride was immediately over shadowed by Timberwolf Falls. I remember the African theme and the clunk clunk clunk of the chain lift.
Yes! I loved the ride and the loading station
Yes!!!!
3 hills...q mini..medium and a high one..great ride...zoomba
I remember ordering a double Barney Burger with cheese and French fried Rubble spuds for lunch and sitting in a Flintstone's car while eating! I also used to have a University of Bedrock t-shirt with Fred's face in the middle. Wish I still had it!
You forgot to mention that it was called Blauer Enzian when it was outside, renamed Thunder Run when relocated into the mountain. Also, I only rode Pharoah's Falls .... once. The damn toboggan capsized on the flat section, dunking me into the water before I could get to the end. Yep I took a bath... thankfully it was a hot sunny day! Showing my age, yes I rode every ride you had in this video. Zumba Flume was a taller, faster, steeper version of the one you rode at Centreville. I can see why it was removed since Timberwolf Falls made it redundant.
Everything you said was perfect. Paramount ruined the park and Cedar Fairs is bringing it back. I definitely want the walls in the mountain back. I loved LOVED the Great Whale of China and Shiva's Fury and Zumba Flume. I am old enough to remember Yogi's Cave and Smurf Village. The only old ride you left out was Skyrider.
SMURF Village! One of my favourite things about Wonderland.
I definitely remember riding Zumba Flume! That was one of my favourite rides as a kid!
I remember Water Snake and the Great Whale of China being some of the first rides I ever rode at Canadas Wonderland!
These are some great memories (and you're right, some real tragedies). Thank you. I can't believe you forgot the most iconic loss/change at the park though... Kingswood Theatre. Once a premier concert venue for top A-list performers to play at, and you could hear the concerts from the park. I saw quite a few concerts there over the years and it was a disaster when it got converted to a private venue for closed events and people would never see the incredible stage and grass stadium seating.
I remember riding Zumba Flume as a kid. Loved it, but it terrified me. the loading station was a turntable (like white water rapids) and had a massive very well themed queue. The year top gun and Xtreme Skyflyer took its spot was the saddest year at wonderlands history...well maybe not exactly, but what a loss.
I also remember Great whale of China, best ride - it was the only one my mom would ride. She was gutted when they removed it. I agree with you that the two worst coasters took over that area.
I lost my mind when Smurf village was closed. I had a massive temper tantrum as a child.
Loved this flashback video. Thanks for posting!!! 👍
Oh man memories! Thanks for the video. I remember Flintstones, Hanna Barbara and more. I still have a flyer from 1985 that my dad kept. I’d love to see the walkway on top the mountain come back.
Yes I'd love to see the walkway's return. I heard they closed the walkway's due to safety.
My dad used to tell me all about how you could originally walk on Wonder Mountain, and then I actually learned that Thunder Run took place OUTSIDE originally. Because of this, I grew so fascinated with both the mountain and Thunder Run. Sure, it's neither forgotten nor defunct, but it's odd history and evolution just butter my toast.
I was the perfect age for Hanna-Barbaraland when the park opened. The Smurf Cave was on of my favourites. The antique care run was huge. Zumba Flume was refreshing although white water canyons and Timberwolf falls fill that need nicely. I didn’t realize that ride was called Barton’s Curve (was it ever called “The Matterhorn”?) but I remember it well. Also the view from Wonder Mountain was great and you can still see the observation area from Vortex. Thanks for this delightful, nostalgic video.
I'll can't wait to visit the park in 2021 for the One-fun-Wonderland 40TH Anniversary!
yeah, the best entertainment value around with your Pay-One-Price Passport :-)
I’ll be visiting the park 4 times next year: 2 in the late spring/summer, 1 for Halloween Haunt, and 1 for Winterfest!
I remember it well! It was the first ride I went on at Canada's Wonderland in 87! I remember being stuck halfway up lift due to a passing thunderstorm in 89!
WHEW! That scared me! I thought this video was going to tell me that there's no more White Water Cannon!!
I was so upset when they removed Sky Rider. That was the year I finally got up the courage to ride it and then I found out they took it down.
