As we near the beginning of a new year, and the promise of several new coasters, there are a few that stand out above the rest. Some are innovative, long-awaited, or first-of-their-kind and others are wild new experiences that pay homage to their predecessors. We are most excited to ride these five new coasters in 2023.
Honorable Mention
Before we jump into that list, we have an honorable mention. This coaster would have made our list, but details have been very scarce. We are talking about Primordial at Lagoon in Utah. This coaster was first announced in 2019, and construction has been ongoing. The coaster is green and weaves in and out of a large mountain. Lagoon announced that the coaster would be a “one-of-a-kind interactive coaster” and claimed the coaster is unlike any other coaster on the planet. We are intrigued by this coaster and can’t wait to share more details on it once Lagoon makes them available. Primordial is set to open in the Spring of 2023.
1. Wildcat’s Revenge at Hersheypark
We called for the RMC treatment for Hersheypark’s Wildcat back in 5 Wooden Roller Coasters That Are In Desperate Need Of The “RMC” Treatment, and we are thrilled that Rocky Mountain Construction is turning Wildcat into Wildcat’s Revenge. This steel hybrid coaster will reach speeds of over 60 miles per hour and include four inversions.
Riders will reach a height of 140 feet before plummeting down an 82-degree drop. The coaster will also feature the world’s largest under flip. Wildcat’s Revenge will be an incredible addition to Hersheypark’s already stellar line-up. The sweetly themed park is building up quite the coaster roster and is setting itself up to rival parks such as Cedar Point, with some believing they already do.
2. Pipeline: The Surf Coaster at SeaWorld Orlando
Pipeline is a first-of-its-kind steel stand-up coaster. It is actually the first new stand-up coaster in the United States in over a decade. The innovative ride vehicles designed by Bolliger & Mabillard resemble large surfboards. The stand-up restraints are unlike any we have seen in the past. They allow riders to bounce and move with the curves, hills, and dips of the track.
Former stand-up coasters were known to be uncomfortable at times, but hopefully, we can expect these newly designed restraints to have less headbanging and a more comfortable ride experience. The coaster is also the first launching stand-up coaster and will reach speeds of 60 miles per hour. We are excited to check out this coaster when it opens in the Spring of 2023.
3. TRON: Lightcycle/Run at Walt Disney World
It feels like TRON: Lightcycle/Run has been in the construction phase for well, forever. It has been years since the coaster began to sprout up at Magic Kingdom. Originally set to open for the 50th-anniversary celebration in late 2021, TRON: Lightcycle/Run finally has an official opening timeline. Guests will be able to enjoy a ride on this LONG-anticipated attraction in the Spring of 2023.
TRON: Lightcycle/Run puts riders in control of their own lightcycle for an “epic quest across the Grid.” The launching coaster will bring the thrills as one of Walt Disney World’s fasted attractions at 59 miles per hour (that’s more than twice as fast as Space Mountain). Walt Disney World recently added an incredible coaster in Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, so it stands to reason TRON: Lightcycle/Run will surely delight riders when it finally opens next year and we cannot wait to catch a ride into the Grid.
Exciting coasters are also coming to Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Dollywood in 2023…
4. DarKoaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
DarKoaster is a much-anticipated indoor coaster that pays homage to the former interactive dark ride, Curse of DarKastle. This new coaster is sure to spin up the thrills while bringing guests back to the world of King Ludwig. Busch Gardens calls it a “family-friendly dark ride experience”.
It is the first all-indoor straddle coaster in North America and features ride vehicles that resemble snowmobiles. The coaster will also include four launches, snow, and 3D effects. While the coaster will only reach speeds of 36 miles per hour, the darkness of the indoor track will certainly make the coaster feel much faster. We can’t wait to Escape the Storm when DarKoaster opens next year.
5. Big Bear Mountain at Dollywood
Big Bear Mountain is set to be the newest addition to Dollywood’s recent expansion, Wildwood Grove. Riders will board special SUV ride vehicles that will include onboard music and narration from Wildwood Grove’s own wilderness explorer, Ned Oakley.
Over the 3,990 feet of track, riders will dip, wind, and dive through the terrain including new rock work and water features. This family-friendly coaster will be the longest coaster at Dollywood and reach speeds of 48 miles per hour. We can’t wait to visit the immersive land of Wildwood Grove and brave Big Bear Mountain when the coaster opens in the Spring of 2023.
Which coasters are you most excited about? Are you looking forward to a coaster that didn’t make out list? Let us know in a comment or on our Facebook page.
