Cedar Point (CP) Discussion Thread

[VF15]

I second Econo Lodge North as well, as they usually have rates under $100 per night. It's a pretty basic hotel and doesn't have the most amenities, but if you just need a place to crash for the night, Econo Lodge will work.

 

Crowds on weekdays in June last year weren't that crowded compared to July and August, usually with less than an hour wait for most major coasters, though there were handful of days that were a lot busier than normal, typically due to school groups. I would budget for Fast Lane Plus just in case you run into a busy weekday, but hopefully you won't need it.

 

I suggest getting to the park for the beginning of early entry and riding Steel Vengeance and Maverick right away, as they can build a 2+ hour line quickly. Would also recommend hitting Dragster and Valravn early on. Save Raptor and Gatekeeper for later in the day. Aside from those six rides or so, the rest of the park can generally be taken at your leisure.

 

On another note, the price for Gold Passes has been raised to $129.

https://www.cedarpoint.com/tickets-passes/season-passes

[WolfBobs]

I would double check rates at Cedar Point Express Hotel (Formerly Breakers Express). With Platinum Passes you will receive a discounted rate, which depending on time of year I've seen as low as $70/night. Just something to double check before booking elsewhere. In fact, you will receive a discount at any CF owned hotel, so not knowing your budget you could double check a Breakers stay to see if it's within your budget and worth the added convenience of staying on Point.

 

Also, to combine with your KI stay, I enjoy the Comfort Suites (Mason) right by the park. I've stayed there about 3x now and the hotel is clean, has an indoor pool, and a basic breakfast. But it's close to the highway so there's a Dunkin, Taco Bell, McDonald's, plus a few other restaurants I can't remember all within walking distance. Heck KI is even within walking distance if you want, but it's about a 3-5 minute drive from the parking lot. My bookings the rates usually have averaged about $70/night on hotels.com.

[tndank]

The Express hotel was one of the cheapest options when I went last year. You can walk to the Pony, McDs and the other fast food joint. It's at the entrance of the causeway to the park. Hotel was fine and had nice pictures of coasters on the wall. I was only in the room from 12:30am to 8:00am for sleep and a shower. But really, just book some refundable rooms and keep checking for better rates as the spring and summer go. Expedia and Travelocity and Orbitz often do mobile only 15% off bookings. I got Express through one of those last year.

 

Comfort Suites or Comfort Inns are usually good budget hotels with a decent breakfast room. Those near KI are good. They typically do bonus points that can really add up during Spring and summer.

[DBru]

Outside of the Cedar Point resorts, Econo Lodge is definitely the way to go as far as price and convenience. Plus, it’s right across the street from Nachos—the best Mexican restaurant in Sandusky!!

[anonymouscactus]

Just a friendly reminder that "Econo Lodge North" is what everyone is talking about. Don't be fooled by the other Econo Lodges in the area.... they may be cheaper, but don't do it.

 

Here is my handy dandy map from a few years ago. I don't think the one Rodeway Inn exists anymore (meth lab explosion, perhaps?) and I think the place with the waterslides next to the thirsty pony is now a Holiday Inn instead of a Quality Inn.

 

[Haymaker]

When I went to Kings Island I drove about 20-30 mins and stayed in Florence, KY. I was driving to Nashville the next day so that was part of it but something to consider as it may be cheaper than Cincinnati or Mason.

[Honorarius]

The southern Roadway Inn is now the Wolf Inn Hotel, looks to be independent and not part of a chain. Can't vouch for it now, haven't stayed there since the change. It was outdated as hell, but serviceable.

 

And the other Roadway Inn is beyond terrible. Waaaay worse than the other was. The staff I met were nice as hell, but it's a straight up dump. If you were being paid to stay there, I'd still go elsewhere.

[raptor6]

Just a friendly reminder that "Econo Lodge North" is what everyone is talking about. Don't be fooled by the other Econo Lodges in the area.... they may be cheaper, but don't do it.

