Flat rides vs roller coasters
Not everything with a lift hill is a “coaster.” Flat rides spin, swing, and launch without a continuous circuit.
Roller coasters complete a circuit on track with a defined course — even if the train is launched or shuttled. That is the category Coaster Atlas treats as “coasters” for specs and compare tools.
Flat rides (spinners, swings, towers, river rapids, etc.) use different mechanics. They can be as intense as coasters but rarely share the same stats. In Explorer, use the Other rides view to browse these attractions separately.
Logging culture often focuses on coaster counts, but a great park day mixes both. Note what you rode in your log either way — it helps you remember which experiences you want to repeat.