Cedar Point 2024: A Complete Guide - Family Money Adventure (2024)

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Cedar Point has a special place in my heart. Growing up, our family often made the trek to Sandusky, Ohio, no matter where we were living at the time. I also worked there in the summer while in college. Cedar Point will always be “America’s Rollercoast” to me. Use this complete guide to visiting Cedar Point to plan your family’s next visit to the amusem*nt park.

What is Cedar Point?

Cedar Point is an amusem*nt park located in Sandusky, Ohio, along Lake Erie. A family fun destination, Cedar Point is the second oldest amusem*nt park in North America. The park is home to 18 roller coasters and tons of other thrill rides and family attractions.

Cedar Point Updates for 2024

Cedar Point and its parent company, Cedar Fair, have plenty of news for the upcoming year.

• Cedar Fair and Six Flags merger: In a surprising turn of events in the amusem*nt park industry, Cedar Fair and Six Flags announced they are merging. The announcement was made in November 2023 and is scheduled to be completed sometime in the first half of 2024. This landmark decision combines two of the largest theme park operators in North America, aiming to enhance the experience for thrill-seekers and families alike. For more detailed information, you can read the official press release from Cedar Fair here. As this is a significant change, it’s currently unclear how this merger will impact park visits during the 2024 season or in the future.
• Top Thrill Dragster 2024 Update: Cedar Point recently announced that a reimagined version of Top Thrill Dragster will return in 2024. We’ll keep you updated as new details are released.
• Total Eclipse of The Point: Cedar Point created a special event called Total Eclipse of The Point to celebrate the total solar eclipse occurring on April 8, 2024. You must purchase a ticket or Eclipse package to attend the special event. Costs range from $99 to $199.
• Updated Cedar Point Mobile App for 2024: Cedar Point recently updated its mobile app with new features for an improved user experience. If you have the existing app on your phone, Cedar Point recommends uninstalling it and downloading the latest version. The park also recommends that current users reset their account password.
• Snake River Expedition is going away: Cedar Point announced that the Snake River Expedition boat ride will not return in 2024. The short-lived themed ride was initially scheduled to open in 2020, but its opening was postponed until 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Always head to the official Cedar Point website for the most current park news and policies.

Your Complete Guide to Visiting Cedar Point in 2024

Cedar Point is one of our favorite family fun destinations in the world. It helps that we live within an hour of the park, but it’s still a top choice every summer for all of us. In our Cedar Point review below, you will find information on all things Cedar Point, including ride information, dining, entertainment, shopping, tickets, and much more. Hopefully, we’ve covered everything, but if you have any questions, please leave them in the comments, and we will try to answer them. Here is your complete guide to visiting Cedar Point in 2024.

Cedar Point Opening Day 2024

Cedar Point announced it will open for the 2024 season on Saturday, May 4th, 2024. Cedar Point Shores Waterpark is scheduled to open on Saturday, May 25th, 2024.

Cedar Point Rides

Cedar Point is an entertainment destination, but the real reason to visit the park is its unbelievable selection of roller coasters and other thrill rides. The amusem*nt park has always been a leader in the industry with its record-breaking attractions. Here’s a look at some of Cedar Point’s most popular rides.

Cedar Point Roller Coasters

Cedar Point is home to 18 roller coasters. Some of the more notable roller coasters are:

Valravn: The tallest (223 feet), fastest (75 mph), and longest ([2:23] minutes) dive coaster in the United States

Millennium Force: A true force, this giga-coaster keeps it simple: tall climbs, big drops, and fast speeds (93 miles per hour).

Raptor: My favorite ride in the park. The inversions this coaster makes are insane. It’s not as smooth as it used to be, but it’s still a great ride.

Steel Vengeance: Formerly known as Mean Streak, this coaster got a major overhaul recently to become a new breed of roller coaster — hyper hybrid. It’s a long ride, at [2:30] minutes, and it also has almost 30 seconds