millennium power
It's one thing to hear a radio ad or watch a TV ad cheering on Millennium Force; see his concept art in a newspaper; hear people talk about the world's tallest roller coaster and the inevitable "will you or won't you?" Its staggering stats conjure up.
But getting to the Cedar Point Causeway and seeing the Millennium Force towering over the park's skyline is something else entirely. Today, the Millennium Force - surpassed by its cousin - remains an icon. Rising in the early morning sky, the slender first mountain is a beacon for roller coaster enthusiasts on the horizon. The culmination of a pilgrimage from around the world. This is one of those rides; a living legend, recognizable by its silhouette alone.
Still, nothing reflects the size and importance of the Millennium Force quite like standing at its entrance. Thousands of guests live amidst a sea of concrete and pen, occasionally shaded by tents. There's even a DJ booth, much needed on the hottest summer days when you have to wait hours all day for the world's first gigacoaster to be built.
Is it worth it to ride the Millennium Force? There's only one way to find out...
A meandering snake rises from the concrete plaza to the second floor. On the left, a black steel fence keeps waiting drivers insidefootMountains of condensed airtime between flowing blue tracks and steeply wedged banked curves. When the train finally arrives, it's almost silent - smooth and aerodynamic, it gallops by -pht-pht-pht-pht-pht-phtLike shuffling cards as the rows go by.
Just three or four seconds after the train left, the Mississippi wind followed, blowing past the phantom train as if it had just broken the sound barrier.
Of course, all eyes are on as the train zigzags off the airtime mound, slides up the banked curve, and the crowd pours into the queue before taking the final brakes and getting very close to the train Top speed driving speed must. (Well, Morgan was right about the enormous momentum of the ride...) Nervous beginners take note: when we get to that corner, it's over. Little do they know that, in due course, they'll wish that wasn't the case.
In what seems to be a very clever plan, the train that sped past us seconds before is now returning to the unloading station on the left, with passengers panting and cheering, chattering, and clapping. "How was your journey?" No need to ask. Millennial power speaks for itself...
With all the pomp and atmosphere one might expect for the challenge of the world's first Gigacoaster, the Millennium Power Station is simple - an elevated steel shed. Expect a sleek 21st century metal Helvetica aesthetic that's simple, save for the metal accents, geometric booster fans, blue and green corrugated iron garage doors, and red fluorescent lights above the train. Still, it's a busy place. A place of tension and gossip. How could it not be? Whether it's your first time or the thousandth time, the Millennium Force is special.
Iconic electronic loop of Millennium Force radio music - continuous rising and falling arpeggios with muted effectsbeep beep beepwith hi-hatrevenge– Create anticipation. It appears to sync with the coaster when all the red fluorescent lights go out, then come back on again from back to front, guiding him away from the station.
No pre-drop; no drive tires to push the train. Careful drivers can actually do thislookThe elevator runs down the hill at the end of the station to the lower cabins, slides quickly and silently under the train and settles in as passengers board.
the future depends on it
Another relative innovation of the era - traveling by train. Nine carriages - each with a 2 x 2 seating arrangement so that the second row is slightly higher than the first, and each train holds an impressive 36 passengers. But more importantly, Intamin's hydraulically secured lap bars eliminate the rattling and rattling of other restraint systems. Like the ride itself, they are silent. precise. And extreme stats for outdoor sleds and trains,be surprised.However, feeling so open and exposed is one of Millennium's most fundamental attributes, and knowing that you'll soon be hoisted 300 feet above Lake Erie with only that yellow belt on your hip is a great addition to any coaster It is a stimulus for enthusiasts. A growth experience for enthusiasts.
Speaking of which: the beginning of the journey may surprise you. A slight jerk forward indicates that the catcher cart is beginning to rise. Then the train roared away. It curves upward row by row. A 45° rise is unusual for most roller coasters. But the most notable feature here isquickly.whether you like or loathe the steep, the slow,follow-follow-followClimbing the roller coaster is less here. The cautious can contemplate their fate for as little as 22 seconds, while the brave are known to lean forward and try to catch a glimpse of Canada across the lake (possible on a clear day).
