In a significant blow to thrill-seekers, Cedar Point Amusement Park has confirmed the extended closure of its high-octane attraction, Top Thrill 2, for the remainder of the 2024 season. The Sandusky-based park released a statement expressing its disappointment and extending an apology for the inconvenience caused by the delay. As reported by Cleveland19, the park emphasized its commitment to providing an "unparalleled coaster experience" when the ride is expected to return in 2025.
According to a WTOL11 report, Cedar Point announced that the ride's manufacturer, Zamperla, cannot complete the necessary modifications this year. Problems arose just eight days following the ride's season debut, leading to a shutdown that extended through the end of the year. The park had initially hoped the closure wouldn't span the entire season; however, the necessary work to rectify the unspecified issues with Top Thrill 2 forced the prolonged downtime.
Despite the setback, excitement had been building around the recreated roller coaster, Top Thrill 2, which stands on the legacy of the original Top Thrill Dragster, closed after an accident in 2021. The new version boasts a world record as the fastest triple-launch strata coaster, featuring two towering points at 420 feet and launch speeds of up to 120 mph, described by the Akron Beacon Journal. The novelty of the coaster includes a unique system where the loading track slides over to the main track, blending innovation with the thrill of high-speed twists and routes.
"We are extremely disappointed that we cannot open the ride this season, but remain committed to delivering a reliable, consistent and unparalleled coaster experience for our guests in 2025," a statement from Cedar Point read via Cleveland19, acknowledging the heightened anticipation and subsequent letdown for thrill enthusiasts. This push to the next season marks a significant hiccup for Cedar Point, which spent months rebuilding and testing Top Thrill 2 to ensure a smooth launch. It's yet another unexpected turn of events for this amusement park icon that has witnessed its fair share of ups and downs since the original's inception in 2003.
