There are countless reasons you might consider traveling somewhere other than Walt Disney World for your next vacation. You may be looking to change things up or seek out more thrilling attractions. Perhaps recent health concerns are making a Florida vacation seem less appealing. If you are looking for another wonderful destination, I have just the park for you: Cedar Point. Here are 10 reasons to check it out.
1. Location, Location, Location
Cedar Point is in Sandusky, which is in Northern Ohio. The park and many of its amenities are located on a peninsula on Lake Erie. It is a great option for those in the Midwest and Northeast regions because you can very easily drive there. They also have Greyhound bus and Amtrack stops in Sandusky. If ground travel isn’t an option for you, Cedar Point is also worth a plane trip (there are nine other reasons why).
2. Avoiding The Florida Heat
Cedar Point is open from May to October. You will not find any sweltering Florida heat at Cedar Point. During the summer months, the average temperatures are in the 80’s. It still can get hot, but not the same kind of heat that is common in the Florida summers.
3. The Roller Coaster Capital of the World
Cedar Point boasts 72 rides including 18 roller coasters. While Disney is known for its fantastical dark rides, Cedar Point is known for its phenomenal roller coasters. Many of Cedar Point’s coasters may feel like a more thrilling version of some of your Disney favorites. If your favorite ride is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, you should check out Steel Vengeance, the newest coaster. If you enjoy Space Mountain, check out Cedar Point classic, Millennium Force. Finally, if you love Mission: SPACE, try Top Thrill Dragster. That one is a stretch, but the 120 mph launch straight up 420 feet certainly makes you feel like you’re being launched into space.
Cedar Point is also accommodating to guests of all ages. If you have smaller children or roller coasters aren’t your favorite, Cedar Point offers dozens of other incredible rides. Snake River Expedition is a new attraction that sounds like a more adventurous Jungle Cruise. They also have three children’s areas.
4. On-site Accommodations and Benefits
Cedar Point has several on-property accommodations. First, you have your “deluxe” option: Hotel Breakers. Hotel Breakers is within walking distance of the park. It has dining options within the hotel and two pools. Next, is your “value” option: Express Hotel. You will have to drive to the park if you are staying at this hotel, and there is no pool. However, if you’re looking to save some money and reap the benefits of staying on-site, Express Hotel is a still great option. Light House Point offers RV site and cabin rentals, and it is within walking distance to the park. Finally, you may choose to stay about 10 minutes away from the park at the Sawmill Creek by Cedar Point Resorts. This is another “deluxe” choice with dining offerings and a golf course. The last Cedar Point property is Castaway Bay, a resort and indoor waterpark. However, it is closed for renovations through the rest of 2021.
Just as Disney has had in the past, Cedar Point offers exclusive park time to their on-site guests. Guests of all Cedar Point properties are allowed into the park one hour early to enjoy select attractions. This includes most of the roller coasters, at least one of the children’s areas, and several of the other attractions.
5. The Fast Pass Options
Cedar Point offers two fast pass options called Fast Lane and Fast Lane Plus. The basic Fast Lane will allow you to skip the line for 20 of the most popular rides as many times as you wish for a price starting at $109. The Fast Lane Plus will allow the same benefit as the basic, plus access to Millennium Force, Maverick, Top Thrill Dragster, and Steel Vengeance (the most popular coasters) for a starting price of $159. However, they only sell a limited number per day.
6. Cleanliness
We have all been to dirty parks. Disney guests are accustomed to a certain standard of cleanliness that not all amusement parks can live up to. However, I have found that Cedar Point rivals Disney’s cleanliness standards. They do a great job of keeping the park clean.
7. Ride and Slide
Cedar Point Shores is the waterpark located adjacent to Cedar Point. There are over 20 water slides, a wave pool, two lazy rivers, a splash pad, and a water playground.
8. Diverse Entertainment Options
Cedar Point offers several different entertainment choices. They have live music, character shows, and interactive dance parties. They usually have a nighttime spectacular show as well. These have been a highlight of many of my past trips.
9. Fun Character Interactions
If character interactions are one of your favorite parts of Walt Disney World, you are in luck. Cedar Point features appearances by Snoopy and the Peanuts gang. They have meet-and-greets throughout the park, or you can catch them at the Peanuts Sing-a-long, Charlie Brown’s Funtime Frolics, and the Beach Blanket Beagle show. Side note: I used to “be friends” with Sally Brown.
10. Other Activities
Just like Disney World’s enchanting extras, Cedar Point has several non-park activities you can explore. On the peninsula that houses Cedar Point, there is a beach that offers jet ski, paddleboard, and kayak rentals. You can also parasail. Additionally, Cedar Point offers excursions from the Cedar Point Marina to Kelley’s Island or Put-in-Bay on Lake Erie. You can even charter a boat to go fishing or enjoy a swim.
Cedar Point is more than simply an amusement park, it is a full vacation destination. While it may not be the same as going to Walt Disney World, you are sure to have a magical time.