Same here
I loved the commercial for it. "I can't stand it!" Lol
Zumba flume was a great fun log ride... The little ride along the river was boring but was fun also
Zumba-flume was like the discount option when white water rapids was backed up. It was pretty leisurely for the most part couple mini drops, a few fast sections. and the log splash at the end. The fact they put Timber wolf falls next White water rapids made Zumba-flume redundant. I also fondly remember smurf village. Went to grad night on the last year it was up. A few of us got messed up, and in Gargamel's castle basically had a recreation of the episode of the simpsons when Lisa drank the water. I Do remember the walkway behind the falls and I think up top, from when I was very young. Surprisingly I do not remember Thunder run being on the ground, and that is my favourite ride. The beating heart used to scare me, it was a big deal when I conquered that fear lol.
I remember when Swings of the Century used to be called Swings of Siam. Zumba flume had a banging queue, but the ride theming was pretty lame and had a pretty large footprint. They could have doubled down on it and made the theming stronger, but fairly certain it was very difficult to maintain. I understand why they got rid of it.
Bayern Curve, Great Whale, and Shiva's Fury were my "graduated out of the kids zone, but not ready for the big coasters" rides, and I still miss them. Everytime I go back to the park, it feels like there's not enough "intermediate" flat rides like those anymore. Spinovator, The Rage, Klokwerk, and Swing of the Century...that's it.
Definitely remember Hanna Barbera Land! I think we were the last park to switch over after the Cedar Fair buyout, but even then, they got rid of the little Bedrock Boats and Boulder Bumpers well before that.
Hi there. Watching from Toronto Canada. I remember Zoomba Flume and the Barons curve, pharaohs falls and Hanna Barberra land. My fav rides are all still there. Thanks for this. Took me back.
I really appreciate content covering old attractions like this ☺️ Please keep doing stuff like this!
I have been in every ride you have talked about loved most rides. Yes I remember the smurfs and the flint stones. I lived at wonderland all g the trough the 80s. Loved it
Zumba Flume was a lot of fun. I feel like it was a long ride as well (almost five minutes) and it had a couple of small dives before the big finale at the end. Plus the theming was epic. It was a good way to cool down and yes, as someone said, if White Water Canyon had a huge line then you knew you'd only be waiting a few minutes to get on this one. Sadly, that's probably one of the reasons it was an easy decision for the park to kill it, likely even before Paramount bought it (and covered the whole place in tacky product placement). Wonderland was probably already considering removing it by the time they opened Splashworks.
I worked at Wonderland for many years... Zumaflum... my God, I couldn't remember what it was called. It was old school fun. Once they introduced Timber Wolf Falls, it was obsolete. Hanna Barbara land/kids ville had the dolphins pavilion which still stands as a ghost house part of the park. Flintstones and Smuffs was also parr of kidsville. You could also walk through the falls in the main mountain, until some kid jumped into the falls when he lost his teddy bear, you can still see the cut off and replacement doors covering the way. Now they have the 3D Rollercoaster in the walkway. I operated Thunderun and had to walk throughout the mountain on a daily basis.
Cedar Parks ruined what could have been a global success, after they took over from Paramount.
One thing Cedar Parks did, to their credit, was introducing new/more advanced Rollercoasters. That was a huge gripe back in the day.. seasons pass holders were tired of the same old rides every year. There's so much to tell!
I LOVED Great Whale of China, and I very fondly remember the Smurf stuff, and Flintstone Land or whatever it was called. Takes me waaaaay back.
I worked the rides in the late 80's for three years and had worked on most of these defunct rides at some point (except the kiddie rides) and made it up to "Assistant Supervisor". I can confirm that the reason we can't go behind the falls anymore is because someone fell into the reservoir at the base of the falls and drowned in 1988. That is the reason why there's fencing all around that area and the fountains as well as life preservers. Thunder Run used to be where The Fly is now. It was only there for about the first three years of the park opening. The heartbeat of the mountain was a bane to many employee's existent who worked that area. All day long you had to listen to a never ending 'thump- thump....thump-thump'.
Totally forgot about the dragon’s heartbeat inside Thunder Run lol. Of these I mostly remember the Flintstones stuff! IIRC the carousel in Hanna Barbera Land had characters you could ride like Dino? I’m not old enough to remember the pre-Paramount park so I was mad when they renamed Top Gun etc lol, but it’s cool that Cedar Fair is bringing back some of the old theming.
