# A Roller Coaster Like No Other **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 10, 2000, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-roller-coaster-like-no-other/14599 "2000-03-10T02:23:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![jab1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ee7513/32.png) [@jab1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jab1)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-roller-coaster-like-no-other/14599/1 "2000-03-10T02:23:00Z")
[www.pgathrills.com/html/stealth.htm](http://www.pgathrills.com/html/stealth.htm) When the train stops, you sit in the seat as you normally would, except you face _backwards_. Then the train departs and goes up the first hill. As you go up, all of the seats lean back until you are flat on your back, facing the sky. After you go over the top of the hill, the track flips over 180 degrees and you are now facing _the ground._ Just before returning to the start, the track flips one last time and you are again upright. The sensation is intended to be like flying. All you can see is the ground and, during one of the _eight_ inversions, the sky. It opens this Spring at Paramount’s Great America near San Jose, California. I _will_ ride this thing even if I have to hitchhike to get there! So what’s your favorite roller coaster? * * * When all else fails, ask Cecil. ---
**Author:** ![Cumulus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6bbea6/32.png) [@Cumulus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cumulus)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-roller-coaster-like-no-other/14599/2 "2000-03-10T02:49:00Z")
I know it may be lame but I always liked Greased Lightin’ at Astroworld. ---
**Author:** ![kinoons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/a698b9/32.png) [@kinoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kinoons)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-roller-coaster-like-no-other/14599/3 "2000-03-10T02:49:00Z")
Jab, I’ll hitchhike with you. I love roller costers. All of my fav’s are located at magic mountain. Riddlers Revenge, The superman, and the viper would be the best three that I have had the privlage to ride sofar * * * Kinooning it up for 20 years and counting ---
**Author:** ![Rysdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7cd45c/32.png) [@Rysdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rysdad)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-roller-coaster-like-no-other/14599/4 "2000-03-10T02:49:00Z")
My favorite so far is Montu at Busch Gardens in Tampa. My seven-year-old (at the time) said, “It kicks butt!” I’ve read where they’re building an unbelievably huge coaster at Cedar Point in Ohio. I’ll have to check that one out, too. [http://www.cedarpoint.com/thrill/millennium/diary/index.cfm](http://www.cedarpoint.com/thrill/millennium/diary/index.cfm) ---
**Author:** ![TVeblen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4bbf92/32.png) [@TVeblen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TVeblen)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-roller-coaster-like-no-other/14599/5 "2000-03-10T03:28:00Z")
I like different coasters for different sensations. The steel/engineered marvels are one thing; the soft sway-and-give of classic wood frame coasters are another. Dunno; it’s too hard to choose a favorite. Really fine engineering and craftmanship makes it apples over oranges. The math, the vision, the terrain and setting make them all mostly wonderful, IMO. Sorry, this isn’t an answer. But FWIW, this amusement park vet put in 4 good (if punishing) years pulling down wages under the legal protections offered to migrant (read: seasonal) workers. 16 hour days were the norm, and the rides were tested (!?) by employees taking an early morning spin. Tough but good memories; you qualified for the “right stuff”, i.e. mundane Yeagers et al) if you could pull a double, deal with the drunks, corporate idiots, shin splints and reports, down the beer and junk food at the end of the shift and report for work in the morning; brass shining, eyes propped open and then ride the Looper, tha Flume and the coasters. If begged, I will share the Tested, Weighted and Scientifically Sound Barf Index. Joke, you say? HA! Forget cyber-quizzes. That one is a real-life, psych-meets-guts test. Veb ---
**Author:** ![jab1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ee7513/32.png) [@jab1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jab1)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-roller-coaster-like-no-other/14599/6 "2000-03-10T20:28:00Z")
The very best roller coaster website there is: [www.rollercoaster.com](http://www.rollercoaster.com) * * * When all else fails, ask Cecil. ---
