CP Trip Report thingy... <3

[~LoveTulie]

So I went to Cedar Point.. and I wanna tell you what happend. Although this thread ISN'T just to tell you.. I also have a couple of questions that I know someone can answer.

Okay, so I end up at Cedar Point around 11. We see the parking lot.. and there are barley ANY cars there. When we get into the park, the lines were, beleive it or not, long. My mom wants to get to Maverick, so we walk all the way to the back of the park. She see's the line, which looked to be a 2 hour wait, and said to go on something else. So we go on Meanstreak. We didn't wait a whole lot, and I sat in the front! The only thing I realized is that the Meanstreak is a whole lot slower than I remember.. but then again, a whole lot smoother as well. I think it was like that because we sat in the very front.

After that, we go to Skyhawk. This was my first time on it, but the only reason I went on because my brother would NOT shut up about me not going on it. So I went on it. It was lots of fun, although a very short ride, so...

Question 1 - Why does Cedar Point end Skyhawk so quickly now? All they do now is make it go up to the highest swing on 1 time on the opposite direction. When it first opened, I remembered it lasting a lot longer...

Anyway, after we get off Skyhawk, we head toward Millenium. Me and my brother waited in line, but it was alot longer than it use to be... it said an hour, but there were 4 more rows or more filled. So we got out of line and went to check on Mantis. As you can see, my family HATES waiting in long lines.

Well turns on Mantis has a long line as well, 45 minutes. So we didn't go on that.

We end up going on Iron Dragon. It had a line, but only 15 minutes, so it wasn't so bad.

Then we walk down to Wicked Twister's Midway. I go on Chaos for my first time! :p. It was fun, and a walk on. Then we head toward Wicked. Same as Iron, 15 minutes. We try the front, and for some reason, I like it better up in the front. You go alot higher on the first spike. After that, we go on MaXair, once again, my first time on it. I actually thought this ride was pretty boring, but it's a nice ride to get a good breeze. Same with Skyhawk, but skyhawk is more fun.

After that, we check out Raptor. It looked really long, a half an hour, but from where we were, it looked ALOT longer. So we go on Bluestreak to try to take a look at the line and just to ride Bluestreak. Still a fun little ride.

We find out that Raptor's line isn't that long, so we go on it. This was my first time on Raptor, and in the Middle. Lots of fun, and pretty smooth. I'm just conserned...

Question #2 - Why do they not use the brakes anymore? It goes over those little corkscrew/twists at the end a little too fast, so it gets a tad more bumpy...

After that, we are all worn out, so we take a trip on the Skyride. After that, we head over to Power Tower. No line for the red one (the one that thrusts you upward) as usual, so we go on it. Although I think they should have had the other red Power Tower up too, because when I got on it, a line started to fill. Anyway, Power Tower was fun, with the airtime at the top (my fav part!).

After Power Tower, to the Magnum we go! It's a half an hour.. very unusual. Figures they were only running 2 trains. Although, it was always fun.

After that, we go to Gemeni. Same thing at Magnum, a half an hour, and they were only running the red train.. RIP OFF. =\

So after that, it's about 6:30. We head over to Maverick to see if the line got any shorter, it did, but not by much. My mom felt sick after Gemeni, so only me and my Bro waited in line for it. We are standing in line for 15 minutes, and the line is BARELY moving. Like, every 5 minutes we'd move a little bit, and the ride wasn't broken or anything. So we get out of line.

After that, my mom suggests me and my bro go on Millen, but we decide to go on other rides that we could do in an hour. We head over to the Wicked Twister Midway again, go on Wicked and Chaos, and head home. By then, it was 7:20.

So, here are some of my other questions....

? #3 - When is Maverick's line the shortest?
? # 4 - Why is Maverick's line moving SO SLOWLY?
? #5 - Why wasn't Gemeni having the Blue train race?
? # 6 - Why didn't Magnum, Iron Dragon, and Gemeni have ALL the trains running? That was the main problem about the lines today.


I am sure I have more questions, but I forgot them. Answers appreciated!

[RCT~Hero]

Wow, sounds like you had a good time! Sorry I can't answer your questions.

