| 1. Expedition Everest, Walt Disney World Resort, Florida |
Costing $100 million to create, Expedition Everest was voted the World's Best New Theme Park Attraction in 2006 and continues to dazzle crowds. As a concept ride in Disney’s Animal theme park this has no challengers and the giant artificial mountain became the second highest summit in all of Florida. Visitors scale this vast peak, often in the dark, only to be scared by the sight of the giant Yeti which guards the mountain. Simply breathtaking.
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| 2. Formula Rossa, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
To really get your heart going head to Formula Rossa in Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi. This is the world’s fastest roller coaster and reaches 100 km per hour in only 2 seconds, thanks to a hydraulic launch mechanism. Riders are propelled more than 50 metres high in cars painted to look like Formula One Ferraris. This theme park is indoors to escape the sweltering summer sun of the UAE
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| 3. Oblivion, Alton Towers, UK |
Oblivion was the world’s first vertical drop roller coaster and it remains as scary now as it was then. To really heighten anticipation there are mock news flashes in the cafeteria which say that one of the ride carriages has disappeared into Oblivion. As you look over the precipice your heart will remain in your mouth for a split second before being jolted back into place by speeds of nearly 70 kilometres per hour.
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| 4. The Curse of DarKastle, Virginia, USA |
One of pioneering amusement parks in the field of 4 dimensional technology on rides, this attraction in Bursch Gardens Europe is an incredibly atmospheric experience. To give you the heebie jeebies there are 3D projections of ghosts, special motion simulating vehicles to turn your stomach and numerous special effects which would be good enough for a movie set, let alone a regional park.
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| 5. The Kalahari Water Park, Ohio, USA |
If you thought Ohio was boring then you obviously didn’t know that it has the world’s largest indoor water park in Sandusky. As the name suggests the Kalahari is an African-themed water park which has two huge wave simulators, the world’s first uphill roller coaster and lots of water slides. For adults who want to relax while the kids play there are even spas making Kalahari ideal for a family holiday.
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| 6. The Cyclone, Brooklyn, USA |
Hark back to the golden area of rollercoasters by visiting the Cyclone in Brooklyn. Located in that fun-filled enclave of New York - Coney Island - the Cyclone was one of the grand old original rollercoasters. As you bump down the wooden slats it is a reminder of how far rollercoaster technology has come. There may be much smoother rides being released nowadays, but nothing can beat the nostalgia factor of the Cyclone.
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| 7. Black Mamba, Phantasialand, Germany |
This ride in North Rhine Westphalia is the showpiece of an African-themed park. It is an inverted rollercoaster similar to the Nemesis in Alton Towers. Black Mamba creates astonishing G-force and the ride also gives you the impression that you may smash into your surroundings at any point. Truly terrifying - like the snake after which it is named. However, proceeds from the Black Mamba initially went to help build a school in Malawi, so it is all for a good cause.
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| 8. The Steel Dragon 2000, Nagashima, Japan |
The Steel Dragon 2000 is the longest roller coaster in the world and the main draw of the Nagashima spa and amusement park. Built in 2000 to celebrate the Year of the Dragon, this massive gigacoaster measures more than 8,000 feet long. It also used to be the world’s tallest rollercoaster before the Top Thrill Dragster ride opened at Cedar point.
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| 9. Terminator 2 3-D: Battle Across Time, Universal Studios, Hollywood, USA |
Part of the Universal Studios parks attractions, T2 3-D can also be found in Florida and Japan. It was conceived as a sequel to the Judgment Day movie and showcases the new terminator technology from the point of view of a Cyberdyne hostess. This gives live performers the chance to interact with the 3D film, creating an awesome visual spectacle. Although Universal Studios has some horrendous queues there is a neat presentation to keep you occupied with mock-ups of guests getting tasered by Cyberdyne security. Just before reaching the ride you pick up ‘safety glasses’ which are in fact your 3D glasses.
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| 10. The Manta Coaster, SeaWorld, Florida, USA |
The Manta was built in Orlando as the next generation of amusement park ride. Masses of money was spent on the ride and the idea is that guests can get close up with Manta Rays before taking off on a rollercoaster ride with replicates their elegant movements. Visitors who are waiting to board the ride will find themselves in a huge aquarium that contains all sorts of rays as well as other marine life such as sea horses. Some parts of this exhibit can be seen by people who are not going on the rollercoaster, so don’t worry if amusements rides are not your thing.
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