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Rougarou (roller coaster)
Rougarou (roller coaster)
from Wikipedia

Rougarou
Previously known as Mantis (1996–2014)
A train coming out of the loop following the first drop
Cedar Point
LocationCedar Point
Park sectionMillennium Midway
Coordinates41°28′57″N 82°41′14″W / 41.482583°N 82.687353°W / 41.482583; -82.687353
StatusOperating
Opening dateMay 9, 2015 (2015-05-09)
CostUS$12,000,000
ReplacedMantis
General statistics
TypeSteel – Floorless Coaster
ManufacturerBolliger & Mabillard
DesignerWerner Stengel
ModelFloorless Coaster
Lift/launch systemChain lift hill
Height145 ft (44 m)
Drop137 ft (42 m)
Length3,900 ft (1,200 m)
Speed60 mph (97 km/h)
Inversions4
Duration2:40
Max vertical angle52°
Capacity1800 riders per hour
Height restriction54–78 in (137–198 cm)
Trains3 trains with 8 cars. Riders are arranged 4 across in a single row for a total of 32 riders per train.
Fast Lane available
Rougarou at RCDB

Rougarou, formerly known as Mantis, is a floorless roller coaster located at Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio. Designed and built by Bolliger & Mabillard, the roller coaster originally opened in 1996 as a stand-up roller coaster called Mantis, which at the time was the tallest, fastest, and longest of its kind in the world. Cedar Point had planned to name the ride Banshee, but due to negative publicity following the announcement, the name was later changed to Mantis.

In September 2014, Cedar Point announced the pending closure of Mantis, scheduled for the following month. The park later revealed that Mantis would not be removed but would be transformed into a floorless roller coaster design for the 2015 season. It reopened as Rougarou on May 9, 2015.

History

[edit]
Train at the top of a hill

On September 8, 1995, Cedar Point announced plans to build a new roller coaster, which would open as the tallest, fastest, and longest stand-up roller coaster in the world.[1] The ride was to be named Banshee after the mythical wailing ghost in Irish folklore.[2] In the days following the announcement, there was some negative reaction from the public regarding the term Banshee, which in the dictionary is described as a female spirit that warns of an impending family death.[2][3] On November 14, 1995, Cedar Fair Entertainment Company filed a trademark for the name Mantis, which later became the ride's official name.[2][4] As a result of the name change, its logo was also changed to resemble a mantis.[5] The discarded logo would be repurposed by Dorney Park for use on Steel Force,[6] while the Banshee name was eventually used for an inverted roller coaster that opened at Kings Island in 2014.[7]

Construction on the new roller coaster began during the 1995-1996 off-season and was completed on January 9, 1996.[8] More than 20% of the track was built over water.[2][9] Cedar Point held a "Media Day" for Mantis on May 9, 1996, and the ride officially opened to the public on May 11, 1996.

Over the years, Mantis became known as a rough ride and its popularity began to decline.[10] On September 2, 2014, after weeks of leaking clues that a major announcement was forthcoming, Cedar Point released a statement that Mantis would close on October 19, 2014. According to the park, the roller coaster had given over 22 million rides since its debut.[11] However, Cedar Point revealed on September 18, 2014, that Mantis would not be removed, but instead would be converted into a floorless roller coaster complete with new trains, new colors, and a new theme.[12] It reopened as Rougarou, the name of a legendary creature in French folklore that draws comparisons to the mythical werewolf, on May 9, 2015.[13][14]

Ride experience

[edit]
Rougarou's 119-foot-tall (36 m) vertical loop

Layout

[edit]
Rougarou train going through loop

The ride starts with a slight left-turn and then the train begins to climb up the 145-foot (44 m) chain lift hill. Once the train reaches the top and passes through the pre-drop, the track makes a 180-degree right turn, leading into the first drop. Riders then drop 137 feet (42 m) at a 52-degree angle, reaching a top speed of 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) and enter a 119-foot (36 m) vertical loop. This is immediately followed by a 103-foot (31 m) dive loop, a non-inverting overbanked turn directly above the station, and an 83-foot (25 m) left-leaning inclined loop. From here, the track makes an uphill right turn into the mid-course brake run. Off the midcourse brakes, the track drops into a Corkscrew, and finish off with a figure-eight turn. The train then enters the final brake run, and then makes a right turn, passing through the transfer track before returning to the station.[9][15][16]

