Hubbry Logo
American Coaster EnthusiastsAmerican Coaster EnthusiastsMain
Open search
American Coaster Enthusiasts
Community hub
American Coaster Enthusiasts
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
American Coaster Enthusiasts
American Coaster Enthusiasts
from Wikipedia

American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) is a non-profit organization focusing on the enjoyment, knowledge, and preservation of roller coasters as well as recognition of some as architectural and engineering landmarks.[3] Dues-paying members receive the quarterly magazine RollerCoaster! and bi-monthly newsletter ACE News.[4] Amusement parks have also invited members to exclusive ride events at amusement parks as well as sneak peek events at new roller coasters under construction.[5]

Key Information

The organization maintains an online database of roller coasters including ride specifications and archives of published news articles. The club also recognizes historically significant roller coasters with the Coaster Classic and ACE Coaster Landmark statuses.

History

[edit]

Organization founders Roy Brashears, Paul Greenwald and Richard Munch met at a roller coaster riding marathon event promoting the 1977 movie Rollercoaster at the Rebel Yell roller coaster (now called Racer 75) at Kings Dominion amusement park in Doswell, Virginia. The three discovered they shared the same passion for roller coasters and decided to form a club that would allow others that shared the same interests to join. They organized Coaster Con I the following year at Busch Gardens Williamsburg theme park in June 1978. On the final day of the event during a business meeting, the name American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) was chosen as the club's name. Coaster Con events have been held annually ever since.[6]

Structure

[edit]

The organization is almost entirely run by volunteers, with the exception of an independent contractor who runs certain day-to-day operations regarding mailings, receipt of event payment/membership dues and merchandise. ACE members are required to pay annual membership dues that are available in individual, couple, family and corporate packages. The organization fulfills one of its primary goals of providing education through its publications.[4] Other goals include promoting the conservation, appreciation, and enjoyment of roller coasters and their place in history as architectural and engineering landmarks.[3][7]

ACE is governed by an executive committee of five officers and seven directors. Four of the officer positions are directly elected and one indirectly elected by the club's membership. These officers are the president, vice president, treasurer, secretary and immediate past president. The seven directors are appointed by the president and approved by a majority vote of the remaining officers.[8] The region director oversees a system of ACE regions, which sponsors events and publishes regional websites and email newsletters.

ACE Regions

  • California Northern
  • Canada (except British Columbia)
  • Eastern Great Lakes (Ohio and Michigan)
  • Europe
  • Florida
  • Heart of America (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and southern Illinois)
  • Mid-Atlantic (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia)
  • Midwest (Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia)
  • New England (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont)
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Central (Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota)
  • Northwest (Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington)
  • Other Countries
  • Pacific Southwest (Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada and southern California)
  • Pennsylvania Eastern
  • Pennsylvania Western
  • Rocky Mountain (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming)
  • South America
  • South Central (Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas)
  • Southeast (Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee)
  • Western Great Lakes (Wisconsin and northern Illinois)

Events

[edit]

The national organization sponsors the annual Coaster Con convention, international tours, seasonal conferences, and a conference focused on coaster preservation.

Coaster Con

[edit]

Coaster Con, usually features one to as many as six theme parks where exclusive ride time is made available to members on selected coasters outside of times when the park is open to the public. Coaster Con also features photo and video contests, carnival games competitions, as well as an annual business meeting, banquet (with presentations, awards, industry keynote speaker, and auction to benefit ACE's funds), workshops, discussion groups, displays, and memorabilia sales tables.

