Cedar Point - Is it worth it?

[sfmmrules!]

Whew I am so glad Demon Drop is still there. It must be the only one left of its kind. I was lucky enough to go on the Edge at CGA during its last season one time. I almost went on Freefall at SFMM but the line was too long. I sure can't wait to go on the first generation freefall again. I think I like those ones better too. If I go, I will deffinately be going during the week on a Tues or Wed. Which month would I be better off with - end of July or early to mid August? & is the rain at CP like Florida where it pours for 10 min then stops?

[Carnage]

^ Mid August would be better then late July. But only slightly.

 

The rain is very erratic. Being on the lake means that weather systems can roll in at any time.

 

It could be sunny all day, or it could rain here and there, or it could pour non stop all day.

 

But in August it's more likely to be sunny, humid, and horrendously sticky all day. Then POUR overnight.

[Goliath513]

I love Demon Drop, and all the 1st Gen. Freefalls are slowly disappearing...

Slowly? At least 4 have been destroyed in the past 2 years.

 

 

I will be going there on June 23 - 24.

[hemmy]

Even though I haven't been to GADV since pre-El Toro, it is really the only thing it has going for it as far as superior rides go.

[raptor2011]

I live right by Cedar Point and usually early August it doesn't rain. I know because I have band that time and it has never rained during band before. Also from my experiences Sunday are the best. In terms of lines, Sunday, and the early part of the week are the best. I have beem to Six Flags Great Adventure, when I was there the lines were longer than Cedar Point and I enjoyed the Point way better. That was just my experience though.

[doom1001]

I've driven three times from Miami to visit Cedar Point and a couple other parks and cities all over the east coast and at least for me it was well worth it as I still put Cedar Point near the top as far as a professionally run park with great rides.I can't speak for SF Great Adventure or Magic Mountain since I haven't visited them but Cedar Point just seemed like the Disney of the amusement park world compared to my visits to Six Flags over Georgia,SF New England and SF Marine World(Now Discovery kingdom).Not that they're bad parks,but it just wasn't the same thing.I don't think I've ever gone during the middle of the summer peak season,I think twice I went right around the beginning of June and I had about 40 minute waits for MF and Mantis and Raptor,about an hour for Dragster and the other coasters under 20 minutes.As far as rain,my first visit rain ruined the second half of my day at the park so on my second visit a year later I was Uber nervous as I arrived at the hotel the day before my visit with a summer Florida rainstorm falling in Ohio but the next day it was cool and perfect without a cloud in the sky.

[verticalzero]

Cedar Point has one of the best collection of rollercoasters anywhere in the world, so it is always good to say "yes" go and have a few great relaxing days at the park.

[almightyfire]

I personally wasnt impressed with The Point, but I am glad I went to say I have been there but I think there are much better parks to me. I actually enjoy Six Flags Guenga Lake more than Cedar Point. I say u must go and see for yourself.

[VivaLaVibora]

2) If I visit the park for 2 days, will I have enough time to do everything?

 

It really depends on what the waits are for the rides. I went on a weekend in August, and Raptor was like 2 hours wait. Blue Streak was 45 minutes. Of course, this was in August. On that trip though, I wasn't really worried about getting on all the roller coaster. It was more about Chaos than anything else. I did get on coasters though such as Blue Streak, Wicked Twister, Maverick, Gemin, and Top Thrill Dragster.

 

3) Is the Hotel Breakers worth it for the 1 hour morning ERT?

 

It really depends if it's going to be a really packed day at the park. The thing is this. I didn't realize this at the time. I went to this ERT thing, and it said Maverick, and Millenium Force were going to be open earlier. I admit that we came later into the park than we should have been, but Top Thrill Dragster was open, so I said forget those other two, and I'm going to Top Thrill instead. We went on Maverick the day before, and it was nothing for me to get excited about.

 

6) And finally, as more of a subjective question, do you think that Cedar Point has a better collection of coasters than say SFMM or Six Flags Great Adventure?

