What does the future hold for Roller Coasters?

The title says is all really. What is there left to do with Coasters; what can the designers do that they haven't already done. Will it just be a case of bigger, higher and faster, or are we reaching the limits imposed by design and manufacturing constraints in addition to the limits imposed by imagination?

Perhaps the future lies in 'hybrid coasters'; we already have the liquid coaster which combines elements of a flume ride and a coaster. Are there any other genres of rides that can be integrated with a coaster?

Less is more. Look at the popularity of simple, small woodies, steel coasters big and small without loops. Sure, there will always be cuting edge rides like X, but in time those kind of novelties fade (It's happened before, and will happen again), and the tried and true designs will continue to shine.

Of course, I recently saw a tape of a PBS special from around 1990. A guy said that by 2000, coasters would not be built much, and motion simluators will replace them! :)

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- Peabody

People like the thrill of coasters, and it doesn't always have to be 300ft or have 10 inversions. Not everybody has the stomach for those types of rides, and that is what helps the small 90ft woodies to still be popular, and they always will. Sure, the line for a hyper or giga might be longer than the line for a 90ft woodie, but it doesn't mean nobody likes them.

But I do understand where you coming from, and yes there are things that are more thrilling than roller coasters. But this is still a booming business and always will be. People NEED and want that thrill.

I think coasters are going to start involving more combinations, like the water coaster. My particular idea, however, is a standup hyper, or even giga. Have you ever been on a togo and noticed the airtime. Imagine that 200-300 feet above the ground:). That, and the inverted log flume:).

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105 coasters, and the Cyclone still tops 'em all.

How about Steel track----Bobsled Track in the middle of the ride!

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I love Deja Valley. And Stunt Stall too!

I'm not permitted to tell what the future holds....but it looks GOOD...:)

giga, giga, giga

People only want giga's!

I'm sorry I couldn't resist.

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Barry Short- the SoCal, Ohio coaster enthusiast from Virginia.

Well, I think the coaster business is neverending. Think about it, 5 years ago if someone said we are building "X", and described it to you, you would see, yea right! I think 5 years from now, there is no telling what you will be riding at our local park!

That's fair to say, but it doesn't hurt to dream. I personally hope for the attempted rebuilding of some Golden Age hits, like the Cyclone Racer, Air Plane Coaster, and a GOOD, well maintained, version of the Bobs.

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105 coasters, and the Cyclone still tops 'em all.

CycloneWacko, are you saying that RWB doesn't qualify for some reason...;) I like your choices.....

Not saying, just 'hinting.' They could do better to do the Riverview Bobs justice. Even if the choices are good, the probability of it happening isn't unfortunately:(.

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105 coasters, and the Cyclone still tops 'em all.

Not saying, just 'hinting.' They could do better to do the Riverview Bobs justice. Even if the choices are good, the probability of it happening isn't unfortunately:(.

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105 coasters, and the Cyclone still tops 'em all.

Me and a ride on my imaginations ;)

"The Future of Roller Coasters"
-RollerCoasterGod

*** This post was edited by RollerCoasterGod on 9/3/2002. ***

As far as the future goes...heck, all i want is a twisted, fast, airtime-filled hyper/giga coaster. inversions dont do much for me. there are only a couple inversions that i really like. one of them is the loop. the reason? if its a big loop, you get a nice drop after getting to the top.

im all about speed and airtime, and where im standing, thats where the future is taking us. but dont take my word for it, i dont know really important people that know who is getting what. im simply basing my opinion on what seems to please guests more, and thats the hypers/gigas.

I think it is hard to tell what the future holds for rollercoasters.

People's Taste in rollercoasters has change a lot even in the last 10 to 15 years.

I mean 10 years ago everyone was in to the Arrow mega loopers and woodies.

Now it seems everyone is in to speed, airtime, and huge hyper coasters.

So me personally i think it is hard to tell it is very dependent on the public's want at that time.

Using magnets, of course, the next big rollercoaster craze will be those that hover:)

only time will tell but new technolegy will definity play a big part.

There will always be more people will want. Even though it would be hard to make something crazier than X.

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-Sean

maybe coasters will be more interactive, kinda like the men in black ride meets space mountain...

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You really need to get some more BRAN in your diet