For those that managed to get this ride, thank the coaster gods cause unfortunately there will never be another ride with this level of acceleration ever built again. Seeing it in person and not getting to ride it was arguably the worst ‘denied’ I’ve ever had at a park 😭
@@maxhagenauer24most likely the linear G-force from the acceleration is too high to comply with ASTM (literally injured people), and although the acceleration was a draw for coaster enthusiasts, I’m sure the GP found it to be too much.
@JTstratman13 First, it's linier G Force, not lateral. Second, the reason it caused injury was because people were not leaning their heads back against the seat but that is an easy fix. They just need speakers and a camera in the launch tunnel and tell people to lean back before launching, they do that with lots of American launch coasters. So I'm pretty sure people can handle the acceloration but it was their position in seating that caused problems.
I got to ride Dodonpa the summer of 2002, a few weeks after riding Superman at Magic Mountain. Dodonpa was listed as a few mph faster than Superman, so we figured "no big deal". We didnt expect a launch that would rip your face off! So much fun!
Sad to hear this closed. The only thing that was close to this when it came out was made by the same manufacturer. That ride was Hypersonic XLC at Kings Dominion. I was lucky to get that credit before it was removed as well. Great video as always.
Yes! you just made me feel better. Even though I didn't get to ride dodonpa or Do-dodonpa (which I'm actually glad I didn't ride do-dodonpa because it's almost like playing roulette if your going to be fine or get injured or not, but was sad i didnt get to ride Dodonpa) you just reminded me I still experienced that style of S&S air launch coaster with Hypersonic XLC which i rode many of many times as what is now a rare credit. Truly was so unique and one of my favorites. Kings dominion used to be one of my favorite parks because of the collection of rare and unique attractions. But now it's not in my top favorite parks anymore especially after the removal of Volcano. But anyway thanks for reminding me I did get a 1st generation S&S compressed air launch coaster credit, so I can imagine a little of how Dodonpa felt.
Rode this before the loop back in 2008, and it was both insane and incredible. The initial launch I think I blacked out for a second and when it leveled off speed wise it was above average. The launch WAS the ride.
Not related to the video but please bring back the intro! It’s iconic to this channel and it’s been around for as long as I can remember, it just doesn’t feel right without it
I got to ride it in December 2019, which is even more in the nick of time than Coaster Studios and it was insane. At the time I was 10 years old and it instantly became my number 1 (it isn't anymore, Hakugei is). I'm very sad that it closed, and I saw it again in January 2024 when it was still SBNO.
I literally was shook to the core after experiencing this launch in March 2021. Went for a day and half, and rode the four giants like a crazy maniac! I went again just 10 days ago. I was literally brought to tears seeing the track. Zokkon has been added to the park, but Fuji Q will just not be complete without that monster acceleration!
Thanking the coasters gods I got to ride this in 2019 when I took a trip to Japan for my 15TH bday. I don’t talk about coasters without talking about my love for Do-dodonpa
after this closed, Stealth at Thorpe Park now has the worlds fastest acceleration 0-80mph in just 1.8 secs, edging Maxx Force with a top speed of 78mph in 1.8 secs, this is good for Thorpe Park and for the UK, not only that but we are getting a new tallest and fastest coaster for the UK, Hyperia
@alexrowson-brown6568 we r talking about acceleration, not speed, Hyperia is going to be faster than Stealth but Stealth has the acceleration, Hyperia has nothing to do with acceleration
This was on my bucket list for a decade and when I finally got to travel to Fuji-Q it was closed. It took forever to save up for that trip and it was all for nothing.
As someone who visited Japan a few times in the early 2000s and experienced dodonpa it was as Taylor described. It literally made me feel breathless and feel like I was shot outta a gun. Definitely a bucket list experience and made its sister attraction hypersonic slc look like a kiddie ride.
@@adamfilmz7158 I know but I say it’s worth it in attempt to make it more reliable since that thing has been a maintenance migraine for Cedar Point for about 2 decades
I’m literally going to visit Japan for the first time this summer and now I’m sad I won’t get to experience this amazing launch :( Atleast I’ll still (hopefully) get to ride Eejanaika
The Stealth situation was as a result of too many rollbacks due to the slower acceleration so they had to program the launch to 0-80mph in 1.8-1.9 seconds, the sign is only a remainder from ages ago and merlin (Thorpe park owners) haven't updated the area since now with project sparkle.
I rode Do-Dodonpa once in May 2019, in the back seat. And man, what an impact it left. I remember the airtime going down that little dip into the tunnel right after the launch as an unexpected surprise, and the huge loop was kinda cool. But that launch... damn. I'm gonna miss that. What a ride.
I was actually planning on making a visit when I was in Japan late 2023. But then I saw Do-Dodonpa was SBNO and decided to focus my energy into Nagashima Spa Land. Very sad it's closing for good. This one was definitely a bucket list coaster. It was also the coaster that replaced Moonsault Scramble which I am absolutely obsessed with. Hope whatever takes its place will be amazing.
