Cedar Point and "Guests of Exceptional Size"

[SPAM]

I was at Kings Island last week with my school group and got a "reservation ticket" (I kept calling it a Fast Pass)

i do that too! when i was at CP i was like "cmon we need to go get that fast pass!" everyone was like

 

[Beauty]

LOL, even if I lost tons of weight my twins are exceptional, thank goodness I hate coasters!

As long as I can fit in Haunted Mansion and Splash Mountain....oooo and SpaceShip Earth and Peter Pan and Test Track and The Great Movie Ride and the Safari and Kali....

 

[kimber79]

This policy went into effect with 2004 season. Well Dear CP has lost a lot of ticket sales because up until last year a lot more people could ride. Towncrier's family, My DH and I, and my brother and his son, along with many former coworkers of DH all refuse to pay 60.00 to go to a park where we can't enjoy 3/4 rides. I took my money to disney and Am having a whole lot better time.

I was just at Cedar Point this past weekend! We go every year! Ticket prices are $40.95 and $24.95 for Juniors. You can get discount tickets online at cedarpoint.com , AAA, and Meijer's.

The Breakers Suites with the balcony's are really nice. This year we stayed at Lighthouse Point in the cabins!! These were awesome!!! You have a grill and picnic table to use, and then you also have a small dorm size fridge and microwave. The cabins have a double bed, two futons and a loft that the kids can sleep! I would highly recommend these!! It was so nice to go back to the cabin for lunch and chill for a bit.....and then head back to the park!

i do that too! when i was at CP i was like "cmon we need to go get that fast pass!" everyone was like

Cedar Point does have a fast pass (I forget their *technical term*) BUT only for Millenium, Top Thrill Dragster and either Raptor & Magnum (or both), and they are only handed out at certain times.

As for just the *newer* rides having small seats........have you ever rode on Blue Streak or even the Mine Ride?? These are OLD coasters, and the seats are horribly small. In fact when I was next up in line for the Mine Ride, there were a man and wife being buckled into their seat. Neither of them were *exceptional size* in any way shape or form! The wife was shorter than the hubby, and obviously a little bigger than his bride. The attendant checked their seat belt (which buckles across both passengers) and then was putting the lap bar down. She couldn't get it to lock in properly.....so she was smashing the bar down on this poor man with all her might. I felt so badly for this man as he just had his guts smashed ~ I surprised his eyeballs didn't pop out! I did NOT however see them tell anybody they could not ride on any rides for any reason. They have also changed the kiddie ride seat belts........they lock when they are buckled, and need a key to open them. It takes longer to unload, but I think that is a great improvement!

I work in the amusement industry, and if you knew of all the frivolous lawsuits there are you would understand why things have to be the way they are. It is just craziness what people sue over. I think the *Tigger* incidence is a big reason for the *no touching the seat belts*.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

As we got to the area were you load the ride this larger man was turned away, I couldn't believe they let him stand in the line for 2 hours and then told him he was too big to ride. There were some horrible people that snickered and laughed, our hearts just broke for him.

That makes me sad. Some people...

 

[Nancy]

Looks like my plans for CP are out! One of my co-workers was leaving for CP tomorrow, he is about 6'1" and maybe 200 pounds, wonder if he knows he might not be able to get on all the rides?

I know I'm "pooh sized" I'm trying to de-fluff myself, but at my age it's an ongoing battle...and gravity is playing a part! My rear turned into my thighs years ago! Plus, my "twins" have always been exceptional, even when I weighed only 125!

 

[Rafiki Rafiki Rafiki]

I had this difficulty last year at Six Flags. And for me, it wasn't as much the weight issue (though it would be at CP), my chest projected too far. Six Flags does have seatbelt extenders for some rides, and there are a couple of seats on the newer rides that are larger than the rest.

What about WDW? Are there any rides I should be concerned about?

