ABOUT VERTIGO VIEWS

The Adventure Begins

My name is Christian McIlwain, and my love for theme parks can be traced back to the very first time I saw Kennywood as a child. The park was closed, but I felt a sense of curiosity rise within me as I saw the darkened roller coasters and rides that night.

The first time I visited the park soon after, I was hooked. I immediately began researching roller coasters and theme parks as an overly-excited seven year old. I needed to see every theme park special on TV and even recorded some on VHS. With the rise of the internet, my knowledge and fascination began to grow.

Launched Into Creativity

When my parents bought me RollerCoaster Tycoon, I began putting that knowledge to the test in a fun way. I spent many hours in front of that computer, much to the dismay of parents who wanted their kid to play outside more. But I couldn’t tear myself away from playing in a fantasy theme park.

I “designed” my own roller coasters and theme parks. Some better (and more realistic) than others, both on RollerCoaster Tycoon and on paper. Many of these designs I still have to this day – as I look through them, I can see how my designs became better as I gained more knowledge.

A Dream Explored

Eventually, I spent a few years working in the industry itself in both rides and marketing/PR. Though I learned a lot and had some fun, I decided to pursue a career outside the industry. As luck would have it, I still continued to work with some theme parks doing digital marketing for a time.

This gave me a unique perspective—seeing parks both as an expert and as a passionate fan, allowing me to offer honest and trustworthy advice to anyone planning their next adventure.

The Adventure Continues

It’s been over 25 years since that first trip to Kennywood, and I’m very excited for my next theme park chapter – Vertigo Views. This blog will let me discuss my reviews on theme parks and rides, including the over 200 roller coasters I’ve ridden, thoughts on the industry as a whole, and news I find interesting.

My journey to becoming a travel agent started after a job layoff, which pushed me to combine my lifelong passion for theme parks with a new career path. With my deep industry knowledge and hands-on experience, I decided to help others experience the magic of travel and theme parks without the stress. Through Vertigo Views, I offer insider reviews, industry insights, and tailored travel planning to make your adventures unforgettable. From detailed ride reviews to LGBT-friendly travel tips, my mission is to ensure every trip is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

Vertigo Views was born out of love for theme parks and roller coasters. It’s only right that that love is shared and explored by everyone equally. This is a safe and inclusive space where we believe in treating everyone equally, no matter their background. Here, the LGBTQIA+ community is welcomed, science is trusted, and every reader is respected.