Millennium Roller Coaster
Millennium (formerly Millennium Roller Coaster) is a roller coaster at Fantasy Island in Ingoldmells, United Kingdom. It was built by Vekoma, a Dutch roller coaster manufacturer, to celebrate the arrival of the new millennium but despite its name, was opened in May 1999. It was Fantasy Island's first "Extreme Thrill Ride", and circles the park's signature pyramid structure.
| Millennium | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Fantasy Island | |
| Location | Fantasy Island |
| Coordinates | 53.192°N 0.347°E |
| Status | Operating |
| Opening date | May 22, 1999 |
| Cost | £15,000,000 |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel |
| Manufacturer | Vekoma |
| Model | Custom MK-1200 |
| Lift/launch system | Chain Lift Hill |
| Height | 150 ft (46 m) |
| Drop | 110 ft (34 m) |
| Length | 2,736 ft (834 m) |
| Speed | 56 mph (90 km/h) |
| Inversions | 3 |
| Duration | 1:40 |
| Capacity | 450 riders per hour |
| Height restriction | 120 cm (3 ft 11 in) |
| Trains | Single train with 7 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 28 riders per train. |
| Millennium at RCDB Pictures of Millennium at RCDB | |
Layout and operation
Constructed - and so forth named - ahead of the new millennium in 1999, the ride features a vertical loop, a side winder and an additional vertical loop.[1] It finishes in a low helix, which swoops down to a level just above head height of those in the amusement park, frequently startling the unsuspecting public. Some of Millennium's track is intertwined with Jubilee Odyssey's, providing some Headchoppers especially when near the Odyssey's supports.
Like the adjacent Odyssey rollercoaster, Millennium is also affected by high winds (though not as significantly as the Odyssey) and so in the case of bad weather or high winds Millennium may not operate.
With a top speed of 55.9 mph, it is the seventh fastest roller coaster in the UK. It is also the fourth tallest British roller coaster, with a maximum height of 45.5 metres.
For years its striking yellow and red paintwork could be seen from several miles away. For the 2018 season opening the ride was completely repainted. The track is now purple with green supports and the queue line features LED strip lights down both sides.
In 2011, a man continuously rode Millennium 140 times over two days in order to raise fund for charity.[2]
References
- Top 10: Britain's fastest roller coasters - The Telegraph. 22 May 2015. Retrieved 26 December 2019.
- 140 laps ridden on Fantasy Island rollercoaster for charity - RideRater. 6 August 2011. Retrieved 26 December 2019.