But either way, the climax comes. On a traditional roller coaster, a train leaves the elevator, leaving the first car dangling and the second half of the train catching up, but that's not the case with the Millennium. Without taking a breath, the train climbed to the top of the hill and pulled the train directly over the top.
Apparently, falling from 300 feet at a nearly vertical 80° angle will bring tears to your eyes. But there's another reason Millennium's opening act was great...
It's as smooth as butter. With a kind of stunning precision engineering that only the Swiss can boast, the train's zipline descends at 10mph into veritable sharp turns without even trying. The train glides - somehow smoothly - down the abyss and reaches a top speed of 93 miles per hour.
At the foot of this huge and unique drop, the train pulls out and soars into the sky, entering one of the ride's signature elements. This issecondThe mountain is 169 feet tall—taller than any other roller coaster in the park except Magnum—but gently winds its way up to the sky in one big turn, tipping riders onto a bank at 122°. It's an incredible and unusual way to harness the enormous kinetic energy of the ride (any Arrow, Morgan or B&M super coaster will simply start a reciprocating dwindling flight time without any sideways force mound array).
(Here, almost in reverse, you're rushing over one of the coaster's more unusual features -- a steel support post with grooves to accommodate the impact of extreme inclines on rider safety...you can see it Right there with you. Check out the train's zero car above, and find the view below in the video!)
The ride dives from a banked turn into a huge, sweeping dive that flattens out momentarily before veering to the left. It's a continuous curve, speeding through metal tunnels and reemerging in sunlight on a previously inaccessible island in the center of the park (although the driver doesn't realize it). As you dash forward, the coaster will redirect and spin upwards. millennium powerthirdThe mountain (if you count it) is 182 feet high.
The climb up the hill isn't sudden or intense, in fact its summit offers one of the few moments of riding that you can judge by taking a second to enjoy the view across the park, relatively lightening the speed Gemini, Who appears below like a midget. How far we've come...
...yet how far we must go. One day -- in the near future -- Cedar Point's own Maverick will be the proving ground for Intamin's evolution toward instant turns, extreme maneuvers, and nimble transitions (translated to hersecondGigacoaster, Intimidator 305), Millennium has nothing to do with this. It's a buoyant, powerful, elegant creation. Its speed is relentless, but transitions between sweeping maneuvers and oversized elements are slow.
(For this reason, you can probably understand why some thoughtful and well-traveled roller coaster enthusiasts — and some outright naysayers — scoff at the “millennial” moment in which roller coasters temporarily slow down hills.powerless, "wasting" a moment, the Arrow or Morgan would choose this gradual ascent, then descend almost silently during the injector's airtime. )
Finally, Millennium Force's climb on the third hill is higher than most roller coasters climb on the first hilldropifdismount, across a long curve, plummeting to the ground, and into a huge, oversized, sloping curve.
It returns to the ground in a wide, continuous arc, almost scraping the ground. The train moved forward at breakneck speed, turned left into another banked curve, and returned to the ground at full speed. There are no stops; no moments of reprieve; it's just a fluid layout of steeply uphill tracks, alternating between wide embankments, steep straights and rolling hills.
Passing from below, the ride runs parallel to the hill that serves as the entrance to the island, jumps over a slender hill (above left) and then plunges into another corrugated steel tunnel - this is the mirror image of the tunnel that led us to the bring back roller coaster The island of the station.
The Millennium Force is now in its final stages. Now,ofIt's the drivers who run past customers in the queue at lightning speed. The train hopped like a rabbit and still appeared to be traveling at more than 90 miles per hour.
Here, even a rollercoaster layman will recognize that it's about Millennium Forcequicklyandpowerful...but it isnosuper intense. It's big but not wild. Instead, it's almost...happy? Makes sense now - when we pass by that unloading station and remember it - the drivers don't come back sick and shaking or glassy-eyed, they'llenthusiasm. The Millennium Force may be 300 feet tall, but it's less a test than a revolution. Can I raise my hand now?
