Cedar Point Announces Valravn - Dive Coaster for 2016 - 10 World Records!

I get that. I was just talking about the video. They had the special music and voice-intros for Magnum, Millennium, Top Thrill Dragster, and Gatekeeper. The point was, one of the coasters doesn't belong in that group. I don't care at all; I loved the video actually...just thought it was odd that Gatekeeper got that same "recognition" in the video.

CP Maverick said:

Magnum would like to have a word with you...

I would imagine they will test with varying degrees of braking on the midcourse before deciding whether to brush the train or grab it.

I would tell Magnum the same thing I told you. I actually prefer GateKeeper (4th favorite in the park behind the Intamin trio).

Flutes, flutes everywhere. That bit of the music got old quick for me lol. But I like it, in a Men At Work--Down Under kind of way :P

But if anyone can help figure out that music and where it'd be appreciated. It's still driving me up the wall that I can't place it amongst the 1.5tb of OST/Classical music I own.

Just an observation...Two fliers (Tatsu and Manta) are currently polling 5-7 spots ahead of the dive machines Griffon and Shiekra in the top 100 over at CoasterBuzz. I think CP would have had the same impact if they built the world's tallest and fastest flier. I wonder what made them decide to go with a dive machine instead of a flier?

Mostly because Cedar Point and more importantly Cedar Fair does NOT base their cap ex decisions from polls on fan boy websites. Especially polls that are as arbitrary as top coasters from a very very very limited segment of their demographic. Remember, enthusiasts are less then .1% of the total population of amusement park attendance.

1000 enthusiasts go to a park 50 times each in one season equals 50,000 visits. Sounds like a lot? To a park like Point that does 3,000,000+ a season that is still only 1.7% of their total attendance.

CPcyclone said:

I wonder what made them decide to go with a dive machine instead of a flier?

Research. Extensive polling of their guests to better understand what guests would be most likely to return to the park to experience. Detailed financial analysis. Foreknowledge of what additions are planned/being considered for the park in coming years.

Not to mention that most of us enthusiasts are notoriously frugal at the park - especially compared to families who don't know the difference between a dive/flier/etc. but make their annual visit and spend as much as ten enthusiasts put together. The park's ride specific research likely said that a dive coaster makes the best use of the space they have and has a history or being a reliable and popular ride at other parks.

WolfBobs said:

Mostly because Cedar Point and more importantly Cedar Fair does NOT base their cap ex decisions from polls on fan boy websites. Especially polls that are as arbitrary as top coasters from a very very very limited segment of their demographic. Remember, enthusiasts are less then .1% of the total population of amusement park attendance.

1000 enthusiasts go to a park 50 times each in one season equals 50,000 visits. Sounds like a lot? To a park like Point that does 3,000,000+ a season that is still only .017% of their total attendance.

Now technically, 50,000/3,000,000 = 0.017 OR 1.7%. But whatever. I was told there would be no math here.

So after watching the POV for Valravn and a POV for Shekira, how come the mid course break run is pretty much a dead stop? Probably would be more intense if it was a gradual stop... Do all dive coasters do this?

pjmd said:
Now technically, 50,000/3,000,000 = 0.017 OR 1.7%. But whatever. I was told there would be no math here.

Touche! Fixed it! :)

I for one am excited to see a wooded path that creates new views of classic areas. Almost confirming the existence of the Cadillac cars on the front side of the park.

It was sad what Valley Fair did to their classic old car ride area. Forever lost.

CPboy77 said:
the mid course break run is pretty much a dead stop? Do all dive coasters do this?

Yes. It's to give you another dive moment like the first drop without adding another chain. It's not as dramatic as the first, but it's still pretty cool.

This ride isn't for family patrons. As a firm representative of that demographic I find this addition, and the activity of the park in the last ten years, to be generally (but not entirely) disappointing. This ride in particular rubs me the wrong way for many reasons. Both as a coaster boy and as one who travels with the smaller rider

So adding Pipe Scream and Lake Erie Gliders didn't fit your profile either?

Or Dinosaurs Alive in 2012 (which is free for platinum pass holders now) or Planet Snoopy in 2008?

gener said:

This ride in particular rubs me the wrong way for many reasons. Both as a coaster boy and as one who travels with the smaller rider

As a "coaster boy", what is wrong with this ride? How can you be so bent out of shape over a ride that hasn't been built yet?

This ride is for human persons 54 inches and taller. As a firm representative of that demographic I find this addition to be generally exciting. I don't live close to the park and this new coaster gives me, and family/friends, more incentive to make a trip there.

Adding to what Jason said, the park also got Maverick (as a coaster boy, you had to love this?), Luminosity, and about a billion other LED lights, which I'm assuming the family enjoy every night.

Maverick, GateKeeper, and Valravn in the last ten years is pretty great for a "coaster boy". Two high capacity high uptime rides that are insanely fun, and the best Intamin this side of I-305. The Gemini Midway, Luminosity, all of the lights, Dinos Alive, updated Planet Snoopy are all great for families. They also added Skyhawk somewhere in there, an amazing flat ride.

Kevin -- Going back to discussion from prior to the announcement about iconic status, I think GateKeeper would fit well with Magnum, Millennium, and Dragster. Not so much the coaster, but the fact that it's at the front gate and has the keyholes. It's also the first big coaster from new management if I'm not mistaken.

Can't we just let someone voice their opinions (both positive and negative) while resisting the urge to pounce on them?

No matter what the park puts in, some people will love it, some will feel meh, and some will prefer they had put in something else.

That's okay. Everyone has their own interests and desires.

If you say you don't enjoy GateKeeper, I'll wish you a fun day elsewhere while I enjoy a slightly shorter line to fly over the main gate. If I say I don't enjoy head banging on the older B&M restraints (see also - Raptor, Rougarou), then wish me a fun day over on GateKeeper and Valravn (as well as others like Maverick and Top Thrill Dragster).

Respect differences. Don't attack them.

Not even the off season watching a new attraction get built yet: