Date Ridden: First in 2006 and then a few different times since. Times Ridden: 9
For all of you Top Thrill Dragster fans (and Kingda Ka fans as well), let it be known those rides would not exist had it not been for the prototype located out in Buena Park, CA. Xcelerator was the first of the launch coasters and despite its relatively tame height (a little over 200 feet....hehe) in comparison to the two monsters listed above, it is still very worth of its place in the top steel coasters in the world.
That launch is well over 80 MPH so it gets you out of there and up the top hat in a hurry. Where Xcelerator differs is that there is more track than just an up and over the hill. There are a couple of overbanked turns taken at a very fast rate of speed and then a violent stop on the brakes at the end. Overall, Xcelerator is a total adrenaline rush from the launch to the brake run.
It is easily my second favorite Intamin launched coaster behind only TTD. The restraints are identical to those found on the Dragster which leads to a more intense experience than Kingda Ka. The two trains are dispatched quickly and the race car theme of the attraction is top notch as well.
As a footnote, the ride has been down for the last three weeks and is not supposed to be up for another two. It has had some issues with downtime in the past, so you do run a risk if missing out on the coaster when visiting. Keep that in mind when putting together travel plans.
In conclusion, Xcelerator is solidly entrenched in my top 10 steel coasters. it is a smooth yet intense launch coaster which is loads of fun, particularly in the front seat at night when you have an unobstructed view of Buena Park. It grades out as a solid 9.
Ride Xcelerator below.
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