Note: Words with brackets [ ] around them were supposed to be defined, linked to the definition of that word in my Coaster Dictionary. Since I haven't written the dictionary yet, I haven't linked the words. Oops!

John Allen

• Swamp Fox (at Family Kingdom)
  A great family [wooden] coaster, and my first ever "big" woodie. (My first ever wooden coaster was the Scooby Doo at Paramount's Carowinds!) I still remember when I talked myself into riding it (I was barely tall enough for it at the time!) My dad questioned it, but he went with me anyway. It was great! I wish I could ride it again now that I'm bigger, but I don't know when we'll be going back there.

• Anaconda (at Paramount's Kings Dominion)
  My favorite [Arrow] coaster, and one of my favorite coasters overall. The entire track is built over a lake, and the first drop takes you into an underwater [tunnel] (unfortunately, the walls aren't transparent, so you can't see the water when you're in the tunnel). It contains a [vertical loop], [sidewinder loop], a [butterfly] element, and a double [corscrew].
• Carolina Cyclone (at Paramount's Carowinds)
  One of my first [upside-down coasters]. It's the "big brother" of the Corkscrew at the Myrtle Beach Pavilion. It starts with two [vertical loops] before turning and going through two [corkscrews]. Then there's a partially underground [helix] at the end before returning to the station. A must-ride while you're at the park.
• Carolina Goldrusher (at Paramount's Carowinds)
  Carowind's [mine train]. The first mine train I ever rode, and one of the first rollercoasters I ever rode. Nice [head-chopper] effect when going through the [helices] at either end. A great (and relatively long!) ride. A nice change of pace between some of the bigger "thrill rides."
• Corkscrew (at Myrtle Beach Pavilion)
  "Alas, poor Corkscrew. I knew him well ..." My first ever [upside-down rollercoaster]. A relatively simple layout -- two [corkscrews] -- but always a favorite, and not just for the sentimental value. The view from the top of the [lift-hill] was second to none, and it (along with the entire park) was very pretty when lit up at night. Now it's been sold to some park in Colombia, South America and replaced by another coaster. If all goes well, we'll be going to the park this summer, to say "farewell" to the park.
• Dahlonega Mine Train (at Six Flags over Georgia)
  Six Flags over Georgia's version of the [mine train]. It's been years since I've been to the park, so my memory's a little rusty, but I don't remember anything exceptional about it (exceptionally good or bad, for that matter.) Nice "family" coaster.
• Mad Mouse (at Myrtle Beach Pavilion)
  A new form of the [wild-mouse coaster]. A wild, out-of-control ride where the [cars] fling you around when going around the turns. It's a little rough, if you don't know what to expect (like the first time I rode it!) but it's really fun, and a very unique ride.
  Some trivia -- this was [Arrow]'s first ever wild-mouse coaster.
• Mine Train (at Six Flags over Texas)
  Six Flags over Texas' [mine train]. And, if I recall correctly, the first mine train ever built. (However, contrary to some propaganda you might read, it was not the first [tubular steel] coaster ever built. That was Disneyland's Matterhorn ride. Opened in 1959, 2 years before Six Flags Over Texas opened, and seven years before Six Flag's "Mine Train" ride. But I digress ...) It has several [lift-hills] and [tunnels], and even runs through a "Saloon". A pretty good ride. They changed the [cars] in 2001, but the track has remain unchanged for a long time.
  A bit of trivia -- This used to be called "Runaway Mine Train", but it was re-named in 1996 so it wouldn't be confused with the new "Runaway Mountain".
• Mini Mine Train (at Six Flags over Texas)
  Little brother to Six Flags over Texas' "Mine Train" ride, this little guy still packs a powerful punch. It's extremely short, but it flies! I was caught off guard by the speed and the [g-forces] in the turns. Maybe it was because the train was full of older kids and parents riding with children, but it was really good. Just wish it was about twice as long ...

