Cedar Point Opening Day 2004 Preview
It's tough to follow a year like 2003 and its introduction of the record-breaking Top Thrill Dragster. It's even harder to determine how to improve the world's highest rated amusement park without adding new rides. But, time and time again, Cedar Point's creative minds have showed the public that they always have an extra idea to implement in these so-called off years, such as 2001's addition of the highly successful Lighthouse Point. 2004 will not be remembered for any new blockbuster attractions, but the financial soundness of the new additions to the Cedar Point properties will be seen in Cedar Fair's year end report for years to come.

New Dining Options 
Cedar Point is introducing three new dining options for the 2004 season, all of which will occupy existing structures. The first new restaurant, Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que, will replace the Boathouse Restaurant in the Cedar Point Marina. Famous Dave's, a small barbeque chain based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, will offer hickory smoked ribs, as well as a large variety of other barbeque favorites. Famous Dave's barbeque ribs have won many awards at rib festivals throughout the United States. The second new dining option at Cedar Point is called the Game Day Grill, replacing the Silver Dollar Cafe. The sports bar will feature several large screen televisions and traditional sports food favorites. Finally, Cedar Point is introducing Donut Time, a bakery occupying the former annex arcade near the Sky Ride station. Donut Time will offer freshly made donuts, cinnamon rolls, and breads, but best of all, Cedar Point guests may enter the park to purchase breakfast from Donut Time before the park opens its games each day.

Water Fun
Everyone knows that when Cedar Point constructs a new attraction, it is always going the be the biggest and best of its kind. Cedar Point's new Castaway Bay indoor water park, when completed in November, will outdo Sandusky's (not to mention Ohio's) only other indoor water park, Great Bear Lodge. Castaway Bay will feature the world's only indoor Master Blaster water coaster (meaning that water propels riders up as well as down), and a large family tree fort, not to mention a large variety of other slides and pools.

Soak City is also introducing Splash Zone, a multilevel interactive play area for the entire family. It features more than 100 fun water elements. Splash Zone will open when Soak City opens for the 2004 season on May 22, 2004.

Lighthouse Point Expansion
Cedar Point will be expanding its popular 2001 luxury campground addition, Lighthouse Point with the addition of 14 cottages, 30 cabins, and 38 RV campsites. Lighthouse Point is located on the west side of the Cedar Point peninsula.

Sprucing Up
 Iron Dragon, a suspended coaster built at Cedar Point in 1987, will be receiving a new vibrant color scheme for the 2004 season. It will have orange supports with red track, very similar to Top Thrill Dragster. Also the front Sky Ride Station was painted blue, which now matches the color scheme of Donut Time. It is also expected that many rides will now have automated rider safety spiels.