Question re: pre-teen kids

Something my mom would always remind me of when I was younger and my parents allowed me to go off on my own with my sister the first few times:

If you ever get lost, or need help, ask anyone with a Cedar Point nametag on.

There was one time where my sister and I got split up for a while and we both ended up finding CP staff. They radioed and had my sister and I back together again within a few minutes. We weren't too far away from each other.

Someone is calling Project 2007 one of their top rides. I recall someone saying the same about TTD. Ruban something or another??

Just really a Tracfone or something similar really, maybe your number on speed dial or whatever they call it. I had my mp3 player in my pocket last I went on Snake River Falls, completely soaked my shorts but the player, zipped in the pocket, as well as everything else inside, seemed perfectly fine. It still lives on wonderfully. Besides, they help secure things when going on rides such as TTD. The only problem I've had at the park at all was eating too much/little and walking around too much... Not a good concoction in my book.

Alright...im 12 years old, so i would know what would be good. I think that the older kids should be able to run off by themselves and do what they like, because when i went with my family in may thats really what i wanted to do.

Exactly. How did you know me so well? :)

Haha, I like TTD and my sister, who is one year older than me, is afraid of anything remotely close. I was told to go with her, but I ditched her in due time, shortly thereafter really, to go on TTD. Which R0X0RZ my S0X0RZ, btw.

we have 2 cell phones to communicate with

Thanks for all the info!! I think we decided over the weekend what we're going to do.

There's only going to be a few hours a day where we let them run off by themselves and it will probably only be when my wife, the little one and myself are at the hotel/beach or in one of the kids areas. We're going to use the cell phones and set up a time when they either have to check in or meet us depending on the situation.

We were going to use the walkie talkies but I never thought of all the traffic on them. Ours are good for a few miles so coverage wouldn't be a problem. But I never thought of all the other people also doing what we're planning. I was hoping not to use the phones for fear of losing them or having them get wet but the zip lock sounds like a good solution.

Now the only problem is to make sure they don't use up all my wife's minutes while standing in line calling all their friends!

You shouldn't have to worry about them losing the phone. Teens and preteens will protect a cell phone with their lives. ;)

Hello mitb! You are going to love the time spent at CP. We have 3 kids too they are 16, 12 and 6 and the 6-year old is still in the <48 inch riding size and last year couldn't ride any coasters but Woodstock and Jr. Gemini. But he was able to ride a lot of other rides accompanied by one of us parents.

I would use the parent swap pass, you can get one from guest services at the dance hall or in the museum and most ride operators at the entrances of coasters will have them too. One parent rides with the kids while the other entertains the non-riding little one. This works great at CP because there is something for all ages near each coaster and many thrill rides will allow your 3-year old with a responsible person. After the ride is over, the riding parent gives the pass to the operator while exiting. The other non-riding parent can then ride with one of the kids (they will fight over this for sure). The other non-riding parent goes up the exit, indicates that they are doing parent swap to the ride operator and they will seat you on the next available train. This is a must do on a busy day and definitely on Millennium, Dragster and any other ride with a long wait that parent swap is permitted on. We are able to stay together all the time only separated during ride time and all can share their experiences afterward. I never would have been able to ride Dragster or Millenium if it weren't for parent swap. My wife an I have even been able to ride together at times while the 3 kids wait at the exit.

Though we do let the older two run off for a while and do the sibling bonding thing. The buddie system is a rule, even so much as checking each others restraints and not letting the other out of sight. We all have cell phones with unlimited within network minutes (Verizon) and this is how we keep each other informed.

Thanks for the info CP-Dad. I was wondering about the child swap thing at CP. I know they have it but wasn't sure how it worked. We've done it in Disney when we go there but this will be our first time trying it at CP. Is this just a pass that you get on each individual ride (like they do at WDW) or is it a pass that you get for the day and use it on all the rides that accept parent swap? Should I ask for this at the gate or at the rides?

