by flickr user, Joao Maximo

We’ve come a long way since the ice slides constructed in 17th century Russia. I’m not talking about the wooden coaster at Coney Island. With the advancements in modern technology, they keep getting built taller and faster.

I haven’t always been a fan of roller coasters. My interest took a sharp u-turn from hate to love. I remember crying on Splash Mountain at Disney World when I was 13 and then absolutely loving the thrill of the Montu at Busch Gardens when I was 18. I’m pretty sure it was some kind of control issue stemming from my mom laughing and continuing to push me higher on the swing when I was scared and wanted to get off. Anyway, I got over it and now I love them. I guess I just learned to let go.

God help us in the hands of engineers

Recently I’ve been interested in the record-breaking coasters. The tallest. The fastest. I’ve found that even though Florida is known for its theme parks, it is not home to any of the record breakers.

78.4 mph – Son of Beast (Mason, Ohio, USA)

The world’s fastest wooden roller coaster. This is a pretty fast ride for it being made out of sticks.

8,133 ft. – Steel Dragon 2000 (Kuwana, Mie, Japan)

The world’s longest roller coaster. It’s over a mile and a half long!

120 mph – Top Thrill Dragster (Sandusky, Ohio, USA)

The world’s third fastest roller coaster.

With this type of coaster, every once in a while it doesn’t work quite right.

Sometimes it gets completely stuck.

128 mph – Kingda Ka (Jackson Township, New Jersey, USA)

Currently the world’s tallest coaster with the biggest drop, but the second fastest.

135 mph – Ring°Racer (Nürburgring, Germany)

The United States is stereotyped for its bigger is better mentality, but it is not home to the world’s fastest roller coaster.

Your Roller Coaster Stories

Do you love them? Do you fear them? Did your cousin Ray-Ray fall off and break every bone in his body?