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News and Updates, News Stories, Ride Watch, Rides, RollerCoasters

Disaster Transport closes forever Sunday

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From wkyc.com…

SANDUSKY — A Lake Erie legend is about to be silenced forever. The Disaster Transport indoor roller coaster at Cedar Point will make its final screech-filled run on Sunday, July 29.

The ride, which has been sitting near the park’s main entrance since opening in 1985, will be completely demolished and removed to make room for a new attraction set to be unchained in 2013.

Park officials announced Disaster Transport’s closure back on July 13.

The ride first made its debut as Avalanche Run — an outdoor bobsled-style coaster. Then, in 1990, the ride was re-named Disaster Transport, enclosed and given a new outer space theme.

The two-minute ride, which takes 10-person trains along the dark track at speeds up to 40 mph, has thrilled more than 30 million people since it was first unleashed.

A “last ride celebration” will be held at 9 p.m. Sunday to use Disaster Transport’s final day as a way to raise money for Give Kids The World. Registration for the party, which involved a $20 fee and $50 minimum donation, ended at noon Friday.

As of Friday afternoon, more than $16,000 had been raised.

Those at the party will be given a Disaster Transport T-shirt and a souvenir.

The special event wraps up with an hour of exclusive ride time on Disaster Transport from 10:30-11:30 p.m. Those who raised the most money will have the privilege of choosing their seats on the last train while riding with the lights turned on.

Disaster Trasnport will become the second roller coaster permanently closed at the Sandusky scream park this year. Prior to the 2012 season starting, Cedar Point sent the WildCat roller coaster to its ride graveyard and removed it to create space for Luminosity, a new night-time show.

In addition to Disaster Transport, the Space Spiral, a 330-foot rotating observation tower and icon of the park’s skyline, will also be closed before the end of the 2012 season. It, too, will be demolished to make room for the new 2013 attraction. Its final operating day has not yet been announced.

As far as the new attraction for 2013, a leaked memo indicated it would be a wing-style roller coaster with the biggest drop, fastest speed and longest run of any similar ride.

It would be the first roller coaster Cedar Point opens since they first debuted Maverick in 2007.

Park spokesperson Annie Zelm said an official announcement about the 2013 attraction should come in mid August. Until then, the park has been releasing multiple teases about the upcoming attraction.

Meanwhile, Kings Island, which is Cedar Point’s sister park near Cincinnati, announced on Friday the permanent removal of the long-dormant Son of Beast wooden roller coaster.

News and Updates, News Stories, Ride Watch, Rides, RollerCoasters, Tranquil Rides

Cedar Point teases about new 2013 attraction

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Disaster Transport Entrance

From wkyc.com…

SANDUSKY — There’s a lot of buzz brewing up along the shores of Lake Erie, and it’s all because of a pair of white, haunting eyes.

The animalistic stare is the first official tease from Cedar Point regarding its new attraction for 2013.

Cedar Point posted the image on its blog Saturday with the following tease: You didn’t think we would give away 2013 THAT easy did you? Watch out for inversions and (!%!@@!#%(!@!!^

The day before unleashing that teaser, Cedar Point announced on its Facebook page that two rides were being removed to make room for a new attraction. “Something big is happening,” the post declares. “Disaster Transport and Space Spiral will be dismantled this season to make space for @!!$!(*%%. We’re sad to see them go, but are excited as we fly into the future. Stay tuned for more!”

Park spokesperson Annie Zelm says neither ride will be moved to another location after being dismantled.

A press release says the rides are being removed “to make better use of prime space in the front of the park and enhance the overall appearance of that corridor.”

But this news comes as no surprise. Back in May we told you about the potential removal of those rides after a memo was leaked regarding a new attraction for 2013 — a wing-style roller coaster that’s said to have the biggest drop, fastest speed and longest run of any similar ride.

A wing coaster takes riders on a journey without a visible track above or beneath them. That sensation is created since riders are seated on each side of the track with their feet dangling in the air.

