XScream

Stratosphere, Las Vegas, Nevada

Look closely at the picture. You'll see a 110-story tower. There's a tall needle-like tower in the center on top of the roof. That is a "space shot" ride called Big Shot. It's intense and fun. Around the base of the Big Shot is the High Roller, which is a rollercoaster. You can see the red track spiraling around the tower, and to the left, you can see the yellow train. It's not a big thrill, but it's a one-of-a-kind attraction. Now, look at the right side of the tower, just below the red track. See that blue stick poking off the side of the tower? This is XScream. This is insane.

See how high? See how OPEN the car is? See the look of terror on their faces? When I got off this ride (which I almost didn't get ON in the first place), I could barely walk. Knees were weak, legs shaking, body trembling. There is a feeling of adrenaline that I get from a great coaster ride. It's a thrill. This wasn't thrill, this was FEAR.

It's such a simple thing, really. The car is on this short track. The track dips down like a see-saw, the car rolls to the end. The track tips back, the car rolls back. Simple. Here's the thing. The stopping mechanism on the car is BEHIND the front seats. The whole front of the car goes out PAST the end of the track.

This isn't the end. This pic was actually taken on the way back UP.  The trip DOWN to the end of the track is steep and fast and goes right out over the safety fence. See the pic below.

It's interesting to note that there is usually a lot of screaming when approaching the end of the track, but once the car stops, folks are usually too busy praying to make much noise. Soon, the track tips up, the car rolls back, and you are GLAD. But no... the track dips again, the car rolls out past the end, and thankfully stops. Then the track makes ANOTHER dip, even steeper, and somehow the car hangs on. Finally, it tips up once more and brings you home.

Seriously, whoever dreamed this thing up needs some heavy psychotherapy. I did it once. That was plenty.

If you REALLY want to get a feel for this thing, take a look at the video that I took (after I stopped shaking).