Hyped up for Seating Arrangements!

[GuyWithAStick]

B&M has undoubtedly made some of the best Hyper coasters in history. But how do you like to sit?

Do you like the 4-Across seaters found on older Hypers and all B&M Gigas?

Or do you prefer the Stadium-style seats found in newer Hypers?

I personally prefer the 4-across, mainly because it increases capacity with less space used in the station, decreasing queue times. Nobody likes waiting. I also think it's more "B&M-ish".

 

[ThomVD]

I haven't had the pleasure to ride the staggered seating trains yet, but I think the normal 4 seaters look better aesthetically.

 

[Smithy]

4 across every time, I like sitting next to my gf rather than at either side of the train.

 

[ECG]

^You could sit next to her in the odd numbered rows. :wink:
But yeah, I agree. Nothing is as much fun as riding beside three of your friends.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWCgfShTzN0[/youtube]

 

[Serena]

I found the stadium style seating on Shambhala a bit intimidating, it feels kind of lonely and exposed with all that space around you. I much prefer original the 4-across seats, they're easier for nervous lift-hill chit chat.

 

[Smithy]

^You could sit next to her in the odd numbered rows. :wink:
But yeah, I agree. Nothing is as much fun as riding beside three of your friends.

You often don't get the choice though which is the problem. And the ORP's look silly.

Yeah as above, my only experience of them is on Shambhala and being out on the side on your own is a unique and somewhat terrifying experience because of the space around you. Makes it more of a solo ride.

 

[PeskyTrimBrake]

It really depends which one you ride. If its huge and monumental, then the Stadium it is. But if its a smaller average hyper, then the 4 seater.

 

[Hyde]

I do enjoy the B&M stadium seating arrangement - the greater exposure and larger viewing plain do appeal to me.

That being said, Intamin stadium seating FTW.

 

[Chris Coasters]

It depends on how many people I am with. It worked out that when I rode Apollo and Nitro I was with 4 people but when I rode Diamondback I was just with Jarrett. I like the 4 across because you can be right next to your friends but I also like the far left and far right on the stadium style seats because it gives me the feeling of riding alone which is something I like to do.

 

[ATTACKHAMMER]

It is much better siting next people, if you're with people you know. If you're with people you don't know, the seating arrangement isn't important.

 

[andrus]

4 across. The staggered seating has to much of a drag for my taste..

 

[Mike]

I'm a big fan of the stadium-style seating. They give so much space freedom, not having to worry about getting your hands or anything in someone's face on the ORP!

 

[Ian]

I found the stadium style seating on Shambhala a bit intimidating, it feels kind of lonely and exposed with all that space around you.

It's that reason why I prefer the stadium style. It gives it that extra edge by being exposed and having load of room around you. It also means I can concentrate on the ride without being distracted by the people beside me. I think riding in the isolated situation helps to form a proper opinion of the ride, without being distracted by the whooping or complaining from the person next to you.

Guests rarely interact when they are on roller coasters, the interaction and fun happens during the build up or afterwards.

Both types have their merits, but give me stadium any day.

Also, the artwork images in GuyWithAStick's opening post are fab <3

 

[Howie]

Stadium styleeee!
I've been on 4 B&M hypers - Silver Star, Nitro, AC and Behemoth (plus Leviathan) and the one I enjoyed the most (by miles!) was Behemoth, and that was mainly because of the stadium-style seating. Loved it - so much more freedom, so much more unobstructed view, kinda makes you feel like you've got the whole ride to yourself!

The thing is... (saddo alert) I was actually on my own when I visited Canada's Wonderland so I didn't give a **** who I was sat next to. Whether that would make a difference when visiting with friends, who knows? So until I've ridden a few more, I vote for stadium

 

[SaiyanHajime]

Stadium seating is utterly idiotic.

It causes so many operational issues with people not wanting to sit in the separated row.

What. Is. The. Point.

Who thought it would be a good idea?

I get the whole isolation thing, but... That's a negative thing for the majority of riders and doesn't make enough of a difference for me as an enthusiast. Those rides are far from scary - case could be made for Skyrush, but not the b&ms.

So 4 across. Always.

I'd love to see statistics regarding throughput comparisons.

 

[Hyde]

What. Is. The. Point.

B&M has stated in the past the design is meant to create a less obstructed view.

Rider experience will be anecdotal at best, based on what each of us has experienced and observed while riding. On the Kings Island front, I have never seen major push back from guests on riding in the separated second row.

As far as operational issues, that can be addressed by good ride operations. I'd say Kings Island, for instance, has historically managed seating assignments on Diamondback rather well.

The biggest logistical drawback of stadium seating is longer trains requiring more station real-estate.

As far as Riders Per Hour numbers, the best you could surmise are estimated throughput from RCDB. However, that number is going to be clouded now as Cedar Fair has begun slapping seatbelts on their Hypers, which would further decrease load times.

 

[SaiyanHajime]

Ya know what Hyde, with seatbelts I actually bet the stadium seating is easier to check, thinking about it.