I thought I remembered walking through that area before, but when I rode it this year, it was boarded up. I like the way it looks because the entrance looks like a mine, but:
W
hy didn't they fix it up and use it or make the other entrance as cool?
Im pretty sure It has always been the way it is.
-------------
Millennium Force Count: 5
It's a result of the 1977 tornado.
-------------
Cedar Point Virtual Midway
http://www.schmidty.com/cpvirtual
Umm, Walt I think you are partly correct.
The Mine entrance was used the first year CCMR opened, circa 1968. Due to the long lines the second year the que area was opened to the left.
Now, Walt, you maybe right about the 1977 torando closing this area off "forever" it may have ben used when there was a short wait.
I think I remember reading somewhere that the tornado caused the permanent end of that entrance. My memory from the 70's is 'fuzzy,' but I'm know that you're right.
-------------
Cedar Point Virtual Midway
http://www.schmidty.com/cpvirtual
That has been boarded up for as long as I can remember. I never really thought about it ever being an actual entrance, just thought it was part of the mine theming. Interesting about the tornado though but how could a tornado close an entrance "forever"?
-------------
Joe
Maybe since it wasn't being used, it was easier to give it a "closed mine" look than actually restore it. Just a thought.
-------------
Cedar Point Virtual Midway
http://www.schmidty.com/cpvirtual
I always wounded why it connected to the walkway leading up to the tunnel.
On a side note: a large part of the walkway was also uncovered this year. This may be what he was referring to.
Can someone clew me in on this tornado?
-------------
Dispatch Master, This is Transport one! I'm losing control, I'm losing control!
The tornado hit CP in 1977 and damaged some rides, including the Mine Ride and some of the Paddlewheel boats. I believe it cleared out a lot of trees where Gemini now stands. I remember staying at Camper Village in 1978 when Gemini was new and seeing a lot of fallen trees by the lakefront, where most of Soak City is.