When we come out of the jump with the last ground turn, there's a wonderful, obviously intoxicating moment (above) where the train pays attention and joins a weird straight line that feels a bit like a speed boost already in what it started with We know this is his final move: a final banked turn in the "crowd surfing" queue. The train stopped one last time, lingering briefly above the crowd, before departing again, back to the unloading station.
We thought this would be a heartbreaking signal of the end of the journey. Honestly, as Morgan expected when he saw Intamin's design, the train was hot and seemed to barely lose top speed on a route over a mile long. Using the energy expended in braking alone, the Intamin was able to penetrate another 300 meters or so into the facility. But it was over when all 36 drivers slowed down together and took a deep breath for the first time since the journey began.
Relive the experience of conquering the world's first Gigacoaster from the perspective of this official video, capturing the colossal, oversized elements of the roller coaster and its unrelenting speed from start to finish.
In the end, it was no surprise that the riders returned to the Millennium Force unloading station in a state of ecstasy. Clapping, cheering, chatter...whether you realize the "importance" in roller coaster history or not, Millennium Force speaks for itself; a chillingly one-of-a-kind landmark experience. It feels special because it is.
specialConsidered the seminal, millennium-shattering culmination of Coaster Wars and a contemporary of Arrow and Morgan's Hypercoasters, Millennium Force is a reinvention; an early and clever example of how coaster wars changed our collective notion of what a roller coaster should look like,feltlike and canagain.Of course, the Intamin Giga, first built today, will look, feel and function very differently...but the ride's name hints at its time capsule status; a symbol of eternity, a symbol of the roller coaster future that awaits us what is it. True to the marketing message of cycling, we dare say it really is the futurewarDo you drive?
Speaking of which, we couldn't help but explore how this iconic coaster influenced the rides that followed, and what it really means in Coaster Wars history...
FAQs
What is the history of the Millennium Force at Cedar Point? ›
Millennium Force is a Giga Coaster model designed by Werner Stengel and built by Swiss manufacturer Intamin. It was the first of a series of roller coasters, including the now-defunct Top Thrill Dragster—the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world in 2003—that Intamin built at Cedar Point.
What happened to Millennium Force Cedar Point? ›On May 28, 2018, Cedar Point suffered a park-wide power failure, caused by a car hitting a nearby utility pole outside the park. Guests were stranded on multiple rides including Millennium Force in 90-degree heat, and it took up to two hours for power to be fully restored.
What are some fun facts about the Millennium Force roller coaster? ›Being the tallest roller coaster and the first to top 300 feet wasn't the only records broken when it opened in 2000. It debuted having the longest drop and the fastest speed topping out at 93 m.p.h.
Is the Millennium Force at Cedar Point scary? ›In other words, Millennium Force is plenty scary. Surprisingly, despite its extreme height and speed, the wild coaster disappoints in its ability to generate any appreciable airtime. Other Cedar Point rides include the wonderful launch coaster, Maverick, the groundbreaking Magnum XL-200, and the superb Steel Vengeance.
How many people have ridden Millennium Force? ›Millennium Force has serviced over 12 million riders since its opening. Part of the area of the park occupied only by Millennium Force's track is known as "Millennium Island."
What's the fastest roller coaster in the US? ›There's a reason this coaster is known as the King. Kingda Ka is quite simply the tallest coaster in the world and fastest roller coaster in North America.
Who was the victim of Top Thrill Dragster? ›The incident happened in August when a bracket fell off the ride and struck the victim —44-year-old Rachel Hawes of Swartz Creek, Michigan — in the back of her head. She suffered severe injuries and was hospitalized for several days. The ride was shuttered and the state investigation ensued.
Why is Cedar Point removing the dragster? ›The decision by Cedar Point comes a year after a small metal object flew off the 420-foot (128-meter) tall Top Thrill Dragster coaster and struck a woman in the head at the park in Sandusky. A state investigation found no evidence that the park acted illegally or had reason to believe the ride was unsafe.
Did Cedar Point Top Thrill Dragster shut down? ›Cedar Point in Sandusky Ohio made the announcement today, September 6, 2022, that it's popular Top Thrill Dragster roller coaster will be “retired,” effective immediately, but left its future open to speculation with the words “new and reimagined experience.”