 

The difference I see is that CP has a lot of aging coasters such as Blue Streak, Gemini, Wildcat, Iron Dragon, Cedar Creek Mine Train, Corkscrew, and I would even say Magnum. Magic Mountain has Colossus, Gold Rusher, Viper, Ninja, and Revolution. It's a 2 coaster difference only, but I would like to point that out.

 

I think that the flats at Cedar Point are aging also. Magic Mountain doesn't have a lot though. The aging flats are the Scrambler, Flying Bobs, Super Himilaya, Scrambler, Swinging Ship, Enterprise, Monster, Ferris Wheel, Sky Tower, Wave Swinger (At every Six Flags park, they are aging too though), Troika, and so on. They look really old. Of course, you have the newer flats such as the Huss Giant Frisbee, Chaos, Skyhawk, and the S&S Tower might be in the 90's? For an old Tilt-A-Whirl (if it is old), it looks darn pretty good.

 

For Magic Mountain, you have the aging bumper cars, swinging ship, Himilaya (looks kind of old), and the Yo-Yo might be really old. Maybe, it's just the fact that Cedar Point paints a lot of rides neons, and to me it's makes a lot of things look really old. I know the Enterprise at Cedar Point is not new, but look at that one, and go to Six Flags Over Georgia. What a difference. I just think that Cedar Point should cool it with the neon colors. They are everywhere in that park. This isn't a neon ride, but the paint they put it makes it look ancient.

 

This looks really old to me (CP): http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/park/rides/thrill/witches_wheel/index.cf

m

 

This doesn't look that old (SFOG):

 

The thing is that Cedar Point has great roller coasters in which you think they would have like Raptor, Mantis, Top Thrill Dragster, and than they have the not so great like Corkscrew, Cedar Creek Mine Train, and so on. Of course, this is my opinion. At Magic Mountain, I thought that Colosuss might not be that great, and so was Ninja. I was completely wrong. I really liked them.

 

To me, Cedar Point, and Magic Mountain are tied right now without me going on Tatsu. However, Cedar Point has some flats that I think are great while Magic Mountain doesn't. So, that means to me that I think more roller coasters are great at Magic Mountain compared to Cedar Point. It's the flats, but I seems like you are more interested in coasters which is fine with me.

 

If you like hyper coasters, I would say go to Cedar Point though. I don't care for Millenium, and Magnum at Cedar Point. If you like unique rides, go to Magic Mountain. They have X, Deja Vu, and Tatsu plus they have the stand-up Riddler.

[Thom25]

I drive/fly from Boston to CP at least once a year and have been since 1989 when Magnum opened. I've also had a season pass there for more than a few seasons. I usually get to SFGA once a year as well and have visited MM 3 times (once to be on a national geographic special).

 

If you've never been, I don't think you can go wrong. Staying on the property - walking - and not driving is huge for me. I think it's more relaxing, while allowing you to go to your room easily for whatever reason.

 

Robb, I think last year Magnum was running as good as it did opening year.

 

In my opinion, CP is a good two days, while you only need one day at either SFGA or MM. If CP had an airtime machine like ET I think the park and it's collection of rides would be perfect. (ok, I'd like to see X at CP too).

[CoasterComet]

^I see Great Adventure mentioned much more than I ever see Great America mentioned.

 

I think Great America is hands-down, better than all those parks. And the coasters are better too! (that of course is just my opinion, I know, not the most popular opinion)

 

I think it just has to do with SFGAd being so popular b/c is in such a prime spot between 2 huge cities. Also, they have the worlds tallest coaster and now, El Toro.

 

With Chiller gone, I think it will be a very long time before I would even consider going back there. I have had downright bad experiences at the park (closed rides, rude employees, slow operations, etc.)

 

Same pretty much goes for Cedar Point. But I can't wait to get back to Magic Mountain! Despite so many bad reports, I've never had a bad experience there.

[Thom25]

I am not a huge fan of SFGA - you're right they have KK and ET - but they also have Medusa and Nitro (Which rock)

[CoasterComet]

I am not a huge fan of SFGA - you're right they have KK and ET - but they also have Medusa and Nitro (Which rock)

 

^Hey! Don't forget SFGA can also mean Great America! I think the best way is the call Great America SFGAm and Great Adventure cr... just kidding, SFGAd.

