Cedar Point - Fast Lane - worth the $$?

[MichiganScott]

As someone who goes to Cedar Point multiple times in the year and buys FL every time, here are a few points:

• WORTH
• EVERY
• PENNY
• Imagine a Disney Fastpass that you don't need to reserve and can use an unlimited amount of times. That's Fast Lane.
• FL+ gets you all the "most popular" coasters: Valravn, Maverick, Gatekeeper and Dragster. FL gets you 90% of the rest.
  
• If you're under 52", you can't ride any of those listed above anyway, so not worth the FL+ upcharge for smaller kids.
• I've never received threatening...anything any time I've used it (a lot).

 

[megster1123]

As someone who goes to Cedar Point multiple times in the year and buys FL every time, here are a few points:

• WORTH
• EVERY
• PENNY
• Imagine a Disney Fastpass that you don't need to reserve and can use an unlimited amount of times. That's Fast Lane.
• FL+ gets you all the "most popular" coasters: Valravn, Maverick, Gatekeeper and Dragster. FL gets you 90% of the rest.
  
• If you're under 52", you can't ride any of those listed above anyway, so not worth the FL+ upcharge for smaller kids.
• I've never received threatening...anything any time I've used it (a lot).

Thank you!
What's the average wait with FL? I know the Valravn wait is going to be insane regardless, but what about the other big ones? Just curious what the day is going to look like (I think I'm stuck in MK planning mode and going in blind to CP is kind of freaking me out lol)!

 

[MichiganScott]

Like anything else, it all depends on crowd levels. Using the new dive coaster, Valravn, as the yardstick, there were multiple times standby was 2+ hours, and with FL+ we literally walked on. The worst I ever waited was 10-15 minutes for that one. The merge point is really the key. Most merge either pretty close or directly into the station (good) except for Millennium Force, which merges a bit far from it (bad).

The real key to maximizing Fast Lane is actually leveraging it on the "smaller" rides. Things like the giant Ferris wheel, antique cars, monster, etc. can take an abysmally long time to load. With FL you walk right in.

 

[megster1123]

Wow, thank you @MichiganScott! That just made me feel a lot better about the cost of the plus.

 

[MichiganScott]

Couple other tips:
Careful being swayed into buying an all-day refillable drink cup. You can't take them on rides or even into most lines. You have to leave them with a non-rider or put them in a locker (which, unlike Universal, are not free). Sometimes you can get a all-day drink wristband, which is much better, cause they serve that in paper cups, and include using the Coke Freestyle machines. Neither work for us though, as we've sworn off pop, and water is free.

You can get an all-day dining wristband for about $32 allowing you to get a select entree + side every 90 minutes (without drink), which you have to buy online or at the front gate. Again, careful with this poor man's dining plan. If you plan on eating in the park, it'll save you money (and you can share meals), but when it comes to food (lines, staff training, quality of the slop), picture the worst food Disney has to offer. That's the best you'll ever get at Cedar Point. You might actually be better off heading to the marina to Famous Dave's to have one really nice meal there, then snack your way the rest of the day.

Feel free to ask any other questions.

 

[MinnieMSue]

Did fast lane plus yesterday and it was worth it for sure (although only two of us). Valravn was down a bit so it took maybe 2 min for us to get on but the entire line area was full for standby. Walked on Millennium and Maverik (though I should mention that is often a longer fast line wait ). Many times we have walked on Valravn with fast lane - you just never know. We used it a lot on the little rides too. It makes the day so much easier. Today we are going in early entry and hoping something is open because the rain that should end just about then may have prevented ride testing.

 

[thepicklebee]

I'm glad someone revived this! We are going in August.

Fwiw, I have gotten a version of this at nearly every amusement park I've been to in the last two years. I have never regretted it. I am not ashamed to admit that I really dislike waiting in lines and this makes the day so much more enjoyable. Also, at parks like Busch Gardens, Six Flags etc, we only go for one day - so waiting in line for an hour per coaster eats up the day quickly.

 

[megster1123]

I'm glad someone revived this! We are going in August.

