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Cedar Point closed down Top Thrill 2 earlier this summer after complications surfaced regarding the safety of guests on the trains. But new footage has been brought forth, showing more ongoing issues with the strata-coaster. Will it be opening before the end of the summer?
Credit: Cedar Point
More Top Thrill 2 Problems Surface at Cedar Point, Indicating Fate of World’s Tallest Strata-Coaster
Cedar Point’s new Top Thrill 2 roller coaster has been shut down indefinitely just one week after its public debut. The park announced that the ride’s manufacturer is completing a “mechanical modification” on the ride’s vehicles.
The duration of the closure remains uncertain. The closure is a setback for the park, which has been heavily promoting the ride, for the manufacturer aiming to build a reputation with record-breaking rides, and for coaster enthusiasts eager to experience the attraction.
The ride features two 420-foot-high hills and reaches a top speed of 120 mph. “We will do everything possible to reopen Top Thrill 2 as soon as we are confident we can deliver the ride experience our guests deserve,” Cedar Point said on social media. Cedar Point spokesman Tony Clark declined to provide specific details about the ride’s issues or a timeline for reopening.
Industry experts, including Dennis Speigel, founder of International theme park Services in Cincinnati, noted that adjustments are standard for new, technologically advanced rides. Speigel emphasized the importance of addressing issues promptly to ensure guest safety and satisfaction. The previous version of the ride, known as Top Thrill Dragster, was shut down in 2021 after a severe accident.
Credit: Inside The Magic
The ride was reimagined with a new launch system and lightweight aluminum trains by Italy-based Zamperla Group. The current issue appears to be related to these new trains, with early speculation pointing to a vibration or “shimmy” during the ride. Jeff Putz, co-founder of the Cedar Point fan site Pointbuzz.com, mentioned observing some vibration during a preview event but noted that it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact issue without more information.
He suggested that problems become apparent after a ride is in regular operation. The park assured that any refunds related to the closure would be handled case-by-case. Despite the early hiccups, industry experts and fans remain optimistic about the ride’s future performance once the necessary adjustments are made.
Now, fans who frequent the park have released some new footage showing some work being done on the track after it was revealed that the ride is testing again. With the trains being worked on and now the track, it seems Cedar Point is having multiple issues with its biggest ride. The new footage reveals that, at least for now, they are working hard to get the ride back in operation.
Track is now a MAJOR issue with the coaster. https://t.co/2OQFDiTiUb
— Theme Park Recommendations ???? (@TP_Guides) July 29, 2024
Track is now a MAJOR issue with the coaster.
Image Credit: Inside The Magic
This approach aligns with the expectations set by the Six Flags and Cedar Fair merger, which aims to leverage shared knowledge and capabilities to enhance the overall guest experience. While no definitive reopening date has been set, the visible efforts to rectify the ride’s problems indicate that Cedar Point strives to have Top Thrill 2 operational as soon as it is safe and reliable.
This ongoing work reflects the park’s determination to meet the high expectations of its visitors and maintain its reputation as a leading amusement destination.
Today’s Top Thrill 2 update! ???? https://t.co/1FHC82rYBk
— Theme Park Recommendations ???? (@TP_Guides) July 28, 2024
Today’s Top Thrill 2 update!
– @TP_Guides on X
The indefinite closure of Cedar Point’s Top Thrill 2 roller coaster and new footage showing additional work on the attraction’s tracks suggest that Cedar Point is working diligently to resolve the ride’s issues. This effort appears to be part of a broader initiative following the Six Flags and Cedar Fair merger to ensure the ride’s reopening soon.
Top Thrill 2, which debuted just a week ago, has faced significant setbacks, prompting a shutdown for “mechanical modifications” on the ride’s vehicles.
The park has not specified the exact nature of these issues or provided a timeline for the ride’s reopening. However, recent videos reveal extensive work on the coaster’s tracks, indicating a severe commitment to addressing the problems. Industry analysts note that the recent merger between Six Flags and Cedar Fair has likely intensified efforts to fix the ride swiftly.
More track inspection underway, I’m sitting next to the top hat infield, currently watching the crew go up and begin inspections for the night. pic.twitter.com/MBwjUomSf3
— Is Top Thrill 2 Open? (@TopThrillStatus) July 31, 2024
More track inspection underway, I’m sitting next to the top hat infield, currently watching the crew go up and begin inspections for the night.
The merger brings together two of North America’s largest amusement park operators, combining resources and expertise that could expedite the resolution process. The closure and subsequent repair efforts underscore Cedar Point’s commitment to guest safety and satisfaction. It aims to avoid past issues like the 2021 accident involving the ride’s predecessor, Top Thrill Dragster. Cedar Point’s proactive stance in addressing the ride’s mechanical issues suggests a renewed focus on maintaining high reliability and safety standards.