 

I think Great Adventure could be a GREAT place. That big candyland thing I always thought was really cool. The Chiller was one of the best loopers anywhere (w/lapbars of course). They do have a lot of popular coasters, but the setup (especially the 2 new biggies) is just downright horrible. Last time I was there I asked employees where a bathroom was and a water fountain, and they couldn't tell me. One time I couldn't find anywhere to sit so I just sat down on the ground! In that big empty spot somewhere near that stadium thingy they have. The Geese were friendly!

[BrownStreak]

Here's my cents worth opinion and my nickel tour (so yes you owe me 7 cents). If I could visit any "regional" park I wanted to it would be SFGAm to be honest.

 

However seeing as I have lived in Ohio for three years now and was a CP season pass holder one year and also worked at the park nine years ago I can give you this great advice:

 

Maverick's presence may have changed this somewhat however the General Public often rides things as they encounter them and 90% of the guests use the front gate- translation...do the back first. Maybe run with the bulls and get a ride on Raptor or MF 1st thing, however then head to the back of the park and ride the inspiration for my handle (Mean Streak) and the other coasters and stuff back there.

 

When you notice the back is starting to get busy head towards the front and start hitting things there though note that for awhile everything will be busy. If you stay up front at night you will see it quiet down in mid-evening. Also keep in mind that with a few exceptions the rides have the same policy as Disney does- you can get into line up until park closing and still get to ride. The exceptions being near the laser show as those rides close during the show.

[sfmmrules!]

First I was going this year, then I wasn't, then I was, & now I'm not for sure. Isn't CP getting a new coaster next year? I'm going to Universal Orlando instead for a couple days since I have family in Florida. I like staying at the Portofino. Its so nice flashing your room key card for entrance into the Express Line all day. You feel like a movie star & Universal has really great rides that I enjoy since I've been there quite a few times. I'm not in a big hurry to visit CP. I can wait for next year especially if CP is getting a new coaster.

[FeelTheFORCE]

They just got Maverick last year. I wouldn't expect their next coaster to be until 2010 at the earliest, especially now since the "coaster race" with SFMM is over, temporarily.

[BrownStreak]

^Yes, however they usually do add a major ride every other year and something minor in between:

1994: Raptor

1995: ?

1996: Mantis

1997: Chaos

1998: Power Tower

1999: Camp Snoop/Peanuts Playground

2000: MF

 

and so on- at some point their odd and even years got off track but they have continued on with:

2004:MaXair

2005: TTD

2006: SkyHawk

2007: Maverick

2008: Planet Snoopy

 

So, next year I would still expect a major thrill ride or a coaster of some kind, but my bet is on a major thrill ride.

[orangeblue]

Thanks everyone for your advice, sorry I can't comment on them each individually. I think that I will go to Cedar Point versus the other options, as it seems like an opportunity that I just can't pass up. As a long time coaster enthusiast Cedar Point looks like a must visit park, and it seems like most of you agree. Hopefully I'll be able to visit SFMM and SFGAd some time in the next few years.

 

The main attractions I want to ride are: MF, TTD, Maverick, Raptor, Mantis, Wicked Twister, Magnum, Maxair, Skyhawk, though of course I'd like to get all the credits if possible, but those are my priority. I think that I will stay on site also, mostly for the convience.

 

You guys don't seem to think that lines will be a huge problem that time of the year. I can handle 1 hour waits, but I draw the line at 2 hours + for a single ride; its just not worth it. I'll probably follow your advice and hit the attractions towards the back of the park first to avoid lines, especially if I get to use the Magnum entrance. I really wish that Cedar Fair would get with the times and install a Flash Pass system, especially since their park is so popular. I heard they had something like that a few years ago but abandoned it due to guest complaints (I don't know why they'd complain, if you don't buy the pass wait in line with everyone else, it dose not seem very complicated).

 

One final question, how much could I get done in a 1 hour morning ERT? From the CP TRs most people say that Maverick has a one hour line even during ERT unless you get there first. Would MF be a better ride to start with, or even TTD if its open?

[coolhandluke]

1994: Raptor

1995: ?

