Roller Coasters

1. Alpengeist, Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA.

Hold on to your bratwurst. The Alpengeist is the world's fastest (67 mph) and tallest (195) inverted coaster. Riders cruise down a 170-foot drop and then are tossed upside down with their legs dangling.
2. Chang, Kentucky Kingdom, Louisville, Ky

The Chang is world's longest (4,155 feet) and fastest stand-up coaster. There are gravity defying swoops. Riders shake from the force of 5 Gs as Chang throws then into three loops and two corkscrew spirals before breaking.
3. Manhattan Express New York–New York Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

This 4,777 foot roller coaster is wrapped around a mini-Manhattan skyline and an incredible view of the Las Vegas strip at night. But the real thrills are in the loops. The first is just a warning for what's to come – a 144 foot plunge and a 540 degree spiral with a twist.
4. Magnum XL-200, Cedar Point, Sandusky, OH

While many have surpassed its height and speed, few can match its thrill. The Magnum zooms into its first drop (195 feet). On a clear day riders can see Canada while whipping into three inclines, and bounding through three tunnels.
5. Steel Force–Dorney Park, Allentown, PA

A 205-foot drop into an underground tunnel is just the beginning of the longest, tallest and fastest roller coaster on the East Coast. This ride extends the entire length of the park and passes within several feet of two other coasters. It lacks the loops and turns, but its length and speed make up for it.

–Marcus McGraw is a freelance writer at Information Please

Rollercoasters: The 70's to Today

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