Trains

[edit]

As Mantis, the ride operated with two steel and fiberglass trains. Each train had eight cars with four seats in a single row supporting a total capacity of 32 riders.[15] Mantis originally operated with three trains but the park later reduced operation to two trains due to the trains "stacking" on the brake run.[17] Riders were secured by an over-the-shoulder harness.[15] Although Mantis was a stand-up roller coaster, there was a small bicycle seat riders could lean on.[18] Following the closure of Mantis, a portion of the trains were retained for parts while the rest were scrapped.[19]

For its transition to Rougarou, the ride received three new floorless trains which allows riders' legs to dangle freely above the track, as there is no floor between rows.[20] Each has the same 32-rider configuration as the previous trains on Mantis. Riders are also secured by an over-the-shoulder harness with an interlocking seatbelt.[15][20]

Records

[edit]

Mantis set several records among stand-up roller coasters when it opened in 1996. It set the world record for height at 145 feet (44 m), speed at 60 miles per hour (97 km/h), and length at 3,900 feet (1,200 m).[1] It was also the first stand-up roller coaster to feature a dive loop and an inclined loop.[1][21][22]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Rougarou is a steel located at in , manufactured by . Originally opened as the on May 11, 1996, it was the tallest, fastest, and steepest of its kind at the time, featuring a maximum height of 145 feet (44 m) and speeds up to 60 mph (97 km/h). operated until its closure on October 19, 2014, after which it was retrofitted with floorless trains and renamed , reopening on , , as the park's first . The ride's layout spans 3,900 feet (1,200 m) of track and includes four inversions: a 119-foot (36 m) vertical loop, a 103-foot (31 m) dive loop, an 83-foot (25 m) inclined loop—marking the first such element on a floorless coaster—and a corkscrew. Riders experience a 137-foot (42 m) first drop, reaching the aforementioned top speed, with the floor dropping away immediately after restraint securing for an open-legged sensation throughout the 2 minutes 40 seconds duration. Themed around the Rougarou, a werewolf-like creature from Cajun and Louisiana folklore, the attraction features growling audio effects and atmospheric lighting to enhance the immersive experience. Rougarou requires riders to be between 54 inches (137 cm) and 78 inches (198 cm) tall and accommodates three trains of eight cars each, with riders arranged 4 across in a 2-2 configuration per car, for a total of 32 riders per train.

Overview

Location and park

Rougarou is a floorless roller coaster situated at Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio, United States. Cedar Point serves as the flagship property of the former Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, which merged with Six Flags Entertainment Corporation on July 1, 2024, to create the largest regional amusement park operator in North America. The ride debuted as on May 9, 2015, following its conversion from the previous stand-up coaster . As of November 2025, remains in operation at with no permanent closures or significant modifications since its opening, having run during the 2025 season. Within the park, Rougarou is located in the Millennium Midway area, near the roller coaster.

Technical specifications

Rougarou is a steel floorless roller coaster featuring four inversions, manufactured by and designed by . Originally constructed as a named , it was converted to its current floorless configuration in 2015. The ride's key dimensions include a maximum height of 145 feet (44 meters), a first drop of 137 feet (42 meters) at a 52-degree angle, a total track length of 3,900 feet (1,189 meters), and a top speed of 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour). These specifications contribute to an intense experience over the lagoon, with the coaster's engineering allowing for smooth operation through its inversions and high-speed elements. The ride duration is 2 minutes and 40 seconds, with a theoretical hourly capacity of 1,800 riders. Riders must be at least 54 inches (137 cm) tall. The ride is supported by three trains each accommodating 32 passengers in eight cars with four seats per car.
SpecificationValue
Type floorless
Inversions4
Height145 ft (44 m)
Drop137 ft (42 m) at 52°
Length3,900 ft (1,189 m)
Top speed60 mph (97 km/h)
Duration2:40
Capacity1,800 riders/hour
Manufacturer
Designer