1996: Mantis

1997: Chaos

1998: Power Tower

1999: Camp Snoop/Peanuts Playground

2000: MF

 

and so on- at some point their odd and even years got off track but they have continued on with:

2004:MaXair

2005: TTD

2006: SkyHawk

2007: Maverick

2008: Planet Snoopy

 

Close, but try this from Millennium Force on:

 

2000: Millennium Force

2001: Lighthouse Point

2002: Wicked Twister

2003: TTD

2004: Castaway Bay

2005: MaXair

2006: Skyhawk

2007: Maverick

2008: Planet Snoopy and Skyscraper

 

EDIT: And 1995 saw the addition of the Breakers East wing of Hotel Breakers.

 

Unfortunately, I can't answer your question regarding ERT waits yet (ask me again in one month...), but I can tell you that Top Thrill is NOT open for ERT. If Maverick lines are indeed that long when I'm there, I'll plan to spend the full hour doing MF and Raptor, heading to TTD as the park opens for a nice short wait (I can't justify waiting more than 30 minutes for a 20 second ride, regardless of the thrill), then going from there.

 

People think CP is overrated, but few of them actually think it's a bad park. Don't misinterpret the comments--you'll have fun. We're talking the best of the best. It's like choosing a flavor of pie--different opinions will lead to different personal favorites (with an occasional person not liking a flavor), but it's really tough to make a flat-out bad decision. Have fun!

[FeelTheFORCE]

^Yes, however they usually do add a major ride every other year and something minor in between:

 

So, next year I would still expect a major thrill ride or a coaster of some kind, but my bet is on a major thrill ride.

 

I realize that, which is why I said "coaster." Cedar Point does an upgrade of some sort every single off-season. I wouldn't be surprised if they added something at Soak City next year, or possibly a water ride in the park, putting off adding a coaster not until around 2010-2012.

[adeuce02]

i have worked at cp for 6yrs and visited sfgadv plenty of times. Cp is worth it to go visit. U should be able to do everything in 2days. Now if ur looking for just coasters i prefer sfgadv first they have el toro i just think they have better overall collection. But neway 1st post reading for awhile

[aliston]

For what its worth, I've been to all 3 and would definitely prefer Cedar Point over Magic Mountain and GAdv. Granted, I may be a bit biased, as I've only been to CP for one trip and it was possibly the best trip of my life, whereas MM is only a few hours away from my house and I've been there a number of times. That said, Maverick and Millenium Force are both unlike anything at either of the other parks.

 

Each park, of course, has its shining star -- X at MM and El Toro at GAdv, but Cedar Point is, in my opinion, a much more engrossing experience.

 

I'd also point out that it is not entirely necessary to stay at a CP hotel to get the ERT -- I have a platinum pass, for example, which gets me ERT and admission to Knotts, CP and CGA.

[scooterdoug]

One final question, how much could I get done in a 1 hour morning ERT? From the CP TRs most people say that Maverick has a one hour line even during ERT unless you get there first. Would MF be a better ride to start with, or even TTD if its open?

 

I can't comment on Maverick's ERT wait, as I have yet to ride it. However, I can tell you that ERT lines can vary. I have been to CP three times now. All of those times, I spent my ERT at Millie. One of them got me one quick ride, then the line grew to about 20 minutes. The other two times, the line didn't even leave the station, I got to ride 4 times in that hour. As for TTD, don't expect it to be open for ERT, it takes a while to wake up.

 

-Doug

[AmyUD06]

To those who are saying SFGA is a better park overall than CP, you are out of your minds. Here's a post I made on another forum on a similar topic. Note that the count for SFGA is now even less with the removal of Chiller.

