Tallest. Fastest. Longest. Steepest. All of these terms are now common lingo in the world of theme parks and amusement parks. However, even though these claims for world records may now be prominent, they are not new. Most coaster records...
Continue reading...Features
Universal Orlando Opens Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Florida’s longest roller coaster is officially open. photo: Universal Orlando Following the 2017 closure of Dragon Challenge at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure Theme Park, Universal announced that the former “dueling” coasters would be replaced with a “new generation of...
Continue reading...Coaster101 Takes on Six Flags Great America
For only the second time in history, all seven of the U.S.-based Coaster101 writers met for a day full of coaster-riding — this time at Six Flags Great America. Since I’ve spent more time at this park than any other,...
Continue reading...Inside the Opening Week of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland
Sadly I wasn’t able to attend the opening weekend of Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland. However, my good friend Michael Rhaney and his wife Laura are Disneyland locals and annual pass holders, which means they DID snag reservations for the first...
Continue reading...19 for ’99: Face/Off at Paramount’s Kings Island
The final year of the 90’s brought Paramount’s Kings Island the second Vekoma Invertigo to the US: Face/Off. Named for the Paramount film of the same name, this Vekoma Invertigo brought the park its first inverted roller coaster. With its...
Continue reading...Maxx Force Construction Update
When we planned our annual Coaster101 writers’ trip to Six Flags Great America, we were banking on a Memorial Day Weekend opening of Maxx Force. As you might be aware, that hasn’t happened quite yet. The track is complete, the...
Continue reading...SeaWorld Orlando Teases New Coaster for 2020
A new coaster is coming to SeaWorld Orlando in 2020. Over the weekend, the park released a teaser video announcing the arrival of a new coaster next year. The video, posted below, shows the camera flying through a snowy mountain...
Continue reading...So, What Ever Happened to Virtual Reality?
In the amusement industry today, the most important thing that parks must do is attract new guests—that’s just what the industry is about. With the plethora of activities now available, it is getting increasingly difficult to increase park attendance. Sure,...
Continue reading...Knott’s Berry Farm Coasters Ranked by a First-Timer
I recently visited Knott’s Berry Farm for the first time as part of a Southern California theme park marathon. While I was aware of the park’s diverse coaster offerings, several of them exceeded my expectations. On paper, Knott’s Berry Farm’s...
Continue reading...How CMU’s TPEG Brought The Old Mill Dark Ride to Life: Part II
Earlier this year, we talked to Roly Garcia of the Carnie Mellon Theme Park Engineering Group about their plan to design, build, and operate their own dark ride for school’s annual Spring Carnival. Now that the festival is in the...
Continue reading...Carowinds Debuts New Shows for Summer 2019
While you might not realize it at first glance, over the last several seasons, the additions to Carowinds have made the “place where the Carolinas come together” an incredibly well-rounded theme park. Whether it’s been the additions of world-class roller...
Continue reading...Batman the Ride Flips Into Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Batman: The Ride at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom officially opens to the public tomorrow, Saturday May 25 in the afternoon, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. The park celebrated the opening with a media preview event this morning, letting...
Continue reading...
Recent Discussion