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The beloved looped roller coaster rides used to be shapes as perfect circles and constructed with wood, resulting in wobbly machinery that gave people whiplash. After the invention of steel and further scientific understanding, Six Flags debuted The Great American Revolution—a modern, oval loop with steel that offered a safer and smoother experience.
The Defunctland YouTube channel focuses on telling the stories of extinct amusement rides and experiences, like the ambitious “Green Lantern” coaster that ran from 2011 to 2024. Critics, enthusiasts, and casual riders alike seemed to agree the ride was the worst at Six Flags due to its discomfort on the lower body.
The beloved looped roller coaster rides used to be shapes as perfect circles and constructed with wood, resulting in wobbly machinery that gave people whiplash. After the invention of steel and further scientific understanding, Six Flags debuted The Great American Revolution—a modern, oval loop with steel that offered a safer and smoother experience.
As parks raced to make the biggest, longest, tallest roller coasters, costs skyrocketed, and the return on investment became more challenging to achieve. Consumer tastes have also changed, with Millennials in the US preferring more mid-tier rides for family inclusion.
Why do we love roller coasters? It’s not just the speed or height, it’s controlled fear. Your brain thinks you’re in danger, then rewards you with dopamine.
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