[~LoveTulie]

Ehh, not as good at last year. I'd give this trip a 6/10. The attendence has raised a bit too much this year...

[Brock]

That stinks you didn't get to ride Maverick. Was the weather nice?

[RCT~Hero]

I am going to Six Flags on Thursday, I hope this time is good. How was last year?

[kylr23]

Question 1 - Why does Cedar Point end Skyhawk so quickly now? All they do now is make it go up to the highest swing on 1 time on the opposite direction. When it first opened, I remembered it lasting a lot longer...
as far is i know i dont know
Question #2 - Why do they not use the brakes anymore? It goes over those little corkscrew/twists at the end a little too fast, so it gets a tad more bumpy...
? maby the breakes arnt as they where

#3 - When is Maverick's line the shortest?
befor closing or during the laser show
? # 4 - Why is Maverick's line moving SO SLOWLY?
it runs one train at a time
? #5 - Why wasn't Gemeni having the Blue train race?
hmmm odd
? # 6 - Why didn't Magnum, Iron Dragon, and Gemeni have ALL the trains running? That was the main problem about the lines today.


well they had no need for them

[BoRJoYZeE]

All I have to say is, FUN! FUN! FUN!

[SnooSnoo]

Question 1 - Why does Cedar Point end Skyhawk so quickly now? All they do now is make it go up to the highest swing on 1 time on the opposite direction. When it first opened, I remembered it lasting a lot longer...

Sometimes its longer, sometimes its shorter. I had 4 full swings my last visit.. and one time I only had 2.. so I dunno.

Question #2 - Why do they not use the brakes anymore? It goes over those little corkscrew/twists at the end a little too fast, so it gets a tad more bumpy...

What brakes? On Mavvy? They use those..

#3 - When is Maverick's line the shortest?
Late in the day.. or when it first opens after a breakdown. You have to get lucky though.

? # 4 - Why is Maverick's line moving SO SLOWLY?

It runs 6 trains at a time... The line actually moves decently fast inside the queue house.. but outside it crawls.


? #5 - Why wasn't Gemeni having the Blue train race?

There wasn't enough people to have both sides running.


? # 6 - Why didn't Magnum, Iron Dragon, and Gemeni have ALL the trains running? That was the main problem about the lines today.

They felt like it?

[aliensk]

^ She means the MCBR on Raptor I think.

[SCAREcrow22]

I hate it when people have no patience to wait in long lines. Not that I have anything personally against you, Tulie. I have a best friend who's like that.

I don't see the point. It's a theme park, it's going to have long lines, get over it. Especially for Maverick. Who can't wait for that? I'll wait in the longest line for the dumbest ride. I want to get the most out of it.

[~LoveTulie]

Question 1 - Why does Cedar Point end Skyhawk so quickly now? All they do now is make it go up to the highest swing on 1 time on the opposite direction. When it first opened, I remembered it lasting a lot longer...

Sometimes its longer, sometimes its shorter. I had 4 full swings my last visit.. and one time I only had 2.. so I dunno.

Question #2 - Why do they not use the brakes anymore? It goes over those little corkscrew/twists at the end a little too fast, so it gets a tad more bumpy...

What brakes? On Mavvy? They use those..

#3 - When is Maverick's line the shortest?
Late in the day.. or when it first opens after a breakdown. You have to get lucky though.

? # 4 - Why is Maverick's line moving SO SLOWLY?

It runs 6 trains at a time... The line actually moves decently fast inside the queue house.. but outside it crawls.


? #5 - Why wasn't Gemeni having the Blue train race?

There wasn't enough people to have both sides running.


? # 6 - Why didn't Magnum, Iron Dragon, and Gemeni have ALL the trains running? That was the main problem about the lines today.

They felt like it?

Thanky you so much for answering my questions, Snoo.

I hate it when people have no patience to wait in long lines. Not that I have anything personally against you, Tulie. I have a best friend who's like that.

I don't see the point. It's a theme park, it's going to have long lines, get over it. Especially for Maverick. Who can't wait for that? I'll wait in the longest line for the dumbest ride. I want to get the most out of it.

