By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 30, 2024
Amusement parks create endless smiles and memories for the wide-eyed riders that seek thrills rather than shelter at the sight of steel-beamed behemoths. ABC News estimates that roller coasters generate $9 billion dollars in revenue every year from over 300 million riders in United States amusement parks. Roller coasters have been testing people’s courage for centuries.
This quiz finds the right ride to give thrill seekers what they need. Should you brave the world’s tallest roller coaster? Do you have the need for ultimate speed? If being immersed in a thematic atmosphere means more than being launched into the atmosphere, perhaps the Wonder Woman Flight of Courage at Six Flags Magic Mountain lassos you into a seat. If you’re just looking for good ol’ quality, Steel Vengence will be yours! If danger is your thing, we might be sending you to Japan to chase the Steel Dragon!
Famous Roller Coasters
Famous roller coasters in the world predate Six Flags Great Adventure by centuries. Long before roller coasters symbolized summers, Russian hills of ice contained sleds for the earliest roller coaster rides dating back to the 1400s. Britain built the first looping roller coaster with a 13-foot loop and 43-foot drop in 1840. The first coaster people could pay to ride on a track was the Switchback at Coney Island in 1884. Leap-the-Dips in Pennsylvania is the world's oldest operating roller coaster at 120 years old, traveling at 10 mph.
Goliath at Six Flags Great America tops the list of the fastest wooden roller coasters in the world at 72 mph. Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure overlooks the thrill-seeking landscape as the tallest roller coaster in the world with the steepest drop, and it was also the world's fastest until recently. The longest wooden roller coaster drop comes from Goliath. The tallest wooden roller coaster in the world is T-Express in Everland, South Korea.
Which of the Famous Roller Coasters Should I Ride?
Deciding which famous roller coasters to ride is like choosing between chocolate and vanilla - they're all good, but some are just more thrilling to your taste buds. We all crave a little twisty, turny, scream-yourself-hoarse action, but with so many amusement parks boasting their biggest and baddest rides, how do we pick? The quest for the ultimate roller coaster experience can send your head spinning faster than a corkscrew turn.
So grab your park map and fasten those metaphorical seat belts, because we're about to embark on a wild ride through the world of roller coasters. From the gut-wrenching, gravity-defying behemoths to the classic, nostalgia-inducing wooden wonders, our roller coaster bucket list is as diverse as our taste in carnival food. Whether you're a roller coaster rookie or the kind of adrenaline junkie who laughs in the face of a 200-foot drop, there's a coaster out there that'll make your heart skip a beat—or, you know, several.
With all the twists, turns, loops, and drops across the country, our excitement levels are rivaling that of a kid who's just chugged a gallon of soda before hitting the Midway. But before you dash off for that thrill ride, why not take a spin on our quiz to discover which roller coaster adventure is destined to be yours? Because let's be real, our roller coaster match-making skills are on par with our ability to devour a funnel cake without getting powdered sugar on our shirts – which is, if we say so ourselves, pretty impressive.
Riding High: The World's Most Jaw-Dropping Coasters
We all crave that heart-racing, wind-in-your-face experience that only comes from the most thrilling roller coasters on the planet. Whether you're a speed junkie or a history buff, hold onto your safety bars because we're about to climb the peaks of coaster glory!
Speed Demons: Chasing the Fastest Thrills
For those of us who measure fun in MPH, Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure isn't just fast—it's the fastest. Hitting a blistering 128 miles per hour, daredevils know this is the top spot for speed. But don't overlook Fury 325 at Carowinds in North Carolina; with a max speed of 95 miles per hour, this beast isn't playing around. If speed is your need, these coasters are unmatched.
Sky-High Giants: The Tallest Coasters in Town
Feeling lofty? Kingda Ka doesn't just win in the speed stakes – standing at a neck-craning 456 feet, it's also the tallest coaster on Earth. Meanwhile, down in sunny Florida, the Orlando skyline is forever changed with coasters like Mako, which lets you dive from heights above 200 feet.
Bizarre Bends: Coasters with the Craziest Turns
Twists, turns, and inversions—oh my! Six Flags Magic Mountain's Twisted Colossus teases us with its heartline rolls and zero-G turns, while the X2 throws the rule book out the window with its 4th-dimensional spins. Ready for your world to flip upside down... multiple times?
Antique Airtime: The Classics You Can't Miss
Old-school charm with a side of thrills, please! Wooden coasters like Cyclone at Coney Island and Pennsylvania's Leap-the-Dips, a National Historic Landmark, give us that nostalgic rattle-and-roar we can't help but love. And how about a ride on the legendary Beast at Kings Island? At 60 miles per hour, "antique" sure doesn't mean "slow."
Tech Twirls: The Latest in Coaster Tech
From the smooth, magnetic catapults of Steel Vengeance to the time-bending loops of Time Traveler, we're witnessing an evolution in thrills thanks to the wizards at Rocky Mountain Construction. These tech marvels not only thrill but also tell a story, making each ride an immersive experience.
Locations for Loop-the-Loops: Coasters around the USA
Every corner of America holds a coaster gem waiting to be discovered. From Dollywood in Tennessee to Kennywood in Pennsylvania, choices abound. Whether you're near California's Magic Mountain or braving the coaster-famed Cedar Point in Ohio, you're never too far from the next adrenaline kick.
Beyond the Tracks: The Full Coaster Experience
It's not just about the ride—it's the sights, sounds, and stories. Dive into the legend of Lightning Rod, feel the retro flair on the Giant Dipper, or marvel at the craftsmanship of a hybrid coaster like Steel Vengeance. Each coaster is more than its drops and dives; it's a full-fledged adventure waiting to claim a spot on your bucket list.
For the Faint-Hearted: Less Thrilling But Still Thrilling
If you're not quite ready to launch into the stratosphere on a coaster, but you're eager for a bit of zip and zing, we've got just the ticket for you. Let's keep things closer to the ground and light on the G-forces, shall we?
Smaller but Smiley: The Roller Coasters for the Rest of Us
Looking for a giggle without the gasp? Check this out: At Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the good old-fashioned family coaster won't see you climbing any more than 40 feet, which is perfect for both the view and your nerves. It's a breezy ride that kisses the pace of 55 miles per hour—fast enough for fun, but not too fast for comfort.
- Height: Approximately 40 feet
- Speed: Up to 55 miles per hour
- Location: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Inside the Fun: Entertaining Indoor Coasters
Ever wonder what's lurking in the dark? Let's venture into the captivating caves of indoor roller coasters at Universal's Islands of Adventure. Without the sun in our eyes or the wind mussing up our hair too much, we weave through the shadows on dark rides that are spooky in a delightful way, not an "I-may-faint" way.
- Experience: Dark rides; dimly lit and mystery-filled
- Speed: Moderately fast but manageable
- Location: Universal's Islands of Adventure
We can all enjoy a laugh and a scream (the good kind!) in these tamer adventures. Remember, it's not about the size of the drop; it's the size of the smiles we'll be wearing all day.
