Ranking My 9 Favorite Roller Coasters Of All Time

I am a self-proclaimed roller coaster enthusiast. The only trip I love more than going to a beach on vacation is going to an amusement park on vacation. Ever since I was a little girl, I have wanted to go on every ride in the park and I constantly seek out the adrenaline rush. Unfortunately, I have not been to an amusement park since the pandemic. So to reminisce, here is the ranking of my favorite roller coasters I've been on.

9. The Iron Dragon - Cedar Point

The Iron Dragon is a suspended roller coaster located over a lagoon at Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio. The ride is unique because the car hangs down from the track instead of riding on top of the rails. This is a classic ride at the park that I like to force my whole family on since I consider it a "gentler" roller coaster.

Photo from www.cedarpoint.com

8. Thunder River

I have to give a shout out to my hometown park, Waldameer Park and Water World in Erie, PA for this one. Not only do I have very found memories of this ride with my family as a child, but it is just an overall perfect water log ride. I have yet to find a water log ride that tops this one.

Photo from www.themeparkarchive.com

7. XScream

Drop tower rides are typically the number one ride that when I ask someone to go with me, they say no. Which is understandable, because the ride up is beautiful but the drop down puts your stomach into your throat. However, for some odd reason, I find that feeling incredibly exhilarating which is why the XScream is on this list. This ride is also from Waldameer Park. I chose it over other drop tower rides because it does not spin or bounce you before you get to the bottom. The ride provides a nice, clean, and exciting drop to the bottom.

Photo from www.themeparkreview.com

6. Maverick

Another Cedar Point classic, the Maverick ride was voted "Best New Ride" in 2007. I love this ride because it combines the perfect balance of speed and jerkiness. You also get a beautiful view of Lake Erie as you are heading up your first hill. If you don't enjoy rides that jerk your body and neck around a lot, this ride may not be for you.

Photo form www.cedarpoint.com

5. Ravine Flyer II

The last Waldameer Park ride on my list also happens to be ranked the 7th best wooden coaster in the world. I remember when this ride was built, I was in 1st grade. I was so excited to try it out (I was very tall for my age so my love for coasters started young). The coaster also provides a beautiful view of Lake Erie before taking you for a dive and over a 4-lane highway.

Photo from www.waldameer.com

4. Expedition Everest

The only time I have ever been to Disney World was when I was 6 years old in Kindergarten. To this day, Expedition Everest and The Tower of Terror were the only two rides I can remember absolutely loving and begging my parents to ride again. I had never experienced a ride that truly shocked me before hitting the end of the track with the broken rails, then suddenly flying backward at full speed.

Photo from www.coaster101.com

3. Harry Potter And The Escape From Gringotts Bank

Well I am not a huge fan of 3D and 4D rides, this ride was my favorite at Universal. As cool as animated rides are, they just don't give me the thrill I am seeking out of a coaster. But The Escape From Gingrotts Bank is the perfect example of a thrilling 4D coaster that satisfies both the adrenaline junky and the Potterhead in me. The Forbidden Journey ride deserves and honorable mention (because what Harry Potter-lover DIDN'T love their trip through Hogwarts), but The Escape From Gringotts Bank took home the cake for me.

Photo from www.tripsavvy.com

2. Griffon

My family and I were walking in the France section of Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia when we stopped to admire this beautiful creation. Well... I gawked at it with wide eyes and happy giggle while the rest of my family gasped in sheer horror. You see, what I loved and my family hated about this ride is that once you get to the very top of the hill right before you are about to drop, the ride stops. You get to stair right down the hill of the coaster for a solid five seconds before dropping. I loved the suspense and ended up riding it three times by myself on the very edge of the wing.

Photo by bacchus213 on Reddit/rollercoasters

1. Verbolten

To top my list off, here is another Busch Gardens Williamsburg coaster. The Verbolten gave me a similar fantastic shock that Expedition Everest game me when I was a little girl. The ride appears to be your typical, thrilling car cart coaster. But when you enter the "forbidden" black forest you are shown a spectacular light show. All of a sudden, the light stops and the car stops. After about five to ten seconds, the coaster drops straight down then shoots you back out into nature. This coaster is one that I cannot stop raving about, and tell everyone I know visiting Busch Gardens Williamsburg to make sure they ride (but don't worry, I don't tell them the surprise drop).

Photo from www.13newsnow.com

I have not been to a ton of amusement parks since I am the main roller coaster-loving member in my family and I found riding by yourself is not as fun as riding with someone else. It is also hard to find time to visit post pandemic due to summer internships and living up north. But, I cannot wait to plan my next roller coaster adventure. So if you have any good amusement park or roller coaster recommendations, or just want to be adrenaline seaking BFFS, feel free to leave a comment!