Galaxyland Powered by Hasbro is the only Hasbro theme indoor play park in Canada. North America’s largest indoor amusement park features more than 27(6 decommissioned rides) exhilarating rides and play areas for all ages. A total of three and a half acres of family-friendly rides will be transformed into an amusement park wonderland for all fans of Hasbro, a global play and entertainment company, and its powerhouse brands.
It was home to the world’s tallest (14 stories) and longest indoor roller coaster, the Mindbender. It is also home to the Space Shot, the world’s tallest indoor tower ride at the time of opening, at 36.5 metres (120 ft).
You’ll get goose bumps deciding which ride to try first.
Experience the pull of gravity as you’re pushed back into your seat while ascending 14 stories on the Mindbender, the biggest indoor roller coaster with three loops worldwide. After that, get ready for the spinning roller coaster, followed by a thrilling up-and-down ride on the Space Shot, simulating an astronaut launch.
Pick up your laser-sharpshooters and challenge the zombies or robot cowboys at the brand-new Galaxy Quest 7D experience. This is an interactive simulation ride with amazing 3D graphics in a multi-sensory theater.
The Galaxy Kids Playpark is a great place for young explorers. Little ones can slide down slides, venture into fun caves, and dive into a ball crawl. Older children can enjoy activities like bumper cars, zooming around on electric go-karts, playing arcade games, and tackling the rock climbing wall.
Afterward, take an easy train ride through the park to plan your next exhilarating conquest.
Mindbender: The World's Tallest (14 stories) Roller Coaster
Mindbender was designed by Germany’s Werner Stengel and built by Anton Schwarzkopf. It was inspired by this team’s previous design, Dreier Looping, a portable coaster that travelled the German funfair circuit, before being sold to a succession of amusement parks in Malaysia, Great Britain, Mexico, and most recently, Indiana Beach, United States. Mindbender was a pseudo mirror-image of Dreier Looping, and was slightly taller, with additional helices at the end of the ride. Mindbender featured shorter trains, with three pilot cars, whereas Dreier Looping usually ran with five trailer cars and one pilot car, occasionally rising to seven-car trains at busy funfairs.
The ride’s layout featured many twisting drops, three vertical loops and a double upward helix finale. The ride twisted underneath, in between and around its supports. It also went underneath the former UFO Maze attraction, which was removed to make way for a space-themed food court that never came to be. Often in high season, the last car on one of the trains was reversed, allowing guests to ride the roller coaster without being able to see where they were going.
1986 Mindbender accident
On the evening of June 14, 1986, the fourth car of a train derailed while midway through its course, just before the third and last loop. The car’s wheel assembly detached from both the track and the car, causing it to sway wildly. This movement damaged the car and caused the lap bar restraints to unlock, which led to four passengers being thrown onto the concrete below. The train continued into the final loop, but it slowed down due to the derailment, preventing it from completing the loop. As it rolled back down, the detached car collided with a concrete pillar, abruptly stopping the train. Three of the passengers who fell died, while the fourth suffered critical and life-changing injuries. Other passengers were safely evacuated and treated for minor injuries at a nearby hospital. An investigation found that four cap screws, which held the wheel assembly, failed due to design flaws and poor maintenance practices.
Galaxyland’s Challenging New Coaster Project
West Edmonton Mall’s famous Mindbender roller coaster was recently removed after nearly 40 years of service. They now face the daunting task of replacing it.
Two years ago, management made the difficult decision to retire their Schwarzkopf looping coaster. Since opening in 1985, they’d achieved global recognition for boasting the world’s longest, tallest and fastest indoor roller coaster. But amidst a reimagining of Galaxyland to Hasbro and signs of physical deterioration, it appeared time to move on.
Flash forward to 2025, and Mindbender has since been demolished alongside the Galaxy Quest theatre. The mall received construction permits in December and recently began teasing a new attraction on social media. Work has so far sprinkled telltale footer markings across the site. A roller coaster is on the way.
Construction
The installation process will be more challenging than when Mindbender was first set up, since that coaster was built outdoors before the surrounding building was constructed. Crews have already completed the initial difficult step, spending months methodically dismantling the structure while navigating space limitations and ongoing park activities.
Due to construction, we need to set up a temporary ramp so machinery can reach the ground level. Planning for a small ride here already demands detailed logistical coordination. When it comes to a coaster, though, it’s like putting together a complex 3D puzzle involving concrete work and assembly. This process is bound to be quite intricate.
Mindbender played a crucial role in establishing a legacy for both itself and West Edmonton Mall, drawing tourists to a less central part of North America. Although the appeal of all-season attractions isn’t as strong as it was back in the eighties, the mall has managed to keep changing over the years instead of remaining a piece of the past. Change is most effective when it improves on previous achievements; this new roller coaster could prove to be even more valuable.
Galaxyland Mascot Meet and Greet Schedule:
- Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday (12 PM – 5 PM)
12:30-1:00: Mr.Monopoly/Mr. Potato Head
1:30-1:55: My Little Ponies: Hitch/Izzy/Sunny
2:30-3:00: Mr. Monopoly/Mr. Potato Head
3:30-4:00: My Little Ponies: Hitch/Izzy/Sunny
4:30-4:55: Mr. Monopoly/Mr or Mrs Potato Head - Saturday, Sunday (11 AM – 5 PM)
11:30-12:00: Mr. Monopoly/Mr. Potato Head
12:30-12:55: My Little Ponies: Hitch/Izzy/Sunny
1:30-2:00: Mr. Monopoly/Mr. Potato Head
2:30-2:55: My Little Ponies: Hitch/Izzy/Sunny
3:30-4:00: Mr. Monopoly/Mr. Potato Head
4:30-4:55: My Little Ponies: Hitch/Izzy/Sunny
*More Information: https://www.wem.ca/play/attractions/galaxyland
