The Troubled History of High Roller & Stratosphere's Cancelled Rides - The World's Highest Coaster

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  • Опубликовано: 1 авг 2024
  • The first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/expeditionthemepark01211
    Join us on a new Expedition Theme Park as we look at the troubled history of High Roller & The Stratosphere unbuilt concepts. This roller coaster was the highest in the world at over 900 feet but was not the most thrilling ride closing in 2005. Other unbuilt coasters were planned for the landmark of Las Vegas such as a King Kong attraction and a coaster over 700 feet built by Arrow. Once again this coaster is just part of the curse of Vegas Coasters and ended up extinct.
    Today Vegas has some interesting attractions but the past rides and theme parks such as MGM Grand and Speed The Ride have all disappeared. Cancelled attractions and troubled rides seems to go hand in hand with the city.
    Join us as we look at the history of the Stratosphere and rides on top.
    This video is sponsored by Skillshare
    Join the Expedition to get behind the scenes looks and early releases for upcoming episodes. What attractions would you like to see?
    expthemepark
    www.patreon.com/expeditionthemepark
    expeditionthemepark
    www.expeditionthemepark.com
    Special thank you to Theme Park Review for the use of footage and thumbnail photo. / themeparkreview
    Video Credits -
    12voltvids - • Old Las Vegas and Reno...
    Astronomical - • How empty was Las Vega...
    John Tielemans - • Canada 1990 CN tower
    Dan Pietrangelo - • Stratosphere Las Vegas...
    Mista Fied- • 1993 Drive Down the La...
    GrowinupinSinCity81 - • Stratosphere Tower Fir...
    JThyme - • Las Vegas - Oct. 1994
    videoholic90sB - • April 1996 - News on M...
    Something About kong Skull Island
    Cylon Thrasher - • LasVegas Rollercoaster...
    Akka143 - • Hurricane Ride at Sant...
    Psyclonesteve - • Hurricane, Rye Playlan...
    CoasterNick3157 - • High Roller At Stratos...
    Fabbri Group - • COASTER WACKY WORM K...
    Larryb9969 - • " X-SCREAM " Stratosph...
    Eros Astruiano - • Insanity - Stratospher...
    Coaster Junkie - • Arrow Dynamics Fishhoo...
    AmericanBridgeCo - • Caesars High Roller Ob...
    Time Travel Memories - • Backlot River Tour 1994
    Opus 1968 - • Luxor Las Vegas Nile R...
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Комментарии • 1 тыс.

  • @ExpeditionThemePark
    @ExpeditionThemePark  3 года назад +43

    The first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/expeditionthemepark01211

    • @cillbeast1839
      @cillbeast1839 3 года назад

      How did you comment 1 day ago

    • @watermellonman
      @watermellonman 3 года назад

      Huh

    • @alexgeorge501
      @alexgeorge501 3 года назад

      hey i wondered if you could do the next video on the attractions at either the Luxor or Adventuredome in Las Vegas?

    • @kyogresfunchannel
      @kyogresfunchannel 3 года назад +1

      So sorry to ask again but, will Mako get an expedition or Manta, cause I hope Seaworld gets some love. ❤️👍🏽Btw hope you are doing fine.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 года назад

      Magoic

  • @vonkrakenhaus7772
    @vonkrakenhaus7772 3 года назад +42

    I rode that damn big shot ride back in I think 96, and was not disappointed. When you're already starting from a point 1,100 ft up, outside and looking out across the desert, you don't have a point of reference with which to gauge your own inertia and it literally feels like you're falling out of the sky, which will scare the crap out of you unless you're used to jumping out of planes. Best five bucks I ever spent.

  • @poletooke4691
    @poletooke4691 3 года назад +313

    The odds of me trusting a Vegas casino to fling me around a 1,000 foot tower are.... Really low.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 года назад +7

      Ha

    • @robertzacharias6815
      @robertzacharias6815 3 года назад +6

      It was fun

    • @mikeholmed7029
      @mikeholmed7029 3 года назад +8

      Try now you can jump off the Strat. You dont need a roller coaster. Just a few tag lines and a harness.

    • @RakoonCD
      @RakoonCD 3 года назад +6

      "Theme parks wont kill you till you have a dime left in your pocket"

    • @dawnbreaker2912
      @dawnbreaker2912 2 года назад +1

      Watch the video of it. 30 MPH over gentle bunny hills, with a deck right below it. Pretty lame. Big Shot was awesome, though.

