What makes coasters fun?

I agree that coasters are an art-form. Unlike most other forms of art, you get to experience it up close, or interactively as WTN said above.

From my point of view, there's nothing more beautiful or interesting than an Intamin. How the wide sweeping curves of Millennium Force race through the course and seamless transitions are carried out. Or how a B&M's track can be so twisted and misconceiving that you just know that its going to be a great coaster before you even ride it. And even how sitting on the sides of a 4-across train is much different from a 2-across train. The beauty of a wood coaster is breathtaking. And for me, even an old arrow coaster is beautiful because you know the designers used now-outdated, seemingly pre-historic methods to design the coasters of yesterday, which gives you even more appreciation for the coasters that we have today.

Also, I get really excited by all of the mechanics of how the coasters work, the brakes, the lifts/launches, sensors, blocking, etc.

And then I concur with all of Moosh's statements.

Something to do.

There's something about being outside, and being active that I like, too. I'm not a couch potato by any stretch of the imagination, and I just can't stand to sit around the house with nothing to do.

Not to mention I like speed.

Coasters are definitely an art form all their own. For me, there are coasters, and then all the rest of human architecture. The aesthetic factor pulls me in every time. They're almost like sailing ships, with all those curves and vertical lines.

Pardon me while I swoon. ;)

My fascination for coasters has two corner stones:

1. On a coaster there is no choice for a while, things unfold just like they unfold, so I am left with nothing but pure experience, pure feelings of excitement, without the doubts and hesitations that are part of normal life -
this always gives my soul a form of existential satisfaction and joy :o)

2. The aspect that I follow an awe-inspiring trajectory of natural dynamics, a path through time and space where height turns into speed and curvature into G-forces while I can trust and relax being right there in reality and completely one with myself.

As you may see from this, I am not really into the "fear" aspect of coasters (I think I don't feel that anymore), I basically like my coasters to have giant smooth but powerful airtime hills, overbanks, inversions, corkscrews, you name it - like aerobatics.
I much prefer coasters that get my eyes misty instead of my hairs raised.

Even though I am also interested in big machines, I have no interest in flat rides whatsoever, they always make me regret and also make me nauseous most of the time.
I hate freefall towers, and I get no kick out of dark rides that hurt my aesthetic feelings (I have to yet find one that doesn't).

Coasters give me a very specific kick, and what I like most about a good coaster is that I feel more alive when I arrive back at the station.

*** Edited 12/27/2006 9:07:05 PM UTC by superman***

Wow, you guys done took it to another level. Me...I just like the dipty doos.

^ LOL - holla. Like I said a couple of posts ago, it's something to do.