Cedar Point 2024 News & Updates - Family Money Adventure (2024)

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Cedar Point announced several changes and updates coming to the park and the entire family of Cedar Fair properties. Park fans waited a long time, but details have finally been released on Top Thrill 2, the latest roller coaster addition to the park. If the name sounds familiar, that’s because it builds on former park coaster Top Thrill Dragster.

Perhaps the biggest news is Cedar Fair’s announcement of a merger with Six Flags, which sent shockwaves across the amusem*nt park world.

Keep reading for the scoop on Cedar Point 2024 news & updates.

Cedar Point New Ride 2024

On August 10, 2023, Cedar Point Amusem*nt Park and Cedar Fair announced the reimaged return of one of its most popular roller coasters. Top Thrill 2. The new coaster promises to build on the legacy of fan-favorite coaster Top Thrill Dragster, which was retired in 2022.

We’re huge Cedar Point fans. I worked at Cedar Point for a summer while in college, and now we’re Cedar Point season passholders, so we’re ecstatic about the news. Top Thrill 2 will debut in 2024, replacing the original Top Thrill Dragster.

Top Thrill 2 will become the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch strata coaster. Strata coasters are complete circuit roller coasters between 400 feet and 499 feet tall. Cedar Point first coined the Term when Top Thrill Dragster debuted, although it wasn’t the first coaster to eclipse the 400-foot barrier.

What makes Top Thrill 2 unique is that it includes two 420-foot towers. The original Dragster only featured one 420-foot tower. When it opens, it will be the only dual-tower vertical speedway in existence.

Cedar Point guests and roller coaster enthusiasts are familiar with one of the original Dragster’s significant drawbacks: the rollback. Because of its unique design, the car tended not to have enough momentum to make it over the tower and would roll back, requiring a relaunch.

I was fortunate enough to attend Cedar Point’s Winter Chill Out event a few years ago and got a behind-the-scenes look at Top Thrill Dragster’s hydraulics room, which featured the massive hydraulic system that powered the coaster. Despite the impressive design, the original Dragster experienced occasional delays and closures.

Now, the rollback is built into Top Thrill 2’s design. Here’s a look at how Top Thrill 2 works, according to the press release:

“On the start, using an all-new linear synchronous motor (LSM) launch system, riders will peel out down the straightaway reaching speeds of 74 mph, racing toward the sky on Top Thrill 2’s original 420-foot-tall “top hat” tower. After experiencing weightlessness during the “rollback” – the coveted fan-favorite moment when the train’s momentum isn’t great enough to make it up and over the tower – the train shifts into reverse and into its second launch, reaching speeds of 101 mph.

Riders will then see Cedar Point unlike ever before as they speed into a backward climb at a 90-degree angle on a new, 420-foot-tall track tower. After a second moment of weightlessness, the train shifts into drive and races forward into its third launch, clocking in at the ride’s top speed of 120 mph.

Crossing over the top hat tower, the train decelerates momentarily before diving into a 270-degree spiral and crossing the finish line.”

Top Thrill 2 features similar theming to the original Top Thrill Dragster, where park guests join the CP Racing Team for a thrilling ride with a top speed of 120 mph.

The new roller coaster marks the second consecutive year that Cedar Point has debuted a new coaster. In 2023, the amusem*nt park opened its new Cedar Point Boardwalk midway, which included the new family-friendly Wild Mouse Coaster.The Ohio-based amusem*nt park recently released its safety guidelines for Top Thrill 2 riders. If you’re headed to Cedar Point this season, get familiar with the ride rules because there are a couple of guidelines that may be a surprise.

Cedar Fair Merger

On November 2, 2023, Cedar Fair announced it was merging with Six Flags. This major move brings together two giants in the amusem*nt park industry, promising to create bigger and better experiences for guests. For the official details, check out Cedar Fair’s press release. However, the effects of this merger on park visits during the 2024 season and beyond are yet to be determined.

Cedar Point Season Pass Changes

Cedar Point is also changing its season pass offerings for the 2024 season. The Platinum Pass is going away. Instead, park guests have two options for season passes — the Gold Pass and the Prestige Pass, which both come with admission to Halloweekends. Pricing and benefits vary between the two options. The park also announced a new season pass add-on called All Park Passport, which essentially eliminates the need for the Platinum Pass. By adding the All Park Passport to your season pass, you are able to visit any Cedar Fair Park.

Cedar Point Mobile App Update 2024

Cedar Point recently updated its mobile app with new features to improve the user experience. If you have the existing app on your phone, Cedar Point recommends uninstalling it and downloading the latest version. The park also recommends that current users reset their account passwords.

Snake River Expedition Not Returning in 2024

Cedar Point announced that Snake River Expedition will not reopen for the 2024 season. The themed boat ride opened in 2021, making it a short-lived fixture of the park. I’m a fan of boat rides so it’s unfortunate it’s going away. Hopefully, the park create another (or better) boat experience for park guests.

What is Cedar Point Amusem*nt Park?

Cedar Point is a popular amusem*nt park located along the Lake Erie shoreline in Sandusky, Ohio. It’s the second-oldest amusem*nt park in North America and home to 70 rides, including 18 roller coasters, other rides, shows, and attractions. The park is adjacent to Cedar Point Shores Waterpark, a mile-long beach, Hotel Breakers and Lighthouse Point campground.