I’ve always considered myself a coaster fan and tried to look beyond the Disney parks. Even so, I’m sad to admit just how few I’ve actually experienced. My goal is to change that trend and check out a lot of different parks and roller coasters in the next few years. My coaster count now sits at 113, though I suspect that I’ve forgotten some from when I was younger. It has been going up lately, and I finally crossed the 100 milestone with Banshee earlier this year.
Now that my options have increased, I’ve expanded this list to include my top 15 favorite coasters. I finally reached Cedar Point last month, which was a massive bucket list park. I also visited Dollywood for the first time in March and added two standouts from that park’s strong lineup. This updated list focuses on both thrills and theming, so there’s a variety. I released my updated Walt Disney World roller coasters rankings in April 2024, but only one has made the cut here. I’d love to hear what you think of this list and your own picks in the comments. Let’s strap in and check out my list!
Special Mention: Space Mountain, Disneyland
- Top Speed: 35 mph
- Height: 76 feet
- Inversions: 0
- Opening Date: May 27, 1977
- Duration: 3:00
- Manufacturer: Disney
- Best Part: The cool ascent with three hills and special effects
Space Mountain at Walt Disney World was the first real coaster that I remember as a kid. My dad and I rode it one night when I was eight years old in 1984. It’s basically my Zero Coaster. I was pretty nervous but ended up loving it. The mix of space theming, darkness, and mild thrills made it a personal favorite. It’s a lot rougher than I remember today, but the powerful memories remain.
The reason that I’m listing the Disneyland version here is because it has aged much better thanks to major changes to the track and experience. The on-board audio and visual effects also make everything stronger. Plus, it’s a smoother ride and has cooler lift hills. I didn’t enjoy the Hyperspace Mountain version on our 2023 trip as much as this one, but the bones are still there. It includes fewer drops than in Florida, but that’s a small quibble. While there are coasters with bigger thrills, few are more fun than Space Mountain.
15. Thunderhead, Dollywood
- Top Speed: 53.7 miles per hour
- Height: 100.4 feet
- Inversions: 0
- Opening Date: April 3, 2004
- Duration: 2:30
- Manufacturer: Great Coasters International (GCI)
- Best Part: The large over banked turn and blitz above the station
I love wooden roller coasters that feel completely out of control! GCI is a master at building this type; they feel insane but also don’t beat you up too much. Thunderhead has cushioned seats that make sure you’re ready for multiple rides. It’s more than 20 years old but still feels modern in the vein of more recent GCI coasters like Mystic Timbers. The opening drop is 100 feet high and feels like more as the Millennium Flyer trains enter a right turn.
What makes Thunderhead so memorable is the way it never stops as we dive under and within the track. You have several head choppers and other surprising moves as it speeds through the course and even above the station at one point. It’s hard to believe the top speed is only 53.7 miles per hour; it easily seems much faster. The setting among the trees in Dollywood also increases the fun atmosphere. Riders come off Thunderhead laughing despite the intensity; it’s what I love about coasters!
14. The Beast, Kings Island
- Top Speed: 64.78 miles per hour
- Height: 110 feet (with 141-foot drop)
- Inversions: 0
- Opening Date: April 14, 1979
- Duration: 4:10
- Manufacturer: Kings Island (in-house)
- Best Part: Drop into a double helix (and tunnel!) after second lift hill
On my first visit to Kings Island, my top priority was making sure that I rode The Beast. I’d heard about this classic wooden coaster for such a long time, and it did not disappoint. What I love about The Beast is the way that it feels like a throwback out-and-back coaster but taken to the next level. Instead of starting strong and then tapering off near the end, its best moment happens after the second lift hill. It’s also a much smoother ride then most older woodies because of frequent re-tracking and maintenance. I’ve appreciated it even more on multiple rides during our recent visits.
