Corkscrew Midway

Corkscrew Midway goes from just past the Sky Ride Station to the entrance of Snake River Expedition. Corkscrew Midway opened in 1976. Originally the midway was home to Corkscrew, Troika, and Jungle Larry's African Safari.

Today the midway is home to 3 roller coasters, a family ride, and a massive drop tower. The midway also gives guests places to get snacks, shop, and hang out.

History

The area that the Corkscrew Midway sits on today was first formed in 1906 when Cedar point dreaded the lagoons. The area sits between Hotel Breakers and the lagoons. The midway is the outside boundary of the park that connects the Main Midway to Frontier Town.

Cedar Point didn't really use the area much before Corkscrew opened. In 1962 Scamper, a wooden wild mouse style roller coaster opened in the area that now is home to Corkscrew's Corkscrews. That ride would close in 1969. In 1965 Jungle Larry's Safari Island would open on the island's near Corkscrew.

In 1976 Corkscrew Midway opened. The area featured Cedar Point's first record breaking roller coaster, Corkscrew. Troika was also added to the midway to add further thrills for the family. Jungle Larry's Safari Island was expanded and renamed to Jungle Larry's African Safari. The attraction was built around Corkscrew.

The midway was further expanded in 1977 to include Witches' Wheel. Dodgem 1 was relocated from next to the Centennial Theatre to the end of the Corkscrew Midway and the resort gate was built.

Jungle Larry's African Safari would be expanded several times over the years. Occasionally they would add new exhibits. It closed after the 1994 season and was removed for future expansion.

In 1989 Cedar Point opened Magnum XL-200. It was the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world. Magnum was the first roller coaster in the world to take riders over 200 feet!

After Jungle Larry's African Safari closed in 1994 the exhibit buildings were slowly removed over the next few years. By 1998 the only safari building left was the gift shop.

In 1997 Chaos, a new thrill ride opened in 1997. Chaos would flip riders 360 degrees as the ride would spin and tilt.

Super Himalaya was relocated to its current location by Corkscrew's station in 1999 to make room for Camp Snoopy.

In 1999 Power Tower opened as the world's tallest, and fastest drop tower in the world. It stands 300 feet tall. Riders chose if they would to blast up the tower, or blast down the tower.

During the Spring of 2002 Dodgem 1 was removed from Cedar Point. The ride was relocated to Michigan's Adventure.

All through the summer of 2002 Cedar Point was working on building a new mystery construction project.

During the fall of 2002 Chaos and Troika closed and began to be prepared to be relocated to the Beach Midway.

Top Thrill Dragster opened in 2003 as the world's tallest and fastest roller coaster. The ride would launch riders 120 MPH up a 420 foot tall hill. It closed in 2021 after an accident.

The Resort Gate was rebuilt in 2017.

In 2024 Top Thrill Dragster will become Top Thrill 2. The ride is the world's tallest and fastest multi launch coaster. The ride was reimagined to maximize thrills.

Attractions that have been on The Corkscrew Midway over the years

Blood on the Bayou

Opened: 2011
Location: Corkscrew Midway
Closed: 2019

Journey through the haunted bayou and see how the creatures live.

Chaos

Opened: 1997
Manufacturer: Chance Rides
Type: chaos
Location: between Dodgem 1 and Troika.
Moved from midway: 2003
Closed: 2010
Replaced by: 3 Point Challenge

Chaos thrill ride was at Cedar Point from 1997 to 2010. Even though Chaos is no longer operating at Cedar Point, it was one of a few rides of its kind to last as long as it did. Chaos was replaced by Three Point Challenge.

Coca-Cola Freestyle Cafe

Opened: 2019
Location: across from Corkscrew
Type: drink stand

Coca-Cola Freestyle is your change to make your own custom drink! There are over 100 flavors you can mix and match!

Corkscrew

Opened: May 15,1976
Manufacturer: Arrow Dynamics
Location: Corkscrew Midway
Type: custom looper

Corkscrew was Cedar Point's first record breaking roller coaster. Corkscrew was the first roller coaster in the world to go upside down 3 times. It was also the first roller coaster to go upside down over a midway. Corkscrew paved the way for bigger and better coasters to come in the future.

Corkscrew Refreshments

Opened: 1976
Location: Corkscrew Midway
Type: refreshment stand
Closed: 2002

Corkscrew Refreshments was a refreshment stand. You could get refreshments to have something to snack on.

CP Racing Games

Opened: 2024
Location: Corkscrew Midway
Type: racing-themed games.

CP Racing Games is a games stand that is located on the Corkscrew Midway. CP Racing Games is themed to fit in with Top Thrill 2.

CP Racing Store

Opened: 2024
Type: Gift Shop
Location: Corkscrew Midway

CP Racing Store is the offical gift shop of the Top Thrill 2 roller coaster. CP Racing Store sells really cool souvinors including: clothing, games, snacks, toys, and collectables that are all Top Thirll 2 related.

Dodgem 1

Opened: 1960
Moved to Midway: 1977
Manufacturer: Jhle Brothers
Location: across from Witches' Wheel
Type: bumper cars
Closed: 2001

Dodgem #1 opened in 1960 near the current Jack Aldrich Theater. In 1977 the ride was moved to the new Corkscrew Midway where it was given a new building. The ride closed in 2001 to make room for Top Thrill Dragster. The ride was relocated to Michigan's Adventure in 2002.