I remember this park from the early 90’s and never forgot it !!! Would love to go back soon!!
I visited from the UK when I was 5, all the way back in 1989. I remember sitting at Flinstones themed tables, and I went on that spinny pirate ship ride in your video (I can't remember it's name) and I couldn't stop laughing. I'm going to have to search through some old photos now.
I saw the aquarium show. They had two sea lions named Mr. Big and Sweet Marie. Both named after chocolate bars. They had dolphins there too. I remember Zumba Flume very much. I've only ridden it three times. Shiva's Fury and Great Whale were two of my favourite rides in the park aside from Sol Loco/Orbiter. Pharaoh's Eye was another favourite and probably the only Super Round Up in Ontario. I don't know where it was relocated, but I know that it had electronic doors that they later had issues with. Swing of the Century in its old location was named Swing of Siam. One thing to remember is Loblaws and the Wonder Dollars. Wonder Dollars could be spent towards admission to the park.
Sol Loco was the ride that if you went with your crush, and she was willing to go on that ride with you, you knew she liked you back 🤣🤣
Okay this is so strange but when I rode the Great Canadian Minebuster in 2014, there's a maintenance / staff area South of the park that you can see from the ride, and I saw what appeared to be a Pharoah and some theming laying in that area. I assumed it might have been for an upcoming Halloween event, or a new ride, but I never heard anything about it after that. After watching your video I googled "Pharaohs Falls" and the Pharaoh I saw matches the theming on that ride! Could it be possible that they keep parts of defunct rides at the park?
I worked at Wonderland for 5 years. Yes, they do keep parts of defunct rides / theming behind the scenes.
Omg thanks for the nostalgia! I had the same favourite ride as a kid!
Barons curve was my favourite ride when I was kid!
Oh my gosh, i cant even explain what iam feeling right now thank you to the A.I team for this video.
I remember Smurf cave, I remember being sad when they removed it. That and Ghoster Coaster were my favourites
I LOOOOVED zoombaflume. Multiple drops…little cruise followed by a big drop. I miss it for sure.
I can’t wait to go back to wonderland :( miss it so much
would've considered Jet Scream to be on that list too
And Skyrider. Canada's only stand up coaster. R.I.P.
I remember going up on top of the mountain, but only just. I did not know Thunder Run had previously been outside. Baron's Curve was a great ride considering it's simplicity. Saw Kim Mitchell at Kingswood where he claimed to be playing "Rockland Wonderland" for the first time in public, no idea if that was true. Was back there this year for the first time in 10yrs, had a great time.
I would like to see both the walkway up the mountain and behind the falls re-opened. I had the pleasure of working on Shiva's Fury and Great Whale of China in the mid-eighties, was very disappointed when they were replaced. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!
I remember some of the Flintstones stuff as well as some of the stuff you mentioned earlier
I miss zumba flume, the ride that went through the mountain... and the smurfs cave!!
It's kind of crazy seeing not just pictures of the park from the 80s, but what's around it. I first went to wonderland in 2015 so all I remember are tons of homes around it, but with the old photos, there is nothing but farmland around it.
When I first started going there in they 90's, literally you drove past farms on the 400 and then in the middle of nowhere, there Wonderland was.
There was a massive chicken coop on the Northside of Major Mackenzie. Depending on which way the wind was blowing, some days Wonderland (and I mean the ENTIRE PARK) smelt like chicken sh*t 🤣🤣
Before I watch video; my fav 2 rides as a kid that vanished were Zumba Flume (replaced with horrible Tomb Raider / Top Gun rides) & the dark walk through Yogi Bear (updated to Smurfs then removed for a store). I did enjoy Jet Scream and Skyrider but the previous two were def my favs. I dont even remember the Seaworld place (like at all) and I never saw (but wish I had) the Scooby Doo Boo Blasters. *edit Post watch video. Zumba Flume is tame by todays standards (I am sure from a technical standpoint Timberwolf has a steeper drop + you do get way wetter) but Zumba was a fun ride as a kid and has way more anticipation. I recall riding Pharoahs Eye when I was very little but not liking it very much (too young prob). Oddly I have no recollection at all of Racing Rivers (I cant even remember seeing much less riding it). It shows just how many times I went through Yogi forest lol I would have been SO young then but I have really fond memories of it (and the walk through made more sense to the Yogi "storyline" although the dark room Smurfs did look better I grudgingly admit (but as a young kid was so mad the Smurfs took over). Snail Trail is another that mystifies me as no memory at all (I do rem Boo Boo previously though). Oh I loved both mountain walkways but hadnt thought of them as rides.