I know, you're right. I mean, we'll wait for Millenium for an hour. But IMO, Gemeni and Mantis aren't worth wating for for 45 minutes. Raptor is worth waiting for a half hour, as for Magnum.

It's just usually when we went it was all walk ons, so we are use to just doing that. We also didn't want to stand in the heat, and we were tired from walking around the park all day.

[Harpo]

For question 1, it sounds like it was run about as long as whenever I've gone on it, including on the very first ever public ride.

Question 2: Most people are happier when the trim brake ISN'T used on Raptor -- I know that my wife and I are always delighted when we whip through the brake run without slowing down! Weather conditions are generally a factor in determining the amount of braking that is used. If winds are causing the train to move faster than normal, then the brakes will be used to slow it down. Periodically, the ride's duration is timed in order to determine if it is moving too fast or too slow, and the brakes are adjusted accordingly.

Question 3: The times I've had the shortest waits are first thing in the morning (Joe Cool or Cedar Point Resort early entry), or immediately after reopening from a breakdown.

Question 4: Haven't encountered that condition when I've been in line, so I can't answer that one.

Question 5: This time of year, they are usually running on a skeleton crew because many of the employees have returned to work. Running only one side of Gemini (by the way, for future reference, it's an "i" in the middle, not an "e") reduces the number of people that need to be working on that ride, thereby helping ensure that all the park's rides can be running. I worked in the Games department from 1986-1988 and in 1990... at the end of August, the crew is often significantly reduced. At my game, during most of the summer, it was typical for 3 or 4 people to be on a location on any given day, with usually having 2 on duty at any given time. Near the end of August, there's usually 1 person on duty for the day, and 1 person running around to each location giving breaks.

Question 6: The park is trying to save money, which then allows them to try and keep the admission costs down. Running more trains results in higher off-season refurbishment costs. If they feel they can run fewer trains without causing too much of an extra wait, they can save quite a bit of money, and most guests won't complain. Also, since the off-season has gotten shorter and more rides have been added that need more complicated refurbishment, maintenance has to start working on getting trains off the tracks and into refurbishment before the park completely closes at the end of October, or else they won't quite be ready for opening in May.

I hope those answers are helpful!

[~LoveTulie]

For question 1, it sounds like it was run about as long as whenever I've gone on it, including on the very first ever public ride.

Oh I see. That's a shame.. it gets really fun when it's at it's highest point.

Question 2: Most people are happier when the trim brake ISN'T used on Raptor -- I know that my wife and I are always delighted when we whip through the brake run without slowing down! Weather conditions are generally a factor in determining the amount of braking that is used. If winds are causing the train to move faster than normal, then the brakes will be used to slow it down. Periodically, the ride's duration is timed in order to determine if it is moving too fast or too slow, and the brakes are adjusted accordingly.

Oh I see. IMO, I thought it goes over those tiny corkscrews to fast, thus making it bumpy.

Question 3: The times I've had the shortest waits are first thing in the morning (Joe Cool or Cedar Point Resort early entry), or immediately after reopening from a breakdown.

Yeah, I went right when it opened one day and it wasn't that long. I just thought near the evening like when everyone is going to eat dinner at the park is when it's short.

Question 4: Haven't encountered that condition when I've been in line, so I can't answer that one.

Oh. Well, we were outside. I do remember it moving fast when you are under that buildning though.

Question 5: This time of year, they are usually running on a skeleton crew because many of the employees have returned to work. Running only one side of Gemini (by the way, for future reference, it's an "i" in the middle, not an "e") reduces the number of people that need to be working on that ride, thereby helping ensure that all the park's rides can be running. I worked in the Games department from 1986-1988 and in 1990... at the end of August, the crew is often significantly reduced. At my game, during most of the summer, it was typical for 3 or 4 people to be on a location on any given day, with usually having 2 on duty at any given time. Near the end of August, there's usually 1 person on duty for the day, and 1 person running around to each location giving breaks.

Yeah, my mom said something like that. She said most of the emplyees are in college now, so that might be the reason. And surley it was.

