Cedar Point resort question! (now with pics)

cstraub

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I am taking 4 teenage boys to Cedar Point as a birthday present to my DS(15).

Here's my question.......For around $200 a night I can either stay at Hotel Breakers which is right at the park entrance or I can stay at Castaway Bay, get four free waterpark tickets but have to take the shuttle to and from the park.

Which resort would you stay at? Has anyone ever done the shuttle? Is it reliable?
 
How many days? If it is one I would consider staying at Breakers.

You are staying right in the park. You can hang back and chill and they can come and go as you please.

Are you going soon? The waterpark is closed right now, I am sure.
 
Castaway Bay is an INDOOR waterpark and is open year round. It's not really geared toward older kids though. My girls are 10 & 12, and were a tiny bit bored by the end of the second day at Castaway Bay.

It just depends on how much time you plan on spending there. We live too close to get a hotel just to visit Cedar Point.

If I was going in the summer, I'd stay at the Breakers and visit Soak City, Cedar Point's outdoor waterpark.

If I was going this time of year and I had a day to kill, I would stay at Castaway Bay and enjoy their waterpark for a day.

If you only have one day, then skip Castaway Bay cause you'll be at Cedar Point the whole time anyway.
 
Have you looked into the cottages?? They are about the same walking distance to get into the park as Hotel Breakers ~ but are much nicer because they have the kitchen and grill, therefore, you can take a break from the park and go back to have some lunch/chill for a bit ~ then go back to the park!

I have never stayed at Castaway Bay and used the shuttle so I am not sure how that works.....but would think that it is pretty much reliable being it is Cedar Point run! May not be convenient for when you want to come and go, but reliable much like Disney transportation!?
 

AprilShowers said:
If I was going in the summer, I'd stay at the Breakers and visit Soak City, Cedar Point's outdoor waterpark.

If I was going this time of year and I had a day to kill, I would stay at Castaway Bay and enjoy their waterpark for a day.

If you only have one day, then skip Castaway Bay cause you'll be at Cedar Point the whole time anyway.

ITA ::yes::

I don't think you'll get much use out of the waterpark at Castaway Bay unless it's raining that day. Do Soak City if you're there two days. :)
 
Oh...an indoor waterpark. I would skip that, that is usually for little kids. Much more fun to ride the thrill rides for teens.:thumbsup2
 
Hello,
I work at Cedar Point actually and I bet you are wondering: "Can a 14 yr. old really work there?" Well yes you actually can! I have not gotten a chance to check out Castaway Bay yet, but have been inside Heartbreakers. Since it is October and the park closes in 2 weeks I would actually go with Castaway Bay :) If you get cold at the park and want to enjoy some water fun then Castaway Bay In-Door Waterpark is the place for you :)

Well that is just my opinion since it will be getting colder than it already is in Ohio..
 
I'd go with the Breakers if you're going next summer, Castaway if you're going before the season closes this year.

Whatever you do DON'T stay at Breakers Express - total dump and one of the most disgusting hotels I've ever stayed at.
 
We are actually going tom. I have been away and am planning this sort of last minute. I did a lot of research on the resorts before I left but never booked. Saturday we will go to Cedar Point all day and then Sunday we would go to Castaway Bay. Our stay will be for just one night.

I do like the idea of staying at the Breakers just because we can come and go more easily. Sounds like the Castaway Bay may not be good for teens.

Still undecided at this point.

Thanks for the input!
 
kimber79 said:
Have you looked into the cottages?? They are about the same walking distance to get into the park as Hotel Breakers ~ but are much nicer because they have the kitchen and grill, therefore, you can take a break from the park and go back to have some lunch/chill for a bit ~ then go back to the park!

I have never stayed at Castaway Bay and used the shuttle so I am not sure how that works.....but would think that it is pretty much reliable being it is Cedar Point run! May not be convenient for when you want to come and go, but reliable much like Disney transportation!?
I'm in NJ, and have been thinking that this might be a good place to meet family for a vacation (family in Ohio and Chicago area). We're a family of 7 (5 children between the ages of 4 and 10), and I was thinking the cottages would be better than 2 hotel rooms. Are the nice? Close proximity to the park? Any downside?
 
Having been to Cedar Point an average of 20-30 days per year for the past 9 years (until our move to Green Bay this summer and we still made it a couple times before moving), I'd have to say either Castaway Bay or the cottages/cabins. If it's supposed to be cool weather, I'd go with Castaway Bay. My kids are a bit younger (11, 13, 14), but have really enjoyed it. We've also been to Tundra Lodge and Great Wolf which are similar but they liked CB a lot better, probably because of the water rollercoaster - just a bit "cooler".

Because of the kids' ages, they won't want to spend an entire day at CB, but it's a lot cooler than Hotel Breakers pool, which although it may be open, will be COLD now. I know they have an indoor pool next to Friday's as well, but it's always incredibly hot in there (I can't breathe!) and incredibly crowded. Even if it's crowded at CB, there's a place they can shoot hoops in the water which is the main thing my kids did after exhausting the slides. Maybe hit the parks in the mornings (before crowds), waterpark in the afternoon, then back to parks in the evening.

