First time at Cedar Point! - some random questions

Hey guys! I'm going to be visiting Cedar Point for the first time at the end of June and I'm so excited! We're flying in from Florida and so probably won't be returning anytime soon, so I definitely want to make the most of the trip. We will be spending two days there. I have a few random questions to ask, hopefully ya'll can answer.

1. Weather - I know, there's no way to know for sure, but I'm sure there are some general patterns (for example, late June in Florida usually means rain early in the day but clear skies towards evening). I'm wondering what temps to expect, and how much/when to expect the rain.

2. Is there any specific order that works well to do the park in? We plan on hitting as many coasters as possible, especially the big ones, as well as other thrill rides. I don't really care about shows and that kind of stuff. I know it's usually a good idea to run to a big ride when a park first opens. I've looked at a map and it seems like the big rides are mostly towards the back, but it's hard to tell. Also, can you walk around the entire back of the park in a circle or is it two different forks? Can't tell from the map.

3. What to bring - this is partly related to the weather question. Will I most likely need a jacket? Usually when I go to theme parks, I stuff everything I need in a pocket which sometimes makes a pretty big bulge, will this be a problem with many of the rides? I've heard a lot of stuff about tight restraints. Do they let you leave anything (like a jacket, shoes, etc) in the loading platform while you ride or do you pretty much have to check things or bring them with you? I also have a fairly large camera, don't know if it's worth bringing or if it would just be a nuisance. I have never had issues with it in Florida parks, but I get the impression Cedar Point might be more strict?

4. On ride photos - I love them and definitely want to get at least one. Which rides have them and what prices do they usually run? (the cheapest print is fine with me). Any rides produce better photos than others?

5. Non-coasters - I know a lot about the different coasters, but what about the other thrill rides? What are the must-rides? (I love all types of rides and will try anything) :)

6. Other stuff in the area - We will be in Sandusky for 3 full days, two of those days definetly at the park, which leaves an extra day for other stuff. Any recommendations? I've heard something about a haunted house in the area that's supposed to be pretty good, don't remember what it's called, anyone been to that?

I know that was a lot of questions... Thanks for any help you can give in answering them!

A1: In June, it is pretty warm- HIGH 70's to LOW 80's

A2: This really depends on if you are staying at a Cedar Point Resort or have Point Perks. Par by soak city and go through that entrance so you can ride Maverick. Ride Skyhawk then Millenium.

A3: If you have stuff in your pockets, it will interfear with some lapbars. Bins can hold a jacket or some prizes. They Have Bins on most big rides like Maverick, Skyhawk, Magnum-xl-200, Gemini, Raptor Mantis, etc. NO BINS on Top Thrill dragster or Millenium Force. But they have lockers.(THE FEE IS LIKE $3.00)If you have a small camera, bring it. But dont bing a big one!

A4: They have them on: Maverick, Top Thrill Dragster, Millenium Force, Woodstock Express, Mantis, Raptor,& Magnum-xl-200.

A5:Some good thrill rides are Skyhawk,<(my favorite) Power Tower,& MaXair.

A6: If you lie museums, there is a merry-go-round one. Marblehead- nice lighthouse & rocks to climb on

HOPEFULLY I HELPED. IF ANYONE SEES ANY MISTAKES OR THINGS I LEFT OUT JUST TELL ME! THANKS.

Bring sunblock,sunglasses and also a change of clothes if you go on the water rides.

Will you be staying at a Cedar Point resort?

In late June you will be just entering the parks peek time for the summer. If you are staying during the week it shouldn't be that bad but weekends can be unpredictable!

Weather in Sandusky, Ohio is impossible to predict! The forcast for Cedar Point usually calls for a chance of rain pretty much all summer because storms and rain are kicked up by the lake. The rain at CP is usually passes quickly, so it isn't too bad. It will most likely be in the upper 80s but be sure to pack a sweater/jeans because the lake breeze at night can get a little cool.

You can bring bags (slingbags/small backpacks are easiest) into the park and put them in a rent all day locker. Most rides have specific bins or storage areas for your bag. Millennium Force and Top Thrill Dragster will be an excpetion to this rule! You can bring a large camera but it may be a hassel if you plan on riding a lot, I suggest to put it in a locker while riding because the bins are not the safest for them.