What is the scariest roller coaster to ever exist? ›Kingda Ka — Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey
In fact, given its height and speed, it could just be considered the scariest roller coaster in the world as well. The track reaches heights of 456 feet (over 45 stories) before sending riders hurtling down at 128 miles per hour — a speed reached in just 3.5 seconds.
What is the oldest roller coaster still running? ›
As of January 2023, the oldest running roller coaster in the world was Leap the Dips, located in Lakemont Park, Pennsylvania (USA), which was opened in 1902. Meanwhile, the world's second oldest coaster, Scenic Railway, opened in 1912 in Melbourne, Australia.
What is the most intense roller coaster ever? ›Kingda Ka is an accelerator coaster model, launched by a winch system powered by hydraulic turbines capable of unleashing up to 15.5 MW, 25 times more powerful than a Ferrari 812 Superfast, the most powerful Ferrari ever built.
What part of the roller coaster is the least scariest? ›If you want the best view of the action, head for the front. The cars in the middle provide the weakest ride, but it's a good bet you'll still have a good time. There isn't really a bad place to sit on a roller coaster, as long as you're strapped into a seat.
Where is the least scary place to sit on a roller coaster? ›The middle seats will give you everything the seats in the front and the back do at just a little less intensity. Plus, a ride in the middle makes you feel less isolated since people are all around you. Try this seat if you are unsure about the other two.
What is the most intense ride at Cedar Point? ›Valravn: World's Tallest, Fastest, Longest Dive Coaster at Cedar Point. WAIT LESS. RIDE MORE! Speed past the lines with Fast Lane!
How many G's are in the Millennium Force? ›Millennium Force, Cedar Point, Ohio, USA
Featuring a 300-foot drop, a top speed of 150 kph and forces of up to 4.5g, it's still regarded as one of the most thrilling rides in the world.
| Millennium Force, the first giga coaster | |
|---|---|
| Description | A complete-circuit roller coaster that is 300 to 399 feet tall. |
| First | Millennium Force - 2000 |
| Oldest in operation | Millennium Force - 2000 |
| Newest | Orion - 2020 |
Millennium Force, AKA Melanie "Mel" Ourson is a female Android Roller Coaster (ARC) based off the roller coaster of the same name located at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. As the name implies, the ride opened in 2000.
What is the most insane roller coaster in the US? ›Goliath at Six Flags Great America , Gurnee, Illinois
Goliath is one of the most extreme coasters in the world. It has three world records: Fastest wooden coaster at 72 mph; tallest drop for a wooden coaster at 180 feet; and steepest drop for a wooden coaster at a near-vertical 85 degrees.
Superman: Escape from Krypton has an incredible 415-foot tall tower. It holds the distinction of being the first coaster to reach 100 mph.
Where is the tallest roller coaster in us? ›
Kingda Ka is a hydraulically-launched steel roller coaster located at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, United States. Manufactured by Intamin and designed by Werner Stengel, Kingda Ka opened as the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world on May 21, 2005, surpassing Top Thrill Dragster.
What happened to the person injured by Top Thrill Dragster? ›On August 15th, a 44-year-old woman standing in line for Top Thrill Dragster was struck in the head by the flag plate and was hospitalized with a brain injury. The piece of metal was described as being about the size of an adult male's hand.
Did Rachel Hawes pass away? ›Luckily, after the fatal incident occurring at Cedar Point Park, the Michigan woman is still alive to date.
Did Rachel Hawes recover? ›It is not known whether Hawes has recovered from her injuries and Cedar Point have decided to take the ride out of service forever - despite a 620-page report by the Ohio Department of Agriculture concluding that the rollercoaster was safe and there had been no wrong-doing on the part of the park.
Are they removing the dragster from Cedar Point? ›While the Top Thrill will be gone at the start of the 2023 season and its apparent replacement remains in limbo, there will be a new coaster at the park next summer. And it couldn't be more different size-wise and otherwise.
What will Cedar Point replace dragster with? ›The park's newest themed area opens this season: The Boardwalk, “a modern interpretation of the Cedar Point of yesteryear,” according to a news release.
