Cedar Point Pics

[keishashadow]

Day #1

Family snuck off to Cedar Point area late in July, we were still coming down from our great WDW/Universal trip and needed a fix

Only stayed 2 nights, had booked the Econolodge on Cleveland; as it got high reviews on TripAdvisor...probably the worst dump i've ever seen. Horrid neighborhood, restaurant/bar/on-line gaming place across the street that is attached to the Quality Inn Waterpark had a sign on the door:

"no firearms allowed in restaurant" guess it's okay to use them in the parking lot.

Even though Econolodge refused to refund my 1 night's deposit; we decided to drive until we found the 1st decent Choice hotel (cheapo me; uses the SAMS rate when we don't travel to FL. They do require that you present a valid membership card when you check in though).

Found a nice Clarion located near the mall, where lots of chain restaurants were located & one of my favorites that we don't have in Pittsburgh - Friendly's - yum, ice cream in every shape & form.

I told my tale of woe to the clerk who pointed me to the mgr. They not only got my deposit refunded but; honored my rate! Found out later the same family owned both hotels. Huge room, wi-fi, refrig., "comfort beds" very nice. Indoor pool, hot tub, bar/restaurant & nice breakfast bar spread too.

DH poolside; me & DS playing on spiral staircase to upper rooms; DS devouring Harry Potter

I've got a thang for lighthouses. Marblehead lighthouse is across the bay from the park. We set forth passing party central "Put-in-Bay". Don't think i'd want to hang there with kids, did look fun...think a northern Margarittaville complex.

The Lighthouse is in a state park. Had to sign up for the tour/access to lighthouse; 1/2 hour wait so we toured the museum & played around on the rocks by Lake Erie until it was our turn

original lamp; huge bolders & family

lighthouse, getting ready to climb the spiral staircase (i have a fear of heights lol; don't look down)
After the lighthouse, we headed off to another nearby state park, with what we were told was the area's biggest beach. Pretty park, beach was mostly shaded; only problem was it was only about a football field in length packed with so many people you could hardly see the sand Other issue; due to a barrier they placed offshore to prevent beach erosion, the water didn't get much deeper than your knees; we did stick our feet in the sand.

The Breakers is the expensive "onsite" hotel; we did visit their least expensive property Castaway Bay, block down the street from the roach motel we originally booked. It looked very nice indeed. We took advantage of a special they offer after 5:00 p.m. for offsite guests; $10 pp to use their indoorwaterpark. We had a good time; despite the fact that it was the smallest i've ever seen. Still, plenty of lounge chairs & killer hot tub. Small wave pool & a very zippy mini-water coaster...lifeguards said i won the prize for screamer of the day

We were going to eat @ the Thirsty Pony (luv the name but; it was the scary place i mentioned before; decided to skip it). Honestly, weren't sure if our SUV would still be there when we can back out. Drove to the Friendly's & waited quite a spell; was worth it. Stuffed and tired, ma & pa crashed for the night; while jr. kept reading Harry.

 

[Rubbertops]

Great review ~ thanks!

 

[keishashadow]

u r welcome; i'm not done yet one more day to go - soon as i wrest the desktop away from my kids.

 

[Metro West]

It's great so far Janet...keep it comin'.

 

[bubba's mom]

Glued to the details...did you take notes??? We ARE going to CP..someday...dunno if '08 or not....but we're going.... eh, never TOO early to plan a vacation, eh?? I appreciate all the info....kinda like my "Dump Western" in VA!

 

[keishashadow]

i'm just winging it from memory; vacations seem to be the one thing i can still vaguely remember for a few months.

Saw all the pics in my photobucket, thought i might as well post jik someone wants to visit in the future.

more later

 

[keishashadow]

Day 2

We awoke raring to go the next morning; all except DH who flops around alot @ night, hates double beds. I had plenty of room

Drug family to the freebie breakfast buffet; had it set up in breakfast room; also had tables out in the inner courtyard. Dark, but very nice; evidently it's a hot spot for wedding receptions, spacious.

DH & DS aren't big on breakfast; just had fruit & donut/danish. I made myself a waffle and grabbed a yogurt. Juice, breakfast sandwiches; bagels/cream cheese; cereal...very good. Only issue was people who ate then proceeded to lounge @ their tables killing time before the park opened; oblivious to those who'd like a seat to eat too...'duh.

Heard one of the workers explain why she was late; traffic jam due to accident. Main road into CP closed. I gathered my family & we headed out to the interstate a mile or so away & doubled back thru town; only 20 min. or so. Saw the traffic snarl on our way thru; glad we tour the detour.

