2010 Best Theme Park Attraction nominee: Cedar Point's Maverick

January 26, 2010, 10:18 AM · Enough with the Orlando parks, okay? Today, let's turn the spotlight back north to America's Roller Coast, as Cedar Point's Maverick joins the 2010 Best Theme Park Attraction Tournament as the ninth seed in the Best Roller Coaster bracket.

Cedar Point's Maverick

This Intamin AG custom coaster opened in 2007, sporting a 100-foot, 95-degree initial drop. When the coaster began testing, it also featured a heartline roll after the tunnel, but high stress on the trains at that point ultimately led to the element's removal. (There's just a section of straight track in that place now.)

I'll turn things over to TPI reader Erin B, who offers this great comment on Maverick: "While Maverick may look tame to some, due to its small size, the ride is anything but. This coaster packs some nice speed and surprising elements into a tiny package. Take a ride in the very last seat if you really want to get whipped around. Also, I'd recommend holding on during this ride. My first few rides with my arms in the air left me with bruises for the next few days."

Take a (video) ride for yourself and judge:

What's your take on Maverick? Is the coaster good enough to make a deep run in this year's tournament? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments.

Replies (11)

January 26, 2010 at 1:21 PM · I'm obviously biased, but this ride is great and I definitely think it deserves to go far. It was refreshing when CP added something that wasn't a record breaker or a one-trick pony, and I'd definitely rank this as my number 2 coaster [second to my beloved Magnum -- I'm a sucker for a classic out & back full of airtime]. Here's to hoping Maverick has a good showing!
January 26, 2010 at 2:44 PM · Ya Maverick should go far. Like it was already said, when your standing in line looking at the trains going around the track, they dont look they they are moving very fast and acutally kind of looks boring. But once you get on the ride its a totally different story. It feels twice as fast when your on it, its really hard to explain actully, you just gotta ride it for yourself. Its a crazy awesome ride! And I agree, the very last seat is the best ride of the train!
January 26, 2010 at 4:53 PM · Worst. Restraints. Ever.
January 26, 2010 at 5:58 PM · Erin B. -

Looks like I found my coaster soul mate. I'm an out-and-back lover, and Maverick is, to me, easily the best roller coaster at CP.

January 26, 2010 at 6:51 PM · What I enjoy about Maverick most is the fact that it never seems to stop and give you a chance to breathe. It is non-stop twists, turns, just an incredible experience.
January 26, 2010 at 6:56 PM · Very nice to look at and great for the space it was made for BUT rode it once and only once! Bruises and pain -- and I am not a weenie. Have been too chicken to try again -- has it gotten any better?
January 26, 2010 at 7:45 PM · Yeah I think this one will go far. It's becoming extremely popular with Cedar Point fans. If they show up to vote, they'll vote for this one, at least until or unless it goes against Millennium Force. Even then it has a chance to win.
January 26, 2010 at 8:08 PM · Probably the 2nd best coaster at CP. Maverick will win the first round match, but probably has no chance in the second round. Maverick is a great coaster though.
January 26, 2010 at 8:24 PM · Props for good coaster taste, Joshua.

For those who have walked away from this ride in pain, I recommend leaving your legs some breathing room between the restraints and holding on to the handgrips/whatever you want to call them. It's a fast, wild ride and holding on will make things much more enjoyable. Also try moving with the track to avoid any headbanging.

January 27, 2010 at 2:54 PM · It was mentioned above that the heart-line roll was replaced by a straight away. In fact it is replaced by a slightly banked s-curve that is one of the most intense/awesome parts of the ride. It is the best ride at Cedar Point and should make it to the end. Nothing is like it, nothing.
January 30, 2010 at 9:36 AM · Definitely a fun ride, but I agree, it's very rough. I think it has gotten worse as the years begin to roll by. The first year was the best. Now, it's painful. I've tried leaving some breathing room with the restaints and I always hold on. Either way, the restraint gets tighter and crushes my thighs. Rough on the shoulders too.

This article has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.

Park tickets

Weekly newsletter

New attraction reviews

News archive