  • @AverytheCubanAmerican
    @AverytheCubanAmerican 3 года назад +471

    An elevator ride inside a gorilla...
    whatever they were on when they came up with that idea, I want it

  • @marcokeller3575
    @marcokeller3575 3 года назад +102

    I was always worried about all the vibrations the coaster caused on the tower. I was up there and felt it. You would think that years of vibrations wouldn’t be good for the tower

  • @lendalejohnson4866
    @lendalejohnson4866 3 года назад +392

    If a rollercoaster 900 feet off the ground derails even in the slightest...I want more than a refund 😂

  • @billlonee9470
    @billlonee9470 3 года назад +20

    I rode both rides in '99. I started with the High Roller, recognizing it as the tame one of the two. That, if it had been on the ground, would make a great training coaster for my very young son. I knew the only decent ride would be the front seat, so I waited. There were two times when you were tilted downward, where you might feel like you could shoot off the end of the track. Otherwise, it was meh. Big Shot, on the other hand was very cool. What made it even better was the sociopath (I say that in a loving way) operating it. The spiel was the usual "On the count of three," but he rarely went on three. Sometimes, he'd get there, laugh, then hit the button. And others, he would hit it when he said "on," and everything in between. No pattern, either. Much respect to him, over twenty years later, for making the ride even more memorable.

  • @libby6272
    @libby6272 3 года назад +69

    “the scariest ride in the world” *gets th13teen flashbacks*

  • @MakilHeru
    @MakilHeru 3 года назад +144

    This is such an interesting era for Vegas, they tried to advertise (at least here in California) as a newly renovated family friendly place. They kept building all these family style attractions as time went on and they just didn't hold, people just wanted sin city.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 года назад +7

      Yeah!

    • @W3Slots
      @W3Slots 3 года назад +3

      Yep, like our mgm grand theme park. I loved it 😞

    • @bigman72511
      @bigman72511 3 года назад +6

      You're right, being from Los Angeles myself I remember those commercials and the old slogan: Las Vegas, LA's Backyard. Las Vegas simply replaced the Mob with commercialism.

    • @donnawinters3587
      @donnawinters3587 2 года назад

      I think that was a nation-wide advertising campaign. I live in the pacific northwest, and I remember those commercials. Maybe an international ad campaign

    • @rafaeltorre1643
      @rafaeltorre1643 2 года назад +7

      Honestly getting rid of the themed part of casinos just turned them into casinos that all looked the same. None of the new casinos impress me. I like the Aria and the Wynn, but that's it. As a casino anyway. I just hate walking a mile to get up to my room. I usually stay between the Luxor and Planet Hollywood when outdoor exploring. And I usually stay at Excalibur or the old Hooters hotel because of its convenience outside and access to food without needing a car or walking for ages.

  • @SupremeLeaderKimJong-un
    @SupremeLeaderKimJong-un 3 года назад +505

    We’ll create an even better coaster at the top of our Ryugyong Hotel

  • @naadeiashie6053
    @naadeiashie6053 3 года назад +243

    "The riders wanted a better view"
    You're 900 ft in the air. What do you want, the ability to touch the moon?
    Either way I wouldn't ride anything 900 ft in the air

    • @jenNjuice
      @jenNjuice 3 года назад +12

      I went on it and can agree the view was worse than what you saw from inside the stratosphere. Barely any view at all.

    • @BuddyLee23
      @BuddyLee23 3 года назад +7

      Glad I skipped it to take a nap in the hotel room.

    • @vholt1000
      @vholt1000 3 года назад +11

      I went on the that roller coaster and the other red they pictured that suddenly shoots you up. There is a ride that is directly identical to it called the detonator here in Kansas City. I have ridden that ride countless times and never screamed once or was genuinely freaked out. (Side note that ride actually did give a great view of the KC downtown skyscrapers. But when I went on,the that same ride on top of the stratosphere I will never forget being genuinely freaked out. I also screamed like a little girl, even though I was 20 at the time. I don’t think up until that point I had screamed like a little girl, well ever since I was a little girl lol.

    • @alabhaois
      @alabhaois 3 года назад

      AMEN!!

    • @tamihayes5313
      @tamihayes5313 3 года назад +4

      Don’t,.... I did it.... what’s funny you will see people on the way up bragging how they Gonna do this and that... by the time you get up there... people and I mean by the dozens change their mind . I got up there thinking there would be a line and I’d have time to talk myself out of it... I walked outside and I swear the guy said.... “oh great... no ones in line you can get on....
      I almost peed
      I spent 65$ for all the rides and I did them all even retuning that evening( cause the band is good for 24 hrs), riding “extreme “at night. The one that makes you think you’re going off the side of the building....
      You never have to wait in line for any of the rides ... people freak out when they realize how far up they are . I may have the wrong name for each ride but the craziest one is the one that dangles you over the building and swings you around. Not gonna lie. I closed my eyes and prayed for it to stop.
      If you fell trust me you’d be a grease spot on the ground.

  • @quinnie_here
    @quinnie_here 3 года назад +28

    The fear I felt just watching this was intense, I could never be paid to go up there

    • @ashmaz400
      @ashmaz400 3 месяца назад

      It's really not scary at all I promise

  • @stevensuarez4843
    @stevensuarez4843 3 года назад +87

    "This was luckily scrapped" shows raffiki tossing simba off pride rock. 😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣.

  • @so-calseany1176
    @so-calseany1176 3 года назад +87

    * Has flashbacks to 12 year old me waiting an hour for this thing in the early 2000’s and the feeling of utter betrayal when I got off the ride *

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 года назад +10

      Haha sounds right !

