So we took our annual trip to Cedar Point on Monday. It was a perfect day to go, kids are still in school, the park was virtually empty. Many of the big coasters had less than a 10 minute wait, and I don’t think we ever waited more than 20-30 minutes for anything.

We finally got to ride the Top Thrill Dragster, which was sweet. Last year it broke down on our day. And we were worried it was happening again. It was almost too perfect, we were right at the end of the line ready to board the ride when the group loaded up for the next shot sat stuck in the ready position. The controllers kept resetting the ride, but nothing happened! Finally they got it together and launched without incident.

I have to say, this was about the only ride I ever felt truly nervous about riding. Not since I was a little kid riding the Corkscrew for the first time have I known that feeling. Unless you really are a top fuel drag racer, or possibly a fighter pilot or astronaut, you will never experience acceleration like this. It’s true what others have said, it is almost over before you know whats going on, almost. The climb and descent last a little longer, so you can really enjoy the unique thrill of being blasted straight up, then straight back down. At 420 feet, the Dragster truly dwarfs anything else.

I really like the execution of the Dragster’s theme. There’s realistic engine revving played loudly as you queue up to take off, and a ‘christmas tree’ with lights telling you when you’re going to get launched. They even have a bleacher stand along the strip for an audience to watch.

As fast as the Dragster goes, its slightly amazing to remember that real top fuel dragsters leave it in the dust. A typical racer tops 300 mph at only a second or two more than the ride’s 4 seconds. I believe the record is about 335 mph in only 4.4 seconds, which is unbelievably fast.