 

Here is my handy dandy map from a few years ago. I don't think the one Rodeway Inn exists anymore (meth lab explosion, perhaps?) and I think the place with the waterslides next to the thirsty pony is now a Holiday Inn instead of a Quality Inn.

 

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites next to the Thirsty Pony was a new build about 4-5 years ago. I was there in 2017 for Coastermania and it was great! It was right next to my favorite restaurant in Sandusky is it is the closest non-resort hotel to Cedar Point. I was able to use my hotel points to make the stay free.

 

The Quality Inn was torn down a few years ago. It now appears to be opened as the Cedar Stables Inn & Suites. The website calls the Stables as "a Unique Boutique Experience" and it has prices to match. It is much more expensive then the old Quality Inn.

 

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Cedar Stables Inn & Suites, and Econo Lodge North all appear to have the same owner as the Thirsty Pony. The group is called Cedar Corner Hotel & Entertainment Complex.

 

https://cedarcorner.com/

[WolfBobs]

^^Interesting they appear to use the same web develop for their site as CF, or just pay someone to mimic it.

[teacherkim]

MrFurious.......hello from another St Louis teacher! I echo most of the others in that 2 weekdays at CP is your best bet on crowds. Do keep in mind that in June you will hit the Mayflies.......for any in your family with long hair, have them tie it back or up. Brushing mayflies out of your hair is one of the most disgusting things I have ever done, including giving birth, Fastpasses are totally worth it in my opinion but of course you have to work within your budget.

 

Unlike others on here I would advise you to at least check out the Breakers. Yes, it is expensive and you are paying mostly for the location BUT in my experience with a family it makes things so much easier. When one kid gets sick, tired, stomachache, whatever, etc, you have the option for some to go back for a room break and some to stay at the park. Then you don't have to face the situation of someone being stuck at the park and miserable or someone being forced to leave early and crying. Also, you have the pool and/or waterpark if someone needs an afternoon break and with the room right there it makes changing clothes with kids a lot easier. Plus the causeway can get backed up and the less you have to drive back and forth over it the better. Again, just my opinion but if you are just there a couple days, I would at least consider it.

 

As far as KI, there are several hotels from every chain within 5 miles of the park. You know which brands you like, I would just google the options and go with your preference. KI is a lot easier to leave and come back if staying off property than CP. For sure try to get night rides on the Beast and Mystic Timbers! If you leave St Louis early morning you can get to KI by early afternoon and get a day and a half there easy (or throw an extra day in and go to HolidayWorld if you haven't been, you will drive right past it) If you leave on Monday you could do all weekdays.

 

Also there is a really fun place to eat about another half hour past Holiday World and before you get to Louisville called the Overlook Cafe, google them, they have a website.

[MrFurious]

Huge, giant, enormous thank you's to everyone! Great info and advice. Love this community (even though I'm just a lurker, I do feel a part of it). I'll be getting to work, and hopefully won't be too lazy to contribute down the road.

 

Also, that Econo map is hilarious. Well done.

 

Looking forward to building our coaster count soon!

[MrFurious]

Teacher Kim, I've enjoyed your posts in the STLSF forum for forever. I may @ you my plan once finalized given your knowledge from this area to that region. I was considering a holiday world stop as well, and this may seal that!

[DirkFunk]

The southern Roadway Inn is now the Wolf Inn Hotel, looks to be independent and not part of a chain. Can't vouch for it now, haven't stayed there since the change. It was outdated as hell, but serviceable.

 

And the other Roadway Inn is beyond terrible. Waaaay worse than the other was. The staff I met were nice as hell, but it's a straight up dump. If you were being paid to stay there, I'd still go elsewhere.

 

The Rodeway Inn that's now the Wolf Inn was closed by the city a couple years ago because a room was found literally caked in dog crap and they had repeated calls for illegal activities. I doubt that the owners (who appear to have rebranded with the intent of getting confused guests who thought they were staying at the Great Wolf Lodge) have changed their tune much.

