Hoeter

Went up to Cedar Point again yesterday, leaving Cincinnati about 6AM and arriving back home about 9:30PM - we arrived on Point just in time for ERT (10:00AM) to begin and stayed until about 5:30PM ERT - was able to hit Valravn (Row 2) and GateKeeper (Row 8) I have All Season Fast Lane. Between 11-5:30, was able to get two rides on Millennium and one each on Maverick, red side of Gemini, Magnum, Raptor, Blue Streak. Even though not on Fast Lane, got rides in on Iron Dragon and Cedar Creek Mine Ride Steel Vengeance had a bucket lift up with maintenance working on track; per one of the CP groups on Facebook, this opened right as we left. Apple Maps took me a different way into Sandusky yesterday, which seemed a lot faster. Took I-71 to Mansfield and came out SR-13 as normal, detouring around the closure on SR-13 by going through Greenwich on US-224, back to US-250 Once we got to Olena on US-250/SR-13, it had me take backroads, passing Summit Motorsports Park, and coming into Milan, rejoining US-250/SR-13, effectively bypassing Norwalk traffic.

I plan to make a visit to Busch Gardens Tampa at some point, this is one park that I've always wanted to visit.

I noticed that they changed the sign out on the building - it now has "Bar and Bistro" below the "French Corner" wording

Definitely missed visiting Cedar Point - already planning on going back up towards the mid/end part of September. Visited the park with a friend of mine - he's never visited Cedar Point, but has recently visited Universal/IOA and Busch Gardens Tampa within the past month. As he's ridden Iron Gwazi, was curious how it stacked up against Steel Vengeance and was also curious how Maverick stacks up against other Intamin Blitz coasters such as Cheetah Hunt and Velocicoaster. It sounded like Iron Gwazi edged out Steel Vengeance and Maverick slots between Velocicoaster and Cheetah Hunt for him. Maverick is usually a front row ride for me, which we took on the first ride of the day. On the second ride of the day, we got assigned row 6. Now, I've sat in row 6 before, but I forgot how much more enjoyable that seat is, especially how it whips you over the drop and how intense it is in the first turns after the drop. Definitely plan on getting more rides in the back row next time I'm up there. We did encounter what I believe was an E-Stop on Maverick before our first ride, which was interesting to see happen. We waited in the station for about 20 minutes before the ride started back up. The train was stopped right on the first couple of stators before the start of the lift hill, to which the first two rows were taken off the ride. Once this was done, they had to reset the ride, the train rolled back, and operations continued as normal.

Made my first trip to Cedar Point in over 6 years, on Saturday August 17th. Left Northern Kentucky at 6:00AM and arrived at Cedar Point shortly after 10. As I have a Prestige pass, we got to park in the preferred lot, which is to the right of the front gate, literally right next to the beach and to GateKeeper. Went into the park to get my FLP wristband and were able to get quite a few rides in between 10:00AM and our departure around 5:30PM, we got quite a bit in GateKeeper - 20 minutes Raptor - 15 minutes Valravn Front Row - 15 minutes Blue Streak - 5 minutes Rougarou - 15 minutes Steel Vengeance - 30 minutes Maverick - 30 minutes Magnum in Magic Seat - 15 minutes Gemini - 15 minutes Steel Vengeance - 15 minutes Maverick - 15 minutes 1 ride each on all of the coasters except Iron Dragon, Corkscrew, Cedar Creek Mine Ride, and Millennium Force, 2 rides each on Maverick and Steel Vengeance Takeaways Upgraded from a Gold Pass in 2024 to a Prestige Pass in 2025 and now currently get the benefits of the latter; the Preferred Parking up there is worth it and especially the Prestige entry lane into the park as the other turnstiles had sizeable lines at open Old style B&M restraints are not friendly to folks with broad shoulders, had to use the double belted rows on Raptor and Rougarou - I can use the standard belt on Banshee and their B&M's with vest restraints - GateKeeper and Valravn Have All Season FLP at Kings Island for 2024 and upgraded to All Park FLP for 2025 - FLP cost for those buying single day was $200 so the difference basically has already paid for itself. FLP is worth it if you are coming up on a Saturday and are driving back same day. Millennium Force was closed all day, apparently with a catch car issue or sensor issue according to what I'm seeing on Facebook, was concerned about the belt buckling but looks like test seat is a go, hope to be back up sometime in September or October Rode Steel Vengeance twice (prior visit was 1 ride in its opening season) - both Maverick and Steel Vengeance are high up on my top 10 and favorite rides up at Cedar Point Ate at Corral and had the thai chili chicken tenders - does Kings Island have anything similar? If going up I-71 to Cedar Point and taking SR 13/US 250 into Sandusky, be advised there is a detour as SR 13 is closed - you will need to take US 224 to US 250 and continue into Sandusky If taking SR 13 across to SR 2 and coming in via US 6 past Sawmill Creek, be advised the overpass is out Arrived back at the house here in Northern Kentucky about 10PM but contemplated stopping into Kings Island and closing out the night

