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The Vocabulary Has Grown

 rollercoasterphilosophy, Flickr

Railblazer at California's Great America
Image: rollercoasterphilosophy, Flickr (license)

Rocky Mountain Construction hasn’t just changed the way people think about roller coasters, blurring the line between wooden coasters and steel beasts. They’ve also give fans an entirely new vocabulary to describe the feats their favorite rides pull off.

In the recent past, things like batwings and dual-cobra rolls dominated conversation. Now, phrases like “quadruple down” or “trick track” are as prevalent as ever.

But even beyond individual element names, entirely new types of roller coasters have come into existence -- most notably RMC's new "Raptor"  track prototypes, which look unlike anything we've ever seen before.

Additionally, roller coaster enthusiasts have become describing why they enjoy their favorite rides more eloquently than ever. A ride needn’t just be fast, it must also be “forceful.” A fast ride isn’t as fast as one that “hauls.” “Floater” air is the dream, but some thrill seekers can’t get enough of “pops of ejector air.” 

Ultimately, the fandom has developed its own vocabulary that allows enthusiasts to perfectly describe the sensations of riding a particular ride to another enthusiast — even if the other enthusiast has never even seen a picture of it.

And, most importantly, this vocabulary can be easily learned by new fans coming into the community for the first time. So, not only has the vocabulary grown, but it has also specifically grown more accessible.

Even Enthusiasts Want Theming

 rollercoasterphilosophy, Flickr

What's in the shed? Mystic Timbers at King's Island
Image: rollercoasterphilosophy, Flickr (license)

Disney and Universal are famous for their intricate attraction theming that transport guests to magical places and immersive environments. For a long time, that kind of thematic excellence was solely within the realm of the Orlando megaparks.

But now, fans are demanding more from their regional parks. A concrete slab with a small station canopy is no longer enough for most amusement parks to get away with on their major attractions. Recent debuts like Mystic Timbers featured dramatic effects-driven finales like the famed “Shed” while others like Cannibal at Lagoon Park in Utah use themed lifts to add drama to the attractions themselves. Yes, there have been some missteps in this arena in the past, but 21st century roller coaster theming is an entirely new field of design.

Still, even rides that aren’t given the full thematic treatment are more often found with creative paint jobs and fantastic light packages. Theming is as diverse and exciting as ever before, and fans are demanding it like they never have before.

The internet has democratized roller coaster fandom just as it has done with most things in 21st century life. As fans become more connected and engaged, they become more knowledgeable, passionate, and clear about what they want. That has filtered through to the manufacturers and designers themselves, and the result has been the greatest leap forward in roller coaster design since the advent of steel track. The last 15 years have been incredibly thrilling — here’s hoping the next 15 can live up to it themselves.  

 
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