Coaster season starting

Editor's note: Justin Dietz is a Register correspondent representing CPFoodBlog.com and @FUNFoodBlog on X. SANDUSKY — The long-awaited reopening of Cedar Point happens this weekend, and guests will finally be able to break out their spring attire and enjoy the great outdoors of thrills. "It's been a long winter, but the entire Cedar Point team is ready to once again welcome guests as we continue our tradition of delivering amazing thrills, experiences and memories on Lake Erie," said Colleen Murphy-Brady, Cedar Point's vice president of park operations. "With Top Thrill 2, the new record-breaking Siren's Curse opening this summer, a spectacular special event lineup and the many other improvements to the park, our guests will have so much to look forward to. We can't wait to see them here again." Here's a look at a handful of marquee new attractions arriving this season: Top Thrill 2 As hoped and wished for, Cedar Point confirmed the manufacturer of Top Thrill 2 has approved the ride to reopen this Saturday. At the start, using a high-tech linear synchronous motor launch system, riders peel out down the straightaway, reaching speeds of 74 mph and racing toward the sky on Top Thrill 2's 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 a speed of 101 mph, the fastest reverse launch in the world. Riders get a breathtaking view of Cedar Point as they speed into a backward climb at a 90-degree angle on an additional 420-foot-tall vertical 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. Crossing over the top hat tower, the train decelerates momentarily before diving into a 270-degree spiral and crossing the finish line. Guests must be at least 52" tall to ride Top Thrill 2. Siren's Curse The park is inching closer to all of the track being installed for its newest roller coaster, Siren's Curse. Expected to open around Memorial Day weekend — but not yet confirmed — Siren's Curse will be North America's tallest, fastest and longest tilt roller coaster. Riders will hear the echo of the siren's chilling melodies as they ascend an old 160-foot-tall Lake Erie shipping crane tower, the sounds growing more sinister as riders reach the top. Their fate will hang in the balance as they encounter the roller coaster's signature moment: a dead stop on a "broken off" section of track. The creaking platform holding the train of riders will slowly tilt the entire train into a 90-degree vertical position, forcing riders to peer straight down with the hope that their train will connect to the twisted track below. As the track locks into place, riders will flee from the beckoning call of the siren and plunge into the abyss, speeding through 2,966 feet of track at a top speed of 58 mph. The ride will feature 13 weightless airtime moments, two 360-degree, zero-gravity barrel rolls and a high-speed "triple-down" element with twisted and overbanked track. Adding to the immersive experience, the two, 24-passenger trains on Siren's Curse will feature integrated audio and signature LED lighting on each car. Guests must be at least 48" tall to ride Siren's Curse. Happy Friar Cedar Point's famous fresh-cut fries are legendary and their well-known home on the Gemini Midway is set to debut its "star-spudded" upgrade. The Happy Friar fresh-cut fries location is serving up the fan favorite at its upgraded location, featuring a new façade and indoor serving line that provides improved traffic flow and faster guest service. Live entertainment This season's entertainment lineup is filled with new surprises and returning fan favorites: • The popular "Bands in Residence" series kicks off May 3, giving local and regional acts the ultimate stage with an audience of park guests. • "Class of '99 – Yearbook" goes back in time at the Jack Aldrich Theatre with its iconic 1990s music. • Classic rock show "Rock This Way" takes over the Red Garter Saloon. • "The Wild Mice" bring their brass band twists on today's hits and yesterday's favorites at The Boardwalk. • "Country Crossroads Live at the Palace" features a live band and vocalists performing classic and contemporary country hits at the Palace Theatre. • "Lusty Lil's Western Roadshow" follows Lusty Lil, her crew and their antics on the Gossip Gulch stage in Frontier Town. Guests are encouraged to download the Cedar Point mobile app for a full list of shows and up-to-date schedules. Famous Dave's Restaurant Serving award-winning ribs, dry-rubbed meats, signature sandwiches and burgers, pulled chicken, hickory-smoked brisket, salads and more, Famous Dave's will make its debut at a new location in just a few weeks. Now located at Castaway Bay Indoor Waterpark Resort, Famous Dave's will be open year-round and will offer in-restaurant dining and local catering, bringing its legendary BBQ to events, gatherings and celebrations.