Features

Goliath Review and Media Day Coverage

Murky skies, fat rain drops and a wheel malfunction didn’t dampen the mood at Six Flags Great America as the coaster enthusiast and media masses gathered for a preview of Goliath, the park’s triple world-record-breaking wooden roller coaster. After months of...

Cedar Point from the Lake

Last week, coaster enthusiasts from around the world descended on Cedar Point for CoasterMania 2014. The wonderful event included extra ride time on many of the park’s finest coasters, a buffet lunch, a cruise and more. While the riding, as always,...

Jun 17, 2014 by Kyle Features 0

A-Z Coaster of the Week: X-Flight

This week’s coaster has already had the honor of being an A-Z Coaster of the Week. Before being moved to Kings Island, X-Flight got its start another Ohio park. In 2001, Six Flags Worlds of Adventure opened the Midwest’s first...

Jun 16, 2014 by Kyle Features 1

A-Z Coaster of the Week: Wildfire

This week’s A-Z Coaster takes us to Wildfire at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. Opened in 2001, Wildfire is one of only five B&M sit-down looping roller coaster models in the world. At a cost of $14 million, Wildfire...

Jun 9, 2014 by John Stevenson Features 0

Blue Streak Turns 50

This year marks a milestone for Cedar Point’s oldest roller coaster. Blue Streak celebrated its 50th Anniversary on May 23! When it debuted, it was Cedar Point’s third and tallest roller coaster. It remained the tallest until the 1976 season...

Jun 5, 2014 by Kyle Features 3

A-Z Coaster of the Week: Vortex at Kings Island

This week’s A-Z Coaster takes us to Vortex at Kings Island. The 3,800-foot-long Arrow looper opened in 1987. Standing 148 feet tall, Vortex drops riders 138 feet at speeds of 55 mph before sending them through six inversions: two vertical...

Jun 2, 2014 by John Stevenson Features 2

Electrical Malfunction at Kings Island’s “Flight Of Fear”

Emergency crews responded to a call at Kings Island today as heavy smoke filled the Flight of Fear ride building. (Photo via twitter user @CoreyGayheart15) According to authorities and park sources, the smoke was caused by an overheated electical motor....

Jun 2, 2014 by Andrew Stilwell Features 1

Coasters-101: Why do roller coasters “sway”?

Every so often you’ll see a video uploaded online of a roller coaster’s track visibly moving or “swaying” as a train races over it. This swaying movement is very startling to those who have never seen it before, especially in...

May 28, 2014 by Nick Weisenberger Coasters-101 6

A-Z Coaster of the Week: The Ultimate

The A-Z Coaster of the Week is The Ultimate at Lightwater Valley in the United Kingdom. Opened in 1991, this tubular steel coaster is currently the second longest roller coaster in the world at 7,442 feet. It’s two lift hills...

May 26, 2014 by Nick Weisenberger Features 3

Columbus Zoo Expansion Opens

After over a decade in development, The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is poised to open it’s largest expansion in zoo history, the Heart of Africa. Coaster101 got a sneak peak of the new region before it opens to the general...

May 21, 2014 by Nick Weisenberger Features Photos Trip Reports 0

A-Z Coaster of the Week: Thunderhead

This week’s A-Z Coaster is none other than Thunderhead at Dollywood — which is celebrating its 10th year of operation in 2014. Opened in 2004, The twisted wooden coaster is a product of Great Coasters International (GCI). Thunderhead’s debut marked...

May 19, 2014 by John Stevenson Features 0

All About Alpine Coasters

After having a blast on the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster in Pigeon Forge I just had to know more about alpine coasters. Where better to go than straight to the experts? With over 200 installations world-wide, Wiegand is the leader...

May 15, 2014 by Nick Weisenberger Features Interviews 1