Cedar Point, OH Tips?

[chefkellyb]

My family of four - me, DH, DD13 & DS11 are including Cedar Point in our driving vacation this summer. We will be heading there from Nashville, TN before we head back to Maryland. I know- a little out of the way- but we are looking forward to this adventure.

Looking for any tips we should know before going there: best place to get park tickets at a discount (if possible), special things we should take, suggestions on things to eat there, etc...? Any help is appreciated!

 

[dpswift]

I would try to eat a good breakfast before I went because food there is crazy expensive. They are not good about giving out cups of water even with a purchase.

 

[wdw4rfam]

Tickets are generally cheapest on their website, and they are always doing specials. Its worth staying at their hotels because of convenience and cheaper tickets. We Always stop at subway at freeway exit and get subs and put them in a cooler with drinks, food is very expensive inside the park. We take a mid-day break and go out to the car and get our food. If you are doing the big coasters, get there early and do the big ones first, we always do maverick first and then millennium force- those two usually have the longest waits as the day goes on. Its an awesome park, love being only a little over an hour away.

 

[nervous1sttimer]

We were just there today!

Yes, food is expensive. New this year are refillable cups of which we bought two. They are $14.99 each for one, $12.99 each for two, or $9.99 each for three or more. They have free refills all day the day you purchase, or $.99 refills every other day for the rest of the season. We bought two and had four refills of each and it definitely saved us money.

We always stay onsite the night before because you get early entry and free parking as a resort guest. We stay at Breakers Express and think it is a total deal when you get the cheaper tickets with your reservation ($39/pp). Breakers Express is a very low-budget, no-frills hotel though. Don't expect luxury at that price!

We love it and go multiple times every year. If you have any specific questions, just let me know. Have a great trip.

 

[anniebean]

Unless you have a non rider in the bunch, expect to use and pay for lockers! We are headed up there Sunday, and plan to only carry stuff that fits into pockets this time!

 

[DizneyLizzy]

LONG lines. If this is a once in a lifetime deal, I would spring for the fast lane pass or whatever it's called. If you can get the park tickets cheap on the website, it won't be quite as painful to buy the fast lane.

 

[Tanzanite]

Its a beautiful park we loved it enjoyed the water park also.Sorry no tips we stayed at an awful hotel cant remember name but it was old and dirty.We saw the Great Wolf Lodge next door wished stayed there hopefully next time.

 

[beastandbelle]

We go to Cedar point at least once a year and have done it a bunch of different ways but honestly the cheapest I've ever paid for tickets was on eBay. People like to resell the codes they win from coke and most people want between $25 and $30 a ticket. The cheaper Cedar Point hotels are not very nice at all and you can find better for cheaper close by. Definitely get the refillable cups..we do that every year and it can definitely save a bunch. There really aren't any places inside the park that have food good enough to warrant the price. If you want to bring food there are picnic tables right outside the gate. If you are able to $$ wise then spring for the fastpass otherwise expect a good long wait for several of the coasters.

 

[720L]

We were just there Friday. Food is expensive and not very good. You can't bring any bags on the rides with you, so make sure any valuables can fit in your pockets. I tried looping my backpack around my legs like I do at Disney, but they wouldn't let me. The coasters are amazing, but it sure isn't Disney!

 

[Mirax]

If you are looking for a similar park that won't be to far out of your way, Kings Island in Cincinnati is a good choice. Cedar Fair owns Kings Island as well and the water park is included in the price.
A previous poster mentioned only bring things that fit in pockets and I agree. Locker rental is not cheap. If you do get a locker go for one that has a cell phone charger.
Fast Pass's double the price of admission but well worth it.
Look at the grocery stores to see if they cell tickets cheaper.

Have fun,
Mirax

 

[*pixie*dust*]

Go in knowing it will not compare to WDW. Comparing it to WDW will lead to disappointment. If you go in with lowered expectations on food, maintenance and staff you should have a fun time. Its not a bad way to spend the day at all. I am not a huge coaster fan --so I can take it or leave it-- but for those who do love coasters there is a lot to offer older kids and adults.

