July 21-26 - A little nostalgia, CP style

Visiting CP each summer has been a tradition for my family since I was 6 months old. But the main reason I still have such a deep attachment to the Point is because my parents met at the Breakers Hotel in 1975 (my dad was a bell boy and my mom worked at a key desk).

Since then, my parents have spent few nights at the Breakers every summer to indulge in a little nostalgia. The tradition continued even after my brother and sister and I were born (throughout the 80's) and money became a bit tight.

This year though, we were finally able to afford to spend five straight nights at the Breakers. However, I won't bother posting every last detail of the trip, just some of my new favorite CP experiences that I am sure will create more nostalgia for years to come.

1. My first ride on TTD. Honestly, I don't remember much of it, except for that brief slow down at the top of the hill before the descent. My brother and sister and I waited in line until after the park closed to ride it, and it was about midnight when we finally launched. Being at the top of TTD after dark was quite an experience though (a "zen moment," if you will) and I loved being able to get such an elevated view of the park.

2. Cruising on the Harbour Belle. This was yet another way to get a new perspective of CP. I got some great photographs of the park at dusk, and I was finally able to get a taste of what it is like to cruise in and out of the CP Marina (someday it will be on my own boat though!) ;)

3. Getting stuck on the lift hill of the Bluestreak. I have never had the pleasure of getting stuck on any ride, but as a coaster lover, this is something that I have always kind of secretly wished for. Granted, we were only about halfway up the hill, and it only lasted about a minute while the ride operator double checked a rider's lap bar, but I still got a kick out of it.

4. Enjoying my first time "drinking" at the Point. This was my first year being 21 at CP, so of course, I had to take advantage! I purchased myself a Long Island Iced Tea at Bubbles Swim-up Bar in Soak City, and consumed it poolside (and it cost me a whopping $7.50, so you can bet that I drank every last drop!) I then proceeded lazily over to Mainstream, where I fell asleep on an inner tube. ;)

5. Eating my first CP cheese on a stick. With all the discussion about this treat on the message board, my curiosity got the best of me, and I had to give it a try. Heart Attack on a Stick Indeed!!! I could almost feel my arteries clogging, but I enjoyed it just the same.

6. Riding the Mine Ride with my mom. For most people, this wouldn't seem like an especially unique experience, but my mom actually worked on the Mine Ride in the summer of '72, a few years before she met my dad at the Breakers. Anyways, my mom hadn't been in the park in a few years, and she had a great time talking to the Mine Ride operators about how the perception of the ride has changed over the years. She even shared stories with me about how she used to test the ride each morning without putting the lap bar down (yikes!). Keep in mind, this was back when the Mine Ride was considered a somewhat feared coaster.

Like I said, there was a lot more that went on during our 5 nights at the point, but I have a feeling that it's these particular highlights that my family and I will be remembering for years to come. Cheers to CP!

(My sister, J.L., has posted a report with more highlights from our trip. Check it out!)
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I'm the product of a summer romance: My parents met at CP in '75!

Kell, sounds like you had a GREAT time. My wife and I will be leaving for our 5 nighter at the breakers next Wed. morning ( the 6th ), we did this also last year. It just seems like you take in so much more of the park not having to rush though everything, the sights, smells, and of course those artery clogging Cheese on a sticks, which i just love.

Another favorite CP snack i tried for the first time last year were the Nutty Bavarian Pecans, those kick butt, but i could use a glass of milk though, and a Turkey leg from Grist mill refreshments, boy that was delicious. We havent done the Harbour Belle yet so we may have to give it a try being that you said you enjoyed the different perspective of the park at dusk from out in the Bay, will have to take the digital video cam with me.

Glad that you enjoyed yourself, we thought we were the only "Nuts" that stayed for 5 nights and dumped some coin at the breakers.

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When you visit CP, visit my Mill, est. 1835

yeah, i wish i could stay at cedar point for around four days. i always feel so pressured to ride everything and i always want to ride everything more than once. i would like to stay at cp for a while and maybe relax at the beach and go to cp for a ride or two before coming back for a little more relaxing. on a normal trip i dont think i could ever forgive myself for wasting time at cp. i was going crazy when we went to a sit down restaurant! (fridays)

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Guess what? I got a fever! And the only prescription... is more cowbell!

JW, I am returning to the Point next week with a friend, and I will be sure to stop by the Nutty Bavarian. Thanks for the suggestion. I hope your 5 nights goes well. Enjoy!

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I'm the product of a summer romance: My parents met at CP in '75!

Sounds like you had a most excellent time. I've never been at the Po!nt for 5 days in a row, but this year I got a season pass so I've been able to see more of the park and not feel like I have to do everything in a day.

I also just turned 21 this season, so I also had my first on-point drink (at Friday's), and later that day I tried the infamous cheese-on-a-stick for the first time. But I don't recommend doing either immediately before riding one of the coasters. ;) And I was also stuck on a ride for the first time that day as well. My friend & I were stopped at the mid-course brakes on Mean Streak, and we stayed there for half an hour before the ride ops let us down the stairs.

My last time at the park was last Sunday (when it rained in the late afternoon), but I'll be sure to continue to make the most of my season pass.

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XL89: You conquered the Magnum, now capture the moment!

2003 Stats
Visits: 5
Magnum: 14 MilF: 5 Dragster: 3 Raptor: 7 -- Total rides: 71
15 coasters on 5/25/03 (all but Jr. Gemini)

Mr. Magnum, I am so jealous that you got stuck on the Mean Streak (which is probably my favorite coaster). :) I can only hope for such an experience next time I am at CP!

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I'm the product of a summer romance: My parents met at CP in '75!

Season Passes are the BEST way to go!!! I have had them three times now. That's what income tax return is for!!! It's wonderful to be able to take your time and enjoy yourself! I am a people watcher so it makes it more fun for myself! Also...if you get the chance, talk to "Johnny" on one of the transport busses...he's the African American (to be politically correct) that drives bus 154. Johnny is a wonderful guy who is very friendly and likes what he does. Make sure to tip him, and tell him that his friends that rode around with him just about all day, says "Hello!" hehehe...

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Let's play "Find the one-legged seagull"