amusement and theme parks
Get revvved up in 2024! Cedar Point announces Top Thrill 2, the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch coaster
“Get ready for the ultimate thrill ride as Cedar Point unveils Top Thrill 2, the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch coaster!”
Last Updated on September 6, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Get revved up for an adrenaline-pumping experience like no other in 2024! Cedar Point, The Roller Coaster Capital of the World®, has just announced the arrival of Top Thrill 2, the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch coaster. This groundbreaking roller coaster will take riders on a heart-stopping journey that will leave them breathless and craving for more.
Building on the success of their pioneering strata coaster, Cedar Point will introduce not one, but two towering track towers, each standing at a jaw-dropping height of 420 feet. Buckle up and join the CP Racing Team as you step into one of the sleek high-performance racing vehicles. With open-air seating, you’ll have a front-row view of the action on the world’s first and only dual-tower vertical speedway.
The adventure begins with a lightning-fast launch using an innovative linear synchronous motor (LSM) system, propelling you down the straightaway at a blazing speed of 74 mph. As you race towards the sky on the first 420-foot-tall tower, get ready for the exhilarating “rollback” moment, where the train reverses direction, creating a weightless sensation that coaster enthusiasts adore. Then, brace yourself for the second launch, reaching an astounding speed of 101 mph.
But the excitement doesn’t end there. Prepare to see Cedar Point from a whole new perspective as you climb backward at a 90-degree angle on the second 420-foot-tall tower. Experience another moment of weightlessness before the train shifts into drive and races forward into its third and final launch, reaching a mind-boggling top speed of 120 mph.
As you cross over the top hat tower, hold on tight as the train dives into a 270-degree spiral, delivering a thrilling finale before crossing the finish line. Top Thrill 2 promises to be the boldest and most advanced roller coaster ever introduced at Cedar Point, showcasing their commitment to pushing the boundaries of coaster innovation.
Partnering with Zamperla Rides, Cedar Point has incorporated their cutting-edge “Lightning” trains, designed for high-speed aerodynamics and rider comfort. The ride also features a state-of-the-art LSM launch system, providing smooth acceleration and a rush of motorsport racing.
Cedar Point’s legacy of roller coaster excellence continues with Top Thrill 2, adding to their impressive lineup of record-breaking rides. From the Magnum XL-200 to the Millennium Force and the former Top Thrill Dragster, Cedar Point has consistently pushed the limits of height and speed. Now, with Top Thrill 2’s three launches, increased ride time, and second vertical tower, Cedar Point will once again redefine the iconic skyline and solidify its status as the ultimate destination for coaster enthusiasts.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the thrill of Top Thrill 2. Secure your spot with a 2024 Gold Pass, available for a limited time at the discounted price of $99. This pass not only grants you access to Top Thrill 2 but also includes admission to Cedar Point, Cedar Point Shores Waterpark, and HalloWeekends for the rest of 2023 and all of 2024. Plus, enjoy free parking, in-park discounts, and more.
Get ready to rev up your excitement and make 2024 a year to remember at Cedar Point. For more information or to purchase your 2024 Gold Pass, visit cedarpoint.com or follow Cedar Point on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest updates on this record-breaking scream machine.
More information about the ride: https://www.cedarpoint.com/blog/media-center/get-revvved-up-in-2024
https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/amusement-and-theme-parks/
amusement and theme parks
Six Flags Magic Mountain Unveils Record-Setting ‘Thrill Glider’ Coaster for 2027
Six Flags Magic Mountain is taking flight in 2027 with Thrill Glider, a first-of-its-kind coaster combining flying, motorbike and suspended ride technology with multiple launches, five inversions and speeds up to 50 mph.
Last Updated on September 27, 2026 by Daily News Staff
VALENCIA, Calif. — Six Flags Magic Mountain is preparing to add another major attraction to its coaster lineup with Thrill Glider, a first-of-its-kind roller coaster scheduled to open in 2027.
The Southern California theme park announced Sept. 10 that the new attraction will combine elements of flying, motorbike and suspended roller coasters to create what the park is calling an entirely new category: the “Thrillglider.”
Developed by coaster manufacturer Vekoma, Thrill Glider will place riders aboard specially designed “hovercycles.” Instead of sitting upright, riders will be positioned face-forward and prone beneath the track, creating the sensation of flying through the terrain.
The approximately 80-second ride will feature multiple launches reaching speeds of 50 mph, along with 12 airtime moments, five inversions and 20 track elements spread across nearly 3.5 acres. Onboard audio and lighting effects will add to the experience.
A Record-Setting New Coaster
According to Six Flags, Thrill Glider will stretch 3,380 feet — more than half a mile — and reach a maximum height of 107 feet. The company says the attraction will establish several records within the newly created Thrillglider category, including world’s longest, fastest and tallest Thrillglider.
The ride will also feature an elaborate science-fiction storyline centered on the fictional QuantumPulse Propulsion Systems and its discovery of an energy source called PSR B417. Guests will encounter futuristic displays, holographic presentations and other themed elements before boarding their hovercycles.
“Thrill Glider is more than a new attraction. It is the latest milestone in Six Flags Magic Mountain’s renaissance and a reflection of the park’s enduring role as an industry innovator,” park president Brian Oerding said in the announcement.
Where Will Thrill Glider Be Located?
