Cedar Point 7-23-07 (Railroad Crossing Chaos)

Well I took another trip up to CP this Sunday (7-23-07). We arrived at the park at about noon, and the parking lot was already to 33 on the sides, and up to 40 in the middle. Cars were also still pouring in (apparently there had been an accident on the causeway which blocked up traffic for half an hour). The parking lot back here is starting to look a bit shabby, but the wonderful skyline made up for it.

Weather
The weather was quite sunny, and in the upper 70's throughout most of the day.

Crowds
The park was quite crowded. The parking lot was full for most of the day, and rides had lines longer than previous days I've visited.

Trip Report:

Magnum
We rode Magnum once. There was a 20 minute wait.

The first half of the ride was great as usual, but the trims were on pretty strong so the second half of the ride was slower than I ever remember. There wasn't any ejector air, only a bit of floater going over the bunny-hops. Did anyone else notice this over the weekend, or was it just a one time thing like I'm assuming? Still, a really nice ride.

7/10

Top Thrill Dragster
We rode Top Thrill Dragster once. There was a 50 minute wait.

This was the most flawless I've ever seen TTD run. Not one breakdown, not one delay, not a single pause. It must have hit projected interval every-time. It was just clipping along. A grouper was in the station keeping it nice and calm. Incredible ride as usual. The speed just feels unbelievably intense every-time, and I truly think the ride is perfect how it is now without any other elements. That launch is still just -- amazing.

9/10

Power Tower: Turbo Launch

We rode Power Tower: Turbo Launch once. There was a 5 minute wait.

Still a really nice ride; even the Turbo Launch. It is just thrilling, but enjoyable at the same time.

8/10

- - - -

We had a quick lunch at Sky Ride refreshments. The serving was slow to say the least, but the burger was decent and the french fries were very good. Interesting amusement park prices these days.

- - - -

Mantis
We rode Mantis once. There was an hour and 15 minute wait.

The sign said an hour and 15 minutes, and that's exactly what it turned out to be. The ride has a great location, and even though the line moves at a tortoise pace, it is enjoyable to look at both the ride and the water. Even with two trains, stacking was horrible. If they could get these trains out a little faster so that by the time the first one came back the second one was already on the lift, the line wouldn't always be so lengthy. The blame doesn't all fall on the ride-ops though. Some people suddenly realize they are holding onto their purse, or some other unbelievably large loose article, only after the whole train has been checked, and delay it by getting out of the train and going to the bin.

A grouper was keeping the station to one train's worth of people and no more. Nice change. The ride was still mediocre. The head-banging wasn't too bad (I took great effort to lean into the transitions as usual), but the ride just had this horrible bouncy feeling to it, or shimmying, which still produced a slight headache. I still think this ride is a waste of space at CP. Something great could go here.

6/10

Millennium Force

We rode Millennium Force once. There was an hour and 15 minute wait.

The line was moving quite fast, and although the line was further back than it is normally a few rows past the vending machines, we still got on in an hour and 15 minutes. It was an amazing ride, and one that makes me still consider this to be my number one coaster. Floater air was still in great supply even in the front, and it felt especially fast, which helps make the over-banked turns and such much more thrilling. And how can you beat that first drop? Perfectly smooth today.

10/10

- - - -

We had some dinner at Famous Dave's around 6:00pm. They seemed a bit short staffed, as tables were open, but there was a 45 minute wait for a table (although I think they were holding people longer because the ticket times in the kitchen were quite long). Food came quickly though and was great.

- - - -

CPLE Railroad
We rode the train to Frontier Town once. It was a walk-on.

The railroad was the railroad, but it did provide a nice view of the finished Maverick and its superb landscaping. The one thing I had to mention though, is how stupid some people are with the railroad crossings. I get that it is a slower moving train at an amusement park, but still, it is dangerous, and rules are still in place. I know people try to run under the gates when they start to close, but it was worse than I've ever seen it today. Even when the gates had completely closed, a few kids ran up, ducked under the gate, and ran across. Some older people tried this too, but then went back. I just don't get why people would act like this, and think the ride ops here need to take a firmer stance to people rushing the gates. Ok, end of rant.