Agreed, the anticipation on Zumba Flume made it much better than Timberwolf Falls IMO. Timberwolf Falls is one hill, one bend and then SPLASH! Soaked to the bone. Mind you, that's awesome on a sweltering hot day...
I miss the stand up rollercoaster they removed... The name eludes me tho... Been a long ass time lol
Skyrider
@@shawnokeefe1580 I googled it because it was bugging the crap outta me lol... Some good times on Skyrider... But Thank You 😎
I remember sooo much! From 1990s to early 2000s.
I look forward to taking my children!
Feel super old lol. Does anyone remember this attraction with these tank boats in a big pool. Two people fit in each tank boat. one person steered and the other shot balls out of the tank gun at other boats. Definitely got a little wet lol
For the older stuff, I remember being so small with my dad lifting me up to see Blauer Enzian running. I don’t remember Yogi’s cave but remember Smurf Cave. Zumba Flume was always great because the queue was themed and it never had a line. Even on a busy summer day, the line would start at the big turn table. The whole themed area with Zumba Flume, Shiva’s Fury, Great Whale of China and Sol Loco (Orbiter) was pretty great.
Sky flyer was also another ride that’s not there anymore! It was the stand up roller coaster! I miss that ride the most! I mostly miss Canada’s wonderland cause of this pandemic
Skyrider
So, I was lucky enough to be at CW 5 days after it opened for the very first time. I remember all of these rides...fondly!
The swinging boat went way higher it seems
Yesss this video brought back so many amazing memories wonderland was better back then
In the 90s they did movie rides in a theater. One was Days of Thunder. Can't remember the other one
Would love for the walkways to return, I know for halloween haunt you can go in the basement for attractions, and I do remember all that about thunderous
It would be nice to see the Boulder Bumper Cars which were the Flintstones theme when Barneys Burger's was still there before it turned into the Pizza Pizza. Two kids were allowed on the Bumper cars and they had to stay seated in order for the car to go. The bench seat was the trigger to allow the car to be able to move. Then it switched to Rugrats Tunepike and they had a switch to turn on or off at the back of the car and only big enough for one kid. Now it's Snoopy themed.
I loved racing rivers, it was my absolute favourite non coaster in the park
Yogi bears cave was awesome... The dolphins were great also
The Smurf cave was super creepy but I loved it, and Hanna-barbara land with Yogi bear and crew walking around the park.
Early memories of going into the smurf cave although I remember it being more of dark haunted house type attraction then a cave.
Last time I visited Canada's wonderland was summer of '85. I haven't been there since. Ghoster Coaster was awesome. As was the Wilde Beast.
And I'm still bitter that SkyRider is gone....
Me too because I never got to ride it 😪
I'd love the walkways to be open, but I doubt their lawyers would allow it. The liability is likely too high. In the 80's people had enough common sense not to climb over the edge. Today, I fear there are too many that don't grasp the consequences of their actions. I've been up top several times over the years for various events, it's a magnificent view. Sad it can't be shared.
Zumba Flume was one of my very favourites. Flintstones and all back in the day!
Plus, the Vortex turn and drop hill occupy a lot of space now, and it would have to be fenced off as well.
Great Share! Thanks ❤
Two attractions that i would love to see an comeback at my home park, maybe the great whale of china but in Frontier Canada or for a rumor camp snoopy at the park & Wonder Mountain walkaway.
If you miss riding Bayern Kurve, you can ride one at California's Great America. It's called Berserker!
