Roller Coasters, Explained by ChatGPT.

For years, we have been warned educated about the rise of technology through popular culture, and how “in the future,” that artificial intelligence will be there to help us with whatever we need. (Until it becomes sentient and tries to murder John Conner, at least that’s how it was depicted in Terminator 2.) In recent months, artificial intelligence platforms like OpenAI’s Dall-E 2 have taken social media platforms by storm, while others like ChatGPT have seen an emergence in the writing of articles, homework assignments (don’t do this, you’ll get caught.) and other content.

Eager to hop on the trend, we wanted to test the capabilities and knowledge of ChatGPT when it comes to theme parks and roller coasters, and see if the machines will truly make us obsolete sooner rather than later. So, we asked ChatGPT a few roller coaster related questions. The unedited answers are in full, below.

Please keep in mind, these are the thoughts of artificial intelligence, and not those of Coaster101.com.


  • C101: What is Coaster101.com?

ChatGPT: Coaster101.com is a website dedicated to providing news, information, and reviews about roller coasters and theme parks. The website features articles, photos, and videos about roller coasters and theme parks from around the world. It also includes a database of roller coasters and theme parks, allowing users to search for information about specific roller coasters and theme parks. The website also includes a section with roller coaster and theme park related merchandise such as T-shirts, mugs, and other items. It is a good resource for those who are passionate about roller coasters and theme parks, it also covers the history of roller coasters, design, and engineering of the coasters, and also includes information on roller coaster manufacturers and industry events.


  • C101: What are the best roller coasters in the world?

ChatGPT: There are many roller coasters around the world that are considered to be among the best, and opinions on which is the “best” may vary depending on personal preferences. Some roller coasters that are often considered to be among the best include:

  • Steel Dragon 2000 in Nagashima Spa Land, Japan, which is currently the longest roller coaster in the world at 8,133 feet.
  • Millennium Force at Cedar Point, Ohio, USA, which was the first roller coaster to exceed 300 feet in height when it opened in 2000.
  • Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion, Virginia, USA, which reaches speeds of up to 90 mph and features a 305-foot drop.
  • Fury 325 at Carowinds, North Carolina, USA, which is one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world, reaching speeds of up to 95 mph and featuring a 325-foot drop.
  • Formula Rossa at Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, which is currently the fastest roller coaster in the world, reaching speeds of up to 149 mph.
  • The Beast at Six Flags Magic Mountain, California, USA, which is the longest wooden roller coaster in the world, at 7,542 feet long.
  • El Toro at Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey, USA, which is considered one of the best wooden roller coasters in the world, known for its smooth ride and intense airtime.

These are some examples of roller coasters that are considered among the best, but there are many other roller coasters that are also highly rated by enthusiasts and experts.


  • C101: History of Roller Coasters in America since 1997

ChatGPT: Since 1997, the roller coaster industry in America has seen several advancements and trends in roller coaster design and technology. Some notable events and developments include:

  • In 2000, “Millennium Force” at Cedar Point in Ohio became the first roller coaster to exceed 300 feet in height. This coaster was also the first to use a cable lift system, which replaced traditional chain lifts.
  • In 2001, “Superman: Ride of Steel” at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California became the first roller coaster to exceed 200 mph in speed.
  • In 2002, “Nefarious” at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey became the first roller coaster to feature a twisted horseshoe roll, which is an inversion element where the track twists 180 degrees.
  • In 2005, “Kingda Ka” at Six Flags Great Adventure became the tallest roller coaster in the world at 456 feet, and also the fastest roller coaster at 128 mph.
  • In 2007, “Intimidator 305” at Kings Dominion in Virginia became the first roller coaster to feature a 305-foot drop.
  • In 2009, “Fury 325” at Carowinds in North Carolina became the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the Southeast, reaching speeds of up to 95 mph and featuring a 325-foot drop.
  • In 2010, “Blackout” at Six Flags Magic Mountain became the first roller coaster to feature a “beyond vertical” drop, which is a drop that exceeds 90 degrees.
  • In 2011, “Skyrush” at Hersheypark in Pennsylvania became the first roller coaster to feature winged seats, which allow riders to sit on the sides of the train.
  • In 2012, “The Beast” at Six Flags Magic Mountain became the longest wooden roller coaster in the world at 7,542 feet long.
  • In 2016, “Lightning Rod” at Dollywood in Tennessee, became the world’s first launched wooden roller coaster.
  • In 2017, “RMC Raptor” at Six Flags Magic Mountain became the first roller coaster to feature a non-inverting loop, where the train goes through a loop but does not flip riders upside down.
  • In 2018, “Steel Vengeance” at Cedar Point became the first roller coaster to feature a “hyper-hybrid” design, which combines the elements of a steel roller coaster and a wooden roller coaster.
  • In 2020, “Iron Gwazi” at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, became the tallest hybrid roller coaster in the world, standing at 206 ft tall, it also reaches a top speed of 76 mph.

