Why I'm no longer a roller coaster enthusiast

[@gabet3514]

There definitely is a difference between Loving theme parks and loving coasters

[@MattMcIrvin]

I see myself as a bit of both. There's a difference between loving coasters and being a hardcore enthusiast, too. I see myself as not quite one of those because I don't marathon rides and I don't intentionally ride bad rides for the cred, or to formulate an opinion. I find it fun to watch cheesy movies sometimes, but if I think a roller coaster is going to be an unpleasant experience I'm not going to do it. Your KZbinr enthusiast will gravitate to those just so they can do an informed bashing. Also, my family are not coaster enthusiasts at all, so if they're going to a theme/amusement park they want something more than thrill rides. And I like to hang with them most of the time, so that keeps me from being as obsessive about coasters as I might.

[@athenaclark2567]

Why not both? That’s how I roll

[@aMondayMorning]

I love both equally

[@CorbincordelL]

Some people go to experience the park not just the roller coasters = theme park enthusiasts And the ones who only go for the coasters and complain that a park isn’t doing something right = coaster enthusiast 😂 And half the coasters they criticize aren’t even bad they just find some reason to not pick at that specific ride either for content and coaster enthusiast videos kinda get repetitive in my opinion that’s why I really don’t watch them anymore

[@arturobianco848]

There defenitly is fortunatly i love Both. But i generally have a better time in a themepark even if the coasters are a bit crappy.

[@TheNinjaDC]

Park culture is an important part, and not just theming. The employee friendliness, ride operations, food, layout, ride portfolio, etc all combine into one package. This is why Holiday World, Kings Island, and Knoebels have such fans. They are run well with a pleasant vibe felt throughout the park.

[@coasterbot]

100% there's many many more factors at play than just good roller coasters!

[@PoxyBear]

Yes! Kings Island does a great job of creating an atmosphere in the park and for their rides. The atmosphere for my beloved The Beast rollercoaster has always created a tension. Standin in line and during the ride itself. You are swooping through the forest and you can imagine that a beast would suddenly break through the treeline and go after you.

[@notdoctorq]

Holiday World is genuinely pleasant. Something as simple as free soft drinks, parking, and ample places with shade lift it above most other regional parks. It also doesn't hurt that it holds my personal favorite roller coaster in the entire world (The Voyage).

[@scottnelson9]

Yes, but they also don’t ridiculously get over shadowed by other parks like Kings Dominion does by Busch Gardens Williamsburg. KD does everything you’ve listed better than BGW, yet still gets dumped on. SeaWorld is now charging extra for the sky buckets on top of their overpriced tickets, and the sycophants will still have their heads up the company’s backside.

[@steveo7771286]

I think it comes from what we grew up with. You come from Europe, parks littered with theming. I come from Ohio. Intense thrill coasters (with next to no theming) were part of my childhood. Our upbringing builds our expectations.

[@TheRealPSKilla502]

There’s also something to be said for nostalgia taking the place of theming. Take the Beast at KI, for instance. Not a whole lot of themed elements, but there’s nothing like being on an old wooden coaster in the middle of the woods, especially at night.

[@coasterbot]

That's a really great point, it's all about expectations!

[@luckyzonkey8027]

I'm also from Ohio and ofc love coasters but I think the lack of theming around the area has made me appreciate it when I've been to parks that do have it even more to the point where I think I would also consider myself more of a theme park enthusiast than a coaster enthusiast.

[@steveo7771286]

@@luckyzonkey8027 guess I just haven’t been out enough yet. Only place I’ve been to that’s known for theming is BGW, and it really didn’t do anything for me that any other park hasn’t. I was actually more annoyed that I couldn’t get cell service for a lot of the day and I was not a fan of their quick queue system so ended up not using it and waiting in lines which is something I’ve become spoiled about. Lol

[@gabrialcanada6764]

@steveo7771286 hey. We had theming until Cedar Fair XD I still remember the paramount era.

[@muudzi]

Prediction, you are now an amusement park enthusiast?? Edit: oops

[@0dylan]

Lmao

[@calvinpetty343]

Real

[@gracelavin2185]

So true tho!!

[@njdotson]

So close

[@unknownturtle7736]

Bro got the exact opposite 😂

[@vincentfalcone9218]

Miserable queue lines with no theming or shade really do suck the fun out of most U.S. parks. Combine that with obnoxious patrons, overpriced trash food and almost no theming and really the only time I'm enjoying myself at most U.S. parks is when I'm on the actual rides and that's it.

[@coments101]

It's designed that way to get you to buy a shitty fast past, the amusement park industry is mad predatory nowadays. Hell even Cedar Point won't accept cash, it's all card now, I understand a move to the future but not accepting actual cash? Wtf?

[@ianmartin3885]

I just got back from Silver Dollar City, and if you want a park with none of the bad things you listed, that's the one. I was pretty blown away, such a unique, beautiful park.

[@matthewtaylor1785]

@@ianmartin3885Silver Dollar City falls into that rare category where it’s a theme park that manages to have great thrill rides. Dollywood, Busch Gardens, SeaWorld and Universal do this too, but that’s about it

[@OilRig-1]

you know during covid i visited a theme park, which had a limited number of visitors. IT WAS AMAZING! every line was basically empty. even the biggest one which took over an hour on a normal day, took less than 5 minutes! so many rides had no wait times and i wish i could go back.

[@arturobianco848]

@@ianmartin3885 O my favorite park in the states was there a month ago now that is park i just could go in take a book with me just read and soak up the atmosphere and have a good time. Didn't do that cause the two days i was here i had to much fun doing the rides wich are also pretty good. But i did just sat down a couple of times just watching people and enjoying meself.

[@GaryCresswell-k4u]

Truthfully, if all of the rides are walk-ons, I don't care much about theming. But mostly, you spend most of your time queueing. And the difference between being in a park that makes queueing pleasant, and a park that just makes you line up in an open pen is huge.

[@zacg_]

I personally love and prefer theming. However, I totally agree with your point. Waiting in boring switchbacks all day is just a drag and to me it can ruin a day. I personally don't rank Cedar Point in my top 10 parks and that is the reason. I don't need every park to be a theme park. But I find that the queues at Cedar Point are long and boring. I can't help but feel that this hurts the park experience even if the 30-90 seconds of prime ride time are world class. Now if by some freak accident every ride at Cedar Point was a near walk on then that would make for an amazing day. But since that isn't the typical situation and their queue lines do so little to entertain it means most of the day is boring.

[@aninterestingpenguin9374]

100%. Parks in the US need to spend more time making waiting in line an enjoyable experience, rather than something dreadful. I think the only parks I have been to that actually do this are Disney parks. They excel at making the whole ride an experience from the moment you step in line to the moment you leave. Universal comes close on some rides with its great theming, but Disney has the extra interactive features and incredible story telling that make its queue experience the best in the world (which is kinda needed since the parks always have long lines).

[@notdoctorq]

@@zacg_ I had two very good days at Cedar Point in late May, where the longest wait was maybe half an hour. The headlining coasters ranged from walk-ons in the morning to 15-20ish minute waits during peak hours. Despite that, it was pretty clear that I would NOT want to be at Cedar Point on a peak summer day.

[@Fynchfire]

agreed, I when I went to universal orlando and I was waiting to go on one of the harry potter rides (I forgot which one tho), I was waiting there for like 30-45 mins and I wasnt that bored bc there were all different kinds of things in the quene to look around in where as when I go to six flags america and have to wait of a while to go on superman (or another more popular coaster there but mostly superman) Im just bored out of mind mind with my only entertainment being the music loop playing in the backgroud

[@joshkund]

But that's literally the difference between a theme park and amusement park in the United States. It's the way it's always been since the theme parks opened.

[@mattman237]

I like theming but I'm not typically bowled over by it, with a few exceptions. I mostly prefer landscaping to theming. Give me great coasters surrounded by trees and colorful flowers and I'm happy.

[@MattMcIrvin]

That's actually a good point--Hersheypark comes to mind as a place that actually isn't heavily themed but is nicely landscaped (though recent additions look like they are a little more generic). My home park, Canobie, is another one, though some parts of Canobie actually are significantly themed (there's an area that is a kind of mini-Liberty Square with Revolutionary War-era theming, for instance).

[@TheRealPSKilla502]

One of the big reasons I prefer Kings Island over Cedar Point

[@coasterbot]

Honestly that goes a long way to improving the overall experience too!

[@ryanreed7688]

Great theming is really great, but half-baked theming is really bad. But it's tough to mess up trees and ornamental plants.

[@billkeithchannel]

@@coasterbot Watching a POV when a coaster is first build and contrast that with 10 years later and it is astounding how a dense tree and shrub growth around the track can totally add to the experience.

[@0dylan]

This video hits hard for me, because i completely agree witb everything you said. I grew up visiting US theme parks and Amusement parks as thats where i lived. I always enjoyed the likes of Universal/Disney/ Busch gardens more than the rest but i never really knew why as i was younger. For the last 3 years in my early 20s I have lived in europe. Ive had the opportunity of visiting Phantasialand and Europa Park multiple times as well as also going to Efteling, Toverland, Plopsaland de Panne, Walibi Belgium, and Walibi Holland. During my time here i have realized that while I still consider myself a rollercoaster enthusiast, I dont always share the same tenacity as others do at non Theme parks. Theres a reason Taron is #1 on my list even though ive ridden objectively better coasters. The atmosphere, the music, the environment, the near misses and the way it flows perfectly with everything around it creates peak enjoyment for me. Fury 325 has always been one of my top 5, but it just doesnt hit the same as something like F.L.Y., Voltron, or RtH. I will say though my one critique about theme parks is when they dont have at least 1 really good roller coaster then i can feel a bit let down as the combination of theming and coaster is my favorite part of a park. Efteling while beautiful felt like that, but wouldnt be my favorite park to revisit as they didnt have one roller coaster that i really wanted to reride over and over again. Overall great video Coaster Bot, i completely agree with you so much!

[@AudreyMealiff]

Great post! I love your appreciation of Taron. It's just a special ride- the whole package!

[@MattMcIrvin]

It felt strange going to Tokyo DisneySea, which is sometimes touted as the greatest theme park in the whole world, and not getting even one cred (because the only major coaster there, Raging Spirits, is reputed to not be very good and I had limited time). But it was fine--DisneySea has plenty else to offer! It's just not a coaster park. My wife and daughter actually did get a cred because they rode Flounder's Flying Fish Coaster, a gentle kiddie ride.

[@rootoz]

Entering Klugheim, earing the work of IMA Score, waiting for Taron seing the ride everywhere, the dispatch music (those drums !!) and then the frigging launch. And after that you go ride F.L.Y. ... Maybe here in Europe we don't have the best coaster, but we sure have some of the best experiences

[@coasterbot]

This is a great comment and reflection. It certainly does help when a park has a stand out roller coaster!

[@AudreyMealiff]

@@rootoz 100% . The Taron and Klugheim scores give me chills. Incredible stuff!!

[@ladyaries]

It's alright for our interests to shift as time passes! I'm not much of one either anymore, but specifically because I have a spinal injury that has changed a lot of things for me, and doctors have all suggested I stay away from coasters for the rest of my life.

[@bsdakuma]

Hope you’ve been okay!

[@MattMcIrvin]

Sometimes your body does make the choice for you. I love coasters but I came to the enthusiast community relatively late in life and I just can't take the kind of physical punishment that young coaster freaks can, and I know there will probably come a day when doctors tell me to stop. I avoid the ones with rough reputations as it is--I'm not willing to ride them just for the cred.

[@thedalekditto15]

I love parks of all kinds but have a connective tissue disease, so being in my younger year I need to be careful to keep my passions alive. I’m glad to hear you have found passion in the parks even without coasters

[@arturobianco848]

That sucks well i hope you are european then plenty of good themeparks where you can enjoy yourself wouldt recommend a tripp to the states though.

[@coasterbot]

100% - sorry to hear you can't ride coasters anymore. I hope you still get to enjoy theme parks from other perspectives though!

[@Thrills_And_Chills_WQAQ]

Goodbye coasterbot hello just uhh.. Bot. Or HarryBot.

[@christianortiz-v1l]

Or even Toaster Bot

[@derekwhite9932]

Amusementbot bot of Amusement?

[@DahBananaCannon]

ThemeBot

[@derekwhite9932]

@@DahBananaCannon catchy

[@coasterbot]

themeparkbot .tm

[@nguyenquanghonghoa1643]

Harry: riding roller coaster 15 days in a row isn't a common thing... "Taylor from CS has entered the chat"

[@HuntingRIFLLE]

Its a joke calm down​@Studio732JRL

[@kcozier]

@Studio732JRLgood god man it’s a video about roller coasters. Chill out.

[@marcusmcgraw3519]

Taylor is a weird nerd who doesnt seem to understand that nobody cares about his weird and nitpicky criticisms

[@kcozier]

@Studio732JRL I definitely think you were the triggered one lmao but go off I guess

[@deadbum]

@@marcusmcgraw3519 Airtime thrills is 10 times worse

[@greenrhinoguy]

I completely understand. I strongly consider myself to be a roller coaster enthusiast, but I still love it when parks go out of their way to immerse you. I still enjoy roller coasters without theming, but I totally get how it can be boring to someone who likes theme parks specifically.