 

[Rock'n Robin]

We are going to CP on July 2 (haven't been since 2001) and now I'm worried. I weigh 190 and am a size 14. DH is 6 feet tall and 220. I know I'm a chub but I never think of DH as overweight. No way I'm letting DS (who just hit 4 feet tall) ride rides alone because his folks are "exceptional size"!
Robin M.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

The only rides at WDW that might be tight I think might be Astro Orbitor (I have no idea who fits in these cars!) and maybe things like DUmbo and triceratops spin. Everything else should be okay.

 

[kimber79]

We are going to CP on July 2

You should have a good time!! We have gone to Cedar Point on the 4th of July weekend for the last several years........and the crowds are not bad at all!!

I would not worry about NOT being able to ride........you should be fine. As I said, we were there last weekend, and never saw any problems. My dad is about 5' 11" / 224 lbs. and rode most of the rides!

Have a fantastic time!!!!

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Thanks Kimber, I'm trying to cheer up because LAST July 2 we were flying to Florida and driving to Port Canaveral for the 50th anniversary DCL cruise my parents took us on (heavy sigh). Oh well! Maybe it's time to start planning that 2006 trip! In the meantime, CP here we come!
Robin M.

 

[kimber79]

Oh.........not much can beat a DCL cruise.......BUT, I am assured you will have a great time at Cedar Point!

If you are staying there, they more than like will do fireworks over Lake Erie on the Breakers beach!!

Again........have a fantastic time!!!!

 

[popeyeohoh]

Sunday 6/19 Fathers Day Evening

1. Must have been gay day
2. Top Fuel was broken down part of the time
3. Parks not crowded

Monday 6/20

1. Top Fuel broke down several Times during the day
2. 1/2 hr. wait to get on Millenium Force at 10:00 a.m.
3. Signs are posted on this ride that you must be able to buckle yourself in.
4. There is a seat at the entrance to the Que. So if you want to know if you fit before getting in line you can. A train was taken off right before we were to go on because of some malfunction.
5. I only saw one man getting off a ride because of his size, it was the Mantis the stand up ride.

Tuesday 6/21 Soak City Water Park

The service throughout the Resort is less than stellar. We ate at Fridays in Breakers Hotel and our hors'doeuvres were brought 5 minutes before our meal and my soup was brought after my meal was served. There is a place to get icecream and alcohol. No one was there at 3:00pm to serve the alcohol though. The morning we were to check out we got a knock on the door just before 9:00a.m. from housekeeping wanting to know how soon they could get in and clean our room. I agree there is no place like WDW for an Amusement Park Vacation. I am not sure if I will try Breakers again. Maybe Sandcastle Suites or a cabin next time.

 

[momsgoofy]

We are going to CP on July 2 (haven't been since 2001) and now I'm worried. I weigh 190 and am a size 14. DH is 6 feet tall and 220. I know I'm a chub but I never think of DH as overweight. No way I'm letting DS (who just hit 4 feet tall) ride rides alone because his folks are "exceptional size"!
Robin M.

We are heading to CP July 1 - 4, thanks to DH's little white lies...I'm just keeping him honest! So maybe we'll see ya there...I'll be wearing my khaki CROCS around the park...and probably some Disney shirts.

Our last trip to CP was 2002 and I didn't have any problem getting on anything except Wicked Twister...I could not get my behind to jump into that seat...just don't have any arm strength. I'm a fellow "pooh-sized" gal with a big chest. I've not been worried about things this trip, but we'll see if since the policy changed after our last trip. I know I didn't have any problems on our recent trip at WDW, so who knows.

 

[spewey]

For those still following this ...

It is true Cedar Point has been the focal point for the "guests of size" controversy that has become quite an issue in the amusement park industry over the past few years. And that is for basically two reasons - their well-known obsession with safety (and, as a result, unmatched safety record - no other park comes close), combined with the number of coasters they have purchased lately from the same company, Intamin AG. Intamin is responsible for Millennium Force, Top Thrill Dragster, and all the Superman: Ride of Steel coasters at various parks. It is these coasters, along with two "extreme" water rides - one at Knott's Berry Farm and one in Wales - that have cause for concern.