• Batman the Ride (at Six Flags over Texas)
  My first [inverted coaster], and another of my favorites. Just the experience of dangling underneath the track is wonderful enough, and the [inversions] are great. It includes two [vertical loops], two [corkscrews], and a [heartline-twist]. There's a lot packed into this (relatively) small coaster. My only complaint -- there's a blinking red light and annoying alarm during part of the [queue] that gives me such a headache before I get on it. But the ride makes up for it.
• Great White (at Sea World San Antonio)
  Another great [inverted coaster]. The layout is basically the same as Batman the Ride, but the cars are painted with shark's teeth on it. And since the line for this ride was so amazingly short, I got to ride it in the front car -- a wonderful experience!
• Superman Krypton Coaster (at Six Flags Fiesta Texas)
  This would have to be my all-time favorite rollercoaster (so far!) Others are in the running, but this beats them all. From the first moment, when the floor folds apart from underneath you and there's nothing between your dangling feet and the track, to the final [brake-run], this coaster has it all. Not only is this coaster [floorless], it features a huge [vertical loop] -- so large you almost come to a stop at the top before continuing down the other side -- a [zero-g roll], a large [cobra-roll], and two [corkscrews], all while traveling up down, and beside the walls of a rock quarry. A must-ride for every enthusiast!
• Top Gun: The Jet Coaster (at Paramount's Carowinds)
  Another awesome ride by [B&M]. This [inverted] coaster pulls out all the stops. There are all sorts of loops, dives, turns, and even a [tunnel] that goes under the sidewalk near the back entrance. My wife thought it was a little bit much, but that's probably because we went straight from Thunder Road (backwards) to Ricochet to this one, and none of the coasters had much of a line. Next time, we'll take a bit of a break in-between! :)
• Vortex (at Paramount's Carowinds)
  At the time I rode it, this was my all-time favorite coaster. Now others have come to take it's place at that spot (Batman the Ride, and more recently, Superman Krypton Coaster at Fiesta Texas, all three of which were made by [Bolliger & Mabillard]), but it's still my favorite coaster in the park. (That's because last time I was there, Top Gun hadn't opened.) A great [stand-up] coaster, a very smooth ride (standard fare for a [B&M]), and very nice [scenery] (near some trees and water). Ride this if you get a chance.

• Titan (at Six Flags over Texas)
  I've ridden this [hypercoaster] twice, with to totally different opinions each time. The first time, I was not impressed. The first drop was intense, I will admit that. But after that, it was just too much -- too long, too drawn-out, and too many [G's], especially in the final [helix]. (Unlike some people, I don't think almost blacking out is a good thing!) Worth riding once, maybe, but definitely not worth the 3 1/2 hour wait we had! Then I rode it again during Holiday in the Park (a Christmas festival). The line was shorter, it wasn't nearly as hot, and it was at night. It was still really intense, but not quite as painful as the first time I ever rode it. Give it a try, preferably at night or when it's cooler outside. An OK ride, but still not as good as it was hyped up to be.

• Red Devil (at Ghost Town in the Sky)
  A unique design for a coaster. The train drops immediately out of the station and into the ride's only [inversion] -- a [vertical loop]. And the [lift hill] is at the end of the ride, not the beginning. This is because it's built on the side of a mountain in North Carolina. The ride was a little rough (OK, really rough!), the [cars] weren't extremely comfortable (especially the [head-rests]), and the only restraints were [lap-bars], but the view from the ride is unmatched on any other ride (except the swings further up in the park that swing you over the edge of the mountain!) due to the gorgeous mountain [scenery]. I haven't been there in years. I'd love to give it another try and see if I like it better this time, if the park ever reopens.

• La Vibora (at Six Flags over Texas)
  An ok [bobsled] coaster. Before riding this, the only other experience I had with bobsleds was Avalanche at Paramount's Kings Dominion, so I came in expecting it to ride about the same. It was nothing like it (not nearly as good, in my opinion ...) First of all, it's a single [car] instead of a long [train], like Avalanche. Also, the cars sit extremely high (compared to Avalanche), and the cars feel like they're going to tip over going around the turns. It's not as smooth either. Also, there are a few too many [brake-runs] throughout the course of the ride (I guess to make sure it doesn't topple over!) But overall, it's a decent coaster. Avalanche is a much better bobsled, however.

• Hurler (at Paramount's Carowinds)
  A fun [woodie], with a Wayne's World [theme]. One of my wife's favorite coasters. Rather long, really fast, and lots of fun -- especially from the front seat.
• Hurler (at Paramount's Kings Dominion)
  As far as I can tell, this is an exact replica of the one at Carowinds. A great coaster.

• Grizzly (at Paramount's Kings Dominion)
  This is probably my favorite [wooden roller coaster]. It's full of great drops, turns, and plenty of [air-time]. With its setting in the middle of a forest, the [scenery] just adds to the excitement.
  Interesting bit of trivia -- this was patterned after the famous Coney Island Wildcat.

