My Top 10 coasters
What makes a good coaster? Is it the smoothness? Or the intensity? The inversions? Or the theming? Maybe it's a combination of all of them. Within the next paragraphs I will present you with my personal top 10 rollercoasters I have ridden, giving my opinion on them and an explanation on why they are there. Are you ready? Then let the countdown begin!
The parks I have visited:
•Alton Towers
•Thorpe Park
•Chessington World of Adventure
•Drayton Manor
•Blackpool Pleasure Beach
•Gardaland
•Duinrell
•Disneyland Paris
•Magic Kingdom
•Disney's Hollywood Studios
•Epcot
•Animal Kingdom
The parks I have visited:
•Alton Towers
•Thorpe Park
•Chessington World of Adventure
•Drayton Manor
•Blackpool Pleasure Beach
•Gardaland
•Duinrell
•Disneyland Paris
•Magic Kingdom
•Disney's Hollywood Studios
•Epcot
•Animal Kingdom
10. Shockwave - Drayton Manor
At number 10 is Shockwave at Drayton Manor. This is an Intamin Stand-up coaster, and is one of only three remaining in the world. It is also the only Stand-up coaster to feature a zero-g roll. For me, this ride is super fun, and the sensation of standing on a coaster is interesting and unique. Throughout the layout the train encounters a loop, zero-g roll, corkscrew and helix. However this ride isn't rated higher due it's very short duration and roughness.
At number 10 is Shockwave at Drayton Manor. This is an Intamin Stand-up coaster, and is one of only three remaining in the world. It is also the only Stand-up coaster to feature a zero-g roll. For me, this ride is super fun, and the sensation of standing on a coaster is interesting and unique. Throughout the layout the train encounters a loop, zero-g roll, corkscrew and helix. However this ride isn't rated higher due it's very short duration and roughness.
9. Expedition Everest - Animal Kingdom
While this may just be a family coaster, it is a really good experience. It has some of the best theming I have seen, and a really steep drop. Not to mention the backwards section which adds an unexpected thrill if unknown. I also love the minor things like the design of the trains and the queue line. It just proves that theming can really improve a ride.
While this may just be a family coaster, it is a really good experience. It has some of the best theming I have seen, and a really steep drop. Not to mention the backwards section which adds an unexpected thrill if unknown. I also love the minor things like the design of the trains and the queue line. It just proves that theming can really improve a ride.
8. Falcon - Duinrell
You probably haven't heard of this coaster before as it is in a park you probably haven't heard of before! Falcon is a Guerstlauer Eurofighter, featuring a vertical lift and a beyond vertical drop. It also includes a loop, several forceful helixes and a heartline roll. It's main piece of theming is an army jet located in the centre of the ride. Whilst this may not be the best coaster in the world, it really packs a punch.
You probably haven't heard of this coaster before as it is in a park you probably haven't heard of before! Falcon is a Guerstlauer Eurofighter, featuring a vertical lift and a beyond vertical drop. It also includes a loop, several forceful helixes and a heartline roll. It's main piece of theming is an army jet located in the centre of the ride. Whilst this may not be the best coaster in the world, it really packs a punch.
7. Stealth - Thorpe Park
Dominating the Thorpe Park skyline is Stealth, an Intamin Accelerator coaster. This is a brilliant coaster and is the only coaster with a launch on this list. The launch is really intense and the top hat is rather intimidating when looked up to from ground level. Although neither that fast or high in terms of other launch coasters it really feels the opposite when on the front seat!
Dominating the Thorpe Park skyline is Stealth, an Intamin Accelerator coaster. This is a brilliant coaster and is the only coaster with a launch on this list. The launch is really intense and the top hat is rather intimidating when looked up to from ground level. Although neither that fast or high in terms of other launch coasters it really feels the opposite when on the front seat!
