This is now called the “ Roller Coaster Wars“. Soon, theme parks around the world began clamoring to take back some of the titles that the Magnum now held. When the coaster debuted, it was the tallest, fastest, longest, and steepest roller coaster on the planet. One of the most prominent examples of this is Cedar Point’s 1989 masterpiece, the Magnum XL-200. For decades, Cedar Point has hauled in awards and famous-firsts for the fastest coasters, tallest coasters, most inversions on a coaster, and more. That’s because this unassuming lake town is home to one of the most famous theme parks on the planet – Cedar Point. Say “Sandusky, Ohio” to a coaster enthusiast and you’ll instantly watch their eyes grow wide and a smile come across their face. Say “Sandusky, Ohio” to the average person, and they’ll likely give you a blank stare. Magnum XL-200 (Photo Courtesy of Cedar Point) For anyone who has ever gone upside down on a roller coaster, you can thank The New Revolution.
This proved to be much easier on riders, creating a thrilling experience, rather than a painful one. Revolution used a clothoid loop that has more of an egg-like or oval shape. Looping coasters had been attempted before the 70s, but the loops were usually in a circular shape, which tended to be hard on the human body. Revolution opened in 1976 and was the first modern coaster to go upside down. The New Revolution (then simply called Revolution) was featured as part of “Walley World” in National Lampoon’s Vacation, as well as the 1977 thriller, Rollercoaster.īut beyond the coaster’s Hollywood fame, it’s famous for something much greater – the loop. Six Flags Magic Mountain is located just north of LA, making it a favorite amongst the nearby film industry. The New Revolution at Magic Mountain (Photo: Greg Grudt/Mathew Imaging)ĭoes this roller coaster look familiar to you? If so, you’re not alone. The New Revolution Six Flags Magic Mountain Since then, Disney has opened parks in five other cities around the globe. But most importantly, the Matterhorn Bobsleds proved that Disneyland was about to be one of the world’s most magical destinations. Furthermore, it was the first roller coaster to use a steel-tube track, which is now commonplace for all steel coasters and even many wooden coasters. It was a roller coaster built inside a replica of the Matterhorn from Switzerland.
Nobody had ever experienced a coaster where the theming was such an integral part of the ride. When it opened, it was unlike anything anyone had ever seen before. The coaster actually consists of two separate tracks offering two different experiences (some even say it’s two roller coasters). In 1959, the Matterhorn Bobsleds debuted in California. While other parks kept looking to simply add more coasters, Disney focused on unique coasters. Disneyland circa 1959 (Image Courtesy of Disneyland Resort)ĭisneyland was like no other theme park before it.