[@coasterbot]

Roller coasters are awesome, but after a while it just gets a bit samey for me. Everyone has different tastes and that's what makes it interesting!

[@jarmoliebrand2005]

8:33 “Amusement parks are not designed with humans in mind.” What a good, fitting, true quote. I personally have little interest in amusement parks, but I love theme parks. I don’t really go searching for big thrills anyway. I love getting lost in different worlds, experiencing almost otherworldly places. And a queue line doesn’t have to be such a bad thing for a ride if it’s themed. As a Dutchman, I don’t feel that big of a rush to go to Walibi. But Efteling, I absolutely adore and I have to come back at least annually. It’s just a nice place to be. To just vibe, as you said. In my last visit, it was nice and warm, but not too warm. And it was lovely to just bask in the sun near Fata Morgana with fruit I brought from home. And just walking around in the fairytale forest, you don’t encounter much action. You just wander about and have a fun time doing so. Just walking around there at all is just part of the fun. For me, Efteling is a great theme park with some coasters as a nice bonus. And I’d love to visit other European theme parks. Such American parks definitely seem like they would be a culture shock to me too.

[@rootoz]

I did a trip in May going to Europa Park, Phantasialand, Walibi Holland and then Efteling. Walibi Holland felt really "empty", yes Untamed and Lost Gravity are fun, but the other three parks are so good ...

[@jarmoliebrand2005]

@@rootoz From what I’ve seen of all parks, that’s about what I would expect. Walibi has the country’s most thrilling coasters and if that’s your thing, you’ll enjoy yourself there. But I much more value a complete experience, so I feel much more attracted to those other three parks.

[@arturobianco848]

@@rootoz Well yup the last one is well dressed up amusementpark thats about as good a it gets in the americane amusement parks if you haven't been there.

[@wildboy1983]

I call myself a theme park and rollercoaster enthusiast and that works for me. I guarantee you will enjoy amusement parks more if you give more of a break between parks or reduce the number in your itinerary. I see it on vloggers all the time. Rollercoaster fatigue really is a thing. Like drinking too much coffee, the impact and excitement is lost if you do it too much in a short time. After I came back from a similar trip like yours I vowed to never plan for two parks consecutively and it really helps to maximize the enjoyment. Going to a theme park or amusement park one should give yourself the best chance of having an amazing time. The park deserves a fair shot at delivering and that might mean saving it for the next trip abroad.

[@MattMcIrvin]

I think there are really *three* categories in the US. There are the large theme parks, which include the whole top tier: Disney and Universal, and some other players like Dollywood and Busch Gardens. There are the Six Flags-type large regional amusement parks, which do a lot of "ride plunked down on asphalt" and can be kind of unpleasant places aside from the rides. (I think the management of the companies that run these things all realize that plussing them into family theme parks is the way to go for future viability, but that takes money, effort and time.) And then there are the *small* local parks, like Knoebels or Seabreeze or Canobie Lake Park, often family-owned (though some are now run by chains like Palace/Parques Reunidos), which may not have elaborate theming but can have an intimate, nostalgic vibe that the big parks don't. There used to be hundreds and hundreds of these; they used to be the dominant form of amusement park. Today, the bigger players have driven most of them out of business. But some of them survive, especially in markets like the US Northeast that the big boys haven't seen fit to completely saturate. Most of these, I would categorize more as amusement parks than as theme parks (though some of them do have theming, which is often quirky and homespun--many little independent parks with fairy-tale themes popped up across America around the same time Disneyland opened, and a few of them are still operating). But they have genuine charm. Like you, I definitely prefer a good theme park over a big chain amusement park, even if the latter have some of my favorite rides. The last park I visited was Tokyo DisneySea, possibly the theme-iest theme park in the entire world; it's often said that you could spend a day at Tokyo DisneySea, ride *no* rides and feel you'd gotten your money's worth just from the astounding atmospheric theming, and it's really true. But I think the little players may actually be my favorite category. I live just down the road from Canobie Lake Park and I feel blessed to be so close to that place. It's nice just to be there, too.

[@njdotson]

I used to go to adventureland which I think counts and I got surprised how nice it was compared to some other parks near large cities

[@Coyotek4]

I could not agree more with this comment, which is why I was disappointed that the creator lumped Knoebels in with the rest of the 'asphalt' parks. Beyond the small coaster lineup (and I would put Phoenix up against most other coasters out there), there's an incredible flatride lineup, one of the best Haunted Mansion rides, exceptional food, all at reasonable prices and zero cost for admission or even parking. I live about 30 minutes away from SF Great Adventure and about 45 minutes away from Dorney Park. I haven't been to either of these places in a long time, but I'm sure to take my family to Knoebels at least a couple times every year. It's that good. (One aside: should the creator visit PA again, he would do well to give Kennywood a try.)

[@-K_J-]

​@@Coyotek4Much agreed! What it lacks in elaborate set-up it makes up 10 times over in dedication to the history of the industry. Save for the main road it's fairly tightly packed with lots of shade too.

[@arturobianco848]

You would love europe then plenty of those parks around and a lot of them are even pretty nicely themed.

[@MattMcIrvin]

@@arturobianco848 One of my bucket-list vacations is a theme-park tour of Germany. As it is, the one European park I've visited is PortAventura, which is a fine example of a large park with both thrills and lovely theming--it reminded me of a Busch Gardens, and as it happens that was not a coincidence, since Busch Entertainment co-designed it and was an owner on opening day. If/when I ever get back to Catalonia I'd like to do Tibidabo, which I didn't have time to do last time.

[@PaddletailPhilly]

Good on ya, Harry. Roller coasters are definitely a big part of theme parks, maybe they're even the core of the theme park experience, but yeah, you can't just visit them for the coasters alone, or more broadly, the rides. Because of that I can now appreciate parks like the Islands for what they truly should be: escapes

[@coasterbot]

Islands of Adventure is certainly an escape from reality, it's a fantastic park!

[@Justin-og9gu]

I spent two days at Carowinds and Chiz was the best ride op I've ever seen. The only reason he EVER compromises speed of dispatches is for fun and hype. He gets you on that ride ASAP and gets you pumped up in the process.

[@ryancole7376]

As soon as he was talking about the operator on fury getting more hyped toward the end of the night I knew who he was talking about. All the ride ops on fury are amazing though

[@coasterbot]

It made riding Fury so much better!

[@ginog5037]

You are spot on! To enjoy these world-class parks, one needs to spend multiple days to truly enjoy them. From the shows to the animals to the food to the incredible water parks, a season past is a must. Now, with the merger of Cedar Fair and 6 Flags parks adventures will be incredible. Too bad you couldn't go on the best coaster in the world by far Top Thrill 2...