I wasn’t able to do a full night ride on The Beast (it was only about 85% dark), and that experience might lead to an even higher ranking. I couldn’t imagine taking this journey into the woods with no light around. The 135-foot opening drop into a tunnel is a great start, and the ride just gets better from there. Following the second lift hill, the drop into the double helix is a signature moment because it’s unexpected so close to the end. The Beast might not include the constant airtime of more recent coasters (more on them soon), but it remains one of the top wooden coasters anywhere. I even love the world’s slowest lift hill, which sets the stage perfectly for this classic ride.
13. Expedition Everest, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Top Speed: 50 miles per hour
- Height: 199 feet
- Inversions: 0
- Opening Date: April 7, 2006
- Duration: 2:50
- Manufacturer: Vekoma
- Best Part: Surprising backwards portion inside the mountain
It’s easy to focus on the shortcomings of the Yeti animatronic, but that misses what the Imagineers got right with Expedition Everest. The place making is excellent and works even from across the park. You can see the striking mountain structure and know that’s a destination you should not miss! The nearby village of Serka Zong and the Yeti Museum in the queue add to the feeling that this isn’t a basic ride. They set the stage for our adventure to the Forbidden Mountain and danger from the mysterious Yeti. Even the ride vehicles sell that you’re boarding a real train instead of a coaster.
Expedition Everest begins with a leisurely ride through nature and then gives awesome views of Disney’s Animal Kingdom from the lift hill. It’s only when you reach the broken track that you remember this will not be a quiet journey. The subsequent backwards portion remains the most intense part of any Walt Disney World attraction. It messes up my equilibrium every time, even when I know it’s coming.
While the 80-foot drop isn’t large by normal coaster standards, it’s the best on a Disney coaster and feels much quicker than 50 miles per hour. You can also catch great views of this drop from outside on the paths. We ultimately reach the Disco Yeti, and while it’s disappointing, there’s still so much to like on Expedition Everest. I love it!
12. Siren’s Curse, Cedar Point
- Top Speed: 58.4 miles per hour
- Height: 160.0 feet
- Inversions: 2
- Opening Date: June 28, 2025
- Duration: Unknown
- Manufacturer: Vekoma
- Best Part: Hanging in place after the tilt does not disappoint!
When you first stroll up to Siren’s Curse, it’s easy to think of it as just a diabolical gimmick. The Vekoma Tilt Coaster looks like it was designed by kids trying to come up with the most outlandish idea. Seeing the coaster track end abruptly and then “tilt” the trains downward is incredible. Guests just stop on the paths below and marvel at the striking image of the coaster track shifting into place. What’s surprising is how much Siren’s Curse goes beyond being a one-trick pony. The signature moment provides great thrills, but there’s a lot more to this new coaster.
Siren’s Curse is the first of its kind in North America, though Circuit Breaker will follow when COTALAND fully opens in Texas. It has a fascinating history and was set for several other parks (including Six Flags Mexico) before it reached Cedar Point. I underestimated just how exciting this coaster would be, especially when you ultimately start moving after the tilt. It’s a huge rush of adrenaline!
There’s a lot to enjoy beyond the opening moment. The triple down into the tunnel is great, and there are two fun corkscrews. It’s also an extremely smooth ride from start to finish. Siren’s Curse has quickly become one of the most popular rides at Cedar Point, and I can’t wait to ride it again.
11. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Disneyland Paris
- Top Speed: 40.4 mph
- Height: 72 feet
- Inversions: 0
- Opening Date: April 12, 1992
- Duration: 3:56
- Manufacturer: Vekoma
- Best Part: The dark tunnel that leads to the island at the ending
Few attractions mix thrills and theming better than Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. All four versions around the world provide stellar rides for almost everyone. It may be the wildest ride in the wilderness, but Big Thunder is unlikely to make you sick. It’s a perfect example of the way that Disney delivers coasters that have few barriers to entry. It’s also just a blast every time no matter what age you are. The fun vibes on this mine train are infectious; it’s non-stop fun!
My favorite Big Thunder is the Paris version, which takes the concept to another level. Placing the mountain in the middle of the Rivers of America was brilliant. This newer attraction also ramps up the excitement with more speed and includes an underwater tunnel. It’s one of the top attractions at Disneyland Paris or really anywhere. Don’t sleep on night rides on any Big Thunder; they’re a must for me on every Disney visit.
10. Raging Bull, Six Flags Great America
- Top Speed: 73 miles per hour
- Height: 202 feet
- Inversions: 0
- Opening Date: May 1, 1999
- Duration: 2:30
- Manufacturer: Bollinger & Mabillard (B&M)
- Best Part: Thrilling opening drop goes directly into a tunnel
When you visit Six Flags Great America, the roar of Raging Bull seems to come from everywhere. This B&M Hyper Coaster opened in 1999 and was one of the first of its kind. I’m also embarrassed to admit it was my first experience riding a B&M Hyper when I first visited in 2022. I loved the smooth ride and incredible first drop and hope to experience more in the future. What makes Raging Bull unique is its focus on turns rather than an out-and-back layout. After riding the more forceful Diamondback at Kings Island, I appreciated the less intense vibes on this roller coaster.
Raging Bull’s highlight is definitely the 208-foot opening drop as you reach a maximum of 73 miles per hour. I love the way the trains feel like they’re leaping into the tunnel before you rise up the hammerhead turn. It’s a brilliant start that’s never really duplicated on the rest of the ride. I think it’s the second half that diminishes Raging Bull for some enthusiasts, and that reaction makes sense. It might drop further down my list after experiencing more B&M Hypers. At the moment, this cool and surprisingly relaxed experience makes my list and is my favorite coaster at Great America.
9. Outlaw Run, Silver Dollar City
- Top Speed: 68 mph
- Height: 107 feet (162-foot drop)
- Inversions: 3
- Opening Date: March 15, 2013
- Duration: 1:27
- Manufacturer: Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC)
- Best Part: The double barrel roll near the end of the ride
Silver Dollar City is a regional gem that has several worthy contenders in its roller coasters. Before I experienced Time Traveler, I thought it would be hard to top Outlaw Run, which was the first wooden coaster with multiple inversions when it opened in 2013. It remains one of the best rides in the park. The restraints are a bit weird, and it’s gotten rougher in recent years, but it’s still a thrilling coaster. There’s also a weird pothole at the bottom of the first drop, yet there’s so much to love about it.
Rocky Mountain Construction (commonly known as RMC) designed a ride that uses the terrain brilliantly and delivers unexpected thrills. The massive 162-ft drop is much longer than the lift hill, and that’s just the set-up for the barrel rolls and other fun to come. The finale gives you an insane jolt of energy with its back-to-back barrel rolls. It’s worth the trip to Branson (which is saying a lot for me) just to ride Outlaw Run. RMC was just getting started, and there’s a lot more insane RMC fun on this list.
8. Orion, Kings Island
- Top Speed: 91 miles per hour
- Height: 287 feet (with 300-foot drop)
- Inversions: 0
- Opening Date: July 2, 2020
- Duration: 3:00
- Manufacturer: Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M)
- Best Part: Ridiculous amount of floater airtime in the opening drop
My 2023 trip to Kings Island was my first opportunity to ride a Giga coaster (yes, it’s a Giga), and I wasn’t sure what to expect. The 300-foot drop on Orion was intimidating and made me hesitate before riding it. Those concerns quickly disappeared thanks to the smooth ride and abundance of floater airtime. The drop feels like it lasts for an eternity, but that’s good because it’s such a fun element. Orion opened in July 2020 and is the most recent major coaster added to Kings Island’s lineup. It’s situated in Area 72 near Flight of Fear, and there’s cool theming in that land and in the queue.
What stands out on Orion is how even 91 miles an hour doesn’t feel too intense. I could feel the speed a lot more on Diamondback from B&M, but this newer model never seems like it’s pulling you through the course. The pacing is excellent during the three-minute ride, which also includes large airtime hills and a 202-foot horseshoe before you reach the very long brake run. I did ride my second Giga with Millennium Force, which was a really good coaster. But it fell a little short of Orion for me. Because I enjoyed Orion so much, I really want to check out other Giga coasters like Pantherian at Kings Dominon and Fury 325 at Carowinds. Those are a bit taller and probably more intense, but they typically rank even higher on enthusiasts’ lists.
