I’ve partnered with Step2 for this review. All opinions are my own.
My oldest daughter Maggie received the Step2 Up and Down Roller Coaster for her second Christmas, when she was about 21 months old. She learned how to ride it all by herself in no time and it quickly became one of her favorite toys. It’s one of the toys we’ve held onto over the years (which says a lot, because since we live in a small house, we are frequently cycling out the toys that aren’t played with often, especially big items) and Jacob and Zellene both love to ride the coaster now too. Maggie just turned 6 this month and I’ve noticed over the past year that she’s outgrown her beloved coaster. Sure, she still fits on it and she’ll ride it every now and then, but certainly not to the extend she once did. She needed something bigger, more thrilling, and that’s why I was really excited when Step2 invited our family to review their brand new Hot Wheels Extreme Thrill Coaster.
Just as I suspected, when the kids found out about the new roller coaster headed their way, Maggie and Jacob were over-the-moon excited. They couldn’t wait for it to arrive! Luckily for them, our March has been quite a bit warmer than usual, so we were able to set it up right away. Setting up the smaller coaster is really quick and simple, so I assumed this coaster would be similar. While the instructions are easy, it will probably take you about an hour to assemble this coaster. Also, unlike the Up and Down Coaster which breaks down easily for storage, the Hot Wheels Extreme Thrills Coaster is bolted together, so you probably won’t want to move it often. I had originally planned to break it down at the end of the day and store it in our garage, but that’s just not logical. You’ll want an area outside where it can stay permanently, so keep that in mind. Our house has limited outdoor space, so we decided to take the coaster to my in-law’s home where it could have a permanent spot in their backyard.
Once assembled, it was time for the moment of truth. Maggie went first. I think Jacob was a little nervous about the height, so he was happy to let his big sister make sure it was safe before he tried it out. The pure joy on her face as she rode down the coaster that first time was priceless! After hearing her laughter and excitement, Jacob took his turn and loved it as well.
The coaster has built-in steps, making it easy for kids to push the car up all by themselves (thank goodness for that!). The track is 14 feet long, including a little hill towards the end that the kids really seem to enjoy. My kids didn’t have any issues falling out of the car or off of the coaster, but it is recommended that children wear helmets at all times while using the coaster and that you place the coaster on a playground approved surface, like mulch. Since the coaster has a weight limit of 75 pounds, I know my kids will be able to enjoy it for quite a while!
The kids have had the coaster for a few weeks now and love to ride it every time we visit their grandparents (which is at least once or twice a week). It’s the new hit toy at their house and now that spring is here, I suspect it will be the popular toy for quite a while! If you have a little thrill seeker in your home, they will love it! You’ll find the Hot Wheels Extreme Thrill Coaster exclusively at Step2.com.
Disclosure: I am a Step2 Ambassador and receive monetary compensation and products at no cost as part of my partnership with Step2. All opinons are my own. Step2 recommends that you only use this coaster on playground approved surfaces and not on grass as shown above. Helmets should be worn at all times when riding on this coaster.
Linda Manns Linneman
Thursday 31st of March 2016
This is so cute. What a great activity for the little ones. It looks like it is very well made. Thank you so much for sharing
Ordinary Mom
Thursday 31st of March 2016
Is it safe when kids lean towards a side?
Janessa
Thursday 31st of March 2016
If the child is leaning to the side in an effort to try to make the car fall off of the sides, then I guess it's possible that it would, but with normal use our car did not fall off. A helmet and playground surfacing are recommended though, just in case.
regina elliott
Thursday 31st of March 2016
what a review this is !!! this is why i trust moms and not companies cause moms will tell you the good and the bad which companies will only tell you the good !!! so well done and look forward to reading more reviews