The Final Launch - Wicked Twister
By Kayla Miller
September 6, 2021
Photo Credit: Kayla Miller
“Break the scream barrier” (cedarpoint.com) On May 5, 2002, Cedar Point launched their brand new coaster, Wicked Twister. When it opened it was the tallest and fastest impulse coaster in the world, manufactured by Intamin. On top of that, it was also the first of its kind to feature a twist on the back spike. This coaster features a total of 5 launches; the fastest launch being 72 mph. Overall, I have always found it to be a very enjoyable ride.
This summer I have gotten the opportunity to work at America’s rockin’ roller-coast. I was to ride Wicked Twister 35 times in my lifetime. When the season began, along with practically everyone else, I had no idea I was witnessing Wicked Twister’s last season. On my days off, I often found myself riding the impulse coaster. This was mostly due to the fact it almost always had the shortest wait in the park. However, there was a certain charm to the ride.
Photo Credit: Kayla Miller
Throughout the season I had heard multiple rumors from my co-workers and guests about the removal of Wicked Twister. I was always the one who insisted that Wicked Twister’s life was far from over at the park. I don’t think I will ever forget when Cedar Point made the announcement. I was working in the Guest Services office at the front of the park, my supervisor pulled the announcement video up on the computer and we all gathered around to watch. Sure enough, Wicked Twister was leaving Cedar Point on September 6, 2021.
Photo Credit: Cedar Point
Fast forward, what was it like to be there on Wicked Twister’s final day? I was lucky enough to be there. My roommate and I showed up at Cedar Point around 9:30am. At this point, the line stretched all the way to WindSeeker. By the time the queue was about to open at 11am the line had stretched all the way into a snail-like shape in the grass between Wicked Twister and WindSeeker. Nothing can describe the energy in the queue lines, everyone was excited and nostalgic over the coaster’s last day. After riding, there were associates standing at the exits handing out farewell buttons as guests left the ride. It was after our first ride that my roommate and I decided to purchase the regular fast lanes, this enabled me to ride a total of 10 times on its final day.
Photo Credit: Kayla Miller
At the end of the night, a large group of people had surrounded the station to watch the coaster on its final launches. I was lucky enough to ride the coaster on the second to last general public launch. After the regular queue line had finished filtering out, the final riders were able to board. These final riders were guests that were lucky enough to find a manager wearing the “golden ticket.” This ticket allowed them to reserve the final ride. The coaster ended its journey with a round of applause and cheering from the crowd. I can truthfully say that this coaster received the honorable send-off that it deserved.
Sources
https://www.cedarpoint.com/rides-experiences/wicked-twister
https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/wicked-twister
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