What Premier Rides does

Premier Rides, founded in 1995 and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, is a privately held designer and manufacturer of high-tech amusement rides and attractions for the global theme park industry. The company's core offering is custom magnetic launch roller coasters built around proprietary Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) and Linear Induction Motor (LIM) propulsion systems, complemented by high-speed track switches, magnetic braking systems (with 2,000+ units in field operation), and a Smart Energy System that lowers peak grid demand. Product lines include triple-launch coasters (Sky Rocket / Sky Rocket II platform underpinning Tigris, Ice Breaker, Tempesto, Phobia Phear, Hype, Electric Eel), dark ride coasters (Revenge of the Mummy for Universal Studios), specialty attractions (Full Throttle, West Coast Racers, Vonkaputous water coaster, Epiq indoor coaster, AlpenFury), and emerging categories such as the multi-dimensional cinema robotic coaster The Ghouls and the Extraordinary Voyages Adventure Dining (EVAD) immersive dining experience.

The company sells primarily through an enterprise field-sales motion directly to major theme park operators, with engineering teams embedded in each deal and regional offices in the US (Baltimore and St. Petersburg), Europe, and Asia to support international projects in 10+ countries. Revenue is generated from two streams: one-time, project-based design, engineering, fabrication, and commissioning of new rides (custom-quoted per attraction), and the Premier Service aftermarket division, which provides 24/7/365 Rapid Response Network support, spare parts, ride rehabilitation, magnetic brake and chain/sprocket upgrades, and engineering services across both Premier-built and competitor-built attractions. Quality and safety compliance span ASTM F24, EN13814, ISO 9001, and GB code standards, with TÜV/CSEI certification available on all rides.

Marquee customers include Universal Studios (Orlando, Singapore, Hollywood), SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Six Flags (Magic Mountain, Canada's Wonderland, Discovery Kingdom), Chimelong Group, Wanda Group, Busch Gardens (Williamsburg, Tampa Bay), and regional parks in Finland, Germany, China, Qatar, and elsewhere. The customer base is anchored by long-term enterprise relationships and reinforced by a sustained award record, including 10 consecutive Golden Ticket Awards for Revenge of the Mummy as Best Indoor Coaster, two Guinness World Records (Full Throttle, Epiq), multiple European Star Awards, and five IAAPA Brass Ring Awards for Best New Product.

Name

Premier Rides

Legal name

Premier Rides, Inc.

Website

https://premier-rides.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Premier Rides, founded in 1995 in Baltimore, designs and manufactures custom magnetic launch roller coasters, dark rides, and immersive attractions for theme park operators worldwide. The company also provides aftermarket service, parts, and ride rehabilitation through its Premier Service division.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Amusement Ride Manufacturing

NAICS

Amusement and Theme Parks (713110)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Destination Theme Parks (Large-Scale, Multi-Attraction Parks) (THAJAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Amusement Parks (Regional/Local Ride Parks & Funfairs) (THAJAEAD), Amusement Parks & Theme Parks (THAAAAAA)

Keywords

• Magnetic launch coasters
• Amusement ride manufacturing
• Dark ride coasters
• Theme park attractions
• Ride engineering services

Headquarters

HQ city

Baltimore

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. New Ride Design and Manufacturing: Custom design, engineering, and fabrication of high-tech roller coasters and amusement attractions. Projects include magnetic launch coasters, traditional coasters, observation wheels, towers, water rides, and custom-designed attractions. Revenue is project-based with custom pricing per attraction.
2. Premier Service - Aftermarket Support: Service division provides engineering support, ride rehabilitation and safety modifications, legacy ride upgrades, magnetic brake upgrades, spare parts supply, ride relocation, maintenance training, track rail replacement, replacement vehicles, queue gate systems, chain and sprocket replacement. 24/7 Premier Rapid Response Network support. Majority of service work is on non-Premier Rides attractions.
3. Spare Parts and Replacement Components: Replacement parts for all rides and attractions including European and U.S. components. Spare parts include chains, sprockets, bogies, wheels, and machined components. Competitive pricing with quick response times.
4. Ride Rehabilitation and Upgrade Services: Complete ride and train rehabilitation, safety modifications, technology upgrades for control systems and braking systems. Includes Finite Element Analysis (FEA) studies, certification by TÜV SÜD, and new theming packages including LED lighting.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Premier Rides designs, engineers, and manufactures custom high-tech roller coasters and amusement attractions for theme park operators worldwide. The company's core offerings include magnetic launch coasters (LSM/LIM), dark ride/coaster hybrids, water coasters, and specialty attractions such as multi-dimensional cinema robotic coasters, complemented by an aftermarket Premier Service division providing spare parts, ride rehabilitation, magnetic brake upgrades, and 24/7/365 technical support.

