Extreme ride: New Cedar Point coaster is floorless
- Rougarou coaster opening at Cedar Point
- Hotel Breakers totally renovated%2C ready
- 9 greatest coasters near Detroit
When Cedar Point opens May 9, it will reveal all new screams and dreams.
Rougarou, a new floorless steel roller coaster, will provide an adrenaline rush to thrill-seekers at the Sandusky, Ohio, amusement park.
"It's really like taking your dining room chair and putting it on top of a coaster track. There's literally nothing below your feet," says spokesman Bryan Edwards. "Your feet dangle inches above the track. Your arms are free. It's a really wide-open experience.
"From a thrill level, it's going to be an extreme coaster."
Cedar Point is the closest big amusement park to Detroit — just two hours away. Most Michigan children grow up riding the hair-raising coasters at Cedar Point, not realizing their good fortune to live near one of the best coaster parks in the world.
Rougarou is based on the track of the former Mantis coaster, but with new floorless cars and many changes. The name refers to a terrifying werewolf of French folklore who rises from the swamp and feeds on screams.
The coaster will climb to 145 feet, then plummet riders 137 feet, to within inches above the water below. Vertical loops, dive loops, turns and an angled loop will challenge riders not to shut their eyes.
Serenity elsewhere in the park
Meanwhile, on the edge of the park on the quiet Lake Erie shoreline, Hotel Breakers hopes to prompt smiles of delight, not wails of terror.
The famed 1905-era lakeside resort hotel will reopen May 9 (and hold a grand opening May 21), after a two-year makeover.
"Everything is new at that hotel, except the million-dollar views," says Edwards.
A major renovation inside and out has swept the hotel into the 2015 era. It has a new entrance, remodeled public spaces and rooms with new decor, bedding, furniture, LCD TVs. The hotel also gains a Starbucks, a child water-play area and more. The wide sandy beach remains.
Another perk of staying at Hotel Breakers? Discounted park tickets and one-hour early entry access to some the most popular rides and coasters every day before they open to the public (nightly rates about $214 and up, www.cedarpoint.com/places-to-stay/hotel-breakers, 419-627-2106).
Contact Detroit Free Press Travel Writer Ellen Creager: [email protected] or Twitter @ellencreager
Where to find a thrill
Cedar Point
Where: Sandusky, Ohio
Rides: The park has 72 rides and attractions, including 17 coasters. Cedar Point also features the Soak City water park, which has a separate admission charge.
Open: Daily May 9-Sept. 7, then most Fridays-Sundays through Nov. 1
For more:www.cedarpoint.com, 419-627-2350
Distance from Detroit: 120 miles, about a two-hour drive
Admission: Online single-day ticket, $49.99; single-day junior/senior, $39.99; ages 2 and younger admitted free. Prepaid parking $15. Soak City admission is $34.99 online, $19.99 for junior/senior
Michigan's Adventure
Where: Muskegon
Rides: The park boasts 60 rides and attractions, including seven coasters. WildWater Adventure water park is free with general admission.
Open: Daily May 20-Sept. 7, then Sept. 12-13.
For more:www.miadventure.com, 231-766-3377
Distance from Detroit: 204 miles, a drive of about three and a half hours
Admission: Online single-day ticket, $29.99; ages 2 and younger admitted free
Kings Island
Where: Mason, Ohio
Rides: The park features 100 rides and attractions, including 15 roller coasters. Soak City water park is included with admission.
Open: Now-Aug. 23, then most Fridays-Sundays through Nov. 1
For more:www.visitkingsisland.com, 513-754-5700
Distance from Detroit: 246 miles, about a four-hour drive
Cost of admission: Online single-day ticket, $44.99; single-day junior/senior ticket, $37.99; ages 2 and younger admitted free. Prepaid parking is $12.