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Cedar Point Companion FAQ

The Cedar Point Trip FAQ covers general topics such as directions, tips to
remember,
height and safety requirements, Challenge Park, the resorts, operating
hours and prices,
and some other things as well.  This companion FAQ covers more specific
questions.  

Both the Cedar Point Trip FAQ and this Companion FAQ can be found on the
World
Wide Web at http://shipofools.lit.cwru.edu/cpintro.html.

This guide is presented only as a service by me and is not officially
sponsored by Cedar
Point or Cedar Fair L.P.  All information is correct to the best of my
knowledge.

Many people helped me with this project.  I would like to thank the
following:  Dave
Althoff, Pete Babic, Brian Bennett, Terry Deloria, Susan Rehwinkel, Dave
Salvia, and
others who helped me immensely.

As always, I encourage feedback.  Please email me with comments,
suggestions, etc. 
Also, if you have any questions about Cedar Point or the surrounding area,
please feel
free to email me.

Walt Schmidt
schmidt116@aol.com

Last Updated:  April 1, 1996


I.      General Questions
II.     Rides
III.    Merchandise
IV.    Food
V.     Entertainment
VI.    Crowds
VII.   Children
VIII.  Tips and Secrets
IX.     Miscellaneous


I.  General

1.  How early should we get there?

Cedar Point opens at 9am on most days with rides starting one hour later. 
On most days,
arriving at the park around 9am or later is sufficient.  However, on days
that are typically
very busy (i.e. Saturdays in July, July 4, etc), getting there a little
earlier is probably a
good idea.  

2.  Does Cedar Point open earlier than it's announced times?

The park always opens at its announced times.  There are no special early
opening times,
the exception being for special non-public events such as CoasterMania.  

3.  How long is the drive to Cedar Point from city X?

Ah, famous city X.  Here are approximate drive times to Cedar Point. 
Note, this does not
take into account traffic.

Cleveland - 1 hour
Toledo - 1 hour
Columbus - 2 hours
Cincinnati - 4 hours
Pittsburgh - 3.5 hours
Erie - 3 hours
Detroit - 1.5 hours
Chicago - 5 hours

4.  I want to bring my dog, Fluffy.  What should I do?

Well, Fluffy can't go into the park, but Cedar Point does provide animal
lodging.  Pet
Check is located on the Sandusky Bay side of the parking lot just before
reaching the
Blue Streak.

5.  I need a drink of water.  Where's a water fountain when I need one?

Fountains are located near most restrooms.

6.  OK, so where are the restrooms?

There are 14 restrooms spread evenly through the park, including the main
gate, the
Coliseum, the Magnum XL-200, and the Gemini.  (Note:  The restrooms on the
left side
of main gate and at the Coliseum tend to be crowded.  Less visible
restrooms are located
between the Hofbrau and Sweets and Treats to the right of the main gate
and between the
Demon Drop and the Games Area.)

6.  Are there public picnic shelters at Cedar Point?

Yes, picnic shelters are located on either side of the main gate.  They
are available on a
first come, first serve basis.  Shelters, though, are outside the park, so
get your hand
stamped for readmission.

7.  I have 30 friends who want to spend a day at the park.  Can we get a
discount?

Cedar Point offers group discounts.  You can reach Group Sales at
419-627-2213 or by
fax at 419-627-2200.

8.  Does Cedar Point take Canadian currency?

No, but you can exchange Canadian currency at any entrance gate, Park
Operations, Food
Operations, Gemini Arcade, and the Main Arcade.

9.  Are there ATMs at Cedar Point?

Cedar Point has two in park ATMs.  One is located on the Main Midway near
the Pagoda
Gift Shop.  The other is on the Gemini Midway next to the Magnum XL-200. 
There are
also two outside the park.  One is a the main gate and the other is in the
Hotel Breakers.

10. I have a physical limitation.  Which rides can I still enjoy?

It all depends.  As soon as you arrive, visit the Park Operations office
to find out which
rides you'll be able to enjoy.  The park publishes a Ride Admission list.