No. Dates Host parks
Past Coaster Con events
1 June 9–11, 1978 Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Williamsburg, VA)
2 June 15–17, 1979 Kings Island (Mason, OH)
3 June 26–29, 1980 Kennywood (West Mifflin, PA)
4 June 25–30, 1981 Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington, TX), Six Flags AstroWorld, (Houston, TX), and Fair Park, (Dallas, TX)
5 June 24–27, 1982 Hersheypark (Hershey, PA)
6 June 23–26, 1983 Elitch Gardens (Denver, CO) and Lakeside Amusement Park (Denver, CO)
7 July 11–15, 1984 Crystal Beach Park (Crystal Beach, ON, CA), Canadian National Exhibition (Toronto, ON, CA), and Seabreeze Amusement Park, (Rochester, NY)
8 June 27–30, 1985 Lincoln Park (Dartmouth, MA), Rocky Point Amusement Park, (Warwick, RI) Whalom Park, (Lunenburg, MA), and Mountain Park (Holyoke, MA)
9 June 26–29, 1986 Six Flags Over Georgia (Austell, GA) and Lake Winnepesaukah (Rossville, GA)
10 June 22–28, 1987 Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia, CA), Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (Santa Cruz, CA), and California's Great America (Santa Clara, CA)
11 June 21–25, 1988 Geauga Lake (Aurora, OH), Cedar Point (Sandusky, OH), and Boblo Island Amusement Park (Amherstburg, ON, CA)
12 June 21–25, 1989 Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom (Allentown, PA) and Clementon Lake Park (Clementon, NJ)
13 June 20–25, 1990 Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington, TX) and Wonderland Park (Amarillo, TX)
14 June 16–20, 1991 Kennywood (West Mifflin, PA)
15 June 21–25, 1992 Kings Dominion (Doswell, VA)
16 July 5–9, 1993 Worlds of Fun (Kansas City, MO) and Joyland Amusement Park (Wichita, KS)
17 June 4–11, 1994 Belmont Park (San Diego, CA), Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia, CA), Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (Santa Cruz, CA), and California's Great America (Santa Clara, CA)
18 June 18–23, 1995 Carowinds (Charlotte, NC), Family Kingdom Amusement Park, (Myrtle Beach, SC), and Myrtle Beach Pavilion (Myrtle Beach, SC)
19 June 1–3, 1996 Lakeside Amusement Park (Denver, CO)
20 June 6–13, 1997 Kings Dominion (Doswell, VA) and Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Williamsburg, VA)
21 June 21–24, 1998 Kennywood (West Mifflin, PA), Idlewild (Ligonier, PA), and Sandcastle Waterpark (Homestead, PA)
22 June 20–24, 1999 Six Flags Fiesta Texas, (San Antonio, TX) and SeaWorld San Antonio (San Antonio, TX)
23 June 18–23, 2000 Kentucky Kingdom (Louisville, KY) and Holiday World & Splashin' Safari (Santa Claus, IN)
24 June 17–22, 2001 Hersheypark, (Hershey, PA) Williams Grove Amusement Park, (Mechanicsburg, PA) Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, (Allentown, PA), and Philadelphia Toboggan Company, (Hatfield, PA)
25 June 16–21, 2002 Six Flags Magic Mountain, (Santa Clarita, CA), Adventure City (Anaheim, CA), and Knott's Berry Farm (Buena Park, CA)
26 June 15–20, 2003 Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Williamsburg, VA) and Kings Dominion (Doswell, VA)
27 June 20–26, 2004 Cedar Point, (Sandusky, OH) Memphis Kiddie Park (Brooklyn, OH) and Geauga Lake (Aurora, OH)
28 June 19–24, 2005 Six Flags Great America, (Gurnee, IL) Little Amerricka, (Marshall, WI), and Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park, (Wisconsin Dells, WI)
29 June 18–24, 2006 Disney's Animal Kingdom (Lake Buena Vista, FL), Disney's Hollywood Studios (Lake Buena Vista, FL), Old Town (Kissimmee, FL), Magic Kingdom (Lake Buena Vista, FL), Cypress Gardens, (Winter Haven, FL), and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Tampa, FL)
30 June 17–23, 2007 Kings Island, (Mason, OH), Stricker's Grove, (Ross, OH) Holiday World & Splashin' Safari (Santa Claus, IN), and Beech Bend Park (Bowling Green, KY)
31 June 15–20, 2008 Six Flags Over Georgia (Austell GA) and Wild Adventures (Valdosta, GA)
32 June 21–26, 2009 Silver Dollar City (Branson, MO) and Worlds of Fun (Kansas City, MO)
33 June 20–25, 2010 Kennywood (West Mifflin, PA), Idlewild and Soak Zone (Ligonier, PA), Conneaut Lake Park (Conneaut Lake, PA), and Waldameer & Water World (Erie, PA)
34 June 19–22, 2011 Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington, TX) and Sandy Lake Park (Carrollton, TX)
35 June 17–22, 2012 Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, TN) and Carowinds (Charlotte, NC)
36 June 16–21, 2013 Six Flags New England (Agawam, MA), Canobie Lake Park (Salem, NH), Palace Playland (Old Orchard Beach, ME), and Funtown Splashtown USA (Saco, ME)
37 June 15–20, 2014 California's Great America (Santa Clara, CA), Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo, CA), Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (Santa Cruz, CA), and Gilroy Gardens (Gilroy, CA)
38 June 21–26, 2015 Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, NJ), Storybook Land (Egg Harbor Township, NJ), and Morey's Piers (Wildwood, NJ)
39 June 19–23, 2016 Six Flags St. Louis (Eureka, MO) and Holiday World & Splashin' Safari (Santa Claus, IN)
40 June 18–22, 2017 Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio, TX), ZDT's Amusement Park (Seguin, TX), and SeaWorld San Antonio (San Antonio, TX)
41 June 17–22, 2018 Six Flags America (Woodmore, MD), Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Williamsburg, VA), and Kings Dominion (Doswell, VA)
42 June 16–21, 2019 Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia, CA) and Knott's Berry Farm (Buena Park, CA)
43* June 20–26, 2021 Hersheypark (Hershey, PA), Dutch Wonderland (Lancaster, PA), Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom (Allentown, PA), and Knoebels Amusement Resort (Elysburg, PA)
44 June 19–24, 2022 Cedar Point, (Sandusky, OH) and Kennywood, (West Mifflin, PA)
45 June 18–23, 2023 Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, TN) and Carowinds (Charlotte, NC)
46 June 16–21, 2024 California's Great America (Santa Clara, CA), Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo, CA), and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (Santa Cruz, CA)
47 June 15–20, 2025 Six Flags Great America (Gurnee, IL), Little Amerricka (Marshall, WI), and Indiana Beach (Monticello, IN)
48 June 21–26, 2026 Six Flags New England (Agawam, MA), Lake Compounce (Bristol, CT), and Six Flags Great Escape (Queensbury, NY)

*Note: These events were delayed one full year due to COVID-19. A virtual Coaster Con known as "Coaster Con at Home" was held on the same dates.[9]

Awards

[edit]

ACE Coaster Classics

[edit]

The ACE Coaster Classic award was developed during a period when changes in the design, equipping, and operation of wood coasters threatened to erase these time-honored experiences and rituals. The award is designed to recognize coasters that still adhere to these principles while allowing riders to safely experience the thrill of the classic wooden roller coaster ride. To be eligible for ACE Coaster Classic status, the coaster must meet the following criteria:[10]

  • Traditional lap bars that allow riders to experience so-called airtime, or negative G's, the sensation of floating above the seat, must be installed. Individual, ratcheting lap bars do not meet this requirement.
  • Riders must be able to slide from side-to-side in their seats. A coaster with any restraint or device that restricts this freedom, like seat dividers between riders, does not meet this requirement.
  • Riders must be able to view upcoming drops and thrills. A coaster with headrests on every seat or the majority of seats that restrict this view does not meet this requirement.
  • Riders must be free to choose where they sit. A coaster where riders are assigned seats before boarding does not meet this requirement.

The amusement park or theme park operating a coaster that is recognized as a Coaster Classic is usually presented a custom plaque. The plaque typically states:

THE AMERICAN COASTER ENTHUSIASTS RECOGNIZES THIS COASTER AS AN ACE COASTER CLASSIC.

ACE salutes this park for maintaining this coaster as an American treasure in its purest form. We congratulate you for the use of traditional materials, methods and equipment, which are fundamental to the classic wooden roller coaster experience.

ACE commends this park for operating this coaster in the traditional manner so that future generations may enjoy its classic thrills and its enduring popularity.

