Opening Weekend Notes

Hey all, no reason to crazy trip report, we all know the Point & stuff, so I'll keep it brief with details and basics. Sorry for being in a quick note looking format. I'm copying and pasting what I typed in my phone over the weekend to keep information compiled with a few small thoughts just written in. Figured some of it people will want to see to get caught up quick.

--Wicked Twister down, train half assembled on track, parts still lying on ground

--Giant Wheel seemed down as well, never saw it up when I was over in that area, could be wrong, will remove if someone corrects me

--Goodtime/Dodgem area got a bit of fresh grass laid in the dirt

--Millie apparently has Fiberglass trains now, not sure if it's true, needs to be verified

--Rougarou is great, same great ride layout, duh. New restraints are nice. My balls thank Cedar Point for the change. Little bit of head banging on the 2nd half but nothing terrible. Think Raptor cobra roll, but less. Front row gets great foot chopper effect in tops of all inversions. Back row has fun airtime on first drop. Trains are ratcheting OTSR, bit surprised there after seeing more and more Hydraulic restraints from B&M and electronic controlled trains. Restraints still unlocked pneumatically on right side of train like other floorless coasters. Mist & sounds play at the base of the drop, very cool effect, especially at night. Lighting package looks incredible with the ride, a must see.

--Panda Express is on the meal plan and right now best bang for the buck I'd say. One side (rice/lo-mein), two entrees (orange chicken, etc.), and optional add on (egg roll/cream cheese rangoons) for one swipe of the pass.

--Midway Market on meal plan again apparently this year and with drink it seems, told indirectly, not personally verified

--Rougabrew is available in Red Garter, poured from bottle, unable to take an unsealed bottle home to pour in a proper glass or enjoy from the bottle later. Given plastic cup only. Before tax I want to say it was $9-10, unsure. Good stuff, not the best Lager in the park, but def good. Way better than the crap Bear Grylls urine sealed in kegs sold as Bud Light.

--Frontier Trail plays alot of hit songs, but played in Bluegrass style. Most songs were from a group called "Pickin' On Series". Most notably a Banjo instrumental version of Guns'N'Roses Sweet Child 'O Mine.

--New Maverick restraints are nice, no issue before with me, but a nice comfortable and welcome addition to an already world class ride.

--Mean Streak has alot of new work done after the first fan curve, but this season first ride this year felt incredibly rough. Rode Gold train second row, felt like some kid punched me a few times in the lower back, not the worst it's been, 2010 was still a wreck, but not as good as I remember last year.

--Shooting Gallery removed in Frontier Town, Coke Freestyle takes it place

--Cheese on a Stick/Corndog combo is reduced to 1 per for meal plans, even while the website currently lists two with the meal. Website needs updated for meal plans there.

--Slingshot still testing

--All candy machines I encountered in the park kept trying to establish cell connection, unable to use credit cards

--No National Anthem at 1000 anymore. Not going to lie, quite upset with the park on that one. Just a Tony welcome, and Dragster stuff, Not sure if maybe it plays at 0900 now, I wasn't there before ERT started either day, but if it's not playing at all now, not going to lie, that's a pretty big blow to me and a few guys this weekend.

--New Sweet Spot next to Pagoda has several bulk candy options (Lego Brick Sweet Tarts, hot Tamales, etc) and made to order candy/confectioneries (fudge, dipped apples, chocolate covered strawberries, caramel corn, etc.)

--Sky Ride cabins look repainted, might just be shiny and clean, but they look bright as hell this year, at least to me

--Raptor has more poop

-- Skyhawk running Def Leppard mode, not sure if due to low capacity this weekend, or not functional

--Blue Streak still hauling ass as always, best woodie in the park and Ohio currently

They played the national anthem before ERT on opening day.

Good to know, was used to stopping to pay respects at 1000, glad it's still being played. Thanks for confirmation.

Glad to know the national anthem is played as well. I don't usually get to the park at opening, but when I do, I look forward to hearing it and respecting the flag. (I was just a silly x-ray tech at Ft. Knox during the first gulf war).

AC/DC's "Shoot to Thrill" - bluegrass style...Yea, I liked it.

Even better, sitting at the Trail Tavern with a brew and hearing Jimmy Buffet "Let's Get Drunk and Screw" bluegrass style.

9am National Anthem - Magnum entrance - They let us in 10 min early up to Magnum crossing the midway to wait until 9am. They stopped doing that last year. Running of the bulls was back.

10am used to be God Bless America. Was that not played this year?

Giant Wheel eventually opened up.
SkyHawk was using both sides when we were back in that area yesterday.

Midway Market is on the All Day/Season dining plan.....for now. We ate there and at Panda, also saw that Subway and Chic Fil A is on the plan but didnt go there. Great value if these places stay on the plan. Great variety. The offerings last year got old very fast.

The order was always God Bless America at Early Entry (that got changed to Come on Get on Cedar Point sometime before Halloweekends) and then the National Anthem at Park Opening.

Not surprised it changed around, but I can't see them getting rid of the National Anthem completely. And they use the two songs for the Admissions people at the gates to know they can start letting people through.

JW Addington - i was at the hotel gate as well and was at the front under Magnum for the anthem. i love the anticipation of the song ending and high-tailing it to Maverick, even though it was a huge bust being closed.