Traveling the Globe for the Best Coasters and Theme Parks
As we discussed in the last article on the Whizzer the Marriott’s Great America parks were bold designs that applied many lessons learned at other regional parks. Part of this was a plan and specific plots designated for expansion. In 1977, a year after its opening, the Santa Clara park was the first to receive a major coaster addition, the Tidal Wave.
Continue reading “Lost Coasters of California – Part 3: Tidal Wave”
The Golden State has long had the reputation as one of the recreation capitals of the world. Beautiful weather combined with a diverse landscape created an environment where leisure became a serious business. It is no surprise that California is home to some of the world’s most famous roller coasters. Unfortunately many great rides are no longer part of the California coaster landscape. In these series we will be exploring some of California’s great coasters that are no more!
Continue reading “Lost Coasters of California – Part 1: Corkscrew”
With the opening of Corkscrew in 1975 Arrow Development not only introduced the first modern looping roller coaster it also introduced the first inverting coaster element that wasn’t a vertical loop. Though people complain about Arrow’s use of “cookie cutter” elements on its looping coasters we still see almost every element Arrow introduced being used today. For over 20 years these “cookie cutter” inversions were what it meant to ride a looping coaster and I think Arrow loopers continue to be the first “upside down” ride for many people. In celebration of 45 years of the modern looping roller coaster enjoy this ranking of five classic Arrow inverting elements.