In this article, we will be covering the 15 tallest roller coasters in the US in 2023. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of the global theme parks industry and market trends, you can go directly to the 5 Tallest Roller Coasters in the US in 2023.
All the adrenaline-seekers love riding the tallest of roller coasters. When you think of adrenaline rush, you should be thinking of roller coasters. Besides, riding roller coasters is not only thrilling but also fun as well and if you’re an adrenaline junkie, you’ll probably end up wanting to visit them over and over again.
Previously, in 25 Tallest Rollercoasters in the World, we looked at roller coasters from all over the world. But did you know that the US has some of the tallest and most unique roller coasters? We will be looking at the 15 tallest roller coasters in the US. First, let’s take a look at the global theme parks industry.
Global Amusement Parks Industry and Latest Market Trends
In one of our articles, 15 Best National Parks in Canada, we briefly discussed how the COVID-19 crisis had a devastating impact on Canada’s national parks industry as they suffered due to restrictions on international travel and tourism. The COVID-19 crisis had a similar impact on the global amusement parks industry. The outbreak of the pandemic caused governments around the world to impose lockdowns and restrict international as well as domestic traveling. As a result, this caused a huge fall in the need for services offered by amusement and theme parks.
However, as lockdowns and closures of recreational facilities have eased down, it is expected that the amusement parks market will now recover and grow. According to Research and Markets, the global amusement parks industry was valued at $51.6 billion in 2022. Looking forward, the global amusement parks industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.91% during 2022-2028, reaching $68.8 billion by the end of the forecasted period. As recreational and entertainment spaces, amusement parks seem to be benefitting from the increasing rate of urbanization. Offering a variety of amusement facilities, including rides, arcades, casinos, hotels, resorts, water parks, and refreshment zones, these amusement parks attract all kinds of visitors. Some amusement parks around the world now also offer immersive cinematic experiences as well as theatrical plays that are appreciated by both adults and children alike. Moreover, the significant growth in the travel and tourism industry is one of the key factors creating a positive outlook for the global amusement parks market.
On July 27, Reuters reported that Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) benefited from higher theme park attendance and the successful theatrical releases of "The Super Mario Bros Movie" and "Fast X". It is worth noting that Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) previously had to shut down their theme parks and movie theaters as well as lay off a number of their employees in 2020 during the peak of COVID-19 crisis.
On July 27, Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) reported strong earnings for the fiscal second quarter of 2023. The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $1.13, surpassing EPS estimates by $0.15. The company reported a revenue of $30.51 billion and outperformed revenue estimates by $368.57 million.
What are Some of the Biggest Companies in the Amusement Parks Industry Up To?
The Amusement Parks industry is relatively fragmented. Some of the top companies include The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS), Universal Studios Theme Parks (NASDAQ:CMCSA), Cedar Fair, L.P. (NYSE:FUN), and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE:SIX). With the advancements in technology as well as social media marketing, and the consumers looking forward to a more fun and personalized experience, the competition within the amusement parks industry is tougher than ever.
Moreover, factors such as increased adoption of technologically advanced solutions in the form of motion simulators, hydraulics, animatronics, and pneumatics combined with the focus on improving customers’ experience is expected to further augment market growth. Introduction of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology at amusement and theme parks is also expected to help drive the market demand up in the coming years.
On May 4, Forbes reported that theme parks like Universal Studios (NASDAQ:CMCSA) are using a combination of AR and VR to create magical experiences for guests. At Universal Studios Theme Parks (NASDAQ:CMCSA) in Japan, one of the most famous and in demand rides is “Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge”. This ride takes place inside a replica of Bowser's Castle and at the entrance customers get to put on Mario’s iconic red cap, as well as an augmented reality headset attached to the cap. The customers then experience a physical ride that is merged with digital elements. For example, customers can shoot targets by looking at them through the AR headset and can also compete with other guests as they're playing the game. Universal Studios Theme Parks (NASDAQ:CMCSA) is entering the metaverse, leaving us wondering what the future of theme parks could look like.
As the competition now continues to grow, amusement and theme parks are now updating their services in order to keep up with the ever-evolving expectations of teens as well as of the adults. On June 3, The Wall Street Journal reported that Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE:SIX) in their San Antonio park, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, has refurbished rides as well as a tame roller coaster called Boomerang. The new management also added thousands of plants and trees, hundreds of new tables, as well as more shade and fans for customers waiting in line for rides. The more pleasant atmosphere can help the park expand beyond its longtime customer base and bring in more families, increasing the overall attendance and spending. Increasing investments in themed amusement parks and their rides, including roller coasters, are expected to drive the market further.
