Roller coasters are among the main attractions of amusement parks around the world. This summer, thousands of people will ride roller coasters during their visit to a theme park. Every roller coaster is unique. Skyscanner, Europe's leading travel search site, has come up with a list of their top ten roller coasters in the world.
1. Formula Rossa at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Formula Rossa is the world's fastest roller coaster. The roller coaster, with carts that look like Ferrari Formula One cars sends riders across the track at speeds of up to 240km/h (150mph). The train accelerates to its top speed within 4.9 seconds using a hydraulic launch system. One of the first obstacles is a 52 (164 ft) meter climb straight to the top. It goes so fast that rider must wear safety goggles at all times. This ride is not just fast; it's long too. The track measures 2.2 km (1.4 mi), making it the sixth longest roller coaster in the world.
2.Oblivion at Alton Towers in the UK
This steel roller coaster, which opened in 1998 was the first vertical drop roller coaster in the world as it plummets at over 109 km/h (67 mph) from a height of 54 m (177 ft). Before making the drop, the roller coaster stops. Then it plunges directly down into an underground tunnel. Videos shownbefore the ride build up tension as characters warn that riders might die and may never return from the black hole.
3. Black Mamba at Phantasialand in Germany
This African-themed roller coaster is an inverted roller coaster, meaning the train travels under the rails. The ride, which cost 11 million euros, is part of the park's new "Deep in Africa" area. It reaches speeds up to 50mph and includes 27m (89 ft) drops, turns and dark tunnels. It is named after the black mamba snake.
4. Superman: Krypton Coaster at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, USA
This 168 ft high ride is a floorless roller coaster with the largest 360-degree vertical loop in the world. It reaches speeds of up to 70 mph. The ride has been around since 200 and was due for a makeover but fans like it so much that the plans to remake it were scrapped.
5. The Inferno at Terra Mitica in Spain
This coaster at benidorm is one of the only two 'ballcoasters' in Europe. The ride is located in the Ancient Rome themed part of the park. Riders experience the feelings of moving at 60 km/h (37m), going up, forward, upside down and spinning like a ball.
6. Space Mountain: Mission 2 at Disneyland Park in France
This roller coaster, similar to Disneyworld's original Space Mountain ride in Florida, but it was the first roller coaster to use on-board audio. It was themes around the classis 1865 Jules Verne novel From the Earth to the Moon. It is the most detailed Space Mountain roller coaster and the only one to feature inversions and a section of the ride outside the mountain. For 17 years, it has remained as the park's most popular attraction.
7. Coney Island Cyclone in Brooklyn, New York, USA
This wooden roller coaster makes the top list because of its historic significance. The Cyclone, which opened in Coney Island in 1927, is a certified New York City landmark. The ride went unused for several years, but it was rehabilitated and reopened in 1975. The 85 year old ride can reach speeds up to 97 km/h (60mph) and has a 26m (85 ft) drop.
8. Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, USA
This steel roller coaster is the world's tallest at 139m(456 ft) high. This ride is special as it features a 90 degree rise and drop of 127m (418 ft). It also reaches speeds up to 206 km/h (128 mph) within 3.5 seconds. The whole ride only lasts 59 seconds.
9. Takabisha at Fuji-Q Highland in Japan
This new steel ride is the steepest roller coaster in the world as it has a 121° drop. It reaches speeds up to 100km/h (62mph). It also have seven major twists and offers views of nearby Mount Fuji.
10. Silver Star at Europa Park in Germany
This 73m (239ft) high hypercoaster is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz, so there is a replica Mercedes-Bez Formula One care at the entrance. It reaches speeds of up to 127.0 km/h (78.9 mph) and a 67m (219ft) drop. It contains many hills and can take 36 people at a time on three trains, meaning it has an hourly capacity of 1,750 passengers.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
