Opened: 1921
Designed By: John A. Miller Built By: Colonial Construction Company
Original Rolling Stock Designed By: Dayton Fun House & Riding Device Co. (now Nat'l Amusement Devices)
Rolling Stock Designed By: Philadelphia Toboggan Co.
Max Speed: 45 mph Max Height: 60 feet
Max Drop: 55 feet
Track Length: 2598 feet
Ride Time: 1 min 56 sec
Number of Trains: 2
Height Requirement: 46" min. 46"-50" must be accompanied by responsible person.
RIDE HISTORY & INFO
One of the oldest coasters still standing in the US. When it originally opened, it was known as Giant Coaster. In 1929, the name became The Lagoon Dipper. It is still unknown when or why the name was changed to the painfully plain moniker it now uses.
This particular model was referred to as Pippin' Dips by John Miller's Company. There used to be another Pippin' Dips at Riverview Park in Chicago that was slightly different. In 1954, after the Fire Of 1953, parts of the structure were rebuilt and the cars were replaced. For a long time, goats were kept in the area inside the tracks to keep the grass and weeds down. They were removed in either 2000 or 2001. Setpoint has installed a computer safety system for the Roller Coaster. I'm uncertain about when that took place.
The Roller Coaster was originally unpainted. I believe they started painting it white after the fire. Parts of the structure have needed to be replaced through the years. Now the people who maintain it have decided that using unpainted cured wood is better than continuing to paint repaired or replaced portions. A sign in the queue line was posted in 2003 to explain this. It also tells how the Roller Coaster will turn from a white coaster to a brown coaster piece by piece over the years. You can see the beginning of this in much of the first lift hill.
RIDE MEMORIES
Here's what from Steve from Moreno Valley, CA remembers of the Roller Coaster:
"I remember the Giant Coaster as it was in the 1960s. The cars were silver with red trim and they had lights on the front. I remember that it was possible to take a re-ride if you had the appropriate number of tickets ready. There used to be a sign at the opposite end of the track (opposite from the loading dock) that told riders to have seven tickets ready if they wanted a re-ride. I only took advantage of this option a couple of times, however. Tickets used to be sold in front of the ride as can be seen from the black and white photograph [below]. Following the ride, guests would run down a ramp immediately to the north of The Jets (Flying Aces). This was before the crossover ramp was built in the early 1970s. There used to be an older gentleman who nearly always worked the Roller Coaster that was totally bald and very stern in keeping kids in line. This was before the automatic self-closing gates were installed in the early 70s."
PHOTOS
Photo: LagoonThis photo shows the impressive lighting that once adorned the current station which was built in 1954.
Photo: LagoonThe first drop as seen in a brochure from around 1972.
Thanks to Derek Gee and FS Member Sid for information and corrections about Roller Coaster.
Photo: © 2001-2005 
Photo: © 2001-2005