First Timer to CP in 2007. Tips Please!

Hello everyone!

I'm planning my first trip to Cedar Point! I'm very excited, but I'm also going to have to drive 7+ hours to get there and I want to make sure that things go smoothly.

Right now, I plan to visit in mid-late May (or very early June) on a Monday & Tuesday. I am hoping to find the smallest crowds on these days. I am most interested in riding Maverick and Raptor. What should I bring with me into the park? What are the best clothes to wear? I know that pesky Northern Ohio weather can change on a dime so I want to be prepared. Where are the best places to eat? What else should I visit while I am in the area? What are CP's best kept secrets? How much time should I dedicate to the waterparks, etc.

If anyone has a newbie's guide to CP, I'd love to see it. I know you guys will have some great tips to make sure my pilgrimage is not a disappointment.

Thanks!

Hitting Every Coaster in One Day
Rainy Day Plan "B"

Those are a good place to start. At that time of year, the weather is most likely going to turn from sunny to rainy, and there isn't much of a way to plan for it. If it starts to rain, duck into an arcade or a store and just wait it out. Either that or just enjoy it and keep walking. If you're staying off point, keep a change of clothes in the car, there's no point in carrying it with you all day.

One thing you must do is ride Top Thrill Dragster. Even though it is not my favorite coaster at the park, it is truly the most amazing feeling that can be felt. Almost better than sex, almost.

I don't know what kind of girls you're dating Brock, but if its only ALMOST better, you need to find some new girls.

I just hope TTD isn't the longer of the two experiences for you. ;)

JuggaLotus said:
I don't know what kind of girls you're dating Brock, but if its only ALMOST better, you need to find some new girls.

I just hope TTD isn't the longer of the two experiences for you. ;)

Ha Ha, a comedian. Well, TTD is pretty crazy. Also, you must ride MF. It is the best steel coaster you can ride.

That's what I say to people who tell me I need a girlfriend:
"Why get a girlfriend when I have Dragster!?":)

That's probably not the best thing to say about something with such a decidedly phallic design.

Bring cargo pants or shorts! You can pack a lot of stuff in those pockets! On some rides you will not be permitted to wear glasses unless you have a strap, so you will want a place to put them, as well as sunglasses, a camera, money, stuff like that. Bring a sweatshirt, either leave it in the car, or throw it in a locker, you will probably need it.

Have fun planning your trip!

Only you would interpret it that way dj.

I dont say it anyway, it's just a joke.

Emiroo, be aware that the wind can really blow onto the peninsula from Lake Erie. In May when the forecast predicts a high in the low sixties, it can feel like 45 at times. It doesn't hurt to bring an extra layer, and drop it in a locker if it gets too warm.

If you try to hit Maverick early, which might be a good goal, since with its relatively low capacity it's going to stack quickly during the day, there's a nice pizza place right next door. In previous years it's been a quiet place to eat in the shade. (With the new crowds back in Frontiertown, all bets are off for 2007).

Mike, the capacity shouldn't result in trains stacking. That would indicate that they are not meeting their capacity (either due to slow ops or slow guests or just a completely mis-managed ride <- see corkscrew)

Sorry, bad choice of words. I didn't mean to imply that the trains would be stacking, although I wouldn't be surprised for that to happen fairly frequently the first couple weeks, until they get the inevitable bugs ironed out. (You know how hard it is to iron bugs, right?) No, I mean the interest in the ride is going to be so high that, just like any new coaster, lines are only going to lengthen throughout the day. The people are going to be doing the stacking.

I won't be surprised if there's issues the first couple weeks, just getting the machine fine tuned and the crew up to snuff.

And its not really hard to iron bugs. What's harder is cleaning them off after they've baked on.

Mmmmmmmm. Fresh baked bugs...

Hey First Timer,

We travel over 2,000 miles every year to visit CP. I grew up in Ohio, but now live in AZ. My humble advice is for you to spend several days at the park and take advantage of on-site hotels. The pace is so much more enjoyable. You really get to experience the entire park -- from the thrills (our main focus) to the beach, to tipping back a cold one at Famous Dave's. You don't feel rushed, yet you get to ride everything you want (weather and technology permitting, of course), and not come out haggard.

I would have to agree with the more days at the park the better. Cedar Point has so much more to offer than just roller coasters. Take the time to enjoy as much of what they offer as you can. Also if it does rain while your there, Most everyone runs to the arcades to try to wait out the weather. Its cramped and crowded there. I go to the back of the park and catch a show at one of the saloons. Its not usually half as packed there as it is anywhere else in the park. Another point is to try to arrive right at open and stay until close. Reason being is a lot of school/charter busses arrive at the park around noon and only stay until about 8pm. Try to ride the bigger rides during that time before they arrive (like Maverick). Since it is the newest, the line will be the longest during the day.

Bring extra socks and shoes and leave them in the car for the end of the day. If it rains your feet will thank you.

If you are driving 7+ hours to visit, make your stay the best it can be and stay at Lighthouse Point! Pack a cooler with burgers and dogs and save a TON on food. Don't forget charcoal...but if you do, it is available at the LHP/Camp sstore, along with many other items that you may need or want.

MrScott

What should I bring with me into the park?
- Try and get some sort of wallet or other device that attaches to your pants ring...or wear cargo pants. You'll want cash, your room key, and a change of clothes [put inside a locker].

What are the best clothes to wear?
-Poly/Cotton blend clothing. A T-shirt, and some good shorts will be fine as well as athletic shoes. [Broken in] Flip-Flops and the alike are ill-advised because they offer no arch support, and wear your feet down more.

Where are the best places to eat?
-Famous Daves, Johnny Rockets, Midway Market for full meals. Most of the stands have good snack foods.

What are CP's best kept secrets?
-One of the cool things they do is close the lines eight minutes after closing time. [Someone confirm this] If you dont mind being up a little later, get in a long line right before close. You're guaranteed a ride. [Except for unforeseen circumstances]

-If they offer it again, take advantage of the $.25 cotton candy!

-If you have a non-rider, purchase the souvenir beverage cups. The value of the refills will save you a large amount of money, if you drink soda.

-If you stay on the point, remember to take advantage of the ERT as a hotel guest. Remember to have your reservation slip, or room key!

I love answering questions, so if you have any more, don't be afraid to contact me on MSN or AIM. [On MSN more]

Don't forget about the free tap water if you ask for it. My entire party used that last summer and we were VERY happy about it. Saved a TON of money, and felt better too because we only drank water instead of soda.