Not all that long ago I shared my top 10 rollercoasters for the first time on my site. But I come to the realisation that was a reasonable proportion of that post which was judging by the entire existence of theming. I thought it would be intriguing to strip it back & see how my top 10 rollercoasters compare once you take away the said theming. Therefore, that’s precisely what I am speaking about today! This is my top 10 with just the rollercoaster track with nothing else in the equation.
10)) Dragon Khan – PortAventura World:
A traditional style B&M rollercoaster with 7 inversion which is an adequate number & more importantly a comfortable number at that. I found this coaster was somewhat smooth yet I can understand how it could be a head basher for some. However, for us we had some stunning runs on it. It doesn’t require theming to hold it’s quality placement.
9)) Nemesis Inferno – Thorpe Park:
I personally don’t find the impulse to compare this to Nemesis at Alton Towers, they are the same manufacturer & rollercoaster type but that’s as far as it goes. As a rollercoaster the layout is stunning in my opinion. I love how unusual it is in comparison to the other inverts we have done. One of my favourite features is the interlocking corkscrews. But also that gradual intensity and sheer height when coming off the lift is rather thrilling. All-round it’s a brilliant rollercoaster with one of the best layouts there isn’t a calling for theming with this ride more precisely.
8)) Nemesis – Alton Towers:
Realistically Nemesis doesn’t have much physical theming yet it is beautiful. The entire layout nothing less than intense. I adore the downwards helix into the zero g across the station. The helix is one of the most fierce aspects on any coaster & the zero g creates a real good near-miss feeling!
7)) Big Dipper – Blackpool Pleasure Beach:
An absolute classic one of which is riding even better than ever with its recent track modifications. I get the fact it can be rough on select seats but strictly speaking now we know where to sit for the best ride it really is one of the best. It’s easily the best UK wooden rollercoaster with the lack /no theming coming into account.
6)) Speed: No Limits – Oakwood:
This coaster was one of the nicest surprises for us. Gerstlauer’s aren’t particularly a coaster type which we tend to rave over but this was something outstanding. It meanders around the track so effortlessly and there is little to no roughness. There’s some wonderful pops of airtime and new inversions to us as far as I am aware!
5)) The Big One – Blackpool Pleasure Beach:
One of the most iconic UK rollercoasters & also has held the record for been the tallest in the UK for almost 30 years. It has easily one of the favourable drops on any rollercoaster and if you are sat at the back you can expect to be whipped out of your seat on the way down. Again it’s always something extraordinary to see is the re-tracking to just prolong it’s life. It’s becoming more & rarer these days to have awful runs on this coaster!
4)) Dragons Fury – Chessington World of Adventures:
Yes, a family spinning coaster is in my top 5 weird right? But I can’t even quite explain how joyous this ride makes me. It’s the best spinning coaster we have ever done. One tip for those who perhaps don’t comprehend my love for this ride, sit backwards up the lift, it’s a true game-changer. The spins you get on this thing is absurd and the entire layout is effortlessly fun.
3)) Odyssey- Fantasy Island:
Afraid of heights then this is not for you! It is ferocious on the height front and whilst at the top I genuinely get close to tears. It’s traumatic yet it’s one of the best UK inverts in my opinion. It offers everything without requiring a theme. It has the height, inversions, intensity, interaction with the market and an decent layout. Don’t get me wrong it can be a tad rough here & there but altogether it is something special.
2)) Big Thunder Mountain – Disneyland Paris
One of the longer rides of the list and the layout alone is incredible. I know the theming almost stems from the actual mountain but those in the dark moments are so trippy. There is so much pleasure to be had on this coaster that it’s difficult not love it.
1)) Red Force – PortAventura
As hard as it is to dismiss the theming. It is one of the craziest coasters I’ve ever experience. You launch so rapidly that the bottom of the launch is one of the moments you are on the blink of passing out from the pure intensity. You race your way up to the top to then float all the way down to the break run. It is effortlessly one of the most re-rideable coasters there is and yet it also so frightening when your at the peak of the height and your bum is in the air as you plunging downwards. It could have no theming at all and still be gorgeous. Everything about it from the restraints, speed, intensity & airtime it is perfect on all accounts.
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What is your favourite rollercoaster with the theming out of mind? I’d love to hear all about them!
Speak again soon..