**Author:** ![Amazingrace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8edcca/32.png) [@Amazingrace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amazingrace)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-roller-coaster-like-no-other/14599/7 "2000-03-10T20:28:00Z")
> [@](#): > > I’ve read where they’re building an unbelievably huge coaster at Cedar Point in Ohio. I’ll have to check that one out, too. I cant wait to see that. I go to Cedar Point once or twice a summer and think it is the greatest place on earth. My favorite coaster is **Raptor** , there at Cedar Point. **Mantis** is another good one, and you stand up the whole time. By the time you’re done your legs feel like jello. Of the old school coasters, I like the **Gemini** , which has to coasters on parallel tracks going at the same time. It’s awesome. Man, now I have to go ride one 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Dirty\_Devil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Dirty\_Devil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dirty_Devil)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-roller-coaster-like-no-other/14599/8 "2000-03-10T20:56:00Z")
Jab1, the hair on the back of my neck stood up just reading your OP. And Great America is only 45 minutes from here. Woo hoo! Now, if I can only find a babysitter for my five year old while I go play at the park… ---
**Author:** ![jab1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ee7513/32.png) [@jab1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jab1)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-roller-coaster-like-no-other/14599/9 "2000-03-10T20:58:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Originally posted by kinoons: > \*\*Jab, I’ll hitchhike with you. I love roller costers. All of my fav’s are located at magic mountain. Riddlers Revenge, The superman, and the viper would be the best three that I have had the privlage to ride sofar > \*\* Then you simply must go back this year and ride Goliath. [www.cedarpoint.com/thrill/milennium/mffacts.htm](http://www.cedarpoint.com/thrill/milennium/mffacts.htm) The new Cedar Point coaster will be called Millennium Force. Height: 310 feet Length: 6,595 feet Top Speed: Approximately 92 MPH Opens exactly nine weeks from today. * * * When all else fails, ask Cecil. ---
**Author:** ![Demo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/demo/32/8472_2.png) [@Demo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Demo)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-roller-coaster-like-no-other/14599/10 "2000-03-10T20:59:00Z")
Ditto what DD said Jab. Great description. I’m so totally there this summer it’s not even funny… ---
**Author:** ![psycat90](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ea924/32.png) [@psycat90](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psycat90)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-roller-coaster-like-no-other/14599/11 "2000-03-10T21:10:00Z")
That does look killer. 🙂 This is the best coaster I have been on so far, got to ride it last summer. [Medusa](http://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/rides/medusa.cfm) * * * I’ll buy that for a dollar. ---
**Author:** ![UncleBeer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/977dab/32.png) [@UncleBeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleBeer)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-roller-coaster-like-no-other/14599/12 "2000-03-10T21:17:00Z")
All you coaster enthusiasts can just eat your hearts out. Cedar Point is just 65 miles from my front door. I get a season pass nearly every year. ---
**Author:** ![Imthecowgodmoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/58f4c7/32.png) [@Imthecowgodmoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Imthecowgodmoo)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-roller-coaster-like-no-other/14599/13 "2000-03-10T21:48:00Z")
I’m so lucky, I have easy access to both King’s Island and Cedar Point! I can’t wait to try out the Millenium Force, that looks like one bad ass coaster. I also can’t wait to try out Son of the Beast at K.I.- a wooden roller coaster that goes upside down… some cry heresy just at the idea… but I just gotta try it! * * * “People must think it must be fun to be a super genuis, But they don’t realize how hard it is to put up with all the idiots in the world.” – Calvin and Hobbes (\_\_) _/_ ---
**Author:** ![Demo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/demo/32/8472_2.png) [@Demo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Demo)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-roller-coaster-like-no-other/14599/14 "2000-03-10T22:07:00Z")
Speaking of King’s Island, did you ever try the Outer Limits? That was a pretty bad ass coaster. From 0-60 in just a couple seconds IIRC. Awesome ride, except for the whiplash factor. * * * Run to the bedroom, In the suitcase on the left You’ll find my favorite axe. ---
