Cedar Point (CP) Discussion Thread

[Superbatboy]

I love to break Bill's balls about stuff like this because we're friends outside of TPR and he makes himself an easy target. And he can dish it out as good if not better than anyone else here so its fair game.

 

the point of being an "enthusiast" is you enjoy any roller coaster...regardless of how crappy it might be and find something enjoyable about it.

 

But this is poppycock. I love coasters and definitely will scream about it from the rooftops (I'm not some closet case about it like some people feel the need to be) but that does NOT mean I enjoy any and every roller coaster. It's literally impossible to find redeeming qualities in certain rides. ("Oh the queue was nice..." "Great station on that one!"??)

 

I'll certainly ride any coaster, but some of them flat out suck. So you're saying because I have a negative opinion of certain rides (while obviously absolutely loving others!) that I can't really be an enthusiast?

[tiagohummel]

Oh, and on Sunday morning I witnessed a Maverick rollback! It was very cold and windy and they were testing it with empty trains, when one of the trains couldn't make it through the second corkscrew.

 

They spent the whole morning and afternoon with a tractor and cables pulling the train and the ride reopened around 6 pm.

 

Does this happen very often?

Working on the stuck train.

[DoinItForTheFame]

. . . Does this happen very often?

 

Not sure how often it happens, but I've personally seen it happen twice.

[FeelTheFORCE]

Yeah, I've seen it twice as well. Not sure if they were the same two times, but they seem to have it down to a science now.

[cake-is-life]

... a Maverick rollback!

 

For reference, that isn't a rollback. It's a valley (in the verb sense). A rollback is when a train doesn't clear the first hill on a launch coaster and has to be re-launched/reset, which from what I understand is more common on TTD but can still happen on Maverick. A valley is when a train does not have enough speed to clear any subsequent hills/elements and so rolls back to the closest low point (the valley).

 

Yeah, I've seen it twice as well. Not sure if they were the same two times, but they seem to have it down to a science now.

Maverick (and TTD, I would think) tests for rollbacks during pre-opening procedures so they get lots of practice.

[DefeatistNation]

Oh, and on Sunday morning I witnessed a Maverick rollback! It was very cold and windy and they were testing it with empty trains, when one of the trains couldn't make it through the second corkscrew.

 

They spent the whole morning and afternoon with a tractor and cables pulling the train and the ride reopened around 6 pm.

 

Does this happen very often?

 

Hey! I was standing right behind you in line with the green expire jacket on. I came all the way up from georgia

[coasterkid124]

I find it amazing how quickly CP's maintenance crew responds and fixes things around the park. At some parks, if a coaster valleyed, you wouldn't see them reopen for a few days or maybe a week. It could be just because CP may be so used to it being at the location that they're at, but to have the coaster reopened on the same day is just astonishing nonetheless.

[Philrad71]

^ Great, thanks! It was also suggested, that Famous Daves is a good BBQ place,

located by the Marina Entry. So I've already listed that one.

 

Here would be my current Top Ten List for food at (or near) CP...

 

1). Famous Dave's if you want good BBQ, beer or cocktails whilst in a beautiful setting. And before someone else says it...yes, there is the boat as well as many other boats to look at.

 

2). Cedar Point fresh cut fries. I prefer the cheese fries, but others are saying that the parmesan garlic is to die for. Hope to be able to try those next month and give you my opinion.

 

3). For breakfast, take a drive to Milan (birthplace of Thomas Edison) to Inventions Cafe. It's about a 25 minute trip from the park, but one breakfast could last you all day if you make the effort to drive there. It's a solid old-school diner with huge servings, and everything that we have had has been home-made (check out the homemade fruit crisps in the HUGE cast iron skillets!) and SUPER GOOD! If you go, you will definitely want to stroll around the historic square. And if you are into Thomas Edison (like, who isn't?), his boyhood home is a few blocks away where they have a nice tour and museum.

 

4). TGIF's in The Breakers. Very convenient if you're staying there for a break from the theme park and a rest in the room, and it's a nice way to end the night with an appetizer and a couple of drinks. Food can be hit or miss, but still better than what you will probably get anywhere in the park ('cept the cheese fries, of course).

 

5). Chickie & Pete's. I have heard that the regular food at this bar in the park (near Raptor) is hit or miss although I have yet to visit. I did have the Chickie & Pete's Crab Fries at Dorney though and they were very good! I know that might be a stretch to get fries after having the awesomeness that are the Cedar Point fries, but these are different and good.

