Hi forum,
I am a student in my 4th and final year at Coventry University studying Transport and Product Design. For my final major project I have decided to design, model and animate an entire roller coaster. I hope to talk with Alton Towers and with their permission have it theoretically replace the corkscrew.

My design revolves around designing the next BIG thing in Roller coasters.

I have devised a quick questionnaire to gain knowledge, with your help, of what the users really want. If you could please fill this in and repost your answers, I would be extremely grateful. (Don’t answer any questions if you wish not to)

Thanks for your help.
Richard Irvin

Q1) Are you Male/Female?


Q2) How old are you?


Q3) When you go to a theme park, do you prefer riding wooden roller coasters, or steel roller coasters?


Q4) Of all the different roller coaster trains, which do you prefer and why? Seated, standing, inversion etc…


Q5) What’s your most favourite ride?


Q6) When your on a roller coaster what do you think is the most THRILLING part of the ride? (Gives you the biggest buzz/rush?)


Q7) What do you think is the most SCARY part of the ride? (Makes you think twice about it?)


Q8) Do you think roller coasters are LESS scary and thrilling after you’ve ridden them once before?


Q9) Do you like the idea of an extreme roller coaster? (Think roller coasters crossed with extreme sports)


Q10) Themeing… Is the theme important in the overall ride anticipation and ride satisfaction?


Q11) Queuing… Do you like to see the ride whilst in the queue? Or do you prefer the sense of not knowing what is going to happen?


Q12) Because of the direct proportionality between rides and queue length, do you prefer short ride/short queue, or long ride/long queue?


Q13) Is there anything you would like to see improved/changed with roller coasters?

Thank you again for your participation.

Q1) Are you Male/Female?
Male

Q2) How old are you?
29

Q3) When you go to a theme park, do you prefer riding wooden roller coasters, or steel roller coasters?
I enjoy both

Q4) Of all the different roller coaster trains, which do you prefer and why? Seated, standing, inversion etc…
Seated, Inverted (suspended), Floorless are my favorite types because of their unique thrills each provide (with or without inversions).

Q5) What’s your most favourite ride?
Magnum XL-200 at Cedar Point

Q6) When your on a roller coaster what do you think is the most THRILLING part of the ride? (Gives you the biggest buzz/rush?)
Airtime and speed, most definitely.

Q7) What do you think is the most SCARY part of the ride? (Makes you think twice about it?)
Strangely enough... it's reputation. For instance, Top Thrill Dragster and Kingda Ka (both notorious for breaking down, and having their unique incidents).

Q8) Do you think roller coasters are LESS scary and thrilling after you’ve ridden them once before?
They slowly become less scary, but it's not to say they provide the same adrenaline rush.

Q9) Do you like the idea of an extreme roller coaster? (Think roller coasters crossed with extreme sports)
It would be interesting to see how that could be accomplished, especially since extreme sports don't share the same dynamics as roller coasters. A roller coaster usually comes close to duplicating elements and forces found in flying, which would be hard to say if you're doing bicycle racing, skateboarding, snowboarding, and so forth.

Q10) Themeing… Is the theme important in the overall ride anticipation and ride satisfaction?
It all depends... my favorite ride... it's the fact that it was once the world's tallest, and does look imposing. Others, there does have to be some sort of theme, especially if you base it off of something like a comic book.

Q11) Queuing… Do you like to see the ride whilst in the queue? Or do you prefer the sense of not knowing what is going to happen?
Again, it all depends. Though, I want to see how close I am to actually getting on the ride.

Q12) Because of the direct proportionality between rides and queue length, do you prefer short ride/short queue, or long ride/long queue?
I hate waiting, so short ride/short queue. Though, if the queue is shorter, I'd enjoy it. Really though, I have seen more of a correlation between actual capacity and queue length among similar-length rides as I see a lot of rides that are long, yet have short queues, as well as short rides with long queues.

Q13) Is there anything you would like to see improved/changed with roller coasters?
Overall Safety and the ability to serve people who can't be served by rides made by certain manufacturers (like Intamin).

__________________
ThrillNetwork Webmaster/Systems Administrator -- My Official Fansite -- Get Firefox!
Everytime I ride a coaster, it valleys. I've never been on a stalled coaster or had one roll back (except Wicked Twister and what was Superman: Ultimate Escape, which does that by design).

Q1) Are you Male/Female?

Female

Q2) How old are you?

27

Q3) When you go to a theme park, do you prefer riding wooden roller coasters, or steel roller coasters?

Wood over steel.

Q4) Of all the different roller coaster trains, which do you prefer and why? Seated, standing, inversion etc…

I love the NAD trains on a woodie or a B&M invert. They are very comfy.

Q5) What’s your most favourite ride?

Voyage at Holiday World for wood and Kumba at Busch Gardens Africa for steel.

