Ferris Wheels and Bumper Boats No More: Fun Spot America Atlanta Unveils ArieForce One, the Coaster to Rule Them All
Are you tired of wimpy roller coasters that leave you underwhelmed? Are you looking for a thrill-seeking adventure that will make your heart race and your stomach churn? Well, look no further because tucked away in the wooded suburbs south of Atlanta lies Fun Spot America Atlanta, an amusement park that has abandoned its humble origins to become a destination for roller coaster enthusiasts. And their newest ride, ArieForce One, is not for the faint of heart.
With its towering presence above the green landscape and shimmering steel tracks glistening in the Georgia sun, ArieForce One beckons daring riders from miles away. The 154-foot lift hill and steep first drop are visible from Highway 85, challenging passers-by to take the plunge into an adrenaline-pumping experience like no other.
ArieForce One is just one example of Rocky Mountain Construction’s (RMC) innovative designs that have captured the hearts of roller coaster fans around the country. RMC is known for retrofitting old wooden roller coasters with state-of-the-art steel tracks, transforming them into hybrid creations that offer new thrills while preserving elements of nostalgia.
But RMC isn’t alone in this thrilling game. Manufacturers like Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) and Intamin are also making waves with their bold designs and extreme heights and speeds. Roller coaster enthusiasts frequently gather at events like CoasterMania! at Cedar Point theme park in Ohio to discuss rumors about upcoming rides and indulge in exclusive early-morning rides before public opening hours.
One ride on everyone’s lips during CoasterMania! was Steel Vengeance by RMC – a wild roller coaster experience unlike any other. With overbanked turns and inversions that create weightlessness for riders, RMC’s I-Box track has revolutionized steel coasters and set the bar high for thrill-seeking enthusiasts.
And ArieForce One at Fun Spot America Atlanta doesn’t disappoint either. Named after John Arie Jr., the CEO and owner of Fun Spot America, this jet-themed coaster pays tribute to his father’s passion for flying. The ride itself is a whirlwind of heart-stopping moments that will leave you breathless in its wake.
One brave rider even claimed to have seen Jesus during their ride on ArieForce One, proving just how intense and exhilarating this coaster truly is. Some riders were left so startled by the intensity that they decided to exit before the ride began. But don’t let that dissuade you! ArieForce One is definitely a must-ride experience for any roller coaster enthusiast.
In fact, many visitors are now embarking on what can be called “coaster tourism” – traveling from one park to another in search of the ultimate thrills. Roller coaster T-shirts from other parks can be spotted among those waiting in line at Fun Spot America Atlanta, as enthusiasts compare their adventures on Mako at SeaWorld Orlando and Time Traveler at Silver Dollar City with the mind-blowing experience offered by ArieForce One.
So what makes RMC rides so special? How do they keep pushing boundaries and creating masterpieces that attract thrill-seekers from near and far? We spoke with Jake Kilcup, Director of Engineering at Rocky Mountain Construction about their design strategy and goals. Here are some highlights from our conversation:
Q: How long have you been with Rocky Mountain Construction?
A: I’ve been with RMC since 2009 when we first came up with our game-changing I-Box track concept.
Q: How has the I-Box track changed steel coasters?
A: Unlike traditional pipe-based tracks used in most steel coasters, our flat-surface, plate steel tracks allow for smoother rides and more creative elements. We build our track pieces by hand with clamps, resulting in the smoothest roller coasters in the world.
Q: Where do you find inspiration for your unique coaster elements?
A: Alan Schilke, a legend in the industry, handles all layout designs for our rides. We often draw inspiration from extreme sports like snowboarding and skiing to recreate that feeling of exhilaration on a roller coaster.
Q: What is your favorite recent RMC-style element?
A: Our latest ride, Wildcat’s Revenge at Hershey Park, features an underfoot element inspired by snowboarding. It’s a barrel-roll transition that takes riders from one side to another – just like extreme sports!
Q: With ArieForce One being such a short but intense coaster experience, what are you most proud of achieving with this ride?
A: Despite design constraints due to zoning regulations at Fun Spot America Atlanta, we were able to create eye-catching elements that provide surprising thrills. The aggressive barrel roll over a building is just one example of how we integrated creativity into this incredible ride.
So if you’re ready to push your limits and experience heart-pounding excitement like never before, head on over to Fun Spot America Atlanta and buckle up for ArieForce One. This new addition to their lineup has solidified their status as one of the best amusement parks for thrill-seeking enthusiasts across the nation. And who knows? You might even catch yourself believing you’ve seen Jesus during those few seconds of weightlessness!
