It’s been a long road for Top Thrill 2. After its troubled debut and subsequent closure for mechanical rework, Cedar Point’s reimagined 420-foot launch coaster has finally reopened to the public — and we were there on day one.
What Changed
The original Top Thrill 2 design used a spike-and-switch system with LSM launches. After persistent issues with the catch car mechanism, Zamperla completely redesigned the launch system:
- New reinforced catch car assembly with redundant safety systems
- Redesigned track transitions at the base of the tower
- Updated restraint system for improved comfort
- Software overhaul for smoother acceleration profiles
The Ride Experience
You board the trains in the station and are launched backward out of the station into the spike. The train reaches approximately 75 MPH in reverse before swinging back through the station and launching forward at 120 MPH — straight up the iconic 420-foot top hat.
The over-the-top moment provides a stunning view of Lake Erie and a brief moment of weightlessness before you plunge back down. A sweeping 270-degree spiral descent delivers sustained positive G-forces before the magnetic brakes bring you home.
Our Verdict: 8.5/10
Top Thrill 2 delivers on the promise that Top Thrill Dragster never quite could — a reliable, repeatable, world-class launch coaster experience. The backward launch adds a dimension that the original never had, and the spiral descent is a massive improvement over the old straight drop.
Is it worth the wait times? At 90+ minutes on opening day, that’s a tough sell. But once lines normalize, Top Thrill 2 will absolutely be a must-ride at Cedar Point.
Rating: 8.5 / 10 — Highly Recommended
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