7. Lightning Rod, Dollywood
- Top Speed: 73 miles per hour
- Height: 165 feet
- Inversions: 0
- Opening Date: June 13, 2016
- Duration: 3:12
- Manufacturer: Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC)
- Best Part: The quad down at the end is totally out of control!
Few coasters have gone through as much turmoil in their early years as Lightning Rod. This inventive RMC creation originally was the first wooden coaster with a launch instead of a chain lift. However, that set-up created quite a few problems. They ultimately replaced portions of the ride with I-Box Track, which makes it a hybrid of wood and steel. RMC also removed the launch in late 2023 and installed a more traditional chain lift. I’ve heard the original was elite, but my first rides were just in March 2026. Even so, I had a blast with the current version.
Lightning Rod begins with a short dip and then a steep 165-foot drop from the top of a large hill. Situated near Dollywood’s entrance in the Jukebox Junction area, this coaster almost feels like it’s exiting the park. I love just how unhinged the ride experience is with its series of rapid turns and moves. There are no inversions, but you’re constantly shifting directions as the trains speed through the course. The highlight is the final quad-down, which keeps picking up speed as you head back towards the station. Despite all its changes, Lightning Rod remains a gem; don’t miss it on your next visit! It’s my favorite coaster in Dollywood’s packed lineup.
6. Steel Vengeance, Cedar Point
- Top Speed: 74 miles per hour
- Height: 205 feet
- Inversions: 4
- Opening Date: May 5, 2018
- Duration: 2:30
- Manufacturer: Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC)
- Best Part: I could list 15 different moments here; the full package is the winner!
If any coaster on this list could reach the top with a few more rides, it’s Steel Vengeance. I can’t think of a better way to describe this RMC masterpiece than to call it diabolical. The hyper hybrid coaster packs a crazy series of elements into 5,740 feet of track. When you think it’s over, you’re only about halfway through the course. And the second half is even more relentless! The 90-degree first drop leads you through a series of massive airtime hills, and there’s so much more on the way.
The only reason that Steel Vengeance isn’t higher is that I only had the chance to ride it once. I loved every second, but it’s so much that I need a little more time to see where it lands. The elements hit you so quickly that it’s hard to even catch your breath until the end! For Steel Vengeance, RMC used part of the wooden remains of Mean Streak and combined it with steel track. This leads to moves that just aren’t possible on a typical woodie. Many enthusiasts have Steel Vengeance as their #1 coaster, and I can’t argue with that placement. It’s wonderfully insane!
5. Mystic Timbers, Kings Island
- Top Speed: 53 miles per hour
- Height: 109 feet
- Inversions: 0
- Opening Date: April 15, 2017
- Duration: 2:00
- Manufacturer: Great Coasters International (GCI)
- Best Part: Basically the whole experience and constant airtime
I’d heard many good things about Mystic Timbers, so I’m not sure why it surprised me. Even so, the stats don’t tell the story when it comes to this GCI wooden coaster. Once you’ve reached the top of the 109-foot lift hill, there’s no break from the wonderfully relentless pace. We blitz through and experience almost constant air time with quick turns and drops as the trains speed back into the woods. I can’t think of another coaster that’s harder to describe without saying “just ride it”. There are no quiet moments or flat stretches as you just keep barreling forward until you reach The Shed.
Despite all the chaos throughout this two-minute ride, Mystic Timbers is also amazingly smooth and lacks the roughness of many wooden coasters. It’s less than 10 years old and finds inventive ways to surprise you without any pain in the process. The Shed is a bit disappointing, but it’s also charming because it all feels so silly. I like it when regional parks try something different and go for weird theming that isn’t tied to any IP. Don’t sleep on Mystic Timbers because it doesn’t go as fast or high as the other headliners. I promise that you won’t be disappointed.