Dodonpa's top hat gave the strongest ejector I've ever experienced, It was painfully intense as if it was trying to rip your torso apart from your lower body, my thighs bruised in the best way possible!, and Do Dodonpa has the scariest launch of any coasters I've ever ridden. There will never be anything like it again, such a sad loss :(
I’m not a person who goes to intense roller coasters like these (the most intense one I rode once would be Ghostrider at Knotts Berry Farm in 2023), but looking at how popular this attraction is, I can appreciate how awesome it was for many people who got to ride it at some point, and how it also sucks to see it being closed because of the severe injuries that occurred on that ride.
Really sad it's closing. Glad I got to ride it in 2019, and I was looking forward to riding it again sometime in the future. I've ridden other launch coasters, and none of them compare to the feeling of Do-Dodonpa. One of my favorite coaster experiences I've ever had, for sure. It's sad that there's just nothing else quite like it.
I was stationed in atsugi for 2 years 2018-2019. And I went and rode this ride 4 times. I'm so glad I did, it makes me so sad cause I was planning another trip there in 2024. 😢
I’ve been wanting to go Japan for years to ride some rides, this one in particular was my #1 bucket list roller coaster there. Been waiting to see what happened to this coaster before I considered planning a trip but the loss of this coaster really hurts the value of a trip overseas. It’s a sad day for coaster enthusiasts
What absolutely sucks is I feel like the main issues could have been fixed. There were 2 main issues with this ride, one was with people not leaning their heads back on the launch and this caused accidents but that seems like a very easy fix, as in just put camera and speakers in the launch and tell everyone to lean back before launch like a lot of American launch coasters do. The other problems were the roughness and especially a terrible pothole on the entry to the loop but that is just track that can be replaced. The reason this stuff isnt fixed is because Japan has much stricter laws than America and Europe parks when it comes to this stuff.
@Jushwa It said "launchtime, 3, 2, 1". We don't have problems with people not leaning back on launch coasters in America and that's because it says keep head back and a lot of time won't even launch till everyone does. It's not just the acceloration.
It's stealth. The signs you see out front have now been updated to display the correct speed of 0-80 in 1.8 seconds. In 2006 it could accelerate from 0-80 mph in 2.3 seconds. In 2007 it was upgraded to decrease the time it took to accelerate to 1.9 seconds. In 2009 it was further enhanced, taking it to 80 mph in just 1.8 seconds. This was all done to ensure no chance of rollbacks even in higher winds. It has been confirmed by the park but also confirmed by Stealth ride ops who receive the real ride data on every launch.
Right Blackpool, build an S&S air powered launch top hat coaster that takes the height record back and brings back that do dodonpa speed, it would be so easy to market. Use the PlayStation (or ice blast as some call it) tanks
Damn, that had to be a rush like nothing else on the planet, so sorry to see it go, and congrats to all who got to try it while in operation, as that is a one of a kind credit(and experience). 1.8 seconds to reach 107 mph, now I know why this ride had so many injuries, but I still would have rode it if given the chance.
This was a strong bucket list ride, as it was the only coaster I was afraid to ride. I really hope that a similar project will show up somewhere in Middle East, where parks could try to get their own record breaker to compete with Falcon Flight
This makes me really sad. This roller coaster was an awesome coaster so when I was in my home page and I saw this video, my heart sank. I immediately went to rcdb and sure enough, it said that Do-Dodonpa was defunct
Six Flags saw this announcement and had dollar signs in their eyes now that they can advertise Maxx Force as the world’s fastest accelerating coasters.
Personally never rode it but god that launch looked unreal. Kingda ka is my favorite launch and this just looked so much more insane man. I really hope they give it a worthy replacement
Only found out about this today, and it feels sad. I've been to Japan many times, and this park was still on my list. But in recent trips I left it out just because I still hoped Do-Dodonpa would some day be reopened. Unfortunately, not happening.... So for my next trip I'll just make do with the cycle coaster at Washuzan Highland. Just a tad slower 😅
This will be up there with Eagle's Fortress as my most regrettable roller coaster misses. Damn I wish we would have gotten out to ride it. If I knew it was going to go down, I would have.
What boggles my mind is that it was ultimately the changes they made which caused them to close the ride in the first place. Like, just restore it to its original configuration! What makes this especially sad is that Do Dodonpa replaced the Moonsault Scramble, which subjected riders to 6g's. I keep hearing about Japan's very strict regulations, and while I do understand that these are for our safety, I also feel sad that these rules cannot be bent a little, because it does feel as though that particular "spot" belongs to a ride that will push your circulatory system to its limits. Plus, I would have liked to have had a chance to compare Rockin' Roller Coaster's launch to the Do Dodonpa's.
During my trip to Japan in October 2022, both Steel Dragon 2000 and this were closed. It sucks that I won't have the opportunity to ride this beast, especially after being so close to it.