 

[Latmlnsn]

Love cedar point (I'm a buckeye after all)
If you only have a day and love rides, do the fast lanes add on. The lines can be soooo slow.
The food is expensive! Ditto everyone on the lockers. If you wear sandals some rides require you to take them off.
Don't pass up the older rides! My favorite ride is still the raptor. They have bigger/faster ones but that's the one for me! I was terrified of the power tower and refused to ride it for years, finally did it last year, the view is amazing at the top!

 

[BelleBeautyandtheBeast]

My Coke Rewards currently has 1 day Cedar Point tickets for 1,000 points.

We live within driving distance of CP, we always pack a lunch and "picnic" in the parking lot.

Keep an eye on the CP website they do run specials and good deals from time to time.

Local grocery stores often sell tickets at a slight discount (Giant Eagle and Drug Mart come to mind)

Fat wallet has a pretty comprehensive thread about 2014 Cedar Point. Not sure if I can link that site here so I will just mention it.

 

[stacy~**]

I grew up going to CP (it was our Disney) and still try and make it back every year or two.

I agree with the previous posters on many topics.

Be weary of many of the hotels in the area. Right outside CP is pretty run down so be sure to read reviews (I would suggest a CP hotel if that's in the budget).

Maybe give Pink's a try for a meal. I actually haven't ate at this one but have ate at the Hollywood location and I think it is pretty cool that it is there.

Also as a PP mentioned be sure to ride the older coasters. They are great and will have VERY short lines.

Finally...at the end of the night be sure to grab a box of salt water taffy on your way out. That is a tradition for us!

Have fun!!

 

[khaoskat]

Maples Motel was awesome. yes, it is older, but the owner keeps it fairly well maintained and bug free. He has one family suite that sleeps a lot of people, and 2 rooms that are connected, and the rest are all single rooms. He has dougnuts and fruit in the office in the morning. There is no bath, just shower, and a single double bed per room, with room for a roll away. Except for the Family Suite, which has several beds of different sizes.

You could also check with Dockside Accomodations to see if any of their private rental units are available (usually $90-$175/night - but full kitchen) and they are about 5 mins from CP. There are also some other vacation rental homes, and most of those are really good and usually bug free as the owners live in them at times themselves.

Check out bed bug registry, because many of the hotels have issues.

There are also several campgrounds that have rental cabins within a 15-20 minute drive.

Stop at a McDonalds somewhere in Ohio and get the Ohio Travel plastic cup for discounts.

If going for more than one day, do the 2 or 3 day ride and slide package, saves you $$. If you want to do a combined CP/KI trip, you can get a special ticket that is a 1 day at each park admission.

Park at the back of the park (where Soak City is) for less crowded parking.

The drink cups are not "new" this year, they have had them for many years, but you have to get a new cup each year now that Coke has taken over the contract. If you ask for ice water it comes in a small 8 oz cup....so if you have a water bottle take it in with you and they will refill it free.

Food, as people have said, is not the best.....and it is typical amusement park food....and expensive..people thought Disney Food was expensive...this is moreso. But for like $30/person you can get the daily meal plan (you can get an entree and side every 90 minutes all day long).

If you are at least 3-4 weeks out, order the brochure with coupons.

This is a true amusement park, it is as others have said Not Disney. Also, as for Fast Lane, if you are going on a F-Sa I would say it is almost a must if you are going just 1 day. If you are going during the week, during working hours it wont be too bad. Low season is still at CP during the week, since kids are still in school.

CP has only been open this season for 2 weekends, so it is a bit swamped with that...after this weekend should level out some. They did a few special things the last two weekends (College/School days I believe was opening weekend; last weekend was passholder appreciation) that draw huge crowds. This weekend Military get in free. Then there is an off week and I believe a week later is Coasting for Kids, which will bring slightly more crowds and a bit longer lines on certain rides (Gemini) as it will only operate 1 train most of the day.

 

[Funfire240]

If you buy bottled water watch - it's $3.85 for a 20 oz Desani but you can get 4 for $10 at some of the food places (if not all, but I only saw the ones we were at - after I bought 3 and paid almost $15!).

