Yay, theme park season is upon us!

-El Toro at Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ
Coolest woodie ever!

-Revenge of The Mummy at Universal Orlando
Super scary dark ride and coaster all in one

-Millennium Force at Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
300 foot drop!

-Steel Eel at Sea World San Antonio, Texas
More airtime than network television!

-Hollywood Tower of Terror at Disney Hollywood Studios, Orlando
One of the most amazing dark/thrill rides ever

Posted By Martin on April 25, 2008, 2:27 PM

The steam locomotive ride at Train Town in Sonoma, California. Excellent choice for kids who are too short/young for the majority of rides at the majority of amusement parks.

Posted By Wendy Perrin on April 26, 2008, 12:16 PM

For years my favorite ride has been Space Mountain at Walt Disney World. It is the fascination of outer space that brings me back time after time.

Posted By Suzanne on April 26, 2008, 4:50 PM

Some faves:
• the aforementioned Hulk ride at Islands of Adventure
• the Vortex, the Beast (and Son of the Beast) at King's Island
• Joker's Jinx at the DC area Six Flags
• Batman, Runaway Mountain and the old Runaway Mine Train at Six Flags over TX.

Posted By prof B on April 27, 2008, 1:14 PM

I don't think it's possible to get much better than the iconic coasters at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio:

1.) The Bluestreak

2.) The Gemini

Pop a couple Advil and enjoy the ride!

Posted By Pete on April 28, 2008, 10:39 AM

Still my favorite:

Loch Ness Monster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, VA

I remember the joy of being tall enough to ride it for the first time.

Posted By AB on April 28, 2008, 12:54 PM

Oh, this is a tough one! Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios in Orlando tops my list. I'm still a big fan of Spiderman at Islands of Adventure (Universal Orlando), Hollywood Tower of Terror at MGM Disney, and Mission Space (Epcot Disney).

Posted By Jenn Lewis on April 28, 2008, 12:55 PM

Expedition Everest at Disneyworld's Animal Kingdom.

Posted By Cathy on April 28, 2008, 1:14 PM

While I enjoy the classic like the Haunted Mansion, and the simplicity of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (WEDWay PeopleMover to me), the fantasy of Peter Pan's Flight, and the majesty of Soarin', there is something about riding Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom at night that is truly spectacular! The story, the details, the immersive experience all make it an amazing attraction.

Posted By Lou Mongello - WDW Radio Show on April 28, 2008, 3:44 PM

Lou nailed it with Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom. The whole presentation is so amazing, it tops the Aerosmith Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, even though that one has a bit more roller coaster to it. And don't forget on the West Coast, California Screamin' at Disney's California Adventure is an instant classic.

Posted By Anthony F on April 28, 2008, 4:17 PM

I can't believe Spiderman has only been mentioned once so far!
Revenge of the Mummy and Spiderman are my top two. After that I like Kraken and Rock'n'Roller Coaster, and Soarin'.

Posted By Joel on April 28, 2008, 5:14 PM

Definitely the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster because of the fantastic start. And the Roller Coaster at New York New York in Las Vegas, especially at night when you can see all the lights on the strip.

Posted By Erin on April 28, 2008, 6:30 PM

Don't forget that there are two "Soarin' Over Californias" One on each coast. Its truly a magical ride, and even better barefoot!

And if you can time it right, Big Thunder Mountain during the nightly fireworks.

Posted By stella on April 28, 2008, 9:32 PM

I agree with Erin about the coaster ay NY NY in Vegas, but the scariest and most insane ride is INSANITY on top of Stratosphere. The highest thrill ride in the world!

Posted By Larry on April 28, 2008, 11:05 PM

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point. That is a truly awesome ride.

Also enjoy Batwing at 6 Flags America in Maryland.

Posted By Terecia on April 29, 2008, 11:02 AM

My favorite theme park rides are:
Milinium force Cedar Point
Maverick Cedar Point
Tower of Terror MGM Orlando
Beast Kings Island
Son of Beast Kings Island

Posted By Lamar Horne on April 29, 2008, 1:19 PM

The Italian Job Stunt Track in KINGS ISLAND.

Posted By MICHAEL GLASS on April 30, 2008, 10:09 PM

The carousel at Pier 39 in San Francisco. The city was the first place we went on vacation as a family after my partner and I adopted our four-year-old nephew. His eyes got wide as saucers as the carousel started to spin; and he went "eeeeee" and he ooed and aahed the entire time. Then we went to the edge of the pier and watched the sea lions bark at each other and at us, and we barked right back at them.

He had been shy and withdrawn before then (we had lost his mommy and daddy in a car accident), but he hasn't stopped chattering since. I wouldn't trade that for all the Space Mountains in the galaxy.