• Avalanche (at Paramount's Kings Dominion)
  The best [bobsled] I've ever been on, and the only [Mack] bobsled this side of the Atlantic. An extremely smooth ride. Very fast, and very fun. Ride it, and all of the other bobsled coasters will pale by comparison.
• Little Eagle (at Myrtle Beach Pavilion)
  A fun little [mine train]/[kiddie coaster]. It goes up a hill, around a track, through a [tunnel], beside a waterfall, and through some fast turns. And it goes around the track several times before stopping back at the [station]. And it's actually a fun ride for both kids and adults alike.
  Interesting tidbit -- this was the first (and so far only) [kiddie coaster] designed by [Mack GmbH].
• Ricochet (at Paramount's Carowinds)
  A great little [Wild Mouse] roller coaster. Reminds me a lot of [Arrow]'s Wild Mouse at the Myrtle Beach Pavilion. From what I remember of Arrow's version, though, this one is a bit smoother. Of course, what should I expect from the same company that made PKD's Avalanche? Great ride!

• Steel Eel (at Sea World San Antonio)
  The debate rages on about whether this is truly a [hypercoaster] or not, but it's a great ride either way. It's certainly one of my favorites. Extremely smooth, fast, and fun. Lots of [air-time] in the hills, a very nice [turnaround] in the middle, and just a great ride overall. Not necessarily "thrilling" like the Titan, but a nice coaster you can ride over and over again.

• Great American Scream Machine (at Six Flags over Georgia)
  One of my favorite [woodies]. A non-[racing] woodie that is full of great hills and turns. When it opened in 1973, it was one of the longest and tallest wooden coasters in the United States, and it is still a great coaster. A great ride.
• Rebel Yell (at Paramount's Kings Dominion)
  Your typical [racing woodie]. Similar in design (though smaller than) Thunder Road at Carowinds. Last time I was there, both trains were running facing forward, but they may have turned one of them [backwards] by now -- I'm not sure.
• Scooby Doo's Ghoster Coaster (aka Scooby Doo) (at Paramount's Carowinds)
  My first [wooden] coaster, and probably my first coaster ever. A great little coaster, laid out in roughly a [figure-eight] pattern, with lots of hills, drops, and turns. Though this appears to be a [kiddie] coaster, it's actually a great ride for young and old alike. I've seen several adults caught off guard by how intense it was for a "kiddie" ride. (Of course, the day I heard those comments, the [trains] were mostly filled with adults and teenagers, which undoubtedly added to the speed and momentum of the train ...)
• Scooby Doo's Ghoster Coaster (aka Scooby Doo) (at Paramount's Kings Dominion)
  Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe this is pretty much identical to the one at Carowinds. At any rate, another fun, "small" [woodie].
• Thunder Road (at Paramount's Carowinds)
  "Grit your teeth ... Bear the load ... Enjoy your ride ... Down Thunder Road ..." So begins the tale of your ascent of the [lift-hill] on this coaster. Thunder Road is a [racing coaster], where one side runs forwards and one runs [backwards]. It travels up and down some great hills, giving plenty of [air-time], through a [turnaround] at the far end, and back -- even careening through a [tunnel] shortly before the station. An awesome ride (especially backwards or at night.) Unfortunately, they haven't been starting the trains at the same time since they turned one backwards, so it's a "racing" coaster in name only (or by pure accident.)

• Rattler (at Six Flags Fiesta Texas)
  The longest, tallest, and fastest [wooden] coaster I've ever been on -- and one of the longest, tallest, and fastest wooden rollercoasters in the world. It's also one of the roughest. They don't call it "Rattler" for nothing -- it rattles your whole body during almost the entire course, and you need Tylenol and a back massage when you get done. But the ride up, down, and through the walls of the rock quarry make it something worth trying at least once.

• Zyklon (at Town Center Spring Carnival & Fiesta)
  A travelling carnival stopped in town, but I didn't think anything of it ... until I saw them erecting a COASTER! It was just your standard [Zyklon Z-40] model, but I had never actually ridden one before, so I gave it a try. It was really fun. The ride op had to manually push the car out of the station to get it going, and then he hopped into the back seat of the car with us (to give it some extra weight, maybe? or maybe just to flirt with the girl sitting behind us ...) The ride itself was fun -- including some good [air-time] and some great hills and turns. It ended with the other ride-op stopping us with a huge [manual brake lever]. Great time all-around.

