Magnum XL-200
1989

Magnum XL-200 opened in May 1989 as the world’s first complete-circuit roller coaster to exceed 200 feet. It was built by Arrow Dynamics. Magnum XL-200 set the standard for all hyper coasters that followed!
The 1980s were a huge decade of growth for Cedar Point. In 1980, Cedar Point introduced Oceana, the park’s dolphin stadium, where trained dolphins performed for guests. Ocean Motion began sailing the high seas in 1981. In 1982, guests experienced new hydro flume thrills with White Water Landing.

In 1983, Demon Drop began dropping riders from its 131-foot-tall tower. Avalanche Run opened in 1985 as the first bobsled roller coaster in the Midwest. In 1986, Thunder Canyon gave guests a true river-rafting experience. Iron Dragon became the region’s first successful suspended roller coaster when it opened in 1987. Guests also began cooling off at Soak City Water Park in 1988.
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With all of these new attractions and major improvements, the best was still yet to come.
During the 1980s, Cedar Point added eight major new attractions to the park, including two new roller coasters. In 1986, Cedar Fair appointed Dick Kinzel as its new CEO. In 1987, he oversaw the addition of Iron Dragon, the first major successful roller coaster added to Cedar Point since Gemini opened in 1978.
When Gemini opened in 1978, it was billed as the tallest, fastest, and steepest roller coaster on earth. Due to the lack of the internet and limited access to information at the time, it was later revealed that Gemini was actually neither the tallest nor the fastest roller coaster in the world.
By 1988, Gemini had already been thrilling guests at Cedar Point for 10 years. In the late 1980s, Cedar Point and Dick Kinzel began talking with roller coaster manufacturers about creating what would become the world’s tallest and fastest roller coaster.
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What did they come up with? A roller coaster standing 187 feet tall—just tall enough to become the tallest roller coaster in the world at the time!
The new roller coaster was planned for an area between Gemini and Corkscrew at Cedar Point.

When park officials presented the idea for the new roller coaster to the board for approval, one board member suggested that the ride needed to be bigger. Dick Kinzel then returned to speak with the ride manufacturer, where the project was changed.
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The new roller coaster would now stand 201 feet tall.
The plans were then approved, and Cedar Point began building its new masterpiece.
On August 16, 1988, Cedar Point announced it was building Magnum XL-200. Magnum XL-200 would be the tallest and fastest complete-circuit roller coaster in the world. This marked the first time Cedar Point would hold a major roller coaster record like this.
Magnum XL-200 was a huge construction project for Cedar Point. The ride would be sandwiched between the park, the beach, Soak City Water Park, and Camper Village. To make room for Magnum, the resort gate was rebuilt and moved across the road.
Magnum XL-200 was built during the winter of 1988 and the spring of 1989 at Cedar Point. No one in the world had ever seen a roller coaster this big. Magnum would become the first roller coaster in the world to exceed 200 feet!
During the fall of 1988, Cedar Point quickly dug and poured the footers for Magnum XL-200. The ride required a massive number of footers—similar to what you would find on a wooden roller coaster.
The track and structure for the ride were delivered and staged near the construction site, ready to be assembled.
Magnum XL-200 was one of the most ambitious construction projects in Cedar Point history. The ride was being built during an era when Arrow Dynamics still designed coasters without the use of computers. Every piece of track was carefully bent and shaped by hand, a painstaking process that required incredible precision.
Teams of engineers and construction workers worked tirelessly to assemble the massive steel structure, ensuring that every curve, hill, and drop would deliver the thrilling experience Cedar Point promised. The craftsmanship and effort put into Magnum XL-200 set a new benchmark for roller coaster construction at the time, making it not just a ride, but a true engineering marvel.
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The track and structure went up very quickly, rising into the sky with impressive speed. Even during construction, the ride was an incredible sight, showcasing its massive scale and giving a clear hint of the thrills it would soon deliver.
As May quickly approached, Magnum XL-200 was nearing completion. Construction crews were putting the finishing touches on the massive steel track and supports, while workers meticulously inspected each section to ensure safety and precision. The station, lift hill, and brake runs were all coming together, and the surrounding area was being prepared for guests.
Excitement began to build throughout the park as the towering coaster took shape. From a distance, visitors could see the enormous structure rising above the landscape, a clear sign that a record-breaking thrill ride was about to make its debut at Cedar Point. The anticipation for Magnum XL-200’s opening was palpable—everyone could tell this would be a landmark moment in roller coaster history.
Magnum XL-200 claimed the title of the tallest and fastest complete-circuit roller coaster in the world, surpassing Bandit. Bandit, a 167-foot-tall coaster, was built in 1988 by Togo for Yomiuriland.
Construction of Magnum XL-200 was completed in April 1989, marking the final step before the ride’s historic debut.
Today, new rides and roller coasters undergo weeks of extensive testing to ensure everything operates safely and smoothly. In 1989, however, the process was very different. When the first train of Magnum XL-200 was run, Cedar Point officials and Arrow Dynamics crews watched from the platform, closely observing the ride’s performance.
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After returning to the station from its very first run, Dick Kinzel, with Jack Falfas at the controls, became the first people to officially ride the new coaster, experiencing firsthand the record-breaking thrills that Magnum XL-200 would soon deliver to guests.
The weather was far from ideal on the day Magnum XL-200 opened. Guests and staff faced a cold, windy, and rainy day as the record-breaking coaster prepared to make its debut.
When the ride was officially measured by the Guinness Book of World Records on June 2, 1989, it was discovered that Magnum XL-200 actually stood 205 feet tall, not 201 feet as originally planned. The discrepancy was due to Cedar Point and Arrow Dynamics overlooking the height of the footers in their initial calculations.
Magnum XL-200 was an instant sensation, thrilling guests from the moment it opened. Visitors couldn’t get enough of the record-breaking coaster, and it quickly became one of the park’s most beloved attractions.
Magnum XL-200’s station was situated between Corkscrew and Gemini. From there, the ride leaves the park, dips near the water park, and then heads back toward Lighthouse Point. When Magnum first opened in 1989, the water park was only on the right side of the coaster. Over the years, however, the water park has expanded around Magnum, further enhancing the ride’s surroundings.
Magnum XL-200 was built by Arrow Dynamics of Clearfield, Utah. Arrow had already built several other popular attractions for Cedar Point, including: Magnum XL-200 was another standout Arrow creation, adding yet another thrilling ride to Cedar Point’s lineup.
Magnum XL-200 was designed by Ron Toomer. Ron was originally a NASA engineer but grew bored with his work there. After exploring new opportunities, he joined the Arrow Development Company, where he went on to design some of the world’s most iconic and thrilling roller coasters.
Magnum XL-200 Ride Facts
Opened: May 6, 1989
Location: Corkscrew Midway
Type: Hyper Coaster
Manufacturer: Arrow Dynamics
Designer: Ron Toomer
Cost: $8 million
Height: 205 feet
Drop: 194.7 feet
Length: 5,106 feet
Speed: 72 mph
Hills: 10
Trains: 3
Inversions: 0
Capacity: 2,000 riders per hour

