Cedar Point Tips

[medford]

Even Invertigo?

[medford]

Missed it by "that" much...

[McSalsa]

Kings Island does not run one train operations on any of their roller coasters when it rains and I believe Cedar Point is the same way.

During my single visit to Kings Island in May 2011, it rained for much of the early day. Of the rides I checked out to ride...

-Adventure Express

1 train was running, instead of the usual two. (The ride actually has the ability to run 3, but the 3rd train hasn't been needed in years)

-The Racer

Both Blue and Red Racer were operating, but each side was only running 1 train.

-The Beast

Yikes- Beast was also running one train. One train operation+World's Longest Wooden Roller Coaster= (It was a 90 minute wait, when it should have been 30!) However, the soaked-up track made it run very fast with intense lateral forces (nearly on the same level as Legend @ Holiday Word), so it was worth the wait!

-Diamondback

I didn't ride it until later in the day when the rain had stopped and it was running all 3 trains, but while it was raining, it was only running 2.

-Vortex

Was in a similar boat to Diamondback, and was running 2 trains instead of the usual 3. However, there didn't seem to be any slowdown and the wait was only 20 minutes which was around what I have come to expect from Vortex anyways...is that 3rd train even needed anymore?

I didn't have a chance to check any of the other rides, but I think Firehawk was only using its yellow train, and BLSC looked like it was also running 2. Flight Deck was closed until very late in the day, when the rain had stopped. Invertigo was running 1 train as well, but for it, that's normal.

Granted, this was while Dick Kinzel was still in command as well. Now that Matt Ouimet is in charge, the Rain Policies at the parks may have changed, but I'm not 100% certain.

[TheCrypt]

Matt Ouimet allows for full train operation during less-severe rain. Beast and Diamondback were running three trains during the rain yesterday.

[McSalsa]

^
Awesome. That sounds a heck of a lot better than what Kinzel's operation was doing...sure, I know they were trying to be super-safe and all (the Magnum XL-200 incidient scared that regime to death apparently), but Beast had its brakes changed to account for rain, and its final brake run is covered up. It should at least run two trains in light rain. And then I'm sure parks like Holiday World are safe, but they run all their stuff in the rain (I assume with multiple trains) and so far, there haven't been any problems there because of it.

Granted, Cedar Point could still be different, as under Ouimet the GM's now have more say in what each park does, so I'm guessing the rain policies for different parks may be different...

Also encouraging is the fact Terpy posted some comments I read on another thread during his CP trip that suggested rain, but when it was not raining (or perhaps Gatekeeper was running in the rain), it was about a 10-minute wait for Gatekeeper...

PS: I still expect "sensitive rides" like Top Thrill Dragster to shut down at the earliest sign of rain. That one I can understand, too.

Double PS: I just learned the Hotel is BOOKED. IT. IS. ON!!!

[McSalsa]

OK, I have another question that has come up.

We purchased the "2-Day Ride and Slide" ticket package, but the resort guidelines say we cannot check-in to our hotel until 4PM and check-out is at 11AM. So...does this mean we have to wait until 4PM to get our tickets and enter the park? I'm confused. Can someone explain how Cedar Point resorts work? Thanks...

UPDATE: Never mind, we called them and figured it out.

[malem]

^ You certainly don't have to wait until 4:00pm to pick up your tickets; that's the time your room will be ready. You may want to call the resort you booked to confirm details. You will qualify for Early Entry on both days since you're staying on-site.

By the way, did you get the 20% McDonalds discount on your room? http://www.discoverohiotogo.com/

[McSalsa]

^ You certainly don't have to wait until 4:00pm to pick up your tickets; that's the time your room will be ready. You may want to call the resort you booked to confirm details. You will qualify for Early Entry on both days since you're staying on-site.

By the way, did you get the 20% McDonalds discount on your room? http://www.discoverohiotogo.com/

No...we got a Hotel Package...already booked and locked...can we still get that discount?

[malem]

^ Packages don't save you any money over a doing standard booking and purchasing discount tickets from the front desk. The advantage is convenience, since your tickets are already paid for and ready to pick up.

Cedar Fair reservations are subject to cancellation fees, so cancelling and rebooking at a discount would probably be a wash. I'd recommend calling the hotel directly to explain your situation, since you just booked. Ask if you can get the McDonalds's "Discover Ohio" discount on the room you just now reserved.

EDIT: I just checked the Cedar Point Resorts website, and promotional code MCD is good for both ticket packages and room-only reservations. You're only saving 20% on the room portion of the reservation, not on any ticket package. The cancellation fee is $50, for what it's worth.

[McSalsa]

^
FUDGE. Looking at the promo more closely, we won't be able to do it- we live in Indiana and these cups are only in Ohio, and are only good until June 9th. We will not be in Ohio until the 13th, the day of the trip.

Oh well...never mind. Cedar Point will probably be worth the extra $110 anyway.

[malem]

^ The cups go away June 9, but the offer is valid until June 20. Of course, actually getting a cup from an Ohio McDonald's in the next 2 days might be impossible - if they actually require the cup at check-in.