    • @benisjammin626
      @benisjammin626 3 года назад +3

      I went around 2006 i think. Pretty much walk ons the 2 days I went that year
      I guess it was 2005. It was maybe a year before it closed or year of

    • @streetwatcher_
      @streetwatcher_ Месяц назад

      I’d still find it jarring

  • @craigroberts6439
    @craigroberts6439 3 года назад +27

    King Kong was a cute idea but would have been a real eye sore.

  • @RaziTJones
    @RaziTJones 3 года назад +32

    They would’ve been better off making a Carousel or a rotating observation deck up there instead of a roller coaster.
    Also thank goodness they didn’t do that King Kong elevator thing it would’ve looked awful after 10 years.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 года назад +7

      Haha right but can’t help want to see it

    • @A.F.Whitepigeon
      @A.F.Whitepigeon 3 года назад +1

      Isn't there an observation tower in China that has that?

    • @pookatim
      @pookatim 3 года назад +3

      They have an observation deck and there is a restaurant at the top that slowly rotates. Very cool experience. Yes, I rode the "High Roller" and it was also pretty cool.

  • @drugreen123
    @drugreen123 3 года назад +33

    the scariest part of the coaster was climbing in it.

    • @MrInspirational43
      @MrInspirational43 3 года назад +2

      I wanted to ride High Roller, but when I saw how to get into the coaster I chickened out. I'm 6' 5" and I could see over the edge while climbing into the outside seat. NO WAY!

  • @honestreviewer7788
    @honestreviewer7788 3 года назад +77

    The "swing" thing that's up there now is absolutely terrifying

    • @arnoldahardy
      @arnoldahardy 3 года назад +1

      Yes! I just rode back in august I just wanted to leave after it lol

    • @butter7734
      @butter7734 3 года назад +2

      I agree almost shit my pants when I rode it.

    • @marinamarinamarinaa
      @marinamarinamarinaa 3 года назад

      i was 16 when i rode it and it was fun af hahahah not that bad at all

    • @Harcix
      @Harcix 3 года назад

      Which one? X scream? Insanity?

    • @Aehnen_Kohben
      @Aehnen_Kohben 3 года назад

      I rode this a few years ago and I’ve never felt soo scared in my life!

  • @ATalkingBadger
    @ATalkingBadger 3 года назад +14

    I miss the High Roller. Wasn't a crazy coaster, but it was still cool to ride. My dad took me to ride it in like May 2005 and I'm glad I got to before it closed. I still remember all of the news stories about them trying to build the rollercoaster that drops off of the side. I was hoping that it'd happen. Thank you for the amazing videos that you've made about the rides and attractions here in Las Vegas, they are some of my favorite videos. Is there any chance for videos on the Adventuredome and the Luxor attractions? That would be amazing.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 года назад +3

      I have plans for both! Thank you so much for watching

    • @ATalkingBadger
      @ATalkingBadger 3 года назад +1

      @@ExpeditionThemePark yay! Thank you so much! They just added a new flat ride called Nebula Z, so I'm hoping to head in there some day soon to check it out. I can't wait for those videos!

  • @paolosnplo
    @paolosnplo 3 года назад +12

    My palms are sweating just watching the rides

  • @mikegarcia597
    @mikegarcia597 3 года назад +13

    After being forced on this ride by my older brother in 1999 I can confirm that it’s not that the ride was fast or scary, it was the height and wind that made you scared for your life 😩. Literally thought I was going to die that night 😅

  • @CoasterKrazie
    @CoasterKrazie 3 года назад +64

    My older brother worked up there so he would get me free rides on all 4 rides. I'd ride high roller every once in a while just cause. If it were lap bars then maybe it could've been a little more thrilling but eh.

  • @thomasjones3919
    @thomasjones3919 3 года назад +6

    Stratosphere always reminds me of when i was younger and i built my own version of it out of knex. I remember building the roller coaster underneath the observation deck, similar sort of layout but being sort of like a flying roller coaster. Surprised no one has really suggested a flying coaster on a tower

  • @1D10CRACY
    @1D10CRACY 3 года назад +29

    I rode this coaster back when it was new. I remember standing inside near the top of the stratosphere surprised you could feel the tower sway as the roller coaster went around! I rode it at night, and thought it was pretty cool! I was kind of sad when I heard it was being removed.

  • @darkoverlord5427
    @darkoverlord5427 3 года назад +18

    I must say. I love your content and I also love the fact that you have practically replied to everyone that has commented. Signs of a great RUclipsr!

  • @southofhollywood4199
    @southofhollywood4199 3 года назад +8

    From what I hear, they removed the coaster because the required "emergency evacuation" platform would have been too expensive to build. You might have noticed that Disneyland had to build an evacuation platform on the Alice in Wonderland ride.

  • @stevebozrecreations
    @stevebozrecreations 3 года назад +44

    I don't get why they haven't attached a proper drop tower/free fall ride to the side of the tower tbh...
    Would be such an easy thing to do and would be an almost unbeatable world record holder, not to mention being ridiculously terrifying.
    At least three manufucaturuers out there with the tech to do it too.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 года назад +6

      Would be good!

