Cedar Point World's Largest Coaster Park Opens May 6

Sandusky, OH -- Loosen up that tie...let down that hair...it's roller-coaster-riding time!ÊCedar Point, voted the "Best Amusement Park in the World," will spring into action on its Opening Day of the 2001 season, Sunday, May 6.

With an unmatched collection of 68 rides, including 14 amazing roller coasters, Cedar Point is home to the largest array of rides and roller coasters on Earth.Ê Plus, just one year after the worldwide debut of the stratospheric 310-foot-tall, 93-mph Millennium Force "giga-coaster," the historic 131-year-old amusement park/resort will debut $14 million in new attractions and improvements for the 2001 season.

New this summer is Lighthouse Point, an upscale camping complex adjacent to the popular Camper Village RV campground with 50 cozy cottages, 10 cabins and 59 luxury RV sites; "Michael Jordan to the Max," one of the newest IMAX films produced that will wow audiences in the Cedar Point Cinema with its larger-than-life format and an inspiring story of No. 23 (presented by First Energy, the official energy supplier of Cedar Point); and Johnny Rockets, an authentic re-creation of a 1940s hamburger malt shop with a famous menu and notable servers -- both of which are staples of this international franchise (Johnny Rockets will open in late May).

Opening Day activities will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m. at the main gate plaza with:

Children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeast, Central and Southern Ohio, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northwest Ohio andÊrepresentatives from the Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee, Fla., a special resort that hosts children from around the world with life-shortening illnesses and their families.Ê "Wish" children will assist in cutting the Opening Day ribbon and singing the National Anthem, while Give Kids The World will present Cedar Point with an honor for the park's ongoing involvement in programs that benefit terminally ill children.

A dedication and unveiling of an Ohio Historical Marker by the Ohio Bicentennial Commission and the Ohio Historical Society recognizing Cedar Point as a historic landmark in the state of Ohio.Ê This distinguished historic marker program is a tribute to Ohio's 200th birthday in 2003 with only select locations being honored for their rich heritage.

The Ohio State University Spring Athletic Band, making its third consecutive appearance at Cedar Point.Ê Under the direction of Dr. Jon Woods, the 225-member band will perform at the park's main gate (9-9:45 a.m.) and near the WildCat and Iron Dragon roller coasters (1-1:30 p.m.).

For roller coaster lovers, there is no place like Cedar Point.Ê A world-record-breaking batch of 14 scream machines will be ready for Opening Day revelers, including the fan-favorite Magnum XL-200, rated the "Best Steel Roller Coaster in the World" and other jaw-droppers such as Raptor, Mantis, Mean Streak, Gemini, the venerable Blue Streak and the coaster for thrill-riders in training, Jr. Gemini.

Families and children will be delighted to rediscover the wonderment of Camp Snoopy with plenty of family rides and attractions, including the 38-foot-high rollicking Woodstock Express roller coaster and the live stage show, "Campground Capers" at the Camp Snoopy Theatre, where Charlie Brown and the gang get things going with music, dancing and surprises.Ê (Eleven other live shows will be added to the schedule throughout the season.)Ê Kiddy Kingdom and its pint-sized rides also await Cedar Point's youngest guests.

The new Lighthouse Point opens May 6 as Cedar Point's seventh expansion or addition to its resort accommodations since 1990 and continues the park's commitment to enhance its reputation as a complete resort destination.Ê In addition to the cottages, cabins and luxury RV sites, this camping community will offer amenities such as an outdoor pool, recreation area with shuffleboard and badminton, arcade and pier -- all within view of the historic Cedar Point Lighthouse (circa 1862).

Lighthouse Point joins the other convenient Cedar Point Resorts' properties, including the grand Hotel Breakers, Sandcastle Suites Hotel, Radisson Harbour Inn and Breakers Express; plus the Cedar Point Marina and Camper Village RV campground.

Cedar Point will be open daily Sunday, May 6 through Labor Day, September 3. The park is then open weekends through October 28, and Fridays from September 21 through October 28 during the new and expanded HalloWeekends.

Related Stories
Cedar Point to Open Johnny Rockets Restaurant at Park April 9, 2001
Cedar Point To Feature Michael Jordan To The Max March 7, 2001
Cedar Point Announces Luxury Camping Complex For 2001 November 1, 2000