Editorials: Raptor: a breakdown review

Posted at 4:05 PM EDT (2005 GMT)

May. 1st, 2004 -- Raptor is 10 years old and will operate for its 11th season starting May 8. Designed by Bolliger and Mabillard, this masterpiece soars through six inversions along 3,790 feet of track in two-and-a-half minutes.

For Raptor's 10th anniversary, Kyle L and Chip put together a two-sided review of the ride. You can find the link to Kyle's portion at the bottom of this review.

ThrillNetwork's Editor Kyle L takes us through a breakdown of the ride:

Raptor, an inverted roller coaster located at Cedar Point, has been getting rave reviews ever since its debut in 1994. Many people have ridden the coaster, and this year Raptor turns 10 years old. So, how does the ride compare to the other inverted roller coasters? ThrillNetwork editor Kyle L wrote a detailed review to give you the details about the infamous Raptor roller coaster at Cedar Point.

First Impression
At first, Raptor may not be as intimidating as the other roller coasters at Cedar Point. It’s not extremely tall, long, or new. Many guests may skip Raptor to ride Cedar Point’s larger coasters like Millennium Force, or Top Thrill Dragster. The one thing that will definitely catch your eye about Raptor is its location, as Raptor is the first major coaster that you will encounter while going along the main midway.
Convenience: Getting to Raptor is very simple, especially if you have just entered the park. The queue entrance is clearly labeled, and it’s easy to get in line and continue to cruise along the midway.
Visual Appeal: Raptor is cleverly placed along the midway, offering riders stellar views of Cedar Point’s grand entrance. The coaster also has nice grass underneath, and is nicely maintained. Several eating spots scatter along Raptor to provide some excellent viewing.
Overall: Walking into Cedar Point and seeing Raptor is pure eye candy. It adds a nice element to the whole midway, and is properly maintained. The ride is easy to get to, and is fun to look at and take pictures. First impressions of Raptor will not be low.

First Impression Score: 9/10

Coaster LayoutIt seems that most Bolliger & Mabillard coaster layouts are somewhat similar. Raptor breaks this rule by adding an array of different maneuvers and inversions. Asides from the loop, corkscrew, and zero g roll, Raptor was the first roller coaster to have a Cobra Roll, a two inversion element.
Inversion Layout: Some coasters will leave you sick by the end of the ride, but Raptor does a decent job of keeping the rider comfortable throughout the entire ride. The inversion layout is exceptionally planned and offers the rider a chance to breathe in-between inversions. The nice thing about Raptor is that the ride is all packed into a small area, yet still maintains an excellent inversion layout that provides excitement, thrill, and fun.
Turns, Helixes, Drops: The first drop on Raptor is a plummet you will not forget. Riders are taken up 137 feet, and then given a nice view of Lake Erie. Raptor then swoops riders down into the small strip of twisted metal. A ride on Raptor also provides stellar swooping turns, quick sharp jolts, and a very powerful helix at the end. Raptor does all this while maintaining a consistent flow that isn’t extremely nauseating.

Coaster Layout Score: 8.5/10

Coaster Flow
One of the most impressive factors about Raptor is the ride’s unique flow of inversions, elements, and turns. Raptor gives riders an interesting and smooth flow that provides a ride experience no rider can forget.
Inversion Flow: Tying the inversions into the flow of the overall coaster is extremely important. Raptor does an impressive job of keeping the rider thrilled, comfortable, and filled with adrenaline. Traditional inversions seen on many coasters are all included in Raptor, but not many inverted coasters twist and turn the inversions through other elements of the coaster.
Turns, Drops, and Helixes: Many describe Raptor’s conclusion as the most powerful ending they have ever ridden. Raptor provides this strong ending with a powerful 540-degree helix. Riders are tossed into a corkscrew, followed by a powerful downward helix that provides an epic ending. Aside from the helix, Raptor provides plenty of swooping drops, floating turns, and low-to-the ground sections.

Coaster Flow Score: 9/10

Lasting Appeal
Raptor not only provides a coaster ride you will never forget, Raptor also keeps you wanting more, much more! The smooth flow, and different array of inversions and elements keep coaster riders coming back for more. Each seat has a different effect, but the best seat by far is the front. Waiting for the front is worth it, no matter what the wait.
Marathons: Many rides on Raptor may be difficult for some people, but easy for others. I’m not talking about 3 or 4 times, I’m talking about riding it non-stop. Raptor won’t necessarily leave you dizzy or sick at the end, but some riders may have trouble with Raptor’s very last turn into the station. It whips you right into the station, often times slamming your ears into the harness. Many riders have found a way to avoid this though, prepare for it.
Fan Favorite: Raptor has earned an award for being a crowd favorite at Cedar Point. Riders have found Raptor to be one great inverted coaster; I can’t disagree!

Overall
Many people have given Raptor rave reviews, and the coaster definitely deserves them. Raptor provides riders with an excellent layout, an exciting flow of inversions, and does it all non-stop. One ride on Raptor and you will definitely agree!

Final Score for Raptor: 9/10

Read Chip's story here

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