A major Cedar Point attraction becomes history when the park opens in May

Craig Webb, Akron Beacon Journal
·3 min read
“Snake River Expedition,” a new boat ride at Cedar Point, features characters and elements that tie into the Forbidden Frontier on Adventure Island, an immersive and interactive attraction introduced in 2019, along with other surprises.
“Snake River Expedition,” a new boat ride at Cedar Point, features characters and elements that tie into the Forbidden Frontier on Adventure Island, an immersive and interactive attraction introduced in 2019, along with other surprises.

The last chapter in the ballyhooed feud between the Wapis and Cayugas has been written.

Cedar Point is closing the Forbidden Frontier on Adventure Island.

The closing comes after just four seasons − including the coronavirus disrupted one.

The attraction was a bit of a departure for a park known for its spinning rides and record-breaking roller coasters.

Tucked in the back of the Sandusky park off Frontier Trail, where the old Shoot the Rapids water ride once stood, guests stroll along trails that lead to a fictional settlement that has been cut off from visitors for five years because of feuds among the Wapis and Cayugas who call the place home.

Visitors would interact with actors who called the island home.

There were trails to explore and also a large climbing area for kids.

Forbidden Frontier on Adventure Island:Remembering the park within the park

Park spokesman Tony Clark said the island and all of its amenities that included a restaurant are being retired for the 2023 season.

"Our guests who experienced Forbidden Frontier on Adventure Island really enjoyed it, particularly the interactive storytelling that made it unique to Cedar Point," Clark said. "Just as we evaluate our other attractions, including how popular they are, how guests use them and how the park landscape could evolve over time, we followed this same evaluation process for Forbidden Frontier and decided it was time to close this chapter.

"We have great guest feedback from Forbidden Frontier and will use that information as we plan future interactive experiences."

This opens up a large piece of real estate in the center of the park.

Clark declined to comment on what might become of the space.

A sign greets visitors at the entrance to the new Snake River Expedition attraction at Cedar Point.
A sign greets visitors at the entrance to the new Snake River Expedition attraction at Cedar Point.

More:Five fun facts about Cedar Point's new Snake River Expedition attraction

A related attraction, the Snake River Expedition, that opened in 2021 will remain open.

The attraction takes guests on an interactive boat ride where they interact with actors and animatronics.

What else is closing at Cedar Point this summer?

Forbidden Frontier on Adventure Island is not the only thing being retired at Cedar Point this summer.

The Top Thrill Dragster roller coaster remains closed until 2024 as it is reimagined after an accident in August 2021 severely injured a park guest waiting in line.

David Miran, ODA chief of amusement rides, said Top Thrill Dragster's green train, as seen in this file photo, lost an "L-shaped" bracket on the back of the train car during an Aug. 15, 2021, ride.
David Miran, ODA chief of amusement rides, said Top Thrill Dragster's green train, as seen in this file photo, lost an "L-shaped" bracket on the back of the train car during an Aug. 15, 2021, ride.

Clark said the Chick-fil-A inside of the park is also closing.

The Mac Shack and Wild Turnip eateries are also not returning.

Several small quick-serve locations including the Dive In, The Roost & C.P. Juice Co. will not return this summer.

Clark said the throwback fruit juice bottles will still be sold at other stands inside of the park.

The Cedar Point Nights will not return to the beach this summer.

Instead Clark said smaller activities and entertainment will still occur, but at a smaller scale and centered closer to Hotel Breakers and the Sand Bar area of the beach/boardwalk.

What's new at Cedar Point this summer?

Clark said the park's new Boardwalk area will be ready for the park's opening day on May 6.

Cedar Point is bringing back a Wild Mouse coaster to its revamped area along the eastern beach side of the park.

Cedar Point's summer 2023 plans: New Wild Mouse coaster and lakefront restaurant to be part of revamped Boardwalk area at Cedar Point.

The new Wild Mouse roller coaster will reach a height of 52 feet and boast six mouse-themed cars and one that is cheese-themed. The coaster will feature cars that spin 360 degrees as it navigates 1,312 feet of dipping and twisting orange track.

A new Wild Mouse roller coaster is coming to Cedar Point for the 2023 season.
A new Wild Mouse roller coaster is coming to Cedar Point for the 2023 season.

The park's old Wild Mouse coaster — the Wildcat — was removed in 2011 to make way for an outdoor stage near the Valravn roller coaster.

The revamped area will also include a new eatery that will be situated behind its signature Giant Wheel attraction that is similar to the park's original Grand Pavilion entertainment space that debuted in 1888.

Craig Webb can be reached at cwebb@thebeaconjournal.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cedar Point closing Forbidden Frontier on Adventure Island attraction