New Time Traveler Roller Coaster Sets Several World Records

Missouri’s Silver Dollar City made major waves in the theme park industry Wednesday when it formally opened the fastest, steepest and tallest complete-circuit spinning roller coaster.

Say hello to Time Traveler.

The opening of Silver Dollar City’s newest roller coaster has drawn worldwide attention due to the spinning cars on the ride. Each of the four cars in every train will experience a 360-degree controlled spin that gives passengers “high dimension, sensations and perspectives that differ with every car, every ride, every time.”

Upon completion, the Time Traveler set several world records for a complete-circuit spinning coaster, including becoming the fastest (50.3 miles per hour), steepest (10-story, 90-degree vertical drop) and tallest (100 feet).

“This coaster’s state-of-the-art controlled spin provides riders a unique thrill experience while still appealing to families,” Silver Dollar City president Brad Thomas said in a statement. “Since Silver Dollar City’s opening day in 1960, guests have taken a journey back in time with unique and world-class experiences. We strive daily to continue that tradition through our rides, our festivals, our crafts and our food.”

The attraction will also become the first and only spinning coaster with three inversions (a dive loop, a vertical loop, and a zero-g roll), a vertical loop (95-feet tall) and a double launch (0-to-47 mph in three seconds and 30-to-45 mph in 3.5 seconds).

With four passengers per car on Time Traveler, the custom-designed attraction introduces a new generation of thrill coasters after more than two years of planning and construction. The investment of $26 million makes the ride the most expensive in the theme park’s history.

Time Traveler was designed and developed by renowned coaster manufacturer Mack Rides of Waldkirch, Germany.

“The car is the most advanced roller coaster car in the industry, featuring a free-spinning rotation on a launched roller coaster,” Mack Rides CEO Christian von Elverfeldt said in a statement. “For the utmost comfort, an onboard magnetic brake limits the rotation speed to allow the most enjoyable ride experience.”