Experience the adrenaline rush of riding a roller coaster! Learn how to choose the perfect coaster, stay safe, and enjoy every moment of your thrilling ride.
Strap In and Hold On Tight
Choosing the Perfect Roller Coaster
Learn about the different styles of roller coasters. There are loads of different varieties, intensities, and styles of roller coasters, and deciding what kind of experience you want out of riding a roller coaster is an important first step. Some riders prefer old-school wooden coasters for a vintage feel, while others will prefer newer, super-fast, upside-down behemoths to test their mettle. The choice is completely up to you, but it's good to get some sense of what to expect from different kinds of coasters.
- Wooden roller coasters are the oldest and most classic types of coasters, and usually the kind you'll want to start on. They're operated with a traditional chain-lift mechanism, in which the cars are lifted to a peak and dropped to allow gravity to force the cars through the rest of the turns and valleys at high speed. It's also a fun and bumpy ride. These usually won't go upside down. The Texas Giant, the American Eagle at Six Flags Great America, and the Beast at Kings Island are all examples of classic wooden coasters. Also, Thunderbolt is a common name for wooden coasters.
- Steel roller coasters feature complex steel tracks, offering somewhat smoother rides and more maneuverability, as well as the ability to invert the riders, incorporating loops, corkscrews, and all kinds of other exciting motions. Most modern roller coasters, including Kingda Ka, the Millennium Force, Steel Dragon 2000 and the Storm Coaster are steel coasters.
Explore Roller Coaster Seating Options
Start Small for Big Thrills
Ensure You Meet Ride Requirements
Manage Your Time in Line
Choose Your Ride Seat Wisely
Stay Safe and Keep Calm
Ride on an Empty Stomach
Board the Roller Coaster and Get Seated
Secure Loose Clothing and Items
Stay Relaxed and Enjoy the Ride
Enjoying the Thrills
Always Ride with Companions
Conquer the First Hill
Let Out a Big Yell
Discover Backward Adventures
Experience the Thrill of Launched Coasters
Challenge Yourself with Upside-Down Coasters
Embark on the Roller Coaster Quest
Explore the Most Thrilling Coasters
Helpful Tips
Roller Coaster Etiquette
Important Reminders
Warnings and Safety Tips