TR: Maverick / CP 5/29/07

[Delirium_Guy]

Amazed at the quick opening of Maverick, another trip to the Point was in order.....and fast. So yesterday we left around 630AM, bound for Sandusky yet again. We made a lot of pit stops, so we ended up arriving around 11AM. On the way in, we noticed a lot of buses in the lot so we feared a busy day. We also noticed one of the Maverick trains sidelined as we drove aroudn Perimeter Rd.

Let me start by saying that i had little expectations for Maverick. I thought it'd be a fun little ride, the layout certainly seemed pretty cool. I didn't have it pegged to have a lot of intensity to it. I couldn't have been more wrong.

We hopped in line around 1130, the queue was almost completely full. The sign promised a 1.5 hour wait, but it didn't matter.....we wanted to ride. They've utilized the old exterior queue for the former White Water Landing. This itself was a fairly large queue. The old loading station for White Water has been turned into a second queue house for Maverick before climbing the stairs into the newly built station for the ride. Through out the queue, western music is piped in. All upbeat. It really sets the mood for the entire area and builds the excitement as you wait to ride. The entire station area and exit area are both VERY well done. Nicely themed and very neatly done.

After about 45 minutes of waiting, we were actually almost through the queue. With 5 trains running, the line REALLY moves! They were consistantly hitting their interval as well. This was the first surprise....12 passenger trains CAN be a capacity machine. Unfortunately as we were about the start the climb up, the ride went down for about an hour. We chose to wait. It did re-open, this time with all six of the trains and we were quickly queued up.

My first ride was in back seat of the Sam train......the other trains being Ben, Beau, Brent, Bart and Bret. I pulled the harness down and we were dispatched. We hit the base of the lift and we were launched up the lift hill. Its so funny because the train hauls serious butt up to the top. Having ridden Mystery Mine and already having experience a beyond vertical drop, I really thought I knew what to expect. Holy cow. You get YANKED over the top and get some SERIOUS ejector air over the first drop. All hell breaks loose at this point.

It was here that I encountered my only head banging, despite my previous thoughts about the second half of the ride. The train barrels through the canyon much faster than I thought and before you know it you are heading over the first speed hill. Again, SERIOUS air time....absolutely on par and equal to the air that you get on the Ride of Steel coasters. WOW! Another quick turn and up into the first half of the Horshoe Roll. This element is taken at a great speed. Its actually really graceful and you get an awesome float as the train flips around. I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I was going to. At this point, the train barrels around the next turn and enters the tunnel.

The tunnel is themed to a rail road crossing, complete with the signs and whistles. The train VERY smoothly slows down but then without warning gets a HUGE burst of speed from the launch. It reminds me of Volcano's rolling launch....only a hell of a lot more intense. The tunnel itself is lined with lights that change color and flash before you burst out into the daylight. The climb out is lined with mag brakes, which I had heard slow the train pretty well. You could feel them, but before you coudl catch your breath you were diving over the water and into the new S-Curve.

Honestly, now I understand why the heartline was removed. The train flies through the section at an unusually high speed....it has to be booking at 50+ still at this point. The rest of the ride I feared was going to suck with the OTSRs, but it was actually SMOOTH. its hard to describe what happens, as the entire last part of the ride is a blur. The Stengel Dive near the end was absolutely breathtaking and the very last air hill was once again loading with serious air time. WOW.

Maverick is an OUTSTANDING ride IMHO. Its taken a lot of my favorite moments from Intamin rides and put them in one ride. Its non stop from beginning to end and there is NO chance of catching your breath. It somewhat reminds me of Voyage in this aspect, just balls to the wall intensity all the way through. The launch is amazing, the air time extreme, the pacing is relentless and fast. Its definitely my favorite ride at Cedar Point.....don't worry Magnum we still love you too. Amazingly, the ride also ranks among my top steel coasters EASILY.

We got 4 rides through out the day. I'm very impressed with the capacity the ride is capable of producing.