In recent years, many theme parks have also been investing in Virtual Reality (VR) technology, allowing riders to experience roller coasters in a more immersive way by wearing VR headsets.

In general, roller coasters in America continue to push the limits of technology and design, with new and exciting elements being incorporated into roller coasters to provide an even more thrilling experience for riders.


  • C101: Are Six Flags or Cedar Fair Theme Parks Better?

ChatGPT: It is a matter of personal opinion as to whether Six Flags or Cedar Fair theme parks are better. Both Six Flags and Cedar Fair operate a large number of theme parks across the United States and both have a diverse selection of roller coasters and other attractions to offer.

Six Flags is known for its thrill rides and has many roller coasters that are considered to be among the best in the world. Six Flags also has a wide variety of theme parks with different themes and target audiences.

Cedar Fair, on the other hand, is known for its traditional amusement parks and has a large collection of roller coasters, and other attractions. Cedar Point in Ohio is considered one of the best amusement parks in the world, and it’s known for its roller coasters and other attractions.

Ultimately, the choice between Six Flags and Cedar Fair theme parks will depend on personal preferences, including location, the type of attraction, and the target audience. Some people may prefer the thrill rides offered by Six Flags, while others may prefer the traditional amusement park experience offered by Cedar Fair.

It’s recommended to visit their websites, check the attractions, prices, and location of the park, before making a decision.


  • C101: What are the best websites for news about roller coasters?

ChatGPT: There are several websites that provide news and information about roller coasters and theme parks. Some of the best websites include:

  • Coaster101.com: This website provides news, reviews, and information about roller coasters and theme parks from around the world. It also features a database of roller coasters and theme parks, allowing users to search for information about specific roller coasters and theme parks.
  • RollerCoasterTycoon.com: This website is dedicated to the popular RollerCoaster Tycoon video game series, but also provides news and information about real-world roller coasters and theme parks.
  • ThemeParkInsider.com: This website provides news, reviews, and information about theme parks and roller coasters from around the world. It also features a section with user reviews of theme parks and roller coasters.
  • Coaster-Net.com: This website is dedicated to providing news, information and reviews about roller coasters, theme parks, and amusement industry.
  • AmusementToday.com: This website provides news, reviews and information about the amusement park and attractions industry, including roller coasters and theme parks.
  • RollerCoaster.com: This website provides news, information and reviews about roller coasters and theme parks worldwide, featuring a roller coaster database, videos, and a discussion forum.
  • Screamscape.com: This website provides news, rumors, and information about theme parks and roller coasters from around the world, with a focus on the latest developments and upcoming attractions.

These websites are a great resource for those who are passionate about roller coasters and theme parks, and provide a wide range of information and news about the industry.


  • C101: What is the difference between wooden roller coasters and steel roller coasters?

ChatGPT: The main difference between wooden roller coasters and steel roller coasters is the material used to construct the track. As the name suggests, wooden roller coasters have a wooden track, while steel roller coasters have a steel track.

Wooden roller coasters are known for their traditional feel and rough rides. They tend to have a more natural and rustic look, and the track is built using wooden beams, which are connected together with steel bolts. The ride can be rougher and less smooth than steel roller coasters, but many enthusiasts enjoy the airtime and lateral forces that wooden roller coasters provide.

On the other hand, steel roller coasters are known for their smooth rides, and are more modern and sleek-looking. They are constructed using steel tracks and supports, which are lighter and more flexible than wooden tracks. This allows for faster speeds and more complex inversions and elements. Steel roller coasters offer a more smooth experience, but some enthusiasts may find them less thrilling than wooden roller coasters.

