Millennium Force - Inspiration

Inspiration

Millennium Force changed the way future coasters were built. The use of a Cable lift led to more coasters being built with them. Cable lifts require less maintenance, can support more weight, and can run faster than a traditional chain lift. Millennium also led to more coasters being built over 300 feet (91 m). Top Thrill Dragster opened only three years later, breaking the 400 feet (120 m) height record. However, Intamin did not build another "giga coaster" until 2010 with the opening of Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion. Intimidator 305 is similar to Millennium as it also uses a cable lift and a similar layout, but has shoulder harnesses as opposed to the lap bars on Millennium Force. Leviathan opened at Canada's Wonderland in May 2012 as the fourth "giga coaster." However, it was manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, meaning that the model name is "hyper coaster" not "giga coaster", although it is over 300 feet (91 m). It is different from Millennium Force and Intimidator 305 because it features different trains, track, mechanics, restraints and uses a chain lift, not a cable lift.