SANDUSKY, Ohio -- Some visitors to Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio, may need to shed a few pounds to ride one of the park's most popular coasters.
WEWS-TV reported that new seat belt positions on the Millennium Force roller coaster may not fit some of the bigger riders.
The ride has thrilled millions since it opened in 2000, but some riders who have 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 seat belts a little snugger.
Cedar Point officials say the ride's manufacturer mandated the seat belt 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 it's had some complaints, but it also points out its
Web site, where the park talks about size limitations for certain rides.
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Weight Limits Put On Roller Coaster
