Last summer, we rounded up the world's scariest roller coasters, but with another season wrapping up, it's time for another look at the most terrifying rides from around the globe.
While most coasters are impeccably safe--and the chances of stepping on a killer jellyfish at a theme park are infinitely slim--there's still an element of risk when you strap into a ride. So after the jump, allow us to present the scariest roller coasters of 2008.]]>
Back in May, we got plenty excited for the new Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Although the park appears to rock on paper, it doesn't seem to be as big a hit with tourists: The place is believed to have missed attendance expectations and earlier this month the park was forced to layoff about 30 employees.
The Myrtle Beach Sun News reports that park executives believe the number of workers that were released is "miniscule." Spokesman Jim Olecki says that the layoffs were expected due to seasonal changes in the theme park business and didn't seem to rule out additional firings in the future.
The competition isn't coming directly from other parks in the area but from the increasing costs of simply taking a vacation. As of now the park is scheduled to stay open through Labor Day and into the fall but whether it will keep rocking year-round--as originally planned--doesn't seem as certain.
Related Stories:
· Hard Rock Park Lays Off Employees [Myrtle Beach Sun News]
· Theme Parks coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: scmikeburton]]]>
SeaWorld Orlando has unveiled renderings of its newest roller coaster, Manta, set to open next summer. The ride will include live rays, flying upside-down and speeds of up to 60 mph.
It starts with a ray-filled aquarium that also showcases other marine life. Once through the line, you'll be strapped into a 12-person car, face-down. Along the 3,300 feet of track, you'll come so close to the water that your manta ray-shaped carriage will "skim the waves."
World famous coaster firm Bolliger & Mabillard designed Manta, which will tower 140 feet above SeaWorld. If you can't stand the wait, you can try another of their brand new rides in South Carolina: B&M put together Led Zeppelin: The Ride at the Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach.
Related Stories:
· Coming Attractions: SeaWorld's Ray-Themed Coaster [Travel Weekly UK]
· Roller Coasters coverage [Jaunted]]]>
Though Florida pretends to be a mecca for theme park lovers, California is really where ride junkies should get their fix this summer. In addition to The Simpsons Ride, this year brings a lot of new goodies to the table.
First up is Six Flags Magic Mountain, which just finished a major $10 million renovation of the famous coaster X. Now known as X2, the ride features updated trains and fresh audio and visual effects. Riders spin 360 degrees in their seats while making the journey along a 36,000-foot track. This one should clearly be done early in the day, before the hot dogs and cotton candy.]]>
For smooth-jazz lovers, it's a "Highway to Hell": South Carolina's Hard Rock Park promises all the thrills of your local theme park with a much better soundtrack.
While the tourist attraction doesn't have its official grand opening till June 2, a "sound check" is letting ride aficionados get their first look at Hard Rock's first theme park.
The coasters in this $400 million park are designed to be extra quiet so riders will be able to hear the corresponding songs--even over all the screaming.
Besides the "Life In The Fast Lane" and "Nights In White Satin" rides, the park boasts a memorial to dead musicians, a Mount Rockmore and a "Bohemian Rhapsody"-themed fireworks show. Alas, there will be no "Love Roller Coaster."
Related Stories:
· Hard Rock Park [Official Site]
· Led Zeppelin Ride Centerpiece of Rock and Roll Theme Park [Jaunted]
[Photo: Wikipedia]]]>
In a week, Australia's Gold Coast will host an "After Dark Park" night at one of the biggest amusement parks there, Dreamworld. That's the place we know as home to the Tower of Terror roller coaster, although it's also got a new big thrill ride called Motocoaster, a nearly 45-mile-per-hour roller coaster where you're strapped in to a replica 500 cc motor bike.
But next week, on March 28, the attention will be centered on the Zero to Hero contest, the annual FlowBoarding competition. That takes place on the FlowRide attraction, a mix of surfing, skateboarding and bodysurfing which is definitely exciting to watch.
Entry to the After Dark special opening is by reserved ticket, and the final of the FlowBoarding takes place at 9:30 pm. Some attractions will be closed but all the big scary rides will be open. We're holding out to see if anyone will cross the Motocoaster with the FlowRide to get some kind of swimming motorbike experience.
Related Stories:
· Dreamworld Gold Coast [Official Site]
· World's Scariest Roller Coasters: The Tower of Terror [Jaunted]
· Amusement Parks coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: Soapstar D'Lux]]]>
Remember Led Zeppelin's one time reunion gig set for London next month? Well just in case you can't pay scalper's prices or get yourself to London the Hard Rock has you covered, if you can make it down to Myrtle Beach next May.
The Hard Rock Park, a.k.a the world's first rock 'n' roll theme park will open next spring and will feature "Led Zeppelin -- the Ride," a 155-foot-tall steel roller coaster. Apparently, Jimmy Page named the ride himself and picked the song "Whole Lotta Love" to be played as riders try to stomach six loop rolls at 65 miles per hour.
The 140-acre park will have more than 40 attractions, including, three other roller coasters, a hip-hop-themed ride, and a "Pinball Wizard" arcade. Sweet, but there better be some sort of KISS ride in this park.
Related Stories:
· Hard Rock Park [Official Site]
· Theme Park Coverage [Jaunted]
· Myrtle Beach Hotels [HotelChatter]
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