:Millennium Force

The planning, design and development phases of Millennium Force took place over five years, from 1996 to 2000.{{cite web|title=Fast Facts About Building Cedar Point's Millennium Force|url=http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/march00/stories/030900_01.shtml|publisher=Ultimate Roller Coaster|access-date=January 4, 2013|date=March 9, 2000|archive-date=September 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905142011/http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/march00/stories/030900_01.shtml|url-status=live}} The first rumors that a new record-breaking roller coaster would be built at Cedar Point, which included speculation about a ten-inversion roller coaster from Bolliger & Mabillard and an Arrow Dynamics MegaLooper, began circulating in early 1998.{{cite web|last=Schmidt|first=Walt|title=300 ft. B&M?|url=https://pointbuzz.com/News/Story/348|publisher=PointBuzz|access-date=January 3, 2013|date=May 4, 1998|archive-date=March 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322173758/http://pointbuzz.com/News/Story/348|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Schmidt|first=Walt|title=More Screamscape rumors|url=https://pointbuzz.com/News/Story/329|publisher=PointBuzz|access-date=January 3, 2013|date=July 17, 1999|archive-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310105719/http://pointbuzz.com/News/Story/329|url-status=live}} A roller coaster from D. H. Morgan Manufacturing was also rumored.{{cite web|last=Schmidt|first=Walt|title=Millennium rumor control|url=https://pointbuzz.com/News/Story/271|publisher=PointBuzz|access-date=January 3, 2013|date=June 17, 1999|archive-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310032215/http://pointbuzz.com/News/Story/271|url-status=live}} On July 2, 1999, Cedar Fair Entertainment Company filed a trademark for the name Millennium Force,{{cite web |title=Millennium Force Trademark |url=http://www.trademarkia.com/millennium-force-75742710.html |publisher=Legal Force |access-date=July 16, 2012 |archive-date=October 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030002941/http://www.trademarkia.com/millennium-force-75742710.html |url-status=live }} which raised more speculation about what the ride would be like.{{cite web|last=Schmidt|first=Walt|title="Millennium Force" rumors and more|url=https://pointbuzz.com/News/Story/264|publisher=PointBuzz|access-date=January 3, 2013|date=July 4, 1999|archive-date=March 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308205708/http://pointbuzz.com/News/Story/264|url-status=live}} About a week later, the first track pieces were seen at the park, and it was confirmed that the ride would be manufactured by Intamin. Cedar Point officials also confirmed that it would not have inversions.{{cite web|last=Schmidt|first=Walt|title=New coaster track confirmed!|url=https://pointbuzz.com/News/Story/262|publisher=PointBuzz|access-date=January 3, 2013|date=July 7, 1999|archive-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310222422/http://pointbuzz.com/News/Story/262|url-status=live}}

Millennium Force was announced on July 22, 1999.{{Cite news |last=Weiss |first=Kristopher |date=1999-08-01 |title=Cedar Point unveils ride of 2000 |pages=17 |work=Chillicothe Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109208731/cedar-point-unveils-ride-of/ |access-date=2022-09-08 |archive-date=September 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908235541/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109208731/cedar-point-unveils-ride-of/ |url-status=live }} It would be the tallest roller coaster in the world, taking the record from Fujiyama at Fuji-Q Highland in Japan.{{cite news|title=Cedar Point plans world's tallest coaster|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=chxPAAAAIBAJ&pg=5247,2777288&dq=millennium+force&hl=en|access-date=January 3, 2013|newspaper=The Bryan Times|date=July 22, 1999|archive-date=June 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609231758/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=chxPAAAAIBAJ&pg=5247%2C2777288&dq=millennium+force&hl=en|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |date=1999-07-23 |title=New Cedar Point coaster to hit 92 mph |pages=8 |work=News Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109208625/new-cedar-point-coaster-to-hit-92-mph/ |access-date=2022-09-08 |archive-date=September 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911144417/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109208625/new-cedar-point-coaster-to-hit-92-mph/ |url-status=live }} The ride cost $25 million to design and build.{{cite news|title=Cedar Point coaster fulfills expectations|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=5Q0wAAAAIBAJ&pg=6433,2088289&dq=millennium+force+magnetic+braking&hl=en|access-date=January 5, 2013|newspaper=Toledo Blade|date=July 21, 2000|archive-date=September 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911144414/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=5Q0wAAAAIBAJ&pg=6433,2088289&dq=millennium+force+magnetic+braking&hl=en|url-status=live}} Cedar Point, Intamin, and Werner Stengel designed the layout of the ride. After the ride was announced, several disputes about whether Millennium Force or Superman: The Escape was the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world arose between Cedar Point and Six Flags Magic Mountain. Superman: The Escape is {{convert|415|ft|m}} high and its speed is {{convert|100|mph}}; however, it is a shuttle roller coaster, not a complete-circuit roller coaster.{{cite news|last=Kraft|first=Randy|title=Cedar Point A Top Contender In The Roller-coaster Wars|url=https://www.mcall.com/1999/08/08/cedar-point-a-top-contender-in-the-roller-coaster-wars/|access-date=January 5, 2013|newspaper=The Morning Call|date=August 8, 1999|archive-date=January 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106040436/http://articles.mcall.com/1999-08-08/entertainment/3264655_1_roller-coaster-millennium-force-six-flags-magic-mountain|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Superman stands up to Millennium Force|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/408812449|access-date=January 3, 2013|newspaper=USA Today|date=August 6, 1999|archive-date=October 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029230417/https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/USAToday/doc/408812449.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Aug%206,%201999&author=&pub=USA%20TODAY&edition=&startpage=&desc=Superman%20stands%20up%20to%20Millennium%20Force|id={{ProQuest|408812449}} |url-status=live}}

