Roller Coasters Go Topsy-Turvy

In the never-ending competition to add faster, scarier, bigger rides to lure tourists to theme parks, two new “inverted” roller coasters, which suspend the cars from the tracks like ski lifts, debut this spring.

Next Saturday, “The Great White” ride opens at Sea World of Texas in San Antonio--the first roller coaster at any of the nation’s four Sea World parks. And on April 11, Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Va.) debuts “Alpengeist,” which it bills as the world’s tallest and fastest inverted roller coaster.

The Sea World track will hurtle riders nearly 50 mph along a looped and corkscrew track 2,562 feet long and 108 feet tall--and “drop” them 81 feet. The ride takes two minutes. Admission to Sea World, which includes a marine animal park and various rides, is $32.27 for adults and $21.50 for children 3 to 11 and seniors.

The Williamsburg track rises to a record-breaking 195 feet, stretches 3,628 feet, “drops” riders 170 feet and goes up to 67 mph. The ride takes three minutes, 10 seconds. It will be the fifth roller coaster at the park, which includes water rides, musical shows and shops. Park admission is $31.50 for adults and $24.50 for children 3 to 6.

Sea World reopens for the season March 8, and Busch Gardens Williamsburg reopens March 22. Hours vary seasonally. Information: (800) 423-8368.