[@coasterbot]

The Top Thrill 2 plaza was awful to be in - I'm sure it's nicer when the ride actually works ha ha

[@ginog5037]

@coasterbot Awful how? When I was there, it was exciting and cool...

[@androiduberalles]

Cedar point is definitely weird with its giant paths, but it is super nice how many coasters they jammed into one park. A lot of pretty good ones too.

[@coasterbot]

It's the perfect park for coaster lovers

[@jonathanbowers8964]

​@@coasterbotagreed. Cedar Point is the birth place of the Coaster Wars and while those days have passed, it still prides itself on having one of the most impressive coaster line up on the planet. While I also am outgrowing coasters (I still like them, but cant do more than 2 or 3 in a row without starting to feel a bit nauseous), I can still appreciate a world class coaster line up. However, I think that Cedar Point does make great use of its waterfront location to create a pleasant atmosphere and it has some mild theming in the back half (Western Theming near Maverick and Steel Vengeance) and in the Boardwalk area. I would argue its biggest weakness is not having enough family coasters (although Iron Dragon, Gemini, Ourangarou, Raptor, Gatekeeper, and their new Wild Mouse coaster all fill the niche of family coaster/moderate thrill coasters pretty well).

[@drjoewareham]

I think it works, because the "theme" of cedar point is coasters.

[@jeroen0011]

I completely understand, and as a themepark enthausiast I rly needed to see this vid and I'm happy I did, I just love the atmosphere in a park, happy people/kids, an escape from reality, good theming and hyping for a coaster or a good flatride (I rly love a good flatride as well), and even being able to go together on a fun family coaster with someone who is not willing to go on the bigger and more thrilling rides, being from Belgium I'd probably also have this culture shock seeing a station like the one from 305 or massive concrete areas, I love most of the themeparks in my country and also like Efteling or Europapark or I think my personal favourite Fantasialand, they all know how to theme things great and give an overall happy experience spending a day in their park.

[@MaxThrills]

It’s actually crazy how much better a coaster can be when it’s immersive, well maintained, exciting air conditioned queue.

[@coasterbot]

Yup!

[@aderussell455]

I found this video oddly surprising and illuminating but maybe because, even with the channel/podcast name, I had never really considered the idea that it was ONLY rollercoasters that were the point of interest and not wider theme park topics. Perhaps, also being a Brit, I am used to the heavier theming but I also just felt the theming was part of the package. This has given me a lot to think about. Life has been odd and disruptive at the moment and something here has resonated with me (perhaps just in hope/cope) and I'm glad you have found a wider world to love & enjoy

[@dustinqualls2872]

As an American I guess I'm just used to it, never thought of it this way but you are 100% right kudos. Going to places like Disney or universal is a completely different expirence almost a "treat"

[@bsdakuma]

It’s alright for interests to come and go! :)

[@coasterbot]

100%

[@K.AL.M]

You‘re absolutely right: A theme park delivers an overall better experience throughout, and I‘m all in for that. That being said, I consider myself both: a theme park fan and a roller coaster enthusiast. I don‘t think that one has to choose one of these. I can‘t, as theming and the subsequent immersion are super important to me, but roller coasters are still the attractions I love most.

[@StadiumofLOLMAPS]

I can relate to this. When I was 16, I just wanted the most intense rides possible. Now I'm almost 30, and I appreciate theming, and smooth rides more

[@coasterbot]

The older I get the more I follow this

[@SmallishPoppy6]

My local amusement park, Lagoon, is an amusement park with some themed rides. Overall it’s a dense park though with plenty of trees for shade, food, a historical town, and even a zoo area (that most people disagree with). It has themed rides and zones but the park itself isn’t themed overall. Cannibal and their recent addition, primordial, being their most themed rides. That park is a unique blend of amusement and themed parks. It’s interesting as you can get both. They even have a Germany themed food court near the spider ride. Overall lagoon is trying to step up its game but their only major competition is in Vegas or Disney land so it’s a very unique experience there.

[@wickedsickfunkyfreshroller2037]

I have the opposite opinion. I don’t care much for theming, nice employees and good food are always cool but they don’t make or break an experience for me. In my opinion it’s all about the quality of the rides and how fast the line moves.

[@AirtimeAxolotl]

I agree

[@batshtcrazy5293]

@@AirtimeAxolotl So you're both boring people with little substance, is what you're saying. LOL Kidding. I get it. Quality rides can make the day sometimes.

[@brianharrison1055]

I totally understand what you're saying. I would say I'm a roller coaster enthusiast but I love theming as well. So when I get great theming (while I love roller coasters, I appreciate a great dark ride just as much) I just think of it as above and beyond and really enjoy it.

[@engi98]

Growing up, the only amusement parks I had been to were Busch Gardens and Disney World. When I went to Carowinds with some friends a few years ago, I found that a couple of the big rides were fun, but the overall experience was mediocre compared to the parks I was used to. I love roller coasters, but solid theming makes the experience of the trip as a whole so much more exciting and memorable. Even though a ride like Fury 325 is probably better than anything at Busch Gardens, I would pick Busch Gardens any day over Carowinds because the experience of a day in the park is just so much better. Great video, glad you were able to put this into words!

[@drjoewareham]

When I was a kid, Kings Dominion was 100% a theme park. I can remember when the Grizzly opened, it was very exciting. One of the most memorable things was that you couldn't see the whole ride. From the Eiffel Tower you could see the taller parts crest above the tree line while the majority of the ride was mostly hidden with a few bits exposed to see a train whiz by. There was some mystery and excitement watching a train emerge then disappear into the woods. The theming through the entire park was magical and a fun place to be, but when there is too much emphasis put on the ride and not enough put into the supporting features, it subtracts from the overall experience. The top chefs in the world would not get a Michelin star if they served their food in a truck stop parking lot. This is how I feel about I305 and Twisted timbers, its not as much of an adventure because its served up on a sterile, unappealing plate.

[@matti5372]

I've not visited any US parks yet, but I'm pretty sure they would be perfect for me. I love good thrill coasters and don't care so much about theming. It's nice to have but not necessary. For example I rank Walibi Holland way above Efteling

[@luuk777w]

A new favourite roller coaster?? Oh nooo...... When you made your last top 10 video, you listed Velocicoaster as your number one. After watching this, I jokingly searched for flight prices to NYC and Orlando. I happened to find a very cheap ticket to NYC, and then to Orlando, so one thing leads to the other, and that's a 5-day trip to NYC (where we also visited SFGA), and then on to Orlando for Universal... Velocicoaster also became my number one! Basically because of how extremely good it is, AND the amazing theming. The whole atmosphere made it complete. And as you say in this video, that atmosphere that surrounds a coaster really adds to the experience! Buuttt... Does this now mean I have to go to the States again?? hahahaha

[@Commanders2022]

Good thing you didn’t visit Six Flags America. They just opened their Steam Town area that supposed to be rethemed and rejuvenated. There was no music, minimal theming, and now some of the attractions won’t stay open. This has made me appreciate parks like Busch Gardens, Universal, and Disney even if they don’t have the most thrilling rides. Experiences is what keeps guests coming back for more.