History

Construction and opening as Mantis

In September 1995, announced plans for a new , initially named after the mythological creature, but the name was changed to following public backlash against the association. began in late 1995 during the park's off-season, with groundbreaking marking the start of building the structure designed to push the boundaries of stand-up coaster technology. The ride, manufactured by and designed by engineer , was engineered as a stand-up coaster to achieve world records in height, speed, drop angle, and length for its category upon completion. Mantis opened to the public on May 11, 1996, debuting as the tallest, fastest, and longest in the world at the time. Initial reception praised its intense thrills, including four inversions and high-speed maneuvers that delivered exhilarating forces, though riders commonly reported discomfort from the stand-up restraints pressing against the legs and calves.

Conversion and retheming to Rougarou

In September 2014, Cedar Point announced the permanent closure of the Mantis stand-up roller coaster, which had operated for 18 seasons since its debut in 1996, primarily due to persistent rider complaints regarding discomfort and roughness from the stand-up restraint system. The final day of operation for Mantis was October 19, 2014, allowing the park to begin modifications during the off-season. On September 18, 2014, revealed plans to convert into a floorless named , retaining the original track layout while making significant structural changes to enhance rider comfort. Key modifications included the removal of the original floor and foot restraints that characterized the stand-up design, replaced by new floorless trains from featuring dangling foot positions and over-the-shoulder restraints. The track was repainted in a and orange color scheme, and portions were smoothed out to reduce roughness, with the project completed over the 2014-2015 off-season. The retheming drew inspiration from the , a werewolf-like creature from Cajun , transforming the ride's narrative around a swamp-dwelling beast. New elements included updated signage, queue line enhancements with motifs, and atmospheric lighting and sound effects integrated into the surrounding lagoon area to immerse riders in the theme. Rougarou reopened to the public on May 9, 2015, following a on May 8 that featured previews for journalists and enthusiasts. Initial rider feedback highlighted significant improvements in comfort over , with many noting reduced strain on legs and feet due to the floorless design, though some airtime moments remained forceful.

Design

Track and layout

Rougarou's track is constructed of and spans a total length of 3,900 feet. The layout begins with a 145-foot chain that ascends at a steady pace, powered by the chain mechanism. At the crest, the track executes a 180-degree right turn before plunging down the 137-foot first drop at a 52-degree , reaching speeds of up to 60 mph. This is immediately followed by the ride's first inversion, a 119-foot-tall vertical loop that inverts riders completely. The sequence continues with a 103-foot-tall dive loop, where the track dives downward while twisting, pulling riders into another full inversion. A mid-ride block brake then slows the slightly for and pacing. Emerging from the brakes, the layout features an 83-foot-tall inclined loop, a unique element tilted at an angle rather than fully vertical, providing a distinctive inversion experience. This is followed by a 360-degree that spirals riders through a rapid helical turn. The track then rises into an airtime hill, offering moments of , before a 180-degree right turnaround leads into a final descending that spirals back toward the station. The original design elements, including the inclined loop and dive loop, were retained during the conversion from a stand-up to a , preserving the core layout while adapting it for the new train style. The conversion included replacing the original stand-up trains with new floorless trains manufactured by , allowing riders' legs to dangle freely above the track and providing clear visibility of the footroom and structure during inversions.

Trains and vehicles

Rougarou operates with three floorless trains manufactured by , each consisting of eight cars seating four riders abreast in a single row for a total capacity of 32 passengers per train. The vehicles utilize over-the-shoulder harnesses with interlocking seatbelts to secure riders, and the floorless design eliminates the ride floor to allow legs to dangle freely, enhancing the sensation of exposure during inversions. The ride achieves a theoretical hourly capacity of 1,800 riders through efficient dispatch pacing. As part of the 2015 conversion from the original stand-up coaster , the stand-up harnesses were replaced with these floorless trains to address rider discomfort commonly associated with prolonged standing positions on such coasters.

