Great Coasters International (GCI) was formed by Mike Boodley and Clair Hain, Jr. in 1994. They design modern wooden roller coasters for theme parks across the globe. GCI is well known for coasters with a very fast pace and twisty turns. In 2005 Mike Boodley retired and Jeff Pike came in to take his place.
Great Coasters International Beginnings
Their beginnings can be traced back to the Dinn Corporation. After a mildly successful run they folded and from that team came Custom Coasters International (CCI). They were more successful than Dinn Corporation but they also folded. Instead of one company rising from the ashes this time two formed. Some formed GCI’s biggest competitor called The Gravity Group. While the others formed Great Coasters International.
Great Coasters International are Roller Coaster Doctors
GCI doesn’t just design and manufacture roller coasters. No matter what type of wooden coaster a park has if they need some work done on it then they can help. From redesigning the finale on The Boss at Six Flags St. Louis or to re-tracking an entire ride like Ghostrider at Knotts Berry Farm. GCI will come in and help you further the life cycle of your existing ride.
Millennium Flyer Trains
Wooden Coasters for a very long time have almost automatically come with Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC) trains. But GCI’s new Millennium Flyer Trains come with an improved lap restraint and comfier seats. When GCI burst onto the scene they were still using the old PTC trains. However, one by one even those have been getting upgraded to the new Millennium Flyer trains. Wooden Coasters give a naturally rougher ride than their steel counterparts. Having a comfy seat certainly helps keep the fun going.
Great Coasters International Best
GCI has built some of the best wooden roller coasters in the world. In a park stacked with great coasters as Kings Island is, still, GCI’s Mystic Timbers has become a favorite. That is for a park known for great wooden coasters. Riders rave about the sense of speed and almost constant pops of airtime Mystic Timbers gives.
Outside of the US is the incredible Wicker Man at Alton Towers. This coaster shares some of the great pacing and pops of airtime with Mystic Timbers but has amazing theming throughout. With fire effects and huge props throughout undeniably makes Wicker Man one of the best coasters in the UK.
No Signs of stopping
It will be exciting what future innovations the Great Coasters International will bring us. This company which has a long tradition with wooden coasters is continuing with what Charles Dinn started so long ago. Any theme park would benefit from having GCI work their magic and provide innovative and just downright fun to their guest.
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