National Roller Coaster Day

Akshita Dakh
Dec 22, 2023 By Akshita Dakh
Originally Published on Feb 05, 2022
Fact-checked by Sonali Rawat
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This National Roller Coaster Day, visit a theme park and enjoy a roller coaster with your kids.

Where is National Roller Coaster Day celebrated?

National RoIt's time to get that adrenaline rush in your veins; after all, it's National Roller Coaster Day!

The twists, turns, spills, and thrills of roller coasters never fail to make us feel giddy in the stomachs. To celebrate the ride that kids and adults love alike, National Roller Coaster Day is celebrated every year on August 16.

A roller coaster is unquestionably the center of attraction and action in any amusement park. If you can't wait to be hurled upside down and scream at the top of your lungs, then get on a roller coaster and enjoy National Roller Coaster Day on August 16!

So buckle up, riders, and read on to learn more about roller coasters and their invention.

ller Coaster Day is celebrated all across the United States.

Who is National Roller Coaster Day celebrated by?

 Kids, teens, adults, and all those who love the thrill of getting on a roller coaster celebrate this day.

When did National Roller Coaster Day first start?

The American Coaster Enthusiasts Organization was recognized on August 16 as National Roller Coaster Day in 1986.

Who started National Roller Coaster Day?

Although the origin of this day cannot be traced back to a single individual, it is said to commemorate the day in 1898 when Edwin Prescott issued the first roller coaster patent.

People enjoying a roller coaster ride.

History And Timeline

Read about the fascinating history of roller coasters below!

Russian Origin

The first roller coasters may have appeared in Russia as wooden coasters where people slid down on rides made of icy ramps.

18th century

First Roller Coaster Patent

LaMarcus Adna Thompson issued the first patent for a roller coaster in the U.S.

1885

Fall in popularity

Due to the Great Depression and WWII, the popularity of roller coasters fell considerably.

1930s

Disney's Matterhorn debuts

Disneyland launched the iconic Matterhorn roller coaster.

1959

First suspended looping coaster

A Dutch amusement ride manufacturing company, Vekoma, created the first suspended looping coaster.

1994

Traditions And Customs

National Roller Coaster Day is a fantastic opportunity to attract visitors to theme parks. As a result, several amusement parks across the country offer special deals to visitors, such as a discount on ticket prices or buy one ticket, get one free.

That is why it is always a good idea to take a day off work and have fun with your family on the high-speed roller coasters!

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National Roller Coaster Day

Visit a theme park and ride every roller coaster that catches your eye.

If you are afraid of a roller coaster ride, try a virtual roller coaster instead. It will provide all of the thrills of a real roller coaster without hurling you into the air.

If you can't visit an amusement park, you can spend the day learning about the history of roller coasters and creating a bucket list of all the roller coasters you wish to ride and theme parks you want to visit.

Facts And Stats

  • If you are keen to try out some old roller coasters this National Roller Coaster Day, ride the wooden 'Leap-The-Dips' roller coaster in Pennsylvania built in 1902 and still operates today.
  • On this National Roller Coaster Day, why not ride the longest roller coaster in the world, the Steel Dragon in Nagashima Spa Land, Japan!
  • Disneyland's Matterhorn roller coaster was a revolutionary invention as it was the first roller coaster to have a tubular steel track. Today, most roller coasters use a steel track as it can be bent in any direction, which is not possible in the case of wooden rails. In honor of this fact, why not celebrate your National Roller Coaster Day in Disneyland?

What day is National Roller Coaster Day?

This year, National Roller Coaster Day will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2022.

What does Roller Coaster Day mean?

Roller Coaster Day means a trip to your favorite amusement parks and an entire day full of fun and thrill riding on high-speed roller coasters!

Who invented roller coasters?

The oldest versions of roller coasters have been invented in Russia and were known as 'Russian Mountains,' which were specially built wooden hills with ice ramps. Riders often used to get hurt while sliding on these. With the development of technology, roller coasters have become far safer and more action-packed than ever before.

What is the significance of National Roller Coaster Day?

National Roller Coaster Day is the perfect holiday to step into your fantasy world and have a fun outing with your friends and family in a theme park. You not only get a chance to spend quality time with your loved ones but also revive the kid in you and have a stress-free day!

How is National Roller Coaster Day different from National Ferris Wheel Day?

National Roller Coaster Day encourages you to ride a roller coaster every year on August 16, whereas National Ferris Wheel Day invites people to honor the man who invented the Ferris Wheel, George Washington Gale Ferris, on February 14 each year.

How does this day affect people psychologically/emotionally?

While the idea of celebrating National Roller Coaster Day might excite most people, some hate to ride a roller coaster. This difference is due to the varying levels of dopamine, a chemical present in the human brain.

People who have a high level of dopamine love thrilling activities and would be more eager to ride a roller coaster. In contrast, those with lower levels might not prefer to engage in any sensation-seeking activity.

Why do kids love National Roller Coaster Day?

What else do kids need than an opportunity to have a fun day at an amusement park?! National Roller Coaster Day offers just that! Besides, riding a roller coaster gives them a perfect chance to show how brave they are!

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Sunday, August 16, 2020
  • Monday, August 16, 2021
  • Tuesday, August 16, 2022
  • Wednesday, August 16, 2023
  • Friday, August 16, 2024

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Sources

https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/rollercoaster-day/

https://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/national-roller-coaster-day/

https://nationaltoday.com/national-roller-coaster-day/amp/

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Written by Akshita Dakh

Bachelor of Commerce, Masters in Business Administration

Akshita Dakh picture

Akshita DakhBachelor of Commerce, Masters in Business Administration

Akshita Dakh has worked in different roles for example she has worked as a Relationship Manager at Reliance Securities, where she successfully acquired and onboarded HNI clients. Additionally, she has interned in various roles such as E-commerce specialist & Content Writer at Tanpri E-commerce, Social Media Manager & Content Writer at Kamaleya Organics, and in retail liabilities and branch banking at Kotak Mahindra Bank. Akshita holds a Master's in Business Administration from AMSOM, Ahmedabad, and a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Asia Pacific College. 

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Fact-checked by Sonali Rawat

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature, Masters of Art specializing in English and Communication Skills

Sonali Rawat picture

Sonali RawatBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature, Masters of Art specializing in English and Communication Skills

Sonali has a Bachelor's degree in English literature from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and is currently pursuing a Master's in English and Communication from Christ University. With considerable experience in writing about lifestyle topics, including travel and health, she has a passion for Japanese culture, especially fashion, and anime, and has written on the subject before. Sonali has event managed a creative-writing festival and coordinated a student magazine at her university. Her favorite authors are Toni Morrison and Anita Desai.

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