Magnum XL-200 was the world’s first hyper coaster, setting a new standard for height, speed, and airtime in roller coaster design.
When Magnum XL-200 opened, it became the first roller coaster in the world to exceed 200 feet. The ride was so massive that a new category of roller coaster had to be created to describe it. Magnum XL-200 was soon dubbed the original “Hyper Coaster.”

Magnum XL 200 Starts A War

When Magnum XL-200 opened, it broke multiple world records and immediately made a huge impact on the amusement park industry. Its size and speed sparked what became known as the “roller coaster wars”—a race among parks to build the biggest, tallest, fastest, and steepest roller coasters imaginable.
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The roller coaster wars began in 1989 and continued until 2003, ending when Top Thrill Dragster debuted at Cedar Point. During those 14 years, Cedar Point added eight new roller coasters, three of which exceeded 200 feet in height. It’s safe to say that Cedar Point emerged as the undisputed leader in this competition; no other park has as many roller coasters over 200 feet as Cedar Point. Today, the park boasts five roller coasters over 200 feet, cementing its reputation as a premier destination for thrill-seekers.

World Records

When Magnum XL-200 opened, it held several world records:
  • Tallest full-circuit roller coaster in the world: 205 feet
  • Fastest full-circuit roller coaster in the world: 72 mph
  • Steepest roller coaster in the world: 60 degrees
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Magnum XL-200 remained the tallest roller coaster in the world until Pepsi Max Big One opened in 1994.
Magnum XL-200 was a landmark addition to Cedar Point. It helped solidify the park’s reputation as a premier destination for roller coaster enthusiasts and put Cedar Point back on the map as a must-visit thrill park.

