Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email
With the summer nearly over, there's not much time left to conquer your fears and take on the world’s top roller coasters.
This list isn’t for the faint-hearted, as it covers the fastest, tallest and longest record-breaking roller coasters in the world.
One has 14 inversions, another reaches 456 feet height, there are top speeds of 150mph (with a hydraulic launch system similar to those used to launch jets), one which goes on for 8,133 feet, a wooden 'Lego' style construction, another which drops 400 feet, and, a 'beyond vertical' drop. But the pictures say it best.
Scream if you want to go faster.
Show all 9 1 /9The best roller coasters in the world The best roller coasters in the world Millennium Force, USA Breaking six world records when it was built in 2000, Millennium Force at Cedar Point in Ontario, United States, was briefly the tallest and fastest coaster in the world before Steel Dragon 2000. Millennium Force was also the world’s first Giga Coaster, exceeding 300 feet in height. Website: https://www.cedarpoint.com/ Ticket cost: £29.24
The best roller coasters in the world Formula Rossa, Abu Dhabi Formula One fans looking to experience the thrill of high-speed manoeuvres need look no further than Formula Rossa, currently the world’s fastest roller coaster, located at Ferrari Word in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Once strapped in to the Ferrari “Rosso Scuderia” F1 inspired cockpit, riders experience an incredible top speed of 150mph, accompanied by acceleration G-Force of 1.7Gs. In order to accelerate to top speed in under five seconds, the ride uses a hydraulic launch system similar to those used to launch jets from aircraft carriers. The ride is so fast riders are required to wear safety goggles. Website: http://www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com/en-gb.aspx Entry cost: £38.18
The best roller coasters in the world Kingda Ka, USA Currently the world’s tallest roller coaster, Kingda Ka reaches an impressive height of 456 feet. The roller coaster, found at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, in the United States, used to be the world’s fastest roller coaster, reaching 128 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds, before it lost that record to Formula Rossa in 2010. After a 90° rise to the top, riders then plummet down a 270 ° spiral drop. Website: https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure Entry cost: £24.54
The best roller coasters in the world Colossos, Germany The world’s tallest wooden roller coaster, Colossos in Heide Park, Germany, stretches 196 feet into the air. It is constructed using laser cut wood, which means the entire structure snaps together like pieces of Lego. Due to this, the wooden track gives a very smooth ride. Website: http://www.heide-park.de/en/heide-park/ Entry cost: £25.45
The best roller coasters in the world Steel Dragon 2000, Japan Named after the Chinese New Year in 2000, Steel Dragon 2000 at Nagashima Spa Lad amusement park in Mie Prefecture, Japan, holds the record for the longest roller coaster in the world. Boasting a track length of 8,133 feet, it’s also the sixth fastest coaster in the world. Built in Japan, the coaster needed extra earthquake protection, pushing construction costs over $50 million. Website: http://www.nagashima-onsen.co.jp/index.html/ Ticket cost: £5.74
The best roller coasters in the world Takabisha, Japan Famous for having a drop angle of 121°, Takabisha, located at the Fuji-Q Highland theme park in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan, is the steepest roller coaster in the world. The drop angle is known as a “beyond vertical” drop as riders travel back on themselves as they fly over the vertical lift and down the drop. Website: http://www.fujiq.jp/en/ Ticket cost: 5.74
The best roller coasters in the world Top Thrill Dragster, USA Before being surpassed by Kingda Ka, Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, United States, was the world’s tallest roller coaster. Along with Kingda Ka, Top Thrill Dragster is one of two Strata Coaster types of roller coaster, featuring a drop of 400 feet and a full circuit. Reaching speeds of 120 mph in less than four seconds, Top Thrill Dragster may last only 17 seconds, but it’s sure to thrill. Website: https://www.cedarpoint.com/ Entry cost: £29.18
The best roller coasters in the world Space Mountain, USA A clear fan favourite, Space Mountain, at Disney World, California, takes visitors on a rocket ride through stars, galaxies and asteroids. The ride is replicated across all five Magic Kingdom-style Disney Parks, so there’s no excuse to miss it. Website: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/ Entry cost: £56.15
The best roller coasters in the world Skyscraper... This one’s a bit of a cheat because the ride isn’t actually completed yet, but Skyscraper at Orlando’s International Drive is planned to be the world’s tallest roller coaster in the world with a 570 foot tower. Riders will catch an elevator to the top of the structure before following the winding track down at 65 miles per hour. Unfortunately, the ride won’t be completed until 2016, but there’s still plenty of time to get excited.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies