Your first MF ride...

Lets think back two seasons and remember our first MF ride, what were you thinking, did anything funny happen in the queue...share your thoughts....personally for me I couldnt believe i was in line to ride this ride, as excited as I was, I actually felt a bit of nervousness...make that alot...and to add to it, when I got in the car, the guy sittin next to me told me that he was worried because he had a terrible hangover and thought he was going to puke...but it turned out great...what a ride...i still remember my first time lookin over that hill!

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"I will never doubt the forces of physics again"~Passenger leaving MF

'02 MF Rides: 00
'02 Wicked Twists: 00

My First time was while I was working there they had a ride morning I remember walking right onto it and being scared as hell but I got in anyway did my seatbelt and lap bar and held on to the bar in front of my since I was in the very front.Going up that hill I was like I'm Going To Die,I'm Going To Die, Then looking down that first drop my grip on that bar tightened ten fold and I thought I was going to fly out of the car.But after that hill My grip loosened adn I enjoyed the rest of my ride.I liked it so much I did it two more times.

"Watch Out For Bugs."

I had seen pictures of Millennium Force on rcdb. They didn't do her justice.

My first trip to CP was in October or 2001. Servo and I approached the park over the causeway.

There she was.

Standing majestically over the park. It was dark and she was lit up like a jewel. She looked like a Chuck Jones rollercoaster: exagerrated and unreal. Her colors were changing.

I was in awe. Just as we began to drive past her to the Breakers parking lot, one of my favorite songs began on the cd player: "Where the Streets Have No Name" by U2. Just as the song broke into its rhythm, we passed by the bottom of the first drop. A train had just descended and went wizzing past. I began to drool like Homer Simpson over a donut. "MMMMMMMMMMMMM - rrrollerrrcoaster!"

We waited in line that night for only about 20 minutes. The whole weekend was like that: no more than 20 minutes wait for any ride. Compared to Tragic Mountain this was paradise. But I digress, and this is getting long . . .

As we waited, trains would zip past and over that last bank. I was dumbstruck by the speed, and the grace that was demonstrated. I was getting quite antsy.

Finally we got to the station. Servo knew just the right spot to sit for one's very first ride on the greatest ride ever built: car 5, front seats. Maximum airtime.

We took off. just as car 5 cleared the station, I shouted out "I've changed my mind!" I was only joking. I do that.

The ascent was so fast. I was warned, but it was faster than I expected. Then the ascent speed INCREASED about 3/4 of the way up! We crested the lift hill. My heart was racing. Time seemed to stand still. I couldn't see anything because it was dark. We plunged. I was hanging on for dear life. We reached 390 miles per hour at the bottom, then ascended to the first banked turn.

If the drop hadn't already hooked me on this ride, then the overbanked turns surely would have. By this time I had let go of the chicken-bar. Servo had told me to hang over the side of the car into the curve - you can see UNDER the tracks when you do. I did, even though I technically cannot endorse this behaviour, 'coz I think it's discouraged by the Park.

I didn't hang on to the chicken-bar for the second hill. It seemed as though it wouldn't make it over. I've heard that it has rolled back before, but these could be viscious rumors instigated by the jealous management of Tragic Mountain in California. ANYway, after that first drop, I didn't hang on at all.

The third hill is the best for airtime. HOLY MOLY!

When we disembarked, my legs were a bit unsteady, and my knees were knocking. I looked at the picture of myself on the display. It was laughable. It showed on my face: Ron was addicted to something besides U2!

We went on to ride MF a total of 14 times that weekend. It was only on the 11th ride that I was able to let go of the chicken-bar for the first drop. Funny - after that first ride, I didn't hold on for ANY ride thereafter, except for the first drop on MF. We rode MF in various cars. My favorite was in the very last car. You feel literally PULLED over the first crest. INTENSE.

When we left, I was sad. I knew I wouldn't get to see my beloved Millie for quite a while. A couple of weeks later, I returned to California. If it weren't for the internet in general, and this site in particular, I would have gone crazy missing her. I almost DID, anyway. There were times when I would be driving along and she would pop into my thoughts. I would remember the good times. Always, I felt her calling me back. Her seductive curves wooing me with promises of thrills to come. I would smile and think "Millie. Millie."

We get to return in May. The wait is killing me (an attractive thought after enduring such a long post, huh?). The first thing I'm gonna do is race for my beloved and fall on my knees and bow to her majestic beauty. Then we will be reunited.

SIGH!

Ron

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Dream Out Loud

MF = 14
Shootin' for 10,000

I was thinking "GOD HELP ME!"

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Wicked Twister Rocks

Media Day...WOW
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Later Wally

*** This post was edited by Wallyworld on 3/17/2002. ***

My first time was a night just before closing, I remember getting on with teenage girls in front of us. After screaming through the entire ride, the only way to truly enjoy a coaster, I had completely lost my voice. I got off Millennium and acted just like those teenage girls in front of us, and I'm an old married lady @ 44. I jumped up and down, screamed, hollered and carried on all the way to our hotel room. For the next day I still had no voice. It was truly something I will never forget

Mine is a bit lengthy. In english, I had to write a paper about a significant first in my life. This is what I wrote:

It was Sunday May 7, 2000, and there I was, finally in line for the world’s greatest roller coaster, Millennium Force. I had been waiting for nine long months while Cedar Point built the world’s tallest, fastest, and greatest roller coaster ever, and the big day was finally here. I already knew every twist and turn on this ride as I had spent the past nine months following the construction on the internet, but the sheer magnificence of it towering over you was indescribable.

The day was even more special because it was a week before the park opened to the public. I had gotten special, very limited, tickets at AAA because they rented the park out to its members, and everyone else there was just as much of a die-hard Millennium Force fan as I was. I got my first real life look at this masterpiece of steel as my mom and I began the seven-mile trip up Cedar Point Drive. I saw it across Sandusky Bay, towering taller than anything I’d ever imagined before. It dwarfed everything else in the Cedar Point skyline that I had once perceived to be unbelievably tall. That first look confirmed what I had already known for nine months; this ride was going to be unlike anything I had ever imagined before.

We got to the park an hour and a half before it opened, and the place was already packed. I’ll never forget being a part of the first ever “Running of the Bulls” as I ran as fast as I could toward the Force when the park threw open their gates. The queues instantly overflowed, and I ended up in line a little ways down the Frontier Trial, as close as you could get to the base of Millennium’s lift hill. As I examined the intriguing drives for the prototype elevator lift cable, I’ll never forget when those gears started spinning and the first train full of people, the blue train, went flying up the lift hill. Everyone in the park began cheering. Cameras flashed from all over, and everyone watched as the train crested the hill and plummeted toward the Earth from 310 feet in the air. We watched as the train flew around the 163 foot tall, 122 degree over banked turn at 93 M.P.H. This event repeated its self every time a train left the station for about the next half hour.

Finally 1 hour and 22 minutes after Millennium Force Gave its first rides, I entered the station at 11:22 A.M. I had originally planned on riding in the front seat, but the wait for that was an hour long, so I just jumped into the first open seat I saw. I sat right in the middle of the train, but I didn’t care, I was too excited just to be finally riding it. The ride operators still hadn’t fully figured out how to work the prototype lift system, so we inched the first several feet forward at a painfully slow rate. Then the motors kicked up, and I was flying up the 45-degree lift hill. 22 short seconds later, I was 310 feet in the air, and then I was diving 300 toward the ground at a nearly vertical angle. The hill actually seemed to curve underneath of its self as I headed down. The next thing I knew, I was flying through that first over banked hill, and then down into a tunnel. The train then soared over an insanely tall 182 foot second hill and onto Millennium Island where we made a few more over banked turns and over a bunny-hop that provided great airtime. We then went back into the tunnel, over another bunny-hop, and over one last turn before we hit the prototype magnetic brakes.

As I exited the ride, absolute adrenaline came over my body. I had just experienced the greatest thrill ride ever, and the nine months of waiting was more than worth it. Before Millennium Force, I was fascinated by roller coasters, and always looked forward to the yearly trip to Cedar Point. After I rode it, I became obsessed. I visited the park three times in 2000, and went 17 times in 2001 after getting a season pass and my own car. As of today, I have rode Millennium Force 40 times, with 17 trips in the front seat, and I have never gotten bored with it. This awesome giga-coaster forever changed my life on May 7, 2001, and I will continue to love it for years to come.

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-Chris Woodard
"Mean Streak would be better if they replaced the square wheels with round ones."
VertiGo: VertiGone but not forgotten.

*** This post was edited by Ralph Wiggum on 3/17/2002. ***

My first ride on the Force. Hm.... Well, I was drug on it. Well, willingly drug on to it. I was able to get the front seat, watched the elevator drop down, click. Then before I knew it, the train was moving. It was about the time, the train was aapproaching the top of the hill when suddenly in my head it clicked. "WHAT THE H**L AM I DOING HERE ON A ROLLERCOASTER I'VE BEEN DEATHLY AFRAID TO RIDE IN THE FRONT SEAT?!".
Then a couple seconds later as the train started to descend, the next thought in my my "OHHHHH S**T". Which was immediatly followed up with "THIS IS F**KING AWESOME" on the way up the next hill approaching the pet farm. :) That was when the obsession with the Big Blue steel Beast started.