Posted By Lee Bolin on May 1, 2008, 2:47 PM

My favorite coaster is The Voyage at Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana! It's intense, fun, and exciting from start to finish!

Check out the video! http://www.holidayworld.com/hw_video.html (click on Voyage On-Ride)

Posted By Neil on May 1, 2008, 5:00 PM

I'm with Terecia! Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point is by far my favorite ride. I've ridden it over 400 times. Can't wait to get back on it when the park opens on May 10.

My favorite wooden coaster is Voyage at Holiday World.

Posted By Mark S on May 1, 2008, 5:06 PM

The Voyage at Holiday World, insane amounts of airtime and that great out of control feeling, go and ride it is all i have to say!

Posted By Joseph Hoagland on May 1, 2008, 5:06 PM

My favorite has definitely got to be Thunderhead at Dollywood. It has the most cross-overs of any coaster in the USA. Two thumbs up for this wild woodie. Is that applause I hear in the background?

Posted By wvu freshman on May 1, 2008, 5:06 PM

My favorite theme park ride is at Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana....... My favorite ride would have to be the Bakuli.

Posted By Mollie Scheiber on May 1, 2008, 5:13 PM

Steel coasters: Millennium Force at Cedar Point and Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America. As for Wooden coasters, I'll second Thunderhead at Dollywood, as well as Raven at Holiday World in Indiana... Hi Paula! :D

For non-coaster rides, Haunted Mansion at Disneyworld and Spiderman at Islands of Adventure take the cake.

Posted By Coastermom on May 1, 2008, 7:14 PM

Without a doubt...The Voyage at Holiday World, Santa Claus, IN

Posted By Steve Kille on May 1, 2008, 9:45 PM

The Voyage, at Holiday World and Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, is my favorite theme park ride. It's over a mile long, has eight tunnels, 3 90-degree turns, and airtime galore! I travel all the way from Los Angeles every year to ride it and its way better than anything at my local parks.

Posted By Matthew on May 2, 2008, 1:58 AM

Pirates of the Carribbean has always been my favorite. Not WDW but Disneyland's.

Posted By Gregory Jay McKnight on May 2, 2008, 8:45 AM

My favorite rides are: The Raven, The Legend, The Vogage, and Ragin' Rapids at Holiday World. And The Tower of Terror at Disneyland. Looking forward to going to Michigan's Adventure to check out Shivering Timbers this summer along with our annual family trip to Holiday World.

Posted By Amy on May 2, 2008, 9:04 AM

The Sheikra at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is by far the coolest coaster! What a great design! Everyone needs to ride this at least once if they are not too scared!

Posted By Jenny on May 2, 2008, 10:11 AM

Our favorite ride is The Voyage at Holiday World in Santa Clause IN.
My kids have been to all of the Orlando theme parks and they love Universal Islands of Adventure.

Posted By Brenda on May 2, 2008, 8:10 PM

Favorite coasters:
Tonnere de Zeus, Parc Asterix in France
Boulder Dash, Lake Compounce
Beast, Kings Island
Twister, Knoebels
All of them are totally out of control.

Other unique rollercoasters:
Top Thrill Dragster, Cedar Point, 17 sec. rush
Beast, Kings Island, scariest coaster ever
Hochschaubahn, Wiener Prater, a real scenic railway

Favourite non coasterrides:
Spiderman, IOA
Terminator 3D
Riesenrad, Wiener Prater
Haunted Mansion, Knoebels
Stoomcaroussel, Efteling, Netherlands
Caroussel, Knoebels

Posted By Hans on May 3, 2008, 6:28 AM

1. The Voyage at Holiday World (Relentless speed and air-time and not too rough for a wooden coaster. I'll be there again in two weeks!)
2. Powder Keg at Silver Dollar City (Unbelievable air time, air-powered launch and over-banked turns all on a coaster with a 42" height requirement!)
3. Mr. Freeze at Six Flags St. Louis (I haven't been on it in a few years, but the ride really improved when they removed the OTS restraints.)

Posted By Doug on May 4, 2008, 12:08 AM

For the readers of Budget Travel, there's no better choice than than The Voyage at Holiday World & Splashin Safari, in Santa Claus, Indiana. Not only is it the best wooden coaster on the planet, the park is unmatched in value.

Our family vacations there every Memorial day weekend, driving right past an (overpriced, overcrowded) Six Flags park to do so. Holiday World offers free sodas (!) and free sunscreen in the water parks, and free parking. YES, FREE PARKING.

Add to that one of the greatest waterparks in the country, and three of the best wooden rollercoasters on the planet, and there is no greater theme park "value" out there.