    • @EriJ100
      @EriJ100 3 года назад +13

      They have a bungee jump style attraction, basically where the person jumps off near the top while attached to a couple guide wires, and then a third wire slows them down near the bottom.

    • @ericwoodlee9745
      @ericwoodlee9745 3 года назад +4

      It wouldn’t make any sense to build one on the side or the tower since there’s already one on top of the tower called the Big Shot thrill ride, it catapults 16 riders 160 feet at 45mph from the 921-foot high platform up the SkyPod's mast to a height of 1,081 feet and down again. If you rewatch the video you’ll see it, it’s red. 🤣👍🔥

    • @ericwoodlee9745
      @ericwoodlee9745 3 года назад +2

      @@EriJ100 It’s called SkyJump and you reach speeds up to 40 mph and as far as I know there’s only been one death so far. 👍🔥😜

    • @morganp4956
      @morganp4956 3 года назад +2

      There’s a sky jump there now. It’s like a vertical zip line with a controlled descent. Not exactly a free fall, but I want to try it.

  • @luisvelazquez9905
    @luisvelazquez9905 3 года назад +2

    Born and raised in Las Vegas ! 38 and i remember this head knocking , fearing ride !

  • @moondra3481
    @moondra3481 3 года назад +30

    Rode this while hungover, was still disappointed. :(

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 года назад +5

      Hahah the worst way

    • @moondra3481
      @moondra3481 3 года назад +1

      @@ExpeditionThemePark Oh how that made me laugh! Thanks for the love, keep up the great work, love your channel. And remember, this ride didn't exactly cost 5 dollars to ride either. Have a good one. :)

  • @edvaira6891
    @edvaira6891 3 года назад +6

    2:41...Describing Stratosphere as being located in a “not-so-great” neighborhood is being KIND! Still, this place is STILL quite impressive...In 1996, it was a really mind-blowing place...While the roller coaster was tame, it was still a lot of fun the three times I got to ride on it...The CURRENT RIDES UP THERE?!! Now THOSE are PSYCHOTIC!

  • @hangtimechills3461
    @hangtimechills3461 3 года назад +12

    One of the best content creators with one of the most interesting roller coasters, I’m in!

  • @offrails
    @offrails 3 года назад +99

    "I want to go on something more thrilling than High Roller"

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 года назад +7

      Aha yeppp

    • @FynnFolf
      @FynnFolf 3 года назад +1

      Then go on.. hmm... Maybe ride an SBF spinner? Those are "terrifying" lol

    • @AbiLewisMusic
      @AbiLewisMusic 3 года назад +4

      RCT reference 👌🏻

    • @PlattLineker2Pen
      @PlattLineker2Pen 3 года назад +1

      "High Roller is too intense for me"

    • @butter7734
      @butter7734 3 года назад +1

      Big shot was scary as fuck. You just picked the wrong one.

  • @DarMar106
    @DarMar106 3 года назад +4

    Another great video! I certainly hope you're not done with Vegas attractions, the ending bit kinda felt like it but there's still so much more! Adventuredome, the former Luxor attractions, the Mirage Volcano and Siegfried and Roy animal habitat, the Treasure Island pirate show (Fun fact: The sinking effect was done by Disney Legend Bob Gurr), the Excalibur dragon, the Lion exhibit and Wizard of Oz attraction at the MGM Grand, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, the Forum Shops animatronic shows and Race to Atlantis attraction. Love the channel!

  • @werebison
    @werebison 3 года назад +10

    At this point, I'd love to be able to travel to Las Vegas and ride The Big Apple Coaster, and my chiropractor agrees with me. I'm getting kind of sick of shouting "Wheeeeee!" while I vacuum.
    I've been on the Big Shot, but this coaster was gone by the time I made my first visit to Vegas. Even though it wasn't much of a thrill, I think I'd still have enjoyed it, as a novelty.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 года назад +1

      It has new trains so might be better now!

    • @rdarkstorm8414
      @rdarkstorm8414 2 года назад

      I rode The Big Apple in 2019 I think? It's great, one of the roughest rides I've ridden, but honestly there are some super cool views and it is also a relatively fun coaster.
      Also sorry about the reply 9 months late, blame the algorithm for popping this on my feed now

  • @sharktooths
    @sharktooths 3 года назад +8

    Still mad I never got this credit, when it was like, SO RARE, and I had the weird set of circumstances to make it happen and didn't (foreigner visiting during that time frame). I was DEFINITELY not into coasters like I am now, but I wouldn't have forgotten it!!!

  • @lorrainebarreras3958
    @lorrainebarreras3958 2 года назад +2

    I am absolutely terrified of heights, but I remember this being one of the funniest roller coasters BECAUSE it was so tame for me. I totally believe that the excitement does come from the fear just going up there! If you're scared you dont care how fast it is you're just happy to get back to the ground XD

  • @EFFEZE
    @EFFEZE 3 года назад +5

    Don't know how you've not got more subs. You make something I'm not that bothered about interesting. Definitely a good skill.