It has been noted, however, that most coasters usually have disqualifying ratcheting lap bars, seat dividers and headrests to prevent people from trying to stand up during the ride. For example, Rolling Thunder at Six Flags Great Adventure had buzz bars which meet traditional lap bar Coaster Classic requirements, but it is not a classic because of headrests and seat dividers being added in 1981 to prevent people from standing up during the ride.

Coasters awarded

[edit]

As of 2026, there are 30 coasters worldwide with ACE Coaster Classic status; 20 in North America, 9 in Europe, and one in Australia.[10]

Coaster Park Country Opened Awarded Status
Big Dipper Camden Park United States 1958 Unknown Operating
Blue Flyer Pleasure Beach Resort United Kingdom 1934 Unknown Operating
Blue Streak Conneaut Lake Park United States 1938 May 29, 1993 Demolished 2022
Classic Coaster Washington State Fair United States 1935 Unknown Operating
Comet Waldameer & Water World United States 1951 Unknown Operating
Cyclone Lakeside Amusement Park United States May 17, 1940 Unknown SBNO
Cyclone Luna Park, Coney Island United States June 26, 1927 Unknown Operating
Cyclone Williams Grove Amusement Park United States 1933 Unknown Closed 2005
High Roller Valleyfair United States 1976 1996 Operating
Hochschaubahn Wiener Prater Austria 1950 Unknown Operating
Hullámvasút Vidámpark Hungary 1926 Unknown Closed 2015
Jack Rabbit Kennywood United States 1920 Unknown Operating
Kiddy Coaster Playland Park United States 1928 Unknown Operating
Leap-The-Dips Lakemont Park United States 1902 Unknown SBNO
Lil' Dipper Camden Park United States 1961 Unknown Operating
Little Dipper Six Flags Great America United States Built 1950; relocated 2010 Unknown Operating
Meteor Little Amerricka United States Built 1953; relocated 2003, 2007 Unknown Operating
Montaña Suiza Parque de Atracciones Monte Igueldo Spain 1928 Not yet presented Operating
Nickelodeon Streak Pleasure Beach Resort United Kingdom 1933 Unknown Operating
Nightmare Joyland United States June 12, 1949 Unknown Demolished 2015
Roller Coaster Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach United Kingdom 1932 Unknown Operating
Rutschebanen Tivoli Gardens Denmark 1914 Unknown Operating
Scenic Railway Luna Park, Melbourne Australia 1912 Unknown Operating
Sea Dragon Rides At Adventure Cove United States 1956 Unknown Operating
Teddy Bear Stricker's Grove United States 1996 Unknown Operating
Thunderbolt Kennywood United States 1924 Unknown Operating
Tomahawk PortAventura Park Spain March 17, 1997 Not yet presented Operating
Vuoristorata Linnanmäki Finland July 13, 1951 2001[11] Operating
Wooden Roller Coaster Playland (Vancouver) Canada 1958 Unknown Operating
Zach's Zoomer Michigan's Adventure United States July 22, 1994 Unknown Operating

Rescinded awards

[edit]

Another 13 coasters were awarded ACE Coaster Classic status; 12 in North America and one in Europe. However, due to subsequent changes to the coasters, the awards have been rescinded.[10]

Coaster Park Country Opened Awarded Rescinded Reason(s) for rescinding Status
Blue Streak Cedar Point United States May 23, 1964 Unknown 1995 High headrests and individual lap bars were added to the trains.[12] Operating
Coastersaurus Legoland Florida United States November 26, 2004 Unknown 2013 New trains with individual lap bars were installed.[13] Operating
Ghoster Coaster Canada's Wonderland Canada 1981 Unknown Unknown Seatbelts were added to the trains.[14] Operating
Legend Arnolds Park United States 1927 Unknown Unknown Seat dividers were added to the trains. Operating
Montaña Rusa La Feria de Chapultepec Mágico Mexico October 24, 1964 Unknown Unknown Individual lap bars were added to the trains. Demolished 2022
Rollo Coaster Idlewild and Soak Zone United States 1938 Unknown 2018 New trains with individual lap bars and seat dividers were installed.[15] Operating
Rutschebanen Dyrehavsbakken Denmark 1932 Unknown 2010 New trains with individual lap bars and seats were installed.[16] Operating
Starliner Cypress Gardens United States Built 1968; relocated 2007 Unknown 2007 New trains with seat dividers were installed. Demolished 2008
Wildcat Frontier City United States Built 1968; relocated and reopened April 20, 1991 Unknown 1999 New trains with individual laps bars and seat dividers were installed.[17] Operating
Woodstock Express Kings Island United States 1972 Unknown Unknown Seatbelts were added to the trains.[18] Operating
Woodstock Express Kings Dominion United States 1974 Unknown Unknown Seatbelts were added to the trains.[19] Operating
Woodstock Express Carowinds United States 1975 Unknown Unknown Seatbelts were added to the trains.[20] Operating
Zippin Pippin Bay Beach Amusement Park United States Built 1912, 1915, or 1917; relocated 2010 Unknown 2011 New trains with individual lap bars and seat dividers were installed.[21] Operating

Coaster Landmark

[edit]

In 2002, ACE introduced the Roller Coaster Landmark program to recognize coasters of historic significance that may or may not qualify for ACE Coaster Classic status.[22]

An ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Award plaque for Magnum XL-200, the world's first hypercoaster
The ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Award awarded to The Racer at Kings Island
An ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Award plaque located outside The Comet at Six Flags Great Escape
An ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Award plaque for the Great American Scream Machine at Six Flags Over Georgia
Coaster Park Country Opened Awarded Status
American Eagle Six Flags Great America United States May 23, 1981 June 16, 2025 Operating
Batman: The Ride Six Flags Great America United States May 2, 1992 June 20, 2005 Operating
The Beast Kings Island United States April 14, 1979 October 2, 2004 Operating
Big Dipper Blackpool Pleasure Beach United Kingdom August 23, 1923 July 2, 2024 Operating
Big Dipper Geauga Lake United States 1925 Never presented Demolished 2016
Big Dipper Camden Park United States 1958 May 12, 2019 Operating
Blue Streak Cedar Point United States May 23, 1964 June 20, 2022 Operating
Blue Streak Conneaut Lake Park United States 1938 June 24, 2010 Demolished 2022
Cannon Ball Lake Winnepesaukah United States May 1967 May 20, 2017 Operating
Classic Coaster Washington State Fair United States 1935 September 7, 2013 Operating
The Comet Six Flags Great Escape United States Built 1948; relocated 1994 September 13, 2009 Operating
Comet Hersheypark United States 1946 June 22, 2021 Operating
Coney Island Cyclone Luna Park United States June 26, 1927 June 29, 2002 Operating
Corkscrew Silverwood Theme Park United States Built May 21, 1975; relocated 1990 August 27, 2011 Operating
Cyclone Lakeside Amusement Park United States May 17, 1940 August 2, 2003 SBNO
Dragon Coaster Playland United States 1929 August 8, 2009 Operating
Flying Turns Knoebels Amusement Resort United States October 5, 2013 Not yet presented Operating
Giant Dipper Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk United States May 17, 1924 May 5, 2007 Operating
Giant Dipper Belmont Park United States July 4, 1925 April 23, 2010 Operating
Grand National Blackpool Pleasure Beach United Kingdom 1935 July 2, 2024 Operating
Great American Scream Machine Six Flags Over Georgia United States March 31, 1973 May 21, 2017 Operating
Jack Rabbit Seabreeze Amusement Park United States 1920 August 15, 2015 Operating
Jack Rabbit Kennywood United States 1920 June 21, 2010 Operating
Kiddy Coaster Playland United States May 26, 1928 July 28, 2018 Operating
Leap-The-Dips Lakemont Park United States 1902 May 26, 2002 SBNO
Legend Arnolds Park United States June 8, 1930 August 6, 2006 Operating
Loch Ness Monster Busch Gardens Williamsburg United States May 20, 1978 June 17, 2003 Operating
Magnum XL-200 Cedar Point United States May 6, 1989 June 21, 2004 Operating
Matterhorn Bobsleds Disneyland United States June 14, 1959 Not yet presented Operating
The Riddler Mindbender Six Flags Over Georgia United States March 31, 1978 June 17, 2008 Operating
Montaña Rusa La Feria Chapultepec Mágico Mexico October 24, 1964 April 22, 2017 Demolished 2022
Montezooma's Revenge Knott's Berry Farm United States May 21, 1978 June 20, 2019 SBNO
Phoenix Knoebels Amusement Resort United States Built 1948; relocated 1985 October 8, 2005 Operating
The Racer Kings Island United States April 29, 1972 June 18, 2007 Operating
Racer Kennywood United States 1927 June 21, 2010 Operating
The Raven Holiday World United States May 6, 1995 June 23, 2016 Operating
Racer 75 Kings Dominion United States May 8, 1975 June 20, 2003 Operating
The New Revolution Six Flags Magic Mountain United States May 8, 1976 June 16, 2002 Operating
Roller Coaster Lagoon Amusement Park United States May 28, 1921 July 30, 2005 Operating
Runaway Mine Train Six Flags Over Texas United States August 1966 September 9, 2006 Operating
Rutschebanen Tivoli Gardens Denmark 1914 June 30, 2023 Operating
Sea Dragon Columbus Zoo and Aquarium United States 1956 (as Jet Flyer) July 16, 2022 Operating
Screamin' Eagle Six Flags St. Louis United States 1976 June 21, 2016 Operating
Shock Wave Six Flags Over Texas United States April 22, 1978 April 26, 2025 Operating
Swamp Fox Family Kingdom Amusement Park United States 1966 April 29, 2016 Operating
Thunderbolt Kennywood United States Built 1924 (as Pippin); rebuilt 1968 July 27, 2014 Operating
Thunderbolt Six Flags New England United States 1941 August 2, 2008 Operating
Thunderhawk Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom United States March 30, 1924 June 23, 2021 Operating
Tornado Adventureland United States July 4, 1978 August 17, 2024 Operating
Whizzer Six Flags Great America United States 1976 August 10, 2012 Operating
Wildcat Lake Compounce United States 1927 August 1, 2008 Operating
The Wild One Six Flags America United States Built 1917 (as The Giant Coaster);
rebuilt 1932 and 1963; relocated 1986
June 18, 2018 Defunct 2025
Wooden Roller Coaster Playland Canada 1958 July 11, 2009 Operating
Vuoristorata Linnanmäki Finland July 13, 1951 July 19, 2025 Operating
Yankee Cannonball Canobie Lake Park United States 1930 June 20, 2013 Operating

Golden Age Coaster

[edit]

The Golden Age Coaster award, a prequel to the Roller Coaster Landmark award, was established to recognize significant roller coasters that were built during the 1920s. Giant Dipper at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and Giant Dipper at Belmont Park (San Diego) both received the Golden Age Coaster award in addition to the Roller Coaster Landmark award.[10]

Preservation

[edit]