While we missed the park opening by 15 min or so; I didn't think the crowds would be bad considering it was a Thursday - not quite lol. We thought we had struck it lucky, mentioned it to an employee @ 1st coaster. She laughed & said everyone was in the back of the park waiting in line for the Maverick & Top Thrill Dragster. Apparently, there used to be a "running of the bulls"; which they curtailed due to people getting hurt. Now onsite guests, get to early entry 1 hour prior to several popular rides; effectively causing an hour or 2 wait BEFORE regular guests get to the park.

Determined to not spend the whole day in line for 2 coasters, I rethought our strategy & just decided to meander thru the park & select rides at random...a 1st for me. Actually, worked out quite well.

DH/DS with top thrill dragster, far background
closer shot, car on left side. It's 420 feet tall, goes from 0 to 120 mph in 4 seconds; 90 degree twisting ascent, 270 degree descent. Fun to just watch & hear the screams. Interestingly, found out it's a first choice for many in the am as it can take several times to make it to the top on the 1st run of the day.

middle ride is sim to Dr. Doom, notice the gondolas overhead...only extend about 1/4 distance of the park; takes longer to wait to ride than walk the distance...save for later.

Just breaking in new camera, sorry for poor lighting issue on some of the pics...here's the Blue Streak.
]Since it was a vintage coaster & only 40 mph, 78 foot ht; i figured it's a kiddie coaster. Ha, despite the type of seats that curve to hold the individual riders butts & lap restraints; DH & I both had airtime almost the whole ride; amazing how they worked that many hills into it.

If you're into historical carousels, the Cedar Downs Raceway is one of 2 in the US that not only revolve; but the horses in each row move back & forth; effectively racing each other; simple fun.


walking back thru the park, noticed the Snoopy theming - cute

They had one of my fav. type coasters, Iron Dragon. Evidently, not too popular as we rode it several times throughout the day. Along the line of Big Bad Wolf coaster @ BGW; tamer though.

Wild mouse type, Wildcat; just okay; nothing special.

I skipped the Millineium Force (310 ft. ht, 93 mph) posting shots better than mine lol
DH said it was long; yet you were able to get a nice view of the lake area.

The Gemini was one of my favs; a "real" wooden racing coaster; 60 mph; 118 ft drop. Able to ride several times, lots of fun trash talking when you pass close to the other car.

The Mean Streak was a 2 thumbs down; glad i skipped it. 1st time I've ever heard family say a ride hurt their backs; guess they mean it when they call it mean.

Only other stinker of a ride was the one we waited the longest for, over an hour; Disaster Transport. Supposed to be a 3-D indoor roller coaster. As you enter you can buy disposable 3-D glasses for a buck; decided to pass; glad we did. The 3-D effects were no more than glow-in-the-dark paint thrown on the walls in the waiting area. As for the ride itself, believe they were going for a Space Mt. theme? Your car goes up a traditional coaster lift, then at the top you start to roll (yes, the car had wheels) in a free-fall down a metal tube.

Cedar Creek Mine coaster was nothing special.

The Mantis, Raptor, Corkscrew & Wicked Twister were fine, just nothing different; still fun.

Thought the train ride deserves mention; well-themed w/skeletons in different vinettes. Line for the boat ride was too long for me.

We got back to the Maverick area around 11:30 am; the wait was posted as 4 hours. Employees were working the crowd; playing games, singing, etc. Even had runners for water/soda, etc. Good thing lots of the line was shaded.

Tried the Top Thrill Dragster line a couple of times, never less than 2 hour wait, skipped it too.

Many food concessions were "farmed out" to places you'd find in a mall food court. Refillable drinks were available, they use a system of different colored lids each day. A large majority of the employees (especially food workers & the ones who worked the attractions) were Eastern European & from the Middle East. All were unfailingly polite and spoke excellent English. Asked a team member, who explained that they need workers to commit early spring to late fall & were getting stuck with college kids heading back to school. She pointed to some very old looking dormitories where they house many; others offsite in what resembles public housing.

Will mention that it was near 90 & humid, still the crowd just kept on coming even into the early evening. Was glad to duck into the Snoopy ice show for a blast of cool air. Got a chance to play with my camera, didn't use the flash, etc.; got some decent action shots. Yes, those are giant s'mores; summer camp theme.


DS said he had a stomachache so we headed back to the hotel around 6:30 p.m. DH & I enjoyed the deserted pool; then we went out to nearby Max & Ermas (dirty floor; sub-par food, disinterested waitstaff?).

Next day, helped ourselves to the buffet again; then stopped @ Harley dealer on way out of town to snag DH yet another tshirt.

Saw the Great Wolf Lodge & Kalahari also on the way out. Kalahari was building a large addition onto their waterpark. Might have to give it a try, since we enjoyed Splash Lagoon in Erie, PA; last memorial day. Long as the road's are clear; a nice idea for winter break.

