The world's tallest at a height of 456 feet, and America’s fastest roller coaster, Kingda Ka launches at 128 miles per hour. Riders fall at a 90-degree right angle after reaching the peak. Named after the Bengal tiger that lives next to the ride, Kingda Ka is less than a minute long, but it promises to be one of the scariest of your life! (Photo credit STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images)
X Scream on top of the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas, NV
This thrill ride is a must for adrenaline junkies visiting Sin City. Perched on the top of the tallest observation tower in the U.S., riders hover almost 900 feet above the Vegas Strip. Enjoy freefall sensations with amazing views of the city. (Photo by the Stratosphere Tower via Getty Images)
Déjà Vu at Magic Mountain in Valencia, CA
This is a Boomerang design coaster where riders fall both forward and backward during the trip. Déjà Vu sends you flying straight up toward the sky and down toward the ground, with six complete inversions in all. (Photo by Peter Brandt/Getty Images)
The Coney Island Cyclone in New York, NY
A New York City landmark, the Cyclone opened in 1927 when a ride cost only twenty-five cents! But don’t let its old age fool you; this is a fast, bumpy and exciting wooden ride! Located in Coney Island, the Cyclone is one of the most famous attractions in New York City and continues to thrill thousands each year. (Photo credit: DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images)
Montu at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida
One of the tallest and longest inverted roller coasters in the world, Montu is named for an ancient Egyptian god of war. Riders are flipped upside-down a total of seven times, and feel an intense 3.85 g-force on this track. (Photo Credit: Aimee Jeansonne Becka/Busch Gardens Tampa Bay via Getty Images)
The Riddler’s Revenge at Magic Mountain in Valencia, CA
Named for Batman’s archenemy, The Riddler’s Revenge is the world’s tallest and fastest stand-up roller coaster. It also includes the most inversions, highest drop, and largest vertical loop of any stand-up coaster. (Photo Credit: Randy Son Of Robert)
West Coaster at Pacific Park in Santa Monica, CA
Located on the famous Santa Monica Pier, this is the only oceanfront rollercoaster on the West Coast. Enjoy the views of Santa Monica Bay and feel the sprays of the Pacific Ocean while cruising around the entire theme park. (Photo credit: JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
Goliath at Six Flags over Georgia in Atlanta, GA
This enormous steel roller coaster has earned its moniker. 4,480 feet of track is spread across 8 ½ acres of land. Goliath begins with a 170-foot drop and the next three minutes only get wilder! (Photo credit: jsfanjul)
The Boss at Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka, Missouri
Consistently ranked among the top five wooden roller coasters in the country, the Boss will definitely push you around. Featuring four drops, including a huge 15-story double-down double drop, riders reach speeds of nearly 70 miles per hour. People love its "terrain twister" style, where the cars dip up and down with the ground beneath it. (Photo Credit: hagerman)
The Incredible Hulk at Islands of Adventure theme park in Orlando, FL
Named for the iconic comic book superhero, The Incredible Hulk roller coaster features a unique uphill launch at the beginning of the ride that reaches a speed of 40 miles per hour in two seconds. Through seven full inversions, 100-foot drops and a weightless "zero g" roll, you simulate the power of the Hulk’s transformation. (Photo Credit: daryl_mitchell)
Volcano, The Blast Coaster at King Dominion in Doswell, VA
The only roller coaster in the world that shoots you straight out the top of a simulated volcano, this ride also features the world’s tallest inversion at 155 feet. Experience an 80-foot drop and 70 mile per hour speeds all while suspended from the track! (Photo Credit: daveynin)
SheiKra at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida
The first dive machine rollercoaster in America, SheiKra is named for a type of hawk known to plunge straight down for its prey. The coaster has a straight vertical drop and was converted to be floorless, so riders’ legs dangle. (Photo Credit: Brian Marshall)
California Screamin’ at Disney's California Adventure in Anaheim, CA
The longest and fastest roller coaster at the Disneyland Resort, California Screamin’ climbs 120 feet before taking the plunge. It is the second longest steel rollercoaster in the U.S. and is made to resemble an old wooden coaster on a boardwalk. (Photo Credit: superstrikertwo)
The Twister at Knoebels Amusement Park in Elysburg, PA
Located in the Poconos of Pennsylvania, the Twister is a recreation of John C. Allen’s famous “Mister Twister” design of 1964. The ride includes a double helix, large swoop curve and a zigzag lift. (Photo Credit: Mttbme)
The Roller Coaster at the New York, New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV
Located on the famed Las Vegas Strip, the Roller Coaster soars in front of the Statue of Liberty replica inside the New York, New York Hotel & Casino. The cars are designed to resemble New York City taxicabs and the coaster station looks like an NYC subway station. This ride features the world’s first “heartline” twist and dive maneuver, in which riders experience negative g-force. (Photo Credit: GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)
Pepsi Orange Streak at the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN.
A roller coaster inside a mall? It’s true! Located in the center of the largest mall in America, you can take a break from shopping-til-you-drop to catch some real drops and curves. (Photo Credit: KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images)
Diamondback at Kings Island in Mason, Ohio
The Diamondback is the most expensive coaster at the Kings Island theme park. This steel ride contains a splashdown at the end, 10 drops total and a top speed of 80 miles per hour. (Photo Credit: VisitKingsIsland.com)
Shockwave at King Dominion in Doswell, VA
This stand-up coaster includes a 360-degree horizontal loop, a double helix and 4-g’s of force. Though considered too rough and rocky by some people, it continues to have a diehard fan base with park-goers seeking ultimate thrills. (Photo Credit: BigThunderMtn)
Millennium Force at Cedar Point, Sandusky Ohio
It’s hard to miss when you arrive at Cedar Point. This coaster stands 310 feet above the Earth. It broke 10 world records when it opened in 2000 and continues to deliver ultimate thrills to those who challenge it. Riders will travel 93 mph during their two-minute journey! (credit: wikimedia commons)
