ACE Marks a Landmark Year of Preservation, Innovation and Community 

Orlando, FL (November 17, 2025) American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), the world’s largest organization of amusement ride enthusiasts, continued its mission of celebrating roller coaster history, innovation and community throughout 2025. Members around the world came together for a year filled with milestone anniversaries, international screenings, landmark designations and the launch of a new recognition for coasters that have stood the test of time.

The year began with ACE members gathering in Virginia for the annual Spring Conference, where more than 700 participants celebrated the 50th anniversaries of Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Kings Dominion, two parks integral to ACE’s early history. Attendees enjoyed exclusive ride time, behind-the-scenes tours and special presentations that highlighted both the legacy and innovation of modern coaster design. Later in the summer, ACE hosted the 2025 Preservation Conference in California, a three-day celebration of classic rides and historic attractions at Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld San Diego and Belmont Park. The event culminated with the inaugural Centennial Coaster Preservation Plaque presentation to Belmont Park’s Giant Dipper, honoring a full century of continuous operation and marking a new chapter in ACE’s efforts to preserve amusement history.

“Thrilled to now have the opportunity to celebrate those roller coasters that have delighted riders for over a century with our new Centennial Award. ACE not only preserves the history of these remarkable structures but now celebrates the innovation, craftsmanship and joy they continue to bring to generations of thrill seekers,” said Elizabeth Ringas, president of American Coaster Enthusiasts.

June brought together more than 650 members for Coaster Con 47, held at Six Flags Great America in Illinois, Little Amerricka in Wisconsin and Indiana Beach in Indiana. Participants from 35 states and multiple countries shared a week of thrills, tours and educational sessions led by industry professionals. During the event, ACE honored Six Flags Great America’s American Eagle with official ACE Roller Coaster Landmark status, recognizing its historic significance as a record-setting wooden coaster that continues to thrill riders decades after its debut.

Also in June, ACE members and park guests participated in the annual World’s Largest Coaster Ride, a coordinated celebration across 16 amusement parks in North America that commemorates the anniversary of the first modern roller coaster, LaMarcus Thompson’s 1884 Switchback Railway at Coney Island. The event united thousands of riders at 2 p.m. EDT on June 16, showcasing the shared enthusiasm and preservation spirit that define ACE.

ACE also continued to honor the contributions of engineers and designers who shaped the amusement industry. The organization’s feature documentary, “The Legacy of Schwarzkopf,” which explores the work of legendary ride designer Anton Schwarzkopf, completed its global screening tour in 2025 and debuted on ACE’s YouTube channel to an enthusiastic audience.

With more than 7,000 members worldwide, ACE remains dedicated to preserving the past, celebrating the present and inspiring the future of amusement attractions. Through international and regional gatherings, educational programs and preservation initiatives, ACE continues to connect people through their shared passion for roller coasters and the joy they bring to generations of riders.

Photo by Doug Perry

About ACE
The American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1978, dedicated to the preservation, enjoyment and promotion of roller coasters and amusement parks around the world. With more than 7,000 members globally, ACE has been instrumental in securing historical recognition for classic coasters and raising awareness about the importance of amusement preservation.

ACE’s Preservation Fund offers financial assistance to ride owners and operators to help with repairs, refurbishments and restoration projects, ensuring these treasured attractions continue to bring joy and thrills for years to come.