This ride doesnt have a rudimentary chain lift as does most 'coasters. It features a Hydrolic Launch system that gives the train its kinetic energy to have it complete it's course. Not only that, the enhanced safty features (being that there are 5 trains on the track 3500' track, and three of which out side of the station) that makes TTD a technical marvel. There are 4 block brake sections, and the station platform makes 6. Every train has anit-roll back brake fins mounted on the bottom and on the sides of the train. Once your train launch, the reverse polarized brakes pop into place. If your train doesnt get enough energy to reach the top-hat, gravity will pull you backwards, and the brakes will slow you down befoe you goes carreening into the station. Once your train clears the top hat, however, the train behind it moves into the charging area, where the hydrolic pumps re-charges itself. Simple, eh?
I truely love TTD, but the wait was hella long. 3 1/2 hour wait. No TV's. No Music. Just you, your party, and the 1,000,000 other ppl waiting on line. Not to menton, i had downed 2 refills of soda before entering the queue, and I had to pee very badly. Not that I was nervous, you know. ;-)
I like the system at CP. At their major attractions, they have ride attendents checking you as well as lockers set up right at the base of the queue. Another awsome thing they had there that i wish all theme parks would have is a second queue set up for people who are waiting their party to arrive. I hate it when i am standing in line, and a group of people pass me because they have a friend/ family member up ahead.
'Dragster was amazing!! I know I cant say that enough. Although CP and all of the advertizing propaganda says TTD is 120mph, the train actually goes anywhere from 122-130. There is a laser sighted radar gun that tracks the speed of the train. While you are in the queue, there is a digital readig of every train that passes. What I liked most about TTD is the dual on ride photo op. The cameras are placed at the initial launch, and right after the 270 degree spral drop.
Theming? TTD was loaded with appropriate theming. From the unique dragster-like trains, to the red and white racing strips, to the red, red, red, yellow, green racing lights that flash when your train is ready to blast off, to the loud fabricated tire screech when the car begins the course. They even built a stadium for ppl in the audience to sit in to watch as trains zoom by. AHHH, TTD!!!!
The speed of this ride is a hard pill to swallow. On highways, etc, you sorta know how fast 65+mph is, and how it feels. but going 120-130 mph? Yeah, you are being launched, and everything arounds you smears cartoon like, but is this how 120+ mph feels?
In retrospect, you feel the positive g's as you climb the vertical incline. The real thrill is when you are at the top of the top hat, and your train slows down to a crawl. You can damn near see right into Canada!! I dont remember any negative G's btw. A steady free fall, and a sick vertical spiral. (You reach 120+mph twice on the ride.) Another camel hump where you are thrown over a hill at 120 would have been a very very nice addition.
In short, the launch was smooth. Upon reaching the top hat, everything got eerily quiet, and after seeing a few trains not make it over was very nerve racking for me. Going over the top hat, and spirling back to earth was very moving for me. Great ride, not my favorite ride. 3 1/2 hours is too long to wait to ride a 40 second coaster, regardless how great it is.
Top Hat - The highest section of a track where the train goes up, twists, over, twists again, and ges down. very unlike a camel hump where the train would go up and over with no twists.
