....well, maybe not guaranteed by anyone specifically, but we think it is!!! Min: 48 inches. First, be forewarned: As of this writing, you WILL stand in long lines for this ride, but it is WELL WORTH IT! The lines begin just outside the final…Read More

....well, maybe not guaranteed by anyone specifically, but we think it is!!! Min: 48 inches. First, be forewarned: As of this writing, you WILL stand in long lines for this ride, but it is WELL WORTH IT! The lines begin just outside the final "overbanked" curve - curves which are banked at 122 degrees - that's 32 degrees past sideways - the most banked non-inverted curves on earth. As you snake your way through the maze of waiting lines, you begin to catch glimpses of the first hill. At first it doesn't seem so bad. After all, it's only 310 feet tall; roughly 31 stories. Only after standing and surveying the ride for what seems like an eternity (especially with a child asking "how much longer?") do you realize that this is the tallest coaster in the US (Japan built one 8 feet taller - but slower).

As you get closer, your line moves along that final curve and you can hear the screams, many, I presume, of panic. As you make your way up the ramp toward the loading area, you can hear the riders going up the first hill: first are the shouts of disbelief, later, as they approach the peak, the shouts turn to screams, and finally, as the cars crest the hill, nothing. It's not until we are loaded in (we managed to sit in the second row of seats - WHAT A VIEW!!!) and experience it for ourselves that we realize that the silence is not by choice, but rather the ride taking your breath away.

As our train stretched over the hill, we saw the track some 300 feet below us, but where was the track beneath us??? About the time we finally saw the 80-degree drop, we were accelerating to over 90 mph! The first turn is a 122-degree hill, banking you back towards the building, through a few bunny hops, and into a tunnel with a turn. You shoot out onto the park's island and go through a bow-tie curve, complete with another overbanked turn only to rocket back into another tunnel where screaming riders are photographed as proof that the ride is worth the wait.

Out of the tunnel is another bunny hop and the final overbanked turn. As you approach the unloading area at over 60 mph, you wonder if you are going for a second trip. That thought doesn't last long as you all but screech to a halt in just a couple of seconds. Riders are visibly intoxicated with excitement (as well as dizzy) as they step out of the train, many racing back to the line to wait for another chance.

It is said that a picture says a thousand words, so check out the "BOOK" that was written with the picture from this ride!

(Be careful not to look like my son going down the hill - you might just eat a bug or two!) ***UPDATE 1 year later*** My son still is asking, "Dad, when can we go to Cedar Point again? I want to ride the Millenium Force again!" I guess he liked it!!!

Mantis, which opened in 1996, is a stand-up coaster built by the same company that built Raptor two years early, Bolliger and Mabillard. Usually their roller coasters are quite smooth, but Mantis is a bit rough and hard to re-ride. It is 145…Read More

Mantis, which opened in 1996, is a stand-up coaster built by the same company that built Raptor two years early, Bolliger and Mabillard. Usually their roller coasters are quite smooth, but Mantis is a bit rough and hard to re-ride. It is 145 feet tall with four inversions, including the first inclined loop ever built. The first half of the ride is smooth and very fun, but the second half after the breaks can get a little uncomfortable, so brace yourself!

I always ride the front row of this ride as I feel that any other seat isn't worth riding at all. Because you're standing up it is an interesting perspective seeing the track in front of you. The front takes no more than 10 extra minutes and I think it's worth it.

The line is shortest for this at the beginning and end of the day. Because it isn't worth an incredibly long line, try either of those times. From noon until 5 or 6 the line will be the longest. I'd also recommend not riding this after a meal.

The height for Mantis, as with most coasters with inversions, is a little taller at 56 inches. If you are also an extremely tall person you might run into some issues as well. This is not a must-ride, but it is a different experience than most coasters. If the line is short, give it a try!   Close

When Bolliger & Mabillard designed and created the first inverted coaster, Batman: The Ride at Six Flags Great America, they hit the nail right on the head. Batman is a great ride, but with their second go at an inverted roller coaster in 1994,…Read More

When Bolliger & Mabillard designed and created the first inverted coaster, Batman: The Ride at Six Flags Great America, they hit the nail right on the head. Batman is a great ride, but with their second go at an inverted roller coaster in 1994, Raptor, they took another great leap forward. Out of the many inverted coasters I've been on, Raptor is still my favorite. It is the first coaster you see when you walk into the park, and at 137 feet tall with six inversions it certainly stands out.

Because of its location right at the front of the park, many guests immediately queue up for this at the beginning of the day. Though you may be tempted, if you can hold out riding it until late afternoon (after four) the line will be much shorter. Raptor's line is always fast moving as well, so even on the busiest of days, a long line can move very quickly.