4. Time Traveler, Silver Dollar City
- Top Speed: 50.3 miles per hour
- Height: 100 feet
- Inversions: 3
- Opening Date: March 14, 2018
- Duration: 1:57
- Manufacturer: Mack Rides
- Best Part: Opening 90-foot drop right out of the station
I’ve never ridden a coaster that feels even close to Time Traveler. I’ve experienced my share of spinning coasters like Pandemonium, Wild Mouse, and Primeval Whirl, but those live in a different stratosphere from this Mack Rides Xtreme Spinning Coaster. Opening in March 2018, Time Traveler was a $26 million expansion and includes excellent theming particularly on the ride vehicles. The Jules Verne-inspired steampunk style works surprisingly well at Silver Dollar City and follows the idea of “dream big, do good” that permeates the park. I love the way the queue is split where riders only venture upstairs when it’s their turn to go. It makes this coaster feel more like a rare experience than a typical amusement park ride.
Time Traveler begins with a joyous drop straight out of the station that you might not expect if you aren’t in the first car. The 90-foot drop is the biggest one on the ride, but there’s still a lot more to enjoy. I don’t love spinning coasters and was shocked by how smooth the inversions felt even while turned sideways. The controlled spins place you in just the right direction to avoid extreme nausea. Each coaster element creates a sensation of flying, and none feel jarring even with two LSM launches. Mack’s later version of this model at Plopsaland in Belgium was called The Ride to Happiness, and that title perfectly describes my feelings while riding Time Traveler.
3. Maverick, Cedar Point
- Top Speed: 70 miles per hour
- Height: 105 feet
- Inversions: 2
- Opening Date: May 26, 2007
- Duration: 2:30
- Manufacturer: Intamin
- Best Part: The second launch from the tunnel is a blast!
I adore launch coasters; there’s a reason that three of my top five coasters include multiple launches. Few pack the same punch as Maverick, especially without the huge stats. Like my top pick, it’s manufactured by Intamin and has two launches. In both cases, it’s the second one that really kills. Maverick is known as the coaster that ended the “coaster wars” where parks kept looking for the tallest and fastest rides. Opening in 2007, it finds a way to deliver better thrills in a smaller package.
The coaster trains only hold 12 passengers, and that creates a much different vibe than the long trains of Steel Vengeance. I love seeing multiple trains on Maverick speeding through the course at the same time. The opening launch takes you up the first hill and into a series of cool maneuvers after the 100-foot opening drop. There’s almost constant airtime from the start, and the Twisted Horseshoe Roll would be enough to make this a top coaster. That’s just the appetizer for the big moment, though.
I’d heard the second launch from the tunnel was incredible, but even all the raves undersold it. You completely stop and accelerate to 70 miles per hour before hitting a quick turn. This moves lifted Maverick even above Steel Vengeance for me at Cedar Point. I might still be underrating it at #3!
2. The Voyage, Holiday World
- Top Speed: 67 mph
- Height: 159 feet
- Inversions: 0
- Opening Date: May 6, 2006
- Duration: 2:45
- Manufacturer: Gravity Group
- Best Part: The triple-down inside a tunnel back in the woods
By the time we visited Holiday World for the first time in 2010, I’d heard a lot about The Voyage. I’m not the first person to call it a favorite. It begins with multiple huge drops, and that’s just the start of a wild few minutes. Once you head back into the woods, the mix of turns, drops, and tunnels is hard to comprehend. It’s like your train is completely out of control and about to leap right off the tracks.
The Voyage is an intense wooden roller coaster, and it remains a step above almost anything else I’ve experienced (more on that in a minute). I’m curious to see if it can stay near the top for the long term; several contenders from Cedar Point might pass it with a few more rides. I also still want to do a night ride, which seems like it would be even crazier than one on The Beast. You need to visit Holiday World to ride The Voyage and a lot more!
1. Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- Top Speed: 70 mph
- Height: 155 feet
- Inversions: 4
- Opening Date: June 10, 2021
- Duration: 2:00
- Manufacturer: Intamin
- Best Part: It’s a close contest, but the “Mosasaurus Roll” is the clear winner.
I’d heard all the raves about the VelociCoaster especially from coaster enthusiasts. Some even ranked it as their top coaster, which says a lot when they’ve ridden hundreds (sometimes thousands) of coasters. Even so, I did not expect to love this Intamin coaster so much. It’s incredible! We finally had the chance to experience it at Islands of Adventure during a Universal visit in January 2025. I was blown away by everything right from the start.
The Jurassic World movies don’t do much for me, but I still appreciate the attention to detail and theming within the queue. It sets the stage perfectly for the ride and includes fun appearances from Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, and more. The velociraptors in the queue are cool and keep you engaged during the long wait. I also like the meta premise of the bad idea to build a coaster surrounded by raptors. Something is bound to go horribly wrong with this set-up.
The VelociCoaster’s theming gets pretty limited once the actual ride begins, but it doesn’t even matter. What makes it work so well is how smooth the ride is, even during the most aggressive moments. You begin with a punchy launch to 50 miles per hour in two seconds and pass through a bunch of cool elements that would be great on their own. That’s just the beginning, however. The unhinged second half is perfect. You have to experience the “Mosasaurus Roll” to believe it. Trust me.
Honorable Mentions
There are many options that just missed the cut, especially at Walt Disney World. Holiday World and Silver Dollar City also offer several other great coasters. You could make a strong list here just from coasters at Cedar Point or Kings Island. I’ve spent a lot of time at Six Flags St. Louis, which isn’t amazing but has solid rides. Nothing even makes this group from that park, however. I’ve avoided including versions of Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad from Walt Disney World here to bring variety. Here are five more options (in no particular order) that deserve your attention:
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- Millennium Force, Cedar Point
- Diamondback, Kings Island
- The Legend, Holiday World
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, EPCOT
Related Articles: Top 15 Roller Coasters
Ranking Walt Disney World’s Roller Coasters
Rating the Rides That I Experienced at Kings Island
Ranking the Roller Coasters at Six Flags St. Louis
Rating the Rides That I Experienced at Six Flags Great America
Hm, you’ve never been to Kings Island, have you…
I’m not a coaster fanatic by any means, but I’ve been on some of those on your list, and the The Beast at KI dwarfs them. No inversions, built in a pre-digital world, following the terrain of the land, and super-long – although basic by today’s standards, it’s such a fantastic, unique ride.
Matt, you’re correct that I haven’t yet been to Kings Island. The Beast is definitely at the top of my bucket list. I’ve been putting together a list of coasters and regional parks that I still want to experience, and Kings Island and The Beast are at the top of the lists. It’s a little over five hours to drive there, so I’m hoping to check it out once everything is safer. I’m intrigued by how long it is, and you can’t go wrong with a terrain coaster. It will definitely be mentioned in a future blog on coasters I still need to ride.
Arrow did not build Space Mountain WDW. It was built in Disney’s own shop in Glendale, CA.
Sorry about that, Bill. I’ve updated the post with the right info. Thanks!
I just noticed that you were talking about Space Mountain Disneyland. The original track was also built in Disney’s shop. I don’t know who built the replacement track, but it was built to the same design.
That makes sense, Bill. I’ll just leave it as Disney since it was originally built in-house there. Thanks.
Have you ever been to Cedar Point?
Sadly, I haven’t made the trip there so far but am very familiar with coasters like Steel Vengeance, Millennium Force, and Dragster (soon to be Top Thrill 2). It’s about an eight-hour drive so it’s a little tougher than some other parks. I definitely want to get there, though!
Thats very great to hear Dan. Im the owner of this park, and i appreciate your support. When i see you i will definetly let you in for free! Ciao bella!
Thanks Frank!