On-ride photos are located: At Woodstock Express, Magnum XL-200, Top Thrill Dragster, Maverick, Mean Streak, Mantis, Millenium Force and on-ride video is on Raptor (But it may change to a photo during the summer)

A lot of Cedar Point flat rides are spinning but some are unique! I personally ride MaXair, SkyHawk, The antique cars, Sky Ride, Power Tower and Demon Drop.

If you will be staying at a Cedar Point resort you will get one hour early entry to ride: Maverick, Milllenium Force, Planet Snoopy, Raptor and Iron Dragon. If you are not staying at Cedar Point, I suggest getting to the park before opening and eighther run to Dragster, Millennium or Maverick. And yes the back of the park is kind of a circle, it can be reached from the frontier trail that starts near Millennium or the Gemini/Dragster midway.

Sandusky has a lot to do

You can visit this site for more information on the area.

I suggest Put-in-Bay or one of the Lake Erie Islands.

Soak City or Castaway Bay Indoor Waterpark at Cedar Point

I think you mentioned a Haunted House: Ghostly manor

Marblehead and the Marblehead Light house

Thats just a short list of things... There is a lot more!

MaXair and Power Tower are the 2 best flats, in my opinion. Chaos is one that seems to be overlooked quite often, but is extremely intense. Some people classify it as a "spinny ride" but I tend to get sick on spinny rides and I'm fine on Chaos.

Thanks for the detailed answers guys!

Welcome, I live in the Sandusky area. June is usually warm, although the humidity doesn't usually kick in until July. You never know though. As far as other attractions, Ghostly Manor is a first class attraction. It doesn't look like much from the outside ( a skating rink), but the folks who put it together put a ton of thought into it. I highly recommend the experience, although it is really scary.
Put In Bay is an historic island in Lake Erie accessible by ferry from either Port Clinton or Sandusky. At night and on the weekends it is a lot like Key West (A quaint little drinking village with a fishing problem!) However, during the day there is a lot to see and do without too much rowdiness. I took my cousins from SoCal there a few years ago and they loved the experience.

If you see one show, make sure it's the Snoopy on Ice show (if it's started when you arrive.) In addition to sitting in a cool, air conditioned theatre, it's truly an entertaining spectacle and one of the highlights of any visit (even if you're not a skating fan.) Try to sit near the front if possible. Its probably one of the best attractions (non-coaster) CP has done in the last 20 years.

^^ Thanks for the info... I think Ghostly Manor is definitely on my list (it's actually apparently right next to our hotel... go figure)... Still thinking about what else to do, I'm looking at Put In Bay though. I'm curious what specific things people would recommend to do there.

This is another, somewhat related question, but I know Cedar Point has a beach. I'd really like to visit, not sure if you can do that without staying at their hotel.

I'm not much of a show person, but I'll keep that in mind (especially if it happens to rain.) Sometimes they can definitely be worth seeing, it's just hard to know which ones.

You can go to the beach. It's probably easiest if you just park

at the Soak City parking lot.

You can also get to the beach from inside the park via the beach/resort enterance along the Wicked Twister midway between Ocean Motion and the The Extreme Sports Stadium.

Put-in-Bay is a lot of fun! The main attractions other than the bars/restaruants are:

Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial

The Butterfly House (part of Perry's Caves family fun center)

Perrys Caves/ Family Fun Center

The Put-in-Bay Tour Train makes stops at these popular tourist destinations.

I also recemend renting bikes or golf cart to tour the island! It is nice to take a ride around the island to look at the houses and the lake. It is also fun the discover small quite places to just relax and watch the water.

You can get to Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) via;

The Miller Ferry Line

Or The Jet Express

The Miller Ferry is cheaper and can accomidate cars but is kind of out of the way and takes a bit longer then the jet express. You board the boat on Catawba. When you arrive on the island you are not in downtown so you need to take the bus (fee) or rent a golf cart or bikes from the rent shop across the street.

The Jet Express is more expensive than the Miller Ferry but is much faster and more convienent. The Jet Express departs from Downtown Sandusky and arrives in downtown Put in Bay.

Visit www.shoresandisland.com for info on all things Lake Erie related!

Faves include Put in Bay, Marblehead Lighthouse, Kelleys Island, Cheese Haven, Mon Ami Historic Winery, Huron Playhouse, etc.