ACE takes an active role in the preservation of endangered roller coasters. Since 1985, the club has either directly or indirectly helped save more than half a dozen. One of the most notable include the Phoenix located at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania. The wooden coaster was relocated from Playland Park in San Antonio, Texas. Another that the organization saved was Leap the Dips, the world's oldest operating roller coaster, located at Lakemont Park in Altoona, Pennsylvania. In addition to preservation, some parks have also sought the opinions of ACE members regarding roller coaster installations, such as Magnum XL-200 at Cedar Point[23] and roller coaster design, as was the case with The Legend and The Voyage at Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) is a non-profit organization founded in 1978 as the world's largest enthusiast club, dedicated to the conservation, appreciation, knowledge, and enjoyment of s of all types, with a particular emphasis on preserving historic wooden coasters. With more than 7,000 members from 16 countries, ACE promotes safe and informed engagement with amusement rides through education, advocacy, and community events. ACE emerged during the "coaster revival" in the United States, a period marked by renewed interest in s exemplified by attractions like the Kings Island Racer opened in 1972, which helped spur the group's formation as a volunteer-driven effort to document and safeguard these engineering marvels. Over the decades, the organization has grown significantly, adapting its focus from classic wooden coasters to include contemporary steel designs while maintaining a core commitment to preservation amid industry changes. Key milestones include the 1999 reopening of at Lakemont Park, the world's oldest operating , which had been dormant for 14 years largely due to ACE's fundraising and advocacy efforts. Central to ACE's mission is its preservation work, which has directly saved several historic rides, such as the Giant Dipper at and the Blue Streak at , through financial support, historical research, and partnerships with park operators. In 2002, ACE established its Landmark program to recognize and protect significant coasters, and it founded the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives to serve as a repository for ride history, blueprints, and memorabilia. The organization also fosters enjoyment through more than 75 annual events, including the weeklong Coaster Con convention held each , regional gatherings offering Exclusive Ride Time (ERT) on select coasters, and international trips, all designed to build community among enthusiasts. ACE supports its members with award-winning publications, such as the quarterly RollerCoaster! magazine featuring technical articles and ride reviews, and the weekly ACE News newsletter providing updates on industry developments and events. Membership, open to anyone for an annual fee starting at $35, includes perks like discounted park admissions, invitations to new ride openings, and access to a network of regional representatives who organize local activities. Through these initiatives, ACE continues to influence the industry by advocating for safety standards, educating the public on ride , and ensuring the legacy of these adrenaline-fueled attractions for future generations.

History

Founding

The American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) was founded in June 1978 as a dedicated to the appreciation, preservation, and enjoyment of roller coasters. The group's origins trace back to a surge in public interest in roller coasters during the , sparked by the opening of notable wooden coasters such as the Racer at in in 1972, which helped revive enthusiasm for the rides after a period of decline. The impetus for ACE's formation came from a promotional roller coaster marathon held on June 6, 1977, at in , tied to the release of the Universal Studios film Rollercoaster. During this event on the wooden coaster—later renamed —enthusiasts Roy Brashears, Paul Greenwald, and Richard Munch discussed the idea of creating a national , leading directly to ACE's establishment the following year. Although no single individual is credited as the sole founder, these three are recognized as the key originators of the informal group that coalesced into the organization. ACE's inaugural official event, Coaster Con I, took place June 9–11, 1978, at : The Old Country in , drawing just over 50 attendees. From its inception, the organization emphasized the conservation and knowledge-sharing around classic wooden roller coasters while also embracing contemporary steel designs, reflecting the era's evolving coaster landscape.

Growth and Milestones

Following its founding in with just dozens of members, the (ACE) experienced early expansion through active involvement in roller coaster preservation efforts. A pivotal moment came in 1985 when ACE supported the relocation and reconstruction of the wooden coaster from San Antonio's Playland Park to in , where it reopened as the Phoenix on June 15. This project, led by Charles Dinn, marked the organization's first major preservation initiative and set a for saving historic wooden rides from . ACE's membership grew steadily over the decades, reflecting the rising popularity of roller coasters and enthusiast culture. By , the organization had expanded to more than 6,500 members across 16 countries, evolving from a niche group focused primarily on wooden coasters to a global community embracing all types. This growth paralleled key milestones in the organization's scope. In the 1980s and , as steel coaster innovations proliferated, ACE broadened its advocacy to include emerging designs like inverted and flying coasters, recognizing their role in advancing thrill experiences while maintaining a commitment to preservation. The saw the introduction of awards programs, such as the ACEcar Awards in 1994, which honored outstanding coaster achievements and further solidified ACE's influence in the industry. Into the 2000s and 2010s, ACE established additional landmark initiatives, including the Landmark program in 2000 to commemorate historically significant rides with permanent plaques, and the ACE Coaster designation for enduring wooden coasters that retain original thrills. A major development in the 2010s was ACE's support for the National Museum and Archives (NRCMA), a long-term goal realized with the museum's debut of exhibits in 2018, aimed at documenting and preserving coaster history through artifacts and records. In recent years, particularly post-2020, ACE adapted to global challenges by hosting international trips, such as the 2024 Journey to and the planned 2026 Rome with ACE excursion, alongside online events like virtual Q&A sessions and digital museum tours to engage members remotely. In 2025, ACE announced the Coaster to honor rides reaching 100 years of operation, with the first presented to the Giant Dipper at , underscoring the organization's ongoing dedication to celebrating coaster longevity.

Organization

Leadership and Structure

The American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) operates as a 501(c)(3) , classified under professional societies and associations by the IRS, and is headquartered in . As a volunteer-driven entity, ACE relies primarily on unpaid members for its operations, with only a minimal paid staff including an association manager, legal affairs manager, and compliance coordinator to handle administrative functions. This structure supports its mission to promote the appreciation and preservation of roller coasters through enthusiast-led activities. ACE's governance is led by an Executive Committee comprising elected officers and appointed directors, who collectively form the responsible for policy-making and organizational direction. As of 2025, the key leadership includes President Elizabeth Ringas, who chairs the board and oversees operations; David Dragun; Jeff Niemiec; Chris Tilsley; and Immediate Past President Robert Ulrich. Officers are elected by the membership every two years through a process involving nominations by a dedicated committee and voting from June 15 to July 15 in even-numbered years, with terms limited to two consecutive periods. The board, consisting of 11 members including these officers and additional directors such as Derek Perry, approves major actions by majority vote. The organizational framework includes various standing and special committees appointed by the president to manage specific areas, such as events, preservation, and publications, with the president serving as an ex-officio member on most. For preservation and archival efforts, ACE maintains an affiliation with the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA), a separate 501(c)(3) entity it established to document roller coaster history, though the two organizations operate independently. Regionally, ACE coordinates activities through a system of 24 geographic regions overseen by a Region Director who appoints representatives, rather than formal chapters, to facilitate local and engagement without centralized oversight. Decision-making emphasizes member involvement and volunteer initiatives, with the Executive Committee handling day-to-day policies and the full membership voting on constitutional amendments via petitions from at least 5% of members or board proposals requiring a two-thirds majority approval. This approach ensures that major strategic directions, such as preservation funding or event planning, stem from volunteer contributions while maintaining fiscal and operational accountability through the board.

