Millennium Force Improvements?

I was doing some reading about the competition between MF and Bizarro at SFNE, and how they have both been in the top two spots of the Golden Ticket Awards for like 10 years. So, I got to thinking about why Bizarro was so popular. MF is my favorite ride, not far from Maverick, but I haven't ridden Bizarro. I've only watched a few POVs and read a few opinions. And, honestly, I think it's the theming that makes Bizarro so popular.

Do you guys think the MF could be more enjoyable if there was a bit more theming? The only theming the ride has is the station. And other than great view from the first hill, you're looking at a dirt trap and some storage shacks amid some trees. CP in general could use some more foliage, but I think the MF could definitely use a revamp with the scenery, theming, and PAINTING.

Ideas?

The problem is that there is no theme. What is a Millennium Force?

If I had a say, however, I would keep the fog going (from the island) that makes riding MF at night during Halloweekends such a trip.

In fact, a little fog can go along way. :)

I counter that what makes it so popular is the lack of theme. The designers let the ride speak for itself and that's the way a good ride should be.

Well I suppose it's just a futuristic theme. I guess they were marking Y2K as the beginning of a technological era. And if that's the case, I'd be satisfied with some "pew pew pew" laser gun sound effects and maybe some fog in the backlot areas. :o

I would love to ride MF at night with some fog. When I went during Halloweekends last year, it was over a 3 hour wait and I got on when the sun was just setting. No fog =[.

I agree about the fog, but any animatronics or special effects would be a complete waste of money, in my opinion. The ride is hugely popular as-is, and I'm not sure how much any added effects would improve the ride. It's not like you have a lot of time to enjoy the scenery at 90mph.

MF is one ride that needs nothing else, except that paint job.

..and fog.

:)

JuggaLotus said:
I counter that what makes it so popular is the lack of theme. The designers let the ride speak for itself and that's the way a good ride should be.

I agree, but I also like the idea of the fog, I was always working when the fog was running so never had a chance to experience it. As far as animatronics, sound effects, sets or scenes, I personal think they would be a total waste, but some theatrical lighting and fog at night would make the ride a great experience.

There are problems with this idea, one that Cedar Fair is Notorious for their bad upkeep on theming, and simply that MF doesn't need it. why fix it if there is nothing wrong with it. Even if some how it falls below #1 its still a world class ride. I love it just like it is!

Also note that Bizarro (Superman) opened with no fire, no mist tunnel, no onride audio. But continued to battle Millennium for "best coaster".

Things that would help Millennium would be a paint job and fixing of the lights!

Some G forces would be nice. :)

^I'm right with you on that one.

As for theming, just fix the lift hill lights to the way they were in 2000.

Remember how stunning it was too stare up from the ramp and see the lights go from rainbow...to complete darkness....and then the strobes...

That was breathtaking.

Yeah, I agree, sfx and animatronics would probably be a waste now that I think about it. The real problem I have is the area that's nothing but dirt and shacks. But, I imagine some foliage would make that better. I think it would be pretty cool to go through trees and fog at 90mph.

I think we saw (thankfully) the last robot come through circa 1991. I also don't think that many would argue with you that some extra foliage would always be welcome at the Point. What area are you talking about, though?

I assume we're talking about the island, which would be kind of hard to add many trees since you can't put them in the middle of a giant pool.

^^If you watch a MF POV, right at the top of the parabolic hill immediately after the tunnel you can see a large storage area and some empty space with no trees or anything of the sort. I would like to see more trees, especially if there was fog.

I also think the Blue Streak, Raptor, and Calypso area is a bit dull. I think I would linger around the Raptor a bit more if it looked nicer. It seems like an unfriendly neighborhood, IMHO, way back by the cars. It wouldn't hurt to take out Turnpike Cars and put something else exciting over there. They already have Cadillac and Antique Cars.

The Magnum could use some green below the pretzel turn. Might as well tape some leaves to the lap bar and seats because it can be rough sometimes ;). Still one of the greatest rides, though.

It's a lot to maintain, but I would enjoy seeing it.

I feel like I'm being so critical of CP... I guess I just want to see the the greatest park become greater.

There's nothing wrong with being critical. I think most of us would agree that for all the things that CP does indeed do right, there is always room for improvement.

I have always been a fan of making the "little improvements" more important...but unless I am mistaken, that has not always been priority number one. Don't get me wrong, I am 100% confident that the landscaping and maintenance staff work incredibly hard and do a fantastic job, I just don't think that fixing the look of the old Pirate Ride building, always making sure that all the bulbs are working on the ferris-wheel, fixing Power Tower's lights, etc...are on the top of any lists anywhere.

And let us not open the food can of worms (even though I did detect a slight improvement last season).

I've seen POVs of Bizarro, and the constant soundtrack is effin' obnoxious. I haven't ridden it, and I'm a little bummed that, unless it reverts back, I won't be able to ride it as it was. A good coaster is timeless*; gimmicky themes are not.

*Yes, I realize I'm talking about a coaster whose very name was outdated about five minutes after it opened...

I wonder what percentage of Starlite Experience's lights will be functioning this year...

Gabriel Peter said:
Well I suppose it's just a futuristic theme. I guess they were marking Y2K as the beginning of a technological era. And if that's the case, I'd be satisfied with some "pew pew pew" laser gun sound effects and maybe some fog in the backlot areas. :o

Am I the only one who laughed out loud at that? You forgot about the strobe lights in the tunnel and the neat flashing lights, the single strobe chasing up and down the lift hill that look so nice against the ora...I mean blue...track. :)

Please note that Superman was widely praised as the top steel coaster when its themed elements basically consisted of red and blue paint. Golden Tickets are given for ride experience, not gimmicks.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.