If you don't want to go this route, the cabins are REALLY nice and I know early season we've paid like $120 for them, so doubt they're over $200 if available now. The cabins (I believe - I always get them mixed up!) have a really cool loft above that could easily sleep all the kids in sleeping bags (I really think you could sleep about 8 people up there - it's just a big carpeted area), plus there is a living room with 2 futons and a bedroom with a double bed. You could sleep in there and close yourself off from them and they could choose between the futons, upstairs (which overlooks the futons) and have the kitchen & bathroom to hang out in. I believe the cottages have a room with bunks but no loft - we've never stayed in them.

Hotel Breakers is basically a hotel. I don't think the pool is anything exciting and the rooms certainly aren't. Only selling point is the proximity, and the cabins aren't much further. (Teenagers would have no trouble walking back and forth). I really think they would think of the cabin as much more of an adventure.

However, I'd choose CB over any of these. There's a huge arcade (although this may be a negative for you!). If you think the kids would be too "cool" for a waterpark, however, check out the cabins.

mjkacmom - I would definitely agree that the cabins would be better for your situation, especially since you'd only need one. As I said earlier, the younger kids could easily all sleep upstairs, and the adults could have the 2 double futons or the bedroom and it would be like a slumber party. Plus you don't have noise from other people, and you have a kitchen so you can make popcorn, store pop, etc.

Feel free to ask any questions and good luck everyone! We miss CP!
 
marciemi said:
Having been to Cedar Point an average of 20-30 days per year for the past 9 years (until our move to Green Bay this summer and we still made it a couple times before moving), I'd have to say either Castaway Bay or the cottages/cabins. If it's supposed to be cool weather, I'd go with Castaway Bay. My kids are a bit younger (11, 13, 14), but have really enjoyed it. We've also been to Tundra Lodge and Great Wolf which are similar but they liked CB a lot better, probably because of the water rollercoaster - just a bit "cooler".

Because of the kids' ages, they won't want to spend an entire day at CB, but it's a lot cooler than Hotel Breakers pool, which although it may be open, will be COLD now. I know they have an indoor pool next to Friday's as well, but it's always incredibly hot in there (I can't breathe!) and incredibly crowded. Even if it's crowded at CB, there's a place they can shoot hoops in the water which is the main thing my kids did after exhausting the slides. Maybe hit the parks in the mornings (before crowds), waterpark in the afternoon, then back to parks in the evening.

If you don't want to go this route, the cabins are REALLY nice and I know early season we've paid like $120 for them, so doubt they're over $200 if available now. The cabins (I believe - I always get them mixed up!) have a really cool loft above that could easily sleep all the kids in sleeping bags (I really think you could sleep about 8 people up there - it's just a big carpeted area), plus there is a living room with 2 futons and a bedroom with a double bed. You could sleep in there and close yourself off from them and they could choose between the futons, upstairs (which overlooks the futons) and have the kitchen & bathroom to hang out in. I believe the cottages have a room with bunks but no loft - we've never stayed in them.

Hotel Breakers is basically a hotel. I don't think the pool is anything exciting and the rooms certainly aren't. Only selling point is the proximity, and the cabins aren't much further. (Teenagers would have no trouble walking back and forth). I really think they would think of the cabin as much more of an adventure.

However, I'd choose CB over any of these. There's a huge arcade (although this may be a negative for you!). If you think the kids would be too "cool" for a waterpark, however, check out the cabins.

mjkacmom - I would definitely agree that the cabins would be better for your situation, especially since you'd only need one. As I said earlier, the younger kids could easily all sleep upstairs, and the adults could have the 2 double futons or the bedroom and it would be like a slumber party. Plus you don't have noise from other people, and you have a kitchen so you can make popcorn, store pop, etc.

Feel free to ask any questions and good luck everyone! We miss CP!
Thank you for the cabin information - they look nice on the website, but you never know! And less expensive than 2 hotel rooms, and we could make some meals. Travel is not easy with 5 children! I want to start planning a Disney trip (I've been there many times), and can't decide between 2 resort rooms or renting DVC points for a 2 bedroom villa.
 
Thanks everyone for your posts. I decided to go with the Hotel Breakers. I have stayed there before and I just love how you can walk to the park. With us only staying one night I think that was the best way to go.

Good news- I was going to book online and was actually getting ready to click to confirm my reservation when my computer shut down. I was upset to see that once I got it restarted the room I wanted at Hotel Breakers was gone! :sad2: I had been quoted online, prior to the computer shutting down a total of $239.00. I ended up calling cedar Point directly and got a room at the Hotel Breakers in the old section (which I prefer) for $144.oo total! I saved about $100 because my computer shut down at the exact right moment!

I'm off to bed. I have a long drive ahead tom! :Pinkbounc
 
Well how was Cedar Point this weekend for you? I actually just got back from there! (Work). Saturday was a nice but a little cold night for Halloweekends, but it was still great. I got off work on Satuday at 7 and stayed for the rest of the night. Saturday the lines were packed and it felt almost impossible to even get on a ride itself! Today (Sunday) it was very cold, windy, and a little rain here and there, but the park was totally DEAD! I would say that today was the perfect day for Cedar Point if you dressed in many layers of course. (All Rides Were Walk-On; Wait Of 10 Minutes Or Less!)
 