11. Ouch!  I just got a paper cut.  Is there somewhere I can get a band
aid?

First Aid is located next to Berenstain Bear Country and in Frontiertown
behind the
Enginehouse Custard stand.

12.  Are there Cedar Point coupons available?  
 
Lots of great coupons are included in Cedar Point's Getaway Guide.  I
highly recommend
calling 1-800-237-8386 (1-800-BEST FUN) to get a copy before your trip to
Cedar Point.

Rides

1.  How do I deal with wet clothing on water rides?

Lockers are located next to both Snake River Falls and Thunder Canyon. 
You will get
wet on these rides.  My advice is to remove shoes, socks, and anything in
your pockets
you don't want wet.  The park isn't responsible for items in lockers, so
be careful with
things like wallets.  The area between Snake River Falls and Thunder
Canyon is the only
area in the park where you do not have to wear shirts and shoes.  White
Water Landing is
out of the no shirt/no shoes area, but I believe it has a soft policy. 
Don't worry, you're not
going to get very wet.

2.  When do rides open?

Rides are generally open by 10am (except Bonus Weekends).  Some rides may
open a
little earlier.  On many days, Raptor will open shortly after the gates
open at 9am.  If you
want to ride the Raptor, ride it then.  It'll be the shortest line of the
day.

3.  How can I judge the wait times for rides?

Each ride's queue line is different.  Most non-coasters (generally) will
never have lines
greater than 15 minutes.  The exceptions being the Demon Drop,  Snake
River Falls,
Thunder Canyon and White Water Landing.  But that's just a rough estimate.
 Coasters
will have a ride host or hostess at or near the beginning of the line. 
They can give you an
estimate for the wait time.  

4.  Just what is the Pirate Ride?

The Pirate Ride, located next to the Blue Streak, is a unique, themed,
dark ride.  Riders
are taken in cars through a dark building where there are scenes of
pirates and
swashbuckling adventures.

5.  Is there a preferred seat for airtime on the Magnum XL-200?

Everyone has their own opinions, but here's some suggestions.

Front seat of the last section
Third seat
First seat of second car

Typically, there is more airtime in the front, as opposed to the back.

6.  Where's the best place to sit on the Mean Streak?

Well, it all depends on what kind of ride you want.  The front cars are
for those who don't
want a rough ride.  The back cars give a rough, wild ride - too rough for
me!  Watch out
for the headrests.

7.  Is it really worth the wait for the front seat on Raptor?

Yes!  The ride is great from any seat, but riding in the front car is one
of the greatest
coaster experiences on the planet.  If you can't sit in the front, ride on
the outside of the
rows.

8.  What about the other coasters?

Dave Althoff and Pete Babic, two of the most respected Cedar Point coaster
experts on
the Internet, offer these suggestions:

Pete:

Blue Streak - The last seat. Good "whip" effect on the first hill and
excellent airtime.
Gemini - The last seat. You almost get ejected over the top of the first
hill. Very exciting!
Corkscrew - Front seat. Great airtime over the hump before the loop and a
nice view.
Iron Dragon - Second to the last seat (first seat in the last car). Nice
swinging effect,
especially in the pretzel over the water. Good view too because of the
space between
cars.
Wild Cat - First seat, for the view.
Mine Ride - Back seat for the pop on the drop to the water.

Dave:

Blue Streak:  Seat #10 (first seat of last car) has incredible 
airtime, if you can fit into the seat (last year, that seat had one 
of the long lap bars).
Mine Ride:  Definitely a back-seat ride.
Wildcat:  Really doesn't matter, but tall front-seat riders can make 
a rear seat ride preferable.
Corkscrew:  Front seat for the incredible "pop" over the first and 
second hills, and for the legroom.  I can't even fit comfortably into 
the even-numbered rows.
Gemini:  Just about anywhere is good; airtime is best in the back-end 
of the train.  I prefer to sit on the inside (load platform) side of 
the train due to the interaction with the other train.
Iron Dragon:  I'm kinda partial to the *front* of the train, 
particularly after the awesome front-seat ride I got on closing day 
last year.
Disaster Transport:  Sit in the front if you can, for the legroom and 
the view.  The ride is actually pretty good, but the show building 
(queue) is just awful.

