How Are Mountain Coasters Different From Roller Coasters

Neil Sawford • July 14, 2023

How are Mountain Coasters Different From Roller Coasters?

Many people have heard of mountain and roller coasters but are still determining what they are and how they vary. Even if you dislike roller coasters, you'll enjoy a mountain coaster in Branson.

The Branson Mountain Coaster is the first of its kind in the Ozarks. This wonderful invention shares specific characteristics with classic roller coasters, but some differences exist.

Riders on mountain coasters may take in the breathtaking natural scenery. They are purposefully built atop mountains. They make use of the natural terrain of their surroundings. Traditional roller coasters use the track to generate the landscape needed to attain high speeds, but mountain coasters use the area provided by nature.

With the mountain coaster, you control your experience; you may regulate the speed, apply a brake, slow it down, or rush it up. Because roller coasters work with gravity, you can use your car's brake lever to slow down or speed up as needed to maximize your ride.

An adventure ride on the mountain coaster lets you soak in the breathtaking environment. We may look biased in our thinking, but the mountains offer some of the most spectacular views on the planet—and on a mountain coaster, you can take it all in from a unique vantage point. Mountain coasters take advantage of the natural scenery; therefore, there is no better way to enjoy the breathtaking views that most mountains offer.

Roller coaster trains, like the mountain coaster in Branson, do not have an engine or power supply. They rely instead on a source of potential energy that is transformed into kinetic energy. A rollercoaster has always relied on gravitational potential energy - the energy it holds due to its height. It is dragged to the top of a hill, the ride's highest point, and then released.

The Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the UK's tallest roller coaster, begins with the train cranking at the top of a gigantic 65-meter slope. The clank-clank-clank of the chain as it gently takes you up the hill intensifies your anticipation on journeys like this. The cars are then dragged down a 65-degree dip by gravity. As the train speeds to roughly 119 km/h, the potential energy declines, and the kinetic energy increases.

The Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach used to be the world's highest and steepest roller coaster, reaching a height of 65 meters. It is still the tallest and one of the fastest in the UK, with a top speed of 119 km/h.

Many modern roller coasters employ a launch instead of a lift hill to provide kinetic energy to the train. At Thorpe Park in Surrey, stealth catapults the train out of the station, propelling passengers from 0 to 128 km/h (80 mph) in less than two seconds. A winch is used in this method to pull a catch vehicle along the track rapidly. The rollercoaster train is "caught" by the catch car, which pulls it along before releasing it and hurling it down the track.

Some roller coasters use electromagnetic propulsion systems, in which electromagnets on the train and track pull and then push the train forward. They, like catapult systems, can generate enormous amounts of acceleration, propelling trains to speeds of more than 95 km/h (60 mph) in seconds. Although there is no stressful wait as you have pulled up the hill, sitting in the station creates suspense.

Rollercoasters alternate between using potential and kinetic energy. The kinetic energy gained when the train descends the first hill - or fires from the launch - propels it up the next, more minor hill. As the slope ascends, it expends kinetic energy while gaining potential power, and the cycle begins again. Many contemporary rollercoasters incorporate additional launches, which are frequently electromagnetic and provide the train with extra kinetic energy halfway through the ride.

The most thrilling aspect of a roller coaster is going upside down on the loops. Inertia, the tendency of an element to resist change in its state of motion, pushes you outwards and maintains you in your seat as you ride through a loop. Gravity attempts to pull you down, but the more potent acceleration force pushes you sideways and ultimately upwards.

Roller coaster loops are frequently teardrop-shaped rather than perfect circles. This is because getting the train around a perfectly circular loop requires more acceleration. Gravity takes over after a roller coaster crests the first significant hill, causing the roller coaster to tumble down at a constant rate of 9.8 meters per second squared. All that stored potential energy transforms into kinetic energy, also known as moving energy.

