Galaxyland's new Nerf roller-coaster nears completion with two ride modes at West Edmonton Mall
The Vekoma-built coaster replacing the iconic Mindbender will let riders choose between a family-friendly 'Core' mode and an intense 'Quantum' mode with inversions and higher speeds.
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A new Nerf-themed roller-coaster is nearing structural completion at Galaxyland inside West Edmonton Mall, set to open in spring 2027 and offer riders an option that the legendary Mindbender never did: a choice between two vastly different experiences.
The coaster, manufactured by Dutch amusement ride builder Vekoma and colored green, orange and blue, will operate in two modes. The "Core" mode offers a family-friendly experience, while "Quantum" mode features inversions, twists and higher speed for thrill-seekers.
"We ideally want people to grow with it," said Devin Carradine, Galaxyland admissions manager. "We want to start their first coaster on the first half and sort of graduate to the second half."
The ride replaces the Mindbender, which operated for nearly four decades before permanently closing in January 2023. The Mindbender, which opened December 20, 1985, was painted red and yellow and billed as the world's largest indoor triple-loop roller-coaster when it debuted. It hit speeds of 90 km/h.
Matthew Dutczak, a mall historian and creator of the Best Edmonton Mall YouTube channel, acknowledged the challenge of replacing such an iconic ride. "The Mindbender, especially when it opened, it was a spectacle," Dutczak said. "I think all Edmontonians and all coaster enthusiasts would say, yes, we were hoping for a coaster that would be as extreme as the Mindbender. From the track layout, it's going to be slightly tamer — I can tell it is not quite as extreme."
Dutczak described the Mindbender's character vividly: "The Mindbender was rough-and-tumble. It would beat you up, it would knock you around and it wouldn't apologize — and you'd go back for more."
The new coaster appears to feature a launch start rather than a traditional hill ascent. Construction began last fall, though the mall has remained tight-lipped about specifics. Global News' requests for information from Vekoma went unanswered. Official details on height, track length, speed and cost have not been released. Roller-coaster enthusiasts have posted video renderings online showing expected ride sequences.
West Edmonton Mall is planning a naming competition for the new coaster in coming months. Galaxyland is sponsored by toy company Hasbro.
The facts
When will the new Nerf roller-coaster at Galaxyland open?
The coaster is set to open in spring 2027.
What two modes will the new coaster offer?
The 'Core' mode provides a family-friendly experience, while 'Quantum' mode features inversions, twists and higher speeds for thrill-seekers.
Which ride manufacturer built the new coaster?
Dutch amusement ride builder Vekoma manufactured the coaster.
When did the Mindbender, which this coaster replaces, permanently close?
The Mindbender permanently closed in January 2023 after operating for nearly four decades.
