I pitched a roller coaster to Disneyland at age 10 in 1978
Hacker News
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
In 1978, a 10-year-old named Kevin Glikmann visited Disneyland and rode Space Mountain, an experience that inspired him to design his own roller coaster with four loops, which he called the Quadrupuler. Fascinated by the thrill of upside-down motion, Kevin created detailed blueprints using unconventional measurements like "stories" for height and miles per hour for speed. His determination led him to build a model using Styrofoam, balsa wood, and heated plastic strips, overcoming challenges with patience and creativity.
Despite facing setbacks, such as limited materials and the complexity of bending loops, Kevin persevered. He constructed four perfect loops by carefully heating and shaping plastic strips, even learning from past mistakes involving fire safety. His model was拍照留念, and he wrote a letter to Disneyland pitching his idea, showcasing his youthful ambition and innovation.
Kevin's story highlights the power of creativity and persistence, especially in tech and startups where bold ideas are often encouraged. At just 10 years old, he demonstrated that even the youngest minds can contribute groundbreaking concepts, emphasizing the importance of nurturing innovation from a early age.
Verticals
techstartups
Originally published on Hacker News on 2/24/2026