  • @tommyh3603
    @tommyh3603 3 года назад +13

    What did they do with the cuts of track. It would be so cool to get my hands on one

  • @Expressionistix
    @Expressionistix 3 года назад +4

    Breathtaking views of the slums of Las Vegas.

  • @AbandonedMines11
    @AbandonedMines11 3 года назад +10

    I remember riding the Big Shot ride at the Stratosphere but I don’t remember if I rode the High Roller roller coaster. That’s how unimpressive it must’ve been and was! Was fun seeing the old, 1990s news clips in this video that showcased the ride - brings back memories of that dynamic era in Vegas when things were really happening and changing.

    • @davedoesthingsdreaded
      @davedoesthingsdreaded 3 года назад

      It sucked. I rode in 99 and remember thinking it was a kiddie coaster

    • @butter7734
      @butter7734 3 года назад

      Same. Did any of you do the taxi coaster in New York New York? I'm not sure that is still there, but you went through the building.

  • @christalbot210
    @christalbot210 3 года назад

    I actually rode that thing. Saturn had flown me to Las Vegas and put us (my roommate at the time came with, though he had to pay his own way) up in a hotel for a couple of days. While checking out Vegas, we decided to check out the Stratosphere. I remember almost nothing about the Stratosphere itself, but I do remember the coaster. Yeah, it was a kiddie coaster, but that was quite a long way up. I confess I remember it being a lot closer to the edge the it seems it actually was. Neither of us were crazy enough to go on the other ride.
    At the end of our stay, I purchased my new 1997 Saturn SW2 (which I'm still driving, BTW), and we drove the 3,000+ miles back to Florida.

  • @jolidesir
    @jolidesir 3 года назад +86

    Vegas is one of those places that should never have sunlight and just stay dark.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 года назад +3

      Haha

    • @twoelevnn
      @twoelevnn 3 года назад +8

      No we like our sunny days lmao we don’t really like how people stereotype the whole city based off the small strip that residents don’t even care about

    • @TheRedRaven_
      @TheRedRaven_ 3 года назад +6

      Technically it never goes dark, everything in Vegas is open 24/7, even grocery stores, it's awesome and convenient if you work a swing/mid shift.

    • @ElDonWillie
      @ElDonWillie 3 года назад +1

      Facts

    • @ElDonWillie
      @ElDonWillie 3 года назад +7

      @@twoelevnn it's a shit hole outside the resorts

  • @myselfalex
    @myselfalex 3 года назад +3

    I'm a simple man, I see you re-use the Lance Burton Desparado clip yet again, I crack up.

  • @jakem7200
    @jakem7200 3 года назад +1

    Glad you’ve done a vid on this. Lots of channels have, but your work is so good and in-depth!

  • @posturesonparade
    @posturesonparade 3 года назад +1

    I was in Vegas in '94 (13 yrs old) and loved MGM Grand Adventures! I also went to the Adventuredome at Circus Circus and remember seeing the Strat under construction. Fun memories and Great vid!

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 года назад

      Thank you! I made a Video on Mgm Grand. While back you might like

  • @craft7185
    @craft7185 3 года назад +6

    Pretty good timing, considering the Big Apple coaster down the road re-opened with new trains yesterday!

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 года назад +1

      Right! Hope to give it a try

    • @siohmy
      @siohmy 3 года назад +1

      Please tell me the shoulder restraints no longer dislocate your shoulders?! Ok, they didn’t, but you sure felt battered and bruised after riding it.

    • @basshead2003
      @basshead2003 3 года назад

      @@siohmy Padded seats would be a nice improvement too. I went to Vegas yearly between 2007 and 2014 and I always used to buy an all-day ride pass for this coaster (guess I’m a sucker for punishment). By the end of the day, my shoulders and my butt would be very sore.

  • @nj2or
    @nj2or 3 года назад +52

    I rode it back in the day, just to ride it. it was rough. I could have walked around the tower faster.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 года назад +4

      True ha

    • @ernestinemaloy8680
      @ernestinemaloy8680 3 года назад +1

      @@ExpeditionThemePark you couldn't pay me to do any of the attractions on that tower and I am not jumping off the tower for skydiving...ever...yes I am a coward...certifiably so...I'd give the cowardly lion a run for his money...

  • @cjsews
    @cjsews 3 года назад +1

    I rode this coaster in about 1998 with my two high school age sons. We thought it was thrilling to be up so high. We were not disappointed, the view was incredible and it’s something we still talk about today...bonding time. I was a Mom that loved amusement parks, still do. Although enjoy RUclips videos of coaster more these days.

  • @steelman86
    @steelman86 3 года назад

    A friend and I rode the high roller and the big shot rides. One thing we learned to do was to make reservations in advance for the restaurant. When you arrive, they escort you to the private restaurant elevator (no cost.,), no waiting in the line to get up to the rides. then we ate a leisurely green salad as it was the cheapest! We ate while the restaurant revolved showing us the 360 degree view of Vegas. When we finished our meal, we simply walked up to the rides and cut the long wait and lines! It was fun a few times but after that, not so much! Viva Las Vegas!!!