I got to rife it a few times over the years and it was one of my favorite coasters.....your face literally just exploded after the launch! Having said that, not surprised to see it close. Every single time I rode it i thought "I wonder if people get injured" 😅
I can confirm thorpe park now owns that title. they have officinally changed the singn to say 1.8s now over this closed season. even though it got sped up a good few years back because of roll backs. feels good to have the worls fastest acceleration on a functional roller coaster in the world for my local park
Wife and I went to Fuji-Q and Do-Dodonpa in 2018 and it was her very first rollercoaster ever because she really fears thrill rides. She was very very scared, and would never do it again, but she is glad she did it. It was worth it for the story and since that time she has gone on other coasters that seem less intense once you have conquered Do-Dodonpa. That said, I really do not get why people are breaking bones as 0-112mph in 1.56 seconds is 3.27Gs which is high, but plenty of other coasters hit these values for about the same amount of time, some more. Why was this coaster breaking bones, but X is not...or is it? Love to hearTaylor and Sarah's views here.
Xcelerator was the most powerful initial punch I’ve ever experienced in launch even Dragster and Ka didn’t have that kind of pure explosion in their launches. I couldn’t imagine how this ride would have felt
They definitely pushed the limits with that launch. It sucks for sure, but when they announced it was closing in 2021 i said it was gonna get removed or heavily modified but i leaned heavily towards it being removed. Even if it went 0-112 in 2.2 seconds. That would be significantly less force and people wouldn’t have gotten hurt.
If you are looking for video ideas, I would love to see a series talking about theme park travel tips. Not the generic "this is what you should pack", more like showing a US map with all the parks marked, the best way to get to each one, pointing out good parks to combine into one trip, maybe best places to move for ideal home parks etc. I've been in SLC with lagoon my whole life, but lately have been visiting other parts of the country for their parks, and plan to move to Orlando for maximum access.
Or best ways to travel/park hop on a budget. Because let's face it: traveling and amusement park passes are not cheap. Oh, and speaking of Orlando, getting an annual pass for Universal is on my to-do list. I just need to save up/be in a better place financially.
This one was a bucket list coaster for sure shame i never got to ride it Can't say i was expecting it to reopen when it got closed, such intensity sadly isn't viable for parks anymore :(
Man, I've gone to Fuji Q TWICE. Once in 2019 and another end of 2023. The ride wasn't available to ride either time... so the coaster lover in me feels somewhat backhanded. I tried, man.
I had the joy experience this ride it was the scariest roller coaster I have ridden. I would say the track itself is pretty safe. The coaster is really secured as well although you really have to tighten up the harness and you have to push yourself to the seat so if I have to guess the reason for the accidents is how the employees fasten up the belts and failed to instruct the victims on hoe to seat properly.
im super bummed with the timing of everything because I went last year in the afternoon and nothing was open except for ejenika. Dont get me wrong that ride was great and im fortunate I had that opportunity, but seeing everything closed while I was there and now knowing I can never have the opportunity to get on Do-Dodonpa again is crushing.
This absolutely sucks, like this did hit hard because this was one of my absolute bucket list costers. This was actually probably the fastest acceloration for an average person to experience anywhere, and its just gone. This is really sad.
Like Taylor, I was lucky to ride this thing back in Fall of 2019. Only got one ride in because Fuji-Q was packed when I went and wait times were crazy all day. Wanted to get this as I missed out on it's older sister coaster at my home park(Hypersonic XLC at Kings Dominion). My god that launch was insane and the buildup to it was phenomenal. But like Intamin's Hydraulic launch coasters, I fear S&S's air launch coasters are becoming too temperamental and risky to keep around(just look at the one in China that had an accident recently). Hopefully this doesn't scare parks away from S&S coasters entirely in the future. But to Do-Dodonpa, All I have to say is this: Dōmo arigatō, sayōnara.
I feel very grateful I got to ride it also in 2019 before COVID. I traveled to Fuji Q just to ride it and words cannot describe that launch. I’m pretty sure my soul left my body for a few seconds. 😂
I remember seeing it on Insane Coaster Wars when it was Dodonpa. That was back when I was a new and young enthusiast who was being introduced to these international bucket list coasters. Sad to see it go, been on my radar since then.
i have the same feeling for vertigo at tivoli gardens in denmark. my dad promised we could do it in april 2020 when i finally was tall enough, it was ALL I wanted but then covid struck and we didn't go, and then it closed in 2021 due to maintinence issues. and they replaced it with a 20 foot drop tower that they already had 2 of instead of that BEAST of a ride i wanted to ride so bad for years. i would give so much just to experience the ride. and i am so mad at them.