The rest of the Park was actually pretty empty. We waited about 30 minutes for both MF and Dragster. We took a spin on Magnum near the end of the night, since it is still operating with only one train. Ride was funning fabulous as it always does, only with the trim brakes turned on in the pretzel loop (wonder why). We rode all the coasters actually except for Mine Ride, Wild Cat and Iron Dragon. Even took a spin on Thunder Canyon, god it was cold. Another fantastic day at the Point.

Maverick rocks!

- Todd

[BoddaH1994]

I should have gone with you... stupid work. haha

You'd better go again... cuz I'm comin'!

[Dane]

You forgot to say anything about Maverics queue lines awesome music which ultimately kept us in line.

[Delirium_Guy]

You forgot to say anything about Maverics queue lines awesome music which ultimately kept us in line.

Well, yeah! Actually, James and I were discussing that last night....we actually DID enjoy the queue music just for the fact that it kept with the theme and kinda built an anticipation for the ride.

Ryan, yeah, you should have gone....I thought you were looking a little sick before we left yesterday morning. Surely you couldn't have been too useful at Best Buy. Never fear, I'm already cravin' some more Maverick so you'll get your ride!

- Todd

[BoddaH1994]

Long story short for the everyone:

Dane and I are obviously very good friends, yet we live well over 100 miles away so we rarely get to see eachother unless it's at KI. Well, he was invited to go to CP with Todd and his crew, who live about 20 minutes from me. I was originally going to go over there for a few hours the night before they left just to say hi and hang out with everyone. Well, I was on my way there to meet Dane when he called me asking me to hurry over because it was so "awkward" because he got there and everyone who was going on the trip was asleep when he got there. Long story short, I ended up hanging out with Dane until they left around 6:30. The reason why I was looking "sick" was because I had stayed up all night and was pretty darn tired at that point. Well worth it though, at least I got to say hi to everyone and got to hang out with Dane.

[The Interpreter]

And this is the day I was going to get to the Point, but numerous factors kept me from it this time. I am really looking forward to this baby!

Thanks, Todd, for your great review. I guess my Cedar Point Maxx pass (yes, you read that right...don't ask) is going to get a workout this summer after all. Eventually.

Can't come soon enough.

Everyone was asleep? Nah. Like I've never had THAT happen! Stricker's, anyone?

[ZosoBeast]

I got to ride Maverick on Monday and I agree! I had no idea that coaster was going to have such a serious punch as it did. It is an AWESOME ride!

As for the line, I was really shocked how fast it goes. The sign said 2 hours for us but it took no more than an hour. They had all 6 trains running.

[bozz]

Nice trip report and review........Maverick by all the reviews I have read may be everybody's new #1 coaster.........amazing.........I even heard some say its better and more intense than MF and TTD.....(sorry not a Maggie fan here......too rough for me.....much like Voyage)........hey how would you compare it to the Mystery Mine ride.......better ??........much better ?? or what ?.........can't wait we are heading to CP in a week for a few days............oh also you guys be sure to check out the new COASTERBUZZ.COM..... PODCAST..........they talk about Firehawk (warning ...they are not fans of that ride) and Maverick of which they give one detail and very excellent review on.............you will enjoy it........it really movtivated me !!!!!

[Browntggrr]

That............is...............difficult...........to...............read.

............have..........a............nice.............day.

[Delirium_Guy]

Nice trip report and review........Maverick by all the reviews I have read may be everybody's new #1 coaster.........amazing.........I even heard some say its better and more intense than MF and TTD.....(sorry not a Maggie fan here......too rough for me.....much like Voyage)........hey how would you compare it to the Mystery Mine ride.......better ??........much better ?? or what ?.........can't wait we are heading to CP in a week for a few days............oh also you guys be sure to check out the new COASTERBUZZ.COM..... PODCAST..........they talk about Firehawk (warning ...they are not fans of that ride) and Maverick of which they give one detail and very excellent review on.............you will enjoy it........it really movtivated me !!!!!