[@david1731048]

I've been to many US parks over the last decade, today whilst visiting Sweden we visited Liseberg park, and although its pretty small compared to the likes of Cedar Point, we found ourselves just really really happy. Short lines, all the coasters are brilliant, friendly laid back staff, no feeling that the park is run by money grabbing businessmen trying to shaft every last penny from you, and just an overall good vibe. I think I used to focus everything on the rides in a park, but no more.

[@DylynKay]

2:19 bro yes! Ive been to a couple of parks where people act like they couldnt be in a more boring place. On the other side, i always bring the energy on coasters and whoever is next to me WILL get loud too. Its almost like me being loud gives them the comfort to be loud, too

[@coasterbot]

There should always be hype and energy. We're riding these amazing rides, how could you not be excited!

[@frederikhein4195]

I've also only been to European parks, but I believe I feel the same way you do. Atmosphere is a key factor and good theming really helps with a relaxed atmosphere. I don't want to feel like walking through a parking lot that happens to have coasters all over it. Theming is very important. This weekend I visited Efteling. After riding all 5-7 coasters (depending on how you count them), my favourite was actually De Vliegende Hollander (Flying Dutchman). The coaster aspect of this ride is nothing special but oh my god did I love the theming. And for the fun family coaster for everyone, when I visited Phantasialand, I actually preferred their mine train, Colorado Adventure, over Taron (but only in the back row of C. A.).

[@sheepje]

Completely agree. Atmosphere and theming matter more to me than pure airtime. A ride should be an experience for more than just your stomach

[@jukesy1992]

I'm a blind person and this is how I feel too. I relie on that audio, literally, because I can't see. I live in the UK and right now my favourite ride is at Chessington, Croc Drop, a small drop tower with an amazing audio atmosphere throughout it's queue, load, dispatch, ride and ending. Even Vampire now has extra audio ambience in the queue and the station has smell pods in it. Gets you hyped to ride. I haven't seen (figuratively speaking) the Jumanji area yet. I use seen even though I can't see, as it's just easier to say about watchig videos or going to areas. It sounds weird saying I listen to TV, I watch TV just in my own way.

[@coasterbot]

These are two great comments. I've never really thought about it from the perspective of someone who is blind. Thanks for enlightening me!

[@jimt9245]

Growing up living near to two theme parks, I wasn't aware how different these other parks were. Having visited Carowinds, Kneobel's and Busch Gardens Williamsburg, I also felt the stark contrast. The topography, the river and the tree line at Busch Gardens made the experience above the other two, The interaction of a few rollercoasters with the river increase the memorability. Kneobles is also memorable for the scale of it as it's nestle in the hills and it's ownership is not corporate like many others. Carowinds is one of many in a chain that are basically just rides and no park planning. Not all parks will measure up to Disneyland, but Busch Gardens and Dollywood both have some theming and location that make them feel more than a park with rides. Some day I'd like to visit Europe and perhaps visit a few of their notable Theme park. Nice video

[@m.hoffman2889]

and I am a european used to theme parks with rides for everyone but want more high thrill rides haha

[@coasterbot]

Do the trip I did and then you won't want it anymore ha ha

[@bjornvandenbremt1717]

Couldn't agree more! When I started going to amusement parks abroad; in 2007 I decided to go on a 2 week trip to the USA (just like you). Just to ride coasters and a 3-day visit to NYC. I would never do something like that again. Not only because it's tiring and boring by the end; but also because you miss out on so many nice sightseeing opportunities and the chance to actually experience the culture. Now it's quality before quantity and I'ld rather spend 4 days at Europa Park or Universal than visiting 4 (or more) regional amusement parks in 4 days just to ride coasters.

[@WorldofThrills]

It’s the spaces inbetween the attractions that truly make a theme park. Excellent video!

[@coasterbot]

That's a really succinct way to put it! Thank you 😊

[@Random.enthusiast]

I have been on the exact same path recently. A European trip last year in 23’ shifted my love from strictly coasters, to love and appreciation for theme, environment, story, and atmosphere. There is so much more to love than just the coasters in the parks. The internal shift was so massive for me, it has lead me to Orlando to study theme park and attraction management. Thank you for wording this feeling so perfectly.

[@Heifer2997]

Same thing happened to me. Started off as a coaster enthusiast, but I came to realize I much prefer the theming, place making and the quality of the park far more than a “good coaster” It’s just far more interesting than a big coaster on a concrete pad.

[@LoveStallion]

I love how Six Flags America is overlooked by visitors from abroad just as much as it is everyone else. Here in the DC area hardly anyone even mentions it when discussing amusement parks.

[@5MadMovieMakers]

Glad you enjoyed BG Williamsburg, that is one of my top USA picks! Great coasters in a great setting. And maybe you liked it more because it was themed to European theme parks 😆

[@coasterbot]

BGW is delightful. Maybe it did help it was all European themed ha ha 😂

[@IroAppe]

I definitely agree. Theming is so important, and by that I don't mean just beautiful things, but creating atmosphere. You can make a place beautiful while it still feels artificial. There is a special art in really creating a place that keeps you engaged in a sincere way. Also coasters can be way different. Instead of forceful, fast and tall, having a ride encompassed in an amazing theme, and a creative layout or creative tech makes a difference. Rides can be "good" in another way than just tall and fast and forceful. That's why DC Rivals so far is still my personal top coaster, not because it blows away people by its intensity. No, it's because it feels like flying. The restraints and the seat let you feel so free, like you are flying through the air, and then you are doing acrobatic maneuvers, and flying around left right, having airtime and changing direction in the air. If I condense it down, it is the feeling of forgetting you are sitting in a seat. The feel of having the arms up, and then you get up there through the non-inverting loop, that spins you around while having airtime at the same time, in that moment you feel like you fly through the air. And then it continues with those "impossible" angles, like you fly around yourself, another airtime and spin to the side. And a very smooth experience as well. Well, that's just my type of coaster. Even Taron was not on that level of the feeling of freedom, that DC Rivals had. But a lot of coasters are built and opened right now, new top coasters I have to try is RTH, Voltron and Hyperia. Hyperia interests me, because it's probably the closest to DC Rivals with what it's going for. Voltron I am waiting until they figure out the roughness of the trains, they're still having a bit of a problem there.

