Rougarou! Cedar Point Announces New Ride [Video]
Cedar Point has just unveiled the amusement park’s newest ride: Rougarou. Cedar Point assures park visitors that the Rougarou, named after the werewolf-like being in French folklore, “feeds on screams” and will “take riders on an epic journey at speeds reaching 60 mph as their feet dangle just inches above the track and the murky waters below.”
Some Cedar Point fans are skeptical of the Rougarou, because the ride repurposes the existing track of the Mantis. The Mantis was a popular stand-up roller coaster that was added to Cedar Point in 1996. It declined in popularity after the novelty wore off. According to Mantis critics, it was just too rough of a ride. The Mantis featured a 145-foot hill followed by four inversions. The Rougarou, according to Cedar Point, will still feature that same track and structure, but it will be an entirely different roller coaster experience.
FYI: #Rougarou will run 3 trains, which means high capacity, which means a fast-moving line!
— Tony Clark (@TonyClarkCP) September 19, 2014
“So you’re replacing the ride trains, painting it and giving it a new name, and calling it a new ride,” one unimpressed social media user asked on the Cedar Point Facebook page.
Because you can’t quite see it from the midway, here’s a look at the new track color. I. Love. Orange. #Rougarou pic.twitter.com/qa514LQCIy
— Tony Clark (@TonyClarkCP) September 19, 2014
The new ride will be completely different from the Mantis though, according to Cedar Point. It will feature all new sit-down trains. Plus, you will absolutely need to hold on to your sandals come spring if you plan to ride the Rougarou because the new ride will have no floor, and passengers’ feet will dangle above the track and murky lagoon below.
Susan Glaser of The Plain Dealer also questioned Cedar Point’s decision to call the Rougarou a “new” ride.
“The same track with new ride cars: Does that make Rougarou a new ride for Cedar Point,” Glaser asked, but Cedar Point is assuring park visitors they won’t be disappointed in the Rougarou.
“Rougarou is going to be a fantastic addition to our coaster lineup and our guests are going to love it,” Jason McClure, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point, said, according to Fox 17. “With the swampy waters below, the vibrant colors of the supports and track, lighting and other effects, it will be a ride like no other at the park.”
NEW in 2015! #cedarpoint announces plans for new caster #Rougarou http://t.co/XONwMT9Pav pic.twitter.com/767SkXnD5W
— Paul (@pbscls) September 19, 2014
Mantis lovers or old park goers suddenly filled with nostalgia over the decades-old Mantis will need to line up in Sandusky, Ohio soon for one last fling with old coaster. Cedar Point says the Mantis will retire forever in October.
Take a virtual ride on Cedar Point’s Rougarou by watching this POV video tour and leave your comments below. Will you be eager to try the Rougarou when the gates of Cedar Point re-open next spring?
