2025 marked our very first visit to Cedar Point, and we wanted to make it unforgettable. That’s why we booked the Sunrise Thrills VIP Tour and it truly exceeded every expectation!
From the moment we arrived, everything felt special. The tour, starting at $249 per person, was worth every penny. We were greeted by our fantastic guides, Joanna and Gwen from Guest Services, who were not only knowledgeable but genuinely passionate about the park.
What’s Included
Preferred parking
Single Meal Deal for lunch
FunPix photo pass for the day
2 Single Use Fast Lane passes per person (usable on regular and Plus rides)
Breakfast at Grand Pavilion
But the real magic was in the experiences. We started our morning with a breathtaking ride up the Valravn lift hill via the funicular, a unique lift built onto the slope, usually reserved for maintenance. Standing 223 feet above the park as the sun rose was simply unforgettable.
Throughout the tour, we went behind the scenes of some of Cedar Point’s most iconic coasters, learning fascinating facts and getting photo opportunities you simply can’t get as a regular guest. Even when photos weren’t allowed, the views and insights were more than enough.
We got a glimpse into the backstage areas of the following attractions:
Valravn
Iron Dragon
Top Thrill 2
Millennium Force
Rougarou
Siren’s Curse is part of the tour, but because it isn’t open yet, we had a look at Millennium Force instead. We did catch a glimpse of Siren’s Curse testing during our visit, which was exciting. The tour also included Fast Lane access up the exits for Top Thrill 2 and Millennium Force—skipping the queues and choosing our seats (front, middle, or back!) was a dream come true, especially for Top Thrill 2, which can have long waits.
Valravn
Valravn is a record-breaker in every sense. When it opened in 2016, it set 10 world records, including:
Tallest dive coaster at 223 ft (68m)
Fastest dive coaster at 70 mph (113 kph)
Longest dive coaster at 3,415 ft (1041m)
Most inversions on a dive coaster with three
Highest inversion on a dive coaster at 165 ft (50m)
Longest drop on a dive coaster at 214 ft (65m)
Most coasters at any park over 200 ft (60m) tall with five
Most rides at any park with 72
Longest amount of steel track at an amusement park at 9.9 miles (15.9km)
Most coaster track at any park with 11.4 miles (18.3km)
The view from the top is breathtaking, and learning about the funicular lift—a type of lift built onto a slope, used for maintenance and emergencies—was fascinating. Valravn and Millennium Force both feature funiculars for maintenance access.
We got a close look at the lift chain and anti-rollback systems that keep the ride safe, and saw the water dummies used to help trains complete the course on cold or windy days. The station is a marvel of engineering, with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) controlling the moving floor panels and sensors monitoring every part. There’s even a dedicated seat with a three-point harness for guests with accessibility needs.
We also learnt about the seat monitor/timer system that helps operators dispatch trains efficiently, and saw the maintenance building for Valravn’s massive trains and unique wheels. The gold leafing on the panels is real gold, applied by hand—a testament to Cedar Point's attention to detail.
The control booth features a touch screen panel for harness control, and the block brake above the station is a major safety component. We also learnt about the hollow supports, box track construction, and the many safety systems in place, from transfer tracks to light curtains and pressure pads for operator safety.
Millennium Force
Millennium Force is legendary, and it’s easy to see why. When it debuted, it was the first coaster to top 300 feet and held records for tallest (310 ft), fastest (93 mph), and longest drop (300 ft). It also introduced the world to the elevator cable lift system, which was a first of its kind. For its 25th anniversary, it received a new lift motor, increasing the lift speed to 25 mph and making the ride even more efficient.
We learnt about the catchcar system, which pulls the train up the hill in segmented pieces to curve with the track, and the unique anti-rollback system—no classic “clicking” sound here! Instead, extra wheels and a set of teeth drop down to lock the train if needed. The counterweight balances the tension on the lift cable, and the LED light package on the lift hill is one of the coolest in the park, especially at night.
The station features two sets of gates for each loading chute, and the wheel sprayers can cool the wheels on hot days to prevent overspeeding. The transfer table and computer room (strictly off-limits!) are essential to the ride’s operation. We also learnt about the ongoing paint job for the 25th anniversary and the pride Cedar Point takes in its skyline. The ride has three trains, zero inversions, and four overbanked turns that will have your feet over your head for a moment. The fact that Millennium Force uses a cable drive system instead of a chain is an engineering marvel.
