Wheeeeee: The Business of Roller Coasters

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As theme parks open for the season, so do their marquee-attraction thrill rides. This year, 63 new roller coasters are expected to open around the world, including two vying to be the world's fastest. Buckle in as we roll through the numbers.

PILGRIMS PLUNGE at Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana, is the world's tallest water ride at 135 feet.

Six Flags and Cedar Fair (which owns Cedar Point and 10 others) are the two largest independent amusement-park operators in the U.S. Each...