Cedar Point’s Top Thrill 2: An Update on Reopening
Cedar Point has provided new information regarding the reopening timeline for their 420-foot-tall Top Thrill 2 roller coaster.
Following its debut on May 4 this season, the ride encountered a mechanical issue that has kept it closed for an extended period. While the exact nature of the problem was not disclosed, it has been confirmed in a press release that the ride’s manufacturer, Zamperla, is implementing a “mechanical modification” to the ride’s vehicles.
Top Thrill 2, which succeeded the Top Thrill Dragster rollercoaster that closed in August 2021, has prompted some concerns that it might remain shut for the entire year. However, Cedar Point spokesperson Tony Clark offered reassurance during an interview with Sandusky’s 102.7 WCPZ radio station that it won’t be a Summer long closure. He stated:
“This isn’t a summer-long thing, just a lil temporary thing. The manufacturer has been here working on a fix, and they hope to have results of that labor soon.”
Clark also mentioned that an update will be provided for Top Thrill 2 on Cedar Point’s website and social media platforms “when it’s time to open it back up”.
The full radio interview can be listened to HERE.
In the meantime, Cedar Point is gearing up for “CoasterMania” — an event for roller coaster enthusiasts featuring Exclusive Ride Time (ERT), on several of the park’s attractions including Top Thrill 2. Since TT2 is closed, the park has recently revised the original itinerary stating:
“Top Thrill 2 is currently closed and we cannot confirm a reopening date at this time. A substitution will be made in the event Top Thrill 2 is not open at Coastermania”.
Despite the current closure of TT2, the event itinerary does still include a tour of the Top Thrill 2 infield as well as a Q&A session with Mike Maney, Vice President of Maintenance and Construction.
With this prominent event in place, and since testing has started, there is actually a very slim chance the ride could re-open by June 7.
The Top Thrill 2 Experience
We had a chance to test the ride with cameras on board, back in April.
Top Thrill 2 sets itself apart from the former Top Thrill Dragster. Cedar Point offers the following description of TT2:
“Riders will immerse themselves as they join the CP Racing Team and climb into one of three, sleek high-performance racing vehicles. Each of Top Thrill 2’s trains will feature open-air seating, providing heart-pounding views on the world’s first and only dual-tower vertical speedway.
On the start, using an all-new linear synchronous motor (LSM) launch system, riders will peel out down the straightaway reaching speeds of 74 mph, racing toward the sky on Top Thrill 2’s original 420-foot-tall “top hat” tower. After experiencing weightlessness during the “rollback” – the coveted fan-favorite moment when the train’s momentum isn’t great enough to make it up and over the tower – the train shifts into reverse and into its second launch, reaching speeds of 101 mph.
Riders will then see Cedar Point unlike ever before as they speed into a backward climb at a 90-degree angle on a new, 420-foot-tall track tower. After a second moment of weightlessness, the train shifts into drive and races forward into its third launch, clocking in at the ride’s top speed of 120 mph”.
Despite the ride being closed, the CP Racing Store, featuring merchandise from Top Thrill 2, remains open. Take a tour of the store in the video below.
Fans of the park and the ride will be eagerly awaiting further updates and watching test runs, hopeful that the thrilling experience of Top Thrill 2 will soon be back in action soon.
For more information regarding Top Thrill 2, visit the official Cedar Point website by clicking Here.