• Flight of Fear (aka Outer LIMits: Flight of Fear) (at Paramount's Kings Dominion)
  The first ever [linear-induction] coaster in the world. A wild experience! The [queue] goes through a hangar and into a U.F.O. And then you see the "launch". I still remember standing in the room waiting to get on when the [train] in front of me left the staion. My heart stopped. The ride itself was a bit rough, but it's well worth the experience. As another rider said, when we got off -- "That's the kind of ride you get on and say, 'I'm the man!' and then get the @#%$ out of there!" I would agree.
• Mr. Freeze (at Six Flags over Texas)
  An interesting combination [Linear-Induction]/[shuttle] coaster. You launch out of the station near 70 mph, go through a [top-hat inversion], around a curve, and up a vertical spike, only to fall backwards down the track and back into the station. A good ride, but try to go when the line's short. (Don't know if it's worth a long wait.) Also, the last few times I've been there, it's been closed (due to mechanical problems) more than it's been open.
• Runaway Mountain (at Six Flags over Texas)
  Runaway Mountain is a neat [enclosed] rollercoaster. It's supposed to be a mine-car ride through a dark mountain cavern. There are no [inversions], but don't let that stop you from riding it. It's a fast, smooth, wild ride, and being in the dark, you never know what's coming next.

• Judge Roy Scream (at Six Flags over Texas)
  A nice little [woodie]. It sits apart from the rest of the park, adjacent to a pretty pond. There's noting extremely spectacular about it, but the [head-chopper effect] of running through the support beams for the track adds a bit of excitement to it.

• Black Witch (at Magic Harbor)
  It's been years since I've been to this (now [defunct]) park. The entire park had very pretty [scenery] and [theming], with a British sort of feel to it. I'll never forget the Chair Lift or the Log Flume ride. However, I don't remember much about the Black Witch except that I rode it at least once and it was your typical [Galaxi/Wildcat] type coaster. But the rest of the park ... I really miss it!
• Galaxi (at Myrtle Beach Pavilion)
  This was your typical [Galaxi/Wildcat] style coaster, but that doesn't mean it wasn't worth riding. And as was true with the rest of the park, it was especially pretty at night. They tore it down and put the Mad Mouse in it's place back in '97.
  A bit of trivia -- this coaster was originally from Kings Dominion and relocated to Myrtle Beach in '83.
• Galaxi (at The South Carolina State Fair)
  Pretty much the same as the Galaxi at the Myrtle Beach Pavilion -- [S.D.C.]'s standard version of the [Galaxi/Wildcat] coaster -- only this one was a [portable] model (and [hand-operated] if I remember correctly.)
• Mark I (at The South Carolina State Fair)
  Another version of the [Galaxi/Wildcat] coaster, also by [S.D.C.], I believe. Maybe this one's a little bigger than the Galaxi, bit it's laid out basically the same. A fun "family" coaster.

• Doppel Looping (at The South Carolina State Fair)
  The first [portable] [upside-down coaster] I've ever seen, and (I believe) the first one in North America. A [Schwarzkopf] model -- meaning no [shoulder-harnesses], only a [lap bar] -- with two [vertical loops]. After the two loops, the track curves up and back through one of the loops. Fun, and pretty when lit up at night, but rather rough (especially the first time you ride it!) Give it a few tries before passing judgement on it, though.
• Mind Bender (at Six Flags over Georgia)
  A great [Schwarzkopf] coaster, built in and around some nice [terrain] at the edge of the park. Six Flags claims it has three [inversions], however the last time I rode it, I could only recall two -- two [vertical loops]. (The other inversion, I think, is what most enthusiasts call an [overbanked turn]. Many don't consider that an inversion.) At any rate, a fun coaster. Totally underrated.
• Shockwave (at Six Flags over Texas)
  Not to be confused with the torture machine at [PKD], this [Schwarzkopf] coaster is an awesome ride and probably the most under-rated ride in the park! The first coaster with two back-to-back [vertical loops] has been thrilling the crowds since it opened in 1978 and is still a blast two dozen years later. I rode it at night, which made it even more spectacular. Very smooth, and with no [shoulder-harnesses] (only a [lap-bar]), you don't come off it with a headache. A great ride for anybody.

• Georgia Cyclone (at Six Flags over Georgia)
  My first [wooden twister] -- fast and furious, and extremely disorienting. In other words, a great coaster. It's a little rough, but that just comes from being a [wooden coaster].
  Some more trivia -- this coaster was patterned after the legendary Coney Island Cyclone and built by the same company that made the Texas Giant. It opened the same year as the Giant (1990), but didn't receive nearly as much fanfare as the "bigger and better" Giant did. (I still think I prefer the Cyclone, though.)
• Texas Giant (at Six Flags over Texas)
  This is a pretty good [wooden] rollercoaster. Consistently rated in the top 10 coasters in the U.S., this "pile of toothpicks" has a lot to offer. There's plenty of speed, some nice drops and turns, and some good [air-time]. You might get banged around a little, but nothing like the Rattler at Fiesta or some other coasters I've been on.

