With Cedar Point being the roller coaster capital of the world, the question of which is the best is a highly contested topic. I’ve got my opinions on them, and I’ll list my top-five.
5. Top Thrill Dragster
I’ll catch major heat for this being so low on my list, but it’s just not a coaster I enjoy. Only about a 45-second ride, Top Thrill is certainly intense, but not worth it to me for a 90 minute to 2 hour queue line. I’d probably be singing a different tune if I got a rollback ( when your coaster doesn’t make it over the hill and spirals backwards ), but for now I’ll leave it at 5 only because of its short ride time.
4. Gatekeeper
I had never experienced a wing coaster before Gatekeeper. Surprisingly, I’ve found them to be quite enjoyable. While not the greatest coaster in terms of airtime, it’s near miss on the giant keyhole structures is a sure way to get your heart racing. I’ve found the left side of the train is best, because of some great views of the lake going up the lift hill.
3. Valravn
The longest and fastest dive coaster in all the world, Valravn is quite the intense ride. The first drop of the ride suspends you on the track for what seems like an eternity. After that though, the ride fizzles out. Valravn is really a one trick pony, but that one trick is incredibly awesome!
2. Millennium Force
The parks giga-coaster, Millennium gets just as much attention for its scenery as it does the ride experience. You’ll get a lot of airtime on this coaster, especially on the second hill. And for some reason I’ve got a thing for tunnels, which Millennium features plenty of. It’s not a coaster for the weak, as it stands over 300 ft and goes over 90 mph.
1. Maverick
Not only is Maverick my favorite coaster at CP, it’s in my top-three all-time. From the steep first drop, you’re in for a good ride. Maverick features a great load of inversions, and a pretty amazing launch coaster experience in the middle of the ride. It also doesn’t hurt that the coaster is located extremely well themed.
I’d like to give an honorable mention to Magnum, the parks hyper-coaster. While one of my favorites, it’s still just a little rough to be on my top-five. But, with my odd obsession of tunnels, it’s a hit for me. You also get a great view of the Waterpark as you go through the ride.
There you have it, my top-five Cedar Point coasters. I’m sure your list will vary, but that’s what makes coasters so much fun. There is no right or wrong opinion. Did my list sound similar to yours, or was I way off base? Either way, make sure to ride these coasters when going to Cedar Point.
Follow Daniel James Gentile on twitter @dgentleman9288