Waiting for the front is only an extra five or 10 minutes, so I highly recommend waiting; it is well worth it! Otherwise every other seat is basically a similar great experience. The back is a bit more forceful and usually causes me to grey-out a bit on the pullout of the first loop into the second zero-g roll inversion.

The on-ride photo is taken during the final helix so make sure you're smiling! :) The height restriction is 54 inches, and it is also quite accomodating for larger guests.

This is a must ride! Do not leave the park without kicking the sky on Raptor!   Close

Similar to three other coasters at Cedar Point, Gemini was at one point the tallest and fastest coaster on earth. Now that was way back in 1979, but it is still a very fun coaster. It is a steel racing coaster with a…Read More

Similar to three other coasters at Cedar Point, Gemini was at one point the tallest and fastest coaster on earth. Now that was way back in 1979, but it is still a very fun coaster. It is a steel racing coaster with a wooden structure, so it is often misperceived as a wooden coaster. It is not an extremely intense ride, but there some pops of airtime and it is always fun to have a race with the other train!

Because it usually has two trains running on each side (2x2=4) the line is never too long and it goes very quickly, so anytime during the day is a fine time to ride. Since it is in the back of the park, the line is a lot shorter in the mornings though.

The very front seat is my favorite spot on this ride because it gives the best airtime, and you can see the track and the other train in front of you which is always fun (unless you're winning, of course). It is hard to tell which side will win because the ride operators will also let one of the trains leave the station a little early, so it's all up to luck if you want to win!

The height requirement is only 48 inches, and this is definitely a coaster a child would enjoy. Oh, and don't forget to notice the very '80s looking logo!

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When it debuted in 1989, it was the tallest and fastest coaster in existence and it was nothing like anything seen before. It started the new generation of 'Hyper Coasters', and started it off with a bang, too--no other hypers compare. It is…Read More

When it debuted in 1989, it was the tallest and fastest coaster in existence and it was nothing like anything seen before. It started the new generation of 'Hyper Coasters', and started it off with a bang, too--no other hypers compare. It is currently the #3 coaster in the world and is one of my favorites as well. The main appeal of Magnum is all the bunny hills and the loads of airtime they produce.

The line for this is fairly short for the first couple hours after opening, but then in the early afternoon it will get more crowded and generally stay that way until close. I'd recommend riding it after Millennium Force or Dragster in the morning.

Magnum can be a little rough, especially in the very back, and though it is still fun in the back, I would recommend any seat in the first car most. There are 3 rows of seats in each car, and the smoothest ride will be in the middle seat, where it is not sitting on the wheels. My favorite seat is the third row of the first car as for some reason it seems to provide the most intense airtime.

The restraints can get uncomfortable on your legs or thighs during the ride, but if you keep yourself from putting your hands up and hold onto your restraint you may find it to be a more comfortable ride.

Magnum is certainly a must ride at Cedar Point, and I guarantee you'll enjoy the views on the first couple hills looking out at Lake Erie!   Close

Wicked Twister is a launched 'Impulse Coaster', which means it is not a complete circuit, but just goes back and forth five times up two vertical twisting spikes. It reaches a speed of 70 mph, but only on its second backwards acceleration; the…Read More

Wicked Twister is a launched 'Impulse Coaster', which means it is not a complete circuit, but just goes back and forth five times up two vertical twisting spikes. It reaches a speed of 70 mph, but only on its second backwards acceleration; the initial launch is only 55 mph (still awesome, though)! Oh yeah, and this is all done with you hanging below the track and your feet dangling!

You can get in line for this at any point in the day without it being too incredibly long, but during the late afternoon, the line will be shorter due its location near the front of the park, and most people are towards the back of the park by that point. If you get to the park at opening, it might be wise to ride this first, as it will be a walk-on, and then head to Millennium Force or Dragster.

The back seat is the most intense seat on this ride, going up the highest on the back spike, but the front also takes you up pretty far on the front spike as well as cool views. If you're looking for a milder experience, the middle rows, as they always are, are the place to be.

The coaster has a cool location, literally on the beach parallel to the Lake Erie shore. The entire midway in that section of that park is also quite new with a lot of games and fun atmosphere.

Though there are coasters like this at other parks, this is still a great ride and I highly recommend it!   Close

Built in 2003, Top Thrill Dragster is Cedar Point's most recent coaster. It is currently the world's second tallest and fastest roller coaster at 420 feet tall at 120 mph. Despite being a mere 17 seconds long, this thing packs a punch!…Read More

Built in 2003, Top Thrill Dragster is Cedar Point's most recent coaster. It is currently the world's second tallest and fastest roller coaster at 420 feet tall at 120 mph. Despite being a mere 17 seconds long, this thing packs a punch! Going from 0 to 120 mph in less than four seconds is pure bliss, and then going straight up only to plummet straight back down is a non-stop adrenaline rush.

