Roller coasters are the pinnacle of excitement in theme parks worldwide, offering adrenaline-pumping thrills and breathtaking experiences. The most expensive roller coasters take this excitement to new heights with cutting-edge technology, intricate designs, and immersive theming. In this article, we explore the 19 most expensive roller coasters ever built, delving into what makes each of them a marvel of engineering and a must-ride for thrill-seekers.
Expedition Everest – Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Florida
Costing a staggering $100 million, Expedition Everest is an impressive blend of storytelling and thrills. The ride features a detailed replica of the Himalayan mountain range and a ferocious yeti animatronic. This high-speed roller coaster takes riders through dark caves and icy canyons, with sudden drops and a backwards section, making it one of the most technologically advanced and expensive rides in the world.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Florida
With an investment of $300 million, this ride set a new benchmark in terms of immersive experiences. Riders join Hagrid on a thrilling motorbike ride through the Forbidden Forest, encountering magical creatures along the way. The ride includes multiple launches, animatronics, and a unique drop track feature, combining cutting-edge technology with a beloved Harry Potter theme.
Radiator Springs Racers – Disney California Adventure, California
At a cost of $200 million, Radiator Springs Racers brings the world of Pixar’s “Cars” to life. This ride combines dark ride elements with high-speed racing, taking guests through the scenic desert landscape of Radiator Springs. The meticulous attention to detail, extensive use of animatronics, and the thrilling racing finale contribute to its high price tag.
Steel Dragon 2000 – Nagashima Spa Land, Japan
Steel Dragon 2000, costing around $52 million, is one of the longest and tallest roller coasters in the world. This gigacoaster, manufactured by Morgan, offers a ride time of over four minutes with a track length of 8,133 feet. Its towering height and extensive use of steel contributed significantly to its high construction cost.
Thunder Dolphin – Tokyo Dome City, Japan
Built at a cost of $37 million, Thunder Dolphin offers a unique urban coaster experience. This Intamin coaster weaves through the Tokyo Dome complex, providing stunning views of the city. The ride features a 262-foot drop and high-speed turns, blending thrills with the vibrant Tokyo skyline.
Kingda Ka – Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey
Kingda Ka, costing $25 million, is the tallest roller coaster in the world at 456 feet. This hydraulic launch coaster catapults riders to 128 mph in just 3.5 seconds before ascending its iconic tower. The combination of extreme height and speed makes it a marvel of engineering and a significant investment for Six Flags.
Intimidator 305 – Kings Dominion, Virginia
Intimidator 305, named after NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt, cost $25 million to build. This giga coaster, designed by Intamin, features a 305-foot drop and intense high-speed turns. Its design prioritizes speed and G-forces, delivering a thrilling experience that justifies its hefty price.
Fury 325 – Carowinds, North Carolina
Fury 325, costing $30 million, is one of the tallest and fastest gigacoasters in the world. Designed by Bolliger & Mabillard, it reaches a height of 325 feet and speeds up to 95 mph. The ride offers a smooth yet exhilarating experience with its high-speed curves and airtime hills.
Top Thrill Dragster – Cedar Point, Ohio
Top Thrill Dragster, with a price tag of $25 million, was the first coaster to exceed 400 feet in height. This Intamin coaster launches riders to 120 mph in just four seconds before ascending a 420-foot tower. Its groundbreaking design and intense launch make it a costly yet iconic attraction.
Millennium Force – Cedar Point, Ohio
Millennium Force, costing $25 million, was the world’s first giga coaster. Standing at 310 feet, this Intamin coaster offers high-speed turns and extensive airtime. Its innovative design and engineering advancements have made it a staple of Cedar Point’s lineup and a significant financial investment.
Formula Rossa – Ferrari World, UAE
Formula Rossa, costing $22 million, holds the record as the fastest roller coaster in the world, reaching speeds of 149 mph. This Intamin coaster mimics the sensation of driving a Formula 1 car, with high-speed turns and intense G-forces. Its combination of speed and Ferrari branding adds to its high cost.
The Smiler – Alton Towers, UK
The Smiler, costing $22 million, is known for its record-breaking 14 inversions. This Gerstlauer coaster features a series of loops, corkscrews, and drops, providing a disorienting and thrilling experience. Its complex track design and unique elements contribute to its significant construction cost.
GateKeeper – Cedar Point, Ohio
GateKeeper, costing $24 million, is a wing coaster designed by Bolliger & Mabillard. It features a 170-foot drop and six inversions, with seats positioned on either side of the track for a unique flying sensation. The ride’s smoothness and innovative design justify its high price.
The Incredible Hulk Coaster – Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Florida
The Incredible Hulk Coaster, costing $24 million, underwent a major refurbishment to enhance its thrills and reliability. This Bolliger & Mabillard coaster features a launch tunnel, seven inversions, and a powerful soundtrack. Its combination of intense elements and theming make it a costly but popular attraction.
Valravn – Cedar Point, Ohio
Valravn, costing $24 million, is a dive coaster that offers a 214-foot vertical drop and three inversions. Designed by Bolliger & Mabillard, it features floorless trains and a holding brake at the top of the drop, enhancing the thrill factor. Its height, design, and smoothness contribute to its high construction cost.
X2 – Six Flags Magic Mountain, California
X2, costing $46 million, is a 4th dimension coaster designed by Arrow Dynamics. It features rotating seats that spin independently of the track, providing a unique and disorienting ride experience. The combination of its innovative design and high construction costs make it one of the most expensive coasters ever built.
Helix – Liseberg, Sweden
Helix, costing $30 million, is a Mack Rides coaster known for its smoothness and multiple inversions. The ride features seven inversions, two launches, and extensive airtime moments, all set against the scenic backdrop of Liseberg amusement park. Its intricate design and high-speed elements justify its significant price tag.
Black Mamba – Phantasialand, Germany
Black Mamba, costing $24 million, is a Bolliger & Mabillard inverted coaster. The ride is known for its intense inversions and close encounters with rockwork and vegetation, creating a highly immersive experience. Its intricate theming and smooth ride contribute to its high price.
Red Force – Ferrari Land, Spain
Image Editorial Credit: Pit Stock / Shutterstock
Red Force, costing $23 million, is Europe’s tallest and fastest coaster. This Intamin accelerator coaster launches riders to 112 mph in just five seconds, reaching a height of 367 feet. Its combination of speed, height, and Ferrari branding makes it a costly but thrilling addition to Ferrari Land.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org
More from Rarest.org
10 Rarest Crystals in the World
Crystals are some of the most widely collected items in the world because of their beauty. In recent years, crystal collecting has also increased in popularity because of the rise of alternative medicine. Read More
15 Rarest Metals in the World
In the realm of materials science and industry, certain metals stand out for their rarity, unique properties, and crucial roles in various technological advancements. Read More
1960 Lincoln Penny Value Guide
The 1960 penny is a 1-cent coin produced by the US Mint in 1960. As a 60-plus-year-old coin, the 1960 penny is quite popular among collectors. Read More
_1.jpg){kind=link}