 

6). Pink's Hot Dogs. Meh....I have heard a lot of complaints about price and quality of food. Ours wasn't awful and the selection of dog toppings was at least funky...but yeah, they need to pick up the quality of their offerings to justify the high cost.

 

7). Eat outside of the park. The Thirsty Pony is decent right at the beginning of the Causeway. It's traditional pub food with a full bar, games, sports betting, etc.

 

8). Panda Express (in the park by Millennium Force) - if you're into chain Asian food. I am not, but I did grab a pork egg roll on the fly one night after grabbing a beer in the Red Garter Saloon (right across the way) that wasn't too bad.

 

9). Not sure about other local restaurants, but they do have tons of chain restaurants like Chili's, Cracker Barrel, B-Dubs, etc...on Rt. 250 (on the way to Milan).

 

10). Finally...if you REALLY want to be decadent and are looking for that down and dirty angioplasty - get the fried cheese on a stick with the cheese dipping sauce on the side. Yeah, you'll be ready to kill yourself after eating it (if you don't actually have a heart attack before that), but who can say that they actually ate an entire FRIED CHEESE ON A STICK AND DUNKED IT IN NACHO CHEESE SAUCE!!!!! It is so county fair that you almost have to force yourself to do it!

Directions to Inventions.

Outside - downtown Milan (pronounced: My-Lehn, not Meh-Lahn - gasp!)

Edited May 19, 2016 by Philrad71

[coasterbill]

You're welcome internet...

[Nrthwnd]

^^ Thanks for all the suggestions, Phil.

 

Will review all these past pages, when the (2017) plans start up.

 

Cheese on a stick, dunked into more cheese? Um.......pass.

 

[DefeatistNation]

Only on theme park review would there be a top 10 food spots list haha.

[bluestreak]

You're welcome internet...

 

[DoinItForTheFame]

Maverick (and TTD, I would think) tests for rollbacks during pre-opening procedures so they get lots of practice.

 

I know that TTD (and I am about 99% sure Maverick is the same way) does not "test" for rollbacks during pre-opening procedures. Sometimes rollbacks happen during testing, and sometimes they don't... but they do not purposely test for a rollback. There is no real way to test for a rollback aside from e-stopping the train mid launch

[DirkFunk]

food in the area:

 

-Hot Dog Tony's in downtown Sandusky is too raw for y'all.

 

-Danny Boys on US 250 is decent.

 

-I saw the menu for The Reserve over at Kalahari and it looks like they added some interesting "african" dishes that, basically, you aren't gonna have made for you anywhere else in the immediate area.

 

-Zinc and Crush are owned by the same group and I've always heard they're good, but never been to speak on them

 

-There's a new italian place over in Port Clinton called Ciao Bella that's on the pricey side but also not trash. Like legit decent food.

[FeelTheFORCE]

Maverick (and TTD, I would think) tests for rollbacks during pre-opening procedures so they get lots of practice.

 

You're talking about on the initial lift hill or launch tunnel. I highly doubt they purposely valley the train mid-horseshoe roll in order to "practice." Two different procedures.

[coasterkyle]

Maverick (and TTD, I would think) tests for rollbacks during pre-opening procedures so they get lots of practice.

 

I know that TTD (and I am about 99% sure Maverick is the same way) does not "test" for rollbacks during pre-opening procedures. Sometimes rollbacks happen during testing, and sometimes they don't... but they do not purposely test for a rollback. There is no real way to test for a rollback aside from e-stopping the train mid launch

 

Maverick does test rollbacks on the lift hill during block testing. If a train has not entered the launch block in tunnel as the train reaches the top of the hill it will rollback . However they do not test rollbacks of the launch, it simply wont launch if the first brake run is not clear of the previous train. You are correct about Dragster.

[CaptainUnknown]

There is no real way to test for a rollback aside from e-stopping the train mid launch

 

*Slides operator a $20*

[Superbatboy]

I've always wondered what happens if the brake fins don't pop up after a launch on an Intamin launch coaster and there is a roll back

Is there another way to stop the train?

[coasterkyle]

The train behind it....

[DoinItForTheFame]

The train behind it....

 

 

. . . . . . . .

 

And we thought the Smiler accident was bad. . . I can't imagine a TTD rollback slamming into the train behind it. (Not that it could happen.)

[Superbatboy]

The train behind it....

Clears that up

[Labarr]

Hey guys!

Been lurking on here for a few weeks now (Been hyped about Valravn!!)

