Exploring Old Areas at Cedar Point

I was on Iron Dragon and got a good look of the area where Jungle Larry and where the old Paddleboats used to be. I noticed that there are still some artifacts still in place from those attractions.

I noticed Jungle Larry's Jeep, parked toward the fence. There was also some props from the old Paddleboats that looked like they were in sorry shape.

Just wondering, has anyone ever got the chance to explore those areas? I am sure it is frowned on for guests, but maybe Cedar Point crew might go back there from time to time? I miss the old anatronics they had back in the day. Its a shame they weren't used in another attraction such as Shoot The Rapids, which could use some more theming.

What do you think?

I could be wrong. But, wasn't jungle Larry located where power tower is now?

Yes. The Speed Zone gift shop was once Safari Gifts, one of the two exits for Jungle Larry's. When it closed, it extended from near the Corkscrew station to the area before the Corkscrew helix and between the midway and Corkscrew lift.

It was, so I'm not sure how good of a look you're going to get from Iron Dragon.

Not to mention, I don't think there is anything left, as Power Tower took up the entire space.

The Jeep you saw is a Halloweekends prop.

And it's not the one from Jungle Larry's. It was purchased for the scare zone.

There is is one old area I am curious of checking out and it's the ballroom. I don't know if anybody has access to it and I've heard that time, literally, stood still there. All the old stuff is still supposedly there

The ballroom is still used today for employee orientation classes.

The area underneath Iron Dragon is a Halloweekends path and is also an employee break area. It's actually pretty big back there - and has one of the last sections of real forest on the peninsula along with the dinosaurs area. If I'm bored I occasionally walk back there on my break.

Correct me if I am wrong, isn't the ballroom open to the general public to explore?

No (at least not anymore). There are posted signs at the base of the stair case.

That's really cool that they have singers posted at the bottom of the stairs. What songs do they sing? I would guess, songs from the 20's-40's?

I could swear, a few years ago you were allowed to go up there and look around? This must not be the case anymore. I wonder if it is because it isn't ADA compliant?

I remember two years ago (2011 season) that during Math and Science Week the winning K'nex models were displayed up their. When I visited this it was just empty except for some chairs that were set up toward the stage that is in there.

On a visit earlier this year I noted that there were only signs posted on three of the four staircases. I took that as a "sign" that they wanted me to use that forth staircase. (the north east staircase)

It was early in the year when the live shows had not started yet and they were using it for the dancers to practice. Someone came over to confront us rather quickly and when I told them we were just checking out the ballroom they were fine with it and let us stay.

Beautiful place. Time has stood still in there. Very Art Deco. It didn't take much to imagine a big band playing with people dancing to big band hits.

When I worked at CP back in the late 70's, the ballroom was used for the weekly after hours employee dance. They would bring in a DJ or have a live band play on the stage. You could buy snacks and 3.2% beer/soda. It was something to look forward to each week. Great fun.

The ballroom is a beautiful space to see with a lot of history to it. I recommend checking it out if permitted.

If you are in Breakers and get a chance to head up to the fifth floor of the Rotunda that is pretty interesting. Do they still house seasonal employees up there?

I thought a few years ago they held proms in the ballroom? If that is the case there should be some photos out there somewhere.

On a separate note, I always remembered checking out the kangaroos at Jungle Larry before entering the station on the corkscrew (after the ride). They were so cute!

Isn't the ballroom where they do all of the make-up & costuming for the Halloweekends screamsters?

Yes AndyG

A) Jungle Larry's was originally on what we now call Millennium Island. When Corkscrew opened in 1976, it was moved "under" Corkscrew.

B) I've been in the ballroom on several occasions for Coastermania or ACE events; it is a beautiful room.

Thank's for reminding me noggin.

Here is my 1969 Souvenir Map that shows it on the island.
http://rollercoasterfreak.com/CP_Brochures/1969_souvenir_map.jpg

Here is my 1977 park guide that shows it moved under Corkscrew.
http://rollercoasterfreak.com/CP_Brochures/1977_booklet_map.jpg

That's not actually "Millennium Island".

The part with the Frontier Lift towers are is the island. There was a change in the off season of 75-76.