The mountain coaster in Branson, like any other mountain coaster, solely slides downhill using gravity's speed to provide an unforgettable adventure.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Close-up of a souvenir t-shirt featuring a mountain coaster design

Shop & Adventure in Branson

By Neil Sawford • August 29, 2025

When you visit Branson with your family to enjoy a wonderful vacation, don't pass up the opportunity to shop at some of the best shopping locations. Branson shoppers will find everything on their shopping lists, from specialty shops to department stores. If you've had an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO, the next thing you should do is go shopping at some of the shopping malls listed below. Branson Landing Branson Landing, the Midwest's shoppers' paradise, is one of the most visited shopping destinations, offering almost everything you need for your holiday shopping in Branson. This fantastic shopping destination is home to the famous Belk Department Store, which provides a wide range of clothing and accessories. It also has Bass Pro Shop, which has everything you need for outdoor adventures. Branson Landing, a center for great shopping and dining opportunities located between Lake Taneycomo and historic downtown Branson, is one of the most visited attractions in town. The easily walkable Branson Landing is less than a mile long. It features a lakeside boardwalk, an open-air promenade, and more than 100 retail shops and fine restaurants. Shopping is the ideal activity after a thrilling adventure ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO. Historic Downtown Branson Historic Downtown Branson's famous shopping destination is a short walk from Branson Landing. Shopping in Historic Downtown Branson can undoubtedly relieve the stress of visitors who are having a great time touring the many exciting places in this vacation paradise. You will enjoy what Branson offers as you walk through the beautiful streets, old buildings, and nostalgic themed shops in downtown Branson. You can see the beginnings of Branson in the Ozarks in Historic Downtown Branson. But there's more to Branson than just reminiscing. With many shops and dozens of exciting attractions for people of all ages, this neighborhood transforms into a thriving complex full of exciting activities. Whether you're looking for gourmet foods, baked goods, or original art, the historic downtown Branson has it all. There are many fine restaurants and eateries in the historic downtown Branson, a time-enhanced exciting location. Branson Craft Mall Visit the Branson Craft Mall for a retail market that focuses on the unique and original. The Branson Craft Mall, lined with vendors and specialty craft goods, is also home to the famous Pickin' Porch Grill. You won't leave hungry with a diverse menu that includes House-Smoked BBQ, sandwiches, wings, and even tacos. For an after-meal treat, take a stroll down the candy aisle. Branson Craft Mall is a fantastic shopping destination where you can buy unique arts and crafts and enjoy a delicious dining experience at some of the finest restaurants. This expansive 160,000-square-foot craft mall offers visitors one-stop shopping from over 200 vendors, artists, and crafters. Many of these vendors sell clothing, quilts, leather goods, jewelry, rugs, baskets, pottery, and other items. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows The Shoppes at Branson Meadows provides a wide range of shopping experiences. Shepherd Hills Cutlery, Tuesday Morning, Neil's Home Store, the Consignment Clothing Exchange, Touch of Class Boutique, Made in the USA, and more are all worth a visit! Visit Branson's 1984 Arcade for a nostalgic and rejuvenating break. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows offers discounted local brands, chic home goods, and one-of-a-kind clothing. This shopping spot is a treasure trove of housewares and other household goods. Grand Village Shops Over 25 distinguished novelty stores can be found at Grand Village Shops. With each offering its distinct originality, you're sure to leave with a perfect memory of your time in Branson. The Grand Village Shops are an excellent place to find a meaningful gift for everyone on your list. With the diversity of shops, there is something for everyone in this great shopping spot in Branson. While shopping in this fascinating place, you'll see singing waiters entertain shoppers. At the same time, they enjoy diner-style food and tasty ice cream from the soda fountain at Mel's Hard Luck Diner. Tanger Outlet Mall No shopping spree in Branson is complete without a trip to Tanger Outlets. You will find well-known brands at a discounted price at this unique shopping location. Tanger Outlets is located inside Branson's Entertainment District and offers extended shopping hours and great discounts to reward members. Tanger Outlets have everything that you need and even hard-to-find items. Conveniently located on Highway 76 West, the fully stocked mall offers discounts for favorite name brands such as Gap, Levi's, Polo Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, and much more. When looking for great shopping spots to shop and adventure after an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO , don't forget to check out the shopping malls listed above.