The rides I’m counting down to before the season even starts

There’s something about the closed season that makes life so dull. The parks are shut, the rides are under maintenance, and all we can do is look through old photos, watch POVs on YouTube, and count down the days until the gates open again. Every year, there are those rides – the ones I’m already mentally queuing for before the season has even begun.

These are the five rides I’m counting down to the most.

1. Wicker Man – It means more than just a ride

Wicker Man isn’t just a coaster to me – it’s special. This is one of those rides that carries memories, not just thrills.

It’s the ride that Andy and I can get on together. Andy is terrified of rides, and anyone who knows him knows that getting him anywhere near a coaster is an achievement in itself. Wicker Man was the first (proper) coaster we ever rode together, after three years of trying, and that alone makes it unforgettable.

There’s something perfect about it being Wicker Man too. It’s not extreme, but it’s intense. It’s fast, fiery, loud, and full of atmosphere. The smell of the pre-show room, the soundtrack through the queue, the fire effects, and that moment you burst through the Wicker Man himself – it all feels dramatic without being overwhelming.

Every time we ride it, it takes me straight back to that first time riding it with Andy. His nerves. His screaming. The “he actually did it” feeling at the end. That’s why Wicker Man will always be right at the top of my list.

2. Nemesis – Nostalgia hits hard

Nemesis is pure nostalgia.

It’s iconic. It’s legendary. And honestly? I miss the original so much. I miss the roar. That deep, angry sound echoing through the pit as the train tore past. There was nothing else like it. You can argue it's still there... but it is not the same is it?

Nemesis is one of those rides that feels special. The terrain, the speed, the way it hugs the ground – it never felt like a normal coaster. It felt wild. Out of control. Alive.

Even now, just thinking about that first drop into the pit and the way it whipped through the elements makes me smile. Nemesis isn’t just a ride; it’s a feeling. And it’s one I’ll always be counting down to experiencing again.

3. ICON – Proof that launches can be fun

I’ll be honest: I’m not usually a fan of launches. I don't find them fun at all.

But ICON? ICON’s launch is different.

I just love this ride. It’s smooth, elegant, and surprisingly long. My absolute favourite part is the section after the second launch. That moment where you slow right down at the top, almost hanging there, before gliding back down again... it’s perfection.

There’s something about that sensation of weightlessness mixed with calm. It’s not aggressive. It’s not trying to rip your face off. It just lets you float.

ICON feels graceful, and every time I ride it, I come off smiling. It’s one of those coasters I could ride over and over again without getting bored.

4. Valhalla – Unapologetically one of my favourites

This one divides opinion, but I don’t care – I love Valhalla.

Yes, it’s wet, it’s dramatic and most (all) people come off absolutely soaked.

That’s the point.

Valhalla isn’t just a water ride; it’s an experience. The scale of it, the theming, the fire and ice effects, the darkness, the chaos of it all and people's reactions – it’s epic. Those drops hit differently when you can’t see what’s coming, and the splashdowns are ridiculous in the best possible way.

I know it’s not everyone’s favourite, but for me, Valhalla is unforgettable. If I’m getting drenched, I want it to be for a ride that fully commits – and Valhalla absolutely does.

5. Danse Macabre – Take me to Efteling, please

This is the one I haven’t done yet... but I need to.

Please take me to Efteling and get me on Danse Macabre.

This dark ride is based on the famous orchestral piece Danse Macabre by Camille Saint-Saëns, and the entire attraction is built around gothic storytelling, atmosphere, and music. It’s set in a haunted abbey and uses a huge ride system where guests sit on benches that move, tilt, and rotate in time with the music.

It’s not about jumpscares or speed – it’s about tension, mood, and spectacle. Shadows move, ghosts appear, and everything builds toward a dramatic musical finale. It’s the kind of ride that feels theatrical and haunting rather than scary, and honestly, that’s exactly my kind of thing.

I haven’t even ridden it yet, and it’s already living rent-free in my head.

Final Thoughts

Before the season even starts, these rides are already calling to me. Some are about nostalgia. Some are about pure joy. Some are about memories, and some are dreams waiting to happen.

And that’s what makes theme parks so special. It’s never just about the ride – it’s about how they make you feel, who you ride them with, and the stories you attach to them.

Now... can the season hurry up and start already?