This actually may be the most heart breaking ride closer’s I’ve experienced. Especially since my favorite overall ride element is a launch. When I went on RedForce in Spain, I could not comprehend it reaching that speed in 1 second. Then I found out it closed. Dododompa will TRULY be missed
I'm honestly really disappointed about this because I thought there was hope that it would reopen. It was a bucket list coaster for me for a long time! I did experience HyperSonic XLC and I never experienced a launch that actually made my stomach flip like that. I will be riding Maxx Force later this year and I'm excited for it. I'm planning on going to Japan with the Coaster Crew in 2025 and I'm thankful they've got Eejanaika having experienced X2 recently. I can understand why they've made this decision because I'd rather ride a roller coaster that's 100% safe. I knew this was probably coming and it proves that even record breakers don't last forever. RIP Do-Dodonpa.
it just shows that you need to make the most out of these rides when you can, because you never know whats gonna happen to them. [BY THE WAY, PLEASE BRING BACK THE INTRO!!!!!] 😥😥😥😥
You’re right - Stealth USED to be 2.3 seconds but apparently, rollbacks happened quite a lot so they had to increase the launch acceleration to give it more momentum to get over the top hat more reliably. I am fairly confident that Thorpe park stated it goes 0-80mph in 1.8seconds so in my opinion, Stealth takes the top spot!
Thorpe Park had the 2.3s 0-80 only for a few years after it opened. It changed to 1.8s pre 2010 from what I remember, or around that time. It's been 1.8s for a looooong time now, however, Merlin being Merlin, they didn't update the sign up until now with the 'Sparkle Project' refurbishing the park. The new sign shows the 0-80 in 1.8s time now.
While coaster closures typically make me sad, as this one did, it definitely pushed the limits of our frail human bodies. I never did get the chance to ride it as it was on my bucket list. Perhaps they could have slowed the acceleration a bit to make it a little less demanding on the body. The quickest accelerating coaster I've ridden was Kingda Ka which has a higher top speed but takes nearly double the time to reach it.
I haven't yet been able to experience an air powered coaster launch, and the only hydraulic cable launch I've done is Kingda Ka one time. It's kinda sad because launch coasters are my favorite kind, but it seems like everyone's moving to LSM's which just don't have the same impact.
Oh man! That sucks. I was planning on trying that ride sometime in the future. Hopefully, Fuju-Q Highland would definitely be a great first time experience even without this ride.
Stealth originally used to go to 80 in 2.3 but the changed it and sped it up due to a lot of rollbacks but it is now 1.8 (they have finally replaced the outdated sign!)
Nooooo 😭😭😭😭 I visited when they just happened to be going through the transition between the tophat and the loop ugh such a drag 😭😭 And on the crap day I visited freakin fujiyama was closed too lol so I just got to ride Takebisha and Eejanaika
For those that managed to get this ride, thank the coaster gods cause unfortunately there will never be another ride with this level of acceleration ever built again. Seeing it in person and not getting to ride it was arguably the worst ‘denied’ I’ve ever had at a park 😭
How do you know there will be this much acceloration again?
@@maxhagenauer24He said there won’t ever be that acceleration again
@CoasterMan01 Yeah I'm asking how he knows that.
@@maxhagenauer24most likely the linear G-force from the acceleration is too high to comply with ASTM (literally injured people), and although the acceleration was a draw for coaster enthusiasts, I’m sure the GP found it to be too much.
@JTstratman13 First, it's linier G Force, not lateral. Second, the reason it caused injury was because people were not leaning their heads back against the seat but that is an easy fix. They just need speakers and a camera in the launch tunnel and tell people to lean back before launching, they do that with lots of American launch coasters. So I'm pretty sure people can handle the acceloration but it was their position in seating that caused problems.
They should just build Do-do-dodonpa.
Yeah, I think they should get S&S to remake the ride based on the updated version of the air launch.
I got to ride Dodonpa the summer of 2002, a few weeks after riding Superman at Magic Mountain. Dodonpa was listed as a few mph faster than Superman, so we figured "no big deal". We didnt expect a launch that would rip your face off! So much fun!
I think Fuji Q would miss a huge opportunity if they didn’t replace this with an even faster S&S air launch called Do Do Dodonpa
😂🙌
Absolutely 💯
Sad to hear this closed. The only thing that was close to this when it came out was made by the same manufacturer. That ride was Hypersonic XLC at Kings Dominion. I was lucky to get that credit before it was removed as well. Great video as always.
Yes! you just made me feel better. Even though I didn't get to ride dodonpa or Do-dodonpa (which I'm actually glad I didn't ride do-dodonpa because it's almost like playing roulette if your going to be fine or get injured or not, but was sad i didnt get to ride Dodonpa) you just reminded me I still experienced that style of S&S air launch coaster with Hypersonic XLC which i rode many of many times as what is now a rare credit. Truly was so unique and one of my favorites. Kings dominion used to be one of my favorite parks because of the collection of rare and unique attractions. But now it's not in my top favorite parks anymore especially after the removal of Volcano. But anyway thanks for reminding me I did get a 1st generation S&S compressed air launch coaster credit, so I can imagine a little of how Dodonpa felt.
@@cedricscott6622 I'm so happy I was around to get the credit as well. Many can't say that!😜
Rode this before the loop back in 2008, and it was both insane and incredible. The initial launch I think I blacked out for a second and when it leveled off speed wise it was above average. The launch WAS the ride.
how was the airtime?
@@julianeichenberger4449 about one seconds worth. It seemed like an element that didn’t need to be there.
