Thought-provoking question

In '03, Top Thrill Dragster opened as the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world... It soared past the height of Millennium Force and became a central icon at Cedar Point.

I was wondering whether Cedar Point will build anything taller than Dragster in the next twenty years. They added Maverick this year, which proved to be a very successful ride here at CP.

The addition of say, a 500+ foot roller coaster would make Dragster seem obsolete, or would it? The skyline would look very strange seeing a roller coaster even higher than Top Thrill Dragster.

What are all your views on this?

I dunno maybe you could ask Dick Kinzel since he addressed this in an interview a while back and said that they realize going higher isn't the answer.

That's pertaining to the next couple years, it's impossible to predict anything, especially the next 20 years.

Go enjoy this year with the addition of Maverick.

I agree with Loopy enjoy the new addition of Maverick this year and stop looking ahead to see whats next..gosh people.

I wouldn't go as far as saying Maverick has proved to successful. It has only been open for a week.

But Maverick is a pretty good hint to where the industry is going.

Kinzel said Cedar Fair wasn't planning to go over 420 feet in the coming years.

I would imagine it's a question of diminishing returns on investment. After all, all it takes is some Japanese park to add a 20 foot flagpole to the top of a similar coaster, and there goes "world's tallest" again, along with some significant investment $$.

Then again, you're talking about a park on a penninsula next to a lake, with what can be some very nasty, unpredictable weather. At 420 feet, the Top Hat already sways in the breeze, and rocks & rolls when the trains are on it. Of course, physics demands flexibility on such structures, but CP is already sans one ride due to stress, weather & bad luck. Remember, that peninsula ain't made of Manhattan Schist. It's mostly limestone, and limestone is not the most construction-friendliest substance to try and anchor into.

I think they're headed in the right direction with Maverick. You don't have to go to 500 feet to thrill the pants off of your riders. You need to get into their heads, find out what they want, and then do it in a safe, cost effective manner. And if you can do it with a 100 foot first-drop, so much the better.

Its good to see CP has decided to put more fun themed rides in... I enjoy the height and speed as much as the next coaster nut but something about maverick, be it the airtime, terrain hugging turns, or the fun factor.. makes it so much more enjoyable then most uber tall coasters.. MF and Magnum both have some of the airtime, fun factors built in and look how popular they are not being the tallest or fastest anymore..

I think now would be a great time to bring a beach side Woodie to the park
*** Edited 6/3/2007 9:26:26 PM UTC by nomian***

Kinzel won't be here in 20 years...

In 20 years I can see them tring to break a record again, but who knows it is 20 years from now.
*** Edited 6/3/2007 9:34:49 PM UTC by ChrisC.***

Why would anything taller make TTD obsolete? people still rode Magnum when MF opened and still rode MF when TTD opened. Granted its less people in line for those two but they still get ridden. and you are thinking to much about the skyline. It'll only look weird cause you're not used to it.

And still Magnum is the best.

All you need is some non-banked turns and 90 degree drops for a thrilling coaster. :)

I really think the subject of a 500+ footer is a moot point. The technical aspects aside, I think it is do-able, but unlikely. The amusement industry is changing in a whole different direction; sheer height is no longer the main selling point for roller coasters. I'm sure someone will disagree with me, but I don't think TTD sent shockwaves through the industry the way Magnum did. I think rides like Maverick are a more accurate glimpse into the future of the industry.

Building taller and faster does not render previous coasters defunct-like. They all provide an experience unmatched by anything else in the park. I'm sure whatever way they decide to innovate on a 500 foot coaster will still keep Top Thrill Dragster a unique experience.

But do I think that Cedar Point will build the first 500 footer? No doubt in my mind.

*** Edited 6/3/2007 10:01:41 PM UTC by cedarpointlover***

Well i heard the new guy taking over Kinzel's spot believe's that CP needs more of a family oriented envornment..So we MAY NOT see the 500 footer people are hoping for very soon.

Aside from public response to new rides, I would think amusement parks are most concerned with investment on rides. The expense of building a 500 footer would be astronomical, I'd imagine. Just look at how much was spent on Maverick. Add to that the costs of maintaining the ride and you owe more than a pretty penny. Judging by the way the 400 footers, TTD and Kingda Ka, went over, I HIGHLY doubt a 500 foot coaster will be built any time soon.

Plus, IMHO, rides like Maverick are just as, possibly more, exciting as TTD.

Impossibly high expectations set by the name of this topic. Anyway...

cpthomasf91 said:
The addition of say, a 500+ foot roller coaster would make Dragster seem obsolete, or would it?

It's not the size, it's how to use it. People aren't flocking to Dragster in the morning right now, they're flocking to Maverick.

^I get your point, but people usually flock to the ride that is open.

How do you know your own question is thought-provoking?

"Jerreus said:
Well i heard the new guy taking over Kinzel's spot believe's that CP needs more of a family oriented envornment..So we MAY NOT see the 500 footer people are hoping for very soon."

New guy? If you are referring to Jack Falfas, he's been in the employ of CF since the mid 1970's. Quite frankly I agree with him , as do a lot of other people, both enthusiasts and those in the busness.
*** Edited 6/4/2007 12:49:57 AM UTC by Dutchman***

^..Yes exactly why i dont see a 500 footer in the near future.