There are five giga-coasters in the world. I’ve had the opportunity to ride two of them, Leviathan and Millennium Force. Of those two, which is the better coaster?
Comparing two coasters to each other isn’t always an easy task. Both are extremely intense rides.
Millennium Force at Cedar Point opened in 2000, while Leviathan debuted in 2012. Don’t get it twisted, despite the age difference Millennium Force more than holds it own. But Leviathan also has its strong points.
Looking at Millennium Force, you’ll find one of the best coasters in the world. A 310-foot coaster by Intamin, the ride reaches top speeds of 93 mph. It has received the Golden Ticket for best steel coaster by Amusement Today ten times since its opening.
Leviathan, on the other hand, located at Canada’s Wonderland, is extremely similar. Standing 306 feet, the B&M coaster has a top speed of 92 mph. Putting it as high as 6 on the Amusement Today Golden Ticket Awards for Best Steel Coaster.
In my honest opinion, Millennium Force is far superior to Leviathan. You get a load more airtime on Millennium compared to Leviathan, especially on Force’s second hill.
What I do like about Leviathan is its initial drop into a tunnel, which shoots you up into a 164 ft overbanked turn. Easily one of the best features of the ride. Millennium does something similar, but the feeling of shooting out of pure darkness up into that turn is unbelievable.
That is still not enough to take Millennium Force down though, as the first giga-coaster reigns supreme over Leviathan.
I’m a big sucker for a theme on coasters. On that aspect, I give the edge to Leviathan. This coaster sits in the Medieval Faire area of Canada’s Wonderland. Unlike Millennium, which developers placed right in its own corner of the park. The sign out front of Leviathan is also quite extravagant. It features fog effects and an intimidating dragon, great for a picture opportunity.
One thing you can’t take away from Millennium is the awesome views from the top of the coaster. As you rise up the 300 ft hill, you’ll see amazing scenery courtesy of Lake Erie. Leviathan is more of a parking lot coaster.
I have a good feeling that both Fury 325 and Intimidator 305 will pass Millennium Force and Leviathan. Especially after I get a chance to ride those. I’ve heard nothing but glowing reviews about the two. But as it stands now, Millennium Force is the giga-coaster I prefer.
While this was a very brief coaster battle, I must say Millennium Force’s increased airtime really made the difference for me. It’s the determining factor in my overall take on the ride. And while the theme of Leviathan takes the cake, the views of Millenium more than make-up for it.
Don’t let me be the judge though, ride both for yourself and make your own decision.
Follow Daniel James Gentile on twitter @dgentleman9288