Not related to the video but please bring back the intro! It’s iconic to this channel and it’s been around for as long as I can remember, it just doesn’t feel right without it
UA-cam meta doesn’t really favour elongated intros or outros anymore
This announcement hurts so much. I'm planning my first trip to Fuji Q this summer, and now one of my bucketlist coasters is gone forever.
oh nooooooo ! bummer, ugh !!
did you go on your trip yet?
how was it?
@@runningrock124 Wasnt able to go :(
man.. this is sad, this has always been in my top 3 highest bucketlist coasters
i'm really bummed out about never beeing capable of getting there
I got to ride it in December 2019, which is even more in the nick of time than Coaster Studios and it was insane. At the time I was 10 years old and it instantly became my number 1 (it isn't anymore, Hakugei is). I'm very sad that it closed, and I saw it again in January 2024 when it was still SBNO.
Went there 2019 summer 4 days before you. and maan im so happy i had the idea to go to fuji q highland back then just to experience this ride
I literally was shook to the core after experiencing this launch in March 2021. Went for a day and half, and rode the four giants like a crazy maniac! I went again just 10 days ago. I was literally brought to tears seeing the track. Zokkon has been added to the park, but Fuji Q will just not be complete without that monster acceleration!
Thanking the coasters gods I got to ride this in 2019 when I took a trip to Japan for my 15TH bday. I don’t talk about coasters without talking about my love for Do-dodonpa
At least we still have Eejanaika
Don't jinx it lol
The only thing i don't like about Eejanaika is that i end up quite physically battered after two rides.
after this closed, Stealth at Thorpe Park now has the worlds fastest acceleration 0-80mph in just 1.8 secs, edging Maxx Force with a top speed of 78mph in 1.8 secs, this is good for Thorpe Park and for the UK, not only that but we are getting a new tallest and fastest coaster for the UK, Hyperia
Wouldn’t that make hyperia worlds fastest?
@alexrowson-brown6568 we r talking about acceleration, not speed, Hyperia is going to be faster than Stealth but Stealth has the acceleration, Hyperia has nothing to do with acceleration
@@JamesWragg-xn6uj yeah but isn’t too speed of hyperia more than stealth?
@@alexrowson-brown6568 yh it is, I think Hyperia will have a top speed of 83mph (not confirmed)
@@alexrowson-brown6568 nope lol, but it will be the world's tallest Mack Hyper, fastest in the UK
decided to look up some videos for nostalgia. got to ride the original in 2005. pretty sad, was hoping I could get back to it one day.
This was on my bucket list for a decade and when I finally got to travel to Fuji-Q it was closed. It took forever to save up for that trip and it was all for nothing.
As someone who visited Japan a few times in the early 2000s and experienced dodonpa it was as Taylor described. It literally made me feel breathless and feel like I was shot outta a gun. Definitely a bucket list experience and made its sister attraction hypersonic slc look like a kiddie ride.
Another legendary coaster gone. Right behind Mindbender, Top Thrill Dragster, volcano, and Dragon Challenge
Well Dragster technically has not left us.
@@tigerrocks503 yes. but I doubt it will bring what dragster brought. Such as going 120 mph in 2.8 seconds
@@adamfilmz7158 I know but I say it’s worth it in attempt to make it more reliable since that thing has been a maintenance migraine for Cedar Point for about 2 decades
I’m literally going to visit Japan for the first time this summer and now I’m sad I won’t get to experience this amazing launch :(
Atleast I’ll still (hopefully) get to ride Eejanaika
Great video! I really enjoyed watching this!
Rode it in 2014 when I was terrified of coasters and had no idea what i was doing. Glad to have had the experience.
This has always been on my bucket list, I am so mad it got removed 😢
Me too I realy wanted to go to Japan to ride that but sadly... it closed forever
I mean, it hasn’t been removed yet.
Same here.
But hey at least your bones will be happy
The Stealth situation was as a result of too many rollbacks due to the slower acceleration so they had to program the launch to 0-80mph in 1.8-1.9 seconds, the sign is only a remainder from ages ago and merlin (Thorpe park owners) haven't updated the area since now with project sparkle.
Pretty insane to think, 18 years after stealth has opened, she's a current world record holder
That’s actually not true
Managed to ride this in 2015 , most amazing experience.
I rode Do-Dodonpa once in May 2019, in the back seat. And man, what an impact it left. I remember the airtime going down that little dip into the tunnel right after the launch as an unexpected surprise, and the huge loop was kinda cool. But that launch... damn. I'm gonna miss that. What a ride.
I was actually planning on making a visit when I was in Japan late 2023. But then I saw Do-Dodonpa was SBNO and decided to focus my energy into Nagashima Spa Land. Very sad it's closing for good. This one was definitely a bucket list coaster. It was also the coaster that replaced Moonsault Scramble which I am absolutely obsessed with. Hope whatever takes its place will be amazing.
