Cedar Point 2013: GateKeeper

Say hello to GateKeeper, Cedar Point's new world record breaking wing coaster!  The building excitement for the park to make their announcement reached a peak in the past few days, and today the Point delivered on their promise that both Disaster Transport and the Space Spiral were being removed for a good reason.

Here, check out this video the park has released to get a better idea of the ride:
Designed by Bolliger and Mabillard, the addition of GateKeeper will also require the park to build an all new entrance structure.  In total, the park will spend an amazing $30 million next near on the coaster and its associated projects.

“GateKeeper’s world-record-breaking statistics, incredible flying maneuvers and special elements make it a unique coaster experience,” stated Cedar Point General Manager John Hildebrandt. “GateKeeper is a roller coaster only Cedar Point can build and we are proud to add it to our incredible lineup of world-class attractions.”

© Cedar Point

Upon its opening, GateKeeper will break two world records; it will have the longest drop of any wing coaster at 164 feet, and the longest track length at 4,164 feet.  Starting from a station located generally where Disaster Transport still partially stands, the ride will climb to 170 feet on dual shades of blue colored track with white supports.  The trains will flip 180 degrees and dive down, hitting the maximum speed of 67 miles per hour.

An Immelmann inversion quickly greets the train, followed by a 105 foot tall camelback 'airtime' hill, then into a giant flat spin.  The park's new entrance will feature two tall towers that the train will slide through while inverting, a great use of a keyhole element we've seen on similar attractions.  And inclined dive loop, 360 degree in-line roll and helix finish out GateKeeper's course.

© Cedar Point

GateKeeper will be Cedar Point's 16th roller coaster, and its third designed by Bolliger and Mabillard.  It will utilize three 32 passenger trains to keep capacity at a theoretical amount of 1,710 riders per hour.

For more on the new ride, check out the official GateKeeper website.