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- Chris -
Computer Science - Ashland University
Witches' Wheel/Monster - 2002
3rd Shift Trash Removal - 2001
http://www.thepointol.com/~simplycp

OK, since we're reposting lengthy diatribes... here's what happened after we entered the park from the Magnum gate.

As we approached Coasters, we saw the sea of humanity who had apparently been let into the main gate a few minutes early. It was as if a siren were sounding and the Eloi could do nothing but follow. We joined the masses. When we finally reached CP's version of the Morlock's subterranean trap, we entered the line exactly between the MF exit and Toot Sweets. Few of the queues were opened yet though, so it would be only a 30 minute wait.

The energy in the crowd as the first train rolled up the hill was electrifying. A wave of enthusiasm swept through the line like I haven't seen at Cedar Point since the Magnum DJ said he wouldn't play YMCA again for the rest of the day back in 1997.

It was only now that I realized what a breathtaking structure this was. As I watched the train speed up the lift, my eyes were transfixed on the apex. When the train actually peaked, I was amazed to watch the elevator lift catapult the train over the other side. I stood in awe, awaiting my turn to be flung over the edge.

Before long we were on the loading platform. There were about a dozen people ahead of us, so getting the first car was out of the question. However, I thought we might have a shot at the already-mythical 5.1. Strangely, most folks filled the seats front-to-back, so I hopped into the middle car and buckled in. Lexi and Megan, already knowing all of my CP secrets, bolted for 5.2.

As has been said in other reports previously, words cannot adequately express the ride on this monster. We pulled out of the station and began the ascent, at first slowly, but then kicking into second gear halfway up the hill.

Due to the angle, I couldn't see the track ahead of us, so it was a great surprise when we began to crest the top, far earlier than I expected we would. Hands up. I said HANDS, GET UP THERE!! (OK, hands are now listening to the head again).

We began the descent, picking up speed at an alarming rate. Every millisecond that I thought we must be at the 80 degree angle, we continued to drop over more and more and more. After what seemed an eternity, the earth was finally rushing straight at us. The G's on the pullout were unreal. I was having a difficult time keeping my arms in the air, but WHAT A RUSH!!

The overbanked turns were so smooth that I didn't even realize until later rides what the horizon looks like from 122 degrees. I continued to watch the track ahead.

We sped around the left turn and into the tunnel at breakneck speed. Out of the tunnel, and immediately up the gigantic second hill, where I would later measure the airtime at an unbelievable 4.1 seconds!

I had never seen the full POV video, so coming down the hill, I saw both the outgoing and the incoming track and for some reason thought that we would turn LEFT on the island. As I prepared myself for that turn, I was jolted back to reality by the right hand turn.

Through the first island turn, then expecting a pretzel-type turnaround like on Magnum, I was once again surprised when we hit a hard right into the second island turn.

Through that turn, then over the final island hill, still at a velocity that would get you a speeding ticket in every state but Montana, and back through the second tunnel with every voice on the train now at maximum volume.

A hard left, screaming past the station of cheering onlookers (still) and into the final overbank. We jetted into the station and cruised to a stop knowing that we had just experienced the nirvana of thrill rides. (Dear other coasters of the world. Please be advised that you have all been moved down one spot on the favorites list. Thank you.)

My adrenal glands were working overtime. I'm pretty sure that at that moment, I could have lifted a car off a baby if called upon to do so. My heart was racing, my lungs filled fuller, my legs were energized, and life was very very good! In summation -- WOW! In fact, reliving it while I was writing this just now was pretty darn good

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Duane Cahill
Coasterbuzz Track Record - 59
CP Track Record - 13 (too tall for Jr. Gemini)

My first Ride was in Aug 2002 at night. I rode the MF in the back seat. It was fun with air time however I don't know if it was worth my wait. Another problem was the seat belts and trying to figure out how to buckle and unbuckle them.

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Chris Knight
How many sea gulls is there at CP?

