5 new things to do at Cedar Point this summer

Sandusky, Ohio's Cedar Point is regular destination for Michiganders looking for big summertime thrills. After months of preparation, the park opens its gates for the 2015 season Saturday, and this year's offerings include new rides, a newly-renovated place to stay and sweet treats.

"The park is literally a beehive of activity this week," said Bryan Edwards, public relations manager at Cedar Point. "There's stuff going on every square inch of the park, from maintenance putting the rides back together to the operations team running them through their cycles.

"Getting the coasters ready is like taking a car out of winter storage. You're got to clean it off, dust it off and run it again."

Here are five new things to do at Cedar Point this year:

Rougarou

It's been all the talk ever since Cedar Point closed for the season last fall. The park's newest coaster, Rougarou, is also its first floorless coaster. Named after a terrifying werewolf-like creature in French folklore, the sit-down coaster pushes riders at speeds of more than 60 mph. The ride, which was converted from the standup coaster Mantis, jets down 137 feet as it takes riders through loops, spins and four inversions. This is a ride for the ultimate thrill-seeker.

"It's like taking the chair you're sitting in right now and putting it on top of the track, and there's nothing around you, below you or to your sides," Edwards said. "It's a wide open space. We believe this will vault into the top five of our guests' favorite rides."

Hotel Breakers

The 110-year-old Hotel Breakers underwent a major makeover this year. The hotel is fully refurbished with a new grand entrance, updated lobby and public areas and renovated guest rooms.

Each guest room has been redecorated and newly carpeted and comes with an LCD TV and dorm-sized refrigerator. There is also an expanded outdoor pool deck with a water play area and new deck chairs and umbrellas.

"Those who have stayed at Hotel Breakers before won't recognize the hotel when they come this summer," Edwards said. "It went through a complete overhaul. There were times this winter when I could look right through the building to the outside.

Lakeside Pavilion

Heading to Cedar Point in a group? Then note that the park has added the Lakeside Pavilion, offering groups a spot to enjoy a meal or special event. The pavilion, located along the boardwalk of Lake Erie, fits groups of 50, but parties as small as 15 may reserve the space. For more on how to reserve the pavilion, visit www.cedarpoint.com.

"It's perfect for a group for catered events, because we cater the food, and there are a ton of different meal options," Edwards said.

Wicked Twister Midway

The park's Wicket Twister Midway entrance is busier than ever. The spinning Calypso ride is now located nearby and renamed the Tiki Twirl in honor of a former Cedar Point ride. The Dodgem bumper cars have moved next to maXair, also on the Wicked Twister Midway, and the Krazy Kars kiddie bumper cars have relocated to the adjacent Planet Snoopy.

Sweet Spot

Have a sweet tooth? Then make note a new candy shop, the Sweet Spot, located by the Pagoda Gift Shop. The Sweet Spot will offer an array of goodies, including fudge, caramel apples and more. Cedar Point guests can watch the candy being made through windows along the main midway.

"Sweet Spot will offer more of an interactive experience," Edwards said, "because we have huge picture windows, so guests can walk up and actually see the food being made."

Online: www.cedarpoint.com