  • @naylindavies
    @naylindavies 3 года назад +8

    Just feel like I should mention this, Manhattan express just got new trains and then derailed

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 года назад +5

      Yeah it’s reopened now though

    • @oneandonlysound3453
      @oneandonlysound3453 3 года назад +4

      it is however, now open with the brand new trains, pretty much Premiere sky rocket II trains and people are saying it's heavily improved.

    • @elofkjellson3906
      @elofkjellson3906 3 года назад

      @@oneandonlysound3453 If they are using premier trains, I am sure it's much better now. Still won't fix the bad layout or janky transitions, but it will make it all less painful, lol.

    • @Gigidag77
      @Gigidag77 3 года назад

      @@elofkjellson3906 the former trains were also by Premier Rides.

  • @dwitefry4157
    @dwitefry4157 3 года назад +7

    I so want that King Kong attraction to exist!!

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 года назад

      Right?!

    • @velociraptor4you3291
      @velociraptor4you3291 3 года назад

      @@ExpeditionThemePark Not gonna lie, *I* do as well! :D I'm in kind of a 'Kong' mode myself ever since the "Godzilla vs Kong" trailer dropped.

  • @pandamonium4857
    @pandamonium4857 3 года назад

    As a fiberglass technician, I did work on 3 different stratosphere rises. From repair to respray, but you'll never catch me riding one

  • @BryanVGK23
    @BryanVGK23 Год назад

    As a Vegas resident I would’ve loved to see the coaster they had initially planned

  • @lcnickerson8218
    @lcnickerson8218 3 года назад +3

    I really enjoyed this video, I grew up visiting Las Vegas as a child often. I rode this rollercoaster several times. It was not that exciting after a couple of times even as a child. I would love to see an wild and outrageous coaster with height and speed here in Vegas.

  • @aquadragondavanin6745
    @aquadragondavanin6745 3 года назад +9

    i'd love to see a video on the New high roller over by the linq. it's obviously not a very exciting ride, it's just a giant observation wheel. but it'd be cool to see why this project was proposed and how long it took to come to fruition.
    Loved this video! woulda liked to ride this coaster tbh, but it was before my time lol. once the pandemic's over i'd like to ride the drop tower though.

  • @tnlone
    @tnlone 3 года назад

    For an added extra upgrade for VIP guests, each night at dusk, vintage bi-planes fly by and "shoot" Kong while guests are in the belly. The biggest high roller VIP of the bunch gets to man the controls and "swat" at the planes as they go by, with one "crashing" in the "not-so-great neighbourhood" nearby.

  • @atribecalledcookies4
    @atribecalledcookies4 3 года назад +2

    Back in the day when this was built the union iron workers were so spun out on that biker glass which was supplied to them, they travelled from job to job state to state. Interesting times back then.

  • @KeyToAeris2024
    @KeyToAeris2024 3 года назад +43

    I remember seeing this place on Insane Coaster Wars on Travel Channel it’s a great concept but it was executed poorly and not marketed well enough

  • @eddienhp
    @eddienhp 3 года назад +32

    High Roller is one of the scariest family rides on top of the stratosphere!

  • @skidogallard
    @skidogallard 3 года назад +1

    I got to ride this when I was a kid. Intense rollercoasters weren't my jam at the time, so I enjoyed it.

  • @moritod
    @moritod Год назад

    If Bob Stupak so much as glanced at this project, I wouldn't go near it. Seriously, that guy cut every corner imaginable, then he cut them again. Rumor has it he was also very fond of playing with matches. I credit Lady Luck for the fact no one died on that thing, even at 30 mph with wheels in 3 directions. PS - true story. My friends decided to go to a show I'd already been to. To kill some time I grabbed a cab and told him I wanted to see Vegas World since I hadn't already been there. The driver pulled over and told me that he'd take me anywhere I wanted to go for free, so long as it wasn't Vegas World. He didn't feel right about dropping a girl off on her own in that place. I ended up at Mirage and had a great time (don't worry - dude got a big tip!)

  • @deniumrockstar
    @deniumrockstar 3 года назад +4

    Amazing video and content as always! Do a video highlighting Adventure Dome at Circus Circus to round out your Vegas expedition!

  • @krististarosta6736
    @krististarosta6736 3 года назад +12

    I’m afraid of heights. I mean the view from up there looks really cool, but I don’t like it when I’m up really high.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 года назад +1

      Might not be for you then!

    • @DarthVaderReturns1
      @DarthVaderReturns1 3 года назад

      @@ExpeditionThemePark im not scared of heights or go on scary roasters because my favorite books and music and of course my favorite bands ,astodon amd metallica dont make me happy and upbeat and both those bands music make to face my fears

    • @dnmitch
      @dnmitch 3 года назад

      The view is alright. It’s stupid windy on the observation deck so it kind of takes away from everything.

