Theming can add to the experience of a coaster and make a good coaster, a great one. In the U.S. parks made by Paramount, Cedar Fair, and (most of) Six Flags rarely have theming, and when they do, it’s usually sub-par. Busch Gardens, while not packing their park with coasters, puts time and money into their theming and makes their rides that much better. But there are exceptions to this stereotype and the first coaster on the list proves just that.

5. Kingda Ka- Six Flags Great Adventure

Leave Six Flags Great Adventure’s concrete midways and enter an immense jungle. The Golden Kingdom of Great Adventure resembles an actual jungle with bamboo as far as the eye can see, real live tigers, and extensive theming all over. As you enter the Golden Kingdom, you find it hard to believe that one year before it opened, cars were parking in the area.

4. Mayan Adventure- Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village
This is no average SLC; this is theming at its best. For one minute, forget than this is an SLC and just admire the immense theming that went into this out-of-the-ordinary SLC. The crest of the lift goes through a replica pyramid and the drop into a forest like infield. And the footers of the supports, they look like real rocks

3. Black Mamba- Phantasialand
While still being built, this ride’s theming is already shaping up to be one of the top B&M Inverts in the theming department. The concept artwork and what has been completed so far, is very impressive. The ride, which is partially built under the walkways near the ride, is themed to African.

2. Nemesis- Alton Towers
Nemesis’ theming is extensive to the point where you’d think that Alton Towers took years to complete it. Nemesis is built below the tree line of Alton in ravines that the park made to fit the coaster in. There are blood fountains, fake track, and other techniques that the park used to scare potential riders.

1. Dueling Dragons- Islands of Adventure
"Past this point of no return, your only choice is freeze or burn!" Every aspect of this ride is themed, from the queue to the trains itself. The queue is over 3,000 ft. long with a story written all over the walls. The trains have dragons as wheel covers and the theming immense in every inch of this ride.