Cedar Point Trip 1997

It was once again time for my annual trip to Cedar Point and the forecast was for rain... again. Though I was beginning to wonder about my tendency to get rained on at Cedar Point, I arrived at the park early that morning to find the sky clear with a gentle breeze coming off Lake Erie. In fact, there was not a drop of rain to be had all day long! raptor remains my favorite coaster, with its haunting whine as the coaster flies through the turns and loops. And, despite the installation of brakes on the first drop, Mantis is still one of the best stand-up coasters in the country. There aren't any new coasters at Cedar Point this year, prompting many a rumor that a new one will arrive next year. Perhaps it will be in place of Disaster Transport. Although a fun bobsled ride, Disaster Transport has become a neglected ride in a section of the park that doesn't seem to get much traffic. The Frontiertown area would be the only other part of the park that might be able to handle a new coaster. My most unique ride of the day came later in the evening as I took my second ride on the Mean Streak, Cedar Point's giant wooden coaster. For about two to three weeks each year, there is what they call "midge season". Midges are related to the mosquito, but are larger, fuzzier, and (thankfully) less apt to bite. For some reason, the midges decided to stay a little longer this year and hang out around Mean Streak in the evening. Riders leaving the coaster were warning those coming on to keep their mouths closed. Of course, I'm a front seat fanatic, so... well, you get the picture, right? Aside from the coasters, Cedar Point offers the usual assortment of smaller rides and games. The Paddlewheel Excursion trip around the island in the middle of the park is always fun and the dolphin show has now combined education with entertainment to provide a more well- rounded presentation. Be sure not to miss the laser light show and fireworks display at the end of the day before you head for home or hotel. If you're looking for a day full of thrilling rides, more roller coasters than any other park, plus lots of games, shops, water rides, and much more... got to the point! Cedar Point, America's Roller Coast!