The forecast called for a 50% chance of severe thundertorms for the late afternoon and early evening, but nary a storm cloud showed up. In fact, the temperature reached a baking 98 degrees at one point. Both the forecast and the actual conditions served to keep many people away, meaning the cue lines were a little more tolerable, even if standing in the sun was sometimes rather uncomfortable.
I managed to get 23 rides on 15 of the coasters, and mostly in the front seat which is my preferred option. High winds managed to keep Top Thrill Dragster shut down for enough of the day that I didn't get to ride it. Indeed, it was a day that was fraught with downtime. Gatekeeper, Blue Streak, Raptor, Valravn, and Maverick all had various issues throughout the day.
I was actually on Maverick when it failed to launch in the tunnel midway through the ride. They rolled us back and tried to re-launch two more times before giving up and having us de-board in the tunnel. At least it's a short distance to the ground at that point. And, we all received a front-of-the-line pass that was good for any ride. I used mine for a second front-seat ride on Valravn, so all was not lost. And I went back and rode Maverick again, later in the day.
I also managed to get a completely solo ride on my favorite coaster, Raptor. There had been some down time, and everyone else was frustrated enough to leave. I decided to stick it out and was rewarded with a ride all to myself! Nice!
New paint on Raptor, Rougarou, and part of Iron Dragon this year, but nothing much new.
Kudos to the crews of Maverick and Blue Streak for dealing with the breakdowns so well!
Plan your trip now to the best amusement park on the planet! How was your ride? You'll never know if you don't go! Cedar Point - it's America's Rockin' Roller Coast - Ride on!