Jumbo Jet
​1972-1978

The 1950s were a difficult time for Cedar Point—so much so that the park nearly closed. Determined to turn things around, park leaders developed a plan to transform it into the “Disneyland of the Midwest.” This vision led to the addition of new attractions that would restore its popularity.

In 1963, the Cedar Point and Lake Erie Railroad began taking guests on a journey back to the days of the wild west. The following year, Blue Streak opened as the first major roller coaster built at the park in decades. In 1965, Space Spiral debuted as the first ride in the world to exceed 300 feet. 1966 saw the introduction of Pirate Ride, which transported riders to the age of swashbuckling adventures on the high seas.
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Expansion continued with the opening of Frontier Town in 1967, which was later expanded in 1969 to include Cedar Creek Mine Ride. In 1970, Cedar Point celebrated its 100th anniversary with the addition of the Million Dollar Midway, and in 1971, Frontier Trail opened, continuing the park’s growth and transformation.

With all these new additions, 1972 would bring many attentions to add to Cedar Point's line up. 

1972 would be another huge year for Cedar Point. In 1972 Cedar Point wold add 3 rides: Giant Wheel, Matterhorn and the park's 4th roller coaster, Jumbo Jet. 

Jumbo Jet was a very thrilling ride. It was the fastest roller coaster in the park when it opened. 

    Jumbo Jet opened at Cedar Point in 1972.  At the time Jumbo Jet was Cedar Point's fourth roller coaster.

Jumbo Jet was located on the Beach Midway just past the Space Spiral. Jumbo Jet was located next to the Cedar Point Beach. This location was the former home to the Cyclone Roller Coaster and The Racer Roller Coaster. 

Jumbo Jet was built by Anton Schwarzkopf of Germany. The ride featured an unique spiral lift hill. To go up the hill the ride required a special motor to be located inside the train. The ride broke down a lot and it was difficult to get fixed.  

    At the time Jumbo Jet was Cedar Point's most modern roller coaster.   Jumbo Jet featured 60 degree banked turns.   Riders on Jumbo Jet would sit in six rows of two people each. Jumbo Jet was a very popular roller coaster. It would have long lines due to it being a lower capacity ride. 

Jumbo Jet was a Jet Star 3 model. Over the years  Schwarzkopf would build 12 of these rides. Today there are 2 operating Jet Star rides, including the Cedar Point model. 

While Jumbo Jet was at Cedar Point would add: The Cedar Point Cinema (1975-2001), Corkscrew (1976), Troika (1976), Witches' Wheel, and Gemini (1978). The new additions added stuff that the park guest had not seen before, and made the Jumbo Jet seen out of place in the park. 

Jumbo Jet closed at the end of the 1978 season. Cedar Point soon sold the ride. Over the years the ride has been moved  5 times. 

Jumbo Jet locations: 

Cedar Point 1972-1978
Palace Playland 1979-1984
Malmö Folkets Park 1985-1989
Beoland 2003-2008
Dreamland 2010-2014
Chelyuskintsev Park 2015-today

Jumbo Jet was replaced with the new WildCat in 1979. In 1985 WildCat was relocated to the Million Dollar Midway and was replaced with Avalanche Run. In 1990 Avalanche Run was enclosed as re-themed as Disaster Transport. Disaster Transport closed in 2012. In 2013 GateKeeper opened as the tallest and fastest Wing Coaster in the world. GateKeeper is located on the Jumbo Jet site today. 

Photos by Jake Hamons, the Lost Coaster and Cedar Point. 

Last Updated: 5/30/2020