Dollywood in Tennessee and Six Flags Great America in Chicago each debuted a wing coaster this year (see video below to watch one in action).

If the new ride is in a fact a roller coaster as the memo indicated, it will be the first one built at Cedar Point since the park unleashed Maverick in 2007.

As a result of the new attraction, Cedar Point says Disaster Transport will make its final run on Sunday, July 29 before screeching to a halt forever.

“I think fans of the park who really want it to be special have felt for a long time that Disaster Transport was a hideous warehouse-looking structure blocking views of the lake,” says Jeff Putz of CoasterBuzz.com. “While some people may be sentimental about the ride, especially if it was one of their first as a young child, it certainly isn’t very exciting. Once they see the replacement, I doubt anyone will give it a second thought.”

The ride first made its debut along the edge of Lake Erie in 1985 as Avalanche Run — an outdoor bobsled-style coaster. In 1990, the ride was re-named Disaster Transport, enclosed and refurbished with a new outer space theme.

The two-minute ride takes 10-person trains along the dark track at speeds up to 40 mph.

Cedar Point says more than 30 million people have experienced the ride since it made its debut.

Distater Transport’s building also housed a special indoor haunted attraction each Halloween season for HalloWeekends — most recently Happy Jack’s Toy Factory. But as a result of the building’s removal, Zelm says that Happy Jack’s Toy Factory will not be returning for this year’s HalloWeekends. Instead, Zelm says the park will introduce a new HalloWeekends attraction for the 2012 spooky season. That attraction has not yet been revealed.

Those who want to be the final riders on Disaster Transport can participate in an online auction to benefit Give Kids The World. For a $20 registration fee and a $50 minimum donation, anybody can enjoy a private party and exclusive ride time on Disaster Transport after the coaster closes to the public. The fundraisers with the highest totals will earn the privilege of choosing their seats on the last train while riding with the lights on.

This marks the second roller coaster to be placed in the Cedar Point graveyard this year because the park removed the WildCat prior to opening day to make room for Luminosity, a new night-time show.

The park has not yet announced a final operating day for Space Spiral, but officials say the ride will be closed forever before the end of the season.

The 330-foot rotating observation tower opened in 1965 and has been an icon of the park’s skyline ever since.

Zelm says Cedar Point has not yet set a firm date on when they will officially unveil the new attraction for 2013, but they are looking at unleashing the news in mid August.

Events, News and Updates, News Stories, Rides, RollerCoasters

Disaster Transport makes final launch for charity

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SANDUSKY, Ohio, July 13, 2012 — After 28 seasons of launching riders to Alaska and outer space, Disaster Transport will complete its last mission July 29.

Before Cedar Point’s only enclosed roller coaster disappears into the galaxy forever, fans will have the chance to bid farewell to a ride that’s been a familiar part of the Cedar Point skyline since 1985. Anyone who has ever pondered the meaning of the “12 E” sign or wondered what’s lurking in the darkness won’t want to miss this!

To commemorate the final launch, Cedar Point is hosting a celebration to benefit Give Kids The World, a nonprofit “storybook” resort in Central Florida where children with life-threatening illnesses and their families are treated to a weeklong fantasy vacation free of charge.

At Disaster Transport Final Dispatch: A Mission for the Kids, guests can become a part of history while helping children with life-threatening illnesses and their families make memories that last a lifetime.

For a $20 registration fee and a $50 minimum donation to Give Kids The World, they can enjoy a private party and exclusive ride time after the coaster closes to the public! The fundraisers with the highest totals will earn the privilege of choosing their seats on the last train while riding with the lights on.

“Cedar Fair has developed a strong partnership with Give Kids The World, an organization whose mission is close to our hearts,” said Annie Zelm , marketing programs representative for Cedar Point. “In the past four years, the Coasting for Kids events at our 11 parks have raised more than $200,000 for the families they serve, giving them a much-needed break from the hospital and something to look forward to during the most difficult times of their lives. Each year, Cedar Point’s fans have come forward with an incredible display of enthusiasm and generosity, and we’re counting on them again for this one-of-a-kind event!”

