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July 08, 2005
Millennium Force Roller Coaster
I don't think words are enough to fully convey the ecstacy of riding the Millennium Force roller coaster at Cedar Point. This roller coaster went into operation summer of 2000 and I finally rode it yesterday, July 7, 2005.
I used to regard The Beast at King’s Island as the epitome of coaster perfection, but no longer — Millennium Force is arguably the finest roller coaster ever built.
It is as smooth as butter. Most roller coasters, including the aforementioned Beast, shake you to pieces while they hurl you through the stratosphere. Not this one.
The view is spectacular. You go higher than almost every visible landmark. You feel on top of the world as you reach the summit in record speed. As you tumble over the first peak, your downward curl is so extreme that you might swear you were going beneath the track you just passed.
It is fast. Speed ratings are meaningless — fast is fast. In the front seat (why would I sit anywhere else on my first ride?) I was in hurricane-force wind that seemed to only add excitement rather than mar the experience.
You float. There were several points where you experience decent airtime. Not many coasters do this well — the floating is typically accompanied by pain as you slam against the shoulder harness. Here the hovering was effortless and beautiful.
There are tunnels. Tunnels are so cool on a roller coaster. It always looks like you're going to be decapitated as you enter and you rarely are.
Flying. From the front seat, the Millennium Force imparts as much a sensation of flying through the trees and tunnels as anything I have experienced.
Here is a very good article on the Millennium Force, complete with pictures.
I am planning a trip just for myself and anyone else who is willing to accompany me. I will purchase my $34.50 AAA-discounted ticket, drive 2-1/2 hours from Columbus, Ohio to Cedar Point in Sandusky, pay the $9 car parking fee, get my hand “Freeway” stamped twice for the Millennium Force, and wait in line from the moment they open until 1:30 A.M., when the last riders of the day get their thrills. My goal is to ride it at least eight times in one day, if possible. I want to ride in the front again, the middle (where the loft is supposed to be better on some hills), and from the back.
If you want to go with me, please let me know.
Posted by Nathan Dickson at July 8, 2005 08:49 PM