Skyhawk
We rode Skyhawk once during this time. There was a 40 minute wait.

They really need to get their act together over here. CP either needs to tell the employees to hustle more, like they did last year, or they need to add some more employees. With the ride being so short, it is a little annoying to wait 40 minutes, especially since the delay is the ride hosts checking restraints for 5+ minutes. Some people were commenting on this as well. Still, it is an amazing ride. Every-time I ride it, I am surprised at the height, and it is very enjoyable. One of the most "enjoyable" rides CP has to offer.

9/10

Thunder Canyon
We rode Thunder Canyon twice. It was a walk-on.

This is just a really great, fun ride, in a perfect woodsy setting. I got drenched both times (the second time getting hit head on by 4 water falls). Again, an extremely enjoyable ride. We had the raft to ourself the first time, but others were being sent out full. Everyone just really enjoys this one. The water fall finale is unbeatable!

8.5/10

Snake River Falls
We rode Snake River Falls once. It was a walk-on.

We again got the boat to ourself. Another fun water ride. The drop always is surprisingly steep, fast, and thrilling, and you just get drenched in that splash. Interestingly enough, there was a 30 minute wait for the ride close to 7:00pm. I do have some notes on this ride though, which I will mention in the notes section as well.

They are only letting 3 people in a row. This was an all-day policy from the looks of it, and was the same on my last visit. The splash is definitely smaller. You don't notice it on the ride by any means, but now only your lower body gets drenched on the splash bridge, where as before your entire body would get hit head on (and it felt more forceful). You will still get soaked on the bridge, it just isn't as forceful and only soaks waist level down. Also, I remember in previous years, you could get some mist from the splash standing all the way back on the bridge by the Maverick turnaround. Not anymore. Again its not a huge deal, you will still get soaked if you want, but it is noticeable even if you aren't directly looking for it.

8.5/10

- - - -

I was hoping to get a nice night ride on Maverick, but the wait was just as long, if not a bit longer, than it was during the day, and on other days for that matter. I'm surprised how stagnant this line stays. An hour and 15 minutes isn't bad for a new ride, but I'm surprised how this one always seems to stay at that. Since it was already 9:40, and we don't live next door, we decided to get a few laps on Skyhawk instead.

- - - -

Skyhawk
We rode Skyhawk 3 more times. It was a walk-on each time.

They opened the gate right by the loading area to allow for quick re-rides. Same great ride as I mentioned above, but better at night. It just feels as if you are flying. Truly an exhilarating ride, and while it is short, I'd say it beats maXair by a bit. We got 3 laps on the ride in 15 minutes, and also the last ride of the night. We even caught a few views of fireworks while swinging.

- - - - -

Well that concludes my day at Cedar Point. My ride count wasn't all that impressive, except for at the end, but it was nice to see crowds at the place. I will be visiting again Tuesday before heading off to California to visit some parks out there. Six Flags Magic Mountain and Knott's are surely on the agenda!

- - - -

Notes:
- Maverick seems to drain the crowds from Frontier Town at night instead of adding to it
- Despite the day being very crowded, Frontier Town attractions were all complete walk-ons by 9:00pm
- Maverick line stayed completely stagnant at an hour and a half to 2 hours all day
-Crews for the most part very efficient this year, also more professional and close to protocol it seems
- Park looks great at night
- Despite Power Tower still having some serious lighting issues, everything else looks better than it has (TTD's countdown lights are brighter and look better without covers, MF lift hill lights bright again, etc)
- Continued effort on landscaping by the park (and trees)
- Chaos at railroad crossings - blatant disregard to rules
- In park entertainment great, shows and DJs
- TTD's line moved quckly, worked flawlessly, shortest line of bigger rides

You can't stop people from being retards. What seat did you sit in when you rode Magnum?