I love roller coasters so much! I haven’t had the opportunity to visit the most famous and the biggest yet, but I constantly go to amusement parks and go to this attraction if I go to other cities. It seems to me that a person gets a huge dose of adrenaline if he rides a roller coaster and he just generally has fun. My dream now is to save up money and dare to ride the biggest and most dangerous roller coaster. I think it can improve my self-confidence, because I know that not everyone will dare to ride this kind of attraction yeahhh
I’m in a similar boat where I still need to ride so many of the top coasters. I’ve split had a blast on the one’s that I’ve caught up with so far. It’s just about getting the time and spending the money like you mention to get on more of them. Thanks for the comment!
Great to hear you loved Velocicoaster, Dan, and great to get a theme park update from you!
I’m heading to Six Flags Over Texas in May and am trying to prioritize coasters as I’ll only have 5 hours or so on a Saturday (and let’s be real here, my main focus is going to be on getting multiple rides on The Pirates of Speelunker Cave).
Thanks for the update.
Thanks Jeff! That’s cool that you’re getting to visit Six Flags Over Texas. I’ve never been there, but I think your plan to focus on Pirates of Speelunker Cave is a good one. I’d also be sure to try the New Texas Giant with it being the first RMC. Beyond that, I don’t know too much beyond Shock Wave, which is a pretty old one for sure. Hope you have a great time! I’ll try to hop on this blog here and there, though it did take me three months just to update this one. So it’s slower for sure!
you should definitely check out six flags great americas newest coaster that opened up this year it is called the wrath of rakshasa
Yep! I went there again in early August and rode it. It was a lot of fun! I’m unsure if it would crack my top 10, but it was great. We rope dropped it in the morning and got the front row (right side) on the second train of the day. It was mobbed for the entire day.
This is a fascinating list!! Here are my top 5 in case it gives you some ideas. I bet they will change this list in the most fun way possible LOL.
1. Arieforce 1 (Atlanta Ga area).
2. Fury (Carowinds)
3. X2 (Six Flags Magic Mountain)
4. Pantherian (JKingd Dominion)
5. Pantheon (Busch Gardens Williamsburg).
Have fun out there!!!
Thanks! Those five are definitely on my list. Unsure if I could handle X2 with all the spinning from such a crazy-looking coaster. Definitely want to get on Arie Force 1 and the two gigas with Fury and Pantherian. Busch Gardens Williamsburg as a park is also near the top of my list. I went there as a kid but haven’t ridden any of the coasters.
Dan, awesome job. I have ridden several of the coasters on your list. Velocicoaster is at the top of mine as well. I recently went to Bush Gardens Tampa and road the Iron Gwazi. It moved up to the 3rd spot on my list.
I am glad to see Dollywood on your list. As a Tennessean and annual Pass-holder at Dollywood, I think it is a true gem of a park. I recently took my son and a few of his friends for a birthday trip. Before we rode Blazing Fury I told them the nostalgia behind the ride and i told them the figures were really “creepy”. I remember the ride as a kid some 40 years ago. In its day it was pretty cool.
I was also excited to hear your enthusiasm for Thunderhead. I absolutely love this coaster. I rode it back on Father’s day while i was waiting for my daughter finish her day at the park. I was able to ride it 10 times in a row. However, it is a totally different coaster at night. If you didn’t ride it at night back in March, it would be worth another trip.
Thanks for the list and happy coaster riding!
Thanks David! I went to Busch Gardens Tampa when I was younger but haven’t been in a long time. Iron Gwazi is definitely on my list!
Dollywood was great but was only open until 7 p.m. when we went in March. It was also packed for Spring Break, so I’m jealous you got to ride Thunderhead repeatedly. Even with Timesaver Premium, we still had to wait a while for some coasters (an hour for Big Bear Mountain). We rode everything that was open (Mystery Mine was closed then), so it worked out really well. The figures on Blazing Fury are so creepy! I feel like a lot of it is similar to the old Fire in the Hole at Silver Dollar City (which I’ve ridden a lot), but those figures are on a different level.