Q6) When your on a roller coaster what do you think is the most THRILLING part of the ride? (Gives you the biggest buzz/rush?)

Definitely the first drop. It really sets the pace of the ride.

Q7) What do you think is the most SCARY part of the ride? (Makes you think twice about it?)
Definitely the height of the ride. I am terrified.

Q8) Do you think roller coasters are LESS scary and thrilling after you’ve ridden them once before?

Yes!

Q9) Do you like the idea of an extreme roller coaster? (Think roller coasters crossed with extreme sports)

Well they already make a half-pipe, so sure, why not.


Q10) Themeing… Is the theme important in the overall ride anticipation and ride satisfaction?

Not really, but if the theme fits then whatever.

Q11) Queuing… Do you like to see the ride whilst in the queue? Or do you prefer the sense of not knowing what is going to happen?

Both actually. If I have been on it before, then sure I can watch the ride, but if I haven't, the mystery makes the ride that more appealing.

Q12) Because of the direct proportionality between rides and queue length, do you prefer short ride/short queue, or long ride/long queue?

Depends on the ride, in all honesty. Doesn't really matter though.


Q13) Is there anything you would like to see improved/changed with roller coasters?

Yes, safety! Different types of restraints, train styles. Etc.

__________________
~ThrillNetwork's Social Networking Director~
This signature is up for rent.

Q1) Are you Male/Female? Male


Q2) How old are you? 36


Q3) When you go to a theme park, do you prefer riding wooden roller coasters, or steel roller coasters? Both


Q4) Of all the different roller coaster trains, which do you prefer and why? Seated, standing, inversion etc… Seated (more specifically B&M hyper trains and GCI Millennium Flyer trains).


Q5) What’s your most favourite ride? Goliath - Six Flags Over Georgia


Q6) When your on a roller coaster what do you think is the most THRILLING part of the ride? (Gives you the biggest buzz/rush?) Air time.


Q7) What do you think is the most SCARY part of the ride? (Makes you think twice about it?) Height of the coaster.


Q8) Do you think roller coasters are LESS scary and thrilling after you’ve ridden them once before? Yes.


Q9) Do you like the idea of an extreme roller coaster? (Think roller coasters crossed with extreme sports) No. It sounds like too many technical issues would be possible.


Q10) Themeing… Is the theme important in the overall ride anticipation and ride satisfaction? If the park themes the ride, then I like a well themed ride. A coaster though doesn't have to be well themed to be a good one. Goliath is barely themed at all.

Q11) Queuing… Do you like to see the ride whilst in the queue? Or do you prefer the sense of not knowing what is going to happen? No preference.


Q12) Because of the direct proportionality between rides and queue length, do you prefer short ride/short queue, or long ride/long queue? long ride/long queue.


Q13) Is there anything you would like to see improved/changed with roller coasters?
Some coaster manufacturers have very tight tollerances for rider seats and restraints. I would like to see some manufacturers make larger seats to accomodate a broader spectrum of potential riders.

__________________

Intimidator Coming in 2010 to Carowinds!

Q1) Are you Male/Female?
Male

Q2) How old are you?
21

Q3) When you go to a theme park, do you prefer riding wooden roller coasters, or steel roller coasters?
Steel Roller Coasters

Q4) Of all the different roller coaster trains, which do you prefer and why? Seated, standing, inversion etc…
Seated

Q5) What’s your most favourite ride?
Millennium Force

Q6) When your on a roller coaster what do you think is the most THRILLING part of the ride? (Gives you the biggest buzz/rush?)
A high, steep, drop

Q7) What do you think is the most SCARY part of the ride? (Makes you think twice about it?)
Launch Speed and Height

Q8) Do you think roller coasters are LESS scary and thrilling after you’ve ridden them once before?
Depends on the coaster. Some coasters like Top Thrill Dragster or Millennium Force are thrilling and scary each time.

Q9) Do you like the idea of an extreme roller coaster? (Think roller coasters crossed with extreme sports)
No, I think the two should remain separate.

Q10) Themeing… Is the theme important in the overall ride anticipation and ride satisfaction?
Yes, very important. It really adds depth to the ride to make it a more complete experience.

Q11) Queuing… Do you like to see the ride whilst in the queue? Or do you prefer the sense of not knowing what is going to happen?
I like to see the ride whilst in Queue. Hearing screams, shouts, and seeing the coaster builds up anticipation, plus it gives you something to look at.

Q12) Because of the direct proportionality between rides and queue length, do you prefer short ride/short queue, or long ride/long queue?
Depends on the ride. For tall, fast, coasters that are the parks feature attraction I think waiting long builds up anticipation and makes the ride more valuable.

Q13) Is there anything you would like to see improved/changed with roller coasters?
Reliability, but this is more on the fault of Intamin more than others. I like how companies like to push the envelope, but building something new and cutting edge isn't worth it if it doesn't even work. Good examples would be: Kingda Ka, Top Thrill Dragster, X at SFMM, and even Millennium Force.

