Believe it or not, I’m actually writing and posting this on the road down to Dollywood. The wonders of mobile internet are great, aren’t they? My trip to Cedar Point yesterday was actually rather enjoyable despite riding only three rides in about six hours. Unfortunately “dead week” is no more with Math and Science days lasting an entire week, which meant lots of school groups and longer lines than normal for a weekday. Thankfully my goal wasn’t to ride a lot, it was to relax, see some friends, and take some pictures of the new additions and updates. But enough of the small talk, you want to know what’s new at the park.

The logical place to start would be at the entrance…to the Causeway. There is a brand new sign to your right just before you leave the mainland. It is actually rather impressive as it has a large video board showing video, text, and pictures. The background is a nice little blue wave shape with two layers and the expected Cedar Point wave logo with Snoopy at the end. Its really a nice addition to the causeway, and just one sign of many new great changes inside the park. The front entrance has been almost completely revamped with new awnings celebrating Magnum’s 20th birthday, as well as another video screen where the Cedar Point sign used to be. There are also a lot more banners out front this year, which actually look really good. If you didn’t like that merchandise stand that was stuck in the middle of the entrance plaza, be very happy, because it is gone! They ripped out all of the concrete between the ticket booths and gates and laid down brick pavers, and it looks great. Moving farther inside the park the next major change that you will find is a new “interactive” fountain that has replaced the classic retro style ball fountain. Despite really missing the ball fountain I started liking the new fountain after I started playing around in it. Running through it for some reason changed my opinion, don’t ask me why. I am told it looks pretty cool lit up at night, but it could also use more jets. Right across from the fountain is a new sign at the Corral indicating a new menu item. There are several such new signs around the park, and they look very nice.

The biggest change for this year is of course Magnum’s new sign. And enthusiasts so far have a love-hate relationship with it. It is a beautiful sign that the ride has needed for the past 20 years. On the other hand, walk-ons are now a thing of the past, which has disappointed quite a few people. Our days of being spoiled with regular walk-ons are now over. The trains also received some special attention this year, with new decals on the back of them commemorating its birthday. The sign on the station received some new silver and black paint that really makes it much more visible from the midway. Overall though, the Magnum additions and changes are very much needed and look great, so of course there is a trade-off for any good thing.

Farther back in the park, the Blue Green timeshare people are gone from the park, and there was much rejoicing. Seriously though, the former station for timeshares by Gemini has been replaced with an energy drink stand. Back on the Frontier Trail/Town there is a very nice sign to indicate the start of Frontier Town/Trail. Down the Trail you will find the Starlight Experience, which is more or less LED Christmas lights strung all through the trees and buildings. As you walk down the Trail the seasons change, with winter supposedly being the best looking part of the show.

Overall the cosmetic changes around the park this year were greatly needed, and really add a lot to the park, I think. Like I said though, unfortunately the new sign at Magnum means there will most always be some sort of line now. I really think most of you will appreciate the additions and changes around and outside the park. Despite not riding much on my trip, it was really nice to just walk around, take pictures, and relax while catching up with some friends. Next up will be a trip report from Dollywood, a new park experience for me, and one that I am really looking forward to! Until later, this is Michael, and I am Live From the Road.