Product overview

Premier Rides is a designer and supplier of high-tech amusement rides and attractions, primarily known for magnetic launch roller coasters. The product portfolio includes award-winning launch coasters (AlpenFury, Ice Breaker, Tigris, Full Throttle, Tempesto, Hype), dark ride coasters (Revenge of the Mummy, Epiq), water coasters (Vonkaputous), and specialty attractions (The Ghouls multi-dimensional cinema coaster, Extraordinary Voyages immersive dining). The company also offers the Premier Service division providing 24/7 aftermarket support including ride rehabilitation, spare parts, magnetic brake upgrades, chain replacement, and queue gate systems. Premier Service supports all manufacturers' rides globally with a Rapid Response Network operating 365 days a year.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• AlpenFury Custom high-tech launch roller coaster installed at Canada's Wonderland, featuring a top hat element and Premier's magnetic launch technology.
• Ice Breaker Launch coaster at SeaWorld Orlando featuring four airtime-filled launches both forwards and backwards, track over 2,700 feet at speeds exceeding 50 mph, culminating in Florida's steepest beyond-vertical drop.
• Epiq World's Tallest Indoor Coaster at Quest theme park in Qatar, featuring the world's first launch coaster with fully integrated projection mapping tunnel and augmented reality experience.
• Phobia Phear Coaster Triple launch coaster at Lake Compounce featuring three magnetic launches, speeds of 105 km/h, twisting heartline inversion, and 150-foot highest inversion in New England.
• Tempesto Launch coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg standing 153 feet tall reaching 63 mph, using Linear Synchronous Motors (LSM) with multiple launches, heartline inversion, and vertical loop.
• Revenge of the Mummy Dark ride coaster at Universal Studios featuring total darkness, high-speed track switches, interactive theming, and magnetic propulsion. Over 130 million riders across Universal Studios Orlando, Singapore, and Hollywood locations. Won multiple Golden Ticket Awards for Best Indoor Coaster.
• Full Throttle Launch coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain featuring the world's tallest loop at 160 feet. Uses electromagnetic motors reaching 70 mph with backwards launch capability.
• Tigris Magnetic launch coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay standing over 150 feet, Florida's tallest launch coaster with triple inversions.
• Sky Rocket Coaster Platform Multi-launch coaster platform featuring magnetic drive technology, multiple inversions, and high-speed launches. Deployed at Chimelong Paradise, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, and other locations.
• Hype Triple launch coaster at Särkänniemi Amusement Park in Finland, first high-tech triple-launch coaster in the Nordic region at 50 meters height.
• The Ghouls Multi-dimensional cinema robotic roller coaster at Guangzhou Wanda Cultural Tourism City featuring four-degree-of-freedom robotic arm attached to roller coaster chassis in highly-themed cinematic environment.
• Extraordinary Voyages Adventure Dining (EVAD) World's first Immersive Dining Experience created in partnership with The Producers Group, combining fine dining aboard Centurion vehicles with cinematic adventure and motion simulator ride spanning 15,000 square feet.
• Premier Service / Premier Rapid Response Network 24/7/365 service support including spare parts, ride rehabilitation, safety modifications, engineering support, ride evaluation, and relocation services for all ride manufacturers globally.
• Magnetic Brakes Non-powered magnetic braking systems unaffected by oil, water, or ice that retain strength indefinitely. Over 2000 in successful operation worldwide with 14-day turnkey installation and 2-year warranty. TÜV approved and meets ASTM F-24 requirements.
• Sky Scream Launch coaster at Holiday Park Germany featuring zombie theme with magnetic technology allowing forward, reverse, and faster forward launches. Multiple inversions including heartline twist and vertical rolls.
• Vonkaputous Water coaster at Linnanmäki in Helsinki, Finland combining coaster layout with water interaction and impressive splashdown. One of Finland's first water coasters.
• Electric Eel Sky Rocket II model coaster at SeaWorld San Diego, 150 feet tall reaching over 60 mph with multi-launch shuttle design. Tallest roller coaster in San Diego when opened.
• West Coast Racers Launched coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain with Mobius-strip track design featuring four launches at 55 mph, three zero G rolls and zero G stall for four total inversions.

