New Roller Coasters in the US to Check Out This Summer

Theme parks in New Jersey, Florida and Ohio have new attractions for fans.

ByABC News
June 22, 2016, 10:32 AM
SeaWorld Orlando, opened MAKO, June 10, 2016, the roller coaster is the tallest, fastest and longest coaster in Orlando, Florida.
SeaWorld Orlando, opened MAKO, June 10, 2016, the roller coaster is the tallest, fastest and longest coaster in Orlando, Florida.
SeaWorld

— -- If you find yourself looking for a thrill this summer, look no further. With new roller coasters popping up across the nation, there is no shortage of flips, twists and drops. Here are some of the newest roller coasters opening just in time for the season.

Cobra's Curse at Busch Gardens

Tampa, Florida

This family-friendly roller coaster, which can hit 40 mph, is now open to the public. Passengers begin the interactive ride facing forward, then turn backward, and spin to the finish.

PHOTO: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's newest attraction, Cobra’s Curse opened, June 17, 2016.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's newest attraction, Cobra’s Curse opened, June 17, 2016. The ride is a spin coaster featuring a menacing 30,000-pound snake king icon and a 70-foot vertical lift that will take riders within inches of its 3 foot-wide eyes and 4-foot-long fangs.

Lightning Rod at Dollywood

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Passengers weave through surrounding trees, hills and valleys on Dollywood’s newest wooden coaster. Lightning Rod reaches 73 mph, allowing guests to experience nearly 20 seconds of airtime.

PHOTO: The new roller coaster Lightning Rod at Dollywood located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
The new roller coaster Lightning Rod at Dollywood located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Mako at SeaWorld

Orlando, Florida

SeaWorld has introduced Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster yet. Appropriately named after the fastest known shark, Mako reaches up to 200 feet in the air and travels as fast as 73 mph.

PHOTO: SeaWorld Orlando, opened MAKO, June 10, 2016, the roller coaster is the tallest, fastest and longest coaster in Orlando, Florida.
SeaWorld Orlando, opened MAKO, June 10, 2016, the roller coaster is the tallest, fastest and longest coaster in Orlando, Florida.

The Monster at Adventureland

Des Moines, Iowa

The Monster, which cost approximately 9 million dollars to create, opened just weeks ago on June 4. Its most thrilling features include five inversions, a top speed of 65 mph and a 101 degree drop.

PHOTO: The Monster roller coaster at Adventureland in Altoona, Iowa.
The Monster roller coaster at Adventureland in Altoona, Iowa.

The Joker at Six Flags Great Adventure

Jackson, New Jersey

The Joker is a 4D free-fly coaster that includes thrill-inducing swiveling cars. After reaching a height of 120 feet, riders tumble down a 90-degree hill in a simulated free fall with some added weightless flips.

PHOTO: The Joker is  the new 4D, free-fly coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari in Jackson, New Jersey.
The Joker is the new 4D, free-fly coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari in Jackson, New Jersey.