• Shockwave (at Paramount's Kings Dominion)
  I think the name fits. It's an extremely rough ride, from the uncomfortable [restraints] to the needless humps in the track (supposed to provide [air-time], maybe?) that sucessfully jar every bone in your body. It's only one of two [stand-up] coasters I've ever ridden -- Vortex at Carowinds being the other. Luckily I rode the Vortex first, or I may have given up on stand-ups after this one. Of course, it's made by [Togo], so what should I have expected? (Then again, at the time I first rode it, I didn't know what the heck a "Togo" was! I've since learned!)
  Trivia tidbit -- first stand-up coaster on the east coast.

• Flashback! (at Six Flags over Texas)
  The first, and so far only [boomerang coaster] I've ever been on. The thrill of being pulled backwards up the lift hill, then roaring back through the station is quite intense. Then you go through a [boomerang element] and a [vertical loop], only to climb up another hill and do it all over again -- backwards!
• Joker's Revenge (at Six Flags Fiesta Texas)
  At first glance, this coaster doesn't appear very unusual -- a single [vertical loop] followed by two [corkscrews]. However, the [queue line] gives you some hint that something strange might be going on. It's [themed] as a Fun-House, with everything from fun mirrors to an upside-down room! Then when you get to the station, you notice that the [train] is facing [backwards]! It's a very interesting ride (especially going through the corkscrews backwards!) It's a little rough, but well worth trying at least once.
  Unsubstantiated Trivia -- I was told that when the ride originally opened, instead of the entire [train] facing backwards, the train was relatively normal with [backwards seats]! They have since changed to a more conventional coaster [train], with the entire train [facing backwards].
• Ninja (at Six Flags over Georgia)
  A great [steel] coaster. Tons of tight turns, [inversions], and twisted track, packed into a relatively small area. Lots of fun, very disorienting. After riding it and even after seeing pictures of it, I'm still not exactly sure what all sorts of [elements] there are. A must-ride.
• Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (at Walt Disney World: MGM Studios)
  One of my favorite coasters, hands-down. Not only does it have a [linear-induction] launch, but it's extremely smooth and fun as well. Add to it Disney's [theming] (you're in a limo taking Aerosmith to a rock concert) and a rocking soundtrack (including "Love in a Roller Coaster"!!), and you've got the makings of a wonderful experience! Be forewarned, however -- it does contain three [inversions]: a [cobra-roll] and a [corkscrew]. (We didn't know it when we rode it, and it caught my wife off guard. She still liked it, though.)
• Rugrats Runaway Reptar (at Paramount's Carowinds)
  A very interesting coaster. It's [themed] (and named) for a children's cartoon, and it sits in the newly expanded children's section of the park, but don't let that keep you from riding it. It's a great, fun ride for all ages. It's a [suspended] coaster that has all the fun of an [inverted] coaster without the [loops]. It's also a great way to "spin dry" after a ride on the nearby log flume ("Wild Thornberry's River Adventure". Used to be "Powder Keg Flume".)

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (at Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom)
  A great little [mine train], and (as is typical with Disney rides), great [theming] as well. It's been years since I've ridden it, but I remember loving it (and will definitely ride it next time I go!)
• Space Mountain (at Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom)
  A great coaster! Actually a pair of great coasters. The [twin] coasters that make up "Space Mountain" (named Alpha and Omega) are basically mirror-images of one another and give pretty much the same ride whichever side you're on. It's [enclosed] inside a huge steel "mountain", almost completely in the dark, and the [cars] are shaped like rockets. (One thing to note -- you sit single-file instead of two-across, so if you're used to sitting next to your Honey, you'll have to sit in front or behind instead!) You are on a flight to another planet (complete with a launch sequence countdown, a star-filled "sky" overhead, and even a "re-entry" shortly before you land.) Great fun, and great [theming], too. A must-ride for anyone in the park.

• Rudicoaster (at Santa's Land)
  One of my favorite [kiddie] coasters. The train is [themed] to look like a sled, with Rudolph's head on the front and a bag or stocking full of goodies on the back. It goes through some pretty intense turns, dodging in and out of the pine trees. The whole ride is [powered] (instead of using a traditional [lift-hill]), and they run it around the track at least twice before stopping. Fun for the whole family!

Page last updated Wednesday, March 22, 2006.