[McSalsa]

Yeah, that's what I am figuring. Thanks for the offer though- I wish we could have used it. Would have saved us $110...

[malem]

^ Couldn't hurt to call and ask, for that much in savings.

[jcgoble3]

As for check-in, you can pre-register at the front desk as soon as you arrive and get your tickets immediately, even in the morning. I believe they can text you when your room is ready. Also, depending on when you get there and how full they were the previous night, they may be able to give you your room right away if they have one ready. I arrived at 11:00 AM Thursday and was able to check-in and take my stuff up to my room right away.

As for rain, TTD will of course shut down in even the slightest sprinkle. Millie and Gatekeeper will run two trains instead of three in the rain. Maverick, I believe, runs four trains instead of six in the rain. Don't know about any of the others.

[Diamondback96]

Hope you don't mind if I hijack your thread, McSalsa! I assume not, because the above poster did the same thing on page 1.

Anyway, my parents originally wanted to take me to the House of Mouse, but we figured that we should put that off for next year, when I graduate. So, instead of that, and instead of going to KI as not much has changed from last year (aside from a massive wooden structure coming down, but it's not like I would have been able to ride it if it was left standing), and probably also skipping HW this year (not because of the drama, but the cost), we plan on going to CP. Most likely, only three of us will be going.

Last time we went (in 2007, and I wish we had gone to GL... granted, I had no clue that park existed back then), we stayed at Castaway Bay, and while it was fun, it was expensive. We also want to go to Soak City this time. Also, we went to the park for one day, and we missed a bunch, including Space Spiral, Disaster Transport, Wildcat, Mean Streak, Blue Streak, and Maverick. Good thing half of those are still there currently (things could always change...). This time, I think we're going to go for two days.

We have no Platinum Passes, so in order to get ERT, we must stay at a CP hotel. Breakers is, at least for me, very attractive not only due to its location and view, but also because of its historical significance. Staying at Breakers also gives us the benefit of not having to buy a locker. Sandcastle Suites also would be a good option here.

Breakers Express seems a little far away. My parents would insist on getting a locker instead of walking back to the hotel. Lighthouse Point looks nice, but more expensive than the first three options.

All of these options do seem to stay under the $600 that Platinum Passes would cost for us- which doesn't include lodging. Personally, I'm biased towards Breakers myself, although if we do get Platinum Passes I won't be complaining!

So does anyone have any suggestions for what we should do?

[McSalsa]

^
YOU HIJACK ME THREAD!?!?! I MUST KILL YOU!

LOL, Just Kidding...feel free to "hijack" my threads. I don't mind, obviously.

Also, jcglobe3, thanks for the advice. My friend did end up calling the hotel, and were told that yes, we can show up and get our tickets before 4PM. Can you imagine how much that would make staying on-site SUCK if that were the rule?

One last question (well, for now): I was looking up CP rain policies around the internet, and read somewhere that Gemini is actually very sensitive to rain and has to shut down, same as TTD. Is there any truth to this?

PS: Oh, Diamondback96, if it helps any, we are staying at Hotel Breakers...for 4 adults, 1 child, and 1 baby it cost us around $560 after taxes. We could have gotten a cheaper room, but they were all booked out by the time we had the money to even get the room...(checks web site and sees the cheaper room still offered) AGH! My friend must have made a mistake or something...oh well, my sister wanted a room with a beachside view anyway...

[jcgoble3]

Hope you don't mind if I hijack your thread, McSalsa! I assume not, because the above poster did the same thing on page 1.

Anyway, my parents originally wanted to take me to the House of Mouse, but we figured that we should put that off for next year, when I graduate. So, instead of that, and instead of going to KI as not much has changed from last year (aside from a massive wooden structure coming down, but it's not like I would have been able to ride it if it was left standing), and probably also skipping HW this year (not because of the drama, but the cost), we plan on going to CP. Most likely, only three of us will be going.

Last time we went (in 2007, and I wish we had gone to GL... granted, I had no clue that park existed back then), we stayed at Castaway Bay, and while it was fun, it was expensive. We also want to go to Soak City this time. Also, we went to the park for one day, and we missed a bunch, including Space Spiral, Disaster Transport, Wildcat, Mean Streak, Blue Streak, and Maverick. Good thing half of those are still there currently (things could always change...). This time, I think we're going to go for two days.

We have no Platinum Passes, so in order to get ERT, we must stay at a CP hotel. Breakers is, at least for me, very attractive not only due to its location and view, but also because of its historical significance. Staying at Breakers also gives us the benefit of not having to buy a locker. Sandcastle Suites also would be a good option here.

Breakers Express seems a little far away. My parents would insist on getting a locker instead of walking back to the hotel. Lighthouse Point looks nice, but more expensive than the first three options.

All of these options do seem to stay under the $600 that Platinum Passes would cost for us- which doesn't include lodging. Personally, I'm biased towards Breakers myself, although if we do get Platinum Passes I won't be complaining!

So does anyone have any suggestions for what we should do?

