Flying roller coaster with vertical load and launch

A flying roller coaster, comprising:

• a vertical run of track;
• a ride segment of track connected to the vertical run of track;
• a plurality of roller coaster cars positioned on the vertical run of track, wherein the roller coaster cars include seat assemblies each having a seat back that is parallel to the track;
• and a launch mechanism for engaging the roller coaster cars in the vertical run of track and launching the roller coaster cars, whereby the flying roller coaster provides a vertical launch, further comprising a plurality of platforms provided adjacent the vertical run with an end proximate to the roller coaster cars positioned on the vertical run of track, whereby vertical loading and unloading is provided for the roller coaster cars.

A ride system, comprising:

• a train of vehicles, wherein each of the vehicles includes seat assemblies each including a seat for receiving a passenger;
• a track defining a ride path for the train of vehicles, wherein the vehicles are supported by the track to roll along a length of the track, wherein the ride path is adapted for gravity-based movement of the train of vehicles in at least portions of the ride path, and wherein the track includes a vertical segment;
• a station including a platform assembly with two or more horizontal platforms vertically spaced-apart and positioned adjacent to the vertical segment of the track and wherein the train is positioned on the vertical segment with each of the vehicles proximate to an end of one of the horizontal platforms for loading of the passengers in the seat assemblies;
• and a launch assembly for vertically launching the train of vehicles onto the ride path from the vertical segment of the track, wherein the horizontal platforms are each selectively extendable from a retracted configuration with a first length to an extended configuration with a second length greater than the first length.