9. Can I take pictures on rides?

Cedar Point does not allow any photography on rides.  Sometimes ride
operators on the
Space Spiral will let you take pictures, but it depends on the ride
operator.  Generally,
you should not have problems taking pictures on the Space Spiral, Giant
Wheel, or the
Sky Ride.  Just keep in mind that Cedar Point's official policy says no
pictures on any
ride.

10.  Why does it look like there is never a line for Disaster Transport?

The Disaster Transport line is very deceiving.  The queue line is entirely
indoor (though
it is air conditioned).  Ask the ride hostess for the wait time before
entering the building.

11.  All I see are coasters!  What are the best non-coaster rides?

Everyone has their own opinions, but generally the most popular
non-coaster rides are
Cedar Downs Racing Derby, Demon Drop, Snake River Falls, CP&LE Railroad,
the Sky
Ride, and Thunder Canyon.

III.  Merchandise

1.  Which gift shops have the best selection of coaster merchandise?

Some coasters have merchandise wagons at their exits.  I've heard
(although I haven't
done the comparison myself) that the merchandise there is priced higher. 
Park Plaza
(near Main Gate), Pagoda Gift Shop (near middle of park), and Cedar Creek
Trading
Company (Frontiertown) all offer wide selection of gifts.

2.  Where can I get essentials like film and sunscreen?

Film can be bought several places including the Rental Center and Pagoda
Gift Shop. 
The Pagoda is generally the place to go for other essentials from
sunscreen to cigarettes. 
The Marina Store also offers some necessitates.

3.  Where can I get a stroller or wheelchair?

Two places offer rentals.  The Rental Center across the Sky Ride near the
Main Gate and
Gemini Gifts across from the Gemini.  They are first come, first serve and
they go quick.

4.  Can I play the lottery at Cedar Point?

You can play the Ohio Lottery at the Pagoda Gift Shop and the Camper
Village Store.

IV.  Food

1.  Where can I get healthier food?

Hmmm....that's a loaded question.  I would say any of the sit down
restaurants at the park,
the "healthiest" probably being Macaroni's.  Macaroni's is across from
Bear Country.

2.  Where can I get that great homemade fudge and taffy?

Near the main midway:  Sweets 'N Treats.  On the Frontier Trail:  Candy
Factory.  Near
the Space Spiral:  Spiral Candy.

3.  Can I bring my own food to Cedar Point?

Sure.  Public picnic shelters are available and many people bring snacks
and drinks with
them to help cut down on the cost.  Many people leave their food and
baskets on the table
unattended while enjoying the park.  Remember, though, the park isn't
responsible for
items that are stolen.

4.  Where do they sell those famous fries?

There are three places in the park where you can get those world famous
french fries. 
Hot Potato is on the main midway near Raptor.  Mr. Potato is across from
Oceana.  The
Happy Friar is across from the Gemini.

5.  Are there any full service restaurants?

There are several full service restaurants on the Cedar Point peninsula. 
In the park on the
main midway are the Silver Dollar Cafe and Macaroni's.  In Frontiertown,
the Last
Chance Saloon offers Tex-Mex meals.  On the Frontier Trail, the Red Garter
Saloon
offers food and live entertainment.  Outside the park are several
restaurants.  In the
marina are the Bay Harbor Inn and the Boathouse.  These are the two finest
restaurants at
the park.  Proper dress is required at the Bay Harbor Inn.  Near the
Sandcastle Suites is
the Breakwater Cafe.  The Breakwater Cafe's specialty is their breakfast
buffet.  Inside
the Hotel Breakers are the Coffee Shop and Dominics.

V.  Entertainment

1.  What are the best shows?

Everyone has different tastes.  Fortunately, Cedar Point offers something
for everyone. 
The park's live musical shows are being revamped for this year.  So, no
matter what kind
of music you enjoy, you're sure to find a show somewhere in the park.  One
of the park's
most popular shows is Dol-FUN-antics at Oceana.  Also, perhaps the most
popular, the
Cedar Point Cinema, featuring IMAX motion picture technology.  

