Camper village 2014

I think that sums it up pretty well.

If only the math were that simple.

Cabins and cottages are available to anyone, but camp sites are available only to those who already own (or are willing to rent) a camper. The "more expensive" argument doesn't hold water. I could buy a cheap pop-up for $2,500. Forgetting for a moment that is the low-end of the low-end, for the same money, I can sleep three times as many people for two nights in each of four seasons (taking into account the additional $65 site cost). Unless you're already committed to the RV lifestyle, the overall cost of a cabin vacation is much cheaper.

I completely understand the disappointment of RV owners who enjoy camping on the peninsula. Much like Cedar Point fans, RV owners are a very passionate group. And it will be much hard to get a site now. But this is definitely an improvement for most guests. That's a lot of space to dedicate to a group that makes up - according to an RV industry association - only 8% of US households. The park has modified its overnight accommodations lineup to make more options available to people. And while it's true that not everyone can afford to stay in a Cedar Point resort, the number is still higher than 8%.

I'll echo what Walt said, and provide you with an answer to your question, Shades.

No, it's never happy when something leaves or gets replaced for certain people. Whether that's a ride, a convenience, a camp-site, or a restaurant you have fond memories of. That goes without saying.

That said, I have long been a fan of Lighthouse Point. Cabins and cottages are a part of our travelling lifestyle. Every Thanksgiving, my wife and kids rent the same cabin in Hocking Hills, Ohio, and stay lost in the woods for a few days. When we've gone to Dollywood a couple times over the past 4 years, we got our cabin in the Smoky Mountains. The list goes on.

First of all, this isn't something we would do multiple times a summer. For our annual "opening week" trip we'll be getting our usual room at the Best Western Suites. But we've been wanting to take the girls and the grandparents together on a trip, so that mommy and daddy can relive the glory days of running around the park by ourselves. This is a perfect fit. The grandparents love camping, we love cabins, and you get the can't-be-overestimated benefit of waking up right there on the property (and walking home at night to your bed).

It's a perfect size for what we're looking for, and we'll all be tucked in together, and quite frankly, the cost difference between these and the existing cottage is marginal for staying in the new property. Three beds and two baths? Sign me up.

As far as cost, that's personal. It's either worth it to you or it's not. These prices are not out of step with similar properties near, say, Dollywood. Well worth it from my perspective.

Somewhere, MrScott is looking down and smiling. Good day to be Mayor of Lighthouse Point.

:)

Walt, I think the argument before was not that RV's are a better value (and I agree with your position about the large up-front costs). What I was saying is that the math is not so simple as $19k per day vs. $7k per day.

Will they be sold out like the electric sites were? What about the cost of the cottage (very high, even purchasing in quantity). Maintenance, housekeeping, cost of capital, etc. I was only saying that from a net income standpoint, I doubt it's all that much better, but that's just a gut feel.

I do like that they sleep more people. That is something that none of the other resorts on property can offer, the ability to sleep a large number of people (10 I think). So from that standpoint, I see value. But as an avid RV'er I am still disappointed to see those sites go away.

MaverickLaunch said:
Walt, I think the argument before was not that RV's are a better value (and I agree with your position about the large up-front costs). What I was saying is that the math is not so simple as $19k per day vs. $7k per day.

Will they be sold out like the electric sites were? What about the cost of the cottage (very high, even purchasing in quantity). Maintenance, housekeeping, cost of capital, etc. I was only saying that from a net income standpoint, I doubt it's all that much better, but that's just a gut feel.

Two things:
1: Yes the cabins do sell out quite often, and often enough that they do not offer a discount with platinum passes as with other resort rooms.

2: They have also increased the price of the full hook-ups, which will sell out even more quickly and easily help offset; perceived lost revenue, maintenance costs, initial investment, etc...

Kevinj said:

But we've been wanting to take the girls and the grandparents together on a trip, so that mommy and daddy can relive the glory days of running around the park by ourselves. This is a perfect fit. The grandparents love camping, we love cabins, and you get the can't-be-overestimated benefit of waking up right there on the property (and walking home at night to your bed).

It's a perfect size for what we're looking for, and we'll all be tucked in together, and quite frankly, the cost difference between these and the existing cottage is marginal for staying in the new property. Three bedrooms and two baths? Sign me up.

:)

The extended family is good enough reason. I thought you were just excited because they were shiny and new.

Not so much. :)

And I edited; it's three "beds" and two baths, not 3 bedrooms. It looks like there will be a fair amount of room upstairs, though, where those two beds are.

My wife and I got started on this "cabin fever" when we were engaged. We're both runners that love trails, and we used to scope out cool cabins to rent in far-off places. There's just something relaxing about having what feels like your own little home. If you're into that sort of thing.

Given the choice, I would always choose a cabin stay over a hotel stay. In fact, wherever we go it's almost always a hunt to see what's available.

