Cedar Point in the 1980's

I practically grew up at Cedar Point. Our family went every summer. For my birthday in 1984, I got a super 8 sound film camera. These are films I took between 1984 and 1986. I've also posted the first video I took of the park in 1987. My oldest brother worked there at the time. In fact, my first job out of high school was working at Cedar Point with both of my brothers in 1989. I found these films last week. They suggested I post them here. With apologies to my family, I have edited these to showcase just the park. How many of you remember the Point when it looked like this? Enjoy!

Last edited by GhostHost1969,

"Yes, we take wet money." Frontier Leather Shop - 1989

Thank you so much for posting these videos. I never thought I would see again some of the things you've captured.

If all the players are ready...at the sound of the bell, ROLL EM!

I wish I was around for this era of CP...

Dodgem Enthusiast

Student at THE Ohio State University

Great videos. The area around Blue Streak looks so different!

These are fantastic home movies. I remember those days as a kid. Being on the beach at Breakers and Avalanche Run sounded like thunder. It's crazy the things you forget until you see them again. Mill Race, Wildcat by Space Spiral than moved for AR. The dome thing over turnpike cars queue. It's been great being able to watch that skyline change over the years. Thank you for sharing!

Last edited by vwhoward,

Joe
Eat 'em up, Tigers, eat 'em up!

I'm giddy with excitement seeing all of the Western Cruise footage you have. And the views you have from the deck of the Pirate Ride nearly made me tear up.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Richie A.

The beach looks so much nicer without a giant warehouse blocking it.

Dodgem Enthusiast

Student at THE Ohio State University

Thanks for posting those videos, I haven't seen good video of avalanche run, or the sky slide, or pirate ride anywhere. 1984 was 2 years after my very first visit. Also glad to see the ROTOR in there, I always rode it after Demon Drop to calm my nerves. :)

GATEKEEPER-I came, I rode, I was mildly disappointed; until a second ride (rear left) put GateKeeper back on the...it's a nice ride list.

Those videos really brought me back to a time when it seemed like at was at the point all summer long. Granted times have changed at the point, but I always find myself remembering what the park used to look like when I was a kid. Especially around ID, PT and TTD area.

Thanks again for a look back in time.

Fantastic videos. Thanks for sharing. I laughed out loud when I realized the band in the '85 video was playing "Maniac".

Great shots of the last season for Jumbo Jet and the great beach views. There is a quick shot in the '86 video which really shows what the beach could look like without DT. I'm hoping it won't be 10 years until we get that view back.

-- Chuck Wagon --
aka Pagoda Gift Shop

They should move Ferris wheel back to old spot.

Chuck Wagon said:
Fantastic videos. Thanks for sharing. I laughed out loud when I realized the band in the '85 video was playing "Maniac".
Great shots of the last season for Jumbo Jet and the great beach views.

Was that Jumbo Jet or Wildcat? It looked much like Wildcat.

Yes, the Wildcat replaced the Jumbo Jet in 1979.

I was born in the wrong decade. Music, entertainment, everything. It was simple back then, no? It was the best of times...

Let's Get Weird.

Cheers! And thank you for knowing how to hold a camera pretty well. I don't have motion sickness from watching. ;)

WOW! Just view the 1986 video and that's about when I remember going to CP nearly everyday each summer. Great memories and great transition from 8mm to VHS. Major quality difference. ;)

Was this "The Amazement Park" era?

Last edited by CP Kelly,

Don't even think about it, little boy. I will race you back to the Mean Streak and win.

Awesome videos Ghost! Thanks for sharing!

Ahhhh, the great sounds coming from the carousels!

When you visit CP, visit my Mill, est. 1835

Those are amazing videos. I really like the 1987 video, as that was the year I was born. Very interesting to see the park as it was when I was just an infant. :)

Do you have any more to share? These are great!

Great, great videos. This was my childhood era at Cedar Point...I was about 7 years old when these were taken, and this is exactly how I remember Cedar Point as a kid.

It is incredible to see how much CP has changed; some good/some bad/some indifferent...

Where are we headed next?

Promoter of fog.

I am so glad everyone's enjoying these. I guess I didn't realize how little footage there is out there (or, at least on Youtube) from this era. What's next? Well, my folks did take a lot of movies in the 1970's. I know there's park films from then. When found, I will post and share them here.

Last edited by GhostHost1969,

I think it's amazing Ghost. Thank you so much for taking the time to post these. The great thing is that I have these memories that bubble to the surface when I visit, but I know they are not 100% accurate, and seeing this footage really reminded me of what it was like. In fact, I am man enough to admit that seeing some of these images got me a little misty eyed...just family-based memories of a happier time. :)

Promoter of fog.