I Rode the #Valravn at Cedar Point and Lived to Tell the Tale #IPromise to #Dare2Dive #Partner5/7/2016 ***Disclosure: As a Cedar Point Blogger, I received complimentary admission to this event as well as information to share. All opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***
I have a VERY exciting announcement to make. I am literally giddy as I type this. No, really. I am. My kids are actually looking at me funny since I have a huge smile on my face.
I am a Cedar Point Blogger! Yippee! Now for those of you who aren't familiar with Cedar Point, I will tell you a little bit about this fabulous park, also known as "The Rollercoaster Capital of the World". Cedar Point is located in lakefront, Sandusky, Ohio. It's an easy drive from my home in the Akron area, and it's definitely the most amazing theme park I've ever been to. Cedar Point has something to offer every member of the family, from the world's most thrill-inducing coasters to rides that even the smallest members of the family can enjoy. They are also home to a fantastic water park, deluxe hotel accommodations at Breakers, and it's all nestled right on the shores of Lake Erie. As a Cedar Point Blogger, I will be attending different park events, and will have plenty of fun news to share. The first event of the season was the Valravn First Rider Benefit for the LeBron James Family Foundation. The LeBron James Family Foundation exists to help disadvantaged youth in LeBron's hometown of Akron, OH. (I live in a neighboring city, so this is in my neck of the woods!) The focus is to offer these great kids the tools they need to be good citizens, finish school, and reach for their dreams. Sounds awesome, right? During the Valravn First Rider Benefit, we not only got to mingle with some of these deserving kiddos who were in attendance, we also got to be among the first to ride the brand new Valravn coaster! About the Valravn :
The time has come for guests to face their fears face first when the new Valravn dive coaster opens to the public on Saturday and Sunday, May 7 and 8 for Valravn World Premiere Weekend.
Cedar Point’s 18th roller coaster stands an impressive 223 feet above the midway featuring one of the most unique elements on any roller coaster – the hold and dive. As guests crest the massive lift hill, they’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of Lake Erie and the world-famous Cedar Point skyline. Then, the train pauses before dropping, holding its passengers for four seconds as they stare down at the journey before them. Once released from Valravn’s grasp, riders will reach a top speed of 75 mph as they’re flipped head-over-heels through three inversions and will also plummet in a second dive toward the ground. Valravn is the signature 100th roller coaster designed by the world-renowned, creative masters at Bolliger & Mabillard (B & M) in Monthey, Switzerland. Valravn’s mere presence at Cedar Point shatters an impressive 10 world records, including:
“Valravn continues our legacy of world-class roller coasters at Cedar Point,” said Jason McClure, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point. “The riding experience has exceeded our expectations, and we cannot wait for our guests to get their first rides on the king of all dive coasters this summer.”
If those photos aren't amazing enough, check out this POV video of the Valravn. You can see exactly what it would be like to be in the front row of this beast of a coaster! Please be warned: This is NOT for the faint of heart!
Our Experience at the event :
What a great way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! We hopped in the car and headed out to Cedar Point to attend the Valravn First Rider Benefit for the LeBron James Family Foundation.
When we arrived, there was loads of excitement in the air as we waited in line to check-in. Once we got to the head of the line, we received these fancy looking invitations. Inside was a card, which had the name of a bird-related movie. The movie listed on your invitation dictated when your turn to ride the Valravn was. Gotta keep things orderly, right?
We also received these beautiful, commemorative plaques that show we were among the first to brave the Valravn. My kids are super jealous right now!
There was an official opening ceremony where we heard from Cedar Point employees and members of the LeBron James Family Foundation. LeBron himself had a video announcement for the event, too! We were hoping he would have been in attendance, but a little birdie told me that the Cavs are doing quite well, so he had some Playoff games he needed to attend to. That's okay, though. We understand, King James! (GO CAVS!)
There were some really great foods being served at this event, too. Outside of the Valravn gates, we enjoyed Walking Tacos and Cedar Point's famous fries.
Inside the gates, closer to the ride itself, there were more sophisticated options like shrimp cocktail, various sides and salad, and I believe there was even some roast beef or Prime Rib being served. Nice touch, Cedar Point! They sure do know how to show appreciation to their guests!