2.  How can I get a good seat for the laser show?

The viewing area for the laser show is huge.  The area does fill up,
though, on many
nights.  Usually, arriving ten minutes early will give you a good view of
the screen.

VI. Crowds

1.  When's the best time to get short lines on rides?

Generally lines are short during meal times.  This doesn't always hold
true, but is a rule of
thumb.  Lines are short in the early morning, as many guests are still
arriving at 11am. 
This especially true in Frontiertown and the Gemini midway.  Also, late at
night, I've
noticed that lines get very short in the back of the park.  For example,
one Saturday night
in July (I found out later it was the largest single day crowd for the
year) we found that
lines for the Gemini, Monster, Troika, etc. were non-existent around an
hour before
closing.  The reason...many guest are making their way to their cars by
this time.  Keep in
mind, though, that lines close right at closing in the back of the park,
and guests are
pushed to the front as quickly as possible.  This is done to secure the
area so night crews
can begin work for the next day as soon as possible.

2.  How can I avoid long lines for food?

The simple answer is don't eat when everyone else does.  Lines are going
to be longest
around 12pm-1pm.  and 4pm-6pm.  So, eat lunch around 2pm and dinner around
7pm or
8pm.  I won't guarantee no lines, but it will be much better than standing
with everyone
else.  Here's one tip.  Try a meal at the Chuck Wagon in Frontier Town. 
It's a cafeteria
style restaurant and the line typically moves quick.

3.  I can't stand all these people!  Where can I go?

Depending on the day, there are two places in the park that are not
generally crowded. 
The Frontier Trail offers shade and a relaxing stroll.  Since there are no
rides, traffic in
this area is usually light.  The Oceana Midway also provides a break from
people,
without the shade....maybe take a walk into the Aquarium.  Of course, on
very busy days,
there are people everywhere.  So, there are out of park options as well. 
First, make sure
to get your hand stamp if you are leaving the park.  Exiting at Oceana
will give you the
opportunity to stroll the boardwalk.  The boardwalk begins at Oceana and
travels past the
Hotel Breakers, around Soak City and ends at Sandcastle Suites, at the tip
of the
peninsula.  The area near Sandcastle Suites is especially quiet and
scenic.

VII.  Children

1.  How old should my child be before he or she can enjoy the park?

A child of almost any age can fully enjoy a day at the park.  With
Berenstain Bear
County, Kiddy Kingdom, Kid Arthur's Court, and the Gemini Children's Area,
most
children, with the exception of newborns, can have more fun than should be
allowed.  

2.  We want to spend the whole day at the park, but we have small
children.  Is there
enough for them to do?

Is there ever!  There are enough things for children to do for two days. 
Berenstain Bear
County, Kiddy Kingdom, Kid Arthur's Court, the Gemini Children's Area, the
Pet Farm,
Oceana, etc., etc.  There are lots more.

3.  What about babies?

Private nursing areas are available at both First Aid stations.  First aid
stations and all full
service restaurants will warm bottles for you.  Many restrooms offer
changing stations.

VIII.  Tips and Secrets

1.  What should I do when it rains?

Many rides will stay open despite rain.  Some rides, in fact, only close
when there is
lightning present.  So, you can take advantage of those rides.  Also,
there are plenty of
indoor activities.  Catch a movie at the CP Cinema, watch a live show, go
shopping for
souvenirs and beat the last minute rush since many guests wait until
closing to visit the
gift shops and they can become quite crowded.  Also, check out the Town
Hall Museum. 
It's a very interesting building in Frontier Town with all kinds of Cedar
Point history. 
Rides that are closed (generally the coasters) will open up as soon as
possible.  The park
is pretty good about reopening rides quickly.