You are welcome! We have season passes and they give us one laminated one that we use all year. If you decide to get season passes, you can get one at the guest services office in the dance hall located in the main midway, next to kiddie kingdom (or museum in frontier town). Even if you don't, you can get a one day parent swap pass there as well. The rides carried them at the entrance of each ride that allows it and this was the way we used to get them (don't know if they still do this). You only need one pass all day and it is good for all of the rides that participate. They even let my 12 yr old and I use it when it is just him and the 6 yr old on a trip wit me. He goes on the ride while I ride Iron Dragon with the little guy and then I go up the exit and ride. We meet a lot of people doing this too and it is fun! Enjoy your trip!

I usually bring a friend when I go to Cedar Point, because my friend and I can walk around by ourselves in the park, meeting up with parents every 2-4 hours. I've been doing this since I was around 11, because I know the park so well, and because I'm generally pretty responsible.

We do intend to get season passes with the GL combo because we will be heading there for the remainder of the week so I will definitely ask about the laminated one at the season pass office when we get them.

Thanks again for all the good info!

In response to those considering the use of FRS/GMRS radios at Cedar Point, I must advise you all that in order to use the GMRS channels (channels 15-22) you must purchase a license from the FCC. The license costs $80 and covers everyone in your family. If you do not wish to purchase a license, you must stay on channels 1-14 despite the congestion. If you do not want to deal with the interference, you should use your radio's "privacy code" feature. However, you must remember, that enabling a privacy code does not make your conversations private. They simply prevent you from hearing interference on the main channel. Everyone on the main channel can hear what you are saying. The FCC also requires users of privacy codes on both FRS and GMRS to press the monitor (or MON) button before transmitting to ensure that your transmission does not interfere with any transmissions on the main channel or other privacy codes. To learn more about GMRS radios and FCC licensing, visit www.gmrs.net.tc or wireless.fcc.gov/services/personal/generalmobile. On my recent trip to Cedar Point, I was very dissatisfied with the high amount of unlicensed activity. I had to speak to many illegal users and tell them to stay off of the GMRS channels.

^ WOW! Dude, no offense, but get a life or something.

You know if you were try to report someone to the FCC they'd tell you that they'd get to it when they could....meaning never.

In other words...ligthen up and deal with it.

Or you can carry a HAM radio like me. I've never had a problem with not finding open frequencies. :)

Actually, the FCC does not ignore me and the hundreds of other concerned GMRS licensees who are members of my forum at as well as the busier forums at , home of the PRA or Personal Rado Association which you can learn about at . The PRA has busted several individuals and businesses for operating on GMRS without a license. Believe it or not, the FCC does care. The FCC is not afraid to give people the $10,000 fine for unlicensed GMRS operation. In addition, most unlicensed people I spoke to on line for the rides at Cedar Point were very cooperative when asked to stay on FRS channels.
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*** Edited 8/14/2006 1:38:06 AM UTC by Walt***

You shoud plug some more sites in a very angry manner. I think it'll get everyone to like you even more!

That's just like the government caring if you download songs off Limewire or Torrent...

Loopy said:
^ WOW! Dude, no offense, but get a life or something.

You know if you were try to report someone to the FCC they'd tell you that they'd get to it when they could....meaning never.

In other words...ligthen up and deal with it.

Contrary to popular belief, the FCC has been taking action on GMRS complaints.

Last year, a business was fined $10,000 for operating on a GMRS frequency without a license. If you would like to read about it, here is a link to the Forfeiture Order as issued by the FCC:

http://www.fcc.gov/eb/Orders/2005/DA-05-1611A1.html

Now dont get me wrong. I am not trying to stir anything up, just simply sharing actual facts.

Let be realistic here. We all know that 99% of the people who go to CP are not aware of the license requirement. Remember this: Its like speeding. Someday you just might get caught.

What you do with this information is your own business, just be aware of the possibility. I can not force anyone to get a license, but I can strongly encourage it.

WPXY658 / AI4ME