Membership

Membership in the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) is open to anyone with an interest in roller coasters, including individuals, couples, families, and corporations, with international members welcome subject to additional surcharges. Annual dues start at $35 for an associate membership, which provides digital access but excludes mailed publications, while full individual memberships cost $50, couples at the same address are $70, and family options begin at $75 for three members plus $5 per additional member. International surcharges add $12 for members in or and $30 for other countries, applied per membership unit except associates. Members enjoy a range of benefits designed to enhance their coaster experiences, including access to exclusive ride times (ERT) at amusement parks during events, worldwide discounts at theme parks and entertainment centers, and priority registration for ACE events such as Coaster Con. Full members also receive voting rights on organizational matters, including elections for leadership positions and amendments to the , as well as digital access to key publications like the quarterly RollerCoaster! magazine and bi-monthly ACE News newsletter. As of 2025, ACE boasts over 7,000 members across 16 countries, encompassing a diverse array of ages and backgrounds all united by their passion for roller coasters. The organization fosters this community through member-only forums, a server, and regional groups that connect enthusiasts globally. Renewal of membership is straightforward via the ACE website or downloadable forms, maintaining access to all benefits including digital publications upon payment of annual dues. The ACE Advantage program further enhances perks by offering additional savings through partnerships like Tickets At Work for tickets and AAA for travel discounts, alongside exclusive invitations to new coaster openings and advocacy support for preservation efforts.

Publications

RollerCoaster! Magazine

RollerCoaster! is the flagship quarterly publication of the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), launched in the winter of 1979 as a modest 12-page black-and-white newsletter originally titled Coaster World. The magazine evolved significantly in its early years; by Volume 3 in 1982, it expanded to 38 pages with a glossy cover, and starting with Volume 4, it introduced full-color covers and interiors, transitioning to high-quality glossy printing. In 1984, with Volume 5, it was officially renamed RollerCoaster!, marking its shift from a basic to a professional full-color that now averages 48 pages per issue. By Spring 2025, the publication had reached Volume 46, Issue 173, reflecting over four decades of continuous quarterly releases. The magazine's content emphasizes in-depth explorations of roller coaster history, culture, and engineering, featuring articles on historical amusement parks and classic coasters, profiles of modern attractions, technical analyses, and contributions from members including photographs and personal accounts. Issues frequently align with ACE events, such as Coaster Con, incorporating coverage of ride debuts, park histories, and enthusiast experiences; for example, Issue 147 (Fall 2018, Volume 40, No. 1) included "A Twisted Tale of Apples," detailing the quirky history of a wooden coaster, while Issue 148 (Winter 2019, Volume 40, No. 2) profiled Silver Dollar City's time-themed attractions. More recent editions, like Issue 173 (Spring 2025, Volume 46, No. 1), continue this tradition with features on the rebirth of Clementon Park as an American classic. Distribution of RollerCoaster! is exclusive to full members, included as a print-only benefit with no separate subscriptions available, ensuring it reaches the organization's dedicated enthusiast base. Back issues are preserved and offered for purchase through the ACE online store, spanning from the inaugural 1979 edition to the present, allowing members and collectors to access the magazine's archival content on topics ranging from vintage ride preservation to contemporary coaster innovations.

Other Publications

In addition to its quarterly magazine, the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) offers supplementary publications that provide members with timely digital content, annual visual resources, and occasional in-depth historical materials focused on preservation and appreciation. ACE News functions as the organization's primary digital , delivering bi-monthly issues with weekly article updates on event recaps, member profiles, and amusement industry . Originally launched as a print in the late 1970s alongside the group's founding, it evolved into an online format during the to enhance accessibility and speed of distribution for its global membership. For instance, the November-December 2025 issue, posted starting November 10, 2025, included coverage of regional events like the ACE Eastern gathering at and updates on new ride installations such as Kentucky Kingdom's Flying Fox. Complementing these updates, ACE produces an annual roller coaster calendar featuring full-color photographs of classic and landmark coasters, accompanied by concise statistics and historical write-ups that highlight their significance to preservation efforts. Released each year as a premium large-format wall calendar and available to members through the organization's merchandise store, it underscores ACE's commitment to celebrating enduring roller coaster heritage; as of November 2025, the 2026 edition is available. ACE also maintains additional resources through the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA), which it founded, as a repository for historical documents, photographs, and coaster artifacts dating back to the early . These archives support research into history without regular publication schedules. Furthermore, ACE occasionally releases specialized books and guides, such as entries in its Designer Book Series, which detail the careers and innovations of influential roller coaster engineers like Herbert P. Schmeck of the Toboggan Company; these are not produced annually but serve as enduring references for enthusiasts. All these materials are provided free to ACE members via the organization's website, emphasizing quick, member-exclusive delivery of content like 2025 event summaries to foster ongoing .

Events

Coaster Con

Coaster Con is the flagship annual event of the American Coaster Enthusiasts (), held typically during the third or fourth week of since 1978. Lasting five to seven days, it brings together roller coaster enthusiasts for multi-park tours that emphasize ride exploration, education, and community building. The event attracts 400 to 800 attendees from across the and internationally, providing exclusive access to amusement parks and their attractions. The inaugural Coaster Con I occurred from June 9 to 11, 1978, at : The Old Country in , drawing just over 50 participants for initial discussions and rides. Over the decades, the convention has grown in scope, evolving to incorporate international attendees and broadening its appeal beyond domestic enthusiasts. A key historical milestone was the introduction of exclusive ride time (ERT), pioneered at an early Coaster Con with the first-ever session on the , setting a for dedicated enthusiast access that has influenced global events. Coaster Con's format centers on coordinated visits to multiple parks, featuring numerous ERT sessions for unlimited rides on select coasters during extended hours, behind-the-scenes tours, and expert-led seminars on topics like safety and coaster promotion. Additional activities include workshops, photo and video contests, and a gala banquet with industry speakers, all designed to facilitate networking and deepen participants' appreciation for roller coaster engineering and history. Awards ceremonies recognize contest entries, culminating in a celebratory atmosphere that highlights the community's shared passion. Recent iterations exemplify this structure: Coaster Con 46, held from June 16 to 21, 2024, at , , and , focused on immersive ride experiences and enthusiast connections across parks. Coaster Con 47 was held from June 15 to 20, 2025, at , , and . Coaster Con 48 is scheduled for June 21 to 26, 2026, at , , and Six Flags Great Escape. While Coaster Con inspires regional spin-offs, it remains ACE's premier national convention.

