Summer may truly begin on June 20 with the solstice, but for Sandusky and Cleveland’s die-hard coaster junkies, it’s May 4.
As Cedar Point opens their gates that Saturday morning, trusty coasters like Millennium Force, Steel Vengeance and Gatekeeper await fans — as do fair-style food, carnival-esque games and live entertainment all along the way.
But the real star of the day is the reinvented Top Thrill Dragster: Top Thrill 2.
Unveiling for its first season, Top Thrill 2 emulates all the lovable attributes of the late Top Thrill Dragster, including its 0-120mph launch and 420-foot peak. New with the recent renovations, though, the ride ups its duration by nearly seven times, turning a 17-second experience into two whole minutes. Keeping things interesting, the strata coaster features a triple launch, cascading riders back and forth courtesy of the infamous “rollback” that would blindside Dragster riders. The unique triple-launch distinction makes it the world’s tallest and fastest of its kind. (The original ride closed after a Michigan woman was struck by a metal object that dislodged from the coaster as she waited in line.)
Still not sure what to expect? Take a peek at this POV-style test ride from Tony Clark, the park’s director of communications.
“Our stamp on the industry is in roller coaster innovation,” said Carrie Boldman, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point, in a press release. “That’s solidified as we redefine the strata coaster into a mega-thrill that our guests will come from far and wide to experience.”
See it for yourself in all of its glory, starting May 4 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., until the season’s end in late October.
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