Advice on My Parents Visit

Greetings all and Happy New Year! After a bit of coaxing on my part, my parents have finally agreed to head to the Point with me this summer to see how much the Point has changed over the years (they were last there in the late 80's). They want to go sometime in mid-May since they feel the crowds will be minimal this time of year and the weather not too warm. So, here are a questions I wanted to kick around:
1. I know that the park is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on most weekdays in May and from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on some Fridays in May. In order to maximize ride time, is it better to go two weekdays in May or a Thursday and a Friday in May (such that we would gain two hours by going on the Friday)? I guess what I am asking is for an opinion on the crowds in mid-May.
2. My parents would like to stay on site (at either Sandcastle Suites or Hotel Breakers). I have stayed at both and like them both but you know how picky parents can be sometimes. So, if anybody has an opinion as to which my parents may like better, please sound off.
I guess that is it for now--I look forward to your feedback and to opening day 2001! I hope all is well.........

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"What Goes Up Must Come Down My Friends!"

On the hotel, I have never stayed at the Sandcastle but I have stayed at the breakers. The fact that an entrance is only a short walk down the boardwalk my influence them to stay there. The breakers also has great service. I think that the Breakers would be a good place for you to stay. About the time to go I'm not so sure about that.

Breakers is good, but highly overrated. While the rooms were clean and very quite... there was no breakfest, or coffee at least. I am thinking that the new Cottages and Cabins will be very nice!

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"Your obssesed w/ that place aren't you?"

It really depends on your personal preferences. There's a lot of excitement at Hotel Breakers as it is very close to the park. It has two outdoor pools and one indoor pool, three restaurants, and 650 rooms. Last summer, a standard room in the older part of the hotel (2 double beds) went for $135, whereas a standard room in the new part of the hotel (2 queen beds) went for $195. It also has a dorm-sized refrigerator and coffee maker. The same $195 would get you a suite at Sandcastle. It has two queen beds, a pull out sofa bed, a screened in patio or balcony, and a refrigerator. And for $10 more, you can upgrade to a lake view. Sandcastle Suites is more secluded and quieter and it is a short walk or shuttle bus ride to the park. If you wanted a similar suite setup at Breakers, it was $270 and they always have a lake view. And of course, there are many other room types than the one's I've mentioned--those are just the most abundant. Personally--I'd go with the Breakers just in case it rains (which it does alot in May) and you'd have a lot more to do inside.

Wow its been a long time since I've given that spiel... ;-)

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CP Schroeder
CP Reservations 2000

Never been to the park and May so I can't help with the crowd question, but as far as hotel, I agree having more to do at Breakers and it's closeness to the entrance, it's the one I would pick. I've stayed at both and if I were taking my parents back after many years (which is something I would love to do), I'd stay at Breakers.

Its hard to get a room at Breakers though.

Well, we decided to try out the new cottages (see my subsequent post "Lighthouse Point (May 2001)" Thanks for all your help!

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"What Goes Up Must Come Down My Friends!"

"Its hard to get a room at Breakers though."

In what way? I've not had any problems. Just don't wait until the last minute.

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Jeff
Webmaster/Guide to The Point
Millennium Force laps: 50

Actually Jeff, waiting until the last minute can save you money, depending on when you're coming. I remember several instances last summer when we offered heavily discounted rooms for same-day reservations on Sunday evenings. I think HR2Q's (Breakers--2 queen beds) that were normally $195 were dropped to like $135.

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CP Schroeder
CP Reservations 2000

The only time the park closes at 6pm in May is from May 7-10. On the weekdays after that the park is open from 10am-8pm. On Saturdays in May the park is open from 10am-10pm. On Memorial Day weekend(May 25-28) the park is open from 10am-10pm. You can find the hours of the park at http://www.cedarpoint.com/calendar/operate.cfm