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  • This Town is the Roller Coaster Capital of the World! 🎢🏝️ - Sandusky, Ohio.

This Town is the Roller Coaster Capital of the World! 🎢🏝️ - Sandusky, Ohio.

Today: Top Thrill 2, Planet Snoopy, and more!

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Today’s town will give you an adrenaline rush … check it out below! ⬇️

If you're from the Midwest, there’s a small chance that Sandusky, OH, might sound familiar. You may remember loading the lunch pails and fanny packs for a long drive to a place called Cedar Point. Your first time, you probably didn’t understand why anyone would drive so far for just one day in this town.

That is, until you feasted your eyes on the feat that is Cedar Point. From miles away, you can see it’s gigantic coasters, such as the Millenium Force, Top Thrill (2), and Power Tower, and that’s when you understand what exactly you have gotten yourself into.

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Cedar Point can get a bit overwhelming, so focus on getting parked, remembering where you parked, and getting through the gates. Buying tickets in advance will relieve a bit of stress as well.

After you get all that sorted out, though, there are so many rides to ride and rarely enough time to ride them all, so pick your favorites from our guide and plan your day from there!

Cedar Point’s Top Coasters!

Steel Vengeance

  • Type: Hyper-Hybrid Roller Coaster

  • Specs:

    • Height: 205 feet

    • Speed: 74 mph

    • Length: 5,740 feet

    • Inversions: 4

  • Features: Known for its intense airtime, steep drops, and smooth transitions between wooden and steel tracks.

Millennium Force (my favorite)

  • Type: Giga Coaster

  • Specs:

    • Height: 310 feet

    • Speed: 93 mph

    • Length: 6,595 feet

  • Features: Famous for its high speeds, towering height, and smooth ride experience. The first coaster to exceed 300 feet in height.

Top Thrill 2

  • Type: Strata Coaster

  • Specs:

    • Height: 420 feet

    • Speed: 120 mph

    • Length: 2,800 feet

  • Features: This updated version of the original Top Thrill Dragster features a launch from 0 to 120 mph in less than 4 seconds, followed by a 90-degree ascent and descent.

Maverick

  • Type: Launched Coaster

  • Specs:

    • Height: 105 feet

    • Speed: 70 mph

    • Length: 4,450 feet

    • Inversions: 2

  • Features: Known for its intense launches, sharp turns, and airtime moments. Includes a unique launch through a tunnel mid-ride as well as water cannons that make you feel like you just escaped the blow.

Valravn

  • Type: Dive Coaster

  • Specs:

    • Height: 223 feet

    • Speed: 75 mph

    • Length: 3,415 feet

    • Inversions: 3

  • Features: Features a 90-degree drop, holding riders at the edge for a few seconds before the plunge, offering a unique thrill.

Raptor

  • Type: Inverted Coaster

  • Specs:

    • Height: 137 feet

    • Speed: 57 mph

    • Length: 3,790 feet

    • Inversions: 6

  • Features: Riders hang below the track, experiencing multiple inversions and sharp turns.

GateKeeper

  • Type: Wing Coaster

  • Specs:

    • Height: 170 feet

    • Speed: 67 mph

    • Length: 4,164 feet

    • Inversions: 6

  • Features: Riders sit on either side of the track, with nothing above or below, as you fly through giant keyholes!

Magnum XL-200

  • Type: Hyper Coaster

  • Specs:

    • Height: 205 feet

    • Speed: 72 mph

    • Length: 5,106 feet

  • Features: One of the first coasters to exceed 200 feet in height, offering significant airtime and a historic ride experience.

Gemini

  • Type: Racing Coaster

  • Specs:

    • Height: 125 feet

    • Speed: 60 mph

    • Length: 3,935 feet

  • Features: Dual tracks where two trains race side-by-side, offering a competitive experience.

Tips for Visiting Cedar Point

  • Fast Lane Passes: Consider purchasing Fast Lane or Fast Lane Plus passes to skip long lines and make the most of your visit.

  • Best Times to Visit: Weekdays during the summer months or weekends in the fall during Halloweekends tend to have shorter lines.

  • Park Map: Download the Cedar Point app for a park map, ride wait times, and show schedules to plan your day efficiently.

  • Stay Hydrated and Rested: With so many rides and attractions, it's important to stay hydrated and take breaks to enjoy your visit fully.

Worried About the “Little Ones” (or yourself)?

There’s a lot more to choose from…

Planet Snoopy

  • A themed area dedicated to the Peanuts characters, offering a variety of kid-friendly rides and attractions.

  • Attractions:

    • Woodstock Express: A gentle roller coaster perfect for younger kids, featuring small drops and turns.

    • Snoopy's Space Race: A spinning ride where kids can control their own spacecraft.

    • Camp Bus: A fun ride that simulates a bumpy bus ride through camp.

    • Joe Cool’s Dodgem School: Bumper cars designed for children to safely enjoy the thrill of driving.

Kiddy Kingdom

  • A classic area with rides specifically designed for young children.

