Call it a two-for-one deal. West Edmonton Mall unveiled what the name of the Mindbender roller-coaster’s replacement will be based around on Tuesday at its Galaxyland indoor theme park: Nerf toys. Galaxyland is sponsored by toy-and-games company Hasbro, which owns the Nerf brand. Many of the park’s attractions are named after Hasbro products. Devin Carradine, Galaxyland’s manager of admissions and attractions, said the ride, which is slated to open in the spring next year, will feature two modes: a “core” mode and a more intense “quantum” mode. He said anticipation around the project has been high as work continues in the 15-storey space. “We get lots of excitement, lots of speculation, lots of people coming through and looking at it,” said Carradine, who also confirmed Vekoma as the ride’s manufacturer. “Everyone has lots of questions, lots of rumours. We love to see it.” Crews have been assembling the coaster’s track since mid-June. The ride replaces the Mindbender, which closed in early 2023 after operating for 37 years. Carradine said the coaster is designed to appeal to both novice riders and thrill-seekers. “They’re two vastly different ride experiences, depending on what you’re looking for,” he said. “We want people to grow with it.” The mall first confirmed plans to replace the iconic roller coaster last October after pieces of the new ride were spotted in a west-end industrial yard. Carradine said the mall hopes the Nerf-themed coaster “exceeds expectations.” “We think roller-coaster technology has come a long way,” he said. “The next generation of kids will have their own version of the Mind Bender.” West Edmonton Mall, which features more than 800 stores, 100 food vendors and two hotels, attracts about 30.8-million visitors a year. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Darcy Seaton