Well, from what I can interpret from your post....

Maverick can't really be compared to Mystery Mine. Mystery Mine is a great attraction which focuses more on the theme and story. That ride is just a blast, but not so much intense. Maverick is just intensity all the way through. The first drop was quite the experience and I thought the "beyond vertical" part of it was a lot more effective than on Mystery Mine. Again, I'm a huge lover of MM too but the two rides can't be compared.

Funny thing is, you say some place Maverick as their new #1 coaster. My #1 steel coaster has been Superman Ride of Steel at Six Flags New England for 7 years now. Nothing has came close to even bumping that baby out of the way. Right now, I'm honestly having to reconsider that myself. Maverick really is THAT good.

I can see why some may not be Firehawk fans. Me personally, I've always loved the ride. I think its running quite well at KI, if only they can get both trains up and get the kinks worked out. Its a great addition and the crowds really seem to be eating it up.

- Todd

[flightoffear1996]

I might be going up to Cedar Point this weekend to try out Maverick. If I do I will be sure to bring back some video.

[Gordon Bombay]

Great report Todd! Reading that makes me really pumped for next week. As a graduation present to ourselves myself and 4 friends will be going up to CP on Monday and Tuesday. I knew Maverick was going to be good, but wow I had no idea it would be as good as everyone says it is. We're staying at Breaker's Express and on our 2nd day at the park we get some Joe Cool pass or whatever to get into the park early, does anyone know if Maverick has been opening on time or early for Joe Cool?

[Browntggrr]

^Are you going for two full days?

If so, call BE and explain that you understand that you cannot check in early on Monday, but you still would like to be able and get into the park early with Joe Cool. I have asked in the past and have had no problems.

The trick is, now you have to get to the park early Monday.

As far as Maverick opening for Joe Cool, it's a crap shoot. New ride. New day. New problems.

[flightoffear1996]

I am just wondering with the KI Max pass to get into Cedar Point you have to use a special entrance? Where is that entrance located at?

[Browntggrr]

^The Breakers entrance (Magnum) does have a small customer service office with it. I would think that you could enter there.

But just to CYA, I would call ahead first just to be sure.

[Gordon Bombay]

^Are you going for two full days?

If so, call BE and explain that you understand that you cannot check in early on Monday, but you still would like to be able and get into the park early with Joe Cool. I have asked in the past and have had no problems.

The trick is, now you have to get to the park early Monday.

As far as Maverick opening for Joe Cool, it's a crap shoot. New ride. New day. New problems.

Were getting there at around 10am when the park opens on monday, my friend made and paid for the reservations so we're supposed to check in at 10:30p.m. that night and checking out I think the next morning. I've been working like crazy so my friend has been planning the trip, will we still be able to do the Joe Cool thing like that? We were planning on using Joe Cool for tuesday.

[Delirium_Guy]

I am just wondering with the KI Max pass to get into Cedar Point you have to use a special entrance? Where is that entrance located at?

Well, can't vouch for the front entrance, but the procedure at the Magnum gate is that you must go up to the ticket window and tell them you have a KI Maxx Pass. At this point, they will open a door to the left marked Employees Only and you will go in to present your pass. All they do is have sign your name and check the box for the Park that you are from. Its a simple process, though it'd be nice if it were like Six Flags....where your pass scans at the turnstyles at ALL parks. Its the same process for those of you who currently work at KI, you will need to do the same thing.

I'd highly recommend parking at the Magnum gate. Its a quick and easy walk back to Maverick from there, although Magnum is always so tempting just sitting right there :-)

- Todd

[Browntggrr]

I've been working like crazy so my friend has been planning the trip, will we still be able to do the Joe Cool thing like that? We were planning on using Joe Cool for tuesday.

Yes. As long as you are staying at a CP resort, you will get a Joe Cool card. If they don't give it to you, be sure to ask for it.

[flightoffear1996]

How do you even get back to the Magum lot. I have always just parked in the gaint main lot.