Fwiw, I have gotten a version of this at nearly every amusement park I've been to in the last two years. I have never regretted it. I am not ashamed to admit that I really dislike waiting in lines and this makes the day so much more enjoyable. Also, at parks like Busch Gardens, Six Flags etc, we only go for one day - so waiting in line for an hour per coaster eats up the day quickly.

We got the ticket/fast lane plus combo for this Thursday. Looks like rain though...hoping for the best. I'll report back with how it goes!

 

[kittylady1972]

Glad I found this thread here. Looking for advice for a CP newbie here! We've been wanting to go for years (actually planned a trip several years ago but had to cancel) and I think this year we are FINALLY going to make it happen. We are only staying TWO nights in August and DH fears it won't be enough time for us. Any tips would be great.

We will arrive on a Tuesday afternoon so are thinking maybe hit the park by 2pm-3pm that day. We are staying at Breakers Hotel. Park is open until 11pm.

Wednesday morning hoping we can take advantage of the early entry and we have all day, with maybe a break at our room if needed. Again 11pm is park closing time.

Check out is Thursday morning and we'll head back home to MD.

I think going on a Tues/Wed will work to our advantage. I feel like we shouldn't need any Fast Lane for this timeframe but I suppose we can determine lines when we arrive and make a decision.

Assume the best prices on tickets will be at the hotel itself? I can get pretty good tickets at work ($55 for any day, $60 for Ride and Refresh) but am wondering if maybe day one we can get some kind of twilight admission instead to save money and just do the park that evening?

 

[MinnieMSue]

Glad I found this thread here. Looking for advice for a CP newbie here! We've been wanting to go for years (actually planned a trip several years ago but had to cancel) and I think this year we are FINALLY going to make it happen. We are only staying TWO nights in August and DH fears it won't be enough time for us. Any tips would be great.

We will arrive on a Tuesday afternoon so are thinking maybe hit the park by 2pm-3pm that day. We are staying at Breakers Hotel. Park is open until 11pm.

Wednesday morning hoping we can take advantage of the early entry and we have all day, with maybe a break at our room if needed. Again 11pm is park closing time.

Check out is Thursday morning and we'll head back home to MD.

I think going on a Tues/Wed will work to our advantage. I feel like we shouldn't need any Fast Lane for this timeframe but I suppose we can determine lines when we arrive and make a decision.

Assume the best prices on tickets will be at the hotel itself? I can get pretty good tickets at work ($55 for any day, $60 for Ride and Refresh) but am wondering if maybe day one we can get some kind of twilight admission instead to save money and just do the park that evening?

The early entry is valuable. There are two entrances from Breakers. If you want to ride Valravn or Millennium first go out the beach exit of hotel and to right. There is an entrance by the Windseeker ( really high swing ride). If you want Maverik first go to the left and there is an entrance that way toward the back of the park. Valravn will usually have a little line first thing but Millennium and Maverik are usually walk on. We like to hit Valravn then Millennium then Maverik and can usually get that done before park open. Gatekeeper never has lines anymore. Dragster is one we haven't done. The early entry days we have been there it hasn't been open. I am not sure it opens early. In fact it has usually been down most days we have been there this year for some reason. We have also started in back and done Maverik then millennium then Valravn. Key is to get into Valravn line before park opens. Fast lane doesn't start until park opens so the line moves pretty quickly. The other park lines aren't bad. Just dash around getting the big coasters that first hour. Also get into line to enter park early. Like 8:45 or earlier. It gets long but does move fast. They will do security checks while you wait in line to enter so that helps too. They look into bags and wand you.

 

[MichiganScott]

Early entry is a good thing, so definitely use it. Also, just like Disney, a break in the day helps a LOT.

You say you don't intend on using Fast Lane, but remember that Fast Lane's greatest power is it gives you time. Time to relax as you walk around and smell the roses. Time to plan out your day. Time not stading in line. Only you can say if nearly $100 a person is worth it, but I can also unequivocally state that I will never not get it. My advice to you is to not get it for your Tuesday half day, and use that time to evaluate if it'll be worth it to you on Wednesday - crowds will be nearly identical. Also, don't forget that you're in the middle of the summer, it will still be very crowded if the weather is nice. Note, when I say Fast Lane, I really mean Fast Lane +. It's Fast Lane but includes the most popular coasters. All the FL+ coasters are 52", so if anyone is under that, just get basic Fast Lane for them.