__________________
Thornton to Heatley all day, every day.

Q1) Are you Male/Female?
I am Male.

Q2) How old are you?
21 Years Old.

Q3) When you go to a theme park, do you prefer riding wooden roller coasters, or steel roller coasters?

I prefer steel coasters, but I love a real smooth wooden coaster, like Zach's Zoomer and Shivering Timbers. Basically, the smoother and faster the better.

Q4) Of all the different roller coaster trains, which do you prefer and why? Seated, standing, inversion etc…

I really like the inverted ones, but rides like Magnum XL 200 and Gemini make me like those more than Raptor and Thunderhawk.


Q5) What’s your most favourite ride?

Probably Magnum XL-200 or Shivering Timbers. I hold a special place in my heart for Disaster Transport.

Q6) When your on a roller coaster what do you think is the most THRILLING part of the ride? (Gives you the biggest buzz/rush?)

Its gotta be the constant speed and going up, down and around. rides like TTD are fun, but they dont hold a re-ride factor because its so short, and it isnt very...you know?

Q7) What do you think is the most SCARY part of the ride? (Makes you think twice about it?)

Nothing. I work at an amusment park, and as long as I am constantly assured that my life is not in danger I dont get scared at all.

Q8) Do you think roller coasters are LESS scary and thrilling after you’ve ridden them once before?

Its hard to think it is less scary if it isnt scary at all. I think the thrill is great almost every time, and the great coasters are the ones you can ride over and over again without question or boredom.


Q9) Do you like the idea of an extreme roller coaster? (Think roller coasters crossed with extreme sports)

How would that even work? I dont care. I guess Tony Hawk's Big Spin is a decent ride, but I have never been on it. If its a fun ride and I can fit on it, I dont care what it is, unless the theming is bad.


Q10) Themeing… Is the theme important in the overall ride anticipation and ride satisfaction?

I mean, it can certainly help and it can certainly hurt (Disaster Transport), but if a ride has a general feeling or name that lends itself to a theme (TTD, Mantis, Iron Dragon), then I would moderately expect some sort of effort to theme the ride. Its possible to overtheme the ride, but i dont think it is in Cedar Point's ability to do it. It also has to be kept up. I already have one ride that I love that almost drives me to tears, I dont want another one.

Q11) Queuing… Do you like to see the ride whilst in the queue? Or do you prefer the sense of not knowing what is going to happen?

I think, again, it all depends on the ride. I think for rides like Magnum, it works the way they have it. Its a nice queue area. But I also like rides like Raptor, Maverick. Im a coaster fan, im going to know what the ride is going to be like before i go on it. For some people, its scary and for some people its not.

Q12) Because of the direct proportionality between rides and queue length, do you prefer short ride/short queue, or long ride/long queue?

Well, I think that any sane amusment park fan should want a long ride with a short queue. Im usually not too keen on waiting forever for a ride, unless it is one with a lot of hype and im excited for it. Only then am I okay with a super huge line. Thats not to say that i dont understand or accept that lines are long. Im just saying that Im not going to wait for rides like Gemini, Mean Steak, Wolverine Wildcat (MiA), if their lines are outside the queue area.

Q13) Is there anything you would like to see improved/changed with roller coasters?

I want to see big time coasters have realistic seats and restraints for larger people. Its ridiculous how small some of these restraints are. They dont have to all be bigger, they just should have a row of seats that are designed to fit people of bigger size.

__________________

Q1) Are you Male/Female?
Male

Q2) How old are you?
40

Q3) When you go to a theme park, do you prefer riding wooden roller coasters, or steel roller coasters?
I enjoy both, but as a general rule, prefer wood

Q4) Of all the different roller coaster trains, which do you prefer and why? Seated, standing, inversion etc…
Seated first, followed by inverted and suspended.

Q5) What’s your most favourite ride?
Wood- Voyage at Holiday World. Steel- Magnum XL200 at Cedar Point

Q6) When your on a roller coaster what do you think is the most THRILLING part of the ride? (Gives you the biggest buzz/rush?)
Negative G's far and away. My number one factor for judging a coaster is airtime.

Q7) What do you think is the most SCARY part of the ride? (Makes you think twice about it?)
Any point at which it is high in the air AND moving slowly.

Q8) Do you think roller coasters are LESS scary and thrilling after you’ve ridden them once before?
yes, though a good coaster doesn't lose much of the thrill.

Q9) Do you like the idea of an extreme roller coaster? (Think roller coasters crossed with extreme sports)
Like others, I don't see how they could be blended well. I am willing to be surprised, though.

