Nothing is more thrilling than taking a roller coaster ride. It can be a little scary if you've never climbed on it, but if you learn the difference between the various types of roller coasters and know what to expect from the ride you can experience this fearless experience. It must be fun! You can learn how to choose the right carousel, stay safe and have fun. To learn how, read on.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Russian Mountain
Step 1. Learn the differences between the various types of roller coasters
There are many varieties, each of them has its own style and intensity, and it is important to understand what emotion you want to feel, before getting on it. Some prefer old-fashioned wooden roller coasters to have a vintage experience, while others prefer the new, lightning-fast and bloated ones, with twists and turns to test your courage. You have to choose, but it is good to know roughly what to expect from every now and then.
- Wooden roller coaster. Better to start with these, they are the more classic type. They work through the traditional chain ascent mechanism. Carts are lifted to the highest point and then let go, gravity then pushes them through curves and descents at high speed. Normally these trolleys do not go around the loop. Among the classic wooden roller coasters there are still very famous examples, such as The Texas Giant, The American Eagle at Six Flags Great America and The Beast at King's Island.
- Steel roller coaster. They are characterized by very complex steel paths, which allow greater maneuverability and better comfort for those who travel on them. They allow you to reverse the direction of travel of the trolleys, they can incorporate loops, spirals and a whole series of exciting routes. Among the most modern roller coasters, the best in steel are the classic Kingda Ka, the Millennium Force and the Steel Dragon 2000.
Step 2. Find out the differences between the various types of roller coaster seats
Roller coasters are not all designed the same, and some are much more comfortable than others, especially for those who have never tried to ride on them. Knowing the differences between the various types will help you choose the right one. Roller coasters equipped with traditional trolleys are often best for beginners who are approaching this world. They are comfortable, safe and relatively simple.
- For example, floorless roller coasters leave passengers' legs free to intensively simulate free fall, while in stand-up roller coasters, passengers are secured in their seat in an upright position.
- In the winged roller coaster there are two trolleys that extend on each side of the course, giving the passenger the impression of floating in the void, while the suspended roller coaster, on the other hand, is able to swing back and forth freely when cornering.
Step 3. Start with a small roller coaster
If you have no experience, the best way to get used to roller coaster riding is to start with smaller versions. Most amusement parks have different varieties of roller coasters, and they are all fun. The smaller ones usually have not very steep descents, they are devoid of loops, but they are still able to unleash strong emotions at high speed. They also often have shorter routes. Useful, especially if the wait makes you nervous.
Alternatively, depending on your temperament, you could jump straight onto the most intense and thrilling roller coaster there is to overcome your fears. In this way you will know that you have lived the strongest experience, and you will no longer have reason to be afraid
Step 4. Make sure you meet the required height and weight parameters
Before getting on the roller coaster you will find a pole indicating the minimum height required for all passengers. It is not used to punish kids who want to ride the biggest roller coaster, but to ensure the safety of all passengers. Seats and safety harnesses need to be wide enough to fit well over everyone, so kids and particularly short people risk slipping through them.
- Do not try to sneak past the measuring rod. Usually the employees of the amusement park are in charge of taking the measurements and sending away anyone who does not reach the necessary height. There is no point in waiting two hours to be kicked out at the last second.
- Most facilities warn passengers that pregnant women, people suffering from heart conditions and other similar problems should not ride any kind of roller coaster. They are often placed at the beginning of the queue, near the measuring rod. Do not get on the merry-go-round if you have any doubts about your health.
Step 5. Choose a roller coaster that has a reasonable path
You don't have to choose one with a very long and winding path. The most famous ones often have lines that last between two and three hours, depending on the route and the amusement park, so if you want to get on more attractions you must be able to manage your time well. It may be worth waiting several hours to get on the larger carousel, although you can save a lot of time by getting on smaller attractions.
- Bring something with you to pass the time while in line, or have friends accompany you. Waiting like that can be frighteningly boring, and having someone by your side or a good book to read can make the time go by faster. Be polite and show respect to all other people in line with you.
- Some theme parks issue passes to show you at a certain time and pass the line to get directly to the attraction. These types of passes are much more expensive than regular tickets, but they allow you to use your time much more efficiently.