  • @cityofevil3283
    @cityofevil3283 Год назад +1

    I was born in Vegas in 1998 but I didn't get to go to the Stratosphere until 2012. By then, the High Roller had been removed. Even if it wasn't anything special, I still wish I could've gone on it at least once.

  • @neoncityphotoproductions
    @neoncityphotoproductions 3 года назад

    My dad wasa fiberglass worker and repaired this roller coaster, the rim runner at adventuredome, and built the hard rock cafe Las Vegas guitar marquee, for what it's worth. 🤘

  • @datvegasgamer
    @datvegasgamer 3 года назад +3

    Good video bro 👍 I live here in Las Vegas and I think we desperately need some better rides and attractions! 🥺

  • @joep4235
    @joep4235 3 года назад +5

    we rode this in the early 90's... I thought it was fun! And i wish had ridden it twice instead of spending the next 5$ on on Big Shot, where i almost pooped my pants !

  • @joelowens5211
    @joelowens5211 3 года назад +2

    I rode the Big Shot decades ago. Feels like you are being shot into outer space. Definitely gets the heart pumping!

    • @SWLinPHX
      @SWLinPHX 3 года назад

      Yes, that scared the crap out of me too. So high and dropping free fall!

  • @Aehnen_Kohben
    @Aehnen_Kohben 3 года назад +1

    I rode insanity and honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever been soo scared in all my life!

  • @inkno701
    @inkno701 3 года назад +3

    Thanks for all the great videos on Vegas coasters and attractions!
    I never rode on the High roller coaster but did go on the Big Shot multiple time and it was fun and crazy how high up you are. The last time I was there I remember that just to use the elevator was $10 (looked it up and it $20 now)
    I hope sometime in the future you do a video on the Nile river ride that was in the Luxor casino (and there was a motion simulator ride too)
    Just let me know if you would like me to help and compile videos and research about it.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 года назад +3

      I’m working on a video for Luxor !

    • @inkno701
      @inkno701 3 года назад

      @@ExpeditionThemePark Awesome! Can't wait!

    • @robertzacharias6815
      @robertzacharias6815 3 года назад

      Yeah I rode the High Roller, Big Shot, and the newer one now that dangles you over the side. Glad to have tried High Roller since it’s history now. Would really like to see the old Nile River Ride @ Luxor

  • @mackhavoc477
    @mackhavoc477 3 года назад +3

    built in a bad neighborhood is an understatement, lol!! You should do a video about the Fear the Walking Dead attraction and Eli Roth's Goretorium. Neither of those lasted more than a year here in Vegas, lol

  • @Zoomer30_
    @Zoomer30_ 3 года назад +2

    The crack was flowing like fine wine at that architectural firm.
    " okay okay okay we're going to have a giant mechanical gorilla take people to the top of the tower and then back out that shouldn't be a problem"

  • @briana3132
    @briana3132 3 года назад

    I remember that fire, I grew up right behind Vegas World and we didnt even get evacuated when debris from the fire fell on us, good times

  • @alexv3375
    @alexv3375 3 года назад +8

    I'd say one of the big problems was that it's a good idea, but they did it too early. Like, if you were to revisit the concept of a coaster atop a huge building nowadays, I think you _could_ have it be legitimately terrifying using modern supports/tech to do things like floorless trains, outward banking and maybe some inversions that take advantage of the sheer height; something like slow rolls or even a dive loop over the side for maximum "DON'T LOOK DOWN".

  • @trixtrix3836
    @trixtrix3836 3 года назад

    :24 I love the 90s jungle, DnB during the commercial

  • @theworstisover1323
    @theworstisover1323 3 года назад +2

    Thanks for the great video. I really miss going to theme parks and I've spent a ton of time binge watching and rewatching all of your videos during this pandemic. It's helped me get through my theme park withdrawal!

  • @XboxgeorgebeanRollercoasters
    @XboxgeorgebeanRollercoasters 3 года назад +5

    If the highest rollercoaster was 420ft, that would of been nice

  • @elevatoralarmcoasterandarc1214
    @elevatoralarmcoasterandarc1214 3 года назад +3

    Hey, Expedition Theme Park! Could you please do the History of Lightning Rod at Dollywood?

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 года назад +2

      In the future yes!

    • @Pr35t0nYT
      @Pr35t0nYT 3 года назад

      @@ExpeditionThemePark or vampire at chessington?

    • @jeff59rt
      @jeff59rt 3 года назад

      That is one impressive wooden coaster..

  • @Mauser_.
    @Mauser_. 3 года назад

    Love the video. Thanks!!!

  • @truckingwithtobee
    @truckingwithtobee 3 года назад

    The neighborhood is still really bad. I’m a native Vegas resident. I was 18 when the fire happened on the Stratosphere. We were standing on the street watching the burning wood fall down.

  • @tulinfirenze1990
    @tulinfirenze1990 3 года назад +6

    When I told a VERY SENIOR Disney imagineer I was going to Vegas he told me VERY sternly to NOT ride this roller coaster as "it throws wheels". I'll NEVER forget those three words.