[@KDFans]

I wonder how your perspective would have changed on Kings Dominion had you not started your trip there. Kings Dominion self-identifies as a themed amusement park and has been working for the last decade-ish to do better in the theming department-from the debut of Jungle X, the various Old Virginia refresh projects, improvements to International Street theming, themed soundtracks park-wide, etc. Aside from Knott's, Kings Dominion seems to be the home of substantial thematic experimentation in the Cedar Fair (well now, new Six Flags) chain. They have a LONG way to go-but KD is legitimately tryin'. Oh, and hopefully all of those TREMENDOUSLY valid Project 305 complaints are addressed in the expected overhaul of the ride for next season! Kings Dominion definitely has a lot of past mistakes to clean up-but hopefully Tumbili remains the minimum level of effort we can expect moving forward.

[@spentron1]

Yeah KD has been making progress, this is just an off/building year, so it was unfair to single them out considering they may soon be one of the better ones. Plus the crowds might have been a nice break after up north. And a nice sunset ride on P305 is hype as soon as you take off.

[@Dee_Coaster_Chic]

This is an EXCELLENT video. I have always admired how the parks OUTSIDE the US have such incredible theming. The build up to the cue and overall theming around the rides. You have definitely opening my eyes to what I have always been, a THEME park enthusiast. I definitely LUV coasters but I always felt a bit envious of how parks and rides OCONUS, look so freaking cool! ❤

[@broodplank]

Theme parks are so much more fun, for example Walibi has better rollercoasters then Efteling but Efteling is so much more fun. Walibi just feels like a big fair, mediocre ambience, terrible music, barely any scenery but great coasters tho. Good theming/music/stories are so important for a fun experience imo. Glad in Europe most parks are theme parks.

[@matti5372]

It depends on what you are looking for. I like Walibi way more. Don't get me wrong Efteling is a beautiful park, but I have more fun on Untamed alone than I would ever get in Efteling

[@NvmThemHereIAm]

Strong disagree with that first statement there. Efteling's Baron single handedly blows all of Walibi's rides out of the water. But I may be biased, because I think the Efteling is the best themepark in Europe, better than Phantasialand and Disneyland Paris.

[@matti5372]

@@NvmThemHereIAm just if youre looking for world class theming. I'm looking for a good rollercoaster and a Rmc Hybrid is so much better than a B&M Dive. Yes Baron has amazing theming, story and atmosphere and that makes it better for me than other Dive coasters in Europe, but it has no Chance against a World class thrill coaster for me

[@coasterbot]

The Efteling is a fantastic park!

[@panthro976]

no i really agree with this personally the theme and atmosphere are so important ive been to alot of parks and the thing that stands out most to me is how i felt walking around i love a good thrill ride but it dosent make or break the park

[@MAYA-wz4kz]

Chiz at Carowinds is the best! I worked with him last year and his energy is unbeatable!

[@coasterbot]

He's incredible!

[@benrowe8369]

This expresses something I've felt for quite some time now (which is why I found myself exclaiming in agreement on the train when I read John Wardley's books). It's just just about biggest, most intense, most thrilling - entertainment should be the very heart of all of this. Pure fun and entertainment. Other of course disagree, and that's fine, but I'm with you. I'm a theme park guy, not just a coaster guy. It's why Paultons is probably my favourite park in the UK. So underrated, truly superb theming (except the area around Cobra, which will be fixed soon, I'm sure) and just bags of stuff to do and relax in for the whole family. God I love Paultons.

[@coasterbot]

Paultons Park is fantastic, a really lovely place to visit!

[@rideexpedition]

Not watched yet but im going to guess the meaning of the video: He's a *THEME PARK* enthusiast, not a coaster thoosie. Only reason I guess that, is because its the same for me. I prefer Theming, Immersion and Atmosphere then just a basic coaster

[@coasterbot]

You got me! ha ha :)

[@stevenvaughan1572]

Yeah, you need to go to Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO. You would definitely enjoy it. Since I live 2 hrs away, I go a few times a year. Great coasters and great atmosphere and theming!

[@eSportDjango]

Dude i got a handy on rhe millennium force

[@simplemanchannel3318]

What was his name?

[@eSportDjango]

@@simplemanchannel3318 serge

[@pizzaman8918]

Down here in Florida, all we know are theme parks. Fun Spot and maybe SeaWorld are the exceptions but even our big coaster heavy park, Busch Gardens Tampa, prides itself on either theming or beautiful landscaping. Even the biggest and baddest rides aren’t just cooped up in cattle pens blasting pop music, but rather have you look at something beautiful or immerse you

[@TheMaghorn]

The thing I think leads to American amusement parks being comparatively soulless is that, for the most part, they aren't run by visionaries who want to sell an experience, they're owned by investment banks and huge corporations that just want to suck as much money out of customers as they can. I live near Busch Gardens Tampa, and over the years since Seaworld Parks was split from Busch Entertainment and sold to Blackstone Group, I've seen the quality of the park experience slide away from being a top-tier family park themed around a safari experience across Africa to a generic coaster park that happens to have animal exhibits, a couple flat rides and shows that only run a couple times a day.

[@fonjohn]

King's Dominion Paramount themes were awesome. Wayne's World, Outer Limits, Days of Thunder.. When Paramount left, so did the life of the park.

[@aBlueCoaster-UC2S]

NOOOO

[@noahdure4665]

Noooooo why 😢

[@matthewwright5042]

Amen brother. Growing up I was all about the roller coasters and ignoring the rest. Now being older I feel like I’ve robbed myself of the theme park experiences. I live 2 hours from WDW and only went there twice before 3 years ago. Now I love Spaceship Earth. Oh the injustice I’ve done to myself just glad I’ve finally seen the light!

[@MaddieS659]

I'm kind of this way, but growing up with Cedar Point as my home park, I don't take much to be excited. It's more about ride landscaping to me. I don't like rougarou, for example, in part because it feels like it's in a barren field in the second half (also the concussions...) but Maverick I love just as much for the landscape the ride goes in as the experience itself, y'know?

[@chelseylightell2870]

I grew up going to Disney, Universal and Dollywood so I think I will always prefer theme parks over amusement parks. I’d love to hear about your experiences there, and you could do Epic Universe! Looking forward to seeing more content from you!

