The Coasters I'm Most Excited for in 2020
2019 was a big year for me. I had a well paying job again and took my first coaster focused trips across the country. But 2020 is going to blow it out of the water. Plans are still not totally ironed out, particularly the ones later in the year but they’re firm enough that I can tell you about the 5 coasters I’m most excited about for 2020 ordered by when I’ll get a chance to ride them.
Formula Rossa
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Taking a theme park focused trip to Dubai and the UAE is the first trip on my list this year. Although the UAE seems to have more amazing dark rides than crazy coasters, there are still definitely a few coasters that I’m crazy excited for. Out of those coasters, Formula Rossa is the one I’m looking forward to the most. I remember hearing about the construction as it was being built (and tbh never thinking that it would get done - ahh the good old days of parks being announced in Dubai and then being canceled a few months later). I try to make sure my expectations are tempered for rides and I know that this ride doesn’t have the punch of something like Top Thrill Dragster but I can’t wait to see what it feels like to launch at 149mph into the desert. You better bet that my first ride on this monster will be in the front seat!
Lightning Rod
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I’m getting close to riding all of the US RMCs (actually I should be able to finish the set this year when I get back out to SFGAdv to ride Jersey Devil in September) and there’s been two that people always say stand out from the rest: Steel Vengeance and Lightning Rod. Dollywood’s lack of easy access from airports has always kept me away but I booked a trip in May to fly in and out of Charlotte spending a full day at Dollywood and a half day at Carowinds (which I went to last back in 2011).
Lightning Rod has been one of my dream coasters ever since I got back into the hobby in 2017 or so. The launch and elements seem like they’re taken with so much speed and that quad down down the hill seems like one of the most amazing moments on a coaster (if anything beats Goliath’s 0g stall for my favorite individual RMC element, this might be it) so I can’t wait!
Fury 325
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If you look at my top 10 you can see that I have a proclivity for B&M hypers. I love the speed and airtime and open air cars. And Fury looks like it’s the next step in the evolution. I haven’t been back to Carowinds since 2011 when Intimidator ruled the roost but this year is the year I’m finally going to get out there and I can’t be more excited. Is there any better sounding weekend than riding one of the top best wooden and steel coasters in the same weekend?
(Trimless) Voyage
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If this was just plain trimmed Voyage, this probably wouldn’t make the list (no insult to Voyage, but this list includes some of the top coasters in the world - including some that got stuck on the honorable mentions) but from what I’ve heard, Voyage trimless in the dark during Holiwood Nights is almost a religious experience and one that I’m going to get the chance to partake in this year. The wild ride in the dark surrounded by fellow coaster enthusiasts is one of my most anticipated experiences this year!
Do-Dodonpa
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This final slot was so difficult to fill. Japan has so many amazing coasters and a lot of enthusiasts will attack me for not choosing Eejenaika but I’ve never been the biggest 4D person whereas I’m in love with a good launch. Specifically the acceleration of something like TTD or Xcelerator or Stealth is enough to get me in line. And Do-Dodonpa is the king of acceleration. Although the rest of the course seems a little lacking (spike »> loop) that acceleration is surely going to be enough to put it near the top of my list!
Honorable Mentions
Flying Aces/Skyrush
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I lump these two together since they seem to be connected in most people’s minds, with the consensus being that Flying Aces is the slightly more refined version of Skyrush. But however you classify them, I’m extremely excited to get on both of them. They seem like wild rides full of classic Intamin quick transitions and airtime. My only hope is that they’re a little more Millennium Force and a little less i305. Controversial opinion I know but while MF is not enough, i305 takes it too far and is far too much for my taste.
Phoenix
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This is an interesting addition to the list but since I worship at the altar of airtime, this ride seems like it was tailor made for me. I can’t wait to get my fill of rides on Phoneix when I make my way over to Knoebels for Coaster Con this year.
Flying Dinosaur
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I don’t exactly hide my love of Universal parks so it’s not surprise that Flying Dinosaur makes this list. I can’t wait to experience the intensity that this coaster brings although I doubt that I’ll be able to take very much of it considering how wild it’s supposed to be!
As you can see, I’m really lucky this year to be able to ride so many incredible coasters. The fact that I’m leaving off amazing rides like Eejanaika, Candymonium and Twisted Timbers says it all! Can’t wait to ride all of these and make a recap post next January talking about my favorites!