Theme parks around the world are racing to open the next big thing. Innovations as recent as the launch coaster — which propels riders forward, instead of just dropping them down a hill — are passé. The keywords of 2016 are "multi-launch," "airtime," "virtual reality" and any possible combination that can up the ante on the debuts of "launched wing coasters" last year. If you don't know what any of those words mean, don't worry: The year's hottest rides are still gearing up to open, so there's time to learn exactly how your next theme park attraction will give you the ride of your life. Here are the highlights of the hundreds of new rides opening at theme parks around the world in 2016, starting on the West Coast of North America and then heading east — in case you've got time for an epic round-the-world roller coaster trip this summer.