[Delirium_Guy]

How do you even get back to the Magum lot. I have always just parked in the gaint main lot.

When you pull up to the parking tolls, be sure to get in the far left lane. Look for the signs that point you back to the resorts (Camper Village, Marina, Breakers). You'll be driving along Perimeter Rd which circles the entire park, so you'll get a nice view of pretty much all the coasters. Once you get around to Magnum, there is a security booth. Just before that there is an entrance to the Soak City parking lot, then there ya go.

- Todd

[Gordon Bombay]

I've been working like crazy so my friend has been planning the trip, will we still be able to do the Joe Cool thing like that? We were planning on using Joe Cool for tuesday.

Yes. As long as you are staying at a CP resort, you will get a Joe Cool card. If they don't give it to you, be sure to ask for it.

Awesome, thanks for the help Brown.

[flightoffear1996]

I don't understand why they can't just scan the pass and let you in.

[Browntggrr]

^ I am willing to bet that CP and KI have different types of scanning systems.

Making all the parks have one universal system would be rather expensive.

I don't remember which year it was, but I was unable to use my Paramount (KI) pass at PKD. I had to sign in as well. I would rather see CF spend money on improving the parks before they solve this minor inconvienence issue.

[Delirium_Guy]

^ I am willing to bet that CP and KI have different types of scanning systems.

Making all the parks have one universal system would be rather expensive.

I don't remember which year it was, but I was unable to use my Paramount (KI) pass at PKD. I had to sign in as well. I would rather see CF spend money on improving the parks before they solve this minor inconvienence issue.

They definitely have two different systems. Cedar Point has always the more outdated process for doing passes, thats no secret. I'm like you though, anytime we went to a different Paramount Park we always had to check in at GR and receive a ticket. Six Flags is the only one that allows you to go Park to Park and scan your pass at the gate. In any event, its only a small setback. It only takes a few minutes to get through and into the park. No big deal.

- Todd

[BoddaH1994]

I know that in the past it instructed you to stop by GR and receive a ticket at the old Paramount Parks, but I'm wondering if that was the case at KI the past few years. Using your Maxx pass at KI is actually a rather complected process if you think about it since we are merging several different system and throwing in a new process just for fun.

[The Interpreter]

Last year, my Carowinds pass would NOT scan at Kings Island.

They said it would. It never did. Not even once.

Cedar Point's scanning system does NOT bring up your picture. The photo on the pass is all they got to go by. And it certainly won't bring up pictures from legacy Paramount Parks.

And I must point out, not only does your Six Flags pass scan at any Six Flags park, a Six Flags pass from any US Six Flags dry park will get you in any Six Flags dry park in the USA or Canada, at NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE, and a season parking pass from any Six Flags park EXCEPT Kentucky Kingdom is good at ALL Six Flags parks in the USA or Canada.

There's a lesson in there somewhere....

[Delirium_Guy]

Last year, my Carowinds pass would NOT scan at Kings Island.

They said it would. It never did. Not even once.

Cedar Point's scanning system does NOT bring up your picture. The photo on the pass is all they got to go by. And it certainly won't bring up pictures from legacy Paramount Parks.

And I must point out, not only does your Six Flags pass scan at any Six Flags park, a Six Flags pass from any US Six Flags dry park will get you in any Six Flags dry park in the USA or Canada, at NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE, and a season parking pass from any Six Flags park EXCEPT Kentucky Kingdom is good at ALL Six Flags parks in the USA or Canada.

There's a lesson in there somewhere....

A couple of points I'd like to add also.....

When presenting a Maxx Pass at Cedar Point, they also do not ask for photo i.d. Anyone could use your pass to enter the park on that day.

The Six Flags pass is the best deal around, even the parking pass. Although you have to pay for parking when entering the lot at SFKK (they do not own their parking lot) all you have to do is present your parking pass at Guest Relations and they will give you your $5 back!

- Todd