Amusement parks have been entertaining us for years and it seems that the phrase “bigger is better”
Amusement parks have been entertaining us for years and it seems that the phrase “bigger is better” is what keeps us coming back for more. At times our love for thrill rides literally pushes us over the edge. With adrenaline pumping through our veins, in a weird sense we feel more alive. A perfect rollercoaster is the ultimate thrill ride of any amusement park. Once you’re hooked and the addiction kicks in, you keep riding it over and over again until you are tired. Don’t worry! You’re not the only one! Here are some of the best rollercoasters in the world (by best we mean scariest of course) for you to check off your bucket list this year.
Bullet Coaster and OCT Thrust (China)
These twin compressed air launch coasters are located within two parks, both called Happy Valley, in Shenzhen and Wuhai, China, respectively. These amazing coasters are designed to reach incredible launches. They reach 83 mph in seconds and pull 4.5 Gs, descending into underground tunnels to provide 221.2-foot drops. This drop is among the tallest in the world.
Vanish Rollercoaster (Yokohama, Japan)
This rollercoaster is one of our all-time favorites. It actually managed to combine the general fear of heights with the fear of being trapped underwater! Imagine being on a rollercoaster ride with all its glory and then suddenly plunging into an underwater tunnel with a fake splashing of water all around you. Insane is an understatement. The ride reaches a height of 114 feet at its highest point and it is the only one of its kind in the world.
Formula Rossa (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
If speed is what you’re looking for in a rollercoaster, Formula Rossa is the place to be. As the fastest roller coaster in the world, you won’t be disappointed. The Formula Rossa, located in Ferrari World on Yas Island, reaches an astonishing top speed of 149.1 mph. The hydraulic launch coaster accelerates from 0 to 62 miles in 2 seconds, climbs 171 feet, and generates 1.7Gs. The ride is so extreme you have to wear eye goggles to protect your eyes.
Takabisha (Yamanashi, Japan)
Another Japanese coaster worth mentioning, here you get to descend 141 feet in one vertical drop. What’s the catch? This particular drop is the steepest drop on the planet, with a 121-degree free-fall. If you think you’ve got the stomach for it, this one cannot be missed. You get to catch a glimpse of the stunning view of nearby Mount Fuji, although not for long!
Bizarro (New England, USA)
No list of great rollercoasters is complete without a mention of Six Flags. They have over 20 esteemed theme parks all over the US, featuring some of the scariest rides available today. Bizarro is an amazing coaster in which you can enjoy a 221-foot drop into a fog tunnel.
Tower of Terror II (Australia)
This iconic ride is only one of two rides in the world that feature a heart-stopping reverse free-fall (the other being Superman: Escape from Krypton in the US). It begins by suddenly reversing out of a tunnel up a 377-foot tower and then plummeting back down at 100 mph.