 

My family will be heading to CP Memorial Day weekend.. (Ya I already know to expect longer-than-normal lines). But I am hoping to get some tips/suggestions from some of you guys to help manage our time! (I have been to CP 3 times before. Since my last time here, CP opened GateKeeper, Valravn and changed Mantis)

 

-I will be staying at Breakers Express.

-We are driving up Friday morning (Coming from Central NY). We will be getting the twilight pass for Friday night. (Question 1:What would be the best rides to wait for, and what should we skip for the following day.

-Since we are staying at the Breakers Express we will get into the park an hour early on Saturday. Question 2:During this hour, What rides should I expect to be open? Should we "walk fast" to Valravn first?

-Which rides do/do-not have a "test-seat". My brother is a bigger guy who will probably need to test out the seats before going in line.. Its sad tho, Because honestly, He isnt even "Fat" just has really big thighs.. Its not even in his stomach that is a problem.. As in previous parks we see many other "obese" people go on rides just fine, but he cant.

-We will be heading home Sunday morning. I am a little concerned about time.. So I really want a plan before going

I appreciate the advice!

 

Before answering any of your questions, I will ask you a question, Is Fastlane+ an option? Everything kinda revolves around that haha

 

We will not be getting the Fastlane+....I personally want to get it. but the other people in my party don't see it being worth $80.. How can I pitch it to them to TRY to make them get it? (4 of us total)

[Texascoaster89]

^I dont understand why coaster enthusiasts should enjoy riding absolutely every rollercoaster either. I always shake my head when a terrible coaster is being demolished and people say that it's always sad to see any coaster go. It's like saying that car enthusiasts should enjoy driving any car ever made, regardless of how terrible it is.

 

The whole point of my post about being an enthusiast as that often times people stray from being a enthusiast and will mostly become complainers. I'm going to carry a baby rattle and shake it on rides at Coastermania just to start the "rattle conversation"

 

But back on topic, no, I'm not saying you're not an enthusiast if you hate a ride, but at the same time doesn't it get old complaining about the same thing everyday like we hit a reset button and yesterday never happened? That's all I'm saying. At the end of the day, we're nerds who love inanimate objects that toss us around...and we love being that group of misunderstood people.

[DILinator]

I went to Cedar Point yesterday, and it was the best day I've had at The Point in over 30 years and many visits!

 

We arrived for early entry at 9:30, and went right to Valravn and got in a much shorter line that the last time I was here Preview Weekend. After a little less than 20 minutes, we were on the coaster in the front row, and enjoying a much better ride on it than I had my first go-round! Obviously, the view from the front, particularly facing down the drop, is a HUGE part of what makes the ride, and made it much more enjoyable. However, something else happened that I didn't even realize fully until our second ride later in the day... We didn't stop on the mid-course trims! Now, I'm not saying they didn't slow the train down at all, but if they did, it was minimal, and we went over the second near-vertical drop with a good measure of speed now, making that element intensely fun! It wasn't until our second ride, when we were slowed to almost a stop before going over, that I remembered THAT, is how the ride is supposed to run! So, needless to say, that was an awesome way to start the day, and getting down with Valravn before the regular crowds even entered was great!

 

We went to Millennium Force next, and after a 5 minute (tops) wait, we were on what is still my favorite (barely) coaster in the park! After one exhilarating spin on MF, we saw the line was even shorter than before, and hit it again. Next up was my other contender for favorite coaster in the park, Maverick, and we got in a line that was the shortest one I have ever encountered on the ride during normal (non-ERT) hours! It was on the stairs, almost to the station! After a fantastic ride then, we got in line again, a little longer one this time, but after only about 10 minutes, were on board, and I was sitting in the back row. I had forgotten just how insane that coaster is in the back row, and was again questioning which coaster was 1a and 1b after getting off it! Such a great coaster!

 

Yes, Mean Streak was running finally, and some thought was given to giving it a go, but nobody was all that passionate about the idea, so we left Frontier Town. We passed up Gemini this time around, and Magnum was down at the moment, so we hit TTD. The line began on the ramp, so we opted for front row since we weren't going to be waiting long in the main line. It was a blast, as always, riding up there, and when we got down with it, we'd only been in the park just under three hours. So, before even 1:00, the four largest coasters were in the books, MF and Maverick twice, and the entire day still lay ahead of us!