We were there Saturday - watch your change when paying! There were a couple times when the kids working were charging wrong or giving back the wrong change (one guy ahead of us bough Advil for $1.61 - handed $20 bill and 61 cents - totally threw the girl off and she didn't know what to do - then DH bought DD a bracelet and she gave him too much change back, which he was honest and helped her count it back). I was also charged double when I bought my fudge too until I caught it.

Even though we live 40 minutes away, we stayed at Castaway Bay - the kids got to swim in the indoor water park the night before and we had discounted tickets, parking included and early entry into the park the next day. I've seen people complain that at Disney, age 10 is considered an adult price, well at CP anyone over 48" is an "adult" so my DD who just turned 6 is an "adult" there. However, they do have discounted senior tickets for over 61.

We had a blast but I told DH it was wierd not hearing have a magical day! A lot of the workers there did not have much enthusiasm!

We only rode one coaster that had no line (one of the older ones) because of being there for the kids but when we go back the 2 of us, we would definitely spring for the fastlane pass. My DSIS didn't get it last year and they did not make it on many of the big coasters because of the long waits so they said they would also pay for the pass next time.

If you have little ones, they have fun things for them to do, a lot that is themed around Snoopy - DD loved meeting and having her picture with Snoopy (DS4 was afraid of him and wouldn't go near! Cracked me up since he has no problem wtih Mickey and friends!)

 

[Mickeyluver37]

If you buy bottled water watch - it's $3.85 for a 20 oz Desani but you can get 4 for $10 at some of the food places (if not all, but I only saw the ones we were at - after I bought 3 and paid almost $15!).

We were there Saturday - watch your change when paying! There were a couple times when the kids working were charging wrong or giving back the wrong change (one guy ahead of us bough Advil for $1.61 - handed $20 bill and 61 cents - totally threw the girl off and she didn't know what to do - then DH bought DD a bracelet and she gave him too much change back, which he was honest and helped her count it back). I was also charged double when I bought my fudge too until I caught it.

Even though we live 40 minutes away, we stayed at Castaway Bay - the kids got to swim in the indoor water park the night before and we had discounted tickets, parking included and early entry into the park the next day. I've seen people complain that at Disney, age 10 is considered an adult price, well at CP anyone over 48" is an "adult" so my DD who just turned 6 is an "adult" there. However, they do have discounted senior tickets for over 61.

We had a blast but I told DH it was wierd not hearing have a magical day! A lot of the workers there did not have much enthusiasm!

We only rode one coaster that had no line (one of the older ones) because of being there for the kids but when we go back the 2 of us, we would definitely spring for the fastlane pass. My DSIS didn't get it last year and they did not make it on many of the big coasters because of the long waits so they said they would also pay for the pass next time.

If you have little ones, they have fun things for them to do, a lot that is themed around Snoopy - DD loved meeting and having her picture with Snoopy (DS4 was afraid of him and wouldn't go near! Cracked me up since he has no problem wtih Mickey and friends!)

How was Castaway Bay? All of the Cedar Point hotels that come with the perks seems older and don't get the best reviews- I'm just trying to decide if it's worth staying at the Breakers for the convenience of being able to walk to the park, or if we should save the money and pick one of the other 3.

 

[vtownpatty]

CP did add some type of " dining plan" this year. We live 10 minutes away so I have not looked into it much, but might be something to help you. Meijer (similar to (Walmart) sells discounted tickets in town. As previous posters have said, it isn't Disney. Many more thrill rides and coasters, but no theming, etc. enjoy!

going back to see the Mouse sooner then expected!

 

[ceecee]

I prefer Kings Island to Cedar Point, it is in Mason near Cincinnati. The area around it is more upscale where as I thought CP looked a little run down and there are plenty of hotels and places to eat that are nicer. Great Wolf is next door. If you want Cedar Point, there are discounts on the Discover Ohio large drink cups at McD's $20 off two tickets. (looks like the tickets are $59.99 a day now!). We get KI discounts at our Kroger store so they may have Cedar Point too or check AAA. I heard something about a hotel discount on the radio because DH said we should go to Cedar Point (he grew up near there and went a lot). We are less than an hour from King's Island now, so I really have no desire to drive 3 hours to a similar park. Which is not even close to being Disney! The food is terrible and expensive, makes you appreciate WDW food though!

 

[ceecee]

Sorry! Double post