Scariest Theme Park Rides: A Necrophilia of Nervous Breakdowns and Thrills
Growing up in the rural tranquility of Michigan's Thumb as a sheltered farm kid, my only forays into the world of amusement parks were relegated to my imagination. Fueled by the dream of a college education, I saved every penny while my peers ventured into the thrilling world of roller coasters. Life took a different turn after becoming a public school teacher and then marrying later in life.
From Sheltered Life to Thrill Seeking
When my wife suggested a trip to Cedar Point in Ohio, I was both excited and anxious. This was my first exposure to the adrenaline-inducing rides that had been the cornerstone of my friends’ adolescent experiences. My experience on my first roller coaster, the Corkscrew, was a defining moment.
First Roller Coaster Experience: A Nervous and Revolting Ride
The Corkscrew, a recently opened coaster, was unlike anything I had ever seen or experienced. I was determined not to show any weakness, so I buckled up and clung to the bar, disguising my genuine fear. The ride’s first plunge left me speechless, literally. My wife found it hilarious to watch my face turn white and hear the scream that ensued. My reaction was immediate and intense, resulting in an unpleasant experience that left me queasy for the rest of the day. I vehemently confessed to my fear, and this roller coaster became a stark chapter in my life story – my first and last roller coaster ride.
Other Intense Amusement Park Rides
Space Mountain: A Peacemaker Between Thrills and Sore Muscles
Despite the trauma of the Corkscrew, I was still curious about Space Mountain and Body Wars. These rides, while exhilarating, did not leave me with sore muscles, a silver lining in my otherwise terrifying experiences. However, my trip to Cleveland Ohio during the feast of the Assumption presented a much different challenge.
Carnival Ride: A Heart-Racing Escape
A high centrifugal ride ventured into a second-story level, where I found myself privy to an intimate view of the upper levels of surrounding homes. My 7-year-old daughter and I chose this ride for a burst of courage, likely due to the boredom of the carny operating our ride. We were the only ones on board, and his gaze met mine as I ascended. The ride quickly transitioned from joy to terror, with the sensation of being thrown against each other due to centrifugal force and the unsettling feeling of the ride tilting in an indistinct direction.
My attempts to stop the ride were likely misunderstood as screams of joy, much to my dismay. Eventually, after nearly fifteen minutes, we managed to exit the ride, only to be greeted by a stern look from me, which he returned with a smile and a bow. It became clear that he had intentionally extended the ride to save money, as no one else was around.
This terrifying carnival experience marked the end of my carnival rides in the future. The explicitness of my encounter with the carny, as well as the lingering effects of the ride, left an indelible mark on my repertoire of amusement park experiences.
In conclusion, my experiences with the scariest theme park rides were a testament to both the joys and horrors of amusement park culture. While roller coasters and other thrill rides offer the promise of excitement, they can also result in unexpected and unpleasant experiences. These stories serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of amusement parks, which can be both exhilarating and terrifying.