In recent years, more so in the last year, I have grown much fonder of roller coasters. I have made it my personal mission to explore as many parks as financially possible. I think it’s more than physically possible for me to do it, the wallet is a bit tight though.

I really enjoy the Cedar Fair parks near home (Cedar Point – 8 hour drive and King’s Island – 4 hour drive) and am a Platinum Pass Holder which allows me to enter both as many times as I like for only $160 a year! Another favorite is the family friendly Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. They have three of the best wooden roller coasters in the world, all have been award winning and there is nothing like feel of a true wooden roller coaster.

There are parks in the area that I feel the need to explore in the coming summer. Within 3-5 hours of driving time, I can be to Six Flags – Saint Louis and Six Flags – Kentucky Kingdom. I have been to both parks but my age at the time allows few memories and I wasn’t a ride warrior at that period in my life. Another park that I have never visited but plan on patronizing is Indiana Beach. I was told that they are primarily a water park but from looking at their website, they have a variety of thrill rides including a few coasters.

I am always asked what my favorite roller coaster is and that is hard to decide. I try to split them into three categories, steel, wood/steel hybrid and wood. Below is my insight on the best of the three worlds.

Steel

With all ones ridden considered: Diamondback, Top Thrill Dragster, Millennium Force, Magnum XL200, Maverick, Vortex, and the list goes on.

I must say that Millennium Force at Cedar Point wins, especially if it is ridden in the dark on Halloweekends. Looking from the lift hill to the left over the lake and Sandusky or to the right over a foggy park is just amazing!

Steel/Wood Hybrid

These are a unique breed of coasters. You have the track layout and design of a wooden coaster but the ride of a steel coaster. You don’t get the thrill and I’ve only ridden one that I am attached too. That is Gemini as Cedar Point and its not because of the thrill of riding the coaster but its character and energy level. Gemini is a dual coaster that races two cars (red and blue) through the course. When both sides are running, competition between the trains can get tense and everyone on a train gets concerned with winning and will start paddling the train along! You can also clap hands with the other train though please remember to keep all arms and legs inside the train at all times.

Wood

This category is the hardest to make a decision on. My true favorite wooden roller coaster lost its dignity and is now closed indefinitely without what made it the worlds best wooden roller coaster. In loss of it, I chose another favorite as a small park in Indiana called Holiday World.

Son of Beast

The Son of Beast was easily the worlds best wooden roller coaster; it was the tallest, fastest and had a loop. It was also the second longest, behind its parent, The Beast. The Son of Beast was a great coaster but it is a bit temperamental and likes to injure, or cause accusations of injuring, guests. The loop was removed after an accident occurred a few years ago and another early in the 2009 season has caused the ride to be closed without any word from the park on its fate. Below is a video when with the loop present.

The Voyage

Since the passing of Son of Beast, I have moved my #2 favorite coaster into the top spot. The Voyage is a wooden roller coaster owned by Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. It truly has a style of its own built in the hills of Southern Indiana. I personally suggest that if you are around South-Central Indiana, you be sure you include Holiday World on your to-do list!

Honorable Mention: The Beast

Opened on April 13, 1979, the Beast become the worlds longest roller coaster, a title it still proudly holds today. It even still ranked by the Golden Ticket Awards as #7 for Top Wooden Roller Coaster in 2009. Any coaster that can stand the test of time by holding longest wooden coaster status for over 30 years must be good! It sits at the back of King’s Island and weaves in and out of the trees, leading rides on a almost 5 minute adventure through twists, turns, tunnels, two lift hills and a double helix. It is a must of any coaster enthusiast.

Thank you for reading and as I explore new parks and experience new coasters, I will gladly pass along my thoughts!

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