Step 6. Choose the seat
Usually when you reach the end of the line people are split to line up with the trolley seats. When you are at the entrance of the carousel, choose the row you prefer based on the place where you want to sit. If this is your first time riding a roller coaster you can choose a trolley at random.
- Some prefer to sit in the front to enjoy the view, while others prefer to sit in the back to experience the "goat effect", a phenomenon named after Disneyland's Thunder Mountain roller coaster. On the front of the trolleys the force of gravity is stronger, so the experience is much more intense, especially due to the lack of vision.
- If you have no preference, choose the shortest line to get on the carousel first. The less you wait, the less you get impatient, and the more you have fun!
Part 2 of 3: Stay Safe and Stay Calm
Step 1. Ride the carousel on an empty stomach
It shouldn't even be said, but all the excitement of being in the amusement park and the large availability of buns and chicken wings can make you forget one very important thing: the roller coaster can cause you to vomit. The force of gravity is very strong on some rides, and the weightlessness can make stomach butterflies and sometimes even nausea. Many don't feel this feeling, for others it's part of the fun, but if your stomach is full of churros, know that they could all end up on the cart behind yours. Don't eat before getting on a merry-go-round, do it later, as a reward for your courage.
Also try to go to the bathroom before starting the queue. There is no need to wait two hours to get on the Vortex only to find that you have to do two drops before mounting on the cart. It might be unpleasant
Step 2. Get on the cart and sit down
On most rides you will find a metal harness on the seat which can be lowered and secured very easily. If you don't know how to do it, don't worry, the roller coaster employees ride on the trolleys and check each passenger before the ride leaves. Listen carefully to the instructions that will be given to you. Relax and stay calm, they won't let you leave until your harness is secured.
- Seats and safety systems vary from carousel to carousel, so if you have trouble understanding how they work, wait for an employee to approach you and ask them to help you. More elaborate security systems are usually set up directly by park employees. If you suspect that the harnesses are not working, notify someone from the staff immediately.
- Make sure you are comfortable. Roller coasters are boisterous, and you'll most likely rock a little, but that's part of the fun. But if you don't feel comfortable in the seat, you may experience discomfort with every jolt. This could make the journey annoying. If you find that there is something wrong or uncomfortable in your seat, tell one of the employees or find another seat before the safety harnesses are attached.
Step 3. Secure any accessories that might fly away
As the trolley reaches very high speeds, it is important to remove any accessories or items of clothing that could fly off. The objects that are lost most often are sandals, hats, glasses and necklaces, and it is very difficult to find them, especially if they are lost along the way.
- Always remove your glasses and keep them in your pocket. It is best to think about it before getting on and sitting down.
- If you wear a cap with a visor you can simply turn it over, but it is always better to take it off and hold it in your hand, put it in a bag, or leave it with someone who stays on the ground.
Step 4. Relax
While you are sitting and waiting for the carousel to start, you will definitely feel some anxiety. It is normal to start suspecting that something is wrong and become paranoid about any particularly strange noise, especially if this is your first time getting on an attraction like this. Any feelings you experience are normal. Try your best to stay calm and enjoy the fun of the adrenaline. Roller coasters are safe and reliable structures.
- Hold tight and don't let go unless you feel safe. Most rides have handles to allow passengers to relieve some of the tension and feel that they are in control. Grab one and enjoy!
- When the ride starts, don't squirm and don't worry too much about the safety harnesses. True, many are injured every year after riding a roller coaster, but more than 300,000,000 people enjoy themselves without any accidents. The vast majority of accidents are caused by passenger mistakes and breaking the rules, tampering with safety harnesses, or those people entering the queue by passing checks and violating the rules. If you follow the rules and sit quietly, you will have no problems.
Part 3 of 3: Have fun
Step 1. Always take a friend with you
Roller coasters are an experience to share with someone. Being alone on the trolley can make the journey very boring. One of the funniest things about roller coasters is hearing the laughter, screams, and comments of people traveling with you. Taking a roller coaster ride with a friend on a nice day at the amusement park can be a lot of fun.
- Friends can help ease the situation and distract you. When you have fun with friends, waiting in line becomes more bearable, and you can focus on the experience you are about to have.
- Don't be persuaded to ride a roller coaster by your friends if you're not sure you're ready. If all of your friends want to get on the scariest attraction with seven loops and you don't feel like it, hop on another ride in the meantime. You can meet again later.
