I had the chance to swing by the park today for Ohio State Day before the Season Pass Holder Preview Night.
First things first, this roller coaster has visually transformed the front of the park. Yes, we said that Gatekeeper did this in 2013; however Valravn sits more squarely in the middle of the sight line of the park, along the Main Midway.
I was also surprised to the lack of netting (there is only one set of netting under the first immelmann), which allows for great visuals of the coaster and easy viewing from guests.
The color scheme also translates pretty well in person. Especially at night - the roller coaster is underlight by white lights, which draws greater attention to the silver underbody for added emphasis. So no - it is not as readily apparent that a burnt orange coaster is sitting next to another orange coaster.
As to the ride, it is eerily smooth and forceful. The first drop provides great floater, however the first immelmann and turn into MCBR pack surprising positive g-force. The second drop has another good pop of airtime, with some hangtime in the dive loop and lots of hangtime in the barrel roll.
Rob Decker, Cedar Fair's lead designer, spoke to CF back during the Gatekeeper opening on the importance of creating sense of place for attractions. Valravn has accomplished this visually, and also packs an impressive ride.
Here is the Facebook live stream during our walk to Valravn this morning:
[facebookpost]https://www.facebook.com/CoasterForce/videos/10153506209093639/[/facebookpost]
And reaction video with walk around of the ride:
[tweet]https://twitter.com/CoasterForce/status/728625866335502339[/tweet]