CoasterMania worth it?

I don't know if this thread has already been made or something similar to it so if it has please refer me to it.

I was just wondering if CoasterMania is worth it? Is the ERT really good? Is it worth the extra money than just a normal weekday visit during the summer? Is it worth going to the point earlier?

It's an enthusiast day at the park, it's always worth it.

But are they entitled or normal enthusiasts ?

Bit of both unfortunately. I usually plan the trip with friends and we enjoy the enthusiast day amongst ourselves and run into old friends & stuff. Overall I've never walked away upset or unhappy. The park goes well above and beyond any expectations set.

Agreed. Go to an enthusiast event, you'll find entitled enthusiasts; fortunately you don't have to hang with them. I've gone to plenty of events over the years, ridden coasters, chatted with friends, enjoyed the park's hospitality. It's worth it.

It's a good day for all, really. If you enjoy coasters and hanging out with friends, it's a great time. If you're a person who enjoys finding things to complain about then it's a great time.

Something for everyone. :)

^Golden response. Screenshotting that one haha

It's worth the "extra money" because it is free, other than the price of admission and you can attend as long as you are a member of a coaster club or a guest of a coaster club member. But I wouldn't be surprised if they started charging for the event soon. The event has gotten huge. I also wouldn't be surprised if they set a limit on how many can attend. I actually preferred the night ERT's better since I got in more riding during those because I lost alot of morning ERT due to the mess of a check-in process this year and I think alot of people didn't stay for those. The lunch was also really good. 2015 was my first time attending, so I have no other years to compare it to.

Edit: I just saw here that 2016 it will be paid and a limited event: http://cpfansite.com/plan/upcoming-events/

The couple times I went it was a good time, but haven't been to a coaster mania in years.

I've attended the last three and have enjoyed them all. The "entitled" aspect of the enthusiast group will hopefully be minimized when they find out it's not a free event anymore. Tony mentioned the return of the CoasterMania cruise around the peninsula at this year's event and it was a good time when they did it in '14. I expect the fee and a cap on attendees will make it more organized and prevent last year's issues from recurring.

Not to mention the return of the film festival. Something I'm personally most excited about. And something I've been wanting to do (again) since the last one. If it still happens, I have a devilishly good short written up that'll have everyone laughing. ;)

Has there been any word from Tony that it will be a paid and not free event this year? If it is, I hope it doesn't end up being too much as I've already made my campground reservations for that weekend, and would hate to not be able to participate if the price is too high.

What I mean is that is the ERT worth it?

When I went in 2013, it was more than worth it. Given I had a platinum pass that year, as well as a GOCC membership, I simply had to register. But from what I remember there was 2 hours of ERT before early entry, then additional ERT I wanna say 2 hours after park closed. I ended up leaving long before park close, cause I'd had enough for the day, but to me it was definitely worth it.

You get to ride a ride when normally you can't. That's worth it to me.

Bret said:
Has there been any word from Tony that it will be a paid and not free event this year? If it is, I hope it doesn't end up being too much as I've already made my campground reservations for that weekend, and would hate to not be able to participate if the price is too high.

Knowing Cedar Point, I bet it'll be reasonable. Though, I anticipate even the normal "complainers" to pay and show up. And boy howdy will they claim to have validation for their crying.

I doubt it'll be paid, but if so not a big deal, they deliver more than I'd ever ask from them. I got a season pass for the year, that's good enough for me normally. Anything else I get to do is just bonus.

If it is paid though, I'm more than ok to do that as well. The countless man hours added, merchandise bought, and food prepared for us just for a day in the park is incredible. I don't even want to know how much that cost is.

Don't misinterpret my comment, I'm okay with paying a little. I think the park goes above and beyond on all of their events, and it always bothers me to hear the complainers. I've emailed the CP staff several times thanking them for what are always wonderful days. I just hope that if they do decide to charge, they don't make it so high that it's cost-prohibitive for families.

Tony just confirmed that there will be a fee on the new blog entry.

And that it's limited.