Hotel Breakers can be done the cheapest of those actually on the peninsula (unless you have an RV or camper). And look into those Platinum Passes again; they can get you 10% off the standard rack rate at Hotel Breakers (and a few of the other resorts) by using promotional code PASS on the online reservation system. That savings alone might be enough to warrant getting Platinum Passes. Also, do you already have KI passes? If so, you can upgrade those passes to Platinum for the difference between what you paid for the pass and the current price of Platinum (but you can ONLY do so at KI). That might save you even more money. Even if you get Platinum Passes, I still recommend spending the money to stay on-site. It's nice to be within walking distance of both parks (CP and Soak City) and be able to use your room as a locker.

Breakers Express is not just further away; it is on the mainland, which is separated from the park by a 1.5-mile-long strip of land (on which rests the Cedar Point Causeway) that is not safe for pedestrians. You will have to drive back and forth, and Breakers Express packages may not come with free parking like the resorts on the peninsula do, so you might have to pay $15/day to park. Not worth the savings IMO.

[McSalsa]

Ugh. Well, I learned today that the CP trip is in danger. My sister, who was going with us, was going to screw over my best friend who was paying for the bulk of the trip (she wanted to pay 3 payments of $100, and that would not cover our expenses for the trip), and as a result he kicked her from the trip (I am, supposedly, still going if it stays on as we are very good friends and I did nothing wrong). He is going to try and get a loan, and work on cars to build up some cash (he's a good auto mechanic). However, if he can't get a loan or build up enough cash, he will have to take the cancellation fee and cut off the trip.

Cedar Point...why u hate me so much? I hope he can get the loan, or do enough car jobs, and we still go.

Thanks for the tips, anyhow...

UPDATE: There was no way. CP trip canned. Instead, we are going to Holiday World, which is far closer and cheaper.

[Big Sexy]

Mf, car 5, seat one parkside for the best air.

Magnum car 1, seat 3 for the best air.

All others 1st row.

Magnum is best in the summer when you can see hot girls in Soak City while your in the ejector seat.

[TheCrypt]

^I detest his grouping of all other coasters to be front row. I very much prefer Wicked Twister in the back row.

[Big Sexy]

^I detest his grouping of all other coasters to be front row. I very much prefer Wicked Twister in the back row.

If it was a vertical spike then yes.

[The Interpreter]

McSalsa: I'm very sorry.

And when you do get to Cedar Point, the best Wicked Twister seat is next to last row, park side, due to the twist. Far better than the front or back row.

[McSalsa]

Thanks Terp...meh, I've kind of gotten over it. A trip to Holiday World is always a nice plan B.

Although, something odd I noticed...I have only been to Holiday World twice before...(assuming this trip stays on)...

2010: My first ever HW trip. Will Koch was "in charge" of the park during my visit...I even saw him and had a very short convo:
Will Koch (walking past): How are you guys doing?

Me: Good!
Will Koch smiles and walks past

And that was my short, and only, time speaking to Will Koch...didn't even realize it was him until later though! However, a few weeks later, he died and Dan Koch took over. (On the dying, not Dan Koch taking over)

2011: Dan Koch was "in charge" of the park during my visit...I never saw him though.

2012: Could not make it to Holiday World...so Mammoth will still be new for me this year. Dan Koch was still "in charge" for a 2nd full season.

2013: If things stay the same as they are now- Matt Eckert is "in charge" of the park, and Lori Koch will be the majority stakeholder...

3 visits to Holiday World, and there has been someone different at the helm each time...kind of weird, huh? I'm assuming Greg Schied has been GM of Kings Island during all my visits there since 2009...probably not the 2000 visit though...

[The Interpreter]

PLEASE seek out Lori and speak to her.

Terp, sometime adherent of patterns.

[McSalsa]

I'm going to look up photos of her.

Is she the one standing on the side of the Timberliner in this pic who is not Pat Koch, who I would instantly recognize?

Also...what kind of questions to ask, should I bump into Lori? Her general plan for the park? Does she want to sell it? Etc Etc?

[The Interpreter]

Yea:

http://www.holidayworld.com/holiblog/family-rides-together

Ironic and sad headline, and caption....

[McSalsa]

Indeed...it's kind of sad that the family in that picture has been to reduced to this.

The 2 Gravity Group dudes are the only ones from that picture who aren't in some way involved in this family fued.

Also, it is very easy to tell Will & Dan are brothers...I had them "switched" and in the opposite order (Thought Will was Dan and Dan was Will, ). Dan looks kind of strange in those bulky glasses, too.

[The Interpreter]

Oh, the Gravity Group "dudes" are involved. Whether they like it or not, how this ends could drastically affect the future of that company. It could even...contract.

[McSalsa]

Yeah, that kind of makes sense...Holiday World is one of their best customers, even since the CCI days. Some of their best and finest work is "on display" in that park in the form of the 3 wooden coasters...if Lori's new management ever decides to switch to another wooden coaster builder, it makes them look bad. I would panic if that happened and I was in a position of power at Gravity Group, because now we have to build a new "showcase" ride at a different park because Holiday World dumped us. And topping Voyage with their traditional construction techniques would be difficult.

[The Interpreter]

And there's that little matter of coaster trains, bought way back then and still not successfully running at the park.