5 Roller Coasters to Visit for Your Fall Road Trip

They say money can’t buy happiness but this statement may not apply to those who love the thrill of going on the world’s best roller coasters. This fall, don’t let the weather stop you from having the time of your life. Take a fall road trip to your favorite roller coasters in the United States.

Roller coasters have a long history. According to Ultimate Roller Coaster, it first started in Russia in the 1400s. It was not until 1840 that the world’s first looping roller coaster was introduced in Frascati Gardens in Paris. In the United States, The Mauch Chunk Railway in Pennsylvania becomes the first to form the complete circuit of the looping roller coaster. (Source: Ultimate Roller Coaster)

The world of roller coasters have come a long way. Today you can ride on the fastest, steepest, scariest, longest, wettest roller coasters. You may find one in your own backyard. Let’s take a look at five roller coasters to visit this fall.

One: Superman Escape from Krypton in Six Flags Magic Mountain, Los Angeles
Launched on March 19, 2011 Superman Escape from Krypton starts in Superman’s Fortress of Solitude and accelerates to 100 mph in seven seconds before shooting straight up a 41-story tower. You can call it the fastest and highest and you will also feel weightlessness for 6.5 seconds.

It is located in Valencia CA about 40 minutes drive from Los Angeles and five hours 27 minutes drive from San Francisco.

You can get season passes for Six flags Magic Mountain if you are from the area and take advantage of the special offers.

Two: Top Thrill Dragster in Cedar Point, Sandusty, Ohio
If you live in Ohio or close to Ohio State, check out Top Thrill Dragster. It goes from zero to 120 mph in less than 4 seconds and you will be 420 feet in the air. They call it the ‘high-horsepower shot into the sky’.

Cedar Point is known as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World” and has 16 roller coasters, 14 full service restaurants and five hotels inside the park. Located in the town of Sandusky about one hour 11 minutes from Cleveland OH and four hours 49 minutes from Chicago.

Here is a video about Cedar Point:

Three: Sheikra in Busch Gardens, Tampa, Florida
You will climb 200 feet to the edge and plunge from the sky at a 90-degree drop on a floorless dive coaster at 70 mph. Sheikra will bring you through an underground tunnel after the second dive and a final splashdown that will leave you soaking wet.

Busch Gardens Tampa is located one hour 27 minutes away from Orlando and four hours 25 minutes from Miami. Most visitors combine Busch Gardens with SeaWorld passes for added value. Florida residents receive a special discount from both parks. They call it “Pay for a day, play all year Fun Card”. If you live in Florida, fall is the best time to take a weekend trip to Busch Gardens with your family.

Four: Coney Island Cyclone, Luna Park, New York
Luna Park in New York has a special offer for students this fall. Bring your 2013 report card and get free rides. Luna Park is located in Brooklyn which is about an 18 minute drive from the city if there is no traffic.

For alternatives, you can go by subway or public bus listed on their website.

The Cylone was introduced in Coney Island on June 26, 1927. You will be riding on a historical roller coaster. Start with an 80 feet high 60 degrees drop and then shake, rattle and roll through six turnarounds and eight more drops like a real cyclone.

While you are there, combine a tour of New York City, the city that never sleeps. Here is an article A Last Minute Weekend Trip to New York City.

Five: California Screamin’ in Disneyland, Anaheim
At a steep incline of 120 feet, you plunge downward, catapult past the waves splashing against the rock jetty of Paradise Bay, swoop, swirl, dip, curl and shoot the sky blue “scream tube” and then twist and turn until you reach a brief pause at the peak and start your California Screamin’ again for a total of two and half minutes.

Anaheim is located about 26 miles from Los Angeles and 96 miles from San Diego. If you are taking a road trip in California, Anaheim is easily accessible from any of the major cities in California.

Before you leave for your roller coaster road trip this fall here are four travel tools to use:

1.   Driving Distance and Driving Time
2.   Hotel
3.   Car rental
4.   Cost to drive or fly

Have a safe trip and let us know which is your favorite roller coaster in the world.