The Roller Coasters of Lebanon

Lebanon isn't especially known for their amusement rides, but there are several small amusement parks throughout the country. Most of them don't have roller coasters, but Luna Park has a small collection.

In general, amusement parks in Lebanon are known as "Luna Park", so it's confusing trying to find a certain one. The most famous one, located near downtown Beirut right on the sea does not have any roller coasters. But on the north side of Beirut, on the highway leading towards Tripoli, The Luna Park with coasters can be found.

It's a small park, with anywhere between one and three coasters depending on what you count. The "Gran Canyon" is a unique V-shaped shuttle coaster that pulls you up one side, then releases you to rock back and forth until you come to a stop. There are no brakes on the ride, so you actually exit the coaster while it is still slowly rocking to a stop. It's not the most traditional coaster, but it has a lift and it coasts, so it counts in my book!

The Dragon is a typical wisdom powered kiddie coaster, but it seems to have more of a "Lift hill" and is not powered any more after it leaves the first hill. I consider it more of a roller coaster than any of the other powered coasters. And the kids love it!

The Coaster is a small compact ride. It's unique because it runs individual wild mouse style cars, rather than the typically "wacky worm" type usually used on these coasters.

The Coaster runs three of these cars, even though there are no brakes on the circuit (something you would never see in the US!).

Luna Park isn't the most exciting park, and the coasters definately can't contend with most coasters state-side, but it's a fun little park with unique rides. I'd much rather see the shuttle coaster and the funky mouse cars than yet another Vekoma boomerang. This park probably won't be expandind anytime soon, but for now it remains a popular destination for families, and suits their mild coaster tastes.

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