 

Rather than go blow by blow through the whole day, I'll just say our final ride tally: Valravn 3 times (including the very last train of the night!), MF 3 times, Maverick 3 times, GateKeeper 2 times, TTD 2 times, and solo rides on Magnum, Rougarou, Raptor, Blue Streak, and Wicked Twister. I also got on Windseeker, maXair, Power Tower, and Tiki Twirl, and had a blast on Dodgems for the first time in many, many years! As I said before, in all my many years and visits to Cedar Point, including most of those being in the low-crowd days of May, I've never been able to do so much, with so little line waiting time! We could have actually ridden a lot more, but took a few breaks to eat, or just relax with a brew. The perfect weather was icing as the cake, as it was sunny and pleasant all day, and not too hot, nor cold!

 

A few thoughts from the day...

 

-My longest wait of the day was between 30 and 40 minutes, the third time we rode Maverick. But the worst wait of the day for me, was for Fresh Cut Fries, as I naturally picked the very slowest line of all the options available, and then after I ordered, the lady apparently forgot my order, because after getting my drink, and going to get a straw and napkins and coming back, she was serving other people, and then when she was done with that, asked me what I'd ordered, and then went and put the order in, waiting for it to be completed... But man, those Garlic Parmesan Fries sure were good, and in the end, the poor service was not the end of the world!

 

-We had a second opportunity where we almost went on Mean Streak. I was game, but there just wasn't enough passion for the option among the group, so we didn't end up riding it. Still, it was nice to see it finally open, and I'm sure I'll get a spin on it at some point this year!

 

-The removal of the Go-Karts didn't really open up a ton of space for a Soak City expansion, and even without Rip-Cord there, there wouldn't be much room. Perhaps with the Mini-Golf gone as well, there would be a decent amount of room... Still, a Carolina Harbor sized expansion just doesn't seem to be in the cards for Soak City, not unless they cut into that parking lot as well.

 

-I was crestfallen to go for some more Tofts Valravn Ice Cream, and find out it was sold out! However, I did get to try the Valravn Dippin-Dots, which were actually pretty good, and as a bonus, I got some great information on CP's next project... Oh, wait... No I didn't! What the heck would the Dippin-Dots guy know about that shizz?!?!

 

-Speaking of Project 2017, I've decided I know what I want it to be... All new, completely renovated bathrooms across the entire park! Seriously, every single bathroom I went in over the course of the day (and a couple of the guys I was there with had to go to the bathroom an unusually large number of times!) was just dank, disgusting, and sub-par, especially compared with all of the other newly updated infrastructure in the park! I don't know if this is actually going to happen, but I know if it does, I will not be complaining in the least about not getting another coaster or ride, as it'll be a big upgrade IMHO! Soak City expansion, and all new bathrooms... Yes, I could definitely be satisfied with that in 2017!

 

-Valravn still isn't into my top 3 coasters at CP, but I do rank it ahead of TTD, Magnum, and Raptor! While those are all fine, and enjoyable rides, Valravn in the front (especially with the trims off!) is a spectacular experience, and just such a rush! Great addition by CP, and as I stated after Preview Weekend, that whole new midway its arrival has created is perhaps the best thing about the ride. I simply love it over there!

 

I'll be back with another group of friends, co-workers this time, on Tuesday, so it'll be interesting to see how the crowds compare, since I was anticipating more people being there yesterday, with it being Physics Week. But I can't imagine having much shorter wait times Tuesday than I did today! We'll see... Regardless, this visit has definitely affirmed my belief that if you truly want to enjoy the CP experience, and don't want to get gouged by the ridiculous (and yes, that's EXACTLY what it is) Fast Lane debauchery, you really need to make sure you go weekdays (preferably Tuesday through Thursday) in May! I almost never go to CP mid-June through mid-August these days, and my park experience is SO much better for that! If you are coming from a distance, and can at all tolerate pulling your kids from a few days of school, I definitely recommend this route, as opposed to making a Summer trip, and then feeling compelled to get the FL+!

 

Sorry for there being no photos, but my phone is pretty much garbage, and I was too busy riding coasters to snap many pics anyway. Thanks for reading!

[tiagohummel]

Guys, you got me really terrified with this one. How can they be sure that nothing will keep the brakes from popping up after the launch on TTD? haha

 

Oh, and on Sunday morning I witnessed a Maverick rollback! It was very cold and windy and they were testing it with empty trains, when one of the trains couldn't make it through the second corkscrew.

 

They spent the whole morning and afternoon with a tractor and cables pulling the train and the ride reopened around 6 pm.

 

Does this happen very often?

 

Hey! I was standing right behind you in line with the green expire jacket on. I came all the way up from georgia

 

Oh really? I was there with my friends April and Crystal.