Preservation Conference

The American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) Preservation Conference is an annual event launched in 2015, dedicated to celebrating history and supporting preservation efforts at traditional amusement parks. Held typically in or over three days, it brings together enthusiasts for educational and experiential activities centered on historic sites, aligning with ACE's core mission established since to promote the appreciation and longevity of classic coasters. The conference format emphasizes archival presentations, guided site visits, behind-the-scenes tours, and exclusive ride time on vintage attractions, fostering a smaller-scale gathering of 100 to over 300 attendees compared to ACE's larger conventions. Activities often include lectures on park heritage, meals with industry discussions, and ceremonial plaque dedications for significant rides, such as those recognized as ACE Roller Coaster Landmarks. This structure allows participants to engage deeply with preservation topics without the broader entertainment focus of other ACE events. Recent examples highlight the conference's role in spotlighting regional histories. The 2025 edition, held August 8–10, spanned , , and in , featuring behind-the-scenes tours, history presentations, and a recap video documenting the weekend's preservation-themed activities, including nods to the centennial of 's Giant Dipper from 1925. In 2024, from August 16–18, the event visited and Adventureland in , followed by in , with tours of restored attractions like the park's wooden coasters and educational sessions on challenges. These gatherings often coincide with unveilings of preservation awards, reinforcing ACE's commitment to sustaining historic rides for future generations.

Regional Events

The American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) hosts dozens of regional events each year, encompassing park meetups, informal gatherings, online happy hours, and chapter-specific festivals that typically span one to two days and frequently include exclusive ride time (ERT) on roller coasters. These activities serve to foster community among enthusiasts, promote the appreciation and safe enjoyment of roller coasters, and provide opportunities for local networking. Regional events are coordinated by volunteers from ACE's local chapters, such as the Eastern or Pacific Southwest groups, operating under the oversight of the national organization's events . Representative examples include Eastcoaster 2025, held on February 1 at the Premier in , which featured presentations and social activities for East Coast members, and Gills and Thrills on January 11, 2025, at , offering ERT on coasters like Arctic Rescue and Emperor. As part of its regional programming, ACE organizes international trips to connect members with global coaster experiences, such as from July 11 to 21, 2026, which includes visits to amusement parks from to along with an optional extension to and . Several regional events integrate charitable elements through the Coasting for Kids initiative, a partnership with ; participants raise a minimum of $100 in donations to receive free park admission and ERT, aiding families of children with critical illnesses by funding cost-free vacations. In response to the , ACE introduced and expanded virtual options post-2020, including online happy hours like the Women of ACE event on January 9, 2025, and digital tours of coaster archives, to sustain member engagement and accessibility.

Awards

Coaster Classics

The ACE Coaster Classics program was established in the 1990s by the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) to recognize and preserve the authentic thrill of traditional wooden roller coasters, particularly those embodying the design principles of the 1920s golden age, amid concerns over modern modifications that could dilute the original riding experience. This designation honors operational wooden coasters that maintain key elements of classic coaster engineering and operation, allowing riders to safely encounter the uncompromised sensations of airtime, lateral sway, and visual anticipation inherent to these historic rides. To qualify as an ACE Coaster Classic, a wooden roller coaster must adhere to strict criteria focused on preserving the traditional ride experience: it requires the use of simple lap bars without individual ratcheting mechanisms to enable genuine airtime; permits free lateral movement among riders without seat dividers or other restrictions; and ensures unobstructed views of the track, drops, and elements, typically without headrests on most seats or assigned seating policies. As of 2025, 30 such coasters worldwide have received this designation, including notable examples like the Jack Rabbit at Kennywood Park in , which delivers classic out-and-back thrills since 1920, and the Leap-the-Dips at Lakemont Park in , the world's oldest operating from 1902. These awards highlight coasters that continue to operate in their near-original form, distinguishing them from broader historical recognitions like ACE Roller Coaster Landmarks. The designation process involves nominations from enthusiasts, park operators, or ACE members, followed by thorough inspections and evaluations by ACE preservation experts to verify compliance with the criteria. Upon approval, a commemorative plaque is awarded and displayed at the park, signifying the coaster's status and encouraging ongoing maintenance of its classic features. In rare instances, the status has been rescinded if modifications violate the core criteria; for example, the Blue Streak at in lost its designation due to operational changes that compromised the traditional experience. This program underscores ACE's commitment to safeguarding the tactile and visual essence of early 20th-century wooden coasters, separate from but complementary to historical designations like Golden Age Coasters and Roller Coaster Landmarks.

Roller Coaster Landmarks

The Roller Coaster Landmarks program, launched by the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) in 2000, aims to recognize and promote roller coasters that hold noteworthy places in history through their design innovations, cultural influence, or enduring operation. This initiative highlights rides that have shaped the amusement industry, spanning both wooden and constructions, and encourages parks to preserve these assets for future generations. Designation criteria focus on a coaster's historical impact, technological advancements, or broader cultural value, rather than solely on ride thrill or operational status. By November 2025, the program has awarded 51 such honors worldwide, with prominent examples including The Beast at in , celebrated for its record-breaking length upon opening in 1979, and at , which pioneered the category in 1989 by exceeding 200 feet in height. These selections underscore the program's emphasis on milestones that advanced coaster engineering or public enjoyment. The nomination process begins with submissions from ACE members, followed by review and approval by the organization's board of directors, culminating in the placement of permanent bronze plaques at the respective amusement parks to commemorate the ride's significance. Plaques detail the coaster's history and its designation year, serving as educational markers for visitors. Recent 2025 additions include American Eagle at , a wooden coaster from 1981 noted for its airtime hills, and Shock Wave at , an early looping steel ride from 1978 that influenced future inversions. By elevating these coasters' profiles, the program fosters greater public awareness of heritage and supports ACE's archival efforts, including assistance with nominations to the . This ties directly into broader preservation initiatives, ensuring that documented histories and artifacts are maintained for scholarly and enthusiast use. Some designated landmarks overlap with ACE's Coaster Classics awards, but the focus here remains on diverse historical contributions across coaster eras and materials.

