Walt Disney World Shows Us the Science of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

In a recently released video Disney Imagineers give us a behind-the-scenes look at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. This video helps explain how the LSM launch system speeds the coaster trains from 0 to 60 mph in a matter of seconds!

You can also use the guide below to create a model roller coaster launch system using materials you may have at home. Be sure to also check out our recent post featuring the science of Universal Orlando.

Have you always wanted to learn how roller coasters work? For Disney Mechanical Engineers, Angel and Josh, it was their curiosity at a young age in STEM-based subjects where they found their passion for roller coasters. Angel and Josh work behind-the-scenes at Disney and had the opportunity to put their math, science and engineering skills into action on one of Disney’s fastest coasters – Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Using the instructions below and a few materials, you can apply the lessons learned from Angel and Josh to create a model roller coaster launch system right at home. You can download a high quality, ready to print PDF by clicking here.

During this unprecedented period in our history, with many forms of personal entertainment and leisure closed, the theme parks are finding unique ways to help bring a bit of the magic of the parks home. Walt Disney World and Disneyland have been posting recipes for theme park treats and all of the parks have been sharing new POV videos of attractions, parades and other entertainment. It’s nice to be able to experience a little piece of the parks at home, while we wait for the world to get back to normal.

You can find more science of the parks videos in our recent post all about the science of Universal Orlando. And see our previous post about the park closures here for more information on that.

Photos: Disney | Text content and graphic: Disney Parks Blog

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Alicia Stella

Alicia Stella has been covering new attractions since 2015, with her work cited by The New York Times, USA Today, CNN, and more. She specializes in reporting on new attraction development, and always looks forward to upcoming changes to the Orlando theme parks. She is also co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando.