Cedar Point Puts Size Limit On Coaster Riders
Some Cedar Point visitors may need to shed a few pounds to ride one of the park's most popular coasters.
NewsChannel5's Linda Passariello reported how new seatbelt positions on the Millennium Force may not fit some of the coaster's bigger riders.
The ride has thrilled millions since it opened in 2000, but some riders who've been on Millennium in the past are now being turned away.
Two summers ago, Tony Ventresco, of Youngstown, had no problem riding the roller coaster.
But now, Ventresco, along with other borderline bigger riders, are finding the Millennium's seatbelts a little snugger.
Cedar Point officials say the ride's manufacturer mandated the seatbelt brackets be repositioned after a man was killed when he fell off the Superman coaster at Six Flags New England.
"What it does is make it a little more snug, tight, and, unfortunately, prevents some riders who were able to ride in last year from riding it this year," said Robin Innes, public relations director at Cedar Point.
"I'm not much larger than anybody else ... I feel it would be unfair ... I'd be a little upset if they said I couldn't ride," said Ventresco.
Signs are posted, and ride operators pull questionable guests out of line to try the test seat.
But some guests make it all the way onto the ride before they realize the seatbelt's a tight squeeze.
It not only has to fit, there has to be a certain amount of slack on the belt before the riders get a "thumbs up" to ride.
So far, Millennium Force is the only ride affected by the stricter seatbelt guideline.
Cedar Point admits they've had some complaints, but they also point out their Web site, where they talk about size limitations for certain rides.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...o_wews/2213311
On a positive note, I'm sure that they will still be able to eat all the funnel cakes they want while they watch their skinny friends ride the coaster.
aV
