We said goodbye to our very own Ratanga Junction not too long ago, which means that Capetonian ‘coaster heads’ looking for an adrenaline fix have to do a bit of travelling to get it.

There are a few options. You could hit up Sun City or Gold Reef City, or, if you’re really dedicated to the thrill of the ride, there are some adrenaline-spiking options overseas.

CNN points out that we’re living in an age where technology, design, and engineering have reached a point that allows amusement parks to really up their game when it comes to terrifying and seemingly death-defying rides.

As any fan of coasters knows, the hallmark of a great rollercoaster is that one, beautifully timed and gut-wrenching drop.

“For me, it’s the height and steepness of the drops,” says roller coaster fan Patrick Lindich, who has had his own YouTube channel, CoasterFanatics, since 2016. “Standing on ground level looking up at those giant lift hills almost touching the clouds — what’s more impressive than that?

“The surrounding environment around the drop has a lot to do with it as well. Anything from tall trees to a lake or river around the drop. It all adds to the experience and makes the drop even more thrilling and scary.”

To get a feel for the five scariest drops in the world, it’s best to watch them happen:

Feeling courageous? These roller coaster drops around the world have a high fear factor but are definitely worth the fright. https://t.co/VRUSBrZnbP pic.twitter.com/oZVgtTfXcb

— CNN International (@cnni) August 16, 2019

By the way, we have to feature some content from Lindich’s ‘CoasterFanatics’ YouTube channel. Here’s one of his efforts, to do with the dreaded ‘drop’:

Wild.

OK, let’s break down those five drops CNN has covered…

Takabisha

Located in the Fuji-Q Highland park in Fujiyoshida, Japan, this ride is 43 metres at its highest point.

One interesting feature of Takabisha is its most amazing drop comes not at the start of the ride but in the middle. And its drop isn’t just steep or straight down. It comes at 121 degree angle

“The drop on these beyond-vertical drop coasters is hard to explain. You kind of feel like you will get ejected out of your seat as you go beyond vertical during your descent. It’s funny because it just feels so wrong but so right at the same time. Very unique and unforgettable drop for sure.”

You also get a great view of Mount Fuji, but you might be too terrified to appreciate it.

Millennium Force

You can ride Millenium Force at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. The highest point is 95 metres high, and the entire ride is just over 2 000 metres long.

“Many people say that they can see Canada on the other side of Lake Erie from the top of this massive hill. The best part is that the hill is right next to the lake.

“As the train dives down, it gives you the illusion that you will drop right into the lake. … It is truly one of my favorite drops on any roller coaster I’ve ever experienced. This ride has been ranked in the top 5 steel coasters in the world since its opening in 2000 and is no doubt a must ride!”

Nothing like the threat of drowning to add an extra edge to the fear.

SheiKra

Ride this beauty at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Tampa, Florida.

Its highest point sits at 61 metres, with a drop hill that goes on for 46 metres at a 90-degree angle.

“The seats give a very open feeling and are floorless, which allow your feet to dangle,” Lindich says. “Once you crest the lift hill, the train slowly starts to creep forward with the use of its holding brake. The train then stops for a few seconds forcing the riders in front to look straight down. This is often the time you hear people scream like crazy.”

You also get a fantastic view of the park.

Wildfire

At the Kolmården Wildlife Park in Kolmården, Sweden, you can ride this 57-metre-high drop at 115 kilometres per hour.

Wildfire is the only wooden coaster in our Top 5 list. It has quite the view at the top and enough time up there to take in the scenery while building anticipation for what’s to come. Its hair-raising plunge, taking riders underneath other parts of the track, makes it particularly memorable.

Lindich says it’s extremely high on his bucket list.

“I have been on similar coasters by the same company such as Outlaw Run at Silver Dollar City and Lightning Rod at Dollywood. They all offer a nice little pop of airtime at the top and give great views of the surrounding forest areas,” Lindich says. “I would imagine Wildfire is just like the coasters I mentioned, which are fast, intense and unforgettable.”

Nah. I give this one a hard pass.

Yukon Striker

Visit Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan, Ontario, for a rollercoaster that not only boasts a 75-metre drop hill, but also takes you 90 degrees into an underwater tunnel.

This dive coaster’s claim to fame is a straight drop that goes right into an underground tunnel surrounded by water.

Another cool feature that Lindich notes: “There is even another coaster at the bottom that wraps around the tunnel called Vortex.

You also get excellent views of the park below.

That’s all, folks, and good luck to the thrill-seekers out there.

[source:cnn]