View to a Thrill: 10 White-Knuckle Roller Coaster Parks
Features & Advice SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Cherese Weekes March 12, 2014

PHOTO: One of the many thrill rides at SeaWorld Orlando. (Courtesy of SeaWorld)
Soaring and tumbling in the air, whirling through tubes, screaming from the depths of your lungs, filling your stomach on hot dogs and funnel cakes while mingling with your clique and strangers all occur at one place — the amusement park.
Join us as we break out of our cocoons after winter and prepare for long summer days enjoying all the many loopholes in the laws of physics these superlative parks offer.
Here are 10 must-visit amusement parks for the rollercoaster enthusiast.
Orlando, Fla.: Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
For decades, tourists and locals alike have gravitated to Walt Disney World to recapture a little bit of their youthful magic and pass it along to the next generation. From the whimsical nostalgia of Main Street, USA to the surprises around every corner in Fantasyland, Disney's "imagineers" have created a living, breathing work of art. It's a testament to their creativity and the endurance of the Disney brand that old blends so seamlessly with new in the Magic Kingdom. Rapunzel's village square in Fantasyland is so on-theme with its surroundings, and Captain Jack Sparrow makes himself so at home on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, you'll swear they had been there since you were a kid.
But whimsy and surprsises alone don't earn Disney World a spot on this list; that honor is earned through the gravity-defying thrill ride that is Space Mountain. Between 2003 and 2005, improvements to this space-age-themed indoor coaster made it faster, darker and more harrowing. Don't let the mouse fool you; Disney offers up some real bone-chilling thrills to go with all that whimsy.
Hershey, PA: Hersheypark
Jam-packed with rides twirling, spinning, twirling and dropping, and built on the rich foundation of the legendary Hershey Chocolate, the vibrant flair of Hersheypark is one of a kind. As alluring as it is exciting, the park captivates visitors with adrenaline rushing rollercoasters including the Fahrenheit, Skyrush, as well as the Sooperdooperlooper, which will either have you clenching onto your handle with your eyes shut tightly or attempting the courageous hands-in-the-air technique.
In between blending in with other anxious riders, greeting life-sized Hershey Bars all throughout the park, and catching the array of entertainment showsy, you're in for a for a pretty sweet experience.
Williamsburg, VA: Busch Gardens
At this fun-filled park you will soar to new heights from its floorless coasters or take on its animalistic adventures safely on land. Whether you are an adult needing to let your inner child burst through or taking a family vacation, the diverse features of Busch Gardens continue to make it a must-see amongst roller coaster enthusiasts.
Encounter the park’s world of exotic wolves as well as the mystique of American Bald Eagles. From the skies you will be forced to feel the wrath of Flacon’s Fury and the gut-wrenching loops of SheiKra- just hold tight and remember to never look down.
Anaheim, CA: Disneyland
Dubbed the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ this may very well be true by the smiles plastered on its visitors’ faces. But what’s not to like about seeing your favorite Disney characters appear as though they had hopped right off the silver screen, feeling your legs sway in the air on the California Screamin’ rollercoaster, noshing on cotton candy from the boardwalk, and watching imaginative shows and parades?
As Walt Disney’s original masterpiece, the park consistently outdoes itself with two parks focused on creating memorable experiences for its riders. And as cheesy as this may sound, there is something magical about exploring the fairy-like world of Alice in Wonderland and skyrocketing to infinity and beyond on Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters.
Orlando, Fla: SeaWorld
Thrilling water rides and beloved sea animals make sea world a unique destination. From communing with penguins and nuzzling nose-to-nose with dolphins to watching in amazement at killer whales performing their most impressive tricks, you will become an instant animal lover.
So be prepared to let your hair down — or in SeaWorld’s terms, get wet — to capture the full-on experience of the park’s splashing amenities.
Valdosta, Georgia: Wild Adventures
Watching the world shrink to nothing below you from the dizzying heights of the Century Wheel, cozying up to slithering snakes, and feeling time slow as you whip around wild turns on the Boomerang are just a few of the electrifying thrills at Georgia’s Wild Adventures.
And indeed your head will be spinning out of control as you try to explore every one of the sprawling adventures lurking around every corner. Just try not to ignite the fury of a ferocious lion in the process.
Jackson, NJ: Six Flags Great Adventure
This Jersey icon is just as special as the Jersey Shore amongst locals, especially among crazed riders ready to get their swerve on through the air. Those who are familiar with the park’s exclusive rollercoasters know that you will have to visit Six Flags Great Adventure more than once to fully enjoy its thrilling luxuries.
Whether you are with the entire family or on a friend getaway, Six Flags Great Adventure is one of the few places in the world to hang with your childhood pal Bugs and all of his Loony Tunes buddies, rock out at the Fast Tracks and Food Trucks Festival, or go as high as any rider has gone before on the world's tallest rollercoaster, the Kingda Ka.
Branson, MO: Silver Dollar City
No visit to Missouri would be complete without setting foot in Silver Dollar City?
Its history, unique treasures, and entertainment all come alive in this park where the screams of shrieking children echo, its atmosphere is drenched in fragrant aromas of theme park favorites like hotdogs and burgers, and off course hearing that alluring thunder of rollercoasters compels even the biggest scaredy-cats to face their fears.
Silver Dollar City is also home to the Marvel Cave, which was discovered in the 1500s and maintains its stance as one of Missouri’s biggest caves in operation with one of the most spacious entry rooms in the U.S.
Pigeon Forge, TN: Dollywood
Can you imagine seeing the tops of the Smoky Mountains from the seat of a rollercoaster? Well you probably could — if you can keep your eyes open long enough. There’s only one way to find out.
Dollywood is definitely worth the trip, especially as the breathtaking canvas of Tennessee provides a luxurious backdrop for riders and strollers. Intertwined with cultural shops, delicious cuisine, and rides that will shoot you in the sky like a ball shot out of a cannon, Dollywood offers an once-in-a-lifetime experience you will never forget. For further evidence, check out the front-car perspective on the Tennessee Tornado up there. Dizzy yet?
Sandusky, Ohio: Cedar Point
Last but not least is Cedar Point, or as some like to call it ‘The Best Amusement Park in the World.' With over 300 acres of some of the world's tallest, fastest and most death-defying coasts this park is the coaster enthusiast's Mecca. Whether you need a deep dive into its water to cool off or craving that wind-in-your-hair experience from the tops of the high slopes of Top Thrill Dragster, Cedar Park is only for the brave.
So if you just so happen to be afraid of heights, hate having a queasy stomach, and dislike the uncomfortable feeling of having a complete stranger screaming uncontrollably in your ear, then Cedar Point may have the power to change your mind.
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