GateKeeper — Attraction in Sandusky

Another coaster I didn't expect to like as much as I did, was GateKeeper, my first ever wing coaster. I have to say this ride particularly stuck out to me as probably the best presented coaster at Cedar Point. When you walk through the front gate, this thing just looms over to give you a clear view of what the ride had to offer, and what it offered was not to disappoint. A wing coaster is basically when you sit on either side of the track with nothing above or below you. This is a great concept because you can really take advantage of it by using near-miss elements and such. When you get to the top of the lift, the view is unbelievable and the fact that they put this coaster right up against the beach adds to the awesomeness. Then you head into this sweet wing over drop where it flips you over and then you fall. In and out of these swooping inversions and into the main near miss element that passes over the entrance. The train passes through two keyhole towers. Everyone goes nuts over this element and I have to say I was a bit underwhelmed. I still thought it was cool but I didn't tuck my arms in fear. You then go through a couple more inversions, into a helix and then you hit the breaks. The one word I can use to describe this ride, is cool. This is a cool ride. It may not be the smoothest but it doesn't need to be. You are going to have fun either way. I'd say this is definitely...

I know some people have their own complaints about GateKeeper, and that's totally fine, but this is one of my favorite coasters at Cedar Point. I remember how the park's entrance changed with its addition, and it is one of the most intimidating but aesthetically graceful roller coasters I've seen.

Now onto the ride experience. It's situated in the most perfect spot right along the beach, and offers some truly stunning views of Lake Erie. The wingover drop is the perfect start into a ride that truly simulates flight. While Raptor mercilessly carries you through the air at breakneck speeds and rapid transitions, GateKeeper feels tamer despite being taller and faster. However, the elements offer some great hang time - especially the two inversions incorporated into the "keyholes."

I'm a skinny guy, so the vest-style restraints aren't too restrictive for me, but I they can be slightly uncomfortable at times. There's rarely a wait for this thing even though it's a newer ride, but it's Cedar Point, so therefore it's a B-list coaster. This coaster is a great one to introduce newer/younger thrill seekers to larger-scale rides with inversions without worrying about the intensity/intimidation factors on rides like Maverick, Raptor,...

I have been on this ride so many times and every time is always better. The ride is really smooth with no jerking. The seats are comfortable and make you feel very secure, and there are a lot of loops and upside down moments. The first time I went on, I closed my eyes, but since I had become addicted, I went on a lot more and when I opened my eyes the experience was even more fun than it was with my eyes closed. The wait to get in isn't too bad, it takes a while but I would definitely recommend going on it after nine p.m. because then it is way less busy. If you go before that it will take maybe ten to fifteen minutes to get on more or less. It might not go as high as some of the other rides but it is just as awesome and it is almost like the perfect ride. Not too high but just high enough that you look down and break a sweat in panic. It doesn't jerk you around so you won't have to wear a neck brace the rest of the trip. Really comfy seats that you slide downward into, and a feeling that leaves you wanting more. Which in fact is totally possible since the wait time is not...