Another key difference is that wooden roller coasters require more maintenance than steel roller coasters, as wood can warp and crack over time, which can affect the ride quality. Steel roller coasters are more durable and require less maintenance, but they are also more expensive to build.

Finally, Wooden roller coasters have been around for much longer than steel roller coasters, they’ve been around since the late 19th century while steel roller coasters started to appear in the 1940s.


  • C101: What are the best amusement parks for families with small children?

ChatGPT: There are many amusement parks around the world that are geared towards families with small children. Some of the best amusement parks for families with small children include:

  • Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in California, USA: These parks feature a wide variety of family-friendly rides and attractions, including classic Disney characters and themes.
  • Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida, USA: This park is similar to Disneyland and features a wide variety of family-friendly rides and attractions, including classic Disney characters and themes.
  • Universal Studios Hollywood in California, USA: This park features a variety of family-friendly rides and attractions, including a Harry Potter-themed area.
  • LEGOLAND California in California, USA: This park features a wide variety of rides and attractions themed around LEGOs, and is geared towards families with small children.
  • Knott’s Berry Farm in California, USA: This park features a wide variety of rides and attractions, including a Peanuts-themed area.
  • Efteling in Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands: This park features a wide variety of rides and attractions, including a fairy-tale themed area.
  • Lotte World in Seoul, South Korea: This park features a wide variety of rides and attractions, including an indoor theme park.
  • Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark: This park features a wide variety of rides and attractions, including a historic amusement park.
  • Ocean Park in Hong Kong: This park features a wide variety of rides and attractions, including a marine mammal park and a theme park.

These are just a few examples of amusement parks that are geared towards families with small children, but there are many other parks around the world that also offer a wide variety of family-friendly rides and attractions. It’s recommended to check the website of the park and also the reviews before planning a visit.


  • C101: Do roller coaster enthusiasts have a reputation of being entitled?

ChatGPT: I’m not aware of any specific reputation of roller coaster enthusiasts being entitled. However, it’s possible that some individuals who are passionate about roller coasters may exhibit entitled behavior, just like individuals in any other hobby or interest. It’s important to remember that people are complex and have a variety of personality traits, and it’s not fair to stereotype or make assumptions about a group of people based on the actions of a few individuals.


  • C101: What are the best podcasts about roller coasters and theme parks?

ChatGPT: There are several podcasts that focus on roller coasters and theme parks. Some popular ones include:

  1. “The Coaster Crew Podcast” – This podcast is produced by a group of roller coaster enthusiasts and features interviews with industry professionals, discussions about new roller coasters and theme parks, and listener Q&A segments.
  2. “Inside the Magic” – This podcast covers a wide range of theme park news and information, including updates on new roller coasters and attractions, behind-the-scenes stories, and interviews with industry professionals.
  3. “Theme Park Worldwide Podcast” – This podcast offers a global perspective on theme parks and roller coasters, with a focus on news and information from around the world.
  4. “Roller Coaster Talk” – This podcast features interviews with industry professionals, reviews of new roller coasters and theme parks, and discussions about the latest happenings in the theme park world.
  5. “The Season Pass Podcast” – This podcast covers the theme park industry and features interviews with industry professionals, reviews of new roller coasters and theme parks, and discussions about the latest happenings in the theme park world.

It’s worth noting that the above list is not exhaustive, and there are many other podcasts out there that talk about roller coasters and theme parks, these are just a few examples of popular ones.


  • C1o1: What roller coasters are opening in 2023?

ChatGPT: I’m sorry, I don’t have information on new roller coasters that will be opening in 2023. My training data only goes up to 2021 and I don’t have access to the internet. However, new roller coasters are announced and under construction all the time, so there will likely be new roller coasters opening in 2023 at various theme parks around the world. It’s best to check with the park’s official website or social media for more specific information on new roller coasters coming to a park near you.


Bottom line: There’s some accuracies and inaccuracies for sure. The good news? The machines aren’t ready to replace us quite yet. The bad news? Six Flags Great Adventure never opened Nefarious, but what a great coaster name!

If you want to experience some artificial intelligence for yourself, head to the ChatGPT website!

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