Canada's Wonderland, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Silver Dollar City are my current 'white whale' parks, so I don't have experience with the rides you mentioned at those parks. Iron Gwazi opened the year after I last visited Busch Gardens Tampa. I do love The Voyage, VelociCoaster, Thunderhead, Steel Vengeance, and Jack Rabbit. As I stated before, Superman the Ride was just fine for me.
I'm like Tom where my favorite coasters change every year. Having visited Walt Disney World, Kings Island, and Holiday World in the past year might give me some recency bias. I loved Cosmic Rewind and Tron which were new to me. I am hoping to visit Cedar Point and Epic Universe this year which could change things up.
But, for now, I guess I'll go with The Beast, The Voyage, and Steel Vengeance. The recent retracking of The Beast and The Voyage have moved to back up to the of my list.
Thanks for sharing Greg. Both you and Tom included The Beast, which I have been arguing for years is among the most overrated coasters. I just never got its appeal, especially when I rode it when it had excessive trim brakes throughout the course, even on the first drop. I really need to give it another open-minded go, especially if it has been extensively re-tracked.
A lot or our favorite “major” coasters line up, so I’d like to highlight one of my “subjective” favorites. Storm Runner at Hersheypark for me is the perfect blend of extreme thrills and re-ride ability, short enough (and usually with a short-enough queue) to experience it over and over again, but great in delivering some unique thrills and a terrific journey through the park. I’d love to hear other readers favorites that aren’t some of the big contenders
Well, that list changes trip to trip, sometimes day to day 😀. But these three are always on there, so we’ll go with that. In no order: 1. Fury 325. 2. Steel Vengeance. 3. The Beast.
The Voyage is probably my favorite woodie, but I have a nostalgic soft spot for The Legend. I just love the theme and I've had some incredible experiences riding that at Holiwood Nights. I also love Thunderhead, warts and all.
As far as steel goes, Fury 325 by a mile, but I haven't ridden nearly as many coasters as many on this board. VelociCoaster is certainly a great pick and one that I love as well.
Curious Arthur - and this is not a criticism in any way, as everyone's favorite coaster is subjective. Why Leviathan over Fury?
It's a good question Tim. I'm a bit embarrassed to say that while I have visited Carowinds, I have not had the opportunity to experience Fury yet. It's certainly on my to-do list! While I'm sure Fury will live up to its reputation, I think one of the reasons I'm so taken with Leviathan is because of the wind chill-numbing ride I had on the cold, early spring day I visited the Canadian park.
Canada's Wonderland, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Silver Dollar City are my current 'white whale' parks, so I don't have experience with the rides you mentioned at those parks. Iron Gwazi opened the year after I last visited Busch Gardens Tampa. I do love The Voyage, VelociCoaster, Thunderhead, Steel Vengeance, and Jack Rabbit. As I stated before, Superman the Ride was just fine for me.
I'm like Tom where my favorite coasters change every year. Having visited Walt Disney World, Kings Island, and Holiday World in the past year might give me some recency bias. I loved Cosmic Rewind and Tron which were new to me. I am hoping to visit Cedar Point and Epic Universe this year which could change things up.
But, for now, I guess I'll go with The Beast, The Voyage, and Steel Vengeance. The recent retracking of The Beast and The Voyage have moved to back up to the of my list.
Thanks for sharing Greg. Both you and Tom included The Beast, which I have been arguing for years is among the most overrated coasters. I just never got its appeal, especially when I rode it when it had excessive trim brakes throughout the course, even on the first drop. I really need to give it another open-minded go, especially if it has been extensively re-tracked.
Just like I need to give Superman the Ride another try!
A lot or our favorite “major” coasters line up, so I’d like to highlight one of my “subjective” favorites. Storm Runner at Hersheypark for me is the perfect blend of extreme thrills and re-ride ability, short enough (and usually with a short-enough queue) to experience it over and over again, but great in delivering some unique thrills and a terrific journey through the park. I’d love to hear other readers favorites that aren’t some of the big contenders
Good one Tom! If you wouldn't mind sharing, what are your top 3 favorites, in order? Maybe others could weigh in as well.
Well, that list changes trip to trip, sometimes day to day 😀. But these three are always on there, so we’ll go with that. In no order: 1. Fury 325. 2. Steel Vengeance. 3. The Beast.
Oh sorry, you asked in order. Well, let’s be brave and call that the order!
The Voyage is probably my favorite woodie, but I have a nostalgic soft spot for The Legend. I just love the theme and I've had some incredible experiences riding that at Holiwood Nights. I also love Thunderhead, warts and all.
As far as steel goes, Fury 325 by a mile, but I haven't ridden nearly as many coasters as many on this board. VelociCoaster is certainly a great pick and one that I love as well.
Curious Arthur - and this is not a criticism in any way, as everyone's favorite coaster is subjective. Why Leviathan over Fury?
It's a good question Tim. I'm a bit embarrassed to say that while I have visited Carowinds, I have not had the opportunity to experience Fury yet. It's certainly on my to-do list! While I'm sure Fury will live up to its reputation, I think one of the reasons I'm so taken with Leviathan is because of the wind chill-numbing ride I had on the cold, early spring day I visited the Canadian park.
Oh wow, I didn't realize that! Well, you're in for a treat. Hope you get to ride it soon!