Again, Fast Lane is like a Disney Fastpass but good on (nearly) every ride, as many times as you want, all day long. It's almost too good to be true right?

Tickets at the hotels are $45 each (48"+) for a full day. You said you intend on visiting 2-3pm on Tuesday, but many times they will have a twilight pricing and packages, where you can get in at 4pm the day before and maybe even a discount for the following day also. Your best bet is to call the hotel and find out what they are currently offering. Btw, you'll love Breakers. They just REALLY renovated it last year, and it's quite nice.

Btw, that 1.5 days with Fast Lane+ is enough. If you're thinking of also doing Soak City (which is a separate gate), then 1.5 won't be enough. IMHO, Soak City is old and dirty. Rumor is it will get a huge refresh for 2017, but that means 2016 kinda sucks.

 

[kittylady1972]

The early entry is valuable. There are two entrances from Breakers. If you want to ride Valravn or Millennium first go out the beach exit of hotel and to right. There is an entrance by the Windseeker ( really high swing ride). If you want Maverik first go to the left and there is an entrance that way toward the back of the park. Valravn will usually have a little line first thing but Millennium and Maverik are usually walk on. We like to hit Valravn then Millennium then Maverik and can usually get that done before park open. Gatekeeper never has lines anymore. Dragster is one we haven't done. The early entry days we have been there it hasn't been open. I am not sure it opens early. In fact it has usually been down most days we have been there this year for some reason. We have also started in back and done Maverik then millennium then Valravn. Key is to get into Valravn line before park opens. Fast lane doesn't start until park opens so the line moves pretty quickly. The other park lines aren't bad. Just dash around getting the big coasters that first hour. Also get into line to enter park early. Like 8:45 or earlier. It gets long but does move fast. They will do security checks while you wait in line to enter so that helps too. They look into bags and wand you.

So great to have people "in the know" here. Thanks for the entrance advice. Our plan is just as you said, arrive early and hit the biggest coasters likely to get the longest lines first. I'll keep your advice in mind regarding which entrance to use for sure!

Early entry is a good thing, so definitely use it. Also, just like Disney, a break in the day helps a LOT.
You say you don't intend on using Fast Lane, but remember that Fast Lane's greatest power is it gives you time. Time to relax as you walk around and smell the roses. Time to plan out your day. Time not stading in line. Only you can say if nearly $100 a person is worth it, but I can also unequivocally state that I will never not get it. My advice to you is to not get it for your Tuesday half day, and use that time to evaluate if it'll be worth it to you on Wednesday - crowds will be nearly identical. Also, don't forget that you're in the middle of the summer, it will still be very crowded if the weather is nice. Note, when I say Fast Lane, I really mean Fast Lane +. It's Fast Lane but includes the most popular coasters. All the FL+ coasters are 52", so if anyone is under that, just get basic Fast Lane for them.

Tickets at the hotels are $45 each (48"+) for a full day. You said you intend on visiting 2-3pm on Tuesday, but many times they will have a twilight pricing and packages, where you can get in at 4pm the day before and maybe even a discount for the following day also. Your best bet is to call the hotel and find out what they are currently offering. Btw, you'll love Breakers. They just REALLY renovated it last year, and it's quite nice.

Btw, that 1.5 days with Fast Lane+ is enough. If you're thinking of also doing Soak City (which is a separate gate), then 1.5 won't be enough. IMHO, Soak City is old and dirty. Rumor is it will get a huge refresh for 2017, but that means 2016 kinda sucks.

