Utilizing Technology

[BlackWidow]

I heard in an interview that Dick (Cedar Fair) declared that Top Thrill Dragster was their worst decision on a new ride to add to their parks because it only appeals to a certain age group, mainly risk seeking teenagers. Supposedly, he felt that this was bad because Cedar Fair likes to appeal to families. I find this interesting because when I was younger and went to the park with my parents, more often than not, they didn't ride the rides anyway, and I rode the coasters with my friends or older siblings. I think that although they make think that this coaster was a mistake, their reasoning seems a little off. I think that their actual mistake in building this coaster is in the lack of ability to power the technology behind the coaster, making it appear less reliable and too dangerous for even the riskiest of risk takers to ride.

[snuggles]

Something tells me that coasters never were meant to be made by steel. Brake levers and skid brakes for life!

[kraxleRIDAH]

I recall Kinzel stating the mistake stemming from all the technological issues that arose from such a technological push in the envelope -- it was more trouble and headache than it was actually worth. Dragster was solely designed and built to capture the height and speed records for a roller coaster (and by a long ways too), at the expense of a good well-rounded ride experience, only to be surpassed JUST two years later. I can completely understand why Kinzel stated Top Thrill Dragster was the worst business decision he's ever made.