Happy 10th Birthday, Top Thrill Dragster!

As my username might suggest, I'm big fan of Top Thrill Dragster. Though today's park opening has centered on Gatekeeper's premier, I can't help but think of how TTD has turned 10 years old. Am I the only one who finds that incredible? To me, it feels like the ride opened just yesterday...

I look back on the ride's opening years with such fondness. In my mind, a number of factors converged to make this one of the most exciting additions in CP's history: the mere thought of constructing a record-breaking, 400 foot tall, 120 miles per hour ride; the exhilarating ride experience itself; and the ride's prolific downtime and innumerable problems during during its early life.

While that last factor probably wasn't good for business, and though I was, at the time, frustrated with having such difficulty experiencing the ride myself, I got such an inexplainable kick out of the ride's problematic nature. I felt like the ride provoked some really fun discussion as a result and in speculation of its woes, and something about being so desperate to ride this attraction made me all the more appreciative of it.

The ride's soap opera-esque introduction made for a really cool couple of years. And, I dare say, the ride continues to thrill guests today!

Just wanted to provide a space for people to remember this attraction.

Much love, TTD. ;) #CoasterGeek

How could you forget something 420 feet tall in the center of the park?

I did not even realize it's been ten years. They sure weren't fast. I know TTD got off to a rocky start its first couple years but I firmly believe that it's a pretty solid ride now with minimal downtime (weather not included). TTD kinda has lost some of it's prestige, especially to the likes of Maverick and Gatekeeper.

Lol ^^

Has anyone noticed any banners, signs, or anything at all regarding this? I've hardly walked around the park so far, only from the entrance to GK and back, but haven't seen anything. I hope the park plans to do something for this.

Believe me Top Thrill 182, you're not the only one who is aware of Dragster's 10th birthday. ;)
If I could, I would have celebrated it's birthday on the 3rd at the park with a cake.......but I don't have those kinds of connections. :P

As for in park awareness of its 10th anniversary, the banners along the launch track do showcase it. And I'm going to try my hardest to get one of those banners. :)

Due to the weather yesterday, I wasn't able to celebrate the birthday of Top Thrill Dragster. :( I was ready to ride! I'm dissapointed but at the same time, I'm hoping for nicer weather next trip. By the way Adam, I wonder if you would have to wait until the end of the season to get one of those?

Oh yea, I would definitely have to wait.

Does the park have any history of giving away or selling any of those types of items? Seems to me something like one of those banners would be a nice addition to a rec room.

Ride On_17 said:
Has anyone noticed any banners, signs, or anything at all regarding this? I've hardly walked around the park so far, only from the entrance to GK and back, but haven't seen anything. I hope the park plans to do something for this.

It's also Power Tower's 15th anniversary (1998) this year, along with the CP/LE train's 50th anniversary (1963)!! You will be seeing a celebration for the latter one at the end of June. I think the park needs to celebrate all important rides milestones. BTW, I did remember it was the 10th anniversary of TTD this year, I have opening day home video from 2003 with me stating on the video that the line was a 4 hour wait, I might post it on Youtube soon.

Maybe they will celebrate Dragster's 10th anniversary next year...since it didn't really start working right until 2004 (at least).

Lemon.

There is a shirt, I believe in the Pagoda Shop, that has 3 graphics on it. The top one is GateKeeper Inauguaral Season, TTD's 10th anniversary is bottom left, and the CP & LE Rail Roads, 50th.on the right side.

That shirt is also available in the GateKeeper gift shop

I'm actually wearing the shirt right now!

I did a search, and could not find the thread about painting rides, so I am going to put this here

I observed yesterday that there are a few white column supports in the final brake run are before getting to the unload are that are bright white. Just looking at them compared to the other posts, there's no way they were just 'cleaned', it definitely looks like they were repainted. Not sure how they would have done it though, maybe overnight? And does it dry quick enough to be ready to run in the morning? As I said, I only noticed the white columns painted, no track or anything. But maybe this is the beginning of the repaint! Anyone else observed anything?

I noticed part of a support on Raptor near the queue entrance that appeared to have been painted. Perhaps they're doing quality testing before doing a full repaint.

I hope thats the case. I'd say Raptor and TTD are the next big two that need a repaint the most.

IMO its the 2nd best coaster in the park behind Raptor! I bet not many people thought TTD would make it that long with the problems it had in the beginning.I did'nt get to ride it until the 3rd year because everytime i went the first 2 seasons it was down.

It would make sense for Dragster to be their next big repaint. Intamin paint doesn't hold up well, if there's such a thing. Although I do like the faded red track that Maverick has, it actually looks better.

What shade of red is Top Thrill Dragster? We all know that Magnum is considered a Molly Orange now, but I could never figure out what color red Top Thrill Dragster uses?