Cedar Point presents huge laundry list of improvements for 2018

Editor's note: Justin Dietz is a Register correspondent representing CPFoodBlog.com and @CPFoodBlog on Twitter.SANDUSKY — Guests on Saturday took part in Cedar Point's annual #WinterChillOut special event, in which a limited number of tickets were sold to benefit A Kid Again charity.While the park helped raise more than $40,000, guests received a behind-the-scenes tour around Cedar Point, a warm lunch and insight into all of the unannounced improvements for 2018.In addition to a walking tour, guests saw a lights-on tour of Halloweekends Zombie High and the hydraulics room for Top Thrill Dragster. After the tour, guests were invited to check out the Amazement Shop, where offseason maintenance work commences.During Saturday's #WinterChillOut event at Cedar Point, guests received an invitation to check out the Amazement Shop, where offseason maintenance work commences. Among the most notable updates coming out of Saturday's event:• Progress on Steel Vengeance, Cedar Point's new "hyper-hybrid" roller coaster, continues. This week, crews began installing the lift chain trough and brakes. Trains were not available for viewing during the tour but are expected in the very near future with possible test runs in March. In addition to a big ride sign, the plaza will feature lockers, ride photos and on-ride videos, similar to what's available for Mystic Timbers at Kings Island.• There will not be a virtual reality app for Steel Vengeance like there was for Valravn. A 360-degree video will be available to use a VR headset of choice to experience the ride in 3-D.• Brew Kettle will introduce a new beer themed to Steel Vengeance.• Cedar Point will not offer a first rider auction for Steel Vengeance.• A new light package will be installed on Steel Vengeance but will not be multi-colored.During Saturday's #WinterChillOut event at Cedar Point, guests received an up-close look at new roller coaster Steel Vengeance, which will debut when the amusement park opens in May. • Construction continues on Hotel Breakers' new wing.• Guests will be able to enjoy new premium Ultimate Patio RV sites at Lighthouse Point.• In 2016, Cedar Point discontinued its partnership with Chick-fil-A, replacing it with Frontier Inn Chicken restaurant. For 2018, guests will rejoice as Chick-fil-A is coming back.During Saturday's #WinterChillOut event at Cedar Point, guests learned there would be many changes related to food in Frontier Town, including the return of a Chick-fil-A restaurant.• Boardwalk construction progress continues, which will connect the front parking lot to the Cedar Point beach and back to Cedar Point Shores. A new "Sand Bar" will now be on the Boardwalk, featuring a full-service bar and "Beach Band" stage.During Saturday's #WinterChillOut event at Cedar Point, amusement park officials didn't offer any insight into what would replace the former Oceana Stadium, which was demolished shortly after the 2017 season. This area will remain a mystery for 2018. • Removal of the former Oceana Stadium left guests questioning what could be going in its place. This area will remain a mystery for 2018.• Sagebrush Sue's, an eatery in Frontier Town, will be redone as Sidewinder Sue's. New sandwiches there include Smokehouse, Loaded Sidewinder and The Chuck Wagon. It will also feature new "twisty" fries with meat toppings of pulled pork, brisket or chili.• The Chuck Wagon/Buckaroo's Burritos will be Miss Keat's Smokehouse, featuring meat platters with brisket, pork, wings, sausage along with various sides.• Lusty Lil's Palace Theatre will now be Lusty Lil's French Revue, in the Palace Theatre in Frontier Town.• Jitney Arcade will feature a new shooting gallery. Any games at Jitney last year that do not go with the western theme will be removed to make way for shooting gallery.• The Trading Post/General Store will be a new candy and fudge store, similar to Sweet Spot.• Coaster Campout tickets are now available on cedarpoint.com.• CoasterMania tickets go on sale March 6.• Park Plaza gift shop on the main midway will now be Point Plaza, featuring a celebration of Cedar Point with a more beachy feel.• Burger Patio will be the new Buckaroo's Burritos.• Snoopy's Dog Days of Summer will be a live and interactive show near the SkyRide.• Luminosity is being replaced by Vertical Impact, a cross between All-Wheels Extreme and Luminosity. Multiple shows will play throughout the day.During Saturday's #WinterChillOut event at Cedar Point, guests learned Luminosity is being replaced by Vertical Impact, a cross between All-Wheels Extreme and Luminosity. Multiple shows will play throughout the day. • Iron Dragon will continue the virtual reality schedule, similar to last year.• Famous Dave's BBQ Shack will become Frontier Foldovers, featuring barbecue baskets, crispy chicken, Sicilian, fries and jumbo pickles.• Frontier Town celebrates 50 years this year.• The Bluegrass Jamboree stage, located outside Buckaroo's Burritos, is being moved next to The Roundup.• The Roundup will feature new menu items like a blackened smokehouse burger, Digger challenge and chicken tenders.• Maverick tunnel theatrical elements are coming back, which include fog and flashing lights.• Live music comes alive on the midways with The Traildust Trio, performing classic country in the Gazebo near Town Hall Museum. The Tomfooleries guitar duo will entertain with comedy and music in the Palace Theatre and on Frontier Town's streets. The Swell Tones will serenade guests with their classic 1950s musical stylings on the Main Midway. The Roving Beach Crew will wander the midways, interacting with guests on their quest to find the Cedar Point Beach. And the Summerdaze Band takes the stage at Cedar Point Shores.• The Emporium gift shop will be re-themed to Steel Vengeance.• Coke Refresh across from Gemini will be a new Coke Freestyle station.• Coke Refresh under SkyRide will be utilized.• Coke Refresh by Scrambler will become Crazy Cotton Candy stand, featuring 12 flavors.Cedar Point will begin marketing a new vision for the park as "A Place Like No Other," which will focus on a destination park and beach resort with a rich history as a place to visit to make memories.The year 2018 will be an incredible year to experience Cedar Point, and we can not wait to see you in the park.