Drop the Dip

Drop the Dip was a wooden roller coaster in Coney Island, New York, that carried riders in four small toboggan-style cars. The structure stretched about 450 feet long and 65 feet wide, relying on gravity and mechanical systems to create the ride experience.

Built in 1907 by Christopher Feucht, this ride introduced steep drops as a major design feature that other coasters would later copy. It marked an important moment when amusement park designers began focusing on thrills and sudden elevation changes as the main attraction.

This ride reflected how people in early 1900s New York sought fun with their families at seaside parks. It became a symbol of the growing amusement industry that defined Coney Island as a place where ordinary citizens could experience thrills and entertainment together.

The ride was easy to access and required no special skills or preparation from visitors. Anyone seeking a quick thrill could simply wait in line and board without worrying about complicated requirements or restrictions.

The design came from a mechanical toy model displayed in a dentist's office that inspired builder Feucht to create the full-scale version. This surprising origin story shows how a simple observation led to one of early amusement parks' most influential rides.

GPS coordinates: 40.57440,-73.97860

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:59