Cedar Point started selling their 2025 passes this morning - I assume Kings Island's offer, presumably going on sale Thursday when the water park announcement is made, will be similar. Gold stayed the same at $99 from last year at this time, Prestige saw an increase of $15 to $340, from $325. Summer pass looks to be discontinued. Renewals get 1 free bring a friend ticket to be used today through 10/27, Saturdays excluded, and 1 free single use Fast Lane during the 2025 season and must be used before 9/1/25 - for the free Single Use Fast Lane, must purchase before 9/2) Unlimited visits on Gold and Prestige remainder of 2024 plus all of 2025. Dining plans (both home and All Park), drink plans, and season long Fast Lane (both home and All Park) get remainder of 2024 for free in addition to 2025. Cedar Point's All Park Fast Lane for 2025 remains at $999, the same price it was for 2024 Their website doesn't outright specify if the All Park Passport would be free for the remainder of the 2024 season if renewing for 2025 and it didn't appear that an "All Park" option exists for the drink plan. I just got off the phone with someone from Guest Relations up at Cedar Point - they stated that the All Park Passport would include the rest of 2024 and that the drink plan, with wristband, applies to all of the legacy parks

Anyone know what brand they use at Coney Barbecue for the Carolina Mustard or if this is made at the park? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I saw the post about the Passholder Survey on Reddit last night, below are my thoughts: Peanuts Dark Ride - seems the most logical option to me, given how long Boo Blasters has been there. Others have mentioned Phantom Theater potentially making a return. Those who are in my age group (mid to late 30's) who grew up late KECO/early-mid Paramount era, I think, would enjoy the throwback and nostalgia of a reboot. Gerstlauer Infinity Coaster - if we're talking a coaster, this is something that could fit well in the old Vortex plot, or if they decide to remove Congo Falls and Invertigo, it could fit in there also. Personally speaking, I would like to see something similar to Maverick at Cedar Point, however with the merger, is the new Six Flags willing to work with Intamin again or will they shell out the money and get a Mack coaster similar to Copperhead Strike at Carowinds? Beast 2.0 - The Beast is the coaster that started it for me as an enthusiast. If this plan actually were to move forward, I could see it upsetting a lot of people, myself included, given the historical significance of this ride on a personal level, in the park and throughout the industry. If there were to be major additions to the ride, wouldn't this adversely affect the ACE Coaster Landmark status that it holds? I'm not keen on this idea and think The Beast should be left as it currently stands. If they want to put a ground up RMC as an homage to Son of Beast in the old Vortex plot, this could be a viable solution.