The coaster, though.....Ahh, the coaster. The Valravn was definitely the star of the event. I have to admit, I was more than a little scared. For one, I have never been on a coaster this fast, this steep, or this tall. Also, I was a little worried that since I just ate Walking Tacos loaded with Chili and Nacho Cheese, we might end up having some unpleasant......issues. (Thankfully, that didn't happen!)
Check out my Instagram video below to see just how insane that first drop is. Holy moly, folks! That is one serious drop!
I'm not going to lie here. It took me some time to work up my courage. Like I said, this is by far the scariest, most foreboding coaster I've ever ridden, so I had to put on my Big Girl Panties and get tough.
Dan, my husband, was scared, too. I wasn't alone. But as we waited in line, we watched other riders make their trek up that gigantic hill, and our fear turned to excitement. It was especially neat when the sun went down, and the coaster lit up. I love how pretty Cedar Point is after dark!
I am actually very proud of myself. I kicked my very present anxiety to the curb, and I walked right up to the Valravn, sat down, and prepared for the ride of my life.
We were in the center car, and thankfully, I didn't have an outside seat. Dan didn't get so lucky. I don't know why, but sitting on the outside edges just seems scarier to me than having a seat in the middle of the row. The ride was AMAZING. I am SO GLAD I worked up the courage to get on! Yes, the hill is nuts. Yes, the drops are terrifying. Yes, it's fast. VERY fast. Yes, you get turned upside-down, zip around frightening curves, and you definitely get a scare. However, this steel beast is one of the smoothest coasters I've ever ridden, so you don't get jerked around like crazy. It's one heck of a thrill, but it's a very fluid, non-violent thrill. The smoothness of the ride definitely made the Valravn tolerable. I should also mention, if you're brave enough to keep your eyes open, you can get some amazing views of not only Cedar Point, but of Lake Erie as well. It's truly breathtaking! We rode the Valravn right at sunset, and the view was absolutely spectacular.....It was followed by a drop that made my heart enter my throat, but that's half the fun, right?
Here we are, right after riding the fastest, tallest, longest dive coaster in the world. My hair is a mess because it's windblown, my adrenaline is still pumping through my veins, and I got something in my eye, so it's watering like crazy and I have a trail of mascara running down my cheek, but I LIVED. I survived the Valravn at Cedar Point!
Will YOU #Dare2Dive?
On May 7 and 8, guests have that chance to take flight during Valravn World Premiere Weekend, an event fit for Hollywood. The red carpet will be rolled out, spotlights aimed into the sky will signify that it’s time to ride and even the paparazzi will be on hand to capture images of those guests brave enough to #Dare2Dive. The entire park will be open, including favorites like Millennium Force, GateKeeper, Maverick, Planet Snoopy, maXair, Power Tower and more.
Guests visiting this weekend will also be among the first to taste all-new Valravn-themed food items, like Dippin’ Dots Cookie Crown Crunch ice cream, FlavaRavn Fizz, a Coca-Cola freestyle beverage, The Brew Kettle’s Valravn Red/Black IPA and Toft’s Valravn Salty Caramel Fudge Truffle ice cream. Valravn-themed food doesn’t stop inside the park. Select Dunkin’ Donuts locations in Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Youngstown, Ohio, will feature the new Valravn donut, available for a limited time through May 29. Also, the Cedar Point Street Team will be in the park surprising guests with VIP upgrades and giveaways, including opportunities to “eat like a king,” “shop like a king” and “game like a king.” Cedar Point is open for Valravn World Premiere Weekend on May 7 and 8. The park is then closed May 9 – 12 and reopens for daily operation on Friday, May 13. More information on Valravn World Premiere Weekend can be found online at cedarpoint.com. You can also connect with Cedar Point on Facebook and on twitter to stay on top of their latest events, news, and promotions! See you at the park!
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
PR Friendly Mama!
I'm Brandy, a happily married, proud Mom of 3 amazing kids. If you're interested in building a working relationship, please feel free to e-mail me at: NewlyCrunchyMamaOf3@gmail.com Links We Love :Archives
June 2023
|