Step 2. Go over the first slope
Most roller coasters have one thing in common, a long slow climb to the first giant descent. All the classic attractions have an opening descent, after that you will enjoy the rest of the ride at maximum speed and fun.
- The first climb is one of the scariest parts of the tour, as nothing happens and takes a long time. Try to enjoy the wait by imagining what the descent will be like. It will not take long.
- Sensitive passengers tend to close their eyes, but not seeing what awaits them makes it a little more nauseating. Try to keep your eyes open if you can and look around. This way you will have more fun.
Step 3. Scream
When you go down at an insane speed, many people will surely start screaming with joy. Join them! There are few occasions in life when you can let yourself go and scream at the top of your lungs, the roller coaster is one of them. You will surely feel the adrenaline flowing, better let off steam with a primordial groan.
Shouting in a group can also cause the brain to release oxytocin, a hormone that under certain conditions relaxes and calms the body. This means that screaming can make you feel calmer and trigger a pleasant sense of euphoria
Step 4. Some attractions have back and forth routes
Congratulations, you managed to get on a roller coaster for the first time! Now the fun begins. Very often people who start this adventure immediately get back in line after getting off. The adrenaline rush caused by a beautiful attraction is something unique. What more could you want? Climb the same attraction again, but do the reverse!
- Several attractions travel in one direction during most of the day, only to reverse at a certain time. Ask the amusement park staff for information or look carefully at the attractions to see if they are traveling the other way around.
- Some attractions have two-lane routes, where trolleys travel in one direction and the other at the same time. The Racer on King's Island is one of the classic examples of this roller coaster category.
Step 5. Try to get on the roller coaster launched
In this type of attraction the start is marked by a bang, caused by the hydraulic pressure that launches the trolley at very high speed, sometimes 100-130 km / h. It gives you little time to prepare, but helps you get over the climb quickly. The path usually has many ups and downs, spirals and loops. The Space Mountains at Disney World are the most famous example of this category of attractions.
Step 6. Try a carousel with inverted courses
The next challenge? Take a loop of the dead. The first time you end up upside down is very exciting, even if it may seem scary. For a few thousandths of a second you feel weightlessness, and then you return to normal. Roller coasters that feature loops are often long and elaborate, or fast and intense. If you have overcome your fear of traditional roller coasters, you can move on to the next level.
What terrifies most people on their first ride is not the descent or the nausea, but the fact of being tossed around. Loops are often the quietest parts of the route, so there's no reason to be afraid of them
Step 7. Try to get on all the attractions in the amusement park
What's the best thing to do in an amusement park? Get on all the rides in one day! It's a doable thing, you just need to organize your time well and prepare for waiting in line. Planning ahead can help. At the end of the day you will be addicted to the roller coaster.
To make it you need to try to queue up early for the main attractions, when they are more likely to be shorter. You also need to make sure you have enough time. This way you can indulge in less popular attractions throughout the afternoon
Step 8. Take a look at the most intense roller coaster
If you are planning to become an adrenaline addicted roller coaster enthusiast, now is the time for you to get to know the biggest and most exciting in the world. Some of the fastest, tallest, longest and most exciting include:
- Formula Rossa in Abu Dhabi
- Takabisha at Fuji-Q Highland
- Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point
- El Toro and Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure
- The Colossus at Heide Park
- Full Throttle and X2 at Six Flags Magic Mountain
- Superman (ex Bizarro) and Goliath at Six Flags New England
- Boulder Dash and Phobia at Lake Compounce
- Smiler at the Alton Towers
Advice
- Don't eat anything if you don't know how you might react on a roller coaster, otherwise you might throw up.
- Some roller coasters have areas where you can get off if you decide you want to.
- Do not close your eyes during the journey if there are special routes. This way you will know what awaits you as you go.
Warnings
- Do not ride a roller coaster if you have heart problems, back or neck problems, or if you are pregnant.
- NEVER unfasten the safety harnesses, they are there for a good reason.
- You don't have to eat before getting on the roller coaster if you suffer from travel sickness. You might throw up.
- Don't take videos while on a roller coaster. It is against the regulation of most amusement parks, you could risk the seizure of the camera and being thrown out.
