by Stephanie Gall
Once again, the season of giving is upon us. Wary Christmas shoppers beware! News stories are already surfacing about people beating each other up over the last Barney doll. The traffic is unavoidable and people are jerks. If you happen to find an item worthy of purchase, you spend half the day waiting in line for that pimple-faced teen to take your money. The mall and your favorite retail store become a dangerous place this time of year. Why torture yourself?
This year, vow never to leave the safety of your own home. You can order just about anything from Amazon.com and have it shipped right to your home in time for the holidays. Why head out to the mall for an unfulfilling shopping trip when you can buy all your coaster-related paraphernalia from the comfort and safety of your own home? You don’t even have to put on pants!
Christmas has become so distorted with mall frenzies and bloated cookie psychosis that we’ve forgotten what the holidays are truly about – getting stuff. Okay, okay. It’s about giving stuff too. But let’s be honest. People expect gifts for Christmas regardless of whether they’ve been naughty or nice. With roughly one month left of shopping time, what are you going to buy your coaster-obsessed loved ones this year?
Here are the top seven coaster-related gifts of 2003 for your beloved coaster geek:
7. Disney’s 60 Years of Musical Magic Music:
This is a great gift for those of you who can’t stop singing the “It’s a Small World” song and have become enamored with the park. Disney hits from the movies as well as cartoons are sure to be a hit at parties. Be on the lookout for the other five volumes in this series!
6. RollerCoaster Tycoon 2:
The popularity of the original RollerCoaster Tycoon spawned a sequel and it's dirt cheap now. Already have RCT2? Then it’s time you picked up the Time Twister and Wacky Worlds expansion packs. The fun of this thrilling sim never ends! Think you can build a better coaster? We dare you!
5. Fairground attraction print:
Liven up your bathroom with a colorful and whimsical print featuring an abstract scene from an amusement park. A small gift for those watching their pocketbooks.
4. Tickets to Universal Orlando:
This year, we’re recommending a trip to Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida. Maybe the Pteranadon Flyers won’t be operating, but it’s a great place to kill 5 days and lots of money. Did I mention Medieval Times is nearby? And don’t forget your coaster club membership. Obviously, we recommend CoasterBuzz Club. It’s only $20 bucks and gets you into at least two exclusive events next year.
3. Hasbro’s Disney Theme Park:
I know…more Disney, but this play set is sure to delight the littlest fans of Magic Kingdom. Included with this set are Disney figures and floats to simulate the end-of-the-day parade. Looking to complete your set?
2. A Disney carousel and the Disney Smallworld Ride:
Available to complete the home theme park experience.
1. K’nex Rippin Rocket:
If you don’t already have one, it’s time to invest. If you do already own this magnificent beauty, time to buy another. Think of what two sets could build! Since it has come down quite a bit in price since its release, this is by far the year’s top gift for our coaster geeks. In addition, the K’nex Ferris Wheel has been revamped to a new version that includes music. Plus, if you’re a big spender you can buy the K’nex Amusement Park Science and Technology pack to fill hours of quality building time.