Thrill Glider will occupy the former Golden Bear Theatre site, positioned between Full Throttle and LEX LUTHOR: Drop of Doom and next to the recently reimagined Looney Tunes Land.
Construction is already underway, with Six Flags planning to open the attraction sometime in 2027. A specific opening date has not yet been announced. The minimum rider height will be 48 inches.
The addition continues Magic Mountain’s long-running emphasis on ambitious roller coasters and introduces a substantially different ride experience: part flying coaster, part launched coaster and part futuristic motorcycle adventure.
Source/ Related Links
Six Flags Magic Mountain — Official Site
Source: Six Flags Magic Mountain press release, Sept. 10, 2026.
More Thrills, More Entertainment 🎢
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Entertainment
Mattel Adventure Park and VAI Resort: What’s the Latest in Glendale?
Mattel Adventure Park and VAI Resort still have no announced opening date. VAI says construction continues and expects to share more about the park in late 2026.
GLENDALE, Ariz. — The wait continues for Mattel Adventure Park and VAI Resort near State Farm Stadium. Both remain under development, and neither has announced an opening date.
There has, however, been a change in how the park is being described. In August, Axios Phoenix reported that Epic Resort Destinations, the park’s original developer, appears to be out of the Glendale project. Asked about Epic’s involvement, a VAI spokesperson told Axios that VAI is the park’s owner and operator, but did not directly answer whether Epic still has any role. Another VAI spokesperson said the park and resort are now considered part of the same project and that construction continues on both.
VAI also told Axios it is redefining the park’s guest experience and creative vision and expects to share more in the fourth quarter of 2026. That is a promise of a project update, not an opening announcement.
The VAI Resort FAQ currently says it will announce an opening date approximately nine months in advance. Mattel Adventure Park’s Glendale page continues to promote planned attractions, including the Barbie Beach House and two Hot Wheels roller coasters, without listing an opening date.
For families hoping to visit, the practical answer is that there is still no date to put on the calendar. The next meaningful development to watch is VAI’s promised fourth-quarter update: it may clarify the park’s plans, but visitors will need an official opening announcement before they can plan a trip.
Source links: VAI Resort FAQ · Mattel Adventure Park Glendale page · Axios Phoenix’s August report
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Sports
Chili’s Takes the ‘19th Hole’ Literally With Golf Course Pop-Up
Chili’s took the 19th-hole tradition to a new level with a limited-time golf course pop-up in Burbank featuring food, specialty margaritas and exclusive golf apparel.
BURBANK, Calif. — Chili’s Grill & Bar took its casual-dining game onto the golf course with a limited-time experience celebrating one of golf’s favorite traditions: the 19th hole.
The restaurant chain transformed the clubhouse at DeBell Golf Club in Burbank, California, into the Chili’s Golf Club, a two-day pop-up held Aug. 28–29. The event welcomed golfers and fans to enjoy Chili’s favorites, specialty drinks and a golf-inspired apparel collaboration.
The concept played off the traditional “19th hole” — the post-round gathering spot where golfers grab food and drinks, talk about the day’s round and, perhaps, make those missed putts sound a little closer than they actually were.
Chili’s Meets the Golf Course
Guests at DeBell could stop by after playing 18 holes — or simply visit the clubhouse — for Chili’s menu favorites such as the Triple Dipper. The pop-up also featured golf-themed drinks including the Transfusion Marg and Tee Time Marg, created specifically for the Chili’s Golf Club experience.
The promotion also teamed Chili’s with active-lifestyle apparel brand Rhoback for a limited-edition Rhoback X Chili’scollection featuring the Chili’s Golf Club crest. The lineup included performance polos, hoodies, quarter-zips, crewnecks and golf hats.
“Chili’s is the people’s clubhouse, so it only made sense to bring that spirit to the course,” George Felix, chief marketing officer and executive vice president of Brinker International, said in announcing the campaign.
Food, Golf and Entertainment Collide
Chili’s extended the promotion beyond the course with a campaign film celebrating everyday golfers — particularly those whose enthusiasm for the game may be considerably stronger than their scorecards.
The film featured appearances by Wesley Bryan, Caleb Pressley, Jena Sims Koepka, Chaz Bowker, Josh Kelley and JaNa Craig, bringing together golf, entertainment, food and lifestyle culture around the familiar 19th-hole tradition.
Although the Burbank pop-up lasted only two days, the campaign offers another example of restaurant brands looking beyond the dining room to connect food with sports, entertainment and fan culture.
For Chili’s, that meant finding a place where burgers, margaritas, golf stories and questionable scorecards already seemed like a natural fit.
Source
- Chili’s — “Chili’s is Fulfilling Every Golfer’s Dream by Opening on a Golf Course. Yes, Really.” — Original Aug. 26, 2026 press release announcing the Chili’s Golf Club promotion.
Related Links
- Chili’s Golf Club — Official Event Page — Details about the DeBell Golf Club takeover, food, specialty margaritas and Rhoback collaboration.
- DeBell Golf Club — Official Website — Information about the Burbank public golf course that hosted the Chili’s Golf Club.
- DeBell Golf Club — Golf Course Information — Background on the 18-hole, par-71 municipal course in the Verdugo Mountains.
- Rhoback X Chili’s Golf Club Collaboration — Rhoback’s official page covering the limited-edition golf apparel collaboration.
- Rhoback Official Website — More from the active-lifestyle apparel company involved in the Chili’s Golf Club campaign.
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