Top Thrill 2: What You Need To Know About This Cedar Point Roller Coaster

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If you are planning a trip to Cedar Point and want to ride the newest record-breaking coaster, Top Thrill 2 is officially open for the 2025 season. This redesigned triple-launch coaster is the tallest and fastest of its kind, reaching speeds of up to 120 miles per hour with two vertical towers standing 420 feet tall.

Top Thrill 2 replaces the original Top Thrill Dragster, which closed in 2021 and was officially retired the following year. After a rocky soft launch in early 2024 and a season-long closure for mechanical adjustments, the ride reopened on May 3, 2025, with updated trains and a reconfigured launch system.

The ride uses a linear synchronous motor launch to send riders forward, backward, and forward again as part of a high-intensity triple-launch sequence. Riders experience a 270-degree spiral, moments of weightlessness, and open-air seating in one of three racing-themed trains designed for speed and visibility.

Here is everything you need to know about Top Thrill 2, including key ride features, updates from the initial launch, and tips for riding this one-of-a-kind roller coaster.

Top Thrill 2 Safety Guidelines

Cedar Point released safety guidelines for Top Thrill 2 ahead of its 2024 debut. All amusement park rides and attractions have safety guidelines, so the announcement was nothing out of the ordinary. Due to the nature of the ride, some more restrictive guidelines may impact the guest experience, especially if you are unaware of the rules ahead of time. 

Some of the guidelines have been more highly scrutinized on social media and online forums. Below are some highlights from the comprehensive list of safety guidelines available on Cedar Point’s website.

Height Requirement

All riders must be at least 52 inches tall to ride Top Thrill 2.

Ride Restraints

Riders must ensure the safety restraint is fully lowered to touch the top of their thighs. If not properly secured, riding is not permitted. A test seat is available at the entrance, with a Ride Operator on hand to verify fit.

Glasses

Glasses are allowed if they are secured with a strap. Holding glasses or any items during the ride is prohibited.

Shoes

Only closed shoes are allowed. Flip-flops, sandals, and barefoot entries are prohibited.

Loose Articles

No loose articles are permitted past the entrance. This includes phones, keys, and small personal items, which must be left with a non-rider or stored in a locker. Waist packs and zippered pockets are not acceptable for storing items on the ride.

Lockers

Lockers are available near the ride entrance for storing loose articles, as bins are not provided on the station platform. There is a nominal fee for locker use.

Cedar Point chose not to include free lockers within Top Thrill’s queue like the ones located within Steel Vengeance’s queue. Other amusement parks offer similar free locker features, often accompanying select roller coasters and attractions. The decision has been met with mixed reviews. Cedar Point addressed the decision within its safety guidelines: 

“Working with the manufacturer’s recommendations, Top Thrill 2’s rider safety guidelines were revised after initial testing, resulting in our strict policy of loose articles not being permitted past the ride’s entrance.

Due to the late revision, the integration of lockers into the queue, similar to those at Steel Vengeance, was not possible. We encourage riders to leave any loose articles with a non-rider. If you wish to rent a locker, they will be near the entrance for a nominal fee.”

What Do We Think About Top Thrill 2’s Safety Guidelines?

Cedar Point’s rules on loose items make sense. I don’t love the idea of spending hours in line without access to my phone, especially since we typically visit the park as a family and not everyone in our group rides the park’s larger roller coasters. It’s not the end of the world, either. I’ve experienced several rides with metal detectors. If you try to keep something in your pocket, expect to get stopped. 

There’s no mention of food items or beverages in the list of guidelines. I’m sure any souvenir cups would be prohibited, but they may not allow any food or drinks in line unless there are vending machines within the queue.  

Some rules, such as no loose shoes, could become a logistical issue, especially for guests wearing flip-flops or other restricted footwear who paid for a ticket but weren’t aware of the rules beforehand. I see it as an ongoing struggle for park guests throughout the season. 

It’s hard to believe that integrated lockers weren’t part of the original plan or subsequent changes. Honestly, they should probably be a feature included with most new roller coasters and thrill rides going forward. When done well, they provide a smooth and streamlined experience without additional costs. 

That said, it’s probably a bigger deal for some guests than others. Provided there are enough paid lockers nearby, people will still ride Top Thrill 2. If lines become incredibly long, the nearest locker bank could sell out.