Give Kids The World President Pamela Landwirth said an expanded relationship with Cedar Fair will help the agency make dreams come true for even more families.

“Although we have served over 116,000 families, the need continues to grow,” Landwirth said.  “Through the generous support of Cedar Fair we are able to create the happiness that inspires hope for many more precious children, giving them the time of their lives while there is still time.”

Participants can register for Disaster Transport Final Dispatch: A Mission for the Kids, by clicking on the links atcedarpoint.com and gktw.org.

  • The celebration begins with a reception at 9 p.m. July 29 in the patio outside Disaster Transport, followed by exclusive ride time from 10:30-11:30 p.m.
  • Registration includes park admission all day July 29, a Disaster Transport T-shirt and a special souvenir. The three highest fundraisers will receive grand prizes from Cedar Point and Give Kids The World.
  • Registration begins Friday, July 13, and runs through noon July 27. The clock is ticking, so don’t wait!

Disaster Transport is a bobsled coaster that shuttles its passengers on an eerie journey through dark corners and unseen dips. It has welcomed more than 30 million adventure-seekers since it opened as Avalanche Run in 1985.  The ride is being dismantled along with the Space Spiral to make better use of prime space in the front of the park and enhance the overall appearance of that corridor, although a timetable for Space Spiral’s removal has not yet been determined. The Space Spiral’s rotating cabin has offered spectacular views of the park since it opened in 1965. Towering 330 feet above the main entrance and beach, it served as a beacon in the days before Cedar Point reached new heights with the 420-footTop Thrill Dragster.

About Cedar Point:
Cedar Point will be open daily through Labor Day, Sept. 3, plus Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 7 through Oct. 28.  For a complete operating calendar and more information about the 2012 operating season, guests can log on towww.cedarpoint.com or call the park’s general information line at (419) 627-2350.

About Give Kids The World: 
Give Kids The World Village (GKTW) is a 70-acre, non-profit resort in Central Florida that creates magical memories for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. GKTW provides accommodations at its whimsical resort, donated attractions tickets, meals and more for a weeklong, cost-free fantasy vacation. With the help of many generous individuals, corporations and partnering wish-granting organizations, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 110,000 families from all 50 states and more than 70 countries. For more information about GKTW and its mission, visit givekidstheworld.org.

2012 Shows, Attractions, Events, Luminosity: Ignite The Night, News and Updates, News Stories, Shows

Watch Carly Rae Jepsen at Cedar Point this Saturday

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Cedar Point Press Release
Carly Rae Jepsen
SANDUSKY, Ohio, July 3, 2012 — You’ve heard her smash single, “Call Me Maybe”– now see Carly Rae Jepsen in person as she performs this Saturday, July 7, at Cedar Point!

All season passholders and guests who purchase general admission tickets to the park are invited to attend.

A competition between Northeast Ohio’s seven leading dance crews, sponsored by Cleveland’s 96.5 KISS-FM, will usher in Jepsen’s appearance at Cedar Point’s new Celebration Plaza in front of the Iron Dragon roller coaster. The 96.5 Kiss FM Dance Crew Competition runs from 5-7 p.m., and Carly Rae will perform with her band immediately afterward.

Her show sets the stage for Luminosity, Cedar Point’s new high-energy show that transforms Celebration Plaza into a dance party after the sun sets each evening through Aug. 19.

“Luminosity is designed to attract people of all ages, and Carly Rae Jepsen’s music has that same widespread appeal,” said Charles Bradshaw, Cedar Point’s corporate vice president of live entertainment. “She’s a perfect fit for our park and a great way to add to all the excitement we’re creating this year.”