Why? The restraints. In a few cases, the original (most have been modified) systems failed to properly restrain riders. Several were ejected, with three deaths resulting. In most cases it seemed the size - or, more accuately, the shape - of the guest played a role. It seemed "round" riders were not held in properly - although the girl that was flung from the flume in Wales was of average size. Now, I agree that our overly litigious society is adversely affecting amusement parks, but I would hesitate to describe the legal action that was taken after these accidents frivolous ...

There are those - quite a few - that feel Cedar Point has overreacted. I dunno. None of these incidents occured on their rides, but a couple of their coasters do have "similar" - but not identical - restraints. Imagine if someone was ejected from, say, Millennium Force - how could they possible mount a defence?

As to why there hasn't been a problem at Disney, or Universal - that's simply because there are none of these kinds of rides at those parks. Or anywhere in Florida, for that matter. In fact, all of the newer "adult" coasters at Islands of Adventure, Busch Gardens, and Sea World were built by the same company - B&M, the "Rolls Royce" of coaster companies - that tries to, whenever possible, put in "big boy" seats for all those (real or imagined) G.O.E.S. They also all have over-the-shoulder restraints, making it just about impossible for anyone to fall out, no matter their size ...

 

[Tinkerbelle'sMOM]

My DH is 6-2 and weighs about 260 and he has no problem getting on the rides...any of them. He is at CP with our DD at least once a week.

 

[DisneyGirl421]

I was at CP end of May with my school's band trip. I will admit I'm a little on the heavy side, but normally have no problem fitting into roller coasters (thank god cuz i love them!)
My friends didn't want to do Top Thrill (and neither did I because I did NOT want to be on one of the rides that doesn't make it over the top), but we did do Millenium Force.
I had a bit of trouble with the restraint, as it wouldn't fully buckle. I guess whoever was working the ride that day paid no attention to the 'no touch' rule because he helped me get it to fit.

The biggest complaint I had with CP was the thing about not carrying anything onto the ride line. Yes, I can see no purses, but at one of the lines, I had a barely-drunken water bottle that I had just paid a crapload of money for, and the lady MADE me throw it away, as 'you are not allowed to carry anything with you onto the ride line' I mean, COME ON. a water bottle?!?!?

 

[Costumesaremylife]

Well, I don't think theme parks are to blame for the fact that 60% of America (100% of the DIS, judging from the respsonses) is making bad choices and are now overweight. One day of eating junk food at a theme park does not make a person fat. So, stop blaming a theme park for serving junk food. I think theme parks are trying their best to adjust to a "growing" America while avoiding lawsuits. It's too bad it's come to this, but I really think people who are overweight need to take a good look at their lifestyle and stop blaming a theme park for discrimination. Lose weight for goodness sake and you can go on whatever rides you choose.

I suppose I'll just have to figure out the best place to cut out a few inches of my height. I think it's amusing that only men over 6'2 should worry. I guess women never get that tall. I am just a bit shy of 6'1 and depending on what shoes I'm wearing I would probably not make a lot of those rides. Funny since i've ridden roller coaster in over ten parks.

 

[momsgoofy]

I just got back from our Cedar Point trip last night and here is the scoop...

First, I didn't ride as much as I thought I would, but not because of any size issues. I just enjoyed hanging around and doing a lot of nothing. Okay, I'm gonna bear all here and give you the "pooh"...I am 5'2", 194lbs. and wear a size 18 pants...so you've got the dimensions I'm working with here. Also, DH is 5'10" and 200 lbs. with a Budda belly.

Millenium Force...the kid working was kinda snide..."Mam' you need to check the seat." Where are the manners of today's youth? I said I'd ridden it before and he asked if it had been this year...no. So I sat down, tightened the seatbelt...it was closed, but he insisted there be a 1 and 1/2 inch extra length...whatever...it did so I rode. It was jerky than I remembered from 2002.

Mean Streak...not an issue.

The train...naturally not an issue, but one train was more comfortable to disembark from than the other...the better train was the one with the seats that has slates not a flat (one piece) construction.

Gemini...not an issue.

Iron Dragon...not an issue.

Power Tower...not an issue.

Mine Train...not an issue.

Disaster Transport...not an issue.

