Coming this weekend, discount tickets? Maples Motel?

My wife and I plan to arrive in Sandusky on Thursday evening (October 4) and go to the park on Friday and Sunday.

My original plans were to stay at a Cedar resort, but a 2 night stay at Breakers Express with Friday and Sunday tickets is $407.

After doing some research, I'm leaning towards staying at Maples Motel and just getting Cedar Point passes online or at Meijers.

I called Meijer's and they said they sell 1-day passes for $41.99. Does anybody know if there is tax or hidden fees with that? They said they don't sell a Friday starlight ticket for a discount.

Any suggestions on where to get a Friday evening ticket other than online? It's 32.99 online, plus I believe I read they charge a $5 service fee per ticket.

Does this sound like a good plan? We're making an 11+ hour trip from Memphis, and this is our first visit, so I want to make this the best trip possible.

Any and all input is appreciated.

Not sure about the tickets, but I love the Maples. It's very classic and the owners are the nicest people ever. Plus it's right next to the Chaussee, so you can get to the park without fighting traffic on the Causeway.

The Maples is a nice place to stay, the owners are very nice and really try to make sure you have a good stay. The only bad part is the trains, they run 24 hrs a day and there is a crossing directly across the street. They will provide ear plugs at the desk if requested.