Platinum Pass and ERT?

I was born and raised in Columbus but I currently live in Las Vegas. I am going home for a week in July with my girlfriend and we are going to hit both CP and KI. I haven't been to either park since 2002 and my girlfriend has never been. I have been reading about the Platinum Pass and wondering if it is worth it for us. We will probably be spending Sunday afternoon and all day Monday at CP and all day Wednesday at KI. Is the ERT only before the park opens? Is ERT worth it? I am not concerned about the cost because we will not be able to do this trip anytime in the foreseeable futre but I don't want to waste our time either. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!

I love ERT. One time my husband & I rode Millenium 6 or 7 times in a row during ERT. But like anyday sometimes it is busier than others. We also wait until just before ERT ends and then go stand in line for something that always has a long line such as Maverick. That was you have shorter wait than any other time of day, but don't waste your ERT time on one or two rides. You have to take advantage of it though. If you show up half an hour late or slowly walk around deciding what you want to do, it is a waste time. Hope that helps!

Just to give you an idea of if it is worth it (and this is with CP.com prices, cheaper can be found at AAA or local stores, I think the going rate is 39.99 at Meijer):

Platinum Pass - $160

Cedar Point Funday - 43.99 x 2days = 87.98

OR

Cedar Point Ride and Slide (gets CP and Soak City for 2 days) - 73.99

AND

Kings Island -32.99 (online price)

Parking - 10.00 x 3 = 30 (refunded at CP if you stay on-site)

So, do the math, either 160 for a Platinum Pass (and all its perks) or 136.98 for just tickets. You'll get in early, but its up to you to decide if its worth the extra 30 bucks.

Plus, Knotts is only 4 hours away from you, so you could go there as well.

Its up to you to decide if the early entry is really worth it for you, but knowing you could go spend a day or two at Knott's without much trouble, it'd probably be worth it to get the pass.

I'll second Jugga, but I also have a note to add. They could probably get away with a Starlight ticket for Sunday, so with a discounted normal ticket + a starlight ticket, that's a little bit cheaper than listed. If nothing else, there's the Getaway Guide that has $5 off Starlight tickets, right?

Other than that, $23 is pretty cheap for an extra few rides at the park, IMHO, especially when traveling from far away. Plus, if you use the Coasters burger + small fry deal, you'll save a few bucks there, and if you ride skyscraper, it's another few bucks, etc. Pretty easy to make up the $23 with Point Perks.

Plus, there are perks at KI. I'm not going to list them all, but among them are ERT for Diamondback and Beast.
There's a full list here: http://www.visitkingsisland.com/events/events.cfm?ec_id=27

One trip to Knott's would also cover the $23. It's a fun little park. Silver Bullet is great, and Xcelerator is a little TTD.

Why not stay at a Cedar Point resort/hotel that lets you in during ERT? better than getting a Platinum Pass since i believe wont be worth it...

Well, you can stay at Motel 6 for the night for 60 bucks and pay the extra for a platinum pass, or you can stay at Breakers for 250 or Express for 102 (plus tax).

Might as well just get the Platinum Pass at that point.

Yeah, I don't see how staying at an overpriced hotel for more money and fewer benefits is more worth it than just buying the Platinum Pass.