    • @CanItAlready
      @CanItAlready 3 года назад

      Disney warning people about someone else's ride. Now that's hilarious. 🤣

  • @noaht124
    @noaht124 3 года назад +19

    Yoooooo I jumped off the side of the stratosphere!!

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 года назад +2

      Nice! I want to do it!

    • @CalQaida
      @CalQaida 3 года назад +1

      I asked a cabby "what should I do down here" (old vegas) He told me "you could pay to jump off the top of the Stratosphere." "I was like: hard pass, even if I wasn't wasted." Haha

    • @noaht124
      @noaht124 3 года назад

      @@ExpeditionThemePark 10/10 recommend. I have the video up I think on my channel. I think I was 14 at the time. Maybe 15

  • @jmorris22me
    @jmorris22me 3 года назад

    The in depth amusement mini documentarys that we've needed all these years. Love your channel!! Love- a six flags ride sup lol.

  • @UponDemise666
    @UponDemise666 2 года назад

    Got my credit on Big Shot when I was in 4th grade! Insanity, loved it.

  • @maxhagenauer24
    @maxhagenauer24 3 года назад +26

    Intamin: we have the tallest coaster in the world
    S&MC: that's cute

    • @CoasterHorizons
      @CoasterHorizons 3 года назад +5

      well it wasn't really THE TALLEST, it was THE HIGHEST

    • @ThyPandora
      @ThyPandora 3 года назад

      Yeah, it really was only the highest - put High Roller on the ground and it was nothing. It was the location it was, that made it that bit more terrifying.

  • @princesskristan
    @princesskristan 3 года назад +5

    I'm scared of heights and I would never ride the rides up there. The ones that are there now looks cool though

  • @BrownBomber92181
    @BrownBomber92181 2 года назад

    I worked up there in the summer of 99 before I started college. The high roller was not very popular cos it was a pretty tame ride even tho you were 900 feet in the air. I hated working the high roller rotation cos it was so boring since it wasn't that popular. Although I did enjoy when I would give instructions to the riders and I would say "in case of an emergency, your seat cushion can be used as a flotation device " and riders would look confused and look over the edge, it was priceless! Lol. I did love working the Big Shot rotation, that was a blast.

  • @nintandrew13
    @nintandrew13 3 года назад

    I remember being little and staying in Vegas with family before going to Utah (cheaper to fly to Vegas and shuttle to Utah) and being told there were rides on top of Stratosphere. Never got a chance to see what was up there.
    ...I don’t feel so bad not seeing it now. I wasn’t missing much Thanks for the video!

  • @TheDozin1
    @TheDozin1 3 года назад +9

    Who clicks dislike for videos like this? Weird.

  • @ethansc7315
    @ethansc7315 3 года назад +5

    8:20 The wheels came off and they could have died and were given a refund of $5 lol

  • @ronscurti1269
    @ronscurti1269 3 года назад +1

    YET ANOTHER AMAZING VIDEO.
    KEEP THEM COMING.

  • @mitch1352
    @mitch1352 3 года назад +1

    I rode this in 1999. I wasn't an enthusiast at the time, I just stumbled upon it on a road trip. Big Shot and Desperado too!

  • @brookeg5979
    @brookeg5979 3 года назад +9

    The speed limitation was just a facet of the structural safety of the tower. Boring? Yes. Safe for the structure itself? Also yes. I remember feeling the observation deck as it would softly move to and fro, and then feeling that gentle movement become more intense when the coaster would run. Unsettling!
    Beautiful up there though.

  • @CoasterHorizons
    @CoasterHorizons 3 года назад +4

    they could've actually added some airtime or a barrel roll to high roller. ooh, and maybe lap bars :o
    would have also been cool as a spinning coaster
    also, where is that desperado clip from?

  • @sunnyscott4876
    @sunnyscott4876 3 года назад

    I'm a Vegas regular, I grew up in Vegas. And I have never been to the top of the "Strat" (formerly known as the Stratosphere)....Let alone ride a roller coaster dangling off the side off it. 😱🤯😱🤯😱🤯😱🤯😱🤯😱🤯😱

  • @elofkjellson3906
    @elofkjellson3906 3 года назад +2

    It looks like a perfect ride for me, honestly! Slow, gentle, and no forces lol.

  • @jennycraigadventures3314
    @jennycraigadventures3314 3 года назад +11

    “Your enjoyment of the coaster came down to one thing; how scared of heights you were...and how much you enjoyed the view.” Yep, just one things.

  • @gileshawking
    @gileshawking 3 года назад +3

    Rode the coaster, it was disappointing, the Big Shot however, nearly gave me a heart attack, it was night time and when we hit zero g at the top i felt like i had been dropped out of a plane and was falling to earth, effect helped by ride being so high up.

  • @pernicious544
    @pernicious544 3 года назад

    Always my favorite channel with my favorite kind of content. Another great video full of interesting theme/amusement park history and tidbits.

  • @j-bizzlefoshizzle
    @j-bizzlefoshizzle 3 года назад +2

    Should totally make an Expedition Extinct shirt. Great vid as always!!