Why We Should Start Getting Excited for Valravn

By Hermes0

(c) Cedar Point

Valravn has been a fairly controversial topic of discussion for the past couple of months. The new Cedar Point addition breaks multiple records, including the tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster in the world. Valravn will tower at 223 feet tall, drop down 214 feet at a speed of 75 miles per hour. The statistics certainly sound great for any coaster, so why would someone not be anticipating this coaster? Let us take a look at some of the points of criticism.

Cedar Point has had a long history of breaking records. Gemini, Magnum XL 200, Millennium Force, and Top Thrill Dragster all opened as the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world. Other Cedar Point coasters broke records for the type of coaster they are, like Corkscrew, Mean Streak, Raptor, Mantis (now called Rougarou), and Gatekeeper. In September of 2015, Cedar Point unveiled their new attraction for 2016, called Valravn. Valravn will be joining the second list being that it will break all dive coaster records. Some are arguing how Valravn is barely edging other the other record holders. As of 2015, the tallest dive coaster is Diving Coaster in Happy Valley. Diving Coaster stands at a height of 213.3 feet and it is a clone of Sheikra. However, it is not the fastest dive machine. Griffon at Busch Gardens Williamsburg narrowly edges out Diving Coaster with a top speed of 71 miles per hour. It is easy to see that the records are not being "shattered," but Valravn will still stand as the 3rd tallest coaster in the park. By no means is this dive machine to be considered small. There will be spectacular views of the park, Lake Erie, and the Sandusky Bay from the top of the lift hill. Another aspect of Valravn that people tend to criticize is the layout. Valravn's layout consists of an immelmann, mid-course break run 131 feet tall, a dive loop, a 270-degree roll, and an airtime hill. When comparing this layout to the other large dive machines, a notable absence is a splashdown. It is understandable that the lack of a splashdown could be disappointing, but an additional inversion and airtime hill will be a great substitute.

Valravn is more than worthy to belong among the untouchable coaster collection of Cedar Point. Dive machines are rare to come by, being that there are only two in the U.S. and 11 in the world. While some enthusiasts are still anticipating the 500ft. terra-coaster, the rest of us are more than happy to ride Valravn. It is certainly lining up to be a noteworthy addition to Cedar Point's lineup.

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