6. Saw: The ride - Thorpe Park
The second ride from Thorpe Park, and the second Guerstlauer Eurofighter to feature on this list, Saw is a brilliant ride. While one of the main memories I have of this coaster is the 2 ½ hour queue I waited in to get on, this doesn't ruin the fact it's a brilliant coaster. With both an indoor and outdoor section, Saw is a really well themed attraction and provides plenty of force and hangtime. Unfortunately it occasionally has a faint rattle.
The second ride from Thorpe Park, and the second Guerstlauer Eurofighter to feature on this list, Saw is a brilliant ride. While one of the main memories I have of this coaster is the 2 ½ hour queue I waited in to get on, this doesn't ruin the fact it's a brilliant coaster. With both an indoor and outdoor section, Saw is a really well themed attraction and provides plenty of force and hangtime. Unfortunately it occasionally has a faint rattle.
5. The Swarm - Thorpe Park
We're into the top 5 now, and starting it of is The Swarm, a really awesome coaster. This coaster is brilliant with a really strong layout and some amazing theming. The dive drop provides a unique experience, whilst the headchoppers really make you think you'll crash! Some of these headchoppers include a plane's wing, a ripped billboard and a crumbling church. Not forgetting the excellent fire and water effects, this is one thrilling experience!
We're into the top 5 now, and starting it of is The Swarm, a really awesome coaster. This coaster is brilliant with a really strong layout and some amazing theming. The dive drop provides a unique experience, whilst the headchoppers really make you think you'll crash! Some of these headchoppers include a plane's wing, a ripped billboard and a crumbling church. Not forgetting the excellent fire and water effects, this is one thrilling experience!
4. Oblivion: The Black Hole
I always loved Oblivion, so when I rode this I had very high expectations. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed. Personally I really enjoy Dive Coasters, and this one was no exception. The theming was perfect and the queue line was one of the best I have witnessed. The storyline was excellent, and the station was good. Now onto the ride. It began with with a chain lift taking you to the top. The views over Lake Garda were stunning - some of the best I have seen from a coaster. We arrived at the edge of the drop. The coaster paused for several seconds, and then plunged down into darkness. I loved the tunnel as it was entered on an angle and had some brilliant effects. Next the train entered a large Immelmann followed by an airtime hill. Next it entered a helix, followed by a slow heartline roll. It then hit the breaks and returned to the station. Many people claim this ride to be forceless, however it is anything but with both the drop and helix providing ample force and the heartline roll was filled with a crazy amount of hangtime. Overall, it was a brilliant coaster and definitely deserves the number 4 spot.
I always loved Oblivion, so when I rode this I had very high expectations. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed. Personally I really enjoy Dive Coasters, and this one was no exception. The theming was perfect and the queue line was one of the best I have witnessed. The storyline was excellent, and the station was good. Now onto the ride. It began with with a chain lift taking you to the top. The views over Lake Garda were stunning - some of the best I have seen from a coaster. We arrived at the edge of the drop. The coaster paused for several seconds, and then plunged down into darkness. I loved the tunnel as it was entered on an angle and had some brilliant effects. Next the train entered a large Immelmann followed by an airtime hill. Next it entered a helix, followed by a slow heartline roll. It then hit the breaks and returned to the station. Many people claim this ride to be forceless, however it is anything but with both the drop and helix providing ample force and the heartline roll was filled with a crazy amount of hangtime. Overall, it was a brilliant coaster and definitely deserves the number 4 spot.
3. The Smiler - Alton Towers
Name any inversion, and it will most likely be in this rollercoaster. Quite a controversial opinion in the coaster community, I love the Smiler and think it is a really good ride, however not because of its records, but because of the overall experience. First of all the theming is awesome, and I like how it has the marmaliser in the centre. I also like the storyline and the way the coaster is incorporated into it. Next, I think the overall layout is a strong one. It's smooth yet very disorienting, which adds to the effect. I like the transitions, hangtime and the pacing is perfection. My favourite inversion has to be the inverted drop, as it's a really interesting way to include another moment of hangtime. Overall, the Smiler is a great attraction and I think it's 2nd best in the UK...
