There's A Roller Coaster for Everyone

What Kind Of Rider Are You

Asking the difference between certain roller coasters is like asking the difference between a Lamborghini and a Prius; both will take you on a ride but one will get you there a hell of a lot faster! You have three kinds of roller coaster riders:

1. You have the novice rider who likes a little bit of excitement but does not want to be upside down, high in the air, or go extremely fast.
2. You have the intermediate rider who loves a thrill. They enjoy loops, corkscrews, twist and turns, and don't mind a good amount of speed and height.



Jimmy Fallon & Kevin Hart- Rip, Ride, Rockett

3. Then you have your thrill-seekers. Our motto is: "The bigger, the better". We enjoy extreme heights, death-defying drops, speeds over 100 MPH, and more twists then a sheet of Auntie Anne's pretzel. 



This Wood's for You

From the casual to the thrill-seeker, there are many different types of roller coasters to satisfy ones appetite. Let's begin with the original mack-daddy of coasters- the wooden roller coaster. That would take us to 1927 in Brooklyn, New York, at the famous Coney Island Park. That is where the Cyclone made it's debut run. The Cyclone, completely made out of wood except for the cart, could reach speeds of 60 MPH with a staggering 85 foot drop. These coasters were known for the speed and rough side-to-side movements. Still in operation till this day, the Cyclone is synonymous with American theme parks, like a hot dog is on the 4th of July. Wooden roller coasters are a safe bet for a casual or beginner rider.

Machine of Steel

Steel roller coasters began sweeping the nation for over a half of century. Using steel, instead of wood, has given roller coasters the flexibility to become faster, taller, and smoother. One of the more famous steel roller coasters is located at Disney World; Space Mountain. For over 30 years, this ride has served as a safe-bet in the eyes of the everyday guest. At a whopping 28 MPH, Space Mountain takes its guests on a fun journey through outer space. If you are a first time rider, then this is the coaster for you. Did I mention it is completely dark? Very nice touch for the first-time rider, although my personal experience is to keep your eyes open. Your mind can play some pretty mean tricks on you when you are zooming around on a coaster with both eyes shut.

What would follow in the coming years would be a slew of steel roller coaster advancements. From standing steel coasters, in which you are completely standing with a shoulder harness, to flying roller coasters where you are laying flat on your stomach while suspended in the air, have all utilized the flexibility and durability of steel. Pictured to the right is Manta, Central Florida's first flying steel roller coaster. Located at Sea World, Orlando, Manta hurls its riders more than 50 MPH through a bunch of twists and turns. This ride is one of my personal favorites, especially the over 90 foot tall loop that sends you soaring through the air. 

Where We Are Going, You Don't Need Roads

Regardless of your preference, steel or wood, roller coasters are becoming bigger, faster, and interactive. Advancements in technology are creating ultra-cool and personalized riding experiences. One ride that embodies this philosophy is Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Located in Universal Studios Orlando, Rip Ride Rockit is easily visible from the moment you arrive at the park. At it's apex, the ride stands at an impressive 17 stories, while being completely vertical. The ride whips you around at a screaming 65 MPH. Those attributes alone will keep the purest of roller coaster riders salivating, but wait... there's still more! A touch-screen panel fixed on the lap bar allows you to chose from a variety of songs to be played during your ride. Dual speakers embedded in rider's headrest make for a unique, musical experience. If that wasn't enough, a small camera records the entire ride from a frontal perspective, while adding music to your video. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit has changed the way we ride roller coaster. Don't take my word for it, check our a POV preview of the ride and decide for yourself!

Beginner to Thrill-seeker: Glen's Top 5 Coasters

Please enjoy this top 5 video of my favorite roller coasters that I created using PowToon.com. It has a little something for everyone. I hope you enjoy!