Advice

I suggest taking a day trip out to Put-in-Bay or Kelley's Island on one of your days off from work. I did this last year and it was a lot of fun; took a picnic with me and everything. The ferry leaves from downtown Sandusky and if you're ambitious, you can walk there from Commons. Put-in-Bay is mostly shops and bars; you can rent golf karts and drive around the island. Kelley's Island is more for those who like nature hikes, or just want to get away to someplace quiet -- there is a great state park on the island with lots of cool trails and huge ruts carved by glaciers into the earth. Just be careful to be back at the ferry dock on time so they don't leave without you; this has never happened to me but I know some people who were "stranded" on the islands overnight because they missed their boat off.

Another thing you might want to do is get a library card from the Sandusky Library. If you really like to read and forgot to bring your favorite books with you (like I did my first summer), the library is awesome and they have a great selection. A good book is perfect for those (unfortunate) rainy days off when you can't really do anything outside without getting cold and wet. You can walk to the library, too, if you've missed the bus from Commons.

There are a lot of interesting things to do in town if you just look for them. The Commons office has brochures and things sitting on a table about local services and attractions. A lot of my exploration of the city has been through walking because the bus only goes certain places and I haven't had a car with me the past two summers. You would be surprised what cool things you can find, just randomly wandering the town with a few adventurous friends.

------------------
~Lee~

Group Sales ATL '01
Group Sales TL '02
Park Admissions Supervisor '03
----------------------
"The greatest leaders don't take credit for their actions; they don't have to."
*** This post was edited by Lee 1/22/2003 6:46:45 PM ***

Yeah, Sandusky does have an awesome library. Plus they have computers - although I think they made a rule there last year that only one of the computers could be used for chat/e-mail. Apparently a lot of people had been abusing that :(

Lee, you've been able to wander around Sandusky without getting hopelessly lost?? Somebody showed me where the library was my first year, so I could find that (basically just keep walking straight down First Street). But then I decided to walk to Dollar General from the library, and I ended up god only knows where. I honestly thought I would never get back to Bayside. Finally, four hours later I made it back by asking different people for directions. I know I was far because one lady that I asked looked at me like I was a nutjob when I told her I needed to walk back to Cedar Point. It only takes about 30-40 minutes to walk to the library.

But yes, there is a lot to see and do in Sandusky as long as you don't accidentally wander out of it ;-) There's also Mini-Golf/Go-Karts, movie theaters, clubs, restaurants, and the Mall. You can't walk there (well, you CAN, and I have, but it's better to take the shuttle or if you have a car, drive). The Pier(which is where you get the ferry) is a great place to go and relax, because Lake Erie is so beautiful, and you get an awesome view of CP from there. (Not like you want to look at the Park when you don't absolutely have to. J/K, it is really pretty, especially at night).

Sandusky has a lot of really pretty old houses, there is a Carousel museum and some beautiful parks. Make sure you take time to see all the sights! The whole town will really grow on you :) I hope you have a great summer cedarpointchic!

------

Park Services '01-'03

"Am I still in Cedar Point?"

Thanks cat! you too!

------------------
'03 Merchandise

I have a good sense of direction, so it's hard for me to get lost, plus, I remember landmarks easily. Plus, it's not hard to get back to Commons from the library...just look toward the water -- you'll be able to see the Point across the bay and you can follow that towards home (the closer you get to Commons, the more you can see the front half of the park). A tip: if you're walking anywhere for the first time, head over to the laundry room in the Commons office and check out that nice big road map of Sandusky in there, then sketch yourself a little map of the main route to where you're going before you leave.

------------------
~Lee~

Group Sales ATL '01
Group Sales TL '02
Park Admissions Supervisor '03
----------------------
"The greatest leaders don't take credit for their actions; they don't have to."

When it comes to Advice and Questions...Lee is like the "Old Wiseman" of the village...i kinda wish i knew him or of this site last season when i was coming there for my first yr...he woulda helped me out a lot :)

------------------
Breakers Express '02

Haha, actually there's nothing to do in Sandusky, it's all in Perkins. ;)

------------------
Brent Haley
Gemini Crew '02
2003 - ???

Perkins, Sandusky...isn't it all the same thing anyway??? lol
------------------
Breakers Express '02

Actually, I'm more of an old Wisewoman, doncha know. ^_~ Though, still being in college, I'm not that old yet!!