If any specific questions, feel free to ask. We enjoyed it way more than I thought, mapquest said it was 2 1/2 hours from Pittsburgh; well less than 2 hrs for us. Still wouldn't want to drive out without getting a room overnight. The OH turnpike is in way better shape that the sorry PA one, smooth sailing. Did hit the end of rush-hour Cleveland traffic, no big deal. Here's the official website: www.cedarpoint.com

 

[keishashadow]

Forgot to add the '08 APs are already on sale.

last few years Cedar Fair (parent co.) has offered a Maxx Pass (approx $270 if i recall correctly); good @ all their parks.

If anyone's thinking of venturing up north, there are 3 alone in Ohio and includes Kings Dominion & Knotts in CA.

 

[bubba's mom]

Soooo...I'm confused....didja get to ride Maverick or no? Thanks for that review....it's bookmarked in my favorites to keep checking on when we finally do go!

 

[loribell]

So is there a good time to visit so that you can ride the two biggies? Sounds like you had a good time. Maybe we can hop up there some day.

Thanks for the report.

 

[bubba's mom]

So is there a good time to visit so that you can ride the two biggies? Sounds like you had a good time. Maybe we can hop up there some day.

Thanks for the report.

That's what I'm tryin to figure out...however, I may be able to convince DH to stay at the Castaway Bay hotel (is that the onsite hotel for early entry?)....he might go for that. And, how many days do you allow for the park, waterpark and the indoor waterpark at the hotel (IF we stay there)?? Wow....I feel so lost with CP...but, eh, just startin'....I'll get there......

 

[loribell]

Isn't it amazing how we can tell people exactly what to do & how to do it in what many consider the hardest to vacation at but feel so lost when it comes to vacationing elsewhere? Janet & I are having trouble figuring out DL for pete's sake.

 

[keishashadow]

yep, i'm realling not getting the whole DL planning vibe; certainly not as much info out there in guidebooks, even the UG is skimpy imo. glad to have the thread here for help.

Okay, there are 4 "onsite" hotels & RV park/camper cabins. All give you early entry privledges both the day you check in & the day you check out.

The biggest & most expensive is the Hotel Breakers (the rooms in the summer are more than the deluxe resorts @ WDW, as in some over $500/night, believe they started under $200. It's a combination of original (old) motel & new tower. Located on the lake; with a beach & pool. Only problem i've read about the pool is the tendency for the gulls to divebomb it. Going by what i've read on Tripadvisor (they have a chat thread specific to Sandusky); the older rooms are very small & have no elevator service.

Lighthouse point (holds at least 5 pp) & the camper cabins (6pp?) & RV park are at the end of the causeway. Lighthouse point consistently gets dismal reviews & can be as pricey as Hotel Breakers. Camper cabins are popular, have a deck/picnic table feet from the lake, although they have boulders to prevent encroachment.

The next hotel, pricewise; is the Castaway Bay, back on Cleveland Rd; just off the peninsula before you get to the causeway to the park. It gets semi-decent reviews, although as i mentioned; if you are expecting a huge WP; this isn't for you.

The most economical is the Breakers Express, heading back to the park on the Causeway; think newer; yet basic roadside type property...nothing fancy; still pricey. Believe you can fit 5 in a room here w/cot.

There are no AAA discounts & they charge a penalty for cancelling ressies. Appears as though they don't have to try very hard to fill the rooms; so the service is at best adequate; most report sub-par for the $$$.

I won't wait in line over 2 hours for ANYTHING...maybe capt jack . So, we didn't get to ride the big two - Maverick & top thrill dragster (which imo is the "badder" ride).

As i mentioned we went on a Thursday, which i thought would be slow. Apparently, it is imperative to stay onsite in order to avoid a lengthy wait. All the onsite properties have this privledge & some packages give you free parking ($10/day) along w/the WP. Next to CP, there is a smallish outdoor onsite one too that you can add. There is a special parking area off to the right, where guests can park & access the entry about 1/2 way back in the park...in the area of the Top Thrill Dragster; saves more time.


Most of the other hotels who tout their close proximity to the causeway leading to the park looked beat to me. Heading out of town a 1/2 mile or so East is a Knight's Inn that gets high review on TA.

Major problem with this area around Cleveland Rd is both the rather seedy atmosphere & the fact that an active train track runs parellel to it. As in you can see the track, i'm a light sleeper - wouldn't work for me.

Going south out of town toward turnpike (I-80?) are even more rundown hotels: ; keep going until you hit the mall area; where the Clarion is tucked away by the movie theater.

