Living Life on the Fast Track: How I Fell in Love with Rollercoasters

Theme parks are a beloved pass time for many as they provide an escape from everyday life. From the wonderful world of Disney to the incredible vibe of Universal Studios, the amusement parks bring an exciting experience for guests of all ages. I’ve always loved visiting theme parks because I have an affinity for the euphoric feeling that I feel when visiting. 

One of the best parts of theme parks is the rides. I do have to confess, before I was 16, maybe even 17, I hated roller coasters. I know this is strange but hear me out. Growing up in New York City, our summers and holidays were spent at a theme park called Coney Island, located in Brooklyn. If you watch TV, you have likely heard the theme park brought up in a series/movie in old-school New York. Inside Coney Island, there is an enormous, old wooden roller coaster called the Cyclone. Whenever we visited, I never rode it because 1) it cost extra, and 2) pretty sure I wasn’t tall enough. One day, my cousins decided we would get on The Cyclone. I am pretty sure I declined, but my cousins aren’t people you say no to. One of my older cousins, Jas, decided we would also sit in the front of the coaster. That ride absolutely traumatized me. I know the camera was at the drop, but I was sure it was my life flashing before my eyes. When it was over, I was ready to jump out, but Jas had paid for a second trip by the time my brain thought about leaving. 

You would think that this would swear me off any roller coasters. Honestly, it did for a long time, but then I found Batman: The Ride at Six Flags Great Adventures in New Jersey. After riding this inverted roller coaster, I was pretty much hooked. I’ve visited exciting parks and experienced new thrills at other places like Hershey Park, Universal Studios, Disney parks, Sesame Park and more. Now, I’m on track to have visited every Disney Park (only two locations left) and Universal Studios around the world. And when I have some time between visits, I find myself aching for that freeing feeling when I go to a theme park. Most people avoid the parks because of the money spent and the waiting, but I have to admit I enjoy paying too much for food, waiting in lines, and reeling from too many loops on rides. I have many escapes, but theme parks are my favorite ones. 

What is your favorite theme park? Share your most memorable experience at a theme park in the comments!