[@killedByPhobia]

Growing up Six Flags Fiesta Texas was my home park, now Cedar Point is. I will say while CP destroys when it comes to coasters the themes and vibes of Fiesta Texas cannot be beaten

[@OwenNelsonThemeParkNut]

I have the exact same thoughts and I 100% agree. I remember when I was 7 when I went to Canada’s Wonderland for a day while visiting family in Ontario and it was really awesome even though I was kinda small and had a broken arm so I only went on some of the rides and not the super big ones, but then 3 years later in 2018 my family went to Walt Disney World for the first time and it blew me away and opened my eyes to how gorgeous theme parks can be while still having plenty of fun rides, and then I visited the resort again in early 2020 and it was even better. I’m sure there are some decent looking standard amusement parks out there in the world maybe some I might visit at some point but there are TONS of theme parks I wanna visit all over the world and I wanna start that with hopefully planning to go to Universal Orlando Resort next year. I always love the gorgeous looking theming with fun rides still in the mix which is why Expedition Everest is currently my favourite roller coaster and there are so many other rides at theme parks I wanna ride someday. I definitely do prefer theme parks and I hope to visit more in the future. 😊✌️

[@arturobianco848]

As a Roller Coaster Enthusiast i am a themepark lover so i know the feeling. What does help is staying 2 days in the same park if they have a lot of coasters. I always feel a bit rushed to get all me creds in and the second day you can just relax a bit more. Doesn't make the amusement parks that much better but i ussually enjoy them more. Also you aren't as bone tired at the end of the tripp cause you can just quite early on the second day if you don't feel like spending the entire day and drive to the next park earlier. Not sure if you been to them already but Silver dollar city is something for you. Also if you haven't been to Knotts and disney in california i would suggest staying a couple of days in the knottsberry hotel. Its quite eay to reach with public transport from LAX (about 2 hours) and disney is just a half hour by the locale bus from the hotel.

[@cannedbeanssoda9374]

I can totally relate to everything you said :) But I'm also lucky enough to live half an hour away from Phantasialand and it takes me a maximum of 3-4 hours to get to Europapark, Efteling or Energylandia. I think that the quality of the Theming in the many parks around me reinforces this expectation.

[@anouk5231]

Yes to all of this! Personal example, I've had Untamed, Taron and Kondaa on my number one spot for ages, but after my last visit to Phantasialand Taron felt just slighly better because of ambiance!

[@jbirzer]

King's Dominion is an interesting case where there was theming for their coasters, but was dependent on licensing deals (Italian Job, Dale Earnhardt) that expire. The problem is that it is difficult to pull off a theme park in the US that isn't based on someone else's IP. There have been attempts, but few successes.

[@CoreyGibson43]

Amazing timing on this being in my feed. I am sitting in Hotel Breakers at Cedar Point on the 2nd day of a 3 day trip thinking how, as a season pass holder for 7 years, Cedar Point has gone backward. You've made me realize I have probably evolved from fun fair guy, to amusement park guy to theme park guy.

[@SydneyConcordia]

Nah there’s so much charm to a bunch of colors being thrown at you. It’s very direct and it’s not tricking you into an alternate escapist reality which the theme parks do. Can be inspiring but can also be psych-construct-fueled escapism

[@CrumpetTV]

In the UK even the theme parks that are seen as extreme like Alton Towers and Thorpe Park still have tremendous theming and stuff for everyone.

[@maxradwan7979]

Visited Alton Towers recently for the first time in a few years and honestly it reminded me that the reason it's my favourite park is because of its unique, serene atmosphere. Sure, the rides were fun to but to borrow something you said in the video, I felt I could simply *exist*. It was the first time I'd been to any theme park in 5 years and tbh if my first experience after that long away had been going to somewhere like Thorpe Park I think I'd have come away feeling very differently.

[@qwert8134]

Everything you said about Ride Atmosphere are the exact reasons I love going to Disney World but not Six Flags or Carowinds as much

[@coasterbot]

Completely understandable

[@danny.ray101]

I can't say I have a lot of fun with very tame yet nicely themed rides, either. I think it's a healthy mix which makes the experience enjoyable.

[@ratbones620]

Cedar Point is my home park and I visit it pretty often during the summer, but if I did not have such easy access to it I’m honestly not sure if I would even go to visit it. The parks that are high on my list to go to in the US are either theme parks like SDC and Dollywood, or smaller family parks like Knoebels and Holiday World. To me, visiting parks like cedar point are just quick fixes before I get to go to Orlando and visit places like Disney World and Universal.

[@screamingeekmedia]

Great discussion! I kinda fall in both categories. Although I am a huge coaster nut and enjoy riding to my hearts content, I really do enjoy a nice Theme Park with atmosphere. Here in the U.S., there is a corporate mentality that ruins the atmosphere of parks. I have been to Europe back in 2002 for a 2 week tour with ACE. I loved it! I would love to get back over there some time.

[@coasterbot]

Thanks! I hope you do get to revisit Europe at some point in the future :)

[@HelloIAmClutch]

This was an excellent take on many of the non Disney/Universal theme/amuesment parks in the USA. A little too thrill focsed and therefore, not enough overall balance in the experiences that are avaialable. I have always loved roller coasters, but for me it is Dark Rides that will initially pull me to a park, and then it's the balance of everything else that helps prioritize which one to go to over another. And then on top of all that, I will always choose 'theme' over 'amuesment' as being immersed in the atmosphere as that is really what it is all about.

[@coasterfair2602]

10:38 I actually enjoy both the park and the roller coaster (Love both)

[@nightcaller92]

Having Busch Gardens Williamsburg as one of the closest parks to me, it's been a common pasttime for me and family or friends throughout the years. For most of that time I've been too nervous to ride the coasters, but I've nearly always greatly appreciated the theming and atmosphere of Busch Gardens, so I definitely relate to being a theme park guy!

[@michaelropp2510]

I find myself loving both for different reasons. I love the crazy coasters at Cedar Point, but I also love the atmosphere and variety at major theme parks like Disney/Universal. I feel like it doesn't have to be an either or.

[@joao.spegiorin]

As someone that was born and raised in Brazil, which doesn't provide the best and most insane coasters, but a nice overall experience at the parks (mainly the water parks, which are probably the best in the world), I totally see your point and see myself as a theme park person as well! I don't really have the need to go through every single credit, I much prefer feel the parks atmosphere and experiences than that

[@leonardo_decapitated4644]

For me, I like amusement parks but it depends on atmosphere as well. Kings Island for example, I liked a lot better than Cedar Point. It had a log ride, a river rapids, a fun themed mine train, and it was just didn't feel like something solely meant for roller coasters. I felt like Carowinds was solely missing atmosphere, and while the coasters were awesome - the lack of anything else is what kept me from staying longer.

[@Tony2Belize]

Nice job. Your point was well made. Yes there is a difference and theming and ambiance definitely makes a HUGE difference for any roller coaster.

[@jonathanwoods3136]

I’m both a coaster enthusiast but also a theme park enthusiast. I think they can co-exist and when a ride has characteristics of both, that’s when it gets juicy.