Construction started in August 1999 when the site was cleared.{{cite web|title=310-Foot-Tall "Giga-Coaster" Nears End Of Construction|url=http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/march00/stories/030900_02.shtml|publisher=Ultimate Roller Coaster|access-date=January 4, 2013|date=March 9, 2000|archive-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402112028/http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/march00/stories/030900_02.shtml|url-status=live}} Millennium Force was built in the Frontier Trail section of the park.{{cite news |last=Bates |first=Kim |date=July 23, 1999 |title=Coaster to toast record |newspaper=Toledo Blade |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KktPAAAAIBAJ&pg=4715,2727974&dq=millennium+force&hl=en |access-date=January 3, 2013 |archive-date=September 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911144415/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KktPAAAAIBAJ&pg=4715,2727974&dq=millennium+force&hl=en |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=July 23, 1999 |title=Cedar Point plans to build world's tallest roller coaster |newspaper=The Vindicator |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=pLVIAAAAIBAJ&pg=1461,3673179&dq=millennium+force&hl=en |access-date=January 3, 2013 |archive-date=September 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911144420/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=pLVIAAAAIBAJ&pg=1461,3673179&dq=millennium+force&hl=en |url-status=live }} The ride involved the relocation of the Giant Wheel and the Cedar Point and Lake Erie Railroad. The removal and relocation of the Giant Wheel began in October on closing day; the first of 226 supports was installed on October 11, starting at the brake run.{{cite web|last=Schmidt|first=Walt|title=2000 Changes ramp up|url=https://pointbuzz.com/News/Story/246|publisher=PointBuzz|access-date=January 3, 2013|date=October 12, 1999|archive-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402173751/http://pointbuzz.com/News/Story/246|url-status=live}} Two hundred twenty-six footers, each about {{convert|5|ft|m}} deep were dug; the largest ones were {{convert|56|by|56|ft|m}}. The concrete construction was done by Mosser Construction.{{cite news|title=Chief executive appointed by Mosser Construction|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wlhPAAAAIBAJ&pg=2044,1211337&dq=millennium+force+construction&hl=en|access-date=January 5, 2013|newspaper=Toledo Blade|date=December 19, 2000|archive-date=September 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911144423/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wlhPAAAAIBAJ&pg=2044,1211337&dq=millennium+force+construction&hl=en|url-status=live}} The lift hill was topped off in early January 2000.{{cite web|title=Cedar Point Tops Off World's Tallest Roller Coaster|url=http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/january00/stories/010500_02.shtml|publisher=Ultimate Roller Coaster|access-date=January 4, 2013|date=January 5, 2000|archive-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402180113/http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/january00/stories/010500_02.shtml|url-status=live}}

The ride's construction took seven months, and 120 construction workers and project managers participated. Testing took two months. The park conducted a "pull-through" by pulling a train along the course to ensure proper clearance. The ride was inspected and tested with water-dummies on the trains.