Top Thrill Dragster...I actually didn't ride because I didn't want to wait 1 and 1/2 hours, but I did try out the seat and it was fine...actually a bit more room than with Millenium Force.

Maxair...DH rode this with DS since I'm prone to motion sickness with the spinning rides. Both said it was fine.

Okay, we didn't try the Mantis or Magnum because the lines were too long and we didn't feel like waiting around in them.

Wicked Twister was down the entire weekend and as we were heading toward Demon Drop, it went down as well.

I did speak with a man who worked at Cedar Point (who was on fun time not work time) about the new policy, he said the belts on MF were shortened this past year, but were enlarged again this year.

I plan to send Cedar Point an email about the policy simply because I saw and spoke with many people who were turned away because of their size. Yes, I understand the reason behind the policy and I am glad they have mny safety as a concern. Yes, the policy is on the website and such, but it says men of this range height and weight and women of that range might not be able to ride. Well, that is well and good, but do you have the chance to try out the seats before you plop down your money? NOPE! So, if I had been denied ride access, I would have been a bit more peeved...take my money and then not let me ride. The least they could do is offer a restricted ticket at a lower cost for those patrons who cannot ride as determined by the guidelines of the seats themselves. The man suggested I contact Cedar Point about this, but I had planned to do so anyway. If I were there with someone who would then have to ride solo when we planned to go together, or my child who had to ride alone, I'd be more peeved. Me, I just enjoy going to the park and don't have to ride everything and DH and DS ride together when I'm not in the mood while I stand and watch so no big deal. But for those others, the policy needs to be modified to allow the admission at a reduced price for the inconvience.

Oh, and who ever said you can't eat healthy at Cedar Point, you weren't kidding! It was the worst place...only saw salad on one or two menus of the restaurants and the only fruit I saw was on that salad bar. We ended up eating outside of the parks most of the time and just having a snack or two inside. WDW has spoiled us on this point.

And entertainment...WDW spoiled us there, too. Cedar Point's entertainment was good, but nothing compared to WDW. DS even commented that the lines wouldn't have been a hassle if they'd had something to entertain us like WDW.

Also, be aware that Cedar Point has a "No loose articles" policy they added this year...means if whatever you're carrying doesn't fit in a cargo pocket that is closed (zipper, snap or velcro) or inside of a "small waist pouch" then it can't go on the rides with you. I took my old camera bag that held my Kodak point and shoot 35mm camera...it barely fit my meds and cash, but it worked. On Gemini I had it over one shoulder (sash-like) and the girl told me I had to fasten it around my waist or I wouldn't be allowed to ride. So I did...not a problem since I'd been wearing it that way off and on anyway.

Well, that is my 25 cents on Cedar Point...I just realized how much more I love WDW after being there.

 

[Pop Daddy]

oh, I thought this thread was about something else

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Hey Momsgoofy, we were there July 3!
I second everything she said. I'm 5'7" and 190. I didn't have any trouble but boy, the blue streak seats are tiny! . I saw one couple forced to leave the mine ride because they didn't fit. Also, they ask you to leave any loose articles on the side of the platform. We got by with 2 fanny packs (one on me, one on DD#2) but when we bought photos and refillable glasses for soda, we had to place those on the side. I met a couple of women at the end of the Mine Ride who refused to ride because they had small backpacks, and wouldn't leave them unattended on the platform.
My whole family (DS just turned 4 feet tall) rode Millenium twice, Magnum, Gemini, Blue Streak, Mine ride, DH and the kids rode Mean Streak and Wildcat. I took DS on Disaster transport while DH and the girls rode Max Air (DS is too short and I also have trouble with spinning--believe me, that one is the mother of all spinning rides--I would have blown all over the midway). Everyone but DS rode Raptor. DH also took the girls on Top Thrill.
We didn't bother with entertainment--I figure I will get that at WDW next year--but WDW has spoiled me for much cleaner bathrooms than CP! And also, I think the fastpass program is much better than the "freeway' program at CP. You are limited to 2 "freeway" passes. They did allow DH and the girls to get on Top Thrill in 1/2 hour, though.
Robin M.