Visiting a theme park alone can seem intimidating, especially for those who are used to having a coaster-riding buddy or group. While there are downsides to visiting a theme park alone, a change in mindset can help reframe these visits...
Continue reading...John Stevenson
John Stevenson founded Coaster101 in 2005 and travels across the country visiting theme parks and riding roller coasters. In addition to blogging, he's a published author, having written a history book about his hometown amusement park, Libertyland, which was the home of Elvis Presley's favorite roller coaster. John currently lives in Nashville and considers Dollywood his "home away from home" park.
Dollywood Coaster Explorers Tour – Is It Worth It?
Dollywood’s new-for-2026 Coaster Explorers tour is a 3-hour guided tour through the park with front-of-the-line access to some of Dollywood’s most popular roller coasters. What does the Dollywood Coaster Explorers tour include? The Coaster Explorers tour “blends immersive storytelling with...
Continue reading...My Favorite Vegetarian and Vegan Food at Universal Orlando
Vegetarian and vegan dining options are in no short supply at Universal Orlando Resort and its three theme parks — Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe. Since becoming a vegetarian three years ago, my relationship with theme...
Continue reading...Lake Winnie Opening Lookout Safari Family Coaster in 2026
Lake Winnie has announced Lookout Safari, a new family-friendly roller coaster for the 2026 season. The coaster is a Zierer-manufactured “Tivoli” model and is being relocated from Indianapolis Zoo, where it was known as Kōmbo. It operated from 2021 through...
Continue reading...Six Flags Great Adventure Announced Shoreline Pier and New Coaster for 2026
The Six Flags Great Adventure 2026 season will include the debut of Shoreline Pier, a new area with a roller coaster, flat rides, live entertainment and dining. In a news release, Six Flags describes Shoreline Pier as a “vibrant new...
Continue reading...Six Flags Great America 50th Anniversary Celebration Announced for 2026
Six Flags Great America will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026 with a special Six Flags Great America 50th Anniversary Celebration event featuring new entertainment as well as numerous limited-time offerings and throwback guest experiences. Since Six Flags Great America...
Continue reading...Throwback: The Best New 2016 Coasters
The year 2016 has experienced a resurgence in popularity as we enter its “10-year reunion.” Last month, that fondness and nostalgia exploded online with throwback photos and memories from 2016. Combined with the natural nostalgia cycle and the rise of...
Continue reading...Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Opens Summer 2026
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will open summer 2026, Universal Studios Hollywood announced today. The Intamin spinning multilaunch coaster, themed to the Fast & Furious film franchise, will reach a top speed of 72 mph along its 4,100-foot-long course. Fast...
Continue reading...11 Tokyo DisneySea Takeaways from a First-Timer
Tokyo DisneySea has been at the top of my theme park bucket list for years. It was one of the first international parks that caught my attention as a young roller coaster and theme park enthusiast. From photos alone, I...
Continue reading...Six Flags Qiddiya City Celebrates Grand Opening
After years of concept art and construction updates, Six Flags Qiddiya City opened to the public on December 31, 2025, with much fanfare — both ending 2025 on a high note and kicking off 2026 with a built-from-the-ground-up theme park...
Continue reading...Wild Waves Closing After 2026 Season
Wild Waves Theme Park will close at the end of the 2026 season. Premier Parks, the Seattle-area theme park’s operator, announced that the park’s final season will run May 23 through November 1, 2026. Located south of Seattle, Wild Waves...
Continue reading...Updated List of 2026 Opening Dates for Amusement and Theme Parks
Amusement and theme park opening dates for the 2026 season are trickling in, reminding us that our next coaster ride is not that far away. To stave off the winter blues, we’re compiling a running list of amusement and theme...
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