File:Millennium Force (Cedar Point) 03.jpg

The first media event was held on May 11, 2000, and the ride opened to the public two days later on May 13. When it opened, it broke six world records. It was the first Giga Coaster and was the world's fastest complete-circuit roller coaster, but was later overtaken by other rides.{{cite web|title = PointBuzz history|publisher = PointBuzz|url = http://pointbuzz.com/c/history.aspx|access-date = May 23, 2012|archive-date = October 23, 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121023081858/http://pointbuzz.com/c/history.aspx|url-status = live}} The ride was so popular that guests consistently waited three to four hours to board.{{Cite news |last=Cobb |first=Ron |date=2001-07-29 |title=Coaster Capital |pages=171, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109208440/ 172] |work=Dayton Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109208464/coaster-capitalron-cobb/ |access-date=2022-09-08 |archive-date=September 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908235536/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109208464/coaster-capitalron-cobb/ |url-status=live }} About a month after Millennium's debut, Cedar Point introduced a virtual queue system, "Ticket to Ride", which allowed visitors to buy a ticket then return later and wait in a shorter line.{{cite news|title=System tested to reduce Millennium Force wait|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=cMkwAAAAIBAJ&pg=1681,4066641&dq=millennium+force&hl=en|access-date=January 4, 2013|newspaper=Toledo Blade|date=June 27, 2000|archive-date=September 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911144424/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=cMkwAAAAIBAJ&pg=1681,4066641&dq=millennium+force&hl=en|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Sottili|first=Carol|title=14 Hours, 2 Flights, 1 Monster Coaster|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2000/07/26/AR2005041401210.html|access-date=January 5, 2013|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=July 26, 2000|archive-date=May 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504204558/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2000/07/26/AR2005041401210.html|url-status=live}} In August, Cedar Point engaged John Hancock and Associates and Stalker Radar of Indianapolis to measure the height and speed of Millennium Force. The height was measured at {{convert|310|ft|11|in|m}}, and the speed was measured at {{convert|93|mph}}, slightly faster than what the park had been advertising ({{cvt|92|mph}}).{{cite web|last=Schmidt|first=Walt|title=Millennium Force official stats revealed|url=https://pointbuzz.com/News/Story/198|publisher=PointBuzz|access-date=October 7, 2012|date=August 16, 2000|archive-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310092846/http://pointbuzz.com/News/Story/198|url-status=live}}

Before the start of the 2004 season, Millennium Force's seat belts were modified because of an incident that occurred on Superman the Ride, a similar roller coaster at Six Flags New England. The new seat belts were shorter and some riders had difficulties with them.{{cite news|title=Cedar Point Snugs up Safety Belts|url=http://www.toledonewsnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=1884245|access-date=January 4, 2013|newspaper=WTOL|date=May 20, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224115651/http://www.toledonewsnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=1884245|archive-date=December 24, 2013|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Cedar Point Puts Size Limit On Coaster Riders|url=http://www.newsnet5.com/entertainment/3324814/detail.html|access-date=January 4, 2013|newspaper=WEWS-TV|date=May 20, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080718162237/http://www.newsnet5.com/entertainment/3324814/detail.html|archive-date=July 18, 2008}} Audio played during the ascent up the cable lift hill, but it is believed to have been removed sometime between 2004-2010.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASSA1-VApAc |title=the roller coasters of cedar point |date=2013-09-25 |last=Cubistic Mage |access-date=2024-10-22 |via=YouTube}}

(23:45 - 24:14) While it is rumored that other audio may have been featured in the past, it is unknown. The roller coaster's layout was repainted over a three-year period, before the 2011, 2012 and 2013 seasons.{{cite news|last=Haidet |first=Ryan |title=Cedar Point: Warm offseason boosts new projects |url=http://archive.wkyc.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=243224 |access-date=January 5, 2013 |newspaper=WKYC |date=April 27, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140106154551/http://archive.wkyc.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=243224 |archive-date=January 6, 2014 }} In 2012, the park added a new LED lighting system.