You should head to either this or Millennium Force first if you arrive in the morning, because once the park gets fuller the line gets very long! Also, if you are willing to stay late, you can get in line for this right as the park closes and get a late night ride.

The front seat of this ride is incredible, but it usually means an extra half hour to forty-five minute wait. If you have the time to spare it is definitely worth it, if not, every seat is just about the same great experience. It is a dual station, but my experience is that the lines for each are generally similar, so either one is fine.

There are two on-ride photos, one during the launch, and one on the brake section side, and both will most likely make you look like an unrecognizable rodent (no offense). Similar to Millennium Force, there are souvenirs available at pretty much every gift shop in the park.

This is another coaster you shouldn't leave the park without riding. It is truly an awesome experience you won't forget!   Close

Voted #1 roller coaster in the world, and for good reason. At 310 feet tall, this relentless ride drops you nearly straight down to a speed of 93 mph and takes you through a course of over-banked turns and airtime-filled hills.When you first arrive…Read More

Voted #1 roller coaster in the world, and for good reason. At 310 feet tall, this relentless ride drops you nearly straight down to a speed of 93 mph and takes you through a course of over-banked turns and airtime-filled hills.

When you first arrive at the park (as long as it isn't too late in the day) definitely head straight to either this or Top Thrill Dragster because the lines for these two rides can get unbearably long (up to 2 1/2 hours). You'll notice that a lot of other people will be doing the same thing, but those crowds would not compare to a fuller park later in the day.

As most coasters are, the very front and the back of the trains are the best places to ride, with a tamer experience in the middle rows--tame is a relative word, mind you. The front provides great views and a wonderful feeling of speed, but the back has more powerful airtime and a greater sense of that out-of-control feeling.

There is an on-ride photo in the middle of the second tunnel, so you know when to say CHEESE! Those photos can be purchased at a stand right at the exit and t-shirts and other souvenirs are available at gift shops all around the park.

Intamin AG, the company that created this ride, used wonderful open and comfortable trains, and the height restriction is only 48 inches so younger children can experience this #1 ride.

IMPORTANT: This coaster is a must ride! You cannot leave the park without riding this at least once!   Close

I find that one night and one full day is a perfect amount of time to enjoy the park. This does not include Soak City or the Challenge Park. We go strictly for the roller coasters. We'll leave early in the morning,…Read More

I find that one night and one full day is a perfect amount of time to enjoy the park. This does not include Soak City or the Challenge Park. We go strictly for the roller coasters. We'll leave early in the morning, check into our hotel and head to the park to get starlight passes. Then we'll return the next day to do a full day. By the end of the second day, even I'm ready to head home.

My favorite pastime is eating, but don't get excited about it in Sandusky. There aren't many restaurants there to drool over. We mainly eat fried cheese on a stick and greasy French fries in the park. That's probably the best food you'll find in town. It's nothing to write home about. But remember people...we're here for the coasters, not the food!

There really aren't many insider tips, but one thing we always do is run to the big coasters during the fireworks at night. The lines can be really short. Also, don't let the short lines at the Gemini fool you. That roller coaster is a classic and worth riding, getting off, then riding again...repeat a few times. I remember waiting in HUGE lines for this coaster as a child! It's still fun!

There's a couple of places to contact with regards to information about Cedar Point: 1. You're already doing it: reading journals like mine on Igo-Ugo.com If you haven't already read mine, take the time and read through it. I have tried to…Read More

There's a couple of places to contact with regards to information about Cedar Point:

1. You're already doing it: reading journals like mine on Igo-Ugo.com If you haven't already read mine, take the time and read through it. I have tried to keep the hype to accurate but honest descriptions (I honestly rated the dull ones as such) Don't forget to check out the photos of us on two of the coasters - they're priceless!)

2. 1-800-BEST-FUN This gets you a HUGE packet of maps, fliers, and coupons for Ohio, including CEDAR POINT. If you don't have access to discount tickets (through local stores, travel clubs, auto clubs, etc) then this can save you a couple of bucks per person.

3. link Their site has listings for each and every ride, descriptions, photos, height requirements, health restrictions, and even multi-media clips including a web cam and videos of many coasters (long, slow downloads with dial-up ISPs, but interesting if you have the time and patience)

4. If time permits, The Learning Channel and The Discovery Channel (go to link for program listings) runs some great shows about coasters, some of which have Cedar Point coasters on them (or ones similar to them). This is a great way to expose a youngster to a coaster without actually taking them to a park first. They can see what they are, what they do, and the fun people have on them. It helps to calm their fears of the unknown.