**Author:** ![jab1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ee7513/32.png) [@jab1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jab1)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2000, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-roller-coaster-like-no-other/14599/15 "2000-03-11T00:51:00Z")
That Stealth coaster has not even opened, and yet Disney has evidently already decided to make it the basis for their new ride at WDW in Florida. It will probably be called Fire Mountain. I’m guessing it’s supposed to be a high-speed flight around an erupting volcano, all indoors. They also may be planning to reproduce the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (now at Disney/MGM) at their other parks. I got this from [www.disney.force9.co.uk/magic.htm](http://www.disney.force9.co.uk/magic.htm) This is a site from Britain devoted to discussing and disseminating Disney theme park rumors. Another good place is [www.thrillride.com/WildRumors/WildRumors.html](http://www.thrillride.com/WildRumors/WildRumors.html) Enjoy your ride! * * * When all else fails, ask Cecil. ---
**Author:** ![jab1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ee7513/32.png) [@jab1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jab1)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2000, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-roller-coaster-like-no-other/14599/16 "2000-03-11T01:23:00Z")
RUMOR ALERT: Stealth hasn’t “flown” yet but Disney has decided it will be the basis of a new attraction at WDW in Orlando: Fire Mountain. An indoor roller coaster that simulates a flight around an erupting volcano. This is according to [www.wdwmagic.com/magic.htm](http://www.wdwmagic.com/magic.htm) It was originally believed this new ride would go in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom near the Pirates and Jungle Cruise. Now it’s believed the ride will be built at Animal Kingdom. Also, it looks like there will be a new version of Star Tours based on the Pod Race sequence in _Episode One: The Phantom Menace_. Enjoy your ride! * * * When all else fails, ask Cecil. ---
**Author:** ![jab1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ee7513/32.png) [@jab1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jab1)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2000, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-roller-coaster-like-no-other/14599/17 "2000-03-11T01:28:00Z")
I can’t explain that simulpost. I made the first one nearly an hour ago, but it never showed up. So I make the second one, and they BOTH appear together. 😕 * * * When all else fails, ask Cecil. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2000, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-roller-coaster-like-no-other/14599/18 "2000-03-11T04:21:00Z")
One of my favorites is at King’s Dominion in VA - Outer Limits IIRC. This one was indoors & for most of the ride you were in total darkness. Awesome ride. * * * Sue from El Paso Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted. ---
**Author:** ![Shadowfox](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@Shadowfox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shadowfox)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2000, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-roller-coaster-like-no-other/14599/19 "2000-03-11T05:09:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Originally posted by UncleBeer: > **All you coaster enthusiasts can just eat your hearts out. Cedar Point is just 65 miles from my front door. I get a season pass nearly every year.** Ooh! Take me! Please?? It’s been about three or four years since the last time I went to Cedar Point. Millenium Force sounds like an awesome coaster. My favorite is the Magnum. First time I went on it, I rode in the very front and lemme tell you, that very first hill is absolutely killer! I also loved Raptor and the Iron Dragon. * * * Shadowfox “The dead have risen, and they’re voting Republican!” - Bart Simpson ---
**Author:** ![jab1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ee7513/32.png) [@jab1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jab1)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2000, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-roller-coaster-like-no-other/14599/20 "2000-03-11T20:44:00Z")
Another rumor is that Six Flags Magic Mountain may build an even bigger coaster next year, bigger than the Goliath that just opened. Next year, MM turns 30 and it’s the REAL beginning of the new millennium and century, so they may build one even taller than Millennium Force. Would you believe… _four hundred feet tall_?!?! Superman: The Escape is already that tall, but since it goes back-and-forth on a straight track, it’s considered a special case. This new monster, said to be already on the drawing boards, would be a standard, complete circuit coaster. Read about Goliath here: [www.thrillride.com/goliath/goliath.html](http://www.thrillride.com/goliath/goliath.html) Note that at the bottom of the page, Del Holland, vice president and general manager of SFMM, is quoted as saying: “There’s another monster on the drawing boards.” And a poster over at [www.rollercoaster.com](http://www.rollercoaster.com) , who claims to be a share-holder in Premier Parks, the owners of the Six Flags chain, says 400’ is the target height. I think I’ll go to GQ and ask any physicists or engineers just how high a roller coaster can be. Surely 500 feet is the practical limit! * * * When all else fails, ask Cecil.