For the 2020 season, following the COVID-19 pandemic, timed boarding passes called "Access Passes" were used temporarily to comply with social distancing guidelines in effect at the time.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2020/07/cedar-point-opening-day-preview-face-masks-social-distancing-halloweekends-and-more.html|title=Cedar Point opening day preview: Face masks, social distancing, HalloWeekends and more|last=Glaser|first=Susan|date=2020-07-08|website=cleveland.com|language=en-US|access-date=2020-07-20|archive-date=July 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722025207/https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2020/07/cedar-point-opening-day-preview-face-masks-social-distancing-halloweekends-and-more.html|url-status=live}}

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Millennium Force is receiving a refresh for 2025. This includes a repaint of the coaster, with the colors remaining the same, as well as a new control system that was installed, featuring a new lift drive motor.{{cite web |last1=Dietz |first1=Justin |title=What's new at Cedar Point in 2025? |url=https://sanduskyregister.com/news/566641/whats-new-at-cedar-point-in-2025/ |publisher=Sandusky Register |access-date=February 28, 2025 |date=February 23, 2025}}

Millennium Force's entrance is located behind the Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad's Millennium Midway station. The queue is situated between the ride's last overbanked turn and the station. A DJ booth was originally provided to entertain waiting visitors; the park's "Jamming DJ's" took requests for family friendly songs from people in the queue.{{cite web|title=Jamming DJ's at Cedar Point|url=http://www.cedarpoint.com/things-to-do/live-entertainment|publisher=Cedar Point|access-date=October 2, 2012|archive-date=October 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009010902/http://www.cedarpoint.com/things-to-do/live-entertainment|url-status=live}} The concrete base of the booth can still be seen as of 2024.

File:Millennium Force sign.png

About a month after Millennium's debut, Cedar Point introduced a new queue system known as "Ticket to Ride" (later Fast Lane) to reduce the wait time. Visitors could buy tickets then return later and wait in a shorter line. This system was discontinued in 2004 after several people complained it was unfair that others were going ahead of them in line.{{cite news|last=Glaser|first=Susan|title=Amusement parks offer different ways of letting people skip long lines|url=http://www.cleveland.com/travel/index.ssf/2011/07/amusement_parks_offer_differen.html|access-date=March 8, 2013|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|date=July 30, 2011|archive-date=December 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215170408/http://www.cleveland.com/travel/index.ssf/2011/07/amusement_parks_offer_differen.html|url-status=live}} In 2012, Cedar Point introduced its Fast Lane queue system on the ride; visitors can buy a wristband which enables them to wait in a shorter line.{{cite news|last=Glaser|first=Susan|title=Pay to get in the Fast Lane and you'll wait less at Cedar Point: close to home|url=http://www.cleveland.com/travel/index.ssf/2012/04/if_you_hate_to_wait_you_can_pa.html|access-date=January 5, 2013|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|date=April 28, 2012|archive-date=September 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905022425/http://www.cleveland.com/travel/index.ssf/2012/04/if_you_hate_to_wait_you_can_pa.html|url-status=live}} The system was tested at Kings Island the previous year, where it received positive reviews.

Millennium Force covers {{convert|13|acre}}; it runs parallel to the shoreline of Sandusky Bay, then travels to an island located inside the park. There are two tunnels, three overbanked turns and three hills. One cycle of the ride takes approximately 2 minutes and 20 seconds.

File:Millennium Force train coming out of tunnel.jpg

While the train is being loaded with passengers, the catch car for the cable lift descends the lift hill and latches onto the middle car underneath the train. Once the train is cleared, the cable lift immediately pulls the train up the 45-degree lift hill at {{convert|15|mph|abbr=on}} to a height of {{convert|310|ft}}. The train then drops {{convert|300|ft|m}} at an 80-degree angle and reaches a maximum speed of {{convert|93|mph|abbr=on}} at the bottom of the hill. This is followed by a climb of {{convert|169|ft}} through a right overbanked turn at 122 degrees from the horizontal axis, of which the train then travels through a tunnel as it passes over the Frontier Trail. The train proceeds over a {{convert|182|ft|adj=on}} parabolic hill, which provides a moment of zero gravity as it passes over a lagoon and down onto Adventure Island.

