Vote Cedar Point for Best Park in America!

Right now CP's in a big lead, even over Disney ad Universal parks, but keep on voting every day until August 11th to make sure America's Roller Coast stays up top!
http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-theme-park/

I wondered when I saw how far ahead Cedar Point appeared to be already, is Cedar Point that popular nationwide or are Cedar Point's fans just that much more crazy about the park than fans of other parks are about their favorites? Is there something about the park's fan base that makes them more likely to vote over and over to make sure their park wins compared to people who consider other parks to be the best?

Might be a little bit of both. Value wise, Cedar Point wins, no contest. Last time I was at Disney about 5 years ago, it was way overpriced and the rides were mediocre. I like going on fast, fun rides. I know that may not be why everyone goes to amusement parks, but that's why I like them. Disney is a been there, done that kind of place. CP Platinum Pass is one of the best value items I ever got.

^ We get it. You go for the rides and nothing else. Not everyone feels the same way, however.

The point I was trying to make in my last post was that I think Cedar Point is the best park, not that I go for rides. Disney's rides just weren't that great to me, but they are geared to be more family friendly. Other parks I've been to include Knott's, Kennywood, Dollywood, Six Flags Georgia and Geauga Lake (RIP) and they were more enjoyable. I'm probably just more biased towards CP because it's my home park and I enjoy what they offer.

And, from someone who likes more than just rides, I find the atmosphere at CP more enjoyable than Disney. The natural setting surrounded by water, the beach, fun and fast rides and the general vibe to me is more enjoyable than the somewhat boring, tell a story, Disney rides and the general over themed kid focused Disney experience.

You need to come do drink-around-the-world with me at Epcot, Pete. It'll change your life. :)

That sounds like a plan Jeff, I'll let you know next time I'm in your area!

Pete said:
...more enjoyable than the somewhat boring, tell a story, Disney rides...

Disney parks are not about the rides. I hardly find a Disney park "boring", but I will say without the Disney theming their rides are for the most part lame, but that's not what I go to Disney for.

Pete said:
And, from someone who likes more than just rides, I find the atmosphere at CP more enjoyable than Disney. The natural setting surrounded by water, the beach, fun and fast rides and the general vibe to me is more enjoyable than the somewhat boring, tell a story, Disney rides and the general over themed kid focused Disney experience.

I agree completely. I have been to both Disneyworld and Disneyland and they do nothing at all for me. They are beautiful parks, don't get me wrong... But I just get bored at these parks. Universal Studios, Sea World and Busch Gardens are far better attractions in the area (along with Knotts and SFMM in California) in my opinion. I know many love Disney though and I am not trying to knock it down, just sharing my thoughts.

I will admit though, I was far more impressed with DCA vs. Disneyworld and Disneyland.

People who don't get WDW I don't think are doing it right, or they have the wrong expectations going in. If you stay on property, like to eat good food (and good drink), like shows, good food, street atmosphere and a great many creative attractions (and good food), you'll have a great time. Honestly, big roller coasters are kind of a commodity you can get anywhere. Granted, Magic Kingdom was never that interesting beyond nostalgia for me, but then I had a kid, and now I like that too. I live next door and never get bored.

Well, I like good food, street atmosphere, etc., but I can get all that in the city where it is real. Without having to watch ferry princesses dancing down the street. To me, lots of restaurants and street vibe is a kind of city commodity that I'm very familiar with and is common. A place like Cedar Point is still more exciting for all the reasons I mentioned before. I guess it is just personal preference, one man's ceiling is another man's floor. Don't get me wrong though, still want to drink around the world at epcot! :)

I pretty much agree with everything Pete said. Disney just isn't my kind of park. The thrills aren't great and it's way overpriced, it actually makes CP look cheap. CP gives me great thrills for a great value.

Pete said:
Well, I like good food, street atmosphere, etc., but I can get all that in the city where it is real.

I'm pretty sure the food I'm eating is real. I don't really understand what that means.

Without having to watch ferry princesses dancing down the street.

Come on man, do you really think that's how it is?

I agree with Jeff - There is a "right" way to do DW. Stay on property - preferably one of the nicer ones (I prefer the Polynesian) Eat well, enjoy the entertainment - ride the rides. Is it CP? No but that is like comparing a great Italian Restaurant with a great Steakhouse. Both on wonderful - but different.

I'm a fan of Beach Club now because of its proximity to the rear entrance of Epcot. Definitely makes around the world easier!

Jeff said:

Pete said:
Well, I like good food, street atmosphere, etc., but I can get all that in the city where it is real.

I'm pretty sure the food I'm eating is real. I don't really understand what that means.

Of course the food is real, and can be really good, but the experience is a theme park recreation of something that can be easily had outside the park. The real experience to me would be a restaurant that exists for the livelihood of the proprietor, not an attraction in a park. A huge coaster pretty much requires going to a park to experience, something that can't be had in the real world.

Without having to watch ferry princesses dancing down the street.

Come on man, do you really think that's how it is?

My experience with Disney is limited to the Magic Kingdom but I did see some type of parade there which featured five or six women dressed in identical fairy princess type costumes doing a dance. They were probably some specific character, my Disney knowledge is limited, but I did think that this is so geared to a market other than myself. It was very well done, just not my cup of tea.

Pete said:

My experience with Disney is limited to the Magic Kingdom but I did see some type of parade there which featured five or six women dressed in identical fairy princess type costumes doing a dance. They were probably some specific character, my Disney knowledge is limited, but I did think that this is so geared to a market other than myself. It was very well done, just not my cup of tea.

You must get to other Disney parks besides MK Pete! Check out some of those restaurants at Epcot or Studios. There are definitely a few tricks you learn like Jeff suggested in his observation of Beach Club :). Those parades I agree are pretty pointless in my opinion and don't really represent Disney parks as a whole. I just don't understand how any Disney park can be classified as "boring".

I've been to all Disney parks and out of all parks, the only rides I really enjoyed were Test Track and RNRC. Not worth the overpriced admission for just 2 rides in separate parks. CP gives me alot more enjoyable thrills in one park than all Disney parks combined and they don't shove Mickey Mouse and princesses down my throat.

I think you're looking at it wrong. If you are there just for the rides, then of course you're going to look at it as overpriced. However, you're not looking at all the other stuff they have to offer. As Jeff mentioned, there are plenty of places that are known for their rides. To me Disney is about the experience and the all-inclusive packages.