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Volume 2, No. 8. May 10, 2002

New Arrivals

It’s an Impulse coaster!
Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, announces the arrival of Wicked Twister, May 2, 2002. Measurements: 215 feet high (65 meters), 2,700 feet (818 meters) of track, 90-degree angle of track, 450-degree twist of track, 32 passengers. Delivered by Intamin.

Leave it to Cedar Point to put a twist on a ride that is not even new to its own market. The park chose the Intamin Linear Induction Motor-launch Impulse for its 15th roller coaster because Cedar Point lacked that type of ride in its already varied mix. True to the park’s tradition, it made its version of the Impulse larger and higher than any others.

However, it’s the backward twist that sets Wicked Twister apart. Both uprights of the track twist around—not just the forward tower—and the backward twisting perspective gives the ride a singularity that also is a Cedar Point tradition. Such elements were enough to give the park substantial buzz on the Thursday media day, attended by some 350 press representatives and coaster enthusiasts. The ride's advance appeal was also revealed with a Red Cross-sponsored auction for the first public rides the following Sunday. Demand proved so great the park added a second train to the charity auction and saw about $14,000 raised, with a top bid of $700.

“We at Cedar Point have a reputation that when we design and install a roller coaster it will be different from anything in the industry or any other park,” said Daniel Keller, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point. “Although perhaps people were reading some of the PR initially and were familiar with the ride, once they got to Cedar Point and had a chance to ride it they said, ‘Wow! this is something special.’”

One of the first-time riders on media day happened to be Dick Kinzel, Cedar Fair’s president and CEO who had been traveling when Wicked Twister was tested by the rest of the Cedar Point management team. “It’s an entirely different sensation,” he said after his experiencing it for the first time. “It has a unique place in the coaster selection here at the park. I’m very pleased with it.” Of his first-time, front row ride, he cited as the most remarkable moment when the train peaked on its backward climb. “When you’re going backwards and we actually stopped you can sort of get your thoughts.” Get your thoughts? “Yeah. You know you’re up there.”