Top Thrill Dragster
Cedar Point stunned thrill-seekers yet again in 2003 with the debut of the park's unprecedented 16th, yes, 16th, roller coaster – Top Thrill Dragster. Reaching a stratospheric 420 feet tall and topping out at an unheard of speed of 120 mph, this new steel screamer helped Cedar Point reclaim the title of owning the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the universe.
Riders begin their epic journey aboard this whopping 42-story screamer by securing themselves into ultra-cool trains that resemble top fuel dragsters. The train then moves into a "starting line" position, where it is launched forward, reaching 120 mph in approximately four seconds. The train then zooms straight up the 420-foot-tall hill on track that rotates 90 degrees, crests the coaster's apex and then free falls back to Earth. But hold on, this isn't your father's roller coaster. As the train races 400 feet to the ground, the track twists an unbelievable 270 degrees – what a rush! Riders then return to the station to begin regaling their friends with stories of the greatest ride of their lives.
Designed by world-renowned coaster manufacturer Intamin AG of Wollerau, Switzerland, Top Thrill Dragster is located directly between two other Cedar Point legends: the Magnum XL-200 and Millennium Force roller coasters. Top Thrill Dragster was voted an impressive No. 10 in the 2006 Golden Ticket awards for the "Best Steel Roller Coaster in the World" category. Riders must be at least 52 inches tall to ride Top Thrill Dragster.
May not accommodate Guests of
Exceptional Size.
Loose articles are not permitted on this ride.
Rider Safety Guide
- Loose articles of any kind are not permitted. Top Thrill Dragster, the first coaster to break the 400-foot-tall milestone, is termed a strata-coaster. Riders are launched out of the station reaching speeds of 120 mph in four seconds. Trains will travel up the 420-foot-tall hill at a 90 degree angle where the train will spiral 270 degrees in a free fall prior to crossing the finish line. Guests must be in good health to ride this ride. Lap bars must be positioned firmly against the pelvis and the muscular parts of the thighs. Seatbelts must be fastened and tightened securely. If your physical characteristics prevent the lap bar from functioning properly, or if your head cannot be supported by the seat back, you will not be permitted to ride. May not accommodate guests of exceptional size. Try the test seat at the ride entrance to ensure the seatbelt fastens and tightens one-half inch. Guests with prosthetic devices must contact the Park Operations Office prior to waiting in line or riding. Glasses must be secured with an athletic strap. Occasionally, a launched train will not clear the hill. You should not be concerned; the train will slowly return to the launch position and will be launched again. Warning: This ride contains strobe lighting. Guests using Special Access will enter via the exit.
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All The Details
Manufacturing
| Investment | $25 million |
| Manufacturer | Intamin AG of Wollerau, Switzerland |
Physical Dimensions
| Angle of Descent | 90 degrees |
| Lift Height | 420 feet |
| Track Length | 2,800 feet |
| Vertical Drop | 400 feet |
| Angle of Twist on Descent | 270 degrees |
| Angle of Lift Hill | 90 degrees |
Design
| Capacity | Approximately 1,500 riders per hour |
| Features | Hydraulic launch system
Magnetic braking system
Tiered seating on the coasters cars for better viewing (similar to stadium seating)
270-degree spiral on descent |
| Model | Launched out-and-back coaster |
| Speed | Approximately 120 mph |
| Structure | Steel tubular track |
| Color Scheme | Red and white alternating colored track on launch |
Vehicles
| Coaches | Six 18-passenger trains
Five cars on each train; three four-passenger and two two-passenger cars |
| Number of Trains | 6 |
| Train Colors | Black cherry; Indy green; fluorescent purple; cobalt blue; sunshine yellow; and sunset red |
| Vehicle Design | Fiberglass and steel coaches with individual lap bars, interlocking seat belts and padded head restraint systems. May not accommodate Guests of Exceptional Size. |
Ridership
| 2007 | 1,082,218 |
| 2006 | 994,531 |
| 2005 | 953,945 |
| 2004 | 943,313 |
| 2003 | 562,438 |