Name any inversion, and it will most likely be in this rollercoaster. Quite a controversial opinion in the coaster community, I love the Smiler and think it is a really good ride, however not because of its records, but because of the overall experience. First of all the theming is awesome, and I like how it has the marmaliser in the centre. I also like the storyline and the way the coaster is incorporated into it. Next, I think the overall layout is a strong one. It's smooth yet very disorienting, which adds to the effect. I like the transitions, hangtime and the pacing is perfection. My favourite inversion has to be the inverted drop, as it's a really interesting way to include another moment of hangtime. Overall, the Smiler is a great attraction and I think it's 2nd best in the UK...
2. Raptor - Gardaland
For number 2 we return to Gardaland, with Raptor. I remember the day I went on this coaster very well. Not only was this the first wing coaster, in my opinion it's the best. I adore the storyline and theming placed around the ride and how it has a mine area of its own, and it's a very beautiful ride. The queue line is brilliant, with some great views of the coaster itself. When I rode, I went on the back row, left side, and it was awesome. The first drop is brilliant providing floater airtime on the back, straight into a tight overbanked turn, and then a corkscrew with plenty of hangtime. Next the ride consists of very forceful helixes, a zero g roll and finally an amazing heartline roll. On its own, this would be an amazing coaster with tons of force, speed, hangtime and overall a very intense experience. However, all of this is made ten times better, with the additional water effects and a total of six very well themed and close headchoppers! These include: a damaged lookout, a bridge, a pair of trees and a barbed wire fence. Overall, I believe this is a very strong ride, however there is one which I believe is the very best...
1. Nemesis - Alton Towers
It's Nemesis! This is the best out of 60 coasters I have ridden and I think it is perfect. First of all, Alton Towers aren't allowed to go above the tree line, so they were face with a big challenge. However they thought outside the box, and came up with something completely unique. And that is one of the many things that make Nemesis my number 1 coaster. Second of all, the way the ride uses the terrain to its advantage is phenomenal, providing many leg choppers throughout. There's is nothing you can quite compare to rushing merely centimetres from rocks and water below. Next, the pacing is perfect, keeping its speed until the breaks. This is allows it to be exciting to the very last second, unlike many coasters where they have completely slowed down by the end of it. Another point is that it is incredibly intense, with some unbelievable forces. On the back row, this ride is insanely forceful. In my opinion, the most forceful part is the drop after the first helix. The theming on this ride is great too, with the entire station being themed as the Nemesis monster, and the impressive rockwork. Not to mention the amazing soundtrack, which is probably one of the best in the world. I also think the photo opportunities are brilliant, as the paths cleverly intertwine with the layout. And while the layout isn't long, it certainly packs a punch. Overall, in my eyes, Nemesis is the perfect coaster and that is why it is the best out of the 60 rollercoasters I have ridden.
It's Nemesis! This is the best out of 60 coasters I have ridden and I think it is perfect. First of all, Alton Towers aren't allowed to go above the tree line, so they were face with a big challenge. However they thought outside the box, and came up with something completely unique. And that is one of the many things that make Nemesis my number 1 coaster. Second of all, the way the ride uses the terrain to its advantage is phenomenal, providing many leg choppers throughout. There's is nothing you can quite compare to rushing merely centimetres from rocks and water below. Next, the pacing is perfect, keeping its speed until the breaks. This is allows it to be exciting to the very last second, unlike many coasters where they have completely slowed down by the end of it. Another point is that it is incredibly intense, with some unbelievable forces. On the back row, this ride is insanely forceful. In my opinion, the most forceful part is the drop after the first helix. The theming on this ride is great too, with the entire station being themed as the Nemesis monster, and the impressive rockwork. Not to mention the amazing soundtrack, which is probably one of the best in the world. I also think the photo opportunities are brilliant, as the paths cleverly intertwine with the layout. And while the layout isn't long, it certainly packs a punch. Overall, in my eyes, Nemesis is the perfect coaster and that is why it is the best out of the 60 rollercoasters I have ridden.