Quantifiable outcome

• 130+ million riders on Revenge of the Mummy attractions worldwide
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SeaWorld OrlandocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 February 2020Premier Rides designed and built Ice Breaker coaster at SeaWorld Orlando. Partnership included collaboration with SeaWorld's creative team to develop one-of-a-kind coaster on challenging site. Ride features four launches, Florida's steepest beyond-vertical drop (100 degrees).
• Alaska SeaLife CenterminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 February 2020SeaWorld partnered with Alaska SeaLife Center for Ice Breaker educational content. Premier Rides' Ice Breaker coaster includes interactive educational experience reflecting SeaWorld's conservation activities and partnership with the center specializing in Arctic rescue and conservation.
• Wanda GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 March 2018Premier Rides supplied the robotic technology for Wanda Group's multi-dimensional cinema attraction at Guangzhou Wanda Cultural Tourism City. The Ghouls combines robotic arm movements with roller coaster track elements in a themed cinematic environment. Project investment of 800 million yuan within the 50 billion yuan development.
• Tippett StudiocoreTechnology or Integration · 8 March 2018Tippett Studio provided full media production for the multi-dimensional cinema attraction at Guangzhou Wanda Cultural Tourism City. Combined with Premier Rides' robotic coaster technology and ITEC Entertainment's storyline.
• ITEC EntertainmentcoreTechnology or Integration · 8 March 2018ITEC Entertainment provided the storyline for the multi-dimensional cinema attraction at Guangzhou Wanda Cultural Tourism City. Combined with Premier Rides' robotic coaster technology and Tippett Studio's media production.
• The Producers Group (TPG)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 November 2016Premier Rides and The Producers Group joined forces to create the world's first Immersive Dining Experience (Extraordinary Voyages Adventure Dining). Premier provided ride technology while TPG contributed production expertise. Turnkey attraction combining dining with motion simulator ride experience.
• Halul Real Estate Investment CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 November 2016Premier Rides partnered with Qatar's Halul Real Estate Investment Company to develop the signature magnetic launch coaster for Doha Oasis. Premier designed and manufactured the world's tallest indoor coaster (Epiq) as part of this mixed-use development featuring indoor theme park, hotel, and retail complex. The project was a major showcase ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
• Universal StudioscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Rides has built Revenge of the Mummy attractions at Universal Studios Orlando, Universal Studios Singapore, and Universal Studios Hollywood. Long-term relationship producing award-winning dark ride coasters. Over 130 million riders worldwide on Premier-built Universal attractions.
• Six FlagscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Rides has built multiple coasters for Six Flags including Full Throttle (Magic Mountain - world's tallest loop), West Coast Racers (Magic Mountain), and Superman Ultimate Flight (Discovery Kingdom).
• Chimelong GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Rides designed and manufactured Sky Rocket triple-launch coaster for Chimelong Paradise in Guangzhou, China. First of its kind in Asia, first triple-launch coaster in the region. Top-rated 5A park from China National Tourism Administration.
• Särkänniemi Amusement ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Rides designed Hype coaster - first high-tech triple-launch coaster in the Nordic region. Largest investment in park's history. Opened ahead of schedule with record-breaking 50m inversion.
• Linnanmäki Amusement ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Rides built Vonkaputous water coaster - one of Finland's first water coasters. Multiple European Star Awards for Best Water Rides. Combines exciting coaster elements with water interaction.
• Holiday Park (Plopsa Group)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Rides built Sky Scream zombie-themed launch coaster. Multiple European Star Awards (2014 Best New Rides, 2015 and 2016 Best Steel Coasters). Draws record-number of coaster enthusiasts.
• Lake Compounce / Palace EntertainmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Rides designed Phobia Phear Coaster - Northeast's first triple launch coaster. Largest capital investment in park's 170-year history. Tallest inversion (150 feet) in New England. Long association with Palace Entertainment.