Yes I'm sure the early entry will be big for us here. I like your advice on feeling things out on Tuesday first and seeing just how much we get done that day to determine what we'll have left to hit the next day. Everybody is over 52" so the key here is to really hit the BIG BIG stuff. I'm just not sure $100 per person for the FastLane is really in our budget right now. It sounds like waiting to buy tickets with the hotel discount(s) is the way to go, but I may try to contact them just in case. I think we are okay passing on Soak City. We've done plenty of great waterparks the last few years and while we enjoy them there isn't much unique about most of them. I think the kids will be happy if we take a break to just relax in the pool for a while. And yes I'm reading such great things about Breakers that I'm really really looking forward to staying there. We got a GREAT AAA rate on the room that I booked a few months ago (less than $300 TOTAL for 2 nights) and so I'm just really hesitant to let that go. Honestly we really probably should save money and NOT go as this is an extra expense we don't need, but kids will only want to hang out with us for a few more years so I've decided we should just do it this year. It will be a somewhat inexpensive vacation compared to the trip we just took to Universal last month and our upcoming Disney trip in November. Short and sweet but I think it will be good.

Thanks again everybody!

 

[MinnieMSue]

So great to have people "in the know" here. Thanks for the entrance advice. Our plan is just as you said, arrive early and hit the biggest coasters likely to get the longest lines first. I'll keep your advice in mind regarding which entrance to use for sure!



Yes I'm sure the early entry will be big for us here. I like your advice on feeling things out on Tuesday first and seeing just how much we get done that day to determine what we'll have left to hit the next day. Everybody is over 52" so the key here is to really hit the BIG BIG stuff. I'm just not sure $100 per person for the FastLane is really in our budget right now. It sounds like waiting to buy tickets with the hotel discount(s) is the way to go, but I may try to contact them just in case. I think we are okay passing on Soak City. We've done plenty of great waterparks the last few years and while we enjoy them there isn't much unique about most of them. I think the kids will be happy if we take a break to just relax in the pool for a while. And yes I'm reading such great things about Breakers that I'm really really looking forward to staying there. We got a GREAT AAA rate on the room that I booked a few months ago (less than $300 TOTAL for 2 nights) and so I'm just really hesitant to let that go. Honestly we really probably should save money and NOT go as this is an extra expense we don't need, but kids will only want to hang out with us for a few more years so I've decided we should just do it this year. It will be a somewhat inexpensive vacation compared to the trip we just took to Universal last month and our upcoming Disney trip in November. Short and sweet but I think it will be good.

Thanks again everybody!

Breakers is amazing! Just FYI no coffee makers in room (they have a Starbucks). You can get to go coffee from Perkins too. I bring a single cup coffee maker with all needed stuff. Also they have a little fridge with a freezer and a microwave in the room. We pack a cooler and take breaks in the room and eat at least breakfast and lunch there.

 

[mom2rose&john]

We are going to Cedar Point from Aug 21-23. I was up in the air about Booking at Breakers. It is pricey but with early entry and the beach I am hoping it will be worth it. Thanks MinnieMSue for the heads up on coffee makers. I have a small one I will bring. How is the walk from Breakers to the park? Do you recommend eating on-site or is it just as easy to drive to a restaurant?

 

[MinnieMSue]

We are going to Cedar Point from Aug 21-23. I was up in the air about Booking at Breakers. It is pricey but with early entry and the beach I am hoping it will be worth it. Thanks MinnieMSue for the heads up on coffee makers. I have a small one I will bring. How is the walk from Breakers to the park? Do you recommend eating on-site or is it just as easy to drive to a restaurant?

It is a very short walk to the parks. The hotel is practically in it. You get a parking pass so you can come and go. If you have to pay for parking going in just bring the receipt into the hotel at checkin and they will reimburse you. The offsite restaurants are obviously cheaper but we usually stay on site. It will take a couple hours out of your day to go eat elsewhere. Honestly this hotel compares to a deluxe at Disney. You will wish you were there longer. The crowds should be down a bit because many schools are back in session too.

 

[MichiganScott]

Breakers to the park is nothing, a 10 minute walk if that. You can easily drive off-site to eat, but it's a long way off the causeway and back to do so. Cedar Point food (burgers, etc.) is generally terrible for the price you pay, but their chicken fingers are doable. Water is always free. There is a Pinks hot dog, which is good, but long lines. A good option is hitting Famous Dave's via the Marina entrance by Valravn (it's on-penninsula, but outside of the park) then coming back in.