I am not against the cabins, I was just wondering what would make you be interested in them now when there have been cabins up there for years.

I love the new cabins. They will be modern, clean, and will accommodate many people. I can already imagine some fun times when I'm in college and getting a group of friends together to split the cost of a cabin and staying there. This will definitely be a great place to stay with a large group.

Ride On_17 said:
They will be modern, clean...

You're kidding, right? Have you been in the existing cabins/cottages? Ever taken a look under the sheets at the "mattress"??

Ride On_17 said:
I can already imagine some fun times when I'm in college and getting a group of friends together ...

I rest my case. Unfortunately, this is the case with all on-property resorts, and most of the hotels in town, too. CP, for whatever reason, seems to attract a class of people that just beat the hell out of stuff and aren't clean. I can't think of a better way to say that without sounding somehow arrogant, but remember I too am an enthusiast so I cast the first stone in my own direction.

This is why staying in our clean, comfortable RV is so important to us. I wouldn't do it any other way.

Why do you automatically assume that just cause he was going to hang out with college friends there that they'd "just beat the hell out of stuff and aren't clean"? Not all people in college are like that. There actually are people that have a decency of respect and maturity.

I'm in the same boat. I think people overall are pretty skeevy. I like my space that I can haul into a lot, setup and have my stuff in it. I know that my linens are clean and I know the dishes are clean. None of this reflects Cedar Point resorts ability to keep the cabins clean, but I have my own opinion on how I feel about staying in something else that's been enjoyed by countless people over the course of multiple seasons.

There are still places for us to camp. It was fun camping at Camper Village while it lasted.

~Rob

Rcoaster10 said:
Why do you automatically assume that just cause he was going to hang out with college friends there that they'd "just beat the hell out of stuff and aren't clean"? Not all people in college are like that. There actually are people that have a decency of respect and maturity.

Exactly. Believe me, my current friends (and the ones I will make in the future) are not wild and crazy, and don't disregard cleanliness and maturity. By having fun, I simply meant spending a weekend at the park with some friends, being able to relax in our own cabin, and being able to just hang out and enjoy one another's company. Yes, there are some people and college students who may party and get crazy if a large group gets together, but keep in mind that not all people are like this.

This is just a matter of differing opinions. I never have and likely never will stay in Lighthouse Point with my family since we live close enough to the park to not need to stay somewhere each time we go. However, once I'm in college and might live farther away, getting a group together and all chipping in for a cabin seems like a great idea. It just depends on your own needs and preferences.

I think it makes good financial sense for them to build more cabins, but I do feel the pull of nostalgia when I realize that this is the real end of Camper Village.

I'm in my 30's and there are plenty of people on this board who can remember a much more remote setting the I can, but I do remember in the 80s, going up to that A-Frame building that is the office, it felt like going into the woods. A few years ago a walked back there and there is the same building, sitting in the open.

(Walt's post hit the nail on the head by the way.)

I feel lucky to have the memories I have of Camper Village. The time my dad rented a trailer and couldn't quite back it in to the spot (he eventually uncoupled the trailer and muscled it in to the spot. It wasn't a big trailer, but still!). Camping out in the family van at the bottom of the first hill of the Magnum and waking up to the employees getting their rides in before the park opened. What a wake-up call!

Sure was nice to be able to sleep in your own bed when your there. I only have a pop-up so I will probably be staying at East Harbor or at Breakers. I don't care to stay somewhere where you can't cook food so it will probably be East Harbor. It's a drive back and forth during the day though. But for 35 a night, that will be nice. Better facilities and nicer sites. No flooding. Sure if I go closing weekends when I shower it would be in a heated showerhouse. So really for campers it's win win if you want to buy the pass and do all that driving.

If the new cabins sleep 10 I wonder how big the grills will be? It was hard enough to cook 4 steaks on the grills at Camper Village. I'd hate to pay 400 a night and be stuck cooking 10 steaks on a small grill. It'd take all day. Probably a must do for people renting the cabins is to take an extra grill. That was always the best part for me. Being able cook steak,potatoes, and corn. have a nice diner for less than the cost a hot dog and a large soda. The beer was cheap too.

There is a nice campground closer than East Harbor. It is at the corner of Routes 2 and 101, just north of Castalia. It is Camp Sandusky. It has a pool and activities building. I believe they even allow tent camping.

Bayshore Estates is pretty nice. Camped there several times, which I think is the closest campground outside of CP.

1. Sandusky KOA is pretty nice, stayed there twice, not even far down the road on Rt 6

2. Cedar Point now seems to finally have that resort feel, it's exciting. If I was staying stateside I might have stayed on point for the first time ever other than being an employee

3. Hopefully the cabin walls are thick for obvious reasons for those around you, and inside as well. I mean, those two toilets next to eachother..Guess you cant let the Famous Daves go right through you ;)

10 people...maybe oompa loompas!

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