Question 6: The park is trying to save money, which then allows them to try and keep the admission costs down. Running more trains results in higher off-season refurbishment costs. If they feel they can run fewer trains without causing too much of an extra wait, they can save quite a bit of money, and most guests won't complain. Also, since the off-season has gotten shorter and more rides have been added that need more complicated refurbishment, maintenance has to start working on getting trains off the tracks and into refurbishment before the park completely closes at the end of October, or else they won't quite be ready for opening in May.

I hope those answers are helpful!

Hmm.. never knew that, but okay! Haha thanks for the answers, I appreciate it.

[SnooSnoo]

I hate it when people have no patience to wait in long lines. Not that I have anything personally against you, Tulie. I have a best friend who's like that.

I don't see the point. It's a theme park, it's going to have long lines, get over it. Especially for Maverick. Who can't wait for that? I'll wait in the longest line for the dumbest ride. I want to get the most out of it.


Well.. ive been to quite a few theme parks that had no lines... :)

[SCAREcrow22]

My friend gets really annoying. He looks at a queue and says, "that line is too long." We turn to another. "That one's too long too!"

What are we gonna do? Complain about rides and eat all day? Or are the food lines too long? :rolleyes:

[~LoveTulie]

My friend gets really annoying. He looks at a queue and says, "that line is too long." We turn to another. "That one's too long too!"

What are we gonna do? Complain about rides and eat all day? Or are the food lines too long? :rolleyes:

The food lines WERE too long that day! I had to starve myself! :p

[Maverick2007]

Skyhawk's normal cycle is longer than the other 2 Screamin' Swings I've been on.

[Hemmy]

Gemini is a strange situation I think. While most of their decisions on # of trains running are based on projected attendance levels for each day I have been to Cedar Point before where most lines were rather long and Gemini was only running 1 train(blue FYI). Then we go again and the crowd is probably have as long this day and Gemini is racing with 2 trains each color.

[hotroddude]

to me the best time to ride maverick is when the park closes, so the longish wait doesnt cut into your day unless your not planning on staying late then i found no reasonable time to wait for it durring the day.

[virtualgamesco]

How did you find Skyhawk better than maXair? I'm sorry, but maXair is wayyyy better and longer... Plus, you can't even wait an hour to ride the best coaster on the planet, Millenium Force? My friend and I had to wait and hour and 45 minutes, but it's always worth it.

[~LoveTulie]

How did you find Skyhawk better than maXair? I'm sorry, but maXair is wayyyy better and longer... Plus, you can't even wait an hour to ride the best coaster on the planet, Millenium Force? My friend and I had to wait and hour and 45 minutes, but it's always worth it.

Well, I don't really find MaXair being that intense... I just layed back and relaxed on that ride. Besides, MaXair has over the head lapbars, and Skyhawk doesn't. I think that makes a huge difference in the ride.

And I usually do wait an Hour for Millenium, but it was like a way longer wait.

[fathorse]

Maxair is a little boring especially when you get stuck on it on opening day of 2006 for 45 minutes. Skyhawk is really fun, and probably my favorite flat ride in the park.

[Harpo]

I've had rides on maXair that were super, and ones that were boring. I think the real key is where you're sitting... when you're in certain parts of the rotational movement while simultaneously in certain parts of the swinging movement, the ride is awesome. But, when you're in a seat where the factors don't quite align, then the ride is a tad dull.

[Maverick2007]

I also think a key factor is whether or not rain is pelting you in the face, since they will run maXair in the rain. >_>

[SnooSnoo]

How did you find Skyhawk better than maXair? I'm sorry, but maXair is wayyyy better and longer... Plus, you can't even wait an hour to ride the best coaster on the planet, Millenium Force? My friend and I had to wait and hour and 45 minutes, but it's always worth it.

Because MaXair has NO airtime.. at all... and if you get unlucky and get in a seat where you dont get the top or bottom of the swings.. you have NO fun.

No matter where you are on SH, its amazing airtime. While the cycle is shorter, ill take the short and sweet versus the long and dull.

Hence.. my ride counts on each ride this season.

[Jekoon]

Hence.. my ride counts on each ride this season.

Yeah, I was wondering about that. So with that logic Corkscrew is better than Raptor? :)