  • Attractions:

    • Kite Eating Tree: A small drop tower that gives kids a fun bounce.

    • Dune Buggies: A slow-moving ride where kids can "drive" their own dune buggy.

    • Lolli Swing: A gentle swing ride that offers a taste of the more intense swings elsewhere in the park.

    • Rockin’ Tug: A boat ride that gently rocks and spins.

Camp Snoopy

  • Description: Another Peanuts-themed area with a variety of attractions perfect for little ones.

  • Attractions:

    • Linus' Beetle Bugs: A gentle ride where kids sit in colorful beetle-shaped cars that spin in circles.

    • Charlie Brown’s Wind-Up: A mini-swing ride that offers mild thrills for young adventurers.

    • Pig Pen’s Mud Buggies: A ride that simulates driving through a bumpy, muddy terrain.

    • Peanuts 500: A mini car ride where kids can steer their own vehicle around a track.

Peanuts Playhouse

  • Description: An indoor play area filled with climbing structures, slides, and interactive play elements.

  • Activities:

    • Climbing Structures: Various soft play structures for kids to climb and explore.

    • Slides: Multiple slides of varying sizes for safe and fun play.

    • Interactive Elements: Features that encourage imaginative play and physical activity.

Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad

  • Description: A scenic train ride that takes families on a relaxing journey around the park.

  • Features:

    • Scenic Views: Enjoy beautiful views of Cedar Point and Lake Erie.

    • Restful Ride: A perfect way to take a break and enjoy some downtime while still experiencing an attraction.

Sky Ride

  • Description: A gentle aerial tramway that offers a bird’s-eye view of the park.

  • Features:

    • Relaxing Ride: A calm and scenic ride that’s great for taking in the sights.

    • Family-Friendly: Suitable for all ages, making it a perfect choice for families with young children.

Lake Erie Eagles

  • Description: A classic flying scooters ride where kids can control the movement of their "eagle."

  • Features:

    • Interactive Experience: Kids can control the height and movement of their eagle by moving a sail.

    • Mild Thrills: Offers gentle thrills that are exciting but not overwhelming for younger children.

Tips for Visiting Cedar Point with Young Children

  • Height Requirements: Check the height requirements for each ride in advance to avoid any disappointments.

  • Child Swap: Use the Child Swap program, which allows one parent to ride while the other waits with the child, then swap without waiting in line again. Special passes are needed and can be obtained at the Main Gate Guest Center, Town Hall, or the Magnum XL-200 entrance gate

  • Stroller Rentals: Strollers are available for rent if you need them.

  • Rest Areas: Take advantage of the shaded rest areas and indoor attractions to keep kids cool and rested.

  • Hydration and Snacks: Keep kids hydrated and carry snacks to maintain their energy levels throughout the day.

Cedar Point is not just for thrill-seekers. There really is fun to be had at every corner of the park, even if you aren’t a fan of roller coasters. Beyond the smaller rides, there are carnival games for you to win prizes, there’s a beach for you to unwind or each lunch, and there are almost always performances going on, whether it’s BMX stunts, trampoline tricks, or dancing.

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Beyond Cedar Point, however, Sandusky has plenty of accommodations, so Cedar Point doesn’t have to be the one-hit wonder of your excursion. There are lots of great places to eat and enjoy yourself and others.

What to do in Sandusky!

Barra

  • A stylish restaurant and bar known for its modern cuisine and vibrant atmosphere.

    • Menu: Creative dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients, and a variety of craft cocktails.

    • Atmosphere: Trendy and energetic, making it a great spot for a night out.

  • Location: Conveniently located in downtown Sandusky, perfect for combining with other local activities.

Small City Taphouse

  • A popular spot featuring an extensive selection of craft beers and a unique fusion menu.

    • Menu: Specializes in Asian fusion cuisine, with sushi, pho, and a variety of small plates.

    • Atmosphere: Casual yet lively, with a welcoming vibe perfect for both families and groups of friends.

  • Location: Central downtown location, making it easy to access from other attractions.

Dockside Café

  • A waterfront dining spot offering beautiful views of Sandusky Bay and a relaxed atmosphere.

    • Menu: Fresh seafood, sandwiches, and a variety of drinks, perfect for a casual meal by the water.

    • Atmosphere: Outdoor seating with a laid-back feel, ideal for enjoying a sunny day.

  • Location: Located at the Paper District Marina, offering views and easy access to the water.

Jackson Street Pier

  • A popular gathering place featuring stunning views of Lake Erie, recreational activities, and events.

  • Features:

    • Scenic Views: Perfect for a relaxing stroll or enjoying the sunset over the lake.

    • Activities: Fishing, boating, and picnicking.

    • Summer Concerts: Hosts live music events and performances during the summer months, providing free entertainment for visitors.

  • Location: Centrally located, it is a great spot to combine with a visit to downtown restaurants and shops.

  • Schedule: Check the local events calendar for specific dates and performers.

See you in Sandusky!

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