Accelerate up to 120mph before climbing vertically 420ft and falling back to Earth in a dragster racing car themed train.
Accelerate up to 120mph before climbing vertically 420ft and falling back to Earth in a dragster racing car themed train.
| Theme Park | Cedar Point |
|---|---|
| Park Area | Gemini Midway |
| Type | Rollercoaster |
| Audience | Thrillseekers |
| Opened | 1 May 2003 (soft opening) 4 May 2003 (official opening) |
| Manufacturer | Intamin |
| Model | Accelerator Coaster |
| Height | 420 ft |
| Length | 2800 ft |
| Inversions | 0 |
| Max Speed | 120 mph |
| Duration | 30 seconds |
| Extras | Fast Lane Plus On-Ride Photos |
Top Thrill Dragster's ride sign with the top hat element behind
Top Thrill Dragster opened at Cedar Point in 2003, and at that time was the tallest rollercoaster in the world. It is one of only two strata (over 400ft tall) coasters, the other being Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure which is 36 feet taller.
It's an Intamin Accelerator coaster, and features a hydraulic launch system which propels the dragster car themed trains from 0 to 120 mph in 3.8 seconds. At the end of the launch track, the trains climb vertically up the ride's 420 foot high top hat element. After a brief moment at the top, it dives back down in a 270 degree twist. Levelling out, the train hits the magnetic brakes at the end of the ride.
Although short, Top Thrill Dragster is an incredible ride. The acceleration, speed and height combine into an amazing ride experience. Although similar Intamin Accelerator coasters with top hat elements exist at a few other parks, Top Thrill Dragster comes top of the list with everything in perfect balance.
The only downside to Top Thrill Dragster is its finickiness with weather. The ride closes at the mere hint of rain, storms or high winds. If there is even a tiny chance of that during a visit, I'd suggest riding as soon as you can.
Top Thrill Dragster sits on the Gemini Midway
The view from the queue
A train hitting the brake run
Brake run
Happy riders
Cresting the top hat
The Christmas Tree lights
A train about to launch
Top Hat
Top Thrill Dragster train
Inside the station
Riders ready to go
Looking up at the top hat
Top Thrill Dragster towers over Hotel Breakers
A real dragster car on display outside the ride exit