Cedar Point now has this page on their website, not seeing anything similar from Kings Island as of yet. Tower Topics (Ryan/Don) posted this to their Facebook page just a short bit ago. The All Park Passport Will Soon Take You Further (cedarpoint.com) I would assume Kings Island would follow the same trajectory, but a disclaimer that this came from Cedar Point and not Kings Island EDIT - Kings Island now shows the same information as Cedar Point on their website - The All Park Passport Will Soon Take You Further (visitkingsisland.com) Cedar Point is excited to announce that the All Park Passport add-on will offer access to more parks starting in 2025. The All Park Passport is an add-on that allows you to access additional Six Flags parks with a 2025 Cedar Point Gold or Prestige Pass. When you purchase a 2025 Cedar Point Gold or Prestige Pass with the All Park Passport add-on this fall, you will be able to access the following legacy Cedar Fair parks any public operating day in 2024: California’s Great America (Santa Clara, CA) Canada’s Wonderland (Vaughan, ON) Carowinds (Charlotte, NC) Cedar Point (Sandusky, OH) Cedar Point Shores (Sandusky, OH) Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom (Allentown, PA) Kings Dominion & Soak City (Doswell, VA) Kings Island (Mason, OH) Knott’s Berry Farm (Buena Park, CA) Knott’s Soak City (Buena Park, CA) Michigan’s Adventure & WildWater Adventure (Muskegon, MI) Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston (Galveston, TX) Schlitterbahn New Braunfels (New Braunfels, TX) Valleyfair & Soak City (Shakopee, MN) Worlds of Fun & Oceans of Fun (Kansas City, MO) However, your 2025 Cedar Point Gold or Prestige Pass with the All Park Passport add-on will be valid for parking & entry at all legacy Six Flags parks starting January 6th, 2025, including: Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia, CA) Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, NJ) Six Flags Great America (Gurnee, IL) Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington, TX) Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio, TX) Six Flags Over Georgia (Austell, GA) And More! Please note that 2025 Cedar Point All Park Passport Season Pass add-ons, including All-Season Dining, All-Season Drink Bottle, Fast Lane and others will only be valid at legacy Cedar Fair parks for the entire 2025 season. Add-ons purchased with a legacy Six Flags park Season Pass will only be valid at legacy Six Flags parks for the entire 2025 season. Parking and admission are included at all parks with the All Park Passport. Information on specific in-park discounts and benefits will be available at a later date. 2025 Cedar Point Season Passes will go on-sale in the next few weeks so be sure to check the park website regularly for more updates.

It is weird seeing the old pictures of Rivertown devoid of Diamondback and Mystic Timbers - feels like forever ago!

Not sure if it’s still in there but I did see it in the Sign Shop during the GOCC Midsummer Scream in 2009. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I had the opportunity to visit Indiana Beach back in 2016 - it's a nice little park and I could play Fascination! all day long Similar to your experience, Lost Coaster was also closed on my visit however Cornball Express was also closed so I wasn't able to pick up that credit. Steel Hawg was one of my favorites there and Tig'rr was unlike anything I've ever ridden in the sense that I didn't brace myself for the intense laterals/turns. I felt Hoosier Hurricane was fairly rough but overall was enjoyable. Speaking of Cornball Express, I did observe one of the workers smoking a cigarette while working on the track which was rather interesting.

The fella in row 8 looks familiar. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ryan and Don - I enjoy listening to both AGP and Tower Topics and make it a habit to check out new episodes once they drop. Congratulations on 100 episodes thus far, looking forward to the next 100!

Redacted. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I am 6' 2'' and weigh 305 - I fit with no issues. It wasn't uncomfortable for me - Flight of Fear and Backlot are the worst restraints in the park in terms of comfort.

I took a ride on SSBR this afternoon and felt this coaster definitely packs a punch. I wouldn't make it the first ride for someone that is brand new to riding coasters, but it's a decent ride that can fit between "Great Pumpkin Coaster" and "Backlot Stunt Coaster" in terms of introduction.

I drove past Clermont Steel over the weekend and only saw red B&M track sitting out and some unpainted pieces. To my knowledge, they don't fabricate any wooden track. Gravity Group, I believe their facilities are out near the old Tri-County Mall north of I-275.

