#arrow dynamics

two Marriott coasters

Photo Sources: All photos are mine

Corkscrew at Cedar Point!

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Opened: 1976 Manufacturer: Arrow Dynamics Height: 85 ft (26 m) Speed: 48 mph (77 kph) Length: 2,050 ft (620 m) My most recent ride: 2022

Cedar Point's numerous coasters span all shapes and sizes, and with their legacy of record-breaking rides, they had to break their first records with something. That something was Corkscew, opening in 1976. Corkscrew was the first coaster to feature 3 inversions, and the first coaster to go over a footpath. These were big things for their time.

The key phrase there is "for their time." Corkscrew, nearing 50 years old at this point, is no longer the impressive feat it once was and is now just buried in Cedar Point's lineup. And as you can see from it's second-to-last placement on my list, I'm not a fan. The ride just doesn't do a whole lot for me. Like a lot of old Arrows, it's rough, jerky and uncomfortable, and overall is just outdated design-wise. The one bunny hill between the first drop and the loop doesn't really deliver any air, and the transition into the namesake corkscrews has always been jarring like on a lot of Arrow coasters.

My guess as to the main reasons as to why it's stuck around at Cedar Point for so long are: A) It's not an expensive ride to maintain. Arrow rides are robust, clearly as a lot of them have had pretty long lifespans. Since Corkscrew isn't very big, it doesn't put as much wear on its track and trains so it can just keep on going. And B) There's not a whole lot that could realistically replace it. Corkscrew's plot of land is super long and narrow, smack in the middle of the park. Wedged between the midway, Top Thrill 2, Power Tower and the Super Himalaya on one side, and a backstage area and Hotel Breakers on the other, there's not really a whole lot that could go there without taking some other rides out or making some other kind of major change to the area. Unless you put in some kind of shuttle coaster or just some smaller rides, I can't think of too much else that would fit there, meaning that (I'd imagine) it's not usually on Cedar Point's chopping block.

Finishing up with some positives, similar to Nighthawk, Corkscrew does pull some surprising forces. The last time I rode it, I remember being surprised at how forceful the loop was, as well as getting a bit of hang time on the corkscrews. I can also see Cedar Point keeping it around for it's icon status as the first triple inverting coaster, and it's iconic corkscrews over the midway. The ride really does look nice right in the center of the park. Lastly, it also works well as an introductory ride to someone going on a looping coaster for the first time before moving on to bigger things, so I guess there's a market for that too lol.

So that's the first out of 21 credits I have from Cedar Point. Where do the others land? You'll just have to wait to find out :3c

everyone: no you didn't

arrow dynamics: oops ur right okay. so here's this one and THIS is the tallest and biggest coaster ever!

everyone: no you didn't

arrow dynamics: lift hill?

arrow dynamics: #mylifthill