CP newbie planning 1-day trip July 24th

Hi Cedar Point fans!

I'm an experienced Disney park junkie, but I have never been to CP...

I have a chance to spend most of one day (9am to 7pm-ish) on Wednesday July 24th, and want to maximize my time and enjoyment of CP. It looks like an amazing park, and I love roller coasters, so I think if I do it right it's gonna be a great day!

Here's what I've got so far:
- 1 night at Hotel Breakers, which includes free parking, a park ticket, a 2 minute walk to the park, and 1 hour early entry.
- $80 (ouch) FastLane pass so I can see as much as possible.
- 1st ride will be GateKeeper, with one or two repeat rides if I like it (I probably will!)

What else should I not miss? I will for sure ride Top Thrill Dragster at least once - and probably every other roller coaster/FastLane ride - assuming that I've got enough time.

Can you please help educate me?

What are your favorite foods? A guy's gotta eat!

Any really great shows I should try to fit in?

Do any of you have a favorite ride order? Should I jump around or walk the park clockwise or back-to-front, or what?

I've got a hat to keep the sun off my balding head, comfy walking shoes and a couple of pieces of moleskin just in case, baggy shorts and a sleeveless shirt for air conditioning, 60 SPF sunscreen and a thirst for fun!

Thanks in advance for your input!

Tim.

(cross-posed to CPForums.com)

Get the Fast Lane Plus (GateKeeper and Dragster included in that pass). Cargo shorts to put your small amount of stuff in so you dont need a locker at some of the rides, sunglasses. If you are there for just the one day, id skip the shows, unless it is extremely hot and you need an A/C break! Dont miss out on MaXair and skyhawk, Power Tower etc.

With Fast Lane, i would say the order in which you ride shouldnt matter.

For quick eats, Cheese on a stick and the fresh cut fries are favorites. Famous Daves bbq by the marina outside the park is my favorite restaurant on the Point.

At Any walk up food stand, ask for a cup or 2 of ice water, its free!

where you coming from ?

I'm coming from Oregon - flying into Detroit for a seminar in Ann Arbor, MI (my company's paying, so I gotta go there...)

Tim.

Do not miss Millenium Force or Magnum. MaxAir, Skyhawk, and Raptor are some of my favorites too.

Work your way from the back of the park to the front. Avoid Raptor around noon. But if you work from back to front, you shouldn't get there until later in the day anyway.

Have fun. :)