I've been to both Carowinds and Kings Dominion, having visited Carowinds last in 2015 and Kings Dominion in 2014, respectively. Kings Dominion is the sister park to Kings Island, having opened three years after Kings Island in 1975. Similar to Kings Island, Kings Dominion has Flight of Fear and Backlot Stunt Coaster that are either identical or near identical to what we have. Project 305 (formerly Intimidator 305) is a must ride for any coaster enthusiast - think Millennium Force and Maverick at Cedar Point had a baby. Out of the 111 coasters I have ridden, I can safely say that I-305 is at the very top of the list in terms of intensity - I greyed out on almost all rides I took on it. Reptilian, their Mack bobsled coaster and Dominator, their B&M floorless coaster previously at Geauga Lake are also rides I wouldn't pass up. If you are looking to ride something similar to Vortex and are feeling nostalgic, they still have their Arrow looper, Anaconda. If you are looking to see how different Kings Dominion is than Kings Island, I would recommend a visit to this park. Carowinds, I will say, gets the nod here for me because of Fury 325, their B&M giga coaster. It is the longest steel roller coaster in North America, 7 feet longer than Millennium Force at Cedar Point and feels like one of the most complete/well rounded coasters that I've ridden. The first drop, turn before the hive dive, and the hive dive itself were notable elements on the rides I took. Their B&M hyper, Thunder Striker, will have a similar experience to our Diamondback, so nothing radical there. Their B&M invert, Afterburn, provides some of that 1990's B&M intensity and rank up in the top of B&M inverts I've ridden - edged out by Raptor at Cedar Point and our Banshee. I will add an addendum to my response and say this - we were able to knock out Kings Dominion and Carowinds over two days. It's about a 4-5 hour drive between the two so if you have the All Park Passport and have the extra time to swing both, it may be doable.

I've only been on two SLC's - T3 at Kentucky Kingdom and Mind Eraser at Six Flags America. I will say the trains on T3, based on my experience, was better than what was on Mind Eraser, plus T3 for me was a far more enjoyable ride. From the time Mind Bender left the lift hill, it couldn't end fast enough. That day, I learned that SLC stands for Sucks Like Crap. This POV gives you an idea of how butter smooth the ride experience is - B&M should take note.

I've been mulling on this all day long. We already have a giga coaster with an 85 degree angle of descent. Other than the fact that a dive machine hangs you over the edge for 3 or 4 seconds, would the drop experience really be that much different? I've only been on one dive coaster (Valravn at Cedar Point) and thoroughly enjoyed the front row ride I took on it. The farther back in the train I went, the less I enjoyed the ride. It's not on the list, but I would like to see something similar to Maverick at Cedar Point in the plot that Vortex occupies. I know that Cedar Fair and Intamin have a rocky past, especially with the past issues that Cedar Fair has had with them, so I'm curious as to the feasibility of something similar being installed, especially with the popularity of Velocicoaster at Islands of Adventure. A Mack launch coaster could be a good fit in this spot, however based on what I've heard, these come with a steep price tag. If I could only ride one coaster up at Cedar Point, Maverick would be the one.

Looking through Reddit, it appears as if someone got a survey from Cedar Point, however it included a tilt coaster and water coaster in lieu of the dark ride coaster and dive coaster that showed up on the Kings Island survey. One Redditor posted that Carowinds sent out a similar survey, with the giga dive coaster, water coaster, family launch coaster, and a super flume as options. CP - Carowinds -

Thanks McSalsa - enjoyed reading your trip report. I was there yesterday from 11-3 and waits weren't all that bad. There were numerous school groups in the park yesterday. I really regret not marathoning Orion yesterday, it was about a 5-10 minute wait after I took my first ride. I did end up buying a pack of the trading cards as well and just checked them out - I hope they expand and add more cards to the lineup in the future. I also picked up an Orion shot glass. I have a collection of shot glasses for all of the gigas I've ridden (all four in the U.S.), several KI rides, and several CP rides.

It looked like one of the elevators started to descend then stopped. The bottom half of one of the elevators was visible below the bottom of the platform, while the top was concealed. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ended up buying a Gold Pass this morning, and went up to the park for the first time since the 2019 season, staying until about 3PM. I figured I would try and see what I could ride given that lines could potentially be minimal - I'd rather wait 15 minutes and get "walk of shamed" than wait an hour to be told the same exact thing. I was able to ride The Bat, Banshee, Adventure Express, Racer, Orion, The Beast, Mystic Timbers, and Diamondback without being turned away. I rode everything except for Invertigo, Flight of Fear, and Backlot Stunt Coaster - the latter I didn't see running the entire time I was there. Finally got to ride Orion for the first time, which was nearly a walk-on - I should have stayed over there and marathoned. As my last visit was when Vortex was still operating, I will say that it was weird without seeing Vortex, especially standing in line for Diamondback, looking towards LaRosa's and walking past where the batwing used to be. Otherwise, I thought the park looked good! I do want to get up to Cedar Point during the season, however I did not add the All Park Passport when I purchased this morning - I am assuming I can go into Guest Services next time I'm at the park and pay the difference?