File:Millennium Force hills over the lagoon.jpg

It completes an {{convert|87|ft|adj=on}}, 360-degree right-handed helix, followed by a {{convert|100|ft|adj=on}} 122-degree left overbanked turn.{{cite news|date=July 24, 1999|title=Newsmagazines, movies rule the roost|work=The Bryan Times|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/bryan-times-newsmagazines-movies-rule-t/159941882/|access-date=November 29, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}} This is followed by a small right-hand turn and another hill that leaves the island. The train then travels left through a second tunnel where the on-ride photo is taken, followed by a left turn and a small hill, passing by the queue. Finally, the train travels {{convert|68|ft}} high through another right overbanked turn over the queue and is stopped by magnetic brakes. Passengers disembark the ride at an unloading station and the train moves to a second station where it is reloaded with passengers.{{cite web|title=Cedar Point To Build World's Tallest Roller Coaster|url=http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/new00/cp_millennium/cp_mf_pr.html|access-date=March 11, 2012|date=July 22, 1999|publisher=Ultimate Roller Coaster|archive-date=September 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905151028/http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/new00/cp_millennium/cp_mf_pr.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Official Millennium Force POV|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To3jujFzwHg| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113082153/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To3jujFzwHg&gl=US&hl=en| archive-date=2012-01-13 | url-status=dead|publisher=YouTube|year=2011|access-date=January 5, 2013}}

Millennium Force is a Giga Coaster model designed by Werner Stengel and built by Swiss manufacturer Intamin. It was the first of a series of roller coasters, including Top Thrill Dragster{{mdash}}the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world in 2003{{mdash}}that Intamin built at Cedar Point.{{cite news|title=New Cedar Point ride to be tallest and fastest|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=se8NAAAAIBAJ&pg=5393,23811&dq=top+thrill+dragster+announcement&hl=en|access-date=February 4, 2013|newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=January 11, 2003|archive-date=September 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911144446/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=se8NAAAAIBAJ&pg=5393,23811&dq=top+thrill+dragster+announcement&hl=en|url-status=live}} {{As of|2024}}, Millennium Force is one of two Giga Coasters built by Intamin, the other being Pantherian at Kings Dominion.{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Giga Coaster|location=Search|access-date=January 12, 2019|url=http://rcdb.com/r.htm?ot=2&mo=8375}}

File:MillenniumBorceBoaster.png

Millennium Force operates with three fiberglass, stadium-style seating trains colored red, yellow, and blue.{{cite web|title=Millennium Force Fact Sheet|publisher=Ultimate Roller Coaster|year=1999|url=http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/new00/cp_millennium/cp_mf_facts.html|access-date=March 11, 2012|archive-date=January 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120124035/http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/new00/cp_millennium/cp_mf_facts.html|url-status=live}} Each train has nine cars that seat four passengers, allowing a maximum capacity of 36 people per train and 1,300 riders an hour. Each seat has an individual, hydraulic, T-shaped lap bar and seat belt which rests across the rider's lap.{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Millennium Force|location=Cedar Point|rcdb_number=594|access-date=May 29, 2012}} Each train weighs 19 tons.

The station has two separate platforms, one for unloading and another for loading. Two trains are loaded and unloaded while the third train is running the course. There is also a separate line in the station where riders can wait for the first seat. The loading platform has red overhead lights, which are located above the train.{{cite web|last=Borgen|first=Andrew|title=Cedar Point — Millennium Force Station|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewb94/3932420010/|publisher=Flickr|access-date=March 20, 2013|date=September 11, 2009|archive-date=January 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140123163448/http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewb94/3932420010/|url-status=live}} Millennium Force's theme song is played in the station while riders are boarding.{{cite web|title=Millennium Force Theme / Station Music| date=January 2010 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG2T_uYDMeM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/hG2T_uYDMeM| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|publisher=YouTube|access-date=January 4, 2013}}{{cbignore}} In 2024, 4 confirmed sets of dispatch audio were added for when a train exits the station.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=nXI1h4x9CAGdNr-Z&v=fuiylLIWY8Y&feature=youtu.be |title=Cedar Point Millennium Force Off-Ride Footage (No Copyright) |date=2024-08-15 |last=Valley Thrills |access-date=2024-10-22 |via=YouTube}}

"Go Full Force", "Greatest Thrill Ride Ever", and "At the Turn of the Millennium, There Were Signs" are featured.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=6kB3OvEztJIBaUhP&v=CWO5mxS0OGU&feature=youtu.be |title=Millennium Force Cedar Point (off ride 2024) |date=2024-08-28 |last=Brian Connors |access-date=2024-10-22 |via=YouTube}}