Top Thrill 2
Top Thrill 2 is a true icon, now featuring a cutting-edge magnetic launch system and a Formula 1-inspired train design. The ride’s three launches are mind-blowing: first forward to 74 mph, then backward to 101 mph, and finally forward again at 120 mph, sending riders soaring over the main tower.
The launch system uses Linear Induction Motor (LIM) stators—the white fins along the launch track—which are computer-controlled to create a magnetic field that interacts with large permanent magnets beneath each train. This ensures precise, consistent launches regardless of train weight. The LIMs can also act as brakes if a train rolls back or needs to be stopped.
The trains themselves are a marvel of engineering. The additional weight of the permanent magnets required a high-strength carbon fibre and aluminium chassis—the first of its kind on a roller coaster. The front of each train was designed by a leading Formula 1 company, and the wheels are larger than those on slower rides to dissipate the intense heat generated by repeated high-speed launches.
After the launches, the silver magnetic brake fins on the brake track interact with the train’s magnets to generate eddy currents, safely slowing the train without physical contact.
Planning for Top Thrill 2 began in 2021, with the ride reopening in 2024 and further improvements in 2025. During the 2025 reopening, two vibration dampeners were added to the structure. These devices generate counter-vibrations to reduce track sway, resulting in a smoother ride experience.
Behind the scenes, the former hydraulic room—once home to the hydraulic accumulators and cable drum that powered Top Thrill Dragster’s original launch—is now used for maintenance of Zamperla coasters, including Top Thrill 2 and Wild Mouse.
Cedar Point’s commitment to innovation is clear in every aspect of Top Thrill 2, from the advanced swing launch and braking systems to the careful engineering that handles the extra weight and forces involved. It’s a showcase of modern coaster technology and a must-ride for any thrill seeker.
Siren’s Curse
Siren’s Curse is Cedar Point’s newest rollercoaster, and it stands out for several reasons. Construction was completed in just eight months—one of the fastest timelines for a major coaster. Each support goes all the way down to bedrock, making them the deepest in the park behind Top Thrill 2, and ensuring unmatched stability.
The ride features the park’s only underground tunnel, which was the most expensive and challenging part of the build. At its deepest, the tunnel plunges 25 feet below the lake, creating a thrilling and unique experience.
Siren’s Curse also boasts cutting-edge technology: the trains are equipped with onboard audio and lighting effects, powered by a battery that recharges every time the train enters the station. Along the track, special waypoints trigger audio clips to keep the sound perfectly synced with the ride’s action.
The Tilt Track tower is a feat of engineering, with supports only six feet above the water table. Safety is paramount, with six different parameters that must be met before the tilt track can move. There are three separate track locks—one for the top, one for the drop, and one for the vertical position—plus a physical claw that holds the train during rotation and a bumper at the end of the tilt track for extra security.
Rougarou
Rougarou’s transformation from Mantis (a stand-up coaster) to a floorless coaster is a testament to Cedar Point’s commitment to innovation. The ride’s history is fascinating: the area was originally a lagoon, and Cedar Point worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to modify 10 acres of water and wetlands, including 4 acres of landfill. The lighthouse near the ride is a prop from the former Paddle Wheel Excursion.
The transfer track and trains are similar to Valravn’s, with storage track wheels on the side for easy maintenance. The engineering and planning that went into Rougarou’s transformation show how Cedar Point leverages the best technology across rides. The ride’s unique bracing system, pneumatic cylinders, and proximity sensors are all part of the park’s commitment to safety and smooth operation.
Iron Dragon
Iron Dragon, the world’s longest suspended coaster, opened in 1986 with a grey and red paint scheme. It originally operated with three trains, and if one took too long to leave the station, it could cause a backup on the lift. The area around the ride is nicknamed "the Jungle" by associates and was once home to the Blood on the Bayou haunt during Halloweekends.
We loved hearing about the brief experiment with virtual reality headsets in 2017-2018, which added a new dimension to the ride. Iron Dragon’s smooth, swinging motion through the trees and over the water gives it a unique character and a special place in the park’s story. The ride’s original three-train operation, the careful timing needed to avoid stacking, and its status as the longest suspended coaster in the world all add to its legend.
Final Thoughts
The Sunrise Thrills VIP Tour is the ultimate way to experience Cedar Point, whether you’re a first-timer or a lifelong fan. The behind the scenes access, passionate guides, and thoughtful perks make it a day you’ll never forget. We left with a deeper appreciation for the park’s history, engineering, and commitment to guest experience.
If you love Cedar Point, this tour is a must. We can’t wait to come back and do it all over again, especially when Siren’s Curse opens!