Q10) Themeing… Is the theme important in the overall ride anticipation and ride satisfaction?
Many mediocre coasters become very good with excellent theming. Mystery Mine at Dollywood is a good example of this. Mediocre themeing is always a joke, and if the ride is good enough, any theming isn't really neccessary.

Q11) Queuing… Do you like to see the ride whilst in the queue? Or do you prefer the sense of not knowing what is going to happen?
No preference- I've had great experiences at both.

Q12) Because of the direct proportionality between rides and queue length, do you prefer short ride/short queue, or long ride/long queue?
I hate waiting

Q13) Is there anything you would like to see improved/changed with roller coasters?
safety and rider accomodation, where the two are not mutually exclusive.

__________________
ThrillNetwork Lead Moderator
My neighbor got a big new house, and all I got was his lousy payments

Q1) Are you Male/Female?
Male

Q2) How old are you?
16

Q3) When you go to a theme park, do you prefer riding wooden roller coasters, or steel roller coasters?
Steel

Q4) Of all the different roller coaster trains, which do you prefer and why? Seated, standing, inversion etc…
Seated.

Q5) What’s your most favourite ride?
A very, themed one. Dollywood's Mystery Mine for instance.

Q6) When your on a roller coaster what do you think is the most THRILLING part of the ride? (Gives you the biggest buzz/rush?)
First Drop

Q7) What do you think is the most SCARY part of the ride? (Makes you think twice about it?)
If it's a dark ride, what'll happen in the dark.

Q8) Do you think roller coasters are LESS scary and thrilling after you’ve ridden them once before?
Depends on the coaster honestly. Some of them stay about the same, some get better. None of them ever decrease in thrill IMO.

Q9) Do you like the idea of an extreme roller coaster? (Think roller coasters crossed with extreme sports)
It just depends on how well the idea is executed...

Q10) Themeing… Is the theme important in the overall ride anticipation and ride satisfaction?
Yes, yes and yes! Theming is very high in my book! A coaster with out any theming is just a coaster. A themed coaster actually becomes an experience...

Q11) Queuing… Do you like to see the ride whilst in the queue? Or do you prefer the sense of not knowing what is going to happen?
I like to see some of it, not to much, just some. Keep all the big things hidden!

Q12) Because of the direct proportionality between rides and queue length, do you prefer short ride/short queue, or long ride/long queue?
Long

Q13) Is there anything you would like to see improved/changed with roller coasters?
Yeah. I say get rid of the people... Make it virtual que only, well for the most part. I hate standing in lines.
As far as improving the coaster itself, I can't think of anything, just make sure you theme this coaster and all will be well!

Best of luck with the project!
-Philip

__________________

1 - Male
2 - 50
3 - wood
4 - seated
5 - The Beast
6 - ending helix
7 - riding at night - losing my breath
8 - no. I try to think of each ride as my first ride, my last ride, & my only ride
9 - no. I'm old fashioned
10 - with the exception of high intensity, themeing is of utmost importance
11 - I'd rather not see any of the ride when in queue
12 - Isn't length everything? (I've been told this for 50 years!)

By the way - I think it's time for some new ideas as the current designs are getting stale.

Q1) Are you Male/Female?

Male


Q2) How old are you?

25


Q3) When you go to a theme park, do you prefer riding wooden roller coasters, or steel roller coasters?

Wooden


Q4) Of all the different roller coaster trains, which do you prefer and why? Seated, standing, inversion etc…

For wood I prefer NAD Century Flyers (not an option for new rides) or GCII Millennium Flyers


Q5) What’s your most favourite ride?

Toss up between Voyage or Legend


Q6) When your on a roller coaster what do you think is the most THRILLING part of the ride? (Gives you the biggest buzz/rush?)

A nice stomach grabbing first drop, HARD laterals and G,s and rapid transitions, be it a quick bunny hop or a fast curve or change in banking.

Q7) What do you think is the most SCARY part of the ride? (Makes you think twice about it?)

Nothing really gets me any more but I think when I was young it was definitely an unanticipated moment, such as a double dip, or a drop that suddenly turns left or right without warning. Head choppers or hard laterals while running through a structure were always kind of scary too.


Q8) Do you think roller coasters are LESS scary and thrilling after you’ve ridden them once before?

Depends on the ride. If it is something that you didn't feel safe on the first time I suppose it could be more scary the second time around.


Q9) Do you like the idea of an extreme roller coaster? (Think roller coasters crossed with extreme sports)

I don't think rides that are designed well enough need a gimmick, but it depends on what you are going for. I'm not sure if you mean a theme or dark ride type coaster here.


Q10) Themeing… Is the theme important in the overall ride anticipation and ride satisfaction?

I LOVE themeing! You give a ride a storyline or music or some type of special effects I am absolutely hooked. If a ride has a good enough theme and well told story line it doesnt need to be a thrill ride to me. I get a good enough kick out of everything else. Themeing is such a good tool to build anticipation. If you are going to do themeing though, you'd better do it right or not play the game at all. Mix great theming with a ride that is still good without it you can't go wrong.