[teacherkim]

The southern Roadway Inn is now the Wolf Inn Hotel, looks to be independent and not part of a chain. Can't vouch for it now, haven't stayed there since the change. It was outdated as hell, but serviceable.

 

And the other Roadway Inn is beyond terrible. Waaaay worse than the other was. The staff I met were nice as hell, but it's a straight up dump. If you were being paid to stay there, I'd still go elsewhere.

 

The Rodeway Inn that's now the Wolf Inn was closed by the city a couple years ago because a room was found literally caked in dog crap and they had repeated calls for illegal activities. I doubt that the owners (who appear to have rebranded with the intent of getting confused guests who thought they were staying at the Great Wolf Lodge) have changed their tune much.

 

 

Ummmm.....ok, I concede THAT may actually be grosser than dead Mayflies in your hair. Gross.

[teacherkim]

Teacher Kim, I've enjoyed your posts in the STLSF forum for forever. I may @ you my plan once finalized given your knowledge from this area to that region. I was considering a holiday world stop as well, and this may seal that!

 

 

Feel free to PM me or send me an email anytime. I'm happy to help out.

[coasterbill]

Huge, giant, enormous thank you's to everyone! Great info and advice. Love this community (even though I'm just a lurker, I do feel a part of it). I'll be getting to work, and hopefully won't be too lazy to contribute down the road.

 

We (mostly) don't bite. We'd love to see you post more.

[prozach626]

^^Liar.

 

Unlike others on here I would advise you to at least check out the Breakers.

 

I echo this for my own personal preferences. We wouldn't go to Cedar Point as often as we do if it weren't for the Resort/Hotel aspect. Staying on the peninsula for a couple days makes it seem a little more like a vacation than a typical park visit. We even take a slow silent lap around the park after closing and no one has ever said anything. After that, we either have ice cream or a night cap by the fire pits on the beach to close out our tiresom day. The next morning, we wake up early, have a quick workout, grab a simple breakfast at Perkins, and enjoy a walk along the beach with our Stabucks Coffee. We love our perfect unspoken formula. All of that is what makes Cedar Point different and special for us. The two things we don't live without at CP are Fast Lane Plus passes and Breakers. For us, it's 110% worth it for the 8 hour drive.

 

At the very least, I really recommend cutting out some vanities in your life and setting the extra saved money aside for Fast Lane Plus on one day. But, if you're looking to do the trip on a tight budget outside of my suggestions, this thread has a plethera of expert advice. Good people. Good advice. This place is an excellent resource.

[Haymaker]

Flash Sale through the 21st... $37.50 1 day admission any operating day through Sept. 13th. Bought 2 sets myself.

[rachelmadcow]

If CP does go for a 500ft coaster I bet it’ll replace wicked twister and be similar to what BGW is rumored to get. Rocking launch into a second set of LSMs into the spike.

[Pedrinho]

^

Aha! Okay!

[prozach626]

If CP does go for a 500ft coaster I bet it’ll replace wicked twister and be similar to what BGW is rumored to get. Rocking launch into a second set of LSMs into the spike.

 

via Imgflip Meme Generator

[VF15]

Fast Lane changes for 2020, GateKeeper and Valravn have been dropped from Fast Lane Plus, while Millennium Force has been added. Also, Cadillac Cars, Lake Erie Eagles, Monster, and Troika have been removed from Fast Lane altogether.

https://www.cedarpoint.com/tickets-passes/fast-lane

[coasterbill]

It’s nice to see that they finally bumped Gatekeeper. That made no sense anyway.

 

Still, regular Fastlane is dumb and I don’t get why anyone would buy it ever.

[prozach626]

I guess it's good to see MF bumped back to FL+. It got backed up a few times when I was there. I suppose it goes to show you how popular it is with guests. After all of these years it's still an icon.

[ytterbiumanalyst]

Agreed. Really says something when a 20-year-old ride gets more guests than a 4-year-old ride does.