You know that feeling when you're walking through a theme park and you hear that specific, rhythmic clink-clink-clink of a chain lift? At Lake Compounce, that sound usually leads you straight to Zoomerang at Lake Compounce. It isn't the biggest ride. It definitely isn't the newest. Honestly, it’s a bit of a local legend that people either love or love to complain about.
But here’s the thing: it’s still there for a reason.
Lake Compounce is officially the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America. It’s been around since 1846. Zoomerang joined the party much later, opening its gates on June 27, 1997. Since then, it has become a staple of the Bristol, Connecticut skyline. You see those bright purple tracks and teal supports from the parking lot and you just know what kind of day it’s going to be.
The Layout: Six Inversions (Kinda)
If you’re a "coaster nerd," you know this is a Vekoma Boomerang. It’s a "shuttle" coaster, which basically means it doesn't do a full circuit. You go out, you come back. Simple, right?
Well, simple until you’re hanging 116 feet in the air by your seatbelt.
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The ride starts with a backwards pull. You’re staring at the station getting smaller and smaller as the "catch car" drags the train up the first spike. Then, silence. For a split second, you’re just dangling. Then the release happens. You fly through the station at 47 mph, straight into a cobra roll. That’s two inversions right there. Then you hit a vertical loop.
Wait, there's more.
You fly up the second lift hill on the opposite side. A chain catches you, pulls you a little higher, and then drops you again—this time, you do the whole thing backwards. The loop, the cobra roll, the station. Total tally? Six inversions. Your inner ear will definitely let you know it happened.
Why Zoomerang is Different in 2026
Look, some Vekoma Boomerangs are notoriously "head-bashy." You know the ones—where your ears feel like they’ve been in a boxing match with the over-the-shoulder restraints.
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Surprisingly, Zoomerang at Lake Compounce has aged pretty gracefully.
The park has put some serious work into maintenance over the last few years. While other parks might let their older steel coasters rot, the crew in Bristol keeps this thing running relatively smooth. They even updated the trains a while back to the newer Vekoma designs, which helped with the "rattle" factor. Is it as smooth as a brand-new B&M hypercoaster? No. But it’s got character.
It’s also the perfect "bridge" coaster. If you have a kid who is finally 48 inches tall and wants to try something "big," this is usually their first real experience with going upside down. It’s intimidating enough to be a rite of passage but short enough (about 1 minute and 48 seconds) that it won't traumatize them for life.
The Survival Guide: How to Ride
If you want to enjoy Zoomerang without a headache, there’s a strategy.
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- The "Defensive" Lean: Don't lean back and let your head flop. Lean slightly forward or press your head firmly against the headrest.
- The Front Row Experience: Most people dive for the back for the "whip," but the front row on a Boomerang is actually wild. You get a face-full of wind on the first drop and a terrifying view of the ground when you're pulled up the second spike.
- Check the Temps: Steel coasters run faster when it's hot. If you want the most intense ride, go in the middle of a July afternoon. If you want it a bit more "chill," hit it right at opening.
Fact Sheet: By the Numbers
- Manufacturer: Vekoma (The Dutch masters of the Boomerang)
- Height: 116.5 feet
- Top Speed: 47 mph
- G-Force: 5.2 (That’s a lot of pressure on your chest!)
- Track Length: 935 feet (but you travel it twice)
Is it worth the wait?
Honestly, on a busy Saturday, the line for Zoomerang at Lake Compounce can get a bit long because the capacity is low—only about 760 riders per hour. Since there’s only one train, you have to wait for the full cycle and the unload/load process every single time.
If the line is spilling out past the entrance, maybe go ride Boulder Dash first. But if it’s a 20-minute wait or less? Go for it. There’s something undeniably nostalgic about that classic Vekoma roar.
Final Pro-Tips for Your Visit
Since the park is celebrating its 180th season this year, expect crowds. If you’re coming specifically for the coasters, grab a "Speedy Pass." It’s worth the extra cash if you want to lap Zoomerang and Phobia Phear Coaster without baking in the Connecticut sun.
Also, keep in mind the park's chaperone policy. If you're bringing teens, anyone 17 or younger needs a chaperone who is 21+ after a certain time (usually around Phantom Fall Fest season, but check the latest 2026 park calendar).
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Height: Ensure everyone in your group is at least 48 inches tall before getting in line.
- Secure the Goods: Use the lockers near the entrance. Zoomerang's cobra roll is a notorious "phone-eater."
- Hydrate: 5.2 Gs on a dehydrated brain is a recipe for a mid-afternoon crash. Drink water before you board.
Zoomerang isn't trying to be the tallest or fastest in the world. It’s just a solid, reliable thrill that has defined "summer in Bristol" for nearly three decades.