The Shockwave ride at Drayton Manor Theme Park in Staffordshire malfunctioned leaving people starnded 120ft in the air.
Those aboard were made to walk down hundreds of metal steps after the carriages froze as they climbed to the top of the 53mph ride.
The £4 million roller coaster is one Europe’s only stand up rides and is described as being “the ultimate for speed-demons and adrenaline junkies.”
Visitors at the popular themepark were evacuated at around 10.35am on Saturday.
People also complained that a number of other rides hadn’t been working at the family attraction, which is based near Tamworth.
Lesley Davin, 54, of Sutton Coldfield, Staffordshire, who was visiting the theme park with her two granddaughters today said Shockwave was closed for most of the morning.
She said: “They had to make the people on the ride walk down the metal steps that run alongside the carriage. It must have been terrifying as its so high up.
“The girls wanted to go on it today but it hasn’t been open most of the morning and I’m not sure I want to let them now.
“You think of what happened at Alton Towers and you begin to fear the worst when rides stop working. Its quite an old roller coaster now.
“Several other rides haven’t been in operation either so its been a pretty disappointing day so far, to be honest.”
In a statement William Bryan, managing director of Drayton Manor Park, said: “At 10:35 today, Shockwave experienced a temporary stoppage on the lift and guests were evacuated.
“At no point was guest safety compromised.
“A number of other rides were also temporarily closed.
“The Bounty is also out of operation today for planned, routine maintenance work.
“We sincerely apologise to our visitors for any inconvenience caused and stress that the safety of our guests is our priority.”
The theme park describes the roller coaster as “Europe’s first intamin stand-up roller coaster and is still only one of two in Europe.”
They state on their website: “This exhilarating, white-knuckle ride opened in 1994, and is the only stand-up roller coaster with a zero-gravity roll.
“Shockwave powers you through twisting corkscrews, loops and bends – so brace yourself and wait for the green light to experience the ride of your life!”
By Ben Gelblum and Richard McAllister