Dodonpa's top hat gave the strongest ejector I've ever experienced, It was painfully intense as if it was trying to rip your torso apart from your lower body, my thighs bruised in the best way possible!, and Do Dodonpa has the scariest launch of any coasters I've ever ridden. There will never be anything like it again, such a sad loss :(
Taylor, the reason they changed stealth to 1.8 because when it was 2.3, it had constant roll backs, so they upped the launch to 1.8
I’m not a person who goes to intense roller coasters like these (the most intense one I rode once would be Ghostrider at Knotts Berry Farm in 2023), but looking at how popular this attraction is, I can appreciate how awesome it was for many people who got to ride it at some point, and how it also sucks to see it being closed because of the severe injuries that occurred on that ride.
Really sad it's closing. Glad I got to ride it in 2019, and I was looking forward to riding it again sometime in the future. I've ridden other launch coasters, and none of them compare to the feeling of Do-Dodonpa. One of my favorite coaster experiences I've ever had, for sure. It's sad that there's just nothing else quite like it.
I was stationed in atsugi for 2 years 2018-2019. And I went and rode this ride 4 times. I'm so glad I did, it makes me so sad cause I was planning another trip there in 2024. 😢
Rest in peace, Do-Dodonpa, you will be sorely missed.
May it rest in peace…
I’ve been wanting to go Japan for years to ride some rides, this one in particular was my #1 bucket list roller coaster there. Been waiting to see what happened to this coaster before I considered planning a trip but the loss of this coaster really hurts the value of a trip overseas. It’s a sad day for coaster enthusiasts
What absolutely sucks is I feel like the main issues could have been fixed. There were 2 main issues with this ride, one was with people not leaning their heads back on the launch and this caused accidents but that seems like a very easy fix, as in just put camera and speakers in the launch and tell everyone to lean back before launch like a lot of American launch coasters do. The other problems were the roughness and especially a terrible pothole on the entry to the loop but that is just track that can be replaced.
The reason this stuff isnt fixed is because Japan has much stricter laws than America and Europe parks when it comes to this stuff.
They had speakers, warnings, and a full countdown.
@Jushwa It said "launchtime, 3, 2, 1". We don't have problems with people not leaning back on launch coasters in America and that's because it says keep head back and a lot of time won't even launch till everyone does. It's not just the acceloration.
It's stealth. The signs you see out front have now been updated to display the correct speed of 0-80 in 1.8 seconds.
In 2006 it could accelerate from 0-80 mph in 2.3 seconds.
In 2007 it was upgraded to decrease the time it took to accelerate to 1.9 seconds.
In 2009 it was further enhanced, taking it to 80 mph in just 1.8 seconds.
This was all done to ensure no chance of rollbacks even in higher winds. It has been confirmed by the park but also confirmed by Stealth ride ops who receive the real ride data on every launch.
That many people lying about a roller coaster is wild
Right Blackpool, build an S&S air powered launch top hat coaster that takes the height record back and brings back that do dodonpa speed, it would be so easy to market. Use the PlayStation (or ice blast as some call it) tanks
And rip out the big one to do it. Rip out infusion even you don’t need to just because..
Do-dodonpa will have a place in my heart, even I was never able to ride it.
Do-dodonpa will not be forgotten. ⛩️🎢
Damn, that had to be a rush like nothing else on the planet, so sorry to see it go, and congrats to all who got to try it while in operation, as that is a one of a kind credit(and experience). 1.8 seconds to reach 107 mph, now I know why this ride had so many injuries, but I still would have rode it if given the chance.
This was a strong bucket list ride, as it was the only coaster I was afraid to ride. I really hope that a similar project will show up somewhere in Middle East, where parks could try to get their own record breaker to compete with Falcon Flight
So bummed out that I never got to ride this... makes me want to focus on some far away bucket list coasters sooner rather than later.
maxx force already feels like teleportation i cant even imagine what this ride felt like
This makes me really sad. This roller coaster was an awesome coaster so when I was in my home page and I saw this video, my heart sank. I immediately went to rcdb and sure enough, it said that Do-Dodonpa was defunct
They should build a modern compressed air coaster with similar acceleration to take back the record, something like maxx force style
Six Flags saw this announcement and had dollar signs in their eyes now that they can advertise Maxx Force as the world’s fastest accelerating coasters.
Personally never rode it but god that launch looked unreal. Kingda ka is my favorite launch and this just looked so much more insane man. I really hope they give it a worthy replacement
Well, there goes another one I'll never get to ride.
Only found out about this today, and it feels sad. I've been to Japan many times, and this park was still on my list. But in recent trips I left it out just because I still hoped Do-Dodonpa would some day be reopened. Unfortunately, not happening....
So for my next trip I'll just make do with the cycle coaster at Washuzan Highland. Just a tad slower 😅
rip :( this thing was always hovering the top of my bucket list for that acceleration alone!
Damn I’ve always wanted to ride this
got to ride this once in 2019. i thought it was pretty bad apart from the amazing initial launch. hope they build something better!
This will be up there with Eagle's Fortress as my most regrettable roller coaster misses. Damn I wish we would have gotten out to ride it. If I knew it was going to go down, I would have.
What boggles my mind is that it was ultimately the changes they made which caused them to close the ride in the first place. Like, just restore it to its original configuration!