We'd either stay there again or head another 1/2 mile past the Great Wolf (nice; yet from what I read WP is more geared to kiddie set); and stay @ the Kalahri. Think AK vibe, they run specials; including a Tuesday one that starts @ noon EST-beat the clock. We could've had their basic "hut" room for around $150+ night midweek; sorry we passed on it. You do get the WP access.

Plenty of other newer hotels in this area, ranging back to turnpike. Most offer a free shuttle to park; although the drive was no more than 15 min...although I cannot say what it would be like in the am since we had the traffic snarl due to accident.

 

[AlexandNessa]

I'm just getting a chance to read this now. We've always wanted to do Cedar Point, so thanks for the lo down! Would you say 2 days would be enough? And, do any of their partner hotels offer transportation to the park? Thanks Janet!

 

[QT Pooh]

I'm just getting a chance to read this now. We've always wanted to do Cedar Point, so thanks for the lo down! Would you say 2 days would be enough? And, do any of their partner hotels offer transportation to the park? Thanks Janet!

Hi, I just got to read this as well. The kids and I also went to CP in July. It was lots of fun. Two of the best roller coasters I ever, ever rode (and I rode a lot!) Maverick for me was so-so. Seemed like much too much hype. We did the two days and thought that was plenty - although we did have to wait 1 1/2 hours to ride both Maverick and Millenium Force. Top Thrill Dragster is an experience not to be missed. It was the only roller coaster I have ever felt like I might die on - but that only lasted until we reached the top and made it over the loop (like 5 seconds).

Their hotels are all on the perimeter of the park and most have van transportation, but it would be an easy walk as well. The parking lot over near Cedar Point was not busy and we wound up parking there both days. We did not stay at the hotels there (we were staying at the Hampton Inn in Fremont, which was about 20 minutes away). We had a great time at Cedar Point but will probably not ever go back there. We drove out so we were able to see other things too while we were out there - the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame and Niagara Falls on the way back.

If anyone has any questions at all about CP or other places, please feel free to ask!

 

[keishashadow]

I'm just getting a chance to read this now. We've always wanted to do Cedar Point, so thanks for the lo down! Would you say 2 days would be enough? And, do any of their partner hotels offer transportation to the park? Thanks Janet!

def

if you can visit in May or early June...even late August/Sept; the onsite rates are much better & i'm told it's more manageable - esp. on weekdays. Make sure to go to their website & signup for the brochure; many coupons including some substaintial room discounts

I believe we'll throw in Kelly's Island/Put-in-Bay next trip; lots to do there too.

Never did check out RNR Hall of Fame, did see the Pro Football one in Canton . We had fun @ Niagara Falls too few years ago; even though the US checkpoint asked my youngest son: "Is this your mom & dad...would you tell me if they weren't..." must've been a slow day or we looked shifty.

 

[RVGal]

We had fun @ Niagara Falls too few years ago; even though the US checkpoint asked my youngest son: "Is this your mom & dad...would you tell me if they weren't..." must've been a slow day or we looked shifty.

Yeah, you guys look really... ummm... normal...

Thanks for posting the trippie!

 

[keishashadow]

Yeah, you guys look really... ummm... normal...

Thanks for posting the trippie!

probably closer to abby-normal believe it or not i couldn't manage to keep a civil tongue in my head after that...

asked the guard exactly what "tipped him off"

he said it was my response to his question as to whether we had any food to declare/we were bringing across the border. I replied that we had a case of Pop - AKA a red flag to inspector gadget

he said only canadians call it pop, americans call it soda (never in my life have i called a carbonated beverage a soda).

we can all rest easy knowing the crack staff we have guarding the international border.

 

[RVGal]

probably closer to abby-normal

Now I have to dig out Young Frankenstein and watch it... again...

believe it or not i couldn't manage to keep a civil tongue in my head after that...

asked the guard exactly what "tipped him off"

he said it was my response to his question as to whether we had any food to declare/we were bringing across the border. I replied that we had a case of Pop - AKA a red flag to inspector gadget

he said only canadians call it pop, americans call it soda (never in my life have i called a carbonated beverage a soda).

we can all rest easy knowing the crack staff we have guarding the international border.

Oh, puh-leez! My in laws call it pop and they are from Minnesota. In Atlanta, which is a huge melting pot of people, I heard soda, cola, pop, Coke... you name it. Inspector gadget would have a field day!

 

[keishashadow]

how funny was Igor's (Marty Feldman) moving hunchback?

Perhaps we're subversives and just don't know it?

DH & youngest DS (with same 1st & last name) always got special treatment @ airport security line too ; leaving me holding the luggage on the belt while they got wanded or taken off to the "room"

"unofficially" told their name was on the watch list (@ least not on the no-fly list); took our brand-new passports last trip & whizzed right through!

strangest thing is (even though we are catholic) we have a surname common to people of jewish descent