What piece fell off Cedar Point Dragster? ›Back in August of 2021, Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster shut down after a metal bracket fell from the ride, severely injuring a park guest. The Dragster was officially retired last September.
Is Top Thrill Dragster permanently closing? ›Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point, which debuted in 2003 and was permanently closed in 2022. It had not operated since August 2021, after a bracket fell from the ride and critically injured a Michigan woman standing on the ground.
Will Top Thrill Dragster ever reopen? ›Cedar Point announces its 'reimagined' Top Thrill Dragster will not open until 2024. Roller coaster fans will have to wait another year to ride what was once the tallest roller coaster in the world. Cedar Point announced Monday that its famed Top Thrill Dragster will not reopen until 2024.
Is Top Thrill Dragster closing forever? ›The World's Second-Tallest Roller Coaster Is Closing Forever After Woman Is Hit With Metal Debris Once the fastest coaster ever, the Top Thrill Dragster in Ohio is permanently grounded. Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio announced that they would be closing Top Thrill Dragster.
Where is the deadliest roller coaster in the world? ›
Formula Rossa, Abu Dhabi
At Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, there is an amusement ride called the Formula Rossa. With a top speed of 240 km/h (150 mph), Formula Rossa is the fastest roller coaster in the world and is made by Intamin.
1: The Big Dipper, Battersea Park, 1972
In 1972 Battersea Park in London, England, was the scene of what's widely considered the worst roller coaster disaster in history. The ride was The Big Dipper, a three-car wooden roller coaster built in 1951 as the main attraction for the park's new Fun Fair.
- Takabisha, Fuji-Q Highland, Japan.
- Yukon Striker, Canada's Wonderland, Canada.
- Time Traveler, Silver Dollar City, USA.
- Formula Rosa, Ferrari World, Dubai.
- Kingda Ka, Six Flags, New Jersey, USA.
Leap-the-Dips in Lakemont Park, Altoona, Pennsylvania, is the world's oldest operating roller coaster.
What is the oldest still working wooden roller coaster? ›1902. Leap-The-Dips opens at Lakemont Park, Altoona, Pennsylvania. It is today the world's oldest operating wooden roller coaster (it was closed from 1985 until 1999).
What happened to the 14 year old on the roller coaster? ›Tyre Sampson died on March 24, 2022, after falling out of his seat on the 400-foot-tall ride at Icon Park in Orlando, where he was visiting with his football team for spring break.
What is the safest roller coaster in the world? ›At the 'Mack Rides' rollercoaster factory in Waldkirch, Germany, designers said electromagnets shooting the carriages down the track, laser-beam 3D technology and new steel manufacturing processes make it set a new world benchmark in theme park safety.
What is the steepest fastest roller coaster? ›North America's tallest and world's fastest & steepest hybrid coaster. Iron Gwazi takes thrills to new heights, plunging riders from a 206 foot-tall peak into a 91-degree drop and reaching top speeds of 76 miles per hour.
What state has the least roller coasters? ›Delaware: SuperFlip 360
The state of Delaware has a great many qualities, but unfortunately, they have zero roller coasters. However, if you're in the state and desperate for some amusement park-style thrills, one must head to Funland in Rehoboth Beach.
The front seat offers the best view, of course and you get to see what's happening before the rest of your fellow riders do. You feel like you're leading the charge. Or go for the back seat because it offers more air time: your butt will hang in the air off your seat for much longer on those hills and drops.
What are roller coasters safer than? ›
According to the National Sporting Goods Association, the injury rates for golf, billiards, fishing, and camping are higher than amusement rides.
How do you not feel weird on a roller coaster? ›- Take Dramamine® Non-Drowsy. ...
- Choose your seat wisely. ...
- Focus your eyes on a fixed point. ...
- Keep a straight posture. ...
- Choose “safe” foods before and after your park visit.
A flying roller coaster is a type of a roller coaster with cars designed to simulate the sensations of flight. Riders travel in a lying-down position roughly parallel to the track. Flying roller coasters come in a variety of sizes and designs depending on the intended demographic for the ride.