What makes this especially sad is that Do Dodonpa replaced the Moonsault Scramble, which subjected riders to 6g's. I keep hearing about Japan's very strict regulations, and while I do understand that these are for our safety, I also feel sad that these rules cannot be bent a little, because it does feel as though that particular "spot" belongs to a ride that will push your circulatory system to its limits.
Plus, I would have liked to have had a chance to compare Rockin' Roller Coaster's launch to the Do Dodonpa's.
During my trip to Japan in October 2022, both Steel Dragon 2000 and this were closed. It sucks that I won't have the opportunity to ride this beast, especially after being so close to it.
I never thought that Do-Dodonpa would close. Very unexpected and sad news.
I got to rife it a few times over the years and it was one of my favorite coasters.....your face literally just exploded after the launch!
Having said that, not surprised to see it close. Every single time I rode it i thought "I wonder if people get injured" 😅
I can confirm thorpe park now owns that title. they have officinally changed the singn to say 1.8s now over this closed season. even though it got sped up a good few years back because of roll backs. feels good to have the worls fastest acceleration on a functional roller coaster in the world for my local park
This ride was a one and done for me, but still very memorable.
Wife and I went to Fuji-Q and Do-Dodonpa in 2018 and it was her very first rollercoaster ever because she really fears thrill rides. She was very very scared, and would never do it again, but she is glad she did it. It was worth it for the story and since that time she has gone on other coasters that seem less intense once you have conquered Do-Dodonpa. That said, I really do not get why people are breaking bones as 0-112mph in 1.56 seconds is 3.27Gs which is high, but plenty of other coasters hit these values for about the same amount of time, some more. Why was this coaster breaking bones, but X is not...or is it? Love to hearTaylor and Sarah's views here.
Japan has probably the strictest amusement park regulations in the world, it was honestly only a matter of time before they axed Dodonpa.
Xcelerator was the most powerful initial punch I’ve ever experienced in launch even Dragster and Ka didn’t have that kind of pure explosion in their launches. I couldn’t imagine how this ride would have felt
They definitely pushed the limits with that launch. It sucks for sure, but when they announced it was closing in 2021 i said it was gonna get removed or heavily modified but i leaned heavily towards it being removed. Even if it went 0-112 in 2.2 seconds. That would be significantly less force and people wouldn’t have gotten hurt.
If you are looking for video ideas, I would love to see a series talking about theme park travel tips.
Not the generic "this is what you should pack", more like showing a US map with all the parks marked, the best way to get to each one, pointing out good parks to combine into one trip, maybe best places to move for ideal home parks etc.
I've been in SLC with lagoon my whole life, but lately have been visiting other parts of the country for their parks, and plan to move to Orlando for maximum access.
Or best ways to travel/park hop on a budget. Because let's face it: traveling and amusement park passes are not cheap.
Oh, and speaking of Orlando, getting an annual pass for Universal is on my to-do list. I just need to save up/be in a better place financially.
Too bad. I have to take it off my bucket list. At least I got to ride Volcano the Blast Coaster.
This one was a bucket list coaster for sure shame i never got to ride it
Can't say i was expecting it to reopen when it got closed, such intensity sadly isn't viable for parks anymore :(
Can confirm the sign on stealth is OOOOOLD and has been changed for this year to show the proper stats, it's 0-80 in 1.8 👀
Not the proper stats
Congratulations Max Force you are now the world's fastest accelerating coaster but RIP do dodonpa what is one of my top credits I wanted to get 😢
Man, I've gone to Fuji Q TWICE. Once in 2019 and another end of 2023. The ride wasn't available to ride either time... so the coaster lover in me feels somewhat backhanded. I tried, man.
日本人です。日本ではこのような乗り物は二度と造られることはないと思うので、海外でまたこのようなものが完成されるのを祈ります。
It felt like i left my ass behind. What a launch.
This coaster was like one of the reasons I wanted to go to japan lol
That's a shame. At least I had the pleasure to ride the XLC back in the day.
Launch Roller Coaster At Sun Tzu Cultural Park Goes From 0-83.9mph In 1.8 Seconds. New Record Holder.
With dragster's launch neutered and dododonpa closed, i fear that kingda ka or formula rossa might be next.
Really hoping Storm Runner doesn't follow too.
or bullet coaster
I am jealous of anyone who has this credit.
I had the joy experience this ride it was the scariest roller coaster I have ridden. I would say the track itself is pretty safe. The coaster is really secured as well although you really have to tighten up the harness and you have to push yourself to the seat so if I have to guess the reason for the accidents is how the employees fasten up the belts and failed to instruct the victims on hoe to seat properly.
im super bummed with the timing of everything because I went last year in the afternoon and nothing was open except for ejenika. Dont get me wrong that ride was great and im fortunate I had that opportunity, but seeing everything closed while I was there and now knowing I can never have the opportunity to get on Do-Dodonpa again is crushing.
This absolutely sucks, like this did hit hard because this was one of my absolute bucket list costers. This was actually probably the fastest acceloration for an average person to experience anywhere, and its just gone. This is really sad.
