Wanda Hartman's Blog: Cedar Point’s Valravn Dive Coaster is Exhilarating

Cedar Point Raptor and Valravn

I don’t know a bigger Cedar Point enthusiast than my 3-year-old daughter. We can’t even watch Despicable Me 2 without a high-pitched shriek when the amusement park scene appears. “Loooooook! Cedar Point!” The only thing holding her back from being the biggest Cedar Point enthusiast is her 39″ height, which prohibits her from riding any coaster other than the Woodstock Express.

That was just one of the reasons for her disappointment when she found out the mommy and daddy were invited to Cedar Point [without her] for the world premiere of the newest coaster, Valravn.

Valravn at Cedar Point - Dive Coaster breaks 10 records

It was a perfect date night (even though I retired from coasters that venture upside down after I started getting migraines a few years ago). Let’s just say LeBron James knows how to throw a party (no he wasn’t there since there’s a pretty important event going on called the Playoffs).

Cedar Point Valravn Opening Weekend

The Valravn First Rider Benefit was a fundraiser for The LeBron James Family Foundation in Akron. There were so many happy kids with huge smiles as they were among the first riders of Valravn. I however, did not have a big smile on my face looking at the coaster (only when devouring the unlimited crab legs), but a look of terror. To those of you who get a thrill from coasters, this one doesn’t disappoint, according to my husband who rode it 3x last night.

Cedar Point's Valravn Dive Coaster is "Exhilarating!"

So what are the stats? Valravn, Cedar Point’s 18^th roller coaster, shatters an impressive 10 world records, including:

Tallest Dive Coaster (223 feet)
Fastest Dive Coaster (75 mph)
Longest Dive Coaster (3,415 feet)
Most Inversions on a Dive Coaster (3)
Longest Drop on a Dive Coaster (214 feet)
Highest Inversion on a Dive Coaster (165 feet)
Most Roller Coasters Taller Than 200 Feet at One Amusement Park (5)
Most Rides at One Amusement Park (71)
Most Steel Roller Coaster Track at One Amusement Park (52,125 feet/9.9 miles)
Most Roller Coaster Track at One Amusement Park (60,110/11.4 miles)

And while not a record, it’s worth noting that 3-row train pauses before dropping, holding everyone for four seconds as they stare straight down (we’re talking 90-degree angle).

Cedar Point 2016 Season

Cedar Point opens for the season tomorrow, May 7. This weekend, coaster enthusiasts will have the chance to take flight during Valravn World Premiere Weekend. The red carpet will be rolled out, spotlights aimed into the sky will signify that it’s time to ride and even the paparazzi will be on hand to capture images of those guests brave enough to #Dare2Dive. Plus, the Cedar Point Street Team will be in the park surprising guests with VIP upgrades and giveaways, including opportunities to “eat like a king,” “shop like a king” and “game like a king.”

Cedar Point is open for Valravn World Premiere Weekend on May 7 and 8. The park is then closed May 9 – 12 and reopens for daily operation on Friday, May 13. More information on Valravn World Premiere Weekend can be found online at cedarpoint.com.