Memorial Day Trip Suggestions

Our family is going to CP on Memorial Day (Monday May 28th) for our annual trip. I don't know whether to hope that Maverick will be done or not, because it will probably be very busy if it is. Anyway, I was just looking for some suggestions, tips, tricks, traditions, etc. I had never even heard about CP's cheese on a stick until last year. Stuff like that. Things that I already know:

I have heard that the gourmet soft pretzles by TTD are good.

High five on Gemini while racing.

"Ejector" seat: Magnum: Back of first car (1-3); Millennium: Front of 5th car (5-1) (These are correct, right?)

I know going from back to front helps. We also have early entry since we are staying at Breakers Express. Is it worth it to do a starlight on Sunday night (We wouldn't arrive until 6pm at the earliest)? Also, does it ruin the experience to enter at the Magnum gate or the Marina Gate vs the Main Gate? Do they let you in promptly at 9am at those gates? I ask this b/c I would like to be one of the first few people in line for the ERTs on MF or TTD or Maverick (if it is open) if possible. Also, is TTD usually ready for ERT riders right at 9am or will I have to spend at least half of the early entry waiting on testing before I can even go into the queues?

Any other cool traditions you have or suggestions on making the day go smoothly and letting us get on lots of rides?
*** Edited 5/24/2007 7:51:35 PM UTC by cdrptrks***

Heres some answers/tips:

If you are getting the Starlight tickets as a part of your package, you should definitely take the 4 hours in the park. If not, take the time to just relax and hit some of the other Sandusky hot spots!

The Marina and Resort Gates open at 9 just like the front gate. To get to TTD you want to use the Resort/Magnum gate. To get to MF use the Marina gate. To get to Maverick... use either one :)

Dragster tries to get open by 9 AM, but if rollbacks happen, or testing goes slower, it may not open until 9:30 or later. Opening weekend it averaged around 9:30.

In addition to the back to front rule, leave Raptor as one of your later rides. For some reason this ride gets swamped in the morning, but normally by late afternoon/evening it has a significantly shorter wait.

Try the Fresh Cut French Fries! Either Hot Potato, Mr Potato, or Happy Friar all carry the great fries. If you enjoy such, request some vinegar, and eat them with salt and vinegar. Or else use the traditional ketchup!

Skyhawk is one of the best rides to hit earlier in the morning. I once spent a whole early entry time back there and got 8 rides in around 40 minutes...

I have tons more, but I don't want to keep typing. If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me. I'd be happy to help!

Have fun on the midways!

If you are only there for the coasters and want to save some hurt on the feet, use the free shuttle service to get around the park. You can get picked up at the main gate, the marina entrance, and the parking lot by soak city, and any of the on site resorts. Your feet will thank you.

Thanks, keem them coming!

Cheese on a stick = heaven.

^.Maverick opening Saturday = heaven :)

^ yes ride maverick, it will be open !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):) :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)!!!!! can you tell that I'm happy? *** Edited 5/24/2007 11:26:40 PM UTC by GB93***

garlic fries... they still have those? mmmmm

We will try to ride Maverick during early entry since it will be open. Hopefully we will get a t-shirt too. Which gate do you think will be the closest to Maverick? I was thinking the Marina gate, but I've only been to CP 3 times so I'm not sure.

EDIT: After some sattelite images (Live Local) and looking at the park map, I now think that the Magnum entrance would be faster. Also, where do you park if you go in the Marina entrance? Do you park in the main lot and walk/take a shuttle over, or can you park right there in that little lot?

*** Edited 5/25/2007 1:48:12 AM UTC by cdrptrks***