Ride Experience

The Magnum XL-200 ride experience begins when guests enter the line for the ride. The entrance is located between the Resort Gate and Corkscrew.
The line leads to the station building, where riders are loaded onto the train. The station building is very large and has a unique design. Most of the time, Magnum XL-200 has a wait time of about 5–15 minutes. On weekends, the line can reach wait times of about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
In the line, guests pass multiple signs that share ride facts they can read while waiting.
After climbing a set of stairs, riders finally arrive at the station.
Magnum XL-200 has very comfortable trains that are very similar to the trains on Gemini.
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The trains feature individual seat belts and a lap bar. The seats feel very close together.
Once the ride operator gives the "all clear," the train is released from the station.
The train leaves the station and travels above the midway. Once it crosses over, the track takes a small dip before beginning the first major climb.
Magnum then makes a right-hand turn, and riders begin their ascent up the coaster's massive lift hill.
Magnum XL-200 then carries its riders 205 feet into the air. The ride uses a 1,060-foot chain lift, which moves at about 6 MPH.
Going up the lift hill is a truly unique experience. Riders are treated to incredible views of Cedar Point Shores Water Park, Gemini, Hotel Breakers, and Lake Erie. It’s a breathtaking sight!
It takes about a minute to reach the top of the lift hill. From there, riders are treated to stunning views of Lake Erie.
Magnum XL-200 sends riders plummeting 194 feet at a 60-degree angle. The drop is incredibly exciting, with a lot of airtime, making riders feel like they're floating as they fall.
Magnum then ascends its second airtime hill, which stands 157 feet tall. This hill is really thrilling, as you float over the top and get an incredible view of the lake. The train is moving so fast, it feels like you're about to dive right into the water!
At the top of the hill, Magnum XL-200 makes a slight left turn, which sets the coaster up perfectly for the next series of elements.
Magnum XL-200's second drop plunges riders into a dark tunnel, adding an extra layer of excitement as they speed through the twist ahead.
Riders are then launched out of the tunnel onto an 80-foot ejector airtime hill. The airtime on this hill is absolutely fantastic, giving riders a powerful, floating sensation!
Magnum XL-200 then takes riders through a one-of-a-kind pretzel turnaround—it’s the only roller coaster in the world to feature this distinctive element. The pretzel turnaround is made up of two consecutive, side-by-side, banked turns, creating a sensation similar to a flat helix. As the train twists through, riders experience significant lateral forces, making this a truly intense and unforgettable moment of the ride.
Magnum XL-200’s pretzel turnaround also serves to realign the track, guiding the coaster back toward the station in its classic out-and-back layout. This ensures a smooth transition from the intense inversion back to the ride’s final elements
After the pretzel turnaround, the train dives into a second tunnel that features an airtime hill, giving riders a quick burst of weightlessness before continuing along the course.
Riders are then blasted out of the tunnel and over a small airtime hill, where they are lifted out of their seats by a strong burst of airtime.
Magnum has very strong ejector airtime, but the ride is also known for being somewhat rough. It isn’t as smooth or graceful as B&M hypercoasters like Nitro (2001), Diamondback (2009), Mako (2016), and Candymonium (2020).
Magnum XL-200 then enters a twisted airtime hill. The track climbs and twists before dropping to the right. This forceful element provides only minimal airtime.
The remainder of Magnum XL-200 stays low to the ground as the track weaves and snakes its way through Cedar Point Shores Water Park.
Magnum then soars over an intense ejector airtime hill, surprising riders who can’t see it coming until they are already rushing through it.
Magnum XL-200 then flies over another airtime hill as the track continues weaving through the water park. Further into the park, the coaster’s structure begins to soar above the walkways, thrilling guests below!
The next hill launches riders out of their seats once again as they fly over a walkway below!
Magnum then soars over an intense ejector airtime hill, surprising riders who can’t see it coming until they are already rushing through it.
After the photo hill, Magnum XL-200 plunges into the final tunnel, where it surges over its last airtime hill, ejecting riders from their seats one last time!
The tunnel is pitch black, leaving riders unable to see where they’re headed—naturally, screams fill the air!
After exiting the tunnel, riders encounter the ride’s mid-course block brakes. From the moment the train crests the first hill, it takes about 60 seconds to reach this point.
After leaving the mid-course brake run, Magnum XL-200 glides smoothly toward the station to complete the ride.
Magnum then soars over the Resort Gate, giving riders a sweeping view of the bustling midway below.
The train then glides into the final brake run, where riders pause briefly before rolling into the station to exit the ride.

A Success

When Magnum XL-200 opened, it was an immediate success. The ride was considered an instant hit and quickly earned a reputation as a world-class coaster. To many enthusiasts, Magnum XL-200 was simply the best.
Amusement Today, which launched in 1997, covers the amusement park, theme park, and water park industry. Each year, the magazine publishes a list of what it considers the world’s top roller coasters. Magnum XL-200 was the very first coaster to earn the #1 spot on this list. Since then, Magnum has consistently remained in the top 50 roller coasters every year, solidifying its place as a true classic.