I just try to think about my first year and what I wish people would have told me -- the more specifics you know, the better off you are.

------------------
~Lee~ (a.k.a. Lisa)

Group Sales ATL '01
Group Sales TL '02
Park Admissions Supervisor '03
----------------------
"The greatest leaders don't take credit for their actions; they don't have to."

I had no idea you were a girl Lee, nice information to have. Thanks for all of the tips, i really appriciate them, keep them coming if there are anymore. Oh yes! I recently found out that i am going to be working at Macaroni's as a hostess, i am extremely excited! How should I word that in my signature?

------------------
Cedar Point, here I come!

not much i can add to this list. though for anyone new to cedar point just have fun, and always be yourself. we have to many people who act different from what they appear, and always remember cedar point is not reality. after 6 years i know this/i live this. you meet many wonderful people. and you see many wonderful leave. and you meet many horrible fake people. and sometimes your just so happy when they leave. have fun, be youself, don't always go to louies- it gets borring-remember karoke and the light house on cleveland strret. and if you see me walking and have a carr maybe pick me up and drop me off at the nuddie bar by the mall. :O)

Ok i didnt know to start a new topic, but i'll just post i here. I want to work at CP next summer of 2004. What job(s) should i expect to get? I'll be 19 by then.

I mean I know you dont start off woking Raptor or anything, so what can I expect?

Also, how long does it take for someone to work their way up to working on a ride like Raptor?

You could get anything man. I suggest applying as early as possible and working as long as you can in order to maximize your chance of getting something good. Also, during your interview, indicate that you'd like to work a coaster. I got Magnum my first summer and our crew was at least half made up of first year people, so it is possible to get a major ride your first season.

-Matt
2001 Magnum Crew

So when do you suggest that I apply? Before this summer is over? Also, if someone could explain more how the whole hiring process works.

They don't change the website or put on a downloadable application till around December.

So for 2004 hiring, they won't accept applications till around Dec. 2003.

------------------
June 11th, 2001 - Gemini 100
VertiGo Rides - 82
Technical Services 2002
Fright Zone Screamster 2002

No one replied about my researching escape techniques. What a shame. Oh how little you newbies know. You will need them, trust me.

------------------
Dave
Cedar Point Employee 1997 - 2000
Kansas Wesleyan University Sports Information Director
It's CP for life

Well I just wanted to say a couple things, first off for you 1st years, It's not the size of your ride, but the crew you work with that makes the summer fun. I don't blame you for wanting ot start out at a major coaster, but just keep that in mind. I've known of bad crews on Big rides and Great Crews on little rides. Here's some benefits of working on flat rides: 1. You get a workout, whether it be lifting cabins, closing doors, or checking lapbars, on a circular you are always moving. 2. You get to be out in the Sun, which is great, even on the hot days. 3. The environment is more relaxed, You're not really concerned with an interval as you would be on a coaster, of course you'll be expected to move but it is a really fun environment. I'm not trying to say it's better then a coaster but I'm just trying to represent for the little guys out there. :)

------------------
2000 CP & LE RR ATL
2001 White Water Landing TL
2002 Monster/WW TL
2003 Paddlewheel Excursions TL

Sam's right. I loved working on the circular. The only bad thing is that it gets very hot and there is nowhere to go when its raining and storming and it really sucks. Right Sam? On a coaster, most of the time, have shelter. But your crew is what makes the ride fun. If your crew sucks then you'll hate your ride if your crew is cool then you'll love your ride.

Abby

Monster / Witches Wheel / Gemini 02

Gemini 03

Abby & Sam are both right. It does really depend on your crew not the ride. Our Gemini crew last year was a very tight family. Yes, I did say family. Most of these people are closer to me than my own family. I miss all you guys and can't wait to see you all again.

------------------
Gemini '02 & '03

I agree with Sam, Abby, and Jake: My crew in 2001 was so cool. It WAS like a family. you had the young one to pick on (Arnie LOL) and we all got along so well. So, even if you get stuck on a sucky ride, if you have an awesome crew it will make your summer very fun and....tolerable :) hehe

------------------
'Screw Crew '01
'Screw Crew TL '02
Snake River Falls TL '03
*** This post was edited by mom 2/10/2003 1:25:19 PM ***

Oh, the excitement continues to grow...

-Mikey

------------------
Let your mind go...and your body will follow...