My first ride was on September 23, 2000. I had been to the park already once that season, but that was the day I broke down and rode my first coaster. I was still too nervous to ride Magnum or Millennium. The very next day I knew I missed something great. It took well over a month to get back to the Point, but when I was there, I just had to ride that big blue thing. Anyways, Saturday, September 23, my girlfriend and myself wanted to hit the rides that I had already fallen in love with earlier that year, including Raptor and Mean Streak. The MS ride completely sucked because rain started to pour. During that time, the line for Millennium Force dwindled. We went to a few haunted houses to pass the time, and to try and get dry. Meanwhile, there was a new line forming at the Millennium Force, stretching from the entrance to the queue back down the frontier trail. What looked to be a super long line stretched out, turned into only a 45 minute wait once the queue's opened up. I remember being terrified beyond all possible logical thought. And then going up the first hill and the train actually accellerating half way up throwing us over the crest of the monster. It was pure heaven. Even after 53 rides since, I'll never forget that first time. We rode it once more that day, and then 3 times about 2 weeks after. It was just that great of a ride, that I couldn't stop myself from going.
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Michael McCormack CP '01: 38
Millennium Force: 49
Raptor: 58
Magnum: 124
Lifetime CP Count: 410 (374 total laps in '01)

I don't know.... I think MF and the Magnum are more like he and him instead of her and she. They tend to be on the masculine side.

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I was super before Superstew was cool!

*a la Dr. Evil* riiiight.

"Why Does My Fun Have To End? To Me It's Only The Beginning."

Well, Millennium Force was practically my first coaster. My parents don't like crowds and amusement rides, so I don't get to go to them often. I got to go to Cedar Point last summer for the first time with my Spanish Club. (Indiana Beach (Hoosier Hurricane), King's Island (Beastie, Top Gun, and the Racers) were my only other experiences on coasters) Well, when I went I couldn't wait to ride Millennium Force. After reaching the causeway, friends and I were in awe over the drop. We rushed there and had an hour wait. I kept getting more nervous each step I took. When I hopped in the train, I looked at my friends in front of me and waved by to the ones waiting on the next train. That's when in sunk in that this was practically my first "coaster" and it was the biggest in North America. I was frightened when the train left and me and my friends just continued to shout words of fear as the train quickly inclined. I couldn't tell we were at the top, but expected it sooner because we were already so high. Then I hear "Oh #*%@!" from my friends ahead of me and I looked ahead being only three seats from the front and held on tight. The drop seemed endless, but when I realized the thrill, I through my hands up, and I was hooked and I wanted more and more. We had time to ride it once more, and that time my hands were up at the top. When I arrived home I told my dad and begged him to take me back and he did. My dad, friends, and I went back and now they are all hooked on Millennium (My dad hated coasters). I guess that's my story.

Coasters are kind of like cars or boats...you name them with girl names. I think that Millie and Maggie should be no different.

*** This post was edited by CP_bound on 3/19/2002. ***

Probably before your time guy, but three of the most famous cars of all time had "BOY" names. The General Lee (Dukes of Hazzard), Kit (Knight Rider) and hell... Herbie the Love Bug. And while you might be right on with *boats* (actually ships would be the better word) having "Girl" names, how are they similar to coasters? I see no comparison there at all. Bottom line dude... Since this is such an opinionated site, here's one more for the file: The nicknames Maggie and Millie SUCK!

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I was super before Superstew was cool!

*** This post was edited by Superstew on 3/19/2002. ***

Blasphemy! Yes, I saw the Dukes of Hazzard, and franky that car--as well as the show--sucked. Herbie was a pathetic looking old bug(which I got to see in person at the Auburn Cord Deusenberg festival) but Kit was pretty cool.

How dare you slander the name Maggie...

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MF count: 23

*** This post was edited by CP_bound on 3/20/2002. ***

And franky that show--as well as the show--sucked.

What is that?

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I was super before Superstew was cool!

My first ride on MF was July 4, 2000...My girlfriend and I were a part of that famous first year running of the bulls to the ride...We ended up getting in line near Fort Sandusky...It was a long wait...I'll always remember finally walking up to the train and watching those gates open up...After getting in and pulling my seatbelt so hard that I practically lost circulation to my legs, I pulled the lap bar down to a good fit and checked on my g/f...I didn't want to lose her on the way down... We were finally ready to go and when that train started moving my heart started racing...It was really breezy that day and my g/f was on the water side of the car so she was getting a really strong lake breeze...I felt like we were going to get blown right out of the car...as we crested that hill I took one big look around at CP from 310 ft in the air and got my first look straight down...My grip tightned and screams came from every person riding in our train(Blue)...The ride all happened so fast and I remember getting out and having to hold onto my g/f for support as we walked towards the exit because my legs felt like jelly...I couldn't get over what I had just done and I loved it...Since then, I have ridden it 5 more times and will up my MF ride count this summer to 10...There is no ride quite like it...I can't wait to do it again

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Be wary of falling shoes while waiting in line for Raptor

Fixed it, Superstew...

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MF count: 23