"At the Turn of the Millennium, There Were Signs" is featured.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=8p3gO37KLXNlljBw&v=OaCnE4XOni4&feature=youtu.be |title=Millennium Force got new lights in the station! |date=2024-07-08 |last=CP Rundown |access-date=2024-10-22 |via=YouTube}}

"Greatest Thrill Ride Ever" is featured It is also unknown whether these audio sets had previously been featured before its current installment. Two projectors in the station were deactivated sometime in the 2000's, before being reintroduced in a new but limited fashion in 2024.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaCnE4XOni4 |title=Millennium Force got new lights in the station! |date=2024-07-08 |last=CP Rundown |access-date=2024-10-22 |via=YouTube}}

The steel tubular track is {{convert|6595|ft|m}} long and the lift is approximately {{convert|310|ft|m}} high. The track is blue and the supports are silver. The track consists of 229 pieces, each weighing between {{convert|11000|and|17000|lb|kg}}. Intamin supplied the track with hollow structural sections (HSS), which is used in all the track pieces, supports and towers. Millennium Force uses three different track shapes. The simplest sections are two-pipe track, made with two running rails connected by {{convert|6|inch|cm|adj=on}} square HSS cross-members. The ride also uses three-pipe track, which has two running rails with a backbone of round HSS, which forms a triangle. The third type of track forms a square and is considered the strongest. It has two running rails with two backbone tubes.{{cite web|title=HSS: Designs for the 21st century|url=http://www.steeltubeinstitute.org/pdf/casestudies/milenium.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223060239/http://steeltubeinstitute.org/pdf/casestudies/milenium.pdf|archive-date=December 23, 2010|publisher=Steel Tube Institute|access-date=January 4, 2013}} As both a high altitude and high velocity ride, Millennium Force is affected by unfavorable weather conditions such as rain, lightning or strong winds; under these conditions the ride is closed, but in light rain it can remain open.{{cite web|title=Ride policies and Procedures|publisher=Cedar Point|url=http://www.cedarpoint.com/plan-a-visit/ride-policies-and-procedures|access-date=March 24, 2012|archive-date=March 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306083851/http://www.cedarpoint.com/plan-a-visit/ride-policies-and-procedures|url-status=live}}

File:Millennium Force lift hill at night.jpg

When the ride opened in 2000, Cedar Point chose High End Systems, headquartered in Austin, Texas, to light the ride. Rob Decker, Cedar Point's Corporate Director of Planning & Design, said that they thought they would have to mount multiple floodlights on the tower. However, they were able to install thirty EC-1 floodlights at the base of the lift hill structure which provided lighting throughout the ride's structure. Of the six main support towers, three had six EC-1s, and three towers had four EC-1s. The three tallest towers had another unit in the middle.{{cite web|title=HES Scales New Heights by Lighting the Millennium Force|url=http://www.highend.com/news/coaster.html|publisher=High End Systems|access-date=January 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040215213558/http://www.highend.com/news/coaster.html|archive-date=February 15, 2004}}

Over the years, the lights were not maintained and grew noticeably dimmer. In 2012, Cedar Point introduced a nighttime show, Luminosity — Ignite the Night!, to "re-energize" the park at the end of the day. New LED lights from Sunrise, Florida-based Chauvet Professional were installed to illuminate the ride. Twenty COLORado Range and ten COLORado Ridge wash lights were installed at the base of the lift hill structure.{{cite web|title=CHAUVET® Professional Takes Cedar Point Guests on Colorful Rides |url=http://www.chauvetlighting.com/colorful-rides-at-cedar-point-by-chauvet.html |publisher=Chauvet Professional |access-date=December 29, 2012 |date=September 20, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130062314/http://www.chauvetlighting.com/colorful-rides-at-cedar-point-by-chauvet.html |archive-date=November 30, 2012 }}

When it opened in May 2000, Millennium Force broke five world records among roller coasters and utilized a relatively new magnetic braking system instead of the commonly used friction brakes. This system enabled the use of a shorter brake run, enabling the train to slow down from {{convert|65|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} to a standstill in only six seconds.