Grandstand Refreshments

Opened: 2003
Type: themed quick service location
Location: Corkscrew Midway
Closed: 2018
Replaced by: Coca-Cola Freestyle Cafe

How can you have a drag race without a grandstand? Grandstand Refreshments was a great place to get a snack wile you washed riders ride Top Thrill Dragster!

Hats n' Such

Opened:
Location: Corkscrew Midway
Type: hat shop
Closed: 2002

Hats n' such was a hat shop that was located on the Corkscrew Midway.

Jungle Larry's African Safari

Opened: 1976
Location: around Corkscrew
Type: themed animal attraction
Closed: 1994

Jungle Larry's African Island was home to Jungle Larry and his African animal friends. The attraction was located around Corkscrew and it included several exhibits.

Jungle Larry's Safari Island

Opened: 1965
Location: islands by Corkscrew
Type: themed animal attraction
Closed: 1975

Jungle Larry's Safari Island was home to Jungle Larry and his African animal friends.

Magnum XL-200

Opened: May 6,1989
Manufacturer: Arrow Dynamics
Location: Corkscrew Midway
Type: hyper coaster

Magnum XL-200 opened in 1989 as the world's first Hyper Coaster. Magnum Xl-200 takes riders up 205 feet where they drop 195 feet as they reach speeds of 72 MPH! Magnum XL-200 features 10 hills.

Magnum XL-200 defined what a Hyper Coaster was. It is a really fun ride that launched what was known as the roller coaster wars!

Mr. Midnight's Fear Emporium

Opened: 2022
Location: Power Tower Exit
Type: gift shop

Mr. Midnight's Fear Emporium is Cedar Point's halloween themed gift shop. This is the first halloween store to ever open at Cedar Point.

Pit Stop Bar

Opened: 2024
Location: Corkscrew Midway
Type: Bar

Pit Stop Bar specializes in drinks inspired by Top Thrill 2. It also offers snacks such as chips, popcorn, and nachos.

Power Station

Opened: 1998
Location: Power Tower exit
Type: gift shop
Closed: 2002

Power Station was the gift shop that sold power tower merchandise.

Power Tower

Opened: 1998
Manufacturer: S&S
Location: Corkcrew Midway
Type: drop tower

Power Tower looms an amazing 300 feet over the Cedar Point skyline! Riders are lived slowing 240 feet and dropped to the ground, or shot up 240 feet into the air.

Prize Flyer

Opened: 2024
Location: Corkscrew Midway near Power Tower's exit
Type: human claw

Do you like to play claw games? Have you ever wanted to experience what is like to be the claw? This is your chance to be the claw and win a prize!

Safari Gifts

Opened: 1976
Location: Jungle Larry's African Safari
Type: gift shop
Closed: 1997

Safari Gifts was the gift shop for Jungle Larry's African Safari. You could buy some really cool Jungle Larry inspired merchandise here.

Scamper

Opened: June 13,1962
Closed: September 14,1969
Manufacturer:
Location: Main Midway
Type: wooden wild mouse

Scamper was a wooden style Wild Mouse at Cedar Point. The ride was removed to make room for midway expansion. The ride was relocated to Goldrush Junction in Tennessee.

Speed Freaks

Opened: 2003
Location: Corkscrew Midway
Type: souvenir stand
Closed: 2019
Replaced by: Top Thrill 2 Ride Photo

Speed Freaks was a souvenir stand where you could pick up some cool souvenirs to make your day at Cedar Point better.

Speed Zone

Opened: 2003
Location: Corkscrew Midway
Type: gift shop
Closed: 2023
Replaced by: CP Racing Store

Speed Zone was the ultimate gift shop for roller coaster fans. You could get your extreme sports gear at Speed Zone.

Super Himalaya

Opened: 1970
Location: between Corkscrew and Power Tower
Manufacturer: Mack Rides
Type: himalaya
Moved to midway: 1999

Spin and laugh on Super Himalaya. Super Himalaya. The entire family will laugh throughout the duration of the ride!

Top Thrill 2

Opened: May 4, 2024
Manufacturer: Zamperla
Location: Corkscrew Midway
Type: triple launch coaster

In 2024, Cedar Point opened the world's tallest and fastest triple-launch roller coaster! Top Thrill 2 launches rides at speeds of 74 MPH, 101 MPH, and 120 MPH! Top Thrill 2 is the tallest, and fastest roller coaster at Cedar Point!

Top Thrill Dragster

Opened: May 4,2003
Closed: August 15, 2021
Manufacturer: Intamin AG
Location: Corkscrew Midway
Type: strata coaster

Top Thrill Dragster opened in 2003 as the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world. Top thrill Dragster launched riders at speeds of 120 MPH up its huge 420 foot hill. Top Thrill Dragster was the first roller coaster in the world over 400 feet. This 17 second ride was a huge thrill for thrill-seekers.

Troika

Opened: 1976
Location: The Boardwalk
Manufacturer: Huss
Type: troika
Moved from midway: 2003

Troika will spin and swoop its riders above the midway. Opening in 1976, Troika was moved to its current location in 2003, by the beach.

Witches' Wheel

Opened: 1977
Closed: 2018
Manufacturer: Huss
Location: between Dodgem 1 and the resort gate.
Type: enterprise

Witches' Wheel was added to Cedar Point in 1977. Witches' Wheel was an enterprise ride that flipped riders upside down. Witches' Wheel closed in 2018 due to age.

Last Updated: 09/12/2023

Photos by: Cedar Point, Jake Hamons, Ray Osburn, Russ Haudan, and Ted Peterson