Q11) Queuing… Do you like to see the ride whilst in the queue? Or do you prefer the sense of not knowing what is going to happen?

This is a tough question for me. It's more exciting stepping into the unknown for sure, but I also love it when a ride is photogenic, and I can't stand not knowing what a ride is going to do before I ride it (I mean that in an impatient way, not a this is too scary way) I think giving away a little, like a tease is WAY better than giving it all away.


Q12) Because of the direct proportionality between rides and queue length, do you prefer short ride/short queue, or long ride/long queue?

Long ride long queue, but long rides can have very high capacity given a good track/blocking design. A long ride can run more trains than a short ride so it evens out.


Q13) Is there anything you would like to see improved/changed with roller coasters?

I think a lot of rides today are too complex and this sacrifices their reliability in most cases. Other than that it's really just the general maintenance of rides (especially wooden) that I would like to see improved upon. I also wish that steel coasters weren't such a walk in the park. You sit through these silent, smooth wind machines that really don't do anything to your body besides turn you around a few times. Coasters are meant to be wild and intense and out of control. Steel coasters are FAR too controled for my taste.

For steel rides I prefer things like Maverick, Magnum, Phantom's Revenge, SFMM Viper, Raptor, Mr. Freeze, Flight of Fear... These rides are delightfully unrefined in some ways that make them bumpy, noisy, action packed or unpredictable.

__________________
I like the Zingo a lot.

Q1) Are you Male/Female?

Yes please! Oh crap, it doesn't work here...

Male

Q2) How old are you?

XIX

Q3) When you go to a theme park, do you prefer riding wooden roller coasters, or steel roller coasters?

Wood

Q4) Of all the different roller coaster trains, which do you prefer and why? Seated, standing, inversion etc…

Seated

Q5) What’s your most favourite ride?

Magnum XL-200

Q6) When you're on a roller coaster what do you think is the most THRILLING part of the ride? (Gives you the biggest buzz/rush?)

Airtime

Q7) What do you think is the most SCARY part of the ride? (Makes you think twice about it?)

The end

Q8) Do you think roller coasters are LESS scary and thrilling after you’ve ridden them once before?

It depends on the ride.

Q9) Do you like the idea of an extreme roller coaster? (Think roller coasters crossed with extreme sports)

Seems complicated, and and a bit of a condescending pander to today's younger generations.

Q10) Themeing… Is the theme important in the overall ride anticipation and ride satisfaction?

The better the ride, the less themeing is needed.

Q11) Queuing… Do you like to see the ride whilst in the queue? Or do you prefer the sense of not knowing what is going to happen?

I like to see the start of the ride, but I like to have some distortion of my perception.

Q12) Because of the direct proportionality between rides and queue length, do you prefer short ride/short queue, or long ride/long queue?

Bigger is better isn't it?

Q13) Is there anything you would like to see improved/changed with roller coasters?

reliabilty

__________________

Q1) Are you Male/Female?

Male

Q2) How old are you?

25

Q3) When you go to a theme park, do you prefer riding wooden roller coasters, or steel roller coasters?

I enjoy both, but have a slight preference for wooden coasters. They have a stronger unique identity.

Q4) Of all the different roller coaster trains, which do you prefer and why? Seated, standing, inversion etc…

Seated non-inverting, such as hyper coasters. These tend to focus more on air time than inversions.

Q5) What’s your most favourite ride?

El Toro at Six Flags Great Adventure.

Q6) When your on a roller coaster what do you think is the most THRILLING part of the ride? (Gives you the biggest buzz/rush?)

The intensity of the ride: the more, the better (within safety limits). Air time, sense of speed, and that out of control feeling.

Q7) What do you think is the most SCARY part of the ride? (Makes you think twice about it?)

Safety reputation of the park in general and that particular ride. I always have slight second thoughts about intamin hypers and launch coasters.

Q8) Do you think roller coasters are LESS scary and thrilling after you’ve ridden them once before?

Yes, but good rides remain as enjoyable.

Q9) Do you like the idea of an extreme roller coaster? (Think roller coasters crossed with extreme sports)

Yes, there is stagnation in the coasters being built currently. I don't know how you'll mix these two, though.

Q10) Themeing… Is the theme important in the overall ride anticipation and ride satisfaction?

Only on mediocre coasters does theming matter.

Q11) Queuing… Do you like to see the ride whilst in the queue? Or do you prefer the sense of not knowing what is going to happen?

Yes, if no other entertainment is provided. If entertainment is provided (tv program, even if it is about the ride), than I prefer not knowing. This is part of what makes the Beast such an effective roller coaster.

Q12) Because of the direct proportionality between rides and queue length, do you prefer short ride/short queue, or long ride/long queue?