Is Castaway Bay supposed to be better than Kalahari, because I've stopped to look at Kalahari and it's pretty nice.
 
momof2inPA said:
Is Castaway Bay supposed to be better than Kalahari, because I've stopped to look at Kalahari and it's pretty nice.

That's probably a personal call. Kalahari's the one I haven't made it to yet (and still want to but now I'll have to go to the Wisconsin Dells one). My best friend went to the Sandusky one twice (with kids 6-12) and really loved it. Apparently the surfing makes it worthwhile - that's its key point, like the waterrollercoaster is CB's. I'd say it might be a bit better for older kids just based on the surfing; for younger kids it probably wouldn't make a difference.

Just keep in mind it's a good distance from the park. I'd say 15 to 20 minutes, but like Disney, if you go at opening (or any time until 11am or so) or leave at closing, it's going to take longer as you get caught in traffic. I know at either place you'll pay for parking at CP so that's not an issue. If you're going to run back and forth to the parks though, CB might be a better option. Watch carefully for deals, though, I've seen both those hotels for $99 at some times (usually weekdays though).

KrazyLuke - I'd love to know what you do at CP as a 14 year old. My son is 14 and would have loved to work there when we lived closer. I thought you had to be 18 - do you have another family member working or are their certain jobs that you can be younger for? Thanks for the info!
 
VMK_KrazyLuke said:
Well how was Cedar Point this weekend for you? I actually just got back from there! (Work). Saturday was a nice but a little cold night for Halloweekends, but it was still great. I got off work on Satuday at 7 and stayed for the rest of the night. Saturday the lines were packed and it felt almost impossible to even get on a ride itself! Today (Sunday) it was very cold, windy, and a little rain here and there, but the park was totally DEAD! I would say that today was the perfect day for Cedar Point if you dressed in many layers of course. (All Rides Were Walk-On; Wait Of 10 Minutes Or Less!)


We had a great time! The waits on Sat were over two hours but we didn't mind. We waited for Top Thrill for about 2 and 1/2 hours and Millineum Force was about the same. I have been on much less crowded days but I like it busy. I thought we got pretty lucky on the weather. The Halloween themeing was great and just added to the fun.
When we left on Sunday Top Thrill had empty cars on it. The boys wanted to stay but we had to get home.
I got a few comments on my Disneyland sweatshirt that I wore into the park. One woman jokingly called me a trader. :rotfl:

Here are some pics....
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mjkacmom said:
I'm in NJ, and have been thinking that this might be a good place to meet family for a vacation (family in Ohio and Chicago area). We're a family of 7 (5 children between the ages of 4 and 10), and I was thinking the cottages would be better than 2 hotel rooms. Are the nice? Close proximity to the park? Any downside?

I would HIGHLY suggest a cabin! The cabin's have a loft ~ the cottages don't, so I would do a cabin as they sleep a few more. The loft is a nice little area that the kids can *camp out*....but you cannot stand up up there. There is also no bedding for up there, but bring an air bed or a couple sleeping bags and you will be good! (you could easily sleep about 5 adults up there!) Each cabin has a small kitchen area, and a grill outside....very nice to come back and chill for lunch and then go back to enjoy the park some more!! In the cabins there are two futon beds in the living room, and then a double bed and bunk beds in the bedroom. The only down side to the cabins are just having one bathroom ~ BUT there is a shower house that is right there! It is very close walking distance to get into the park....you just have to walk on the sidewalk along the parking area of Soak City.

Let me know if you have any other questions!!

I don't see the pictures??
 
I couldn't see the pictures either, but found that if I right clicked on the red X's and chose "open picture in another window" that it appeared.

We never had a problem with the bathroom, but do keep in mind that each cabin has its own hot water heater (like a house), not unlimited (like a hotel), so if you have 4 adults who all take long showers one after another in the morning, you might run out of hot water.

The CP website has a really good link to pictures of them:

http://resorts.cedarpoint.com/public/resorts/galleries.cfm?resort_id=6

Once you get to this page, just click on all the cabin pictures. You can see the whole cabin interior (looking from the room with the futons in it towards the private Master Bedroom), the loft, the master bedroom and the kitchen. There's also a 360 circlevision tour of the cabin. I agree that these would work better for a larger group (than the cottages) since you could really put about as many kids in the loft as you wanted. You could look at the cottages too if you think this might work, but I think those really only sleep 6 people (futon, bunk bed, double), while the cabins sleep 6 (2 futons, double) but the loft is carpeted and my kids were fine sleeping on it in a sleeping bag. (No air mattress or anything).

OP - the pictures were just depressing to me since we moved too far away from CP this summer to make it back for the Halloweekends. We'd also always found that you could do twice as much on Sunday before leaving at say 2pm than you could in the entire day Saturday. This year we had to settle for Six Flags Halloween weekends (Chicago) :sad2: , but that was a whole different thread!
 

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