In the world of amusement parks, roller coasters reign supreme, captivating thrill-seekers with their breathtaking twists and turns. From towering drops to gravity-defying inversions, roller coaster engineering continues to push the boundaries to deliver the ultimate thrill.
Next year we will see the opening of the new Donkey Kong roller coaster which will debut an incredibly cool technology that will allow for the carts to appear to jump the track. There are many coasters with amazing elements. Join us as we explore some of the coolest roller coaster elements of 2024 that excel at both thrills and unique coaster technology.
1.Top Thrill 2’s Triple Launch
Opening soon at Cedar Point, Top Thrill 2 will feature the first strata coaster with a reverse launch. That is not all, this coaster will feature a total of 3 launches: two forward and one in reverse. The first launch sends riders about two-thirds of the way up the top hat elements before they fall back down in reverse.
This allows for riders to be launched a second time, but this time backward. The reverse launch will send riders at speeds of 101 miles per hour backward and up a 420-foot-tall spike. After falling back down the spike riders will be launched a third time at a speed of 120 miles per hour up and over the top hat element. These new upgrades will make this already once intense and thrilling coaster, even wilder. Will you be running in line to ride Top Thrill 2?
2. Velocicoaster’s “Mosasaurus” Roll
Since opening in 2021, Velocicoaster at Islands of Adventure has remained a favorite among guests and coaster enthusiasts. This writer even had the opportunity to ride the coaster eight times during a visit this year and can attest to the coaster’s praise. The ride features two high-speed launches, a maximum speed of 70 miles per hour, and a 155-foot-tall top hat.
The coaster also includes four inversions, and while all of them are exciting, there is no inversion quite like the “mosasaurus roll.” This element sends riders through a heartline roll at over 50 miles per hour just above the lagoon. It feels as though you could reach up (or down) and touch the water. This entire coaster is amazing fun and exciting from start to finish, but no part can top the “mosasaurus roll.”
3. Iron Gwazi’s “Death Roll”
Iron Gwazi opened in 2022 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as a newly designed Rocky Mountain Construction hybrid of the former coaster, Gwazi. This popular RMC has gained a reputation for being one of the best roller coasters in the world. The coaster is filled with non-stop excitement from start to finish and boasts some of the best pacing of any roller coaster.
However, many agree that the coaster’s best element is the inversion dubbed the “death roll.” This element, named for a crocodile maneuver, sends riders up a banked curve to one side that quickly zips to the opposite side and into a downward barrel roll. If you haven’t had the chance, add Iron Gwazi to your coaster bucket list.
4. Everything about Ride to Happiness
Ride to Happiness is a spinning coaster located at Plopsaland De Panne in Belgium. This roller coaster is absolutely insane. First, it is one of two Xtreme Spinning Coasters created by Mack Rides in existence (the second being Time Traveler at Silver Dollar City).
These coasters take a spinning coaster and turn it on its head. LITERALLY. Ride to Happiness features a whopping six inversions, a vertical drop, and two launches, and reaches speeds of over 55 miles per hour. What sets this coaster apart from its American counterpart though is the soundtrack. Yes, this coaster has its own soundtrack of EDM music to keep you pumped throughout the entire ride. It might be the most unique roller coaster in the world. If you get the chance to ride this coaster, do not pass it up.
Which roller coaster elements are your favorite? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page.