• Busch Gardens WilliamsburgcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Rides built Tempesto coaster - 153 feet tall, 63 mph top speed, featuring multiple launches and inversions. Highlighted the park's 40th anniversary celebration.
• Busch Gardens Tampa BaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Rides built Tigris - Florida's tallest launch coaster standing over 150 feet. Named 2019's best new roller coaster by USA Today 10Best poll. Opened ahead of schedule.
• SeaWorld San DiegocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Rides designed Electric Eel - Sky Rocket II model coaster, second in California. Tallest roller coaster in San Diego when opened. Multi-launch coaster with multiple inversions in shuttle design.
• Six Flags Magic MountaincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Rides built Full Throttle - world's tallest loop (160 feet). Record-setting 20th roller coaster. Also built West Coast Racers featuring Mobius-strip-style track and four launches.
• Give Kids The World FoundationminorOthersPremier Rides is a supporter and sponsor of Give Kids The World Foundation, an organization that provides free vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses. Premier donated funds from IAAPA Expo savings to support the foundation.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Mack Rides: Mack Rides is a Germany-based manufacturer of roller coasters, dark rides, and water rides that sells to global theme park operators. It competes head-to-head with Premier Rides across launch coasters, spinning coasters, and integrated dark ride/coaster attractions to similar park operator customers.
• Gerstlauer Amusement Rides: Gerstlauer is a Germany-based manufacturer of compact and custom steel coasters, including spinning, Euro-Fighter, and launched models for theme parks worldwide. It competes with Premier Rides in the custom/launched steel coaster segment for both regional parks and major operators.
• Intamin: Intamin is a Liechtenstein-based manufacturer famous for high-thrill launch coasters, drop towers, and water rides sold to major theme park operators worldwide. It is one of the closest direct competitors to Premier Rides in magnetic-launch coaster technology and records-holding installations.
• S&S Worldwide: S&S Worldwide is a US-based designer and manufacturer of thrill rides including drop towers, coasters, and free-spin attractions used by theme parks. It competes with Premier Rides in the high-thrill ride segment for similar enterprise theme park customers in North America and internationally.
• Dynamic Attractions: Dynamic Attractions is a Canada-based engineering firm designing dynamic dark rides and motion-based attractions, including rides integrated with robotic arms and projection. It directly overlaps with Premier Rides' hybrid dark ride/coaster and multi-dimensional cinema robotic coaster offerings such as The Ghouls at Wanda.
• Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M): Bolliger & Mabillard is a Switzerland-based steel roller coaster manufacturer specializing in inverted, dive, and floorless coasters for major theme parks. It is a direct competitor to Premier Rides for high-thrill installations at enterprise theme park operators.
• Zamperla: Zamperla is an Italy-based manufacturer of amusement rides including roller coasters, flat rides, and family attractions sold to theme parks globally. It is a direct competitor to Premier Rides in custom-engineered rides, particularly for park operators in North America, Europe, and Asia.
• Maurer Rides: Maurer Rides is a Germany-based manufacturer of steel coasters and spinning attractions sold to theme parks across Europe and beyond. It competes with Premier Rides in custom steel coaster engineering for mid-sized and major parks, including launched and spinning coaster formats.
• Vekoma: Vekoma is a Netherlands-based designer and manufacturer of steel roller coasters and family attractions serving theme parks worldwide. It directly competes with Premier Rides in launch coasters and steel-track attractions, including reverse-launch and launch coaster platforms sold to similar enterprise theme park customers.
• Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC): Rocky Mountain Construction is a US-based manufacturer specializing in hybrid (wood-steel) and steel conversions of existing coasters for major US theme park chains. It competes with Premier Rides for major capital-project bids at enterprise customers like Six Flags, where Premier has multiple installations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/premierrides

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Premier Rides