Millennium Force's records as the tallest and fastest complete-circuit roller coaster were broken several months later in August when Steel Dragon 2000 opened.{{cite news|title=New Japanese coaster may top Cedar Point ride|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=poQUAAAAIBAJ&pg=4136,292063&dq=millennium+force+steel+dragon+2000&hl=en|access-date=January 5, 2013|newspaper=Toledo Blade|date=August 2, 2000|archive-date=September 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911144451/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=poQUAAAAIBAJ&pg=4136,292063&dq=millennium+force+steel+dragon+2000&hl=en|url-status=live}} It remained the tallest and fastest at Cedar Point until 2003, when the park debuted Top Thrill Dragster, the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world.{{cite news|title=New Cedar Point ride to be tallest and fastest|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=se8NAAAAIBAJ&pg=5393,23811&dq=cedar+point+announces+top+thrill+dragster&hl=en|access-date=January 5, 2013|newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=January 11, 2003|archive-date=September 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911144452/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=se8NAAAAIBAJ&pg=5393,23811&dq=cedar+point+announces+top+thrill+dragster&hl=en|url-status=live}}

File:Millennium Force yellow train overbanked turn.jpg

Millennium Force held the following records at the time of its debut:

• First ever complete-circuit roller coaster to top {{convert|300|ft|m}}
• Tallest complete-circuit roller coaster ({{convert|310|ft|m}})
• Longest drop on a complete-circuit roller coaster ({{convert|300|ft|m}})
• Fastest complete-circuit roller coaster ({{convert|93|mi/h|km/h}})
• Steepest non-inversion banked turn on a roller coaster (122°) (Half Corkscrew)

At the time of Millennium Force's debut, Cedar Point held records for the following:

• Most rides at an amusement park (68)
• Most roller coasters at an amusement park (14)
• Most steel roller coasters at an amusement park (12)
• Most feet of roller coaster track at an amusement park (44,013 ft)

Millennium Force has one of the longest lines in the park, with passengers waiting over four hours when the ride debuted.{{cite news|title=Riding High in Ohio|url=http://business.highbeam.com/435553/article-1G1-76086991/riding-high-ohio|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923084330/http://business.highbeam.com/435553/article-1G1-76086991/riding-high-ohio|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 23, 2013|access-date=January 5, 2013|newspaper=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=July 1, 2001}} The ride received positive reactions from visitors, many of whom said it was smooth and very comfortable. Others said, "It'll scare the daylights out of you".{{cite news|last=Bocella|first=Kathy|title=Millennium Force coaster reaches new heights on record-setting track|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1298&dat=20000618&id=su8yAAAAIBAJ&pg=3699,4910570|access-date=January 3, 2013|newspaper=The Post and Courier|date=June 18, 2000|archive-date=September 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911144454/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1298&dat=20000618&id=su8yAAAAIBAJ&pg=3699,4910570|url-status=live}} In its first six years of operation, Millennium Force had over 10 million riders.{{cite web|title=Millennium Force|url=http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/millennium-force|publisher=Ultimate Roller Coaster|access-date=January 4, 2013|archive-date=January 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127230228/http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/millennium-force|url-status=live}} By August 2012, Millennium had given more than 21 million rides. Several television shows, including the Travel Channel's Extreme Terror Rides,{{Cite episode |title=Extreme Terror Rides |series=Extreme |network=Travel Channel |season=1 |number=5 }} Bert the Conqueror,{{Cite episode |title=Cedar Point |url=http://www.travelchannel.com/video/cedar-point-millennium-force |access-date=March 20, 2013 |series=Bert the Conqueror |network=Travel Channel |season=1 |number=2 |archive-date=February 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212065217/http://www.travelchannel.com/video/cedar-point-millennium-force |url-status=live }} Off Limits,{{Cite episode |title=Death-defying roller coasters |url=http://www.travelchannel.com/video/death-defying-roller-coasters |access-date=March 20, 2013 |series=Off Limits |network=Travel Channel |season=2 |number=4 |archive-date=September 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926045511/http://www.travelchannel.com/video/death-defying-roller-coasters |url-status=live }} the Discovery Channel's Extreme Rides,{{Cite episode |title=Extreme Rides 1 |series=Extreme Rides |network=Discovery Channel |date=2001 }} and the National Geographic Channel's Super Coasters{{Cite episode |title=Millennium Force |series=Super Coasters |network=National Geographic Channel }} have featured Millennium Force. Out of over 500 roller coasters that Werner Stengel has engineered, he stated that Millennium Force is his favorite. Robb Alvey, a notable roller coaster enthusiast, called it a "milestone in roller coaster history".

