Cedar Point announces Top Thrill 2 roller coaster

The strata coaster – any roller coaster exceeding a height of 400 feet – was first pioneered by Cedar Point in 2003, and Top Thrill 2 (the former Top Thrill Dragster) will build on that 20-year legacy as the world’s first and only dual-tower vertical speedway featuring two 420-foot-tall track towers.

“Top Thrill 2 will be the boldest and most advanced roller coaster Cedar Point has ever introduced,” said Cedar Point Vice President and General Manager Carrie Boldman.“Our stamp on the industry is in roller coaster innovation, and today, that’s solidified as we redefine the strata coaster into a mega-thrill that our guests will come from far and wide to experience.”

When riders board Top Thrill 2’s high-performance racing vehicles, they’ll join the CP Racing Team and take off down a straightaway at speeds reaching 74 miles per hour, thanks to an all-new linear synchronous motor (LSM) launch system.

After heading skyward on Top Thrill 2’s original 420-foot-tall “top hat” tower (where they’ll experience weightlessness during the “rollback”), the train shifts into reverse for a second launch at speeds of 101 miles per hour, followed by a backward climb at a 90-degree angle on the roller coaster’s new, 420-foot-tall track tower before racing into a third launch, clocking the ride’s top speed of 120 miles per hour.

Last but certainly not least, riders will cross over the top hat tower before diving into a 270-degree spiral to cross the finish line.

Top 2 Thrill High-Tech Racing

Partnering with Cedar Point (and taking advantage of the ride’s original top hat tower), Zamperla Rides designed a completely new experience for Top Thrill 2, one of the first roller coasters in the world to utilize Zamperla’s “Lightning” trains, which combine high-speed aerodynamics, performance, and rider comfort. The ride’s new high-tech LSM launch system also delivers smooth acceleration while still providing the sensation of motorsport racing.

“It is an honor for Zamperla to add our signature on ‘The Roller Coaster Capital of the World,’” said Antonio Zamperla, president and CEO of Zamperla. “I cannot wait until next year when we see this record-breaking scream machine come to life.”

Cedar Point Legacy

Cedar Point has introduced some of the tallest and fastest rides in the world, cementing its position as the industry leader in roller coaster innovation.

In addition to the world’s first roller coasters over 200 feet tall (Magnum XL-200), over 300 feet tall (Millennium Force), and over 400 feet tall (Top Thrill Dragster), Cedar Point will soon be home to the world’s first and only re-imagined strata coaster with Top Thrill 2’s three distinct launches, increased ride time of nearly two minutes, and second vertical tower.

2024 Gold Pass

Guests can be among the first to experience Top Thrill 2 by purchasing a 2024 Gold Pass, on sale now for a limited time ($99 plus taxes and fees).

The Gold Pass includes admission to Cedar Point, Cedar Point Shores Waterpark, and HalloWeekends for the rest of 2023 plus all of 2024. The Gold Pass also offers free parking, in-park discounts, and more. The limited-time $99 price is only available until Sept. 5, 2024.

For more information about top Thrill 2 or purchase a 2024 Gold Pass, visit cedarpoint.com.