Vegas, Baby! Conquering the Roller Coasters of Sin City
Las Vegas: a land of flashing lights, endless buffets, and questionable life decisions made after 2 am. But what if you're looking for a thrill that doesn't involve questionable sushi at 3 am? Well, hold onto your poker chips, thrill seekers, because Vegas has a surprising number of roller coasters that will have you screaming (in a good way, we hope)
What Roller Coasters Are In Las Vegas |
Kicking it Old-School: The Strat Wins for Height (and Maybe Questionable Safety Inspections...Just Kidding...Mostly)
The Stratosphere Casino, also known as "The Strat" to those in the know (which is you, by the way, after reading this post), boasts the highest thrill rides in Las Vegas. We're talking about dangling hundreds of feet over the edge of a giant needle towering over the desert. Buckle up for:
Tip: Reading in short bursts can keep focus high.
- X-Scream: This bad boy teeters you over the edge of the tower, then plunges you 866 feet at 30 mph. Imagine dropping your phone that far...but way more fun (and hopefully with a better outcome for your insides).
- Insanity: This giant claw spins you at a dizzying rate while dangling you off the edge of the Strat. It's like a malfunctioning washing machine on steroids, with panoramic views!
- Big Shot: Need a quick adrenaline rush? This one launches you straight up 160 feet in the air, then bounces you back down for good measure. It's basically a catapult for humans, because why not?
Word to the wise: Don't eat a giant buffet meal before riding these. Trust us.
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
Indoor Thrills: Avoiding the Sunburn, One Loop-de-Loop at a Time
Las Vegas is hot. Like, REALLY hot. So if you want your roller coaster fix without turning into a human rotisserie chicken, head to the Adventuredome at Circus Circus. This indoor amusement park offers a climate-controlled haven for thrill seekers, featuring:
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- Canyon Blaster: This classic coaster takes you on a winding journey with twists, inversions, and speeds up to 55 mph. It's a great ride for those who want a good dose of thrills without the near-death experience of the Strat.
- El Loco: This one's for the daredevils. It features a backwards drop at 1.5 Gs, which basically means you'll feel heavier than a sunken battleship for a brief, terrifying moment.
Bonus: The Adventuredome also has a ton of other rides, from bumper cars to a skydiving simulator (because apparently Vegas wasn't thrilling enough already).
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
So You Want to Conquer Vegas' Roller Coasters?
How to be a Vegas roller coaster champion:
- Don't Skimp on the Sunscreen: Even if you're riding indoors, the desert sun is no joke. Protect your skin!
- Pace Yourself: Vegas is a marathon, not a sprint. Don't overdo it on the roller coasters (or the buffets) on day one.
- Befriend Dramamine: If you're prone to motion sickness, this is your new best friend.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking (and screaming).
- Laugh at Yourself: Because let's be honest, watching people on roller coasters is half the fun.