I am not convinced there is a direct proportionality. Many longer coasters have huge throughput (B&M hypers for example). Assuming you are correct, I prefer a long ride/long queue.

Q13) Is there anything you would like to see improved/changed with roller coasters?

More comfortable restraints for OTSR trains, especially on Intamin looping coasters. I would also like to see some new ideas come out; there doesn't seem to have been much progression the past decade.

__________________

Q1) Are you Male/Female?
Female


Q2) How old are you?
23


Q3) When you go to a theme park, do you prefer riding wooden roller coasters, or steel roller coasters?
It depends - I like old-fashioned wooden, but I like the tall and fast steel. I don't like tall and fast wooden.


Q4) Of all the different roller coaster trains, which do you prefer and why? Seated, standing, inversion etc…
I find regular seated to be the most comfortable.

Q5) What’s your most favourite ride?
The Beast at King's Island

Q6) When your on a roller coaster what do you think is the most THRILLING part of the ride? (Gives you the biggest buzz/rush?)
The first drop and highly or over-banked corners.

Q7) What do you think is the most SCARY part of the ride? (Makes you think twice about it?)
The lift hill. Millennium Force creeps me out until the crest of the hill.


Q8) Do you think roller coasters are LESS scary and thrilling after you’ve ridden them once before?
No. If anything, I think they get better because now you know how exciting and fun they are.


Q9) Do you like the idea of an extreme roller coaster? (Think roller coasters crossed with extreme sports)
As a scuba diver, I'd love to see an underwater coaster. In general I'd like to see something new. Since the advent of flying coasters, we haven't seen anything really new or spectacular.

Q10) Themeing… Is the theme important in the overall ride anticipation and ride satisfaction?
Yes, because the only ride I've ridden that had a really cohesive theme was Top Thrill Dragster, and even though I've never ridden Kingda Ka, I think I would prefer TTD because it has the drag strip theming that adds a little bit of extra fun to it.


Q11) Queuing… Do you like to see the ride whilst in the queue? Or do you prefer the sense of not knowing what is going to happen?
I like the sense of not knowing - my two favorite rides are The Beast and Flight of Fear, neither of which you can see from the queue or anywhere else in the park. And I love taking people on Flight of Fear for the first time and watching their face as the train launches!


Q12) Because of the direct proportionality between rides and queue length, do you prefer short ride/short queue, or long ride/long queue?
Long ride/long queue, though I have to argue that the proportion is not true. Kingda Ka and Top Thrill Dragster always have long lines but a very short ride time. I hate having to wait forever to ride something that's only 30 seconds long.

Q13) Is there anything you would like to see improved/changed with roller coasters?
More comfortable and accepting seating and restraints. As a plus-size person, I have a hard time getting comfortable in many seats and people who are larger than me often times cannot get in them at all. Considering how many coaster lovers are large, it'd be nice to see designers taking us into consideration. I'd also like to see more padding on OSTRs or a design that reduces 'headbanging' - the restraints are the biggest reason that I really did not like Maverick and don't like coasters like Ninja at SFOG and Vortex at KI. I end up with headaches every time I ride them because the restraints are right at my temples. Lapbars are the way to go!

__________________
05.16, 05.17, 05.18, 06.05, 06.06: Cedar Point
05.25.09-06.01.09: KD, SFA, BGE, SFGAdv, Morey's & More!
06.18.09: Holiday World
2009 Diamondback laps: 41

Q1) Are you Male/Female?
male

Q2) How old are you?
19

Q3) When you go to a theme park, do you prefer riding wooden roller coasters, or steel roller coasters?
like both, but usually like steel better.

Q4) Of all the different roller coaster trains, which do you prefer and why? Seated, standing, inversion etc…
I really like the B&M hyper trains. The bucket seats and the large lapbar are the most comfortable of any ride I have been on, especially since I don't have to worry about OTSRs banging my head (I'm the height where I am in the perfect headbang position)

Q5) What’s your most favourite ride?
tough one, but I would say probably Millennium Force or possibly even Mystery Mine

Q6) When your on a roller coaster what do you think is the most THRILLING part of the ride? (Gives you the biggest buzz/rush?)
Speed, air-time, and inversions

Q7) What do you think is the most SCARY part of the ride? (Makes you think twice about it?)
I know no fear 8) Just don't like roughness in certain coasters.

Q8) Do you think roller coasters are LESS scary and thrilling after you’ve ridden them once before?
A little.

Q9) Do you like the idea of an extreme roller coaster? (Think roller coasters crossed with extreme sports)
I'm not sure how you would pull this off, but I am fine with something being more extreme.

Q10) Themeing… Is the theme important in the overall ride anticipation and ride satisfaction?
Although it is not neccessary, themeing can make a ride much more enjoyable (like Mystery Mine)

Q11) Queuing… Do you like to see the ride whilst in the queue? Or do you prefer the sense of not knowing what is going to happen?
I have no preference, although it is fun to watch the GP freak out.