[@coasterbot]

They can co-exist. I would say I'm like 75% theme park enthusiast and 25% a roller coaster enthusiast

[@sambrikawara]

Only just getting to this video. One nuance that I think is worth pointing out is that many of the amusement parks are improving in this respect. Not getting good, but better. In the last few years there has been a shift in the American industry to creating a bit (emphasis on a BIT) more of a themed or branded experience. All of the best-looking parts of the amusement parks (with some exceptions) are the newest areas and attractions. The jungle section of Kings Dominion for example, or the dive coaster at Fiesta Texas, or the clear increased effort put into the Good Gravy queue and trains compared to older things at Holiday World. There are clear attempts being made toward environmental and immersive storytelling with a lot of the new additions. I don't think any of this stuff is amazing, but the time of just slapping down a big coaster as a new addition and calling it a day seems to be kind of...behind us? A lot of parks are in a state of transition, though (especially a lot of the Cedar Fair parks you went to) so there will be growing pains for sure. Secondly, I know this video is chiefly about the aesthetics of parks, but the experience of a park visit is also the people you go with, and I think that's worth acknowledging too. So yes, in America we're kinda screwed if we want to go to many of our regionals and have an aesthetically good time, but we still make fun out of those days by going with friends. Sorry your trip was disappointing in some ways, I hope you still managed to have some fun regardless. I enjoyed spending time with you.

[@coasterbot]

I completely agree, there does seem to be a slow shift towards more complete experiences. I think Holiday World is a great example with Thunderbird being a bit more, and now Good Gravy going even further. Hopefully you're right and it's something they continue to work on! Also 100% true, I could not have imagined going to those parks without you guys. It would have been much much worse than it actually was. We all had a great time - I really enjoyed it even if the video sounded like I didn't. I'm glad I got the privilege to visit all of those bucket list places!

[@mimigoodluck303]

I havent been to Kings Dominion in years, but they used to have live shows, both indoor and outdoor, a roving clown band, and you didn't comment on the waterpark, which is a huge part of that park's experience, especially in hot weather. This year is breaking records for heat all over the country. If you're there in the hottest part of the day, you're not planning well. Kings Dominion has always gone OVER THE TOP for Halloween Haunt, and those expanses of pavement? Full of people. In the Before Times, there was the Volcano, I'm sorry you missed it, it was incredible. I remember riding the Anaconda continuously for hours on a misty day years ago. I can count on one hand the number of times I rode it after that fateful day... that much travel, and movement, it must have been very uncomfortable by the end of your trip. You were probably inverted more times in those 2 weeks than a yoga teacher is in a month!

[@Gavn735]

When I was riding mystic timbers the ride op was quoting the beginning of the cars movie as he dispatched the trains

[@ArtfulAmy]

In the past year, I visited just 2 parks, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Dollywood, for the exact reasons you mention: the immersion and atmosphere. Efteling, Phantasialand and Europa Park are on my list for someday as well.

[@bloemkool87]

I had a similar experience when I visited the US two years ago. Dollywood felt closest to a European theme park, though the whole surrounding area of Pigion Forge and Gatlinburg felt super tacky and fake. Carowinds and SFoG had some of the greatest coasters I have ever ridden but it completely lacked any kind of ambience. I still don't get how people get all excited about Monster Mansion, I guess a dark ride is better than no dark ride? SFoG also really felt like it could use a lot of fix ups and a lick of paint. Carowinds was in a much better state but also felt somewhat barren. The queue is Copperhead Strike nearly gave me sunstroke with the lack of shade and cooling, though it was one of the rides with some theming.

[@PictureLimited]

I've done a 3 week, 17 park trip. A 2 week 10 park trip. And a 25 day 19 park trip. I'm not sure how but I never felt tired or worn out. I could keep going and going, I love it.

[@coasterbot]

You're a machine!

[@thebobkap]

i completely agree with you. the USA has always just focused on attractions not the overall experience. to put in perspective that i always said that cedar point, my home park, is not a theme park or even a amusement park but rather just a working hall of fame. sure its a amazing park with one of/ best of/ first of a kind rides but that's about it.

[@MSTiekims9952]

CP is my home park too and I’m not sure you are giving it enough credit. There are tons of other things at the park that make it a special place, not just the coasters. Hell, I know people who have season passes who go and don’t even ride the coasters.

[@IanDeVos]

Yeah, I think I'm the same. Theme parks over here often started out as... Parks with some playground or merry go round... Going with our kid to Efteling is equally as fun as back in the day when we went as kids or young adults. Enjoying nature and theming make up for the less intense ride filled experience.

[@lollaloopa]

Balance is crucial- as always. Sure, I love rollercoasters, but I want to feel like I'm embarking on a journey when riding them, not boarding a piece of industrial equipment. I've visited theme parks in the US, South Korea, Japan, and China, and overall my best experiences were in Japan. Their themed parks were (obviously) great, but even their amusement parks think of ways to get guests hooked, mostly in the form of an onsen (hot springs/hot bath). Plunking yourself in a nice, hot bath after an exhausting day at the park just hits different. I'm not telling every amusement park in the US to builld a bathing facility, but giving guests reasons to visit other than 'just coasters' seems like a smart thing to do.

[@_ygg24]

I recently came to the exact same realisation. Cedar point was always this huge place that i had to get to at some point when i was younger, but nowadays, if i ever end up going to the States, id much rather sacrifice the number of rides for a nicer experience overall, like you’d find a Dollywood or BGW or SDC. My home park Thorpe park isn’t exactly known for its theming but from what I’ve seen of many amusement parks in the USA, I’d take it every day over massive concrete paths with empty stations

[@leonsteen3085]

In America most amusement parks are just big carnivals. I can't think of any Six Flags/Cedar Fair chain parks I wanted to go to for any reason other than to ride on the best coasters.

[@ReonSkyridge]

I completely agree with you on coaster-filled amusement parks vs immersive theme parks. Its one of the reasons WHY alot of my bucket list parks are on your side of the pond, and why places like Silver Dollar City are probably my favorite parks. That said, sorry you spent so little time at Knoebels. Such a charming park in the middle of the woods that pays alot of attention to detail on their atmosphere and attractions for what they have, and just so happens to also have one of the best airtime-filled coasters in the country.

[@coasterbot]

The dark rides are Knoebels were really cool, I'm glad I got to see it even if it was only briefly

[@josiahsimmons9866]

I'm definitely inclined to agree with this! I would say I'm a rollercoaster enthusiast, but a ride with theming will always have more potential to rank higher in my opinion

[@beerfish109]

Yep, 100% agree with you. Rollercoasters may be the main draw to an amusment park for me but a park without a good atmosphere is boring and dull. I've been making the difference between an amusement park and theme park for a very very long time. Welcome to the club.