Posted By bret on May 4, 2008, 4:03 PM

I like all the rides at Holiday World and Splashin' Safari in Santa Clause In. My family goes on a vacation there every summer, and it never gets old. I will be going there in a few weeks and sharing the experience with my boyfriend. Best amusement park in the world!!

Posted By Lyndsey on May 4, 2008, 9:11 PM

Oh, the Thunderbolt in Kennywood Park in Pittsburgh.....50 miles/hour on the oldest wooden slats available..the steam carousel at De Efteling in Holland and then going for a plate of poffertjes afterwards and the ferris wheel in the Prater in Vienna...you can see for miles all the while humming the theme to The Third Man under you breath. Just wonderful!!

Posted By Kaaskop on May 5, 2008, 4:04 PM

The Phoenix at Knoebels is the most laugh out loud fun I've ever had on a roller coaster. That said, my favorite ride overall is the Voyage at Holiday World and is simply amazing. For steel coasters check out Apollo's Chariot at Busch Gardens Europe for some monster airtime.

Posted By Nick Weisenberger on May 5, 2008, 11:05 PM

Mission: Space at Epcot is the best ride that I have taken. The simulated G's on liftoff and acceleration are a thrill, and the transition to "weightlessness" in orbit is convincing.I rode it 6 times in 2 days with my 11 yr old, and neither of us ever felt ill. However, keep your eyes and head locked towards the viewscreen. Head-turners are punished by physics :P.

Posted By Astrodeb on May 14, 2008, 11:50 AM

Having ridden over a hundred coasters my favorites are Millennium Force at Cedar Point what an awesome drop, Steel Force at Dorney Park with the best air time on the bunny hops at the finish, Desperado at Buffalo Bills Casino, the Jack Rabbit at Kennywood with the bump in its main hill that will stand you right up in your seat and sit you back down and my number one of all time, The Thunderbolt at Kennywood, there's nothing like running two great hills before hitting the chain lift!

Posted By Bob Bell on May 15, 2008, 1:00 AM

Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point.
Can't beat zero to 140mph in 4 seconds, then straight up over 400', over the hump, thenm straight down. What a rush!

Posted By Len Fabian on July 3, 2008, 12:47 PM

I have to agree that Sheikra at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is very cool. The way it keeps you hanging at the top as you stare down at the ground below is just the scariest moment before it lets you go.

Posted By Steve on July 3, 2008, 12:56 PM

Kinda KA - Six Flags Great Adventure - Jackson, NJ

Posted By Vacation Crazy on July 3, 2008, 1:07 PM

Loch Ness Monster at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA.
I rode it as a kid the first year it was open, and then twenty years later. I love it! Beautiful park as well.

Posted By Dudley on July 3, 2008, 3:31 PM

I love the Aerosmith Rock N Roller Coaster!!

Posted By Vickie on July 3, 2008, 4:07 PM

Coasters:
1) Rockin' Roller Coaster @ Disney, Orlando
2) The Giant Dipper @ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz , CA
3) Hulk @ Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando
4 & 5) Fire and Ice @ Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando

Non-Coasters (all ages):
1)Pirates of the Caribbean, @ Disneyland, Anaheim, CA
2)Spiderman @ Universal, Orlando
3)Indiana Jones Ride, @ Disneyland, Anaheim, CA
4)Haunted Mansion, @ Disneyland, Anaheim, CA (the Halloween/Christmas version! -Amazing)
5)Soarin', @ Disneyland, Anaheim, CA or Disney Orlando

For children:
1)It's a Small World, Best version is @ Disneyland, Anaheim, CA
2)Peter Pan (the original), @ Disneyland, Anaheim, CA
3)Winnie the Pooh Ride, @ any Disney park, (but the Toyko version is the most inovative with no track)
4)Splash Mountain, Best version @ Magic Kingdom, Orlando
5)Dumbo Ride, @ any of the Disney Parks

Best Show:
Fantasmic @ Disneyland, Anaheim, CA.(this is the best version by far!)

Posted By KB on July 3, 2008, 5:29 PM

My favorite is the Raptor at Cedar Point. I do believe the Expedition Everest is a close second but Raptor will always be #1. My boys thought Test Track was the coolest thing ever. We went on that four times when we were at Disney in August.

Posted By Jennifer Clark on July 3, 2008, 9:55 PM

Millenium Force and Top Thrill Dragster, both at the best park in the country - Cedar Point!

Posted By Cheryl on July 5, 2008, 9:41 AM

Expedition Everest at the Animal Kingdom at Disney is great, with unexpected thrills!

The old Cyclone and Wonder Wheel at Coney Island are classic thrills. I don't think anything can be more frightening on a ride than swinging out on the Wonder Wheel and thinking it cannot possibly keep from falling off the end.