^Many schools are back in session, huh?

 

[kittylady1972]

Breakers is amazing! Just FYI no coffee makers in room (they have a Starbucks). You can get to go coffee from Perkins too. I bring a single cup coffee maker with all needed stuff. Also they have a little fridge with a freezer and a microwave in the room. We pack a cooler and take breaks in the room and eat at least breakfast and lunch there.

I'm not a coffee drinker, so that won't bother me at all. My DH may or may not want it though...but I'm okay splurging for Starbucks for him if he wants that. I was definitely leaning towards packing a cooler with food (sandwich makings and drinks) and some snacks plus milk and cereal for kids for breakfast to minimize our food costs. Good to know about the frig though and the microwave too!

It is a very short walk to the parks. The hotel is practically in it. You get a parking pass so you can come and go. If you have to pay for parking going in just bring the receipt into the hotel at checkin and they will reimburse you. The offsite restaurants are obviously cheaper but we usually stay on site. It will take a couple hours out of your day to go eat elsewhere. Honestly this hotel compares to a deluxe at Disney. You will wish you were there longer. The crowds should be down a bit because many schools are back in session too.

So glad to read so many positive things about this hotel!

Breakers to the park is nothing, a 10 minute walk if that. You can easily drive off-site to eat, but it's a long way off the causeway and back to do so. Cedar Point food (burgers, etc.) is generally terrible for the price you pay, but their chicken fingers are doable. Water is always free. There is a Pinks hot dog, which is good, but long lines. A good option is hitting Famous Dave's via the Marina entrance by Valravn (it's on-penninsula, but outside of the park) then coming back in.

Thanks for more advice on food. I can only do so many amusement park burgers and chicken fingers though. Famous Dave's sounds pretty good though. Sounds like there aren't any good options for pizza nearby unless we go the park route because that would be cheap and easy to feed five of us.

 

[MichiganScott]

It's not infeasible to leave the park and head onto the main strip (250), we do this a lot actually. If you're up for it, there's a really great local pizza place nearby called Chet & Matt's (Google it).

From Breakers parking lot, it'll take you about 25 minutes to get there and 25 back. If you assume ~40 minutes for eating, that's about an hour and a half. Perhaps you can use that as your "break."

Btw, when I said the food sucks, it's the "meal food" that sucks, and really it does. However, treats are generally good. Be sure to try an elephant ear, they are huge and phenomenal and only about $7. You can get one at the front of the park or back in Frontier Town.

 

[kathy884]

We've done a lot of trips the very first week in June midweek. It's early in the summer and less crowded. We've been so happy with the lighter crowds that we've been repeat visitors at that time. We usually go with 10 + people so planning a less busy time is much more economical for us than buying premium passes. Hotels are less expensive early season too. // That's just another option.

 

[kittylady1972]

It's not infeasible to leave the park and head onto the main strip (250), we do this a lot actually. If you're up for it, there's a really great local pizza place nearby called Chet & Matt's (Google it).

From Breakers parking lot, it'll take you about 25 minutes to get there and 25 back. If you assume ~40 minutes for eating, that's about an hour and a half. Perhaps you can use that as your "break."

Btw, when I said the food sucks, it's the "meal food" that sucks, and really it does. However, treats are generally good. Be sure to try an elephant ear, they are huge and phenomenal and only about $7. You can get one at the front of the park or back in Frontier Town.

Well good to know...and we just might look into that pizza place thanks! I'm all about ice cream in place of dinner so as long as they have that...I'm good for food in the parks!

We've done a lot of trips the very first week in June midweek. It's early in the summer and less crowded. We've been so happy with the lighter crowds that we've been repeat visitors at that time. We usually go with 10 + people so planning a less busy time is much more economical for us than buying premium passes. Hotels are less expensive early season too. // That's just another option.

Thanks for the advice. I think since we already have the hotel booked at such a great rate, and this fits well into our post-camp and pre-school plans, we'll stick to August this time around and take our chances on crowds. My husband loves the Wednesday amusement park rule...figures that is the best day for any amusement parks...so hoping that works. We'll see how it goes.