Q12) Because of the direct proportionality between rides and queue length, do you prefer short ride/short queue, or long ride/long queue?
I would prefer a longer ride.

Q13) Is there anything you would like to see improved/changed with roller coasters?
not really, everything seems pretty cool as it is.

__________________
^EL TORO^ RULES!!!

Q1) Are you Male/Female?
Male

Q2) How old are you?
16

Q3) When you go to a theme park, do you prefer riding wooden roller coasters, or steel roller coasters?
No preference

Q4) Of all the different roller coaster trains, which do you prefer and why? Seated, standing, inversion etc…
Inverted, the feeling of your feet dangling in the free air is great.

Q5) What’s your most favourite ride?
Maverick at Cedar Point

Q6) When your on a roller coaster what do you think is the most THRILLING part of the ride? (Gives you the biggest buzz/rush?)
Speed and banking.

Q7) What do you think is the most SCARY part of the ride? (Makes you think twice about it?)
The lift hill.

Q8) Do you think roller coasters are LESS scary and thrilling after you’ve ridden them once before?
Nope.

Q9) Do you like the idea of an extreme roller coaster? (Think roller coasters crossed with extreme sports)
As long as they're still safe.

Q10) Themeing… Is the theme important in the overall ride anticipation and ride satisfaction?
Yeah.

Q11) Queuing… Do you like to see the ride whilst in the queue? Or do you prefer the sense of not knowing what is going to happen?
I like to see it, but at the same time not knowing is a great thing as well.

Q12) Because of the direct proportionality between rides and queue length, do you prefer short ride/short queue, or long ride/long queue?
Long ride Long queue

Q13) Is there anything you would like to see improved/changed with roller coasters?
The g-forces seem to be lacking more often now, I'd like to see more g's more places.

__________________
o hai. i herd u liek mudkipz?

Q1) Are you Male/Female?

Male

Q2) How old are you?

15 years

Q3) When you go to a theme park, do you prefer riding wooden roller coasters, or steel roller coasters?

Steel, although my favorite roller coaster is wood (Voyage)

Q4) Of all the different roller coaster trains, which do you prefer and why? Seated, standing, inversion etc…

B&M Inverted trains. Very, very comfy.

Q5) What’s your most favourite ride?

Voyage at Holiday World

Q6) When your on a roller coaster what do you think is the most THRILLING part of the ride? (Gives you the biggest buzz/rush?)

The airtime

Q7) What do you think is the most SCARY part of the ride? (Makes you think twice about it?)

Nothing. I never see roller coasters as scary. It's not like someone is coming at you with a knife! It's meant to trigger neurons in the brain, which makes you feel good.

Q8) Do you think roller coasters are LESS scary and thrilling after you’ve ridden them once before?

Somewhat

Q9) Do you like the idea of an extreme roller coaster? (Think roller coasters crossed with extreme sports)

Not really

Q10) Themeing… Is the theme important in the overall ride anticipation and ride satisfaction?

Yes. Tunnels make the ride more fun, and the rest of the theming and scenery makes you feel like you are actually where the park wants you to feel like you are (I don't think that makes sense?!). Like Top Thrill Dragster makes you feel like you are watching a drag race, for example.

Q11) Queuing… Do you like to see the ride whilst in the queue? Or do you prefer the sense of not knowing what is going to happen?

It doesn't matter to me. Again, it's not like something bad is going to happen to you, so why would you need to know? And, after you ride a ride once, you should pretty much know the entire layout.

Q12) Because of the direct proportionality between rides and queue length, do you prefer short ride/short queue, or long ride/long queue?

It depends. If it is a short ride, such as Batman The Ride, then I will NOT wait 2 hours for it. If it is a longer, more intense ride, such as Millennium Force, then I will wait possibly 3 hours. And, if it is a record-breaking ride (such as TTD, KK, etc), I will wait however long the line is-only once (maybe twice), because I want to see what these rides are like.

Q13) Is there anything you would like to see improved/changed with roller coasters?

All I want to see is a 500 footer sometime in the next 5 years.

Q1) Are you Male/Female?
Male

Q2) How old are you?
22

Q3) When you go to a theme park, do you prefer riding wooden roller coasters, or steel roller coasters?
I'll ride anything.. But I'll go out of my way for a woodie.

Q4) Of all the different roller coaster trains, which do you prefer and why? Seated, standing, inversion etc…
It doesn't really matter to me. But the more "open" (less restrictive) the better.

Q5) What’s your most favourite ride?
You mean favorite? I guess El Toro at Great Adventure and Boulderdash at Lake Compounce.