Top Thrill 182 said:

Notes:
- Despite the day being very crowded, Frontier Town attractions were all complete walk-ons by 9:00pm

On a Sunday night, almost ALL the rides become walk-ons after 9:00 pm, regardless of how busy it is. After all, the next day is a workday.

^ Sunday was the 22nd.

This TR sounds a lot like most trips I've been on in the last 2-3 years.. Mantis being a really long line due to stacking, Skyhawk taking a REALLY long time between rides, etc. But it still sounds like you had a good time. Good TR

^Correct, Sunday was the 22nd.

Top Thrill 182 said:
Well I took another trip up to CP this Sunday (7-23-07).

Considering today is the 23rd, I'm going to take a guess and say he meant the 22nd, which of course, was a Sunday. *** Edited 7/23/2007 2:03:27 PM UTC by ramboozle***

The name of this thread makes it sound like the CP&LE Railroad derailed and ran over Chaos. That would be madness, especially considering the distance the train would have had to roll to get to Chaos!

The name of this thread makes it sound like the CP&LE Railroad derailed and ran over Chaos. That would be madness, especially considering the distance the train would have had to roll to get to Chaos!

^ that seriously made me laugh out loud. I can't even imagine what that would look like lol!

bholcomb, I can't remember what seat I sat in exactly, but it was towards the middle. Obviously won't produce as much air as other seats, but it was definitely much less air than I got on other rides in the middle.

I also forgot to mention that the grouper at Magnum was filling the station with enough people to fill one to three trains. It was much more pleasant.

And I did indeed mean Sunday, the 22nd. I don't think there is a way to change it, is there?

Sounds like a great day!

Yes, this is random, but can someone check my profile just to make sure my profile picture shows up. Thanks!
*** Edited 7/23/2007 8:24:37 PM UTC by CPboy77***

You can edit your post by clicking "Edit" Top Thrill. And yes, cpboy, your picture shows up.

^ - but he can't edit the thread title.

Top Thrill 182 said:

CPLE Railroad

The one thing I had to mention though, is how stupid some people are with the railroad crossings. I get that it is a slower moving train at an amusement park, but still, it is dangerous, and rules are still in place. I know people try to run under the gates when they start to close, but it was worse than I've ever seen it today. Even when the gates had completely closed, a few kids ran up, ducked under the gate, and ran across. Some older people tried this too, but then went back. I just don't get why people would act like this, and think the ride ops here need to take a firmer stance to people rushing the gates. Ok, end of rant.

That has been going on for years. I was a fireman during the 1982 season and engineer during the 1983 season and during my off time during the park, I would see that all the time at the Gemini crossing. I almost hit a kid during the '83 season when he crawled under the gate and didn't see him due to the right hand curve coming into that crossing.

I have noticed the incease in this happening this year. Curently being a engineer myself, It does make us think twice everytime we approach the crossings. The lights, bells, and gates are there for a reason, the gatehouse attendents are there for the 'extra' precaution.

We ARE a real working railroad. Everytime a guest try's to get accross, it's like your jumping infront of a Amtrak train traveling 90 m.p.h., not quite 90 mph here, but the same concept applies. We can't stop on a dime. It takes time to stop over 50 tons of steel and the precious cargo that we carry, that cargo being possibly those of you reading this right now. As the engine crew it's our duty to protect the guests on our train and those around the right-of-way which we travel. So do us a favor and not make us have to worry about YOUR safety at the crossings. We have enough on our shoulders as it is just keeping the locomotive and coaches in tact and in good working order on every trip we make during the day, so politely asking, give us a brake!... hehe

BTW: "Please remain behind the bricked paved area", and if you see someone not doing this, please ask them to take a step back!
;)

*** Edited 7/24/2007 3:58:45 AM UTC by cp&le rr guy***

cp&le rr guy said:
I have noticed the incease in this happening this year. Curently being a engineer myself, It does make us think twice everytime we approach the crossings. The lights, bells, and gates are there for a reason, the gatehouse attendents are there for the 'extra' precaution.