Millennium Force has consistently ranked high in various polls and has won numerous awards. Millennium Force and Superman the Ride (formerly Bizarro) at Six Flags New England held the top two places in the Golden Ticket Awards from 2001 to 2015, and Millennium has continued to rank among the top three steel roller coasters since then. In the Travel Channel's Insane Coaster Wars, Millennium Force was voted the "fan favorite" in the Extreme Heights and The Top 10 categories.{{Cite episode |title=The Top 10 |url=http://www.travelchannel.com/video/cedar-points-millennium-force |access-date=March 20, 2013 |series=Insane Coaster Wars |network=Travel Channel |season=1 |number=7 |archive-date=March 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310100004/http://www.travelchannel.com/video/cedar-points-millennium-force |url-status=live }}{{Cite episode |title=Extreme Heights |url=http://www.travelchannel.com/video/millennium-force |series=Insane Coaster Wars |network=Travel Channel |season=1 |number=5 |access-date=March 20, 2013 |archive-date=February 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212145739/http://www.travelchannel.com/video/millennium-force |url-status=live }} In 2013, Time ranked Millennium Force as the top roller coaster in the United States.{{cite magazine|last=Taylor|first=Ben|title=The Top 10 Roller Coasters in the U.S.|url=https://techland.time.com/2013/09/19/the-top-10-roller-coasters-in-the-u-s/|magazine=Time|access-date=September 21, 2013|date=September 19, 2013|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921110125/http://techland.time.com/2013/09/19/the-top-10-roller-coasters-in-the-u-s/|url-status=live}}

{{GTA table

| type = steel

| access-date = September 12, 2016

| 2000 = 2

| 2001 = 1

| 2002 = 1

| 2003 = 2

| 2004 = 1

| 2005 = 1

| 2006 = 2

| 2007 = 2

| 2008 = 2

| 2009 = 2

| 2010 = 1

| 2011 = 1

| 2012 = 1

| 2013 = 1

| 2014 = 1

| 2015 = 1

| 2016 = 2

| 2017 = 2

| 2018 = 2

| 2019 = 2

| 2021 = 2

| 2022 = 3

| 2023 = 2

| 2024 = 4

}}

{{main article|Incidents at Six Flags parks}}

On September 2, 2001, the cable used to haul trains up the lift broke during a morning test run, resulting in the stranding of 30 park employees at the top of the coaster's lift hill 275 feet (84 m) above ground. It took about an hour for all employees to be brought down.{{Cite news |date=2001-09-04 |title=Cedar Point coaster closed for Labor Day |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-newark-advocate-cedar-point-coaster/58829524/ |access-date=2024-01-12 |work=The Newark Advocate |pages=7}}

In July 2023, a duck flew into a moving train and reportedly became trapped between a seat and a portion of the ride train. The duck was removed by a guest, who turned it over to Guest Services, and the duck was later turned over to wildlife rehabilitation services.{{Cite web |author=WTVG Staff |last2=Riet |first2=Emily Van de |date=2023-07-13 |title=Duck goes for a ride on Cedar Point roller coaster that reaches 93 mph |url=https://www.wsaz.com/2023/07/13/duck-goes-ride-cedar-point-roller-coaster-that-reaches-93-mph/ |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=www.wsaz.com |language=en}}

{{reflist|30em}}

{{commons category}}

• [http://www.cedarpoint.com/rides/Roller-Coasters/Millennium-Force Official Millennium Force page]
• {{RCDB|594}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20130511013359/http://thepointol.com/millennium-force/ Millennium Force] at The Point Online
• [http://www.coaster-net.com/ride-gallery/180-millennium-force/ Millennium Force] at Coaster-Net

{{s-start}}

{{s-bef|before=Fujiyama}}

{{s-ttl|title=World's tallest complete circuit roller coaster|years=May 2000 – August 2000}}

{{s-aft|rows=2|after=Steel Dragon 2000}}

{{s-bef|before=Goliath}}

{{s-ttl|title=World's fastest complete circuit roller coaster|years=May 2000 – August 2000}}

{{s-end}}

{{Cedar Point}}

{{Intamin}}

Category:Buildings and structures celebrating the third millennium

Category:Cedar Point

Category:Roller coasters in Ohio

Category:Roller coasters introduced in 2000

Category:Roller coasters operated by Six Flags