Flagshship Cedar Fair property Cedar Point has launched its 144th season with the latest of 16 rollercoasters, a record-breaking Wing Coaster from Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M).
The $30 million GateKeeper transforms the skyline at of the Ohio park as it flies directly over the main gate (hence the ride’s name). Riders sit suspended from the train as if on the wings of a plane, dangling 170ft (52m) above the Cedar Point beach before experiencing a sharp, 180-degree turn and plummeting to within six feet (2m) above the ground. Six inversions and rolling hills help create the feeling of weightlessness.
Adding to the excitement, riders are threaded through two massive keyhole towers (as pictured), twisting just in time to nearly miss them at speeds of almost 70 mph (113 kph). GateKeeper breaks seven world records, including the longest track (4,164ft/1,269m), tallest drop (164ft/50m) and most inversions of any wing rollercoaster worldwide.
A full feature on GateKeeper will follow soon in Park World.
