After much anticipation, the Chelsea Music Departement traveled to Cedar Point on August 19th. With a 7am departure, students were able to enjoy the park until 7:45pm when they boarded the school buses for their ride home. The fee to attend this trip not only covered the ticket, but an unlimited refill pass as well. Students were able to explore the park as they pleased with a buddy while sending picture updates to chaperones. 

I personally thoroughly enjoyed this trip. It gave everyone a perfect chance to reunite with their peers and bond before the school year starts. Here is a look into what my day looked like from someone who has not been on a rollercoaster ride since the age of seven.

Starting the day off strong, my friends and I stood in an hour and forty-five-minute line for the infamous Raptor ride. While it may look like any other rollercoaster, this was not my idea of a calm beginning to the day. While incredibly fast, the coaster flipped participants upside down, sideways, and everything in between. 

According to the Cedar Point website, flying at speeds of 57 m/h, the Raptor track is 3,790 feet long with a 100-foot vertical loop, two inverted corkscrews, a zero gravity roll, and the world’s first ever cobra roll. What felt like 30 minutes to me, the ride was only 2 minutes and 16 seconds long. When I un-strapped myself from the coaster, I was then appreciative of that light breakfast I had.

Next, I desperately needed water after all the screaming I had just done. My friend and I found an Auntie Annies where we both ordered a pretzel and drink. While reasonably priced, this meal was also delicious. 

Before arriving at Cedar Point I was told that I must try the Millennium Force as it was once considered the highest coaster in the world. After our quick lunch break, we waited in line for this spectacular ride. Although it was the longest line of the day at a whopping two hours, we quickly bonded with the people around us and learned more about what to expect. 

This giga-coaster was the first to top 300 feet. It includes the longest drop in the world and the fastest speed topping out at 93 m/h. Not only is it considered one of the tallest roller coasters in the world, but it is also the world’s best steel coaster. We were taken through tunnels that I was convinced would hit my head as we whipped through and around. 

Afterwards, my legs were very whopply and I was again, desperately in need of a drink. During our time at the Millennium we rented a locker that was conveniently close to the ride, so we grabbed some drinks and retrieved our things to find a new set of lockers. The next stop? Another crowd favorite, and what ended up being my favorite, the Gemini. 

Designed to be a race, the Gemini included two sets of cars that speed through a wooden track. This was the shortest line I stood in lasting only thirty-forty five minutes. Once strapped in, I was surprised by the slow start but quickly realized I was in for a fun ride. Throughout the ride both cars shouted at each other in a competitive manner to encourage the momentum of the coaster. I loved the sense of community given the high stress situation. The ride was 2 minutes and 40 seconds long and started with a 125 foot climb. 

After looking around we decided to check out the twisty looking Corkscrew. The wait for this ride was also very short. The Corkscrew was the first roller coaster to include three twists. The ride was scary but surprisingly quick as the caster moved at 38 m/h! 

At this point in our trip we were getting very hungry. We stopped at “Happy Friar,” home to Cedar Point’s fresh cut fries! I ordered their mini corn dogs and fries with ketchup. The meal was very delicious and hit the spot after a long day of walking and standing. 

The exhaustion was starting to set in so what better way to end the day with a delightful ride on the Giant Wheel! It is one of the tallest Ferris Wheels in the United States and is set right next to Lake Erie. When on the top, we were able to see the beach on our right and the park on our left. I thoroughly enjoyed the short line and beautiful view.

After exiting the Giant Wheel, it was time to head back to meet the group however not before one last, very important, stop. I have personally never had the pleasure of trying “Dippin Dots,” until this trip. I ordered the Ultimate Brownie Delight and the name fits! What a delight!

Overall, I am incredibly glad I decided to go with my peers on this trip. It was a great way to end the summer.