Where do we feel the least weight on a roller coaster? ›The normal force however has a small magnitude at the top of the loop (where the rider often feels weightless) and a large magnitude at the bottom of the loop (where the rider often feels heavy).
How scary is Millennium Force? ›In other words, Millennium Force is plenty scary. Surprisingly, despite its extreme height and speed, the wild coaster disappoints in its ability to generate any appreciable airtime. Other Cedar Point rides include the wonderful launch coaster, Maverick, the groundbreaking Magnum XL-200, and the superb Steel Vengeance.
What is the craziest roller coaster at Cedar Point? ›1. Steel Vengeance. Taking the top spot on our best rides at Cedar Point list, this hyper hybrid coaster is sure to impress even the bravest adrenaline junkie!
Can you see Canada from Cedar Point? ›You'll be blown away by some unbelievable views of the Lake Erie shoreline before returning back to the Cedar Point skyline. And if it's a clear day, you might be able to see the coast of Canada on the horizon. Make no mistake, this isn't just a roller coaster ride, it's a roller coaster spectacle.
When was the Millennium built at Cedar Point? › What is the oldest operating ride at Cedar Point? ›Blue Streak may be Cedar Point's oldest and most classic coaster, but it still competes with some of the park's heavy hitters. It's one for the ages and has been a family favorite since it opened in 1964, when it reversed a decade long drought of coasters in the park.
What is the history of Cedar Point's disaster transport? ›Disaster Transport was originally known as Avalanche Run and was entirely outdoors. On October 19, 1984, Cedar Point announced that Avalanche Run would be added to the park. The ride opened in 1985. It was built next to the beach, on the former spot of Jumbo Jet and later, WildCat.
What is the oldest building at Cedar Point? ›
Cedar Point Lighthouse: The lighthouse is the oldest structure at the park, although few people know about it. The six-room limestone light keeper's house with a rooftop tower, built in 1862, stayed in service as a navigational aid until 1909.
How long is the Millennium Force ride at Cedar Point? ›This 6,595-foot long scream machine includes a 310-foot, 169-foot, and 182-foot tall hills, a stomach stealing 300-foot drop at a near vertical 80-degree angle, two dark tunnels, and three overbanked turns. Since its debut, Millennium Force has consistently been voted in polls the No.
What ride broke at Cedar Point? ›Back in August of 2021, Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster shut down after a metal bracket fell from the ride, severely injuring a park guest. The Dragster was officially retired last September.
What ride did Cedar Point shut down? ›Cedar Point is closing the Forbidden Frontier on Adventure Island. The closing comes after just four seasons − including the coronavirus disrupted one.
Why was the demon drop removed from Cedar Point? ›Robin Innes, a Cedar Point spokesman, said Demon Drop "had been for sale for several years and we couldn't find an appropriate buyer. So another consideration was to move it to another (Cedar Fair LP) park."
When was the last Cedar Point accident? ›Roller coaster in Ohio's Cedar Point to close permanently
A state investigation found no evidence that the park acted illegally or had reason to believe the ride was unsafe. The ride has remained closed since the Aug. 15, 2021 accident.
The accident left 44-year-old Michigan resident Rachel Hawes in intensive care with a brain injury, according to a family statement in August. Her current condition is not known.
What are Cedar Point oldest coasters? ›1964: The oldest operating roller coaster at Cedar Point today, the Blue Streak, opens. Western Cruise (subsequently named Paddlewheel Excursions) also opens. 1965: Earthquake, Space Spiral and Turnpike Cars open.
What is the oldest standing building in the United States of America? ›Cliff Palace Ancestral Puebloan Dwellings | Oldest Buildings In United States. Cliff Palace in the Ancestral Puebloan Dwellings is the first and a direct example of the pre-Columbian style in the United States.
Why is Cedar Point famous? ›If you're looking for things to do near Cleveland, Cedar Point, located in Sandusky, Ohio, is the must-do destination. It's home to 71 amazing rides, from the family-friendly Snake River Expedition to the adrenaline-pumping roller coasters like Steel Vengeance and Millennium Force.