June 12th and 13th - Bugs?
I just got home from two awesome days at Cedar Point, with a friend who had never been to the park before. We checked into Lighthouse Point at 4PM on the 12th, had some burgers on brews at our cabin, and then walked into the park shortly after 5 PM. For a Tuesday, I was very surprised to see the park as crowded as it was. We walked on Gemini for a great warm up ride then headed to Magnum (15 min wait) for another great ride on this "classic" ride. My friend who had only been on Steel Force thought Maggie was just "ok" compared to SF (go figure). After Magnum we went to MF, which had a 60 min wait. The ride was operating flawlessly, and the line moved quickly. As we approached the station, my friend who claimed nothing was "too big" suggested sitting in the front, while I recommended the back of the train. We waited one train for the very last seat, and I of course suggested he get in first sitting on the left hand side of the train. As we left the station and started up the lift, I could tell he was a bit nervous, but he really griped the restraints as we started going faster up the lift half way up. (Of course, as we approaced the top, I suggested he look over his left shoulder and look down - lol - I know, evil, but fun). Anyway, as we go over the look of horror on his face was priceless as he didn't know weather to hold on or put his hands up. Halfway down his hands went up - and he loved the ride. All the hills were producing great floater air! MF was in perfect form imo.
After a second ride on MF, we headed to Maverick so we both could have our first ride. The wait time was about 90 min, but the line really does move and the ride was operating flawlessly. We sat in the front seat and were both blown away! What a non-stop action packed ride - and boy was it intense. The tunnel didn't have any mist unfortunatly, but the lights were working. After we got off the ride, they were still letting people into the que at 10:10 PM and got a second ride this time sitting in the last seat. WOW !! Even more intense throwing you over the lift hill and then non-stop action. We both prefered the back, though the visuals in the front are exceptional. As others have mentioned the horseshoe rolls are perfect - totally perfect and smooth. The only thing I didn't particullarly care for was the transitions between turns. They really snap you and if you aren't ready for them, the ride does throw you into the restraints. I also don't get the trim brakes at the top of the hill after the launch - Why?? It's like the trim brakes on Mean Streak's first drop (annoying). With that said, the last half of the ride is even more intense than the first half. The G's at the bottom of the hill are very intense, I barely noticed the new track (glad the heartline was removed), and then the remaining stengal dives and hill are non-stop - almost a complete blurr (nice).
After a great relaxing 4 hours or so in the park we headed back to Lighthouse Point for some more burgers and brews. Unfortunately, the entire area was engulfed with bugs - I've stayed at Lighthouse Point many times (10+) and have never had this issue - what kind of bugs are they and when is their season so I can avoid them - arg. We ended up eating and drinking inside which was fine.
Next day we did more of the same, focusing on the "major" rides and having a blast. We did go on Mean Streak - and boy - it continues to consistently disapoint - the trim brake on the drop may help maintain the ride, but ruins the experience. It is one of the most beautiful coasters on the planet, and certainly one of the worst. As much as I hate to say it - the space MS occupies could be much better utilized differently imo - horrible.
We also hit up TTD, even though it had a 60 min wait. My friend was clearly intimidated, but we did it and had a blast. It continues to be an amazing ride, but not worth a 60 min wait for a 20 second experience. We tried to ride it later in the day, but it went down due to a mechanical, so after spending 30 min in line, we bounced and headed to Maverick. We rode Maverick twice the second day, both times in the last seat, and we both agreed MF and Maverick are the park's best rides. They are both so different, we didn't rank em - but we loved em both the same - and had one kickin time at the Point.
Tom
You must be logged in to post