 

~~~~

Here's my two cents...

 

CP will always take the prize over SFGA for me. Maybe it's the proximity to SFGA so I'm not as impressed since it's always around, or maybe it's the fact that CP just has more stuff to do, and in many cases, better rides. I'll do a breakdown comparing similar coasters...

 

CP ride - SFGA ride

-Blue Streak - (nothing comparable): SFGA doesn't have a simple, classic-style woodie. (CP)

-Cedar Creek Mine Ride - Runaway Mine Train: Honestly I can't remember CCMR that well, so I'll have to give the vote to RAMT (SFGA)

-Corkscrew - (nothing comparable): the closest competitor here would be GASM, but they're too different of a ride. Though many people don't like it, I personally enjoy the simplicity of this classic. (CP)

-Disaster Transport - Skull Mountain: SM was the closest thing I could figure, since they're both indoor coasters. I love bobsleds, so DT has to take the prize for me here, though SM isn't a bad ride when you don't have to wait and get the back row. (CP)

-Gemini - Rolling Thunder: No conest, Rolling Thunder takes the win. (SFGA)

-Iron Dragon - (nothing comparable): Once again, another coaster type that isn't present at SFGA. Some people don't like suspended swining Arrows, but I love them. (CP)

-Magnum XL200 - Nitro: I find Magnum to be closer to Nitro than Millenium Force, as they're both out-and-back designs. Nitro takes the win here, but only by a small portion...I greatly prefer Magnum's cars to the "clamp you in" style of Nitro. (SFGA)

-Mantis - (nothing comparable): Seeing a pattern? A lot of people don't like standups...either due to horror stories or not sitting in the ride right causing pain, but I love them. (CP)

-Maverick - (nothing comparable): I've yet to get on it, but there's nothing comparable at SFGA. (CP)

-Mean Streak - El Toro: I still have a hard time with this comparison, since I can't really see El Toro as a woodie because it just doesn't feel like one...but El Toro takes the win here. (SFGA)

-Millenium Force - (nothing comparable): I've also yet to be on this ride, but again there's nothing comparable if you count Nitro as closer to Magnum. (CP)

-Raptor - Batman the Ride: This one is close for me...but I'll have to give it to Batman. (SFGA)

-Top Thrill Dragster - Kingda Ka: No OSTRs, more reliable, better theme > a few more MPH and a few more feet. TTD for the win (CP).

-Wicked Twiser - (nothing comparable): Have yet to be on this, but again, SFGA does not have an impulse. (CP)

-(nothing comparable) - Chiller: As much as I love Chiller, it's hard to give it a default point since it runs so rarely...but yeah, point here. (SFGA)

-(nothing comparable) - Medusa: A good ride...not the best floorless I've been on, but CP doesn't have any, so (SFGA)

-(nothing comparable) - Superman Ultimate Flight: I can't even give this ride a point; it's a one element ride that isn't even all that spectactular. I'll take the ancient, simple, and jarring CP Corkscrew over this any day. (no point)

-(nothing comparable) - GASM: CP doesn't have a classic sit-down multilooper...(SFGA)

 

So...do the math and we've got 9 points for CP, and 8 for SFGA. I omitted kiddie coasters since I don't ride them, and thus are no factor to my personal opinion of the parks, and CP's Wildcat since I can ride a Schwarzkopf "carnie coaster" at a half dozen different places around me.

 

Okay, the points are close...now let's compare total coaster count (again, not counting kiddies or the Schawarzkopf):

CP: 14

SFGA: 11

 

Even if SFGA may win some of the comparable coaster comparisons, fact is that CP has more period, and many of the comparisons are close calls (while I find Batman better than Raptor, it's not leaps and bounds above it...both are great rides). More is better. And if you want to factor admission price, it's clear to see that CP is easily the better value (a 2-day ticket is only slightly more than 1-day at SFGA).

 

I haven't even brought flats in to the picture. [Of which SFGA has an ever-dwindling number.]

 

Now don't get me wrong, I do enjoy SFGA and have a season pass. But in terms of bang-for-a-buck and sheer amount of things to do, CP wins.

[PKI Jizzman]

^Chiller is gone and since when doesn't CP have a classic arrow sit down multi looper? Corkscrew has a loop and two corkscrews!

 

 

And I'd have to say Gemini is one of my favorite coasters out there. It's got some great airtime on every drop. People have been saying it's rough in the back, but I swear I never get anything but a smooth ride! Again, I don't think this should be about comparing parks, CP has a few coasters that just won't comapare to other things, so why bother trying? Everyone has a different preferance.