Rated as one of the best traditional amusement parks, Cedar Point was established in 1870 and has since not stopped growing. It is located along the Lake Erie peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio, United States. It is one of the theme parks with the most roller coasters in the world and also has some of the best thrill machines. Other than the amusement park, it also offers a water park, marina, a beach, and many accommodations. Today, we will dive deeper into the world of Cedar Point and learn what you can expect when you get there.
Hours & Location
In 2024, Cedar Point will be open every day from May 4 to September 2. It is important to note that Cedar Point will be closed due to modified operations on May 7, 8, 14, and 15. It will be open for selected dates during the months of September and October and will be closed on October 27, 2024, until its reopening for the 2025 season. During summer times, Cedar Point is usually open from 10 am to 8 pm, 10 pm, or 11 pm depending on the peak season. The Water Park is open from 11 am to 6 or 7 pm.
As mentioned above, it is located on a peninsula along Lake Erie. The park itself is long and narrow and surrounded by water which makes it great for having incredible views of the Lake. It is approximately an hour’s drive from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. If you are looking to drive out there, parking will typically cost you $25. You can pre-pay for parking if you’d like to.
Tickets
Cedar Point does offer substantially discounted tickets for seniors 62 and older and for juniors under 48 inches tall. Children under the age of 3 are admitted for free. There are many season pass tickets that are available online and at the park as well. Separate admission is required for the main and the water park.
Rides
Thrilling Coasters – It has been built as the roller coaster capital of the world and it does not disappoint. There are 18 world-class roller coasters at Cedar Point for you to enjoy. You can start your thrill rides with Gatekeeper which is near the entrance of the park. Then you can dive through the air with Raptor. Next, you can soar through twists and at Millenium Force. You will be in for a wild ride with Maverick and will be able to get ultimate thrills with Valravn. Finally, you can enjoy the oldest coaster at Cedar Point, known as Blue Streak.
Family Friendly Rides – Cedar Point is not all about thrills for adults, but it has something for the whole family to enjoy. Planet Snoopy, Kiddy Kingdom, and Camp Snoopy are the main children’s areas. Some of the attractions have height requirements for kids, while others don’t. Woodstock Express is a great coaster for families, as it reaches a height of just 38 feet and speeds up to 25 mph. At Dodgem bumper cars, the entire family can enjoy bumping into each other. You can also hop on board Snoopy’s Express Railroad for a fun and friendly tour of Planet Snoopy.
Fast Lane – You can maximize your time at Cedar Point with Fast Lane, which is a paid skip-the-line option available at Cedar Point. You will get a Fast Lane wristband for $95 plus taxes, which will allow you to bypass standby lines for 22 rides. For $115, there is also Fast Lane Plus available for all those attractions plus Steel Vengeance, Maverick, Millenium Force, and Valravn. There are only a limited number of passes that are available every day so make sure you get them before they run out.
Food
While you are enjoying all these attractions at Cedar Point, you are sure to work up an appetite. Throughout Cedar Point, there are more than 30 restaurants available. Many of these locations offer American cuisine with classic foods such as hot dogs and chicken tenders along with barbeque, pizza, and pasta. From national chains such as Chick-fil-A and Panda Express to Wild West-themed diners, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Cedar Point.
BackBeatQue is a place where you must stop to enjoy your barbeque needs and have sides such as mac and cheese and corn muffins. Hugo’s Italian Kitchen offers handmade pasta and family-size pizzas. Melt Bar & Grilled provides its distinct take on grilled cheese and sandwiches along with great beer and cocktails. There is also the new Farmhouse Kitchen & Grill which offers roaster corn ribs.
You can choose a dining plan while you’re visiting Cedar Point. For one price a day, per person, you can dine at selected restaurants every 90 minutes. The All Day Dining plan is $33.99 plus tax while the All-Day Dining premium plan is $44.99.
Shopping
There are a wide variety of stores scattered all through the park for you to grab some souvenirs. Situated at the Main Gate, Point Plaza is the biggest gift shop at Cedar Point. Frontier Town Emporium, General Store, and Pagoda Gift Shop are other large stores at Cedar Point.
You can shop for memorabilia at Cedar Point including Peanuts merchandise, ride-specific items, and unique items such as candles, art, and handmade woodwork. It is best if you go shopping at the end of your day, so you do not have to carry it around or rent a locker for yourself.
Entertainment
Cedar Point is more than just rides and has a variety of entertainment options as well. There are many live music shows, performers, and characters, all to add to your fun at Cedar Point. Families can enjoy Snoopy’s Sing-Along and Charlie Brown’s Funtime Frolics, including enjoying meeting and greeting with Peanut pals. There are so many characters, and they appear out of random, so you will never know who is going to show up.
On some select dates, you can enjoy the Celebrate Cedar Point Parade and also the Celebrate Cedar Point Spectacular stage show. You can download the Cedar Point App to get the list of all their entertainment shows.
Cedar Point Shores Waterpark
It is very easily walkable from the main amusement park and is the largest water park in Ohio. It will be open from May 25 to September 2, 2024. It is the perfect place to cool off during the summer months.
It offers a wide range of pools, slides, and play areas so that everyone can have a fun time at
the pool. There is the Lakeslide Landing and Lemmy’s Lagoon for kids to enjoy a splash. You can enjoy a water obstacle course named Lily Pad Walk and there are numerous water slides for you to choose from as well including Portside Plunge and Point Plummet.
Stay
There are many numbers of hotels and motels available in Sandusky including a few that Cedar Point operates themselves. For high-end hotels try the Hotel Breakers which is located close to the park and overlooks Lake Erie. For budget-level hotels try the Express Hotel. There are plenty of cabins, cottages, and RV sites at Lighthouse Point as well.
Therefore, make sure Cedar Point is on your itinerary if you’re looking for a fun and thrilling time during these summer months.