The 26-year-old singer has been generating buzz up north since her 2007 run on Canadian Idol, but she’s more recently skyrocketed to fame in the United States and beyond. After joining forces with teen idol Justin Bieber on his School Boy Records label, she’s visiting Sandusky for the first time as she works her way through an ambitious tour schedule.

Her irresistibly catchy hit, “Call Me Maybe,” has climbed to the No. 1 spot on the U.S. iTunes chart, and its music video has become a viral sensation since it was released in March.

It has attracted nearly 140 million views and inspired countless remakes, with lip-synching videos featuring everyone from Katy Perry to the Harvard baseball team.

Cedar Point’s employees even channeled their enthusiasm for Carly Rae Jepsen into a video of their own, parading through the park with a unique take on her song. Nearly 200 employees -from ride operators, sweeps and lifeguards to Snoopy and even the park’s general manager– came together to rehearse and produce the clip within an hour, just before the park opened. The result was a 3-minute, 25-second YouTube video showcasing the many lively personalities that make Cedar Point a world-class act.

Carly Rae Jepsen’s appearance was made possible by Pepsi and Cleveland’s 96.5 KISS-FM in conjunction with the station’s one-of-a-kind dance competition. Dance crews who have made the cut will step up to the stage, where the crowds can text to vote for their favorite. The most popular crew wins a private screening of Step Up Revolution, in theaters July 27, and tickets to return to Cedar Point with all-day access to the front of the lines.

“With the popularity of so many dancing shows on television, we wanted to do something that would showcase local hip hop dance crews,” KISS-FM program director Bo Matthews said. “We wanted to find an amazing venue and give these talented groups an opportunity to show their moves and compete for a great prize. They are all very excited at the opportunity to perform on the Luminosity stage, and we couldn’t be more thrilled about how popular Carly Rae Jepsen has become. She will be at Cedar Point while she has the No. 1 song in the country.”

For more information about Carly Rae Jepsen and Luminosity, visit cedarpoint.com. To watch Cedar Point’s employees rushing to the stage as they sing along to “Call Me Maybe,” click HERE.

Cedar Point will be open daily through Labor Day, Sept. 3, plus Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 7 through Oct. 28. For a complete operating calendar and more information about the 2012 operating season, guests can log on to www.cedarpoint.com or call the park’s general information line at (419) 627-2350.

News and Updates, News Stories

Cedar Point storm ready

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From the 13abc.com…

SANDUSKY, Ohio –

Last night, severe weather took aim at Cedar Point. But thanks to a new certification the park was ready for it.

Cedar Point is now the first commercial site in Ohio to become Storm Ready certified.

Basically, that means it is ready for any type of weather situation and it came in handy over the weekend.

On any given day, thousands of people pack Cedar Point looking for thrills, but sometimes Mother Nature gets in the way. On Sunday, severe storms tore through Sandusky and put staff there to the test.

Annie Zelm from Cedar Point says, “We have Lake Erie and the Sandusky Bay right here so we’ve done a number of things to make sure we’re extra prepared.”

The center of it all, is the Cedar Point Police Department. It’s where officers always have their eyes on the sky.

Sgt.  Ron Gilson says, “Obviously you watch the weather as the clouds come in and we pick it up on the radar.” The department uses, not one, but two radars to track the storms.  “It shows the park really well. A closer view to cedar point.”

They even use security cameras to monitor the current conditions.

“You never know when things are going to pop,” Gilson says.

When severe weather is on the way, authorities send out a digital alert that can be heard across the park urging everyone to take cover.  Many of the park’s restaurants, restrooms and arcades serve the same purpose and are marked to direct guests where to go.

Zelm says the procedures were put into place over the weekend. “We knew to issue an all-park digital alert. We had a tornado warning.”

Cedar Point staff say these steps and many more are what help keep thousands of people safe every summer.  Because when you head to Cedar Point it should be about fun.

The park also has trained storm spotters that are there at any given time watching the weather. They also special instruments to clock wind speed and track lightning to ensure that everyone will stay safe.