I have always loved this coaster. From riding it during it’s debut season in 1991, this suspended Arrow smokes Big Bad Wolf in every way except theming (Iron “Draggin” at CP doesn’t even fall into the same class as these two ride.)
All four rides I took (one at night in the near pitch black) were in the front seat, the only real way to enjoy Vortex in my opinion.
The first drop isn’t particularly dramatic (BBW’s drop over the Rhine wins that one), but what makes this ride great is the use of terrain.
After the first high turnaround, it continues to build up speed until it swings over the pond at the bottom of the hill and climbs back up, slamming and swinging into the brake run with such force the entire structure shakes. In the end it seems a bit short, making you want more. But brother, this ride never lets up.
A very overlooked and underrated ride in my opinion; this is a coaster not to be missed. In an odd twist, this is the only coaster I have ever been on that the station rules are to take all of your possessions (including backpacks) on the ride; nothing may be left in the station. Ever.
I give this ride a five for what it is - not the best steel coaster, but perhaps the best suspended coaster still in existance.
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