A giga coaster is a type of roller coaster that has a height or drop between 300 and 399 feet. It is a complete circuit roller coaster, meaning that riders end up back where they started. The term "giga coaster" was coined by Cedar Fair in order to advertise Millennium Force, which was the first giga coaster and opened in 2000 at Cedar Point in Ohio. There are currently seven giga coasters in operation, and they are manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, Intamin, and Morgan.
Some key facts about giga coasters include:
- The first strata coaster (i.e. the first complete-circuit roller coaster over 400 feet tall) was Top Thrill Dragster, which opened in 2003.
- No giga roller coasters to date have had inversions.
- The most recently opened giga coaster is Orion, which premiered at Kings Island in Ohio in 2020.
- There are currently six traditional giga coasters in the world, each with its own story, elements, and personality.
- Millennium Force is considered one of the most legendary and iconic roller coasters on Earth and is a "bucket list" experience for coaster enthusiasts.
In summary, a giga coaster is a type of roller coaster that is between 300 and 399 feet in height or drop and is a complete circuit coaster. The term was coined by Cedar Fair to advertise Millennium Force, which was the first giga coaster. There are currently seven giga coasters in operation, and they are manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, Intamin, and Morgan.