Travel Tuesday: Why doesn’t Disney have a high adrenaline roller coaster?
Disney is the place where dreams come true. But why can’t those dreams include a high adrenaline roller coaster at a Disney Park?
For many people, a trip to Disney is a huge memorable experience. Whether going as a child, a family or even with friends, Disney is an iconic vacation moment. Fireworks at Cinderella’s castle, a trip around the world at Epcot, or Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios all have their iconic moments. But these moments don’t come with big thrills. Why hasn’t Disney included a high adrenaline roller coaster?
Looking at many of the Disney attractions, the choices are mostly family inclusive or family friendly. The rides generally don’t offer huge drops, fast speeds or intense thrills. Even the newest rides to the Disney Parks are relatively tame. Last year’s hugely successful Avatar Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom uses simulators to create its big thrills.
Specifically looking at Avatar Flight of Passage, guests are still raving about this particular ride. Even at the almost one year mark, wait times average around two hours. Fast Passes are rarely available. Yet, guests keep going back time and again because the thrill factor is invigorating.
Pandora at Animal Kingdom, photo by Cristine Struble
Around the other Disney parks, rides don’t have the huge thrills that their competitors offer. Some people could assume that the reason for a lack of a high adrenaline roller coaster is because Disney is more family inclusive. However, roller coasters can have big thrills and be family inclusive. One great example is the new Silver Dollar City Time Machine.
Announced at last IAPPA in Orlando, the Silver Dollar City Time Machine is going to be a family inclusive ride that also offers high speeds, big drop and huge thrills. This roller coaster is set to be the “World’s Fastest, Steepest and Tallest Complete-Circuit Spinning Roller Coaster” and will still be a fun experience for families. Designed by MACK RIDES, this roller coaster offers it all. So, why doesn’t Disney include this type of roller coaster?
Toy Story Mania, photo by Cristine Struble
Truthfully, Disney doesn’t need the “world’s best” accolades to get guests through the turnstile. Disney uses characters and storylines to influence their new rides and lands. This year’s opening of Toy Story Land incorporates the popular Pixar/Disney classic.
While the new area includes a roller coaster, Slinky Dog coaster, it doesn’t have huge dips, drops or spins. Similar to the Mine Train at Magic Kingdom, it is a slower paced roller coaster.
The recently announced Guardians of the Galaxy ride will bring guests to Epcot (different than those who drink around the world). Though this ride is reported to be a roller coaster, given the space (former Energy Pavilion), it doesn’t seem likely that it will have extreme speeds or thrills. Even in a simulator coaster, Disney could push the envelope more.
As theme park ticket prices continue to rise, guests want more and better experiences. Sure, the Disney cast members make the day enjoyable. But, it is getting harder to justify over $100 a day admission for another boat trip or relatively slow roller coaster.
Next: Most anticipated theme park rides for 2018
Truthfully, Disney’s attendance will never really waiver. A trip to Disney is like a right of passage during childhood.
Maybe the lack of high adrenaline roller coasters is fine with visitors. But, this annual passholder would like a ride that goes over 60 miles an hour.