Theming

Name origin

The name Rougarou draws from Cajun and Creole folklore in , where it refers to a shape-shifting werewolf-like creature known as a variant of the French loup-garou. This beast is typically depicted as a bipedal hybrid with a and the head of a , , or sometimes an , cursed to prowl the swamps and bayous under the . In these legends, the serves as a enforcer, particularly targeting Catholics who violate the rules of by consuming meat or engaging in other forbidden activities during the holy season; those who break these observances for seven consecutive years are said to transform into the creature for 101 days, after which the curse can be passed to an unsuspecting victim. The folklore's roots trace back to medieval European werewolf myths brought by French colonists to colonial in the , blending with Native American traditions from tribes like the Houma, who contributed elements of swamp-dwelling spirits and animal transformations. Over time, the tale evolved in the oral traditions of Cajun communities in regions such as Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes, reflecting a cultural fusion that emphasized moral lessons and fear of the untamed wilderness. In modern times, the has gained wider recognition through media portrayals in television series like and Cajun Justice, as well as events such as the annual Rougarou Fest in Houma, which celebrates the legend while supporting efforts. Cedar Point selected the name Rougarou in 2014 for the 2015 season conversion of the former roller coaster, aiming to infuse the ride with an air of mystery and thrill inspired by the creature's eerie, scream-devouring persona and its association with shadowy, swampy habitats—mirroring the coaster's location near a park lagoon. This choice aligns with Entertainment Company's tradition of drawing on global for immersive theming, as seen in the 2014 debut of , an inverted coaster at sister park named after an Irish wailing spirit. By evoking the Rougarou's predatory allure, the name enhances the ride's without altering its core .

Theming elements

The theming of Rougarou draws from bayou folklore, featuring a swampy, eerie atmosphere to immerse riders in the legend of a werewolf-like creature. The queue and station evoke a misty atmosphere, enhanced by machines that create a hazy, foreboding throughout the queue, complemented by ambient audio of distant howls and rustling foliage to heighten tension. During seasonal events like HalloWeekends, the park enhances the overall spooky ambiance with additional fog effects and lighting across its attractions. This theming was introduced during the 2015 conversion from the original Mantis, which had an industrial, metallic aesthetic, to create a more narrative-driven experience that blends seamlessly with Cedar Point's surrounding lagoon landscape. The theming remains relatively subtle, focusing on atmospheric effects rather than elaborate decorations.

Ride experience

Station and queue

The station for Rougarou is an enclosed structure designed to immerse guests in the coaster's werewolf mythology, featuring large panels with slashed designs evoking claw marks from the mythical creature lurking in swamps. The loading area includes a retractable platform floor that drops away after riders secure their shoulder harnesses, allowing feet to dangle freely during the ride. With three trains in operation, each holding 32 passengers arranged in eight cars of four seats across, the station supports multiple dispatches for efficient throughput. The queue path features outdoor switchbacks surrounded by bayou-inspired scenery, enhancing the swampy atmosphere while accommodating high guest volumes on busy days. A single rider line is not offered, but the Fast Lane priority access system includes , allowing passholders to bypass much of the wait. Boarding requires riders to meet a minimum of inches and a maximum of 78 inches, with attendants performing restraint checks on the over-the-shoulder harnesses before dispatch. For accessibility, wheelchair users must transfer to the ride vehicle independently, as the station does not provide wheelchair seating; Cedar Point's general attraction policies apply, including assistance availability upon request. The queue briefly references the ride's theming through subtle swamp elements, building anticipation without extensive narrative displays.