Now that we have discussed some recent developments in the theme parks and amusement parks industry, let's take a look at some of the tallest rollercoasters in the US in 2023.
15 Tallest Roller Coasters in the US in 2023
Pixabay/Public Domain
Methodology
In this article, we have listed the 15 tallest roller coasters in the US in 2023 in terms of height. To collect data for our list, we used various sources including USA by NUMBERS, CabinZero, Roller Coaster DataBase, and Roller Coaster Wiki. For our list of 15 tallest roller coasters in America, we excluded roller coasters that are currently not operational or have been closed permanently. In addition to these websites, we also consulted many more lists on the internet to cross check claims as to the activity status and the height of all the roller coasters in the US before narrowing down our selection to the 15 tallest roller coasters in the country. The list below is in ascending order, from the shortest to the tallest.
15 Tallest Roller Coasters in the US in 2023
15. Wild Eagle
Height: 210 feet
First up on our list of 15 tallest roller coasters in America is Wide Eagle with a height of 210 feet. It was built by Bolliger & Mabillard and is located at the Dollywood amusement park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The roller coaster has a drop of 135 feet and takes riders through loops as well as a zero-gravity roll where they experience the feeling of weightlessness.
Some of the top amusement parks stocks to invest in include The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS), Cedar Fair, L.P. (NYSE:FUN), and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE:SIX).
14. Candymonium
Height: 210 feet
Manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, Candymonium is one of the tallest roller coasters in the US as of 2023 as it stands at 210 feet at the Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania. With a drop of 216 feet, it is the fastest as well as the tallest and longest roller coaster at Hersheypark.
13. Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast
Height: 218 feet
Inspired by the Batman villain Mr.Freeze, there are two Mr. Freeze : Reverse Blast named roller coasters in the US. The first host is the Six Flags Over Texas Park in Arlington, Texas, and the second location is at the Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka, Missouri. Both the roller coasters were manufactured by Premier Rides Inc. and are completely identical with the same maximum height of 218 feet.
12. Valravn
Height: 223 feet
Manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, Valravn is a 223 feet high roller coaster at Cedar Point in Ohio, US. Full of dramatic drops and loops, it is a one-of-a-kind Dive roller coaster. It holds several Dive roller coaster records for being the fastest, longest and tallest at different intervals in its history.
12: Nitro
Height: 230 feet
The Nitro roller coaster with a maximum height of around 230 feet and a drop of 215 feet, offers a stirring ride full of many hills, sharp u-turns, and a hammerhead turn. It has a streamlined and slim seating design which makes the long duration of the roller coaster all the more enjoyable. Nitro was also manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard and is located in the Six Flags Great Adventure Park in Jackson Township, New Jersey.
11. Diamondback
Height: 230 feet
The Diamondback roller coaster is located at Kings Island Park in Mason, Ohio. This 230 feet high roller coaster with a drop of 215 feet was manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard. Its most unique feature is the staggered seating which offers each rider an eagle's eye view during the entire ride. It has a long duration and ends with a bang as the ride goes through a splashdown towards the end.
10. Intimidator
Height: 232 feet
Manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, Intimidator is located in the Carowinds Park in Charlotte, North Carolina. With a height of 232 feet, Intimidator is one of the tallest roller coasters in America. Its main feature would be the seven camel-back hills which represent the number of championships of Earnhardt, the speedracer it has been named after. Moreover, it has eight drops and one stimulating spiral.
8. Goliath
Height: 235 feet
Goliath was manufactured by Giovanola and is located at the Six Flags Magic Mountain Park in Valencia, California. After an unnecessary mid-course trim brake, the only action-packed part of riding the Goliath is the helix that can be riveted due to the roller coaster's 235 feet height.
7. Titan
Height: 245 feet
Titan, also manufactured by Giovanola, is located in Six Flags Over Texas Park in Arlington, Texas. Titan and Goliath, two of the roller coasters that rank among the tallest roller coasters in the US in 2023, look quite similar to each other. While Titan’s 245 feet height and two 540-degree spirals can be overwhelming, its mid-course and the overall ride is reported to be underwhelming with no climaxes.
6. Orion
Height: 287 feet
Yet another roller coaster manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, Orion is quite an intimidating ride due to the main spiral during the ride, known as the ‘Orion Belt’, which often causes blackouts for its riders. Interestingly, while its average height is 287 feet, its drop is even higher at 300 feet. This is because its drop takes the ride even below ground level. Orion is located at Kings Island Park in Mason, Ohio.
Some of the most popular amusement parks and theme parks are owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS), Cedar Fair, L.P. (NYSE:FUN), and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE:SIX).
