World’s Tallest, Fastest Triple-Launch Coaster Shut Down Confirmed, No Opening Date in Sight

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An image of the Top Thrill 2 roller coaster at an amusement park shows people riding in the front car, just starting to descend a steep drop. The background displays more rides, trees, and bodies of water. Overlaid text in red reads, "CLOSED INDEFINITELY.

Credit: Inside The Magic

The world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch strata-coaster (it’s important to remember that distinction that is accurate and not at all inflating the ride), Top Thrill 2, will remain shut down for the foreseeable future, as confirmed by the major Six Flags Entertainment theme park in Northeast Ohio.

A group of people is ascending the tall, vertical roller coaster track of Top Thrill 2 with red and white sections at Cedar Point. A blue structure with a waving red flag is in the foreground, and the sky is clear and blue.
Credit: Cedar Point

Cedar Point Re-Opens Top Thrill 2 With New Thrills

After a severe accident in 2021 left a guest severely injured while waiting in line, Zamperla was brought in to redesign the ride experience for the closed Top Thrill Dragster. The revamped coaster, now named Top Thrill 2, reopened on May 4, 2024, featuring significant upgrades. These included the addition of a second 420-foot spike tower and two more launch cycles.

Although the ride maintained its original top speed, three launches transformed the experience with forward and backward motions, extending the ride time from 30 seconds to nearly two minutes. However, just a week into its operation, an issue was discovered, leading to the indefinite closure of Top Thrill 2. The ride is undergoing modifications and further testing to address the problem before it can safely reopen.

Cedar Point’s Top Thrill 2 roller coaster in Sandusky, Ohio, was indefinitely shut down in May 2024 following mechanical issues with the ride vehicles. Zamperla, the coaster manufacturer, is currently making necessary vehicle modifications.

The amusement park is collaborating with Zamperla and a third-party inspection team to thoroughly review the adjustments before deciding on a reopening date. While Cedar Point has not yet announced when the ride will resume operation, they continue to share updates on their official website.

A large blue sign at the entrance of Cedar Point amusement park with the text "Welcome to Cedar Point" in white. Above the sign, people are experiencing an exhilarating roller coaster ride, soaring through the air with the blue track in clear view against a bright sky as PETA advocates nearby.
Credit: Cedar Point (@cedarpoint) on X

After being left in the dark all summer, Cedar Point finally revealed the truth about Top Thrill 2 regarding when the attraction would realistically open again. The news did not come with good intentions, unfortunately, as the theme park giant posted an update on the work taking place to fix the mechanical issues that seem to be ongoing. Sorry, folks, but the worst has been revealed.

We sincerely appriciate your patience while Top Thrill 2’s manufacturer Zamperla, has been working dilgently to complete a mechanical nodification to the coaster vehicles. 

Unfortunately, the manufacturer will not be able to complete the modifications needed in time to reopen the coaster in 2024. We are extremely dissapointed 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. In the meantime, please accept our sincere apology for the disappointment and inconvenience. 

We look forward to having you visit us again in the future to enjoy the world-class rides, signature events, entertainment and attractions that Cedar Point is known for, and we thank you for your continued support of our park. – @cedarpoint on X

In 2023, Zamperla, an Italian manufacturing company, was named the new manufacturer for Cedar Point’s Top Thrill 2 roller coaster, replacing the original coaster, Top Thrill Dragster, built by Intamin. Cedar Point will remain open daily through Labor Day, after which it will transition to a weekends-only schedule until November 2.

The indefinite closure of Cedar Point’s highly anticipated Top Thrill 2 roller coaster has disappointed many visitors, particularly those who traveled long distances to experience the new attraction. The announcement comes as a blow to guests who invested significant time and money in their trip, only to find that the record-breaking ride they came for is now off-limits.

A banned sign in front of Top Thrill 2 roller coaster at Cedar Point.
Image Credit: Inside The Magic

For visitors from across the country and abroad, the closure disrupts their plans and diminishes the value of their visit to the renowned theme park. Many had marked this trip on their calendars, expecting to be among the first to ride the revamped coaster. With the sudden news, they have fewer options to make the most of their time at the park.

The park’s decision to close Top Thrill 2 without a precise reopening date adds to the frustration. While Cedar Point continues to update its website, the uncertainty surrounding the ride’s availability leaves guests in limbo, potentially turning what should have been a thrilling visit into a disappointing experience.

With 2025 approaching, thousands of fans hope that Top Thrill 2 will open its doors at the start of the Spring/Summer season in 2025. Cedar Point is a historic amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio. It is known for its extensive collection of roller coasters on Lake Erie, including some of the tallest and fastest in the world. Often referred to as “The Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” it attracts thrill-seekers from around the globe.

Stay tuned to Inside The Magic for the latest news on Cedar Point.

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