Golden Age Coasters

The Coaster designation was established by the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) in the 1990s to recognize significant wooden roller coasters constructed during the —a decade widely regarded as the pinnacle of coaster innovation before the economic impacts of the . This era saw rapid advancements in wooden coaster design, with pioneers like Frederick J. Church and John creating thrilling rides that emphasized speed, airtime, and elaborate track layouts using underfriction wheels and elevated structures. To qualify, coasters had to exemplify the engineering and aesthetic hallmarks of 1920s construction, including handcrafted wooden frameworks and out-and-back or twister layouts that captured the exuberance of the period's amusement parks. Only two coasters received this prestigious designation: the Giant Dipper at in , , opened in 1925 and designed by Frederick Church, and its near-identical sibling, the Giant Dipper at in , which debuted in 1924 under the same builder. The Santa Cruz Giant Dipper was awarded the honor in June 1994, underscoring its role as a surviving icon of the era's bold engineering. Both rides feature steep drops exceeding 70 feet, sharp turns, and speeds up to 55 mph, embodying the raw excitement that defined attractions and drawing millions of riders over decades. Originally intended to spotlight pre-Depression masterpieces, the designation evolved in the 2000s into ACE's broader Landmarks program, established in 2000 to encompass a wider array of historic rides. This reclassification preserved the awards for the two recipients as a nod to their unique historical value, but no additional honors have been granted since, ensuring the focus shifts to the expanded landmarks framework while honoring the originals' legacy. The move highlights ACE's commitment to evolving preservation efforts without diminishing the coasters' status as exemplars of an innovative age that produced over 1,500 wooden rides, most of which succumbed to time, , or . These designations underscore the cultural and technical significance of the , a time when coasters symbolized post-World War I optimism and engineering prowess, peaking with elaborate parks like and before the 1929 stock market crash halted widespread development. By spotlighting the Belmont and Santa Cruz Giant Dippers, ACE emphasizes how these survivors represent the era's blend of artistry and adrenaline, influencing modern coaster design and preservation priorities.

Preservation Efforts

Preservation Fund

The American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) Preservation Fund was established as a core component of the organization's mission when ACE was founded in , with the formal fund providing grants to support repairs, refurbishments, and operations for roller coasters worldwide. This initiative aligns with ACE's nonprofit status under Section 501(c)(3), enabling tax-deductible contributions dedicated to preservation efforts. The fund operates primarily through donations from ACE members and supporters, which are earmarked specifically for roller coaster preservation projects, allowing for an annual allocation that sustains multiple grants. Applications for funding are submitted to the ACE History and Preservation Director, who evaluates requests from coaster owners and operators to ensure alignment with preservation goals, such as maintenance and structural enhancements. These grants facilitate both domestic and international initiatives, extending beyond the United States to support historic coasters globally. The Preservation Fund's impact includes aiding efforts to list coasters on the and increasing publicity for standing but not operating (SBNO) coasters to encourage their potential revival or relocation. It has contributed to the longevity of notable examples, such as the restoration of and support for the Scenic Railway, demonstrating its role in sustaining wooden and historic attractions. Additionally, the fund promotes education for amusement parks on maintenance best practices and historical significance, often tying into fundraising activities at ACE's annual Preservation Conference.

Key Projects

One of the most significant preservation achievements led by the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) is the restoration of at Lakemont Park in . Closed since 1985 due to disrepair, the coaster—built in 1902 and recognized as the world's oldest operating —underwent a comprehensive $1 million refurbishment effort starting in 1997, supported by ACE's Preservation Fund. It reopened on May 31, 1999, after 14 years of abandonment, but has been closed since 2024, with ACE continuing to provide aid for its potential reopening while preserving its unique side-friction design and historical integrity. ACE has funded and collaborated on several other notable rebuilds and relocations of historic wooden coasters. In 1985, the organization supported the relocation of Phoenix from Playland Park in , , to in , where it was meticulously reconstructed without original blueprints by numbering each board, reopening on June 15, 1985, as a reborn classic. The 2011 rebuild of at in —originally from in Memphis—received Preservation Fund assistance for structural enhancements, reviving a Company design from 1923. In the 1990s, ACE advocated for the restoration of the Giant Dipper at in , , which reopened on August 11, 1990, after 23 years of closure, following a volunteer-driven effort that preserved its 1925 Church Prior construction. Efforts in the 2020s included a $10,000 donation toward refurbishing Blue Streak at in , a 1938 Edward Vettel design, which was demolished in 2022 despite advocacy. Recent grants have supported maintenance of Camden Park's in —a 1927 Traver coaster—with a $20,000 contribution in 2024 for new wood and paint, and repairs to Arnolds Park's Legend in , a 1927 John Miller out-and-back coaster, through ongoing Preservation Fund aid, including work on the adjacent . Beyond individual restorations, ACE has fostered collaborative partnerships with amusement parks to secure designations for iconic coasters, such as in 1996, enhancing their protected status and funding opportunities. The organization also assisted post-flood rebuilds, including support for in , after devastating floods in 2004–2006, helping install a new kiddie coaster to revive the park's operations. The Preservation Fund has enabled these outcomes, distributing more than $400,000 over the last 20 years (as of 2024) to safeguard wooden coaster heritage, with recent examples including a $10,000 grant in 2022 for repainting Lakemont Park's .

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.