Q6) When your on a roller coaster what do you think is the most THRILLING part of the ride? (Gives you the biggest buzz/rush?)
Steep drops and out of control feeling

Q7) What do you think is the most SCARY part of the ride? (Makes you think twice about it?)
Nothing, really.

Q8) Do you think roller coasters are LESS scary and thrilling after you’ve ridden them once before?
I don't find them scary.. But I can get the same trill ride after ride if the coaster is good.

Q9) Do you like the idea of an extreme roller coaster? (Think roller coasters crossed with extreme sports)
I guess

Q10) Themeing… Is the theme important in the overall ride anticipation and ride satisfaction?
Not at all. Yeah, it can help if done right. But I'd rather a ride just be built well than themed poorly to make up for a so/so ride.

Q11) Queuing… Do you like to see the ride whilst in the queue? Or do you prefer the sense of not knowing what is going to happen?
As long as the line moves at a somewhat fast pace.. And its not in the sun for hours on end.. I'm good.

Q12) Because of the direct proportionality between rides and queue length, do you prefer short ride/short queue, or long ride/long queue?
Ride time or length doesn't really matter if the ride is solid.

Q13) Is there anything you would like to see improved/changed with roller coasters?
More overall experiences rather than one trick ponies.

Q1) Are you Male/Female?
Male

Q2) How old are you?
15

Q3) When you go to a theme park, do you prefer riding wooden roller coasters, or steel roller coasters?
Usually steel, but my favorite ride is actually wooden.

Q4) Of all the different roller coaster trains, which do you prefer and why? Seated, standing, inversion etc…
B&M hyper trains, VERY spacious and comfy!

Q5) What’s your most favourite ride?
Boulder Dash at Lake Compounce!!

Q6) When your on a roller coaster what do you think is the most THRILLING part of the ride? (Gives you the biggest buzz/rush?)
For thrills, drops that make my stomach freak out.

Q7) What do you think is the most SCARY part of the ride? (Makes you think twice about it?)
Nothing at all, maybe if it's had like 20 accidents before, but other than that, nothing is scary at all.

Q8) Do you think roller coasters are LESS scary and thrilling after you’ve ridden them once before?
To a certain extent, yeah, but not too much.

Q9) Do you like the idea of an extreme roller coaster? (Think roller coasters crossed with extreme sports)
Sure, could be pretty sweet.

Q10) Themeing… Is the theme important in the overall ride anticipation and ride satisfaction?
It's really dumb to waste themeing on a bad ride, but if an already good ride is themed well, that makes it a LOT better for me. A good example is Dueling Dragons at IOA.

Q11) Queuing… Do you like to see the ride whilst in the queue? Or do you prefer the sense of not knowing what is going to happen?
Can be both...If the ride is meant to be scary and make you nervous while you're waiting, then hide it. If it's just supposed to be a really sick ride, then it should be fine to let you see it.

Q12) Because of the direct proportionality between rides and queue length, do you prefer short ride/short queue, or long ride/long queue?
I'll wait a long time for any good ride, long or short. I waited 2 hours for Top Thrill Dragster over ten times because the ride itself is amazing.

Q13) Is there anything you would like to see improved/changed with roller coasters?
Let's get some more REALLY fast, REALLY tall coasters! And, some more elements, the same ones are starting to get a bit old, aha.

Q1) Are you Male/Female?
Male

Q2) How old are you?
13


Q3) When you go to a theme park, do you prefer riding wooden roller coasters, or steel roller coasters?

Steel
Q4) Of all the different roller coaster trains, which do you prefer and why? Seated, standing, inversion etc…

Seated
Q5) What’s your most favourite ride?

Maverick, Cedar Point
Q6) When your on a roller coaster what do you think is the most THRILLING part of the ride? (Gives you the biggest buzz/rush?)

The first drop, and airtime, and also the sensation of being out of control, and the sensation of speed.
Q7) What do you think is the most SCARY part of the ride? (Makes you think twice about it?)

Speed, And Height
Q8) Do you think roller coasters are LESS scary and thrilling after you’ve ridden them once before?
Sometimes.

Q9) Do you like the idea of an extreme roller coaster? (Think roller coasters crossed with extreme sports)

Yes.
Q10) Themeing… Is the theme important in the overall ride anticipation and ride satisfaction?

Theming definitely adds to atmosphere but not necessarily thrills. But if It came down to theming or no theming themed rides adds something special.

Q11) Queuing… Do you like to see the ride whilst in the queue? Or do you prefer the sense of not knowing what is going to happen?

I prefer the sensation of not knowing.

Q12) Because of the direct proportionality between rides and queue length, do you prefer short ride/short queue, or long ride/long queue?

Long Ride Lon Queue, if the ride is good, then the lineup won't matter.

Q13) Is there anything you would like to see improved/changed with roller coasters? Some roller coasters are high and fast but need more substance and flare. And Rough rides, like from vekoma.