I remember the aquarium and walking on the mountain
That’s so amazing! So jealous
I gave pictures of my brothers and I sitting on the mountain.. also my very first coaster .. my dad had scars from my finger nails ;)
I miss the smurfs cave and a Flintstone kid rides... Hanna Barbara Land was kick butt!!!!!! I also miss the live animal shows
This was an awesome video. RIP Zumba Flume, The Fury and the Great Whale of China. Paramount literally came in like a wrecking ball, and ruined the park. We need to petition to get rid of Top Gun and Time Warp....no one ever rides them anymore
I remember 95% of those rides… and I loved the Smurf’s stuff and the flinstones
Brendan...it's By-yurn for Bayern's Kurve.
Haha oh noooo thank you for letting me know :)
@@AmusementInsiders No worries, amigo. 20 plus years of European football, and you learn a lot of pronunciations for words. lol.
Oh and for laughs: General admission is $9.95 for adults, $9.25 for children up to 9 years of age and older people. General admission plus a 12-coupon ticket book is $11.95 and $10.95. Bus service ($1.25 one way) is available from the York Mills subway station on Toronto's Yonge Street line and from the Yorkdale station on the Spadina line.
What was the price for the Pay-One-Price Passport in 1981? Back then if you bought that you got a handstamp which let you into all the rides, otherwise you had to use those coupons (coded A, B, C, or D depending on the intensity of the ride).
@@racingphotographer8251 I am too young to have purchased at opening but I am 99% sure there were no all day passes in first year. Either paid for grounds admission or grounds + tickets.
@@robcav8747 Almost certain they had the pay-one-price passport from day 1. That was the big sales pitch for them, unlike the CNE and other carnivals the rides are included. I was 7 years old back in 1981 and I remember it being strange getting on rides without having to dish out X number of Conklin the Clown tickets. Blauer Enzian was my first coaster ever!
I remember so many of these!!!
Zumba flume had a area where you could jump off your log into a mid island/bush area...then jump into the flume that came up next on either side. Yep....
Barney’s burgers!!! But yes I miss those rides! Do remember smurfs village
I kinda miss not being able to walk up into the mountain, and get wet behind the mountain waterfalls
My early memories were of Pharoah's Falls and Sol Loco :)
I rode on all of these, attended the aqua show and later operated The Fury as well as Great Whale, and Top Gun. Also filled in operating rides no longer there , Sol Loco, Water snake, Jet Scream and SkyRider
I had the Flintstones Flyboys, the kids car track that we had to use a blow dryer after the rain to dry the tracks lol. I also had the playpark with the plastic balls and the yellow slides with the potato sacks to slide down on. Boulder bumpers were fun to operate.
@@mariahslade56 I remember those, they were fun haha
What about SkyRider
I didn't know Peanuts Pirates originated form Canada's Wonderland. I loved that ride.
Sol Loco is so forgotten, it didn't make the forgotten rides list....haha It was my first time going upside down on a ride.
I remember Smurf Cave, Snail Trail, Gargamel at the end of the Smurfs Cave, blue Smurf ice cream…
I remember and have road all of these!!
I wish I could find audio of Barons Curve
I was a big Zumba Flume fan in the early 90s. I wish they’d get rid of Flight Deck (Top Gun back in the day) and bring it back!
I remember being at Wonderland the first summer they opened. I was 8 yrs old, and terrified of any kind of ride that drops, so I was not too pleased that my parents made me go on Zumba Flume. Getting wet added insult to injury😂. I remember Yogi’s cave BEFORE the Smurfs came in. And yes, I remember standing on the observation deck of Wonder Mountain.
I miss jet scream, and the stand up coaster, and orbiter.
The Spider or The Monster was my favorite ride... I'm old give me a break haha!
as long member of wonderland since 1987 it breaks my heart but I understand.
Might sound weird, but I miss Jet Scream so much 😭
Yogi bears cave...
Zumba flume was awesome
Walking on top of the mountain....that path you can see from the vortex is actually a guest pathway...really
I loved Smurfs cave
Yogis cave before it was good
Yes I am always remembers bymyself lots laughied with my big sister and with my parents went to lots fun and lots laughters with my parents joined summer time since in 1981
Great story. Around 1998 in grade 7 on a class trip. We were betting loonies racing down Pharoahs Falls. Only water ride you didn't need a bathing suit lol well, Michael Tran was tired of losing so when going down he leans forward trying go faster and when it hit the bottom he flipped over and landed in that cold filthy water. Soaked the whole way home
Jet scream, the stand up roller coaster...