As one of the largest amusement park operators in the world, Cedar Fair has a diverse portfolio of parks across North America. From the thrilling roller coasters at Cedar Point to the family-friendly attractions at Knott’s Berry Farm, there’s something for everyone. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the best rides and attractions at each Cedar Fair park.
Knott’s Berry Farm:
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, offers an eclectic mix of thrilling coasters, dark rides, and family-friendly attractions. Xcelerator, a hydraulic launch coaster, launches riders from 0 to 82 mph in just 2.3 seconds, while GhostRider, a wooden coaster, is known for its airtime, crazy transitions, and unique night time experience. The park’s signature ride is HangTime, a Gerstlauer dive coaster known for having many unique elements. Knott’s Berry Farm is also home to one of the chain’s Camp Snoopy, a kid-friendly area with several rides for younger guests.
Carowinds:
Located on the border of North Carolina and South Carolina, Carowinds is known for its selection of intense coasters. Fury 325, one of the world’s tallest and fastest giga coasters, reaches speeds of 95 mph and heights of 325 feet. The park also features the record-breaking Intimidator, Afterburn, and Copperhead Strike. For a family-friendly ride, guests can enjoy the classic flying scooters in the County Fair area.
Cedar Point:
Known as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, is home to some of the world’s most thrilling coasters, including Steel Vengeance, Millennium Force, and Maverick. In addition to coasters, Cedar Point also offers a variety of other attractions, such as the classic Cedar Downs Racing Derby and new for 2023, the Wild Mouse! The park is also known for its stunning views of Lake Erie and its beachfront location full of available water sports.
Dorney Park:
Located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Dorney Park offers a mix of coasters, water rides, and family-friendly attractions. Talon, an inverted coaster, features several inversions and tight turns, while Steel Force, a hyper coaster, reaches speeds of 75 mph. The park’s water rides, such as Thunder Canyon and those in Wildwater Kingdom, are popular choices on hot summer days.
Kings Dominion:
Located in Doswell, Virginia, Kings Dominion is home to a mix of coasters, thrill rides, and family-friendly attractions. Twisted Timbers, a hybrid coaster featuring steel track and wooden supports, twists and turns through the park’s wooded area. Intimidator 305, one of the park’s tallest and fastest coasters, reaches speeds of 90 mph and heights of 305 feet.
Kings Island:
Located in Mason, Ohio, Kings Island is home to several world-class coasters, including the record-breaking Beast, Banshee, and Diamondback. For a family-friendly ride, guests can take a spin on the classic antique cars or hop aboard the Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad. The park also features a variety of shows and events, such as the Grand Carnivale and Halloween Haunt.
Valleyfair:
Located in Shakopee, Minnesota, Valleyfair offers a mix of coasters, water rides, and family-friendly attractions. Wild Thing, a hyper coaster, reaches speeds of 74 mph and heights of 207 feet. The park’s water rides, such as the wave pool and Route 76, are popular choices on hot summer days. Guests can also enjoy the park’s Planet Snoopy area, which features several kid-friendly rides.
Worlds of Fun:
Located in Kansas City, Missouri, Worlds of Fun is a must-visit for any thrill seeker. The park is home to some of the most exhilarating roller coasters in the Midwest, including Mamba, a hypercoaster that reaches speeds of up to 75 mph, and Patriot, an inverted coaster that twists and turns through the park’s wooded terrain. If you’re looking for something a little less intense, be sure to check out the classic thrill ride, the Scrambler, or the family-friendly Nordic Chaser.
Michigan’s Adventure:
Situated in Muskegon, Michigan, Michigan’s Adventure is a great destination for families with children of all ages. The park features a variety of rides and attractions, including the Big Dipper wooden roller coaster and the Thunderhawk inverted coaster. The park’s signature rollercoaster that appeals to coaster enthusiasts is Shivering Timbers, a 122 foot tall out-and-back wooden coaster with plentiful air time. One of the park’s most popular attractions is the WildWater Adventure water park, which features a wave pool, lazy river, and a variety of water slides.
California’s Great America:
Located in Santa Clara, California, California’s Great America is a favorite among coaster enthusiasts. The park is home to the Gold Striker wooden coaster, which features a 103-foot drop and speeds of up to 54 mph. Other popular coasters include Flight Deck, an inverted coaster that flips riders upside down, and Patriot, a floorless coaster that sends riders soaring through a series of loops and drops. If coasters aren’t your thing, be sure to check out the park’s many other attractions, including the Planet Snoopy kids’ area and the Great Barrier Reef water park.
Canada’s Wonderland:
Situated just outside of Toronto, Canada’s Wonderland is Canada’s premier amusement park. The park is home to an impressive collection of roller coasters, including Behemoth, a hypercoaster that reaches speeds of up to 77 mph, and Leviathan, a giga coaster that towers over the park at 306 feet tall. Other popular attractions include the Wonder Mountain’s Guardian interactive dark ride and Splash Works, a massive water park with a variety of slides and attractions.