U.K. Takes the Lead in the Roller Coaster Race with New "Psychoaster"

December 12, 2009 at 12:49 PM | by Victor Ozols | Comments (2)

In the U.S., theme parks are always competing to offer visitors the most extreme experiences, with roller coasters that get bigger and scarier every year. But it looks like the Yanks will be bested by the Brits for the 2010 season, as a theme park and resort in Staffordshire, England is unveiling what it calls the world's first Psychoaster (not pictured). As The Sun explains, Alton Towers Resort, the U.K.'s largest theme park, is putting the finished touches on Thirteen, a roller coaster that combines physical and psychological fear to create an experience so intense, it will be restricted to riders between the ages of 16 and 55.

The company says it's doing this for legal reasons, because they wouldn't want anyone to get scared to death or something, but the restriction - and the waivers that able-bodied riders are required to sign - clearly have some marketing value. If this psychoaster is that dangerous, it must be a blast, right?

In the end, it might not be any bigger or bouncier than similar offerings at theme parks around the world. After all, it's just a roller coaster with a Gothic theme, with an unearthed crypt from a burial site as its main feature. Still, coin a word like psychoaster, and you're going to get noticed. It might seem unwise to turn away a perfectly healthy 56-year-old, but I guess they're counting on making up for it with hoards of younger thrill-seekers.

Of course, if they really want to make it scary, they should tell riders that several key bolts have been removed from the tracks, and the coaster could go flying at any moment. They'd probably still have scores of yobs lining up to get their kicks.

[Photo: Inspired Canoe]

Related Stories:
· Alton Towers Resort [Official Site]
· Psychoaster is Scariest Ride [The Sun]
· Roller Coasters [Jaunted]

Comments (2)

Return to » U.K. Takes the Lead in the Roller Coaster Race with New "Psychoaster"

I think Alton Towers will surprise people with 13, sure what they are saying is a marketing ploy, but what company doesn't use such methods? When you hear a fast food joint refer to a new burger as a "Colossal Burger that will push you to the edge" you wouldn't automatically think you will need 2 people to carry it and strong mental disposition, let's just see where the ride takes us, I will be riding it in March so I'll be sure to let you know.

Alton Towers is one of the most popular theme parks in england and I can only see 13 adding to its popularity. The marketing behind the new ride is also really well done, though I find that most rollercoasters scare me both physically and psychologically!

Jaunted

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