Bat

Opening in 1981, the original The Bat was a groundbreaking yet short-lived pioneer as the world’s first modern suspended roller coaster. Located in the area now occupied by Vortex’s former plot and The Bat’s namesake successor, this Arrow Development prototype featured floorless cars that hung from an overhead track, designed to swing out at radical angles as the train navigated unbanked turns. While it was an instant sensation for its unique, “flying” sensation and its 100-foot drop, the ride was plagued by severe mechanical issues and structural stress caused by the intense lateral forces of the swinging cars. After only three seasons of sporadic operation and frequent closures for repairs, the park ultimately shuttered the attraction in 1983 and demolished it in 1984, leaving behind a legendary legacy that paved the way for more successful suspended designs later in the decade