National roller coaster day: Here are the top 10 roller coasters in New Jersey
All holidays have their ups and downs.
But today might be the only day we celebrate the downs a little more.
It’s National Roller Coaster Day, and few states offer as many thrilling amusement rides as the Garden State.
And the good news is you really can’t go on a bad one around here. Whether they’re old-school wooden rides, modern rides that take riders on an upside-down adventure, or a kiddie coaster for people of all ages, New Jersey has something for everyone.
Today, as we celebrate this great day, let's put our hands up and enjoy these coasters. And if you're stuck in the office today, each link has a video, so you can ride the coasters from your computer screen.
Please remain seated until the story comes to a complete halt, and thank you for reading with us today!
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Great White, Adventure Pier
While the Flyer and the Scream Machine were the best Wildwood coasters of years gone by, the Great White keeps the legacy of great wooden coasters alive in South Jersey.
Jersey Devil Coaster, Six Flags Great Adventure
According to the website, the ride hits 58 mph with a 130-foot drop. It stands 13 stories, but the best part of the coaster is the design. It’s about time someone honored our mascot with a coaster!
Shark Escape, Jenkinsons Boardwalk
Our favorite kiddie coaster is described as “themed to replicate an underwater buried treasure adventure, this two-minute ride takes you on a journey through 325 feet worth of a golden yellow track reaching speeds up to 15 mph.
Sea Serpent, Mariner's Landing
This Wildwood coaster takes you through three giant loops frontwards, then the same backward and reaches 45 mph. It’s long been the centerpiece of the biggest pier in Wildwood.
Shore Shot, Casino Pier
Thanks for dropping by! According to the website, “Shore Shot takes passengers on a double launch thrill like no other, rapidly propelling riders 125 feet up in the air at speeds up to 45 mph and then plunging back down at great speed.
BATMAN, The Ride, Six Flags Great Adventure
The Batman ride might be better than the movie. The coaster based on the DC Comics character reaches heights of 105 feet and speeds of up to 50 mph. "Following a 10-story lift to the top of the world, brace yourself for a full 360-degree loop right off the bat. You’re a global superhero, you don’t need to warm up." Who are you? You're Batman!
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Great Nor'Easter, Morey's Pier
The newest of all the Wildwood coasters on the list received a makeover this year. According to the site, “the upgraded coaster now boasts a 95-foot drop, a sleek ocean-themed paint job and 2,170 feet of new and improved track that will deliver a smoother and faster ride for adrenaline-seeking guests.” Ride during the afternoon to fly above the pier’s waterpark.
Shellraiser, Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park
It’s weird to see an indoor roller coaster, especially one as cool as this. The ride opened three years ago, and words don’t really do it justice. And one of the coolest features of the ride? You’re treated to an incredible view of the New York City skyline. Plus, any ride that honors the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles becomes so much cooler than a regular coaster.
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El Toro, Six Flags Great Adventure
This ride was No. 1 in USA Today's 10 Best Awards 2022 and is the best wooden roller coaster in the state. The coaster takes riders up 19 stories before a 176-foot drop at a 76-degree angle that hits speeds of up to 70 miles an hour. You mess with the bull, you get the horns!
Hydrus, Casino Pier
The coaster includes a 97-degree drop, includes three inversions and reaches speeds of 45 mph. It also has a huge spot in our hearts because it replaced the Jet Star coaster that was destroyed during Superstorm Sandy. This offers a great ride with lots of nostalgia.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Casino Pier, Wildwood, Great Adventure host best coasters in NJ