Posted By MHE on July 5, 2008, 1:42 PM

my favorite ride is at Bush Gardens (europe)is The "Big Bad Wolf"

Posted By monica on September 27, 2008, 12:05 AM

My favorite ride is Shikra at Bush Gardens in Florida. The drop is straight down! My second favorite rides are the Big Shot on top of the Stratosphere in Las Vegas, Nevada and the two other rides up there as well !

Posted By Sarah Torress on October 10, 2008, 7:24 PM

My favorite rides are:

1.Alpengeist at Bush Gardens Williamsburg
2.Corkscrew Hill at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
3.Loch Ness Monster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
4.Apollo's Chariot at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
5.Son of Beast at Kings Island

Posted By i'm not tellin u on October 23, 2008, 9:22 PM

I can't believe no one mentioned The Cyclone at Coney Island in New York - the original wooden roller coaster!

Posted By Ellen on February 26, 2009, 10:39 AM

My all time favorites are:
Soarin' at DisneyWorld and Disneyland;
Big Thunder Mountain (because my kids love it so much!)
The Haunted Mansion
Pirates of the Caribbean
The Matterhorn at Disneyland - can't believe it hasn't been mentioned! It's a fun, mild coaster that goes around the mountain and through caves.
Our family just isn't into the super scary thrill rides yet!

Posted By Amy Hensley on February 26, 2009, 1:04 PM

El Toro at Six Flags Great Adventure in NJ. Not only is it the best woodie, but one of the most exhilarating roller coasters period.

Posted By Peter on February 26, 2009, 1:05 PM

Nothing i have ever ridden can compete with Insanity on top of the Stratosphere in Las Vegas. Almost 1000 feet above the ground, hanging off the side of the building and spinning like a top!

Posted By Tom Suggs on February 26, 2009, 1:34 PM

Coasters are awesome,and I do truly love them. But I also love the teacups or strawberries - those little round rides with the wheel in the middle. I can grip & spin that wheel so fast that no one else in the car can peel their bodies off the seat - and they always try. I issue warnings.

Posted By Faster! on February 26, 2009, 5:35 PM

Mickey's Philharmagic! Nobody does 3-D like Disney. And Soarin' in Magic Kingdom. Wow!

Posted By Matt on February 27, 2009, 10:32 AM

My favorites are:

The Amazing Adventure's of Spider-Man at Universal's Islands of Adventure and The Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios.

Also, I'm looking forward to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening in 2010!!

Posted By Katie on February 27, 2009, 2:52 PM

My favourite theme park ride is Colombus....Its too horrible but very adventurous :)

Posted By kwang65 on June 12, 2009, 1:53 AM

Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio has some of the VERY BEST roller coasters on the planet including my all time favorite the Millennium Force. The Raptor, Magnum XL-200 and Top Thrill Dragster are also exhilarating!

Posted By Julie on June 15, 2009, 10:22 AM

Apollo's Chariot at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. You can see both the James River and the York River from the top if you aren't freaking out about the drop you are about to experience.

Amy
www.sofiabean.com

Posted By AmyE on June 15, 2009, 1:29 PM

I love the Aerosmith Rock N Roll Roller coaster.

Posted By Vickie on June 15, 2009, 2:12 PM

1. Peter Pan's Flight at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.
2. Test Track at Epcot at Walt Disney World.
3. The Backlot Stunt Coaster at Kings Dominion in Virginia.
4. Der Werbelwind at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg.
5. The Matterhorn at Disneyland.

Posted By Alice McNutt Miller on June 15, 2009, 4:32 PM

1. Soarin' at EPCOT
2. Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom
3. Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom

I'm a Disney girl!

Posted By Abby on June 15, 2009, 10:57 PM

The benches by the thrill rides. People watching is a wonderful attraction.

Posted By seasongs on June 16, 2009, 10:43 AM

As I told you above that my favourite theme park ride is Columbus, except this rollar coaster is also too adventurous and my favourite too.

Posted By Kevin Wang on June 17, 2009, 7:08 AM

There is no question that Cedar Point and Kings Island make up the best area of the country for having the most of the best. However, the best two rides are in Coney Island, New York!

The Cyclone still has the steepest drop and is the best wooden roller coaster anywhere.

The Wonder Wheel is one of the oldest, tallest, and scariest ferris wheels in the world. The thrill of swinging out over the ocean and the seeing the city in incomparable.

Posted By Norman on June 18, 2009, 10:18 AM

As usual roller coaster but now I am thinking to try out other rides too like, giant wheel and others. What say?

Posted By Kevin Wang on July 27, 2009, 2:45 AM