3.  What's the best way to tackle the park so I don't miss anything?

The park's layout is quite nice.  There are several ways to do this.  One
is to start at the
main gate and do the main midway and the adjacent Oceana midway.  Then
walk down
the Frontier Trail to Frontiertown and come back the Gemini Midway. 
Another way is to
start in the back of the park - Frontiertown.  Walk the Gemini Midway and
then back the
Frontier Trail.  Catch the train back to the main midway and do everything
there and on
the Oceana midway.  The thought here is that since most people work the
park from front
to back, you're avoiding unnecessary crowds.  Another suggestion is Main
Midway,
Frontier Trail, Frontier Town, Gemini Midway, Oceana Midway.

Dave Salvia suggests the following:

1.  Start with Wildcat and Iron Dragon -- lines are non-existent early in
the morning.
(Although this might change with Mantis).
2.  Head on back and tackle the water rides (if it is hot enough).  For
best effect, tackle
these in "increasing wetness" order -- White Water Landing, Thunder
Canyon,
Snake River Falls.  
3.  Get in line for Mean Streak -- your wet clothing will keep you cool
and the hot sun 
will dry you in no time.  Wave Swinger also serves this purpose.
4.  Gemini Midway
5.  Oceana Midway
6.  Main Midway
7.  Raptor
8.  Mantis

4.  What's the quickest way to the Mean Streak?

Well, if the Cedar Point and Lake Erie Railroad is running, jump on the
train.  The
Frontiertown station is right next to the Mean Streak.

5.  I just won a huge stuffed animal and I don't want to carry it around,
what do I do with
it?

The Rental Center near the main gate offers storage for large packages for
a nominal fee. 
Since they are bins and not lockers, don't store valuables here.  The
other option is to get
your hand stamped and take it to your car.

6.  How do I find my car at the end of the day?

Plan ahead!  The parking lot is well marked by section and row.  The
sections are names
after various Cedar Point rides.  So, when you park in the morning, take
note where you
are...say, Space Spiral, Row 12.  Then, when you leave, even if you don't
know which
way to walk, you know where you car is and you can ask where Space Spiral,
Row 12 is
located.  Cedar Point police are constantly driving through the parking
lots.  They can
offer assistance in locating cars, as well as if you are having car
trouble.

7.  How can I beat the heat?

   1.  Walk the Frontier Trail
   2.  Get your hand stamped and hit the beach!
   3.  Most theaters and gift shops are air conditioned.
   4.  Ride Thunder Canyon or Snake River Falls.
   5.  Fascination has been called "The coolest place in town"
   6.  Disaster Transport has an air conditioned queue line.
   7.  Drink, drink, drink!  (And I don't mean beer)

IX.  Miscellaneous

1.  Where can I get a good meal outside of Cedar Point?

There are all kinds of great restaurants in and around Sandusky.  Some of
the more
popular eateries include:  Damons, TGI Fridays, and Cameo Pizza

2.  Where are the best floral displays at Cedar Point?

The most spectacular floral displays are the main midway gardens.  They
run the length
of the midway, right down the middle, and feature a formal bed, a
logo/design bed, and
the U.S. flag.  

3.  How much money should I bring to eat comfortably and maybe take home a
souvenir?

OK, follow me here:

For a family of four

Arrive at the park after breakfast.
Lunch.....$20
Dinner....$30
Snack, cotton candy, fudge or taffy, etc....$10
Souvenirs.....$15

So, were talking around $75, not including games, etc.  That number will
vary greatly. 
Some people will spend much, much less and some people more.  


4.  How can I avoid traffic?

You can't.  Well, OK, I guess you can.  The bulk of the traffic in the
morning occurs
between 10am and noon (trust me, I've lived there my entire life and no
one hates CP
traffic more than me).  So, in the morning, arrive early, say around 9am. 
That's a good
idea, anyway, because it will give you a jump start in the park.  At
closing, everyone
leaves at the same time.  Traffic gets heavy around an hour before closing
and says that
way until around an hour afterwards.  Of course, that varies greatly on
how many people
were at the park.  OK...story time....last year I went to the park on a
July Saturday which
was a record breaking attendance day.  We got to the park at 8:30am and
left the park at
1am (an hour after closing).  We encountered no traffic at all.  This, on
a day with 60,000
people in the park.  Another tip is the ferry service from Sandusky.  This
is covered in my
Cedar Point Trip FAQ.