Like Taylor, I was lucky to ride this thing back in Fall of 2019. Only got one ride in because Fuji-Q was packed when I went and wait times were crazy all day. Wanted to get this as I missed out on it's older sister coaster at my home park(Hypersonic XLC at Kings Dominion). My god that launch was insane and the buildup to it was phenomenal. But like Intamin's Hydraulic launch coasters, I fear S&S's air launch coasters are becoming too temperamental and risky to keep around(just look at the one in China that had an accident recently). Hopefully this doesn't scare parks away from S&S coasters entirely in the future. But to Do-Dodonpa, All I have to say is this: Dōmo arigatō, sayōnara.
I feel very grateful I got to ride it also in 2019 before COVID. I traveled to Fuji Q just to ride it and words cannot describe that launch. I’m pretty sure my soul left my body for a few seconds. 😂
Rode it in 2014, insane ❤
Nooo! That launch was so incredible- such a unique sensation.
I remember seeing it on Insane Coaster Wars when it was Dodonpa. That was back when I was a new and young enthusiast who was being introduced to these international bucket list coasters. Sad to see it go, been on my radar since then.
I remember Insane Coaster Wars! Great concept for a show, so fun seeing coverage of rides all over the world
I remember that from back in the day. Sadly, I haven't had the opportunity to ride any of the featured rides as of yet.
i have the same feeling for vertigo at tivoli gardens in denmark. my dad promised we could do it in april 2020 when i finally was tall enough, it was ALL I wanted but then covid struck and we didn't go, and then it closed in 2021 due to maintinence issues. and they replaced it with a 20 foot drop tower that they already had 2 of instead of that BEAST of a ride i wanted to ride so bad for years. i would give so much just to experience the ride. and i am so mad at them.
This actually may be the most heart breaking ride closer’s I’ve experienced. Especially since my favorite overall ride element is a launch. When I went on RedForce in Spain, I could not comprehend it reaching that speed in 1 second. Then I found out it closed. Dododompa will TRULY be missed
“Check out my reaction as I stepped off the ride for the first time:”
*Nissan ad*
😂
I'm honestly really disappointed about this because I thought there was hope that it would reopen. It was a bucket list coaster for me for a long time! I did experience HyperSonic XLC and I never experienced a launch that actually made my stomach flip like that. I will be riding Maxx Force later this year and I'm excited for it. I'm planning on going to Japan with the Coaster Crew in 2025 and I'm thankful they've got Eejanaika having experienced X2 recently. I can understand why they've made this decision because I'd rather ride a roller coaster that's 100% safe. I knew this was probably coming and it proves that even record breakers don't last forever. RIP Do-Dodonpa.
Have gone to Fuji Q twice in my life and both times it was closed. Sad day.
it just shows that you need to make the most out of these rides when you can, because you never know whats gonna happen to them.
[BY THE WAY, PLEASE BRING BACK THE INTRO!!!!!] 😥😥😥😥
You’re right - Stealth USED to be 2.3 seconds but apparently, rollbacks happened quite a lot so they had to increase the launch acceleration to give it more momentum to get over the top hat more reliably. I am fairly confident that Thorpe park stated it goes 0-80mph in 1.8seconds so in my opinion, Stealth takes the top spot!
Thorpe Park had the 2.3s 0-80 only for a few years after it opened. It changed to 1.8s pre 2010 from what I remember, or around that time. It's been 1.8s for a looooong time now, however, Merlin being Merlin, they didn't update the sign up until now with the 'Sparkle Project' refurbishing the park. The new sign shows the 0-80 in 1.8s time now.
Alas, I will be there in May and I was sooooo very hopeful… at least Japan still has a bunch of other bangers!
Now it joins Moonsault Scramble as another lost giant. RIP Do-Dodonpa!
While coaster closures typically make me sad, as this one did, it definitely pushed the limits of our frail human bodies. I never did get the chance to ride it as it was on my bucket list. Perhaps they could have slowed the acceleration a bit to make it a little less demanding on the body. The quickest accelerating coaster I've ridden was Kingda Ka which has a higher top speed but takes nearly double the time to reach it.
I was fortunate to ride this back when it had the topcoat, a few months after it opened.
I haven't yet been able to experience an air powered coaster launch, and the only hydraulic cable launch I've done is Kingda Ka one time. It's kinda sad because launch coasters are my favorite kind, but it seems like everyone's moving to LSM's which just don't have the same impact.
Oh man! That sucks. I was planning on trying that ride sometime in the future. Hopefully, Fuju-Q Highland would definitely be a great first time experience even without this ride.
RIP Do-Doponpa you will be sadly missed but not forgotten.
Stealth originally used to go to 80 in 2.3 but the changed it and sped it up due to a lot of rollbacks but it is now 1.8 (they have finally replaced the outdated sign!)
Not true sadly
Nooooo 😭😭😭😭 I visited when they just happened to be going through the transition between the tophat and the loop ugh such a drag 😭😭
And on the crap day I visited freakin fujiyama was closed too lol so I just got to ride Takebisha and Eejanaika