We ARE a real working railroad. Everytime a guest try's to get accross, it's like your jumping infront of a Amtrak train traveling 90 m.p.h., not quite 90 mph here, but the same concept applies. We can't stop on a dime. It takes time to stop over 50 tons of steel and the precious cargo that we carry, that cargo being possibly those of you reading this right now. As the engine crew it's our duty to protect the guests on our train and those around the right-of-way which we travel. So do us a favor and not make us have to worry about YOUR safety at the crossings. We have enough on our shoulders as it is just keeping the locomotive and coaches in tact and in good working order on every trip we make during the day, so politely asking, give us a brake!... hehe

BTW: "Please remain behind the bricked paved area", and if you see someone not doing this, please ask them to take a step back!
;)

*** Edited 7/24/2007 3:58:45 AM UTC by cp&le rr guy***

Amen to that. The engines on the railroad are from the early 1900s and demand alot of our attention. They are delicate pieces of nearly irreplaceable equipment. Please let the engineers and firemen do their job and not have to worry about guest running across the track!!!

Being someone that worked on the railroad for the first two weeks of the season, let me tell you about working the gatehouses. First of all, you stand and watch the people go across the tracks for fifteen minutes, just standing and watching. You don't work with anyone, you just stand there on your own.

Then when the train is finally on its way, you have to lower the gates. You can make as many announcements as you want, people are still going to run under the gates. Patience is one thing very few people seem to have when dealing with the CP & LE Railroad crossings.

Once the gates are down, your goal is to get everyone behind the red bricked area. Nine times out of ten, people just don't care what they're told (or don't listen, even), and stand there anyways. People don't realize that the engines are real steam engines, and if the steam touches them they could get burned.

Working the crossing gates isn't as easy as it seems, believe it or not. It would be a lot easier if people just listened to the spiels and obeyed the rules, but people are on vacation and just don't care.

Sorry for this little rant, I just thought I'd share with you a day in the life of a crossing attendant. Next time you come to a crossing, don't run under the gates, and PLEASE stand behind the red bricks. It makes things a lot easier on the staff and keeps you safe.

Will do. and if I make it back to CP this summer I'll be sure to give you a wave

how many immature people are gonna try to jump the crossings before one has a close encounter of the cp&le rr kind? stupid people! i wish they would use some common sense! CF does not need another incident right now!

cp&le rr guy said:
I have noticed the incease in this happening this year. Curently being a engineer myself, It does make us think twice everytime we approach the crossings. The lights, bells, and gates are there for a reason, the gatehouse attendents are there for the 'extra' precaution.

We ARE a real working railroad. Everytime a guest try's to get accross, it's like your jumping infront of a Amtrak train traveling 90 m.p.h., not quite 90 mph here, but the same concept applies. We can't stop on a dime. It takes time to stop over 50 tons of steel and the precious cargo that we carry, that cargo being possibly those of you reading this right now. As the engine crew it's our duty to protect the guests on our train and those around the right-of-way which we travel. So do us a favor and not make us have to worry about YOUR safety at the crossings. We have enough on our shoulders as it is just keeping the locomotive and coaches in tact and in good working order on every trip we make during the day, so politely asking, give us a brake!... hehe

BTW: "Please remain behind the bricked paved area", and if you see someone not doing this, please ask them to take a step back!

*** Edited 7/24/2007 3:58:45 AM UTC by cp&le rr guy***

and yes, he is right!

by the by..... nice report though...

i couldn't find this anywhere so i'll ask a cp&le rr question here. why did the skeleton that fishes by the mine ride move to the snake river falls area? is the fishing better over that way?

You can also ask that question at:

www.cplerr.com

in the forums section.

Many of the people on the forums either work on the CP & LE RR now or have in the past. Be patient as the current employees are busy workin' on the railroad and might not answer as quick as you might like. They are extremely knowledgeable on the overall workings of the railroad and are great folks!!! Stop by and say hello to them whenever you get a chance.
*** Edited 7/24/2007 11:31:47 PM UTC by Bill Abele***