It's no wonder why Raven frequently shows up on coaster lovers' top-10 lists. Its relentless speed and delirious airtime combine with tunnels, fog effects, and a race through dense woods to create a near-nirvana coaster experience.

Holiday World president Will Koch, who had a hand in overseeing the development of the ride along with master coaster designers, Custom Coasters International, says that part of the reason why Raven works so well is that riders can't gauge what's coming next. "The element of surprise is critical. That's why we saved as many trees as we could."

Koch also decided to do away with the trim brakes that would have saved on track and train wear and tear but would also drain the fun by slowing the ride down midcourse. The result is a short, but wonderfully sweet, 90-second ride filled with everything coaster lover coasters crave--especially airtime.

Different seats on a coaster's train often yield different ride experiences. Many riders wait in special lines to nab a front seat for its unobstructed views. But the rear seat typically offers the most intense ride. This is especially true for Raven. It is airtime heaven in its back seat with both free-floating air and the more violent ejector air.

As the coaster comes tearing into its Gothic-themed station house, there is an oft-repeated refrain: Quoth the Raven's passengers, "Once more!"

Photo: (C) Arthur Levine 2002