Each late spring and summer we highlight both local attractions and events as well as what is new and different for local day-trippers. After all, part of the magic in living in Richland County is what is close at-hand in every direction. And, each spring, that has included a peek at what’s new at Cedar Point, the world’s largest collection of roaster coasters just a short drive from here. This year, the park opens on May 11.
This year, the park is skipping the addition of a new thrill ride and instead is concentrating on a number of new features to enhance the overall experience at Cedar Point.
Those include:
Forbidden Frontier on Adventure Island
The park’s new signature attraction, an immersive, themed entertainment experience, will open on Saturday, May 25. More information on Forbidden Frontier on Adventure Island will be released in the coming weeks on Cedar Point’s blog at cedarpoint.com, including story detail, artist renderings of attractions and more.
Hugo’s Italian Kitchen
A taste of Italy is coming to America’s Roller Coast®. Hugo’s Italian Kitchen will serve traditional Italian fare like hand-made pastas, fresh pizzas baked in a large open-flamed brick oven, chicken parmesan sandwiches, salads, meatball sandwiches and fresh desserts. Hugo’s Italian Kitchen will be located in the former Midway Market location, adjacent to the Raptor roller coaster.
BackBeatQue
Live music and savory smokehouse barbeque come together at BackBeatQue. This new rock ‘n’ roll and Motown-inspired eatery will serve smoked brisket, rotisserie chicken, pork platters and fresh perch. Southern sides like okra, cornbread muffins and house-made mac & cheese will also be available.
BackBeatQue’s outdoor dining space will give guests a great place to eat, relax and take in the sights and sounds of the BackBeat Quartet and Cedar Point’s Gemini Midway. BackBeatQue will be located between the Monster ride and Magnum XL-200 roller coaster.
Frontier Festival
Frontier Town, already home to the “Best New Ride of 2018,” Steel Vengeance, turns up the WILD factor this summer during the new Frontier Festival – an immersive Old West, sunflower-inspired street festival with local artisans, kids’ crafts and games, continuous live entertainment and wild food and drink to sample and savor.
A bounty of family activities will be available, including the Flower Patch – an opportunity for kids to choose their own flower and decorate their own flowerpot; the Junkyard Jamboree – where guests can make their own music on antique metal items; and the daily Balloon Stampede – where kids can stomp on balloons for prizes. Frontier Festival runs daily June 7 – 30 from 4 – 10 p.m. There is a nominal event fee for food & beverage tasting cards.
And as if Cedar Point’s summer of 2019 wasn’t big enough, it’s about to get even bigger when Monster Jam Thunder Alley roars into the park, May 18 – June 30. Monster Jam Thunder Alley brings some of the biggest and baddest Monster Jam trucks directly to fans in a limited-time immersive experience. Monster Jam Thunder Alley’s larger-than-life activities include:
Monster Jam Thunder Alley
At Monster Jam Thunder Alley, five of Monster Jam’s biggest superstars have taken over a part of the park. Each truck’s personality and legacy are on display in unique, never-before-seen ways. Guests can create larger-than-life photo ops and memories, get up close to and sit inside real Monster Jam trucks, including Grave Digger®, El Toro Loco®, Megalodon®, Max-D™ and Zombie™, and explore immersive and interactive areas and elements to feel the excitement that is Monster Jam.
Monster Jam Freestyle Ride Truck Experience
Guests can strap in for an unforgettable ride in a real Monster Jam truck. Board an all-new, 10-passenger Grave Digger or Megalodon truck for an unforgettable ride on a thrilling Freestyle-inspired course. Once on board, guests will feel the roar of real Monster Jam action as the truck tackles the most obstacles on any ride truck track ever built.
Monster Jam Garage
Guests can interact with and learn how Monster Jam trucks come to life in this first-of-its kind Monster Jam Garage experience. They’ll have the opportunity to touch, feel and turn real Monster Jam elements that make these mechanical marvels soar. Guests can see how a 1,500-horsepower engine works, turn enormous 645-pound tires on an axle, see how oversized shocks absorb punishing landings and crank the gears inside of a real transmission.
Monster Jam Build-a-Truck
The little ones can let their imaginations take over as they build their very own mini Monster Jam truck. A nominal fee is required for this activity.
Monster Jam Pit Stop Play Area
Young Monster Jam fans can create their own Monster Jam action using authentic Monster Jam die-cast replicas on a miniature version of a Monster Jam track, complete with ramps and obstacles. A special soundtrack will put the fans in the action with sounds of an announcer, revving engines and more.
Monster Jam Treats
Some of the exciting food and beverage offerings found at Monster Jam live events are coming to the park and will feature unique Monster Jam food and beverage exclusive to the park event.
For more information on Monster Jam Thunder Alley or to purchase a Monster Jam Freestyle Ride Experience VIP package, visit cedarpoint.com.