On-ride sequence

Riders board the floorless trains in the station, where the restraint system secures them at the shoulders and thighs, allowing their legs to dangle freely once the floor retracts shortly after dispatch. The train then engages the chain lift, ascending the 145-foot (44 m) , providing panoramic views of the surrounding park and on the horizon. At the crest, the track executes a 180-degree right turn before plunging down the 137-foot (42 m) first drop at a 52-degree angle, propelling the train into the 119-foot (36 m) vertical loop, where riders experience intense positive G-forces pressing them into their seats. Exiting the loop, the enters a 103-foot (31 m) dive loop, an inclined inversion that pulls riders downward in a sweeping arc, and then mid-ride block that slightly slow the before it dives into the 83-foot (25 m) inclined loop, another twisting inversion emphasizing the unsecured leg position. The sequence culminates in twin corkscrews—two consecutive 360-degree flat spins—that rotate riders rapidly while maintaining a low height, creating whipping lateral forces and disorienting spins, particularly noticeable in the floorless configuration. Final magnetic bring the to a halt after navigating these elements, returning riders to the station. The entire on-ride experience lasts 2 minutes and 40 seconds, with all four inversions concentrated in the first half of the layout, building to a thrilling pace before the concluding corkscrews and brakes provide a climactic slowdown. The floorless trains amplify sensations throughout, as the absence of a floor allows for greater perceived freedom and exposure during inversions, including the dangle over the track. Intense positive G-forces contribute to a breathless intensity, while the finale in the brakes offers a moment of relief amid lingering adrenaline. For optimal experience, the back row of the train intensifies the rotational forces in the twin corkscrews due to the whip-like effect, though front seats offer clearer anticipation of upcoming elements. Weather conditions, such as or rising from the nearby , can enhance the immersive swamp theming by adding atmospheric haze that evokes the mythical 's lair, though heavy rain may temporarily alter visibility during the lift hill ascent.

Records and legacy

Stand-up coaster achievements

When debuted at on May 11, 1996, it immediately set multiple world records for stand-up roller coasters, establishing new benchmarks in scale and performance. At 145 feet tall, it became the tallest of its type, surpassing previous leaders like Iron Wolf. The coaster also achieved a top speed of 60 mph, making it the fastest stand-up ride worldwide at the time, while its 3,900-foot track length marked it as the longest, exceeding contemporaries by nearly 900 feet. These accomplishments were highlighted in contemporary news coverage of the ride's opening. In addition to its dimensional records, Mantis pioneered inversion configurations for stand-up coasters, becoming the first to incorporate four inversions on a single circuit. This included a groundbreaking 103-foot dive loop—the initial use of this element in a stand-up design—and an 83-foot inclined loop, the world's first of its kind, which inverts riders at a tilted angle of approximately 45 degrees. These innovations, developed by , enhanced the ride's intensity while adapting to the constraints of stand-up restraints. Mantis's records underscored Bolliger & Mabillard's evolving expertise in stand-up coaster engineering, directly shaping their subsequent designs by demonstrating the feasibility of larger, more complex layouts. The ride retained its titles until , when Riddler's Revenge at eclipsed the length at 4,370 feet and added two more inversions. This progression highlighted Mantis's role in advancing the genre before its conversion to a , which nullified its stand-up distinctions.

Post-conversion distinctions

The conversion of Rougarou from a stand-up to a floorless in 2015 marked it as one of the earliest such retrofits by , addressing common discomfort issues associated with prolonged standing positions and enhancing overall rider accessibility for a broader . This transformation preserved the original track layout while introducing floorless trains that allow legs to dangle freely, significantly improving comfort ratings compared to its predecessor and making it more approachable for riders previously deterred by stand-up designs. In contemporary evaluations, ranks solidly among for its four inversions, including a distinctive inclined loop that provides intense yet controlled spins, earning praise from enthusiasts for its forceful pacing and airtime moments. It holds an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 on Captain Coaster from nearly 1,000 user reviews, positioning it as a reliable mid-tier thrill in Cedar Point's lineup, though it does not appear in the top tiers of the 2025 Golden Ticket Awards for steel coasters. Some analysts hail it as the premier in the United States due to the conversion's success in amplifying the ride's dynamic elements without major structural overhauls. The adoption of the Rougarou name, drawn from a werewolf-like figure in French Cajun , has enriched Cedar Point's portfolio of myth-inspired attractions, aligning with the park's emphasis on immersive and contributing to sustained visitor interest in its themed experiences. This integration complements other narrative-driven at the park, fostering a cohesive ambiance that draws repeat crowds and supports annual attendance figures exceeding 3 million visitors. While its original stand-up configuration once set world records for height and speed in , the post-conversion version maintains relevance through these thematic enhancements rather than record-breaking feats. As of late 2025, remains fully operational with no announced modifications or replacements, continuing to operate daily during the season and serving as a staple in Cedar Point's diverse coaster collection.

References

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