Magnum XL-200’s Placements in the Golden Ticket Awards:
Year
Rank
1998
1
1999
1
2000
1
2001
3
2002
3
2003
4
2004
3
2005
3
2006
3
2007
5
2008
7
2009
9
2010
8
2011
10
2012
8
2013
9
2014
13
2015
15
2016
15
2017
23
2018
14
2019
18
2021
20
2022
25
2023
30
2024
36
2025
34
2026
TBD
Magnum XL-200 was extremely popular when it opened, often drawing full lines, with temporary queues stretching all the way down to Corkscrew.
The ride’s immense popularity helped spark the “roller coaster wars.” Over the next 30 years, Cedar Point would add another five roller coasters exceeding 200 feet in height. In hindsight, Magnum XL-200 would also become the final roller coaster that Arrow Dynamics built for Cedar Point, marking the end of an era in the park’s history.

Changes Are Made To Magnum XL-200

Today’s safety standards are much stricter than they were in 1989. When Magnum XL-200 was built, roller coasters rarely had seat belts, and Magnum was no exception.
In the early 1990s, safety standards began evolving rapidly, with seat belts being added to both new and existing rides. Magnum XL-200 received seat belts sometime in 1989, shortly after it opened. Later, in the late 1990s, regulations were updated to require air gates to prevent riders from entering or exiting the ride while it was in motion. Around 2005, Magnum XL-200 received its air gates, bringing it in line with modern safety standards.
Seat belts weren’t the only updates made to Magnum XL-200 in the 1990s. In 1990, the ride’s braking system was upgraded from upstop plates to upstop wheels, improving overall safety and ride performance.
A few months after opening in 1989, Magnum XL-200 received its trim brakes, which were originally installed at the top of the third hill. In 1990, the trims were moved to their current location just before the pretzel turnaround, and the bottom of the third hill was re-profiled to accommodate the new placement.
Sometime in the mid-1990s, the pretzel turnaround itself was re-tracked and re-profiled using a new track designed to better support the weight of the trains. This new track had a slightly different shape than the original, improving both ride smoothness and durability.
Back in 1989, roller coasters were still designed by hand, and it was fairly common for rides to be modified after construction because the original design sometimes didn’t perform exactly as planned. Magnum XL-200’s adjustments were part of this normal process of fine-tuning a major coaster.
Trim brakes are added to roller coasters to slow the trains, helping them navigate certain sections of the ride more safely and smoothly. Later, trim brakes were also installed on two other Cedar Point roller coasters: Mean Streak and Mantis.
In 2009, Cedar Point celebrated the 20th anniversary of Magnum XL-200. To mark the milestone, the ride received a brand-new entrance sign. The sign was later repainted in 2018 to refresh its appearance.

Becoming A Classic

Over the years, Magnum XL-200 has remained incredibly popular, consistently drawing large crowds. With its impressive capacity and thrilling layout, it continues to be a fan-favorite and a standout attraction at Cedar Point.
Magnum XL-200 helped Cedar Point set the standard for the next generation of roller coasters, influencing the design and scale of thrill rides that would follow.
After Magnum XL-200, Cedar Point went on to add: Disaster Transport (1990-2012), Mean Streak (1991-2016), Challenge Park (1992-2016), Snake River Falls (1993-2024), Kiddy Kingdom (1993), Raptor (1994), Cedar Point’s 125th Anniversary Celebration (1995), RipCord (1996-2016), Mantis (1996-2014), Chaos (1997-2011), Swan Boats (1997-2003), Power Tower (1998), Camp Snoopy (1999), Millennium Force (2000), Lighthouse Point (2001), Wicked Twister (2002-2021), Good Time Theatre (2002-2014), Top Thrill Dragster (2003-2021), Castaway Bay Resort (2004), maXair (2005), Skyhawk (2006), Maverick (2007), Planet Snoopy (2008), Shoot the Rapids (2010-2015), WindSeeker (2011), Dinosaurs Alive! On Adventure Island (2012-2018), GateKeeper (2013), New Gemini Midway (2014), Rougarou (2015), Valravn (2016), Cedar Point Shores Waterpark (2017), Steel Vengeance (2018), Forbidden Frontier on Adventure Island (2019-2022), Cedar Point’s 150th Anniversary Celebration (2021), Snake River Expedition (2021-2023), The Boardwalk (2023), Top Thrill 2 (2024), and Siren’s Curse (2025)

All of these new attractions have introduced cutting-edge innovations and advanced technology, helping Cedar Point earn and maintain its title as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World.”
Magnum XL-200 is a fantastic ride. Experiencing it means riding a true roller coaster classic that has thrilled generations of guests.
Magnum XL-200 is an incredible ride that is sure to thrill guests for years to come! Riders must be at least 48 inches tall to experience the original Hyper Coaster.
Photos by: Cedar Point, John B. deHaas, Russ Hauden,Howard Gillooly, and Jake Hamons
Last Updated: 05/01/2026
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