I would also give the American Eagle, Raging Bull, and Batman the Ride a vote from SFGA. A racing woodie is nothing to scoff at, along with the first hyper and first inverted roller coasters ever.
By the way Anthony, the first inverted coaster ever was actually The Bat at King's Island.
Honorable mention must go to Corkscrew Hill at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. I have no idea why this attraction often gets such a bad rap when it is easily one of the best, most original simulator rides I have ever visited.
I just really don't understand how someone could suggest Mean Streak is overrated. That thing is downright brutal in a way that it shouldn't be. Yes, wooden coasters aren't exactly smooth-as-glass. But they also shouldn't leave riders in pain for the remainder of the day...or week. Even retracking didn't help that monster of a coaster. It looks beautiful but that's about all that's appealing about MS anymore.
And to correct the person several posts above, the Bat was the first suspended coaster. Batman was the first inverted. Raging Bull was not the first hyper, that was Magnum XL-200
As far as rides, Twilight Zone TOT at DCA is extremly underrated just because of its glorified counterpart in Orlando.
Here are some of my runner-ups:
*Top Gun (oh excuse me...Afterburn *evil glare*) at Carowinds - Now I'm not trying to be a homer but I really enjoy this ride. I have ridden a lot of other inverts out there and our Top Gun is at the level or Raptor or Dueling Dragons (or whatever it's called now.)
*Dinosaur - I don't really here much buzz about this ride but I love it! There's barely any wait and it's def. a must ride.
*I also want to throw some love to Mission: Space. I feel that it's a fantastic attraction with a lot of reride-ability
*And last but not least...am I the only one who likes Son of Beast?
And the Turkey Leg eating is an event all by itself..
Seriously though, I would have to say that MR TOADS was the best, well, mostly because I miss that ride terribly.
Since it is closed down, I will have to go with PETER PANS FLIGHT. Very creative ride design in that perspective is used like no other Disney ride to date or anything in development. Truly a concept that has never been repeated unfortunately and no other ride thats this low-tech has as much interaction with the themed sets and use of space to maximize the experience. The ceiling track, the pirateship cars, the blacklights, the "break the fourth wall" travel-through motion, and the non verbal story telling are most definately underrated.
Very kiddie, but very cool. All you adults, try it out again...its right across from "Small World". You will agree...plus, any ride with trippy blacklights and plenty of villians is all good by me...up, up and AWAAAAAAY!
But for all of you Toad fans, I'm not sure you can classify the ride as being "underrated." It got a fair share of props from all quarters.
Also, Avalanche at Kings Dominion. Simple yet so fun!
And I have to agree with the shows. Most are really good with fantastic performers.
When I was working at UC, I would spend many a lunch in the bleachers watching this great show!
It was a very enjoyable ride with a catchy tune and unlike the current trend of basing every ride on a movie it was based on creating new characters.
Bring back Dreamfinder/Figment!!!!
Best. Ever. So much humor everywhere in that building. Love it.
Loved that ride and miss it dearly...why dont they bring it out of retirement????
Dinosaur is underrated because it keeps getting compared to Indy. Despite using the same ride system, this is apples and oranges, people. Completely different ride experience, and one of the best AA showcases ever.
Someone said Peter Pan is underrated; not really, since it's the most popular attraction in both the DL and MK Fantasylands.
I will have to agree with the Twitter follow that said shows. Parks such as Disney, Dollywood and Silver Dollar City all have great entertainment but really are over looked just for the rides.