An insider’s guide for penny-pinching park-goers at America’s Roller Coast
by Martin Palicki
If there is such a thing as a Midwest “mecca” for amusement park professionals, Cedar Point must surely be it. Though Orlando and California have their own shrines, it is inevitable that, at some point, every amusement industry veteran must make the trek to the northern shores of Ohio. Like many of its mega-park sisters, Cedar Point easily entices everyone to spend a pretty penny throughout their visit, but is it possible to be a cost-conscious coaster connoisseur?
Some of the biggest expenses are incurred before you even set foot inside the park.
“Staying at Cedar Point is not cheap,” notes Clint Novak, host of In The Loop, a nightly radio news show focused on amusement parks. “Although staying on property does have its pluses, such as early access to the park, packaged admission tickets, and on-site parking, the budget-conscious might prefer any of a number of hotels and motels off-property.”
Fans of priceline.com will be disappointed to know that success in the Sandusky area is often limited. According to the website biddingfortravel.com, a message board on priceline bidding, many visitors have trouble finding any hotel willing to accept their offer price, particularly on weekends.
If you’re looking to take in Cedar Point’s new Castaway Bay indoor waterpark (or any of the similar resorts popping up in Sandusky) be prepared to pay. A room that would normally go for under $100 instantly rockets faster than Top Thrill Dragster to well over $200 with the addition of an indoor waterpark.
Perhaps the best compromise can be found at Breakers Express, which comes in on the low-cost end of the Cedar Point properties, offering the cheapest prices, but includes all the on-site benefits. Choosing your ticketing option can also impact your wallet. Pepsi cans offering discounts for $10 off a one day ticket are available in Ohio, Michigan and Northeast Indiana. Direct mail coupons are sent to several metropolitan markets in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Canada. According to Tony Clark, Public Relations Representative for Cedar Point, the best deal can be found by planning ahead. “By calling the park or logging on to our website you can request the 2005 Family Getaway Guide, which includes two pages full of coupons on admission, lodging and games within the resort.” A thorough collection of discounts can also be found online: www.thepointol.com/discounttickets.html
Many park visitors expect to pay a pretty penny when it comes to finding a good meal at any amusement park, but there are some tips for filling up without emptying the wallet. Tony Clark recommends Famous Dave’s restaurant, located in the marina. “The pricing is similar to a regular Famous Dave’s, and since it is not on the midway, not as many people know about it.” The all-you-can-eat crowd will be satisfied with the Midway Market buffet, though Macaroni’s also offers a great salad bar with unlimited cheese bread. Clint Novak also suggests staying away from the soda. “With most sodas costing almost $3, ask for a cup of ice water. It’s free, keeps you hydrated, and is available at any stand that sells fountain drinks.” Clint also recommends the Macho Nacho. Found near the back of the park near the Cedar Point Museum, the $7 dish easily feeds two. The park also allows picnics just outside of the main gate, though the money you save is traded for extra time you lose getting to and setting up your meal.
Games and special attractions are best to be avoided when on a budget, but if your crew absolutely insists upon it, be sure to check out the Family Getaway Guide. Mike Kaman, Editor of The Point Online, reveals that “The Guessing Game has winners most of the time, as the host has to ‘guess’ your age, weight or birth month.” Combined with the 2-for-1 coupon in the Family Getaway Guide, you’re virtually assured a prize, which can double as a nice souvenir.
Additional souvenirs can be found throughout the park, but the fairly well hidden Discount Depot, near the Frontier Town train station, offers heavily discounted Cedar Point merchandise, including t-shirts and other sundries with the Cedar Point logo.
There are also other ways to add extra value to your Cedar Point visit that don’t necessarily cost more money. FreeWay stamps are the park’s attempt to mitigate long ride queues, and are only available at select attractions. Attendants stamp ride names and return times on your hand, limiting each guest to two FreeWay rides. When the park is really crowded, the stamps can be a “Cedar-riffic Value”, according to Kaman. Stamps are limited and only handed out during certain hours, so plan accordingly.
Some activities have no line at all. “On the Frontier Trail, you can make your own candles, watch a woodcarver, glassblower, and blacksmith up close,” explains Mike Kaman. “A trip to Cedar Point is incomplete without visiting Town Hall, which features park memorabilia and history.” Another oft ignored attraction is the Paddle Wheel Excursions. Complete with humorous banter and animatronic scenery, the rides are a welcome relief from the sun and are completely family friendly.
Without a doubt, Cedar Point offers a wide array of attractions to justify the cost of a visit. The best plan for getting the most value out of a trip is to simply plan ahead. Determine what is important to you and schedule your day around it [see below for a sample itinerary]. With a little foresight and preparation, a visit to Cedar Point can be an affordable adventure for the thriftiest thrillseeker.
Resources
Cedar Point
www.cedarpoint.com 419.627.2350
The Point Online
In The Loop
Bidding For Travel
Clint Novak’s Cedar Point Plan (How to do it all on a busy day)
•You must be willing to arrive early and stay late.
•When the park first opens, ride Top Thrill Dragster and Millennium Force. Then visit the roller coasters in the back of the park. Most guests start at the front of the park and work backwards, leaving the back of the park virtually empty for the first part of the morning.
•Be sure to eat meals during non-peak times. Lines will be shorter.
•Take in some shows between 11am and 3pm. That’s when ride lines will be the longest, plus most theaters are air conditioned.
•After shows, visit the rides in the front of the park before 4:30pm. Most large groups leave the park between 4pm and 6pm.
•After 5pm, visit some smaller rides and make time for dinner.
•Once 8pm hits, it is time to start revisiting your favorite roller coasters, as lines will be getting shorter.
•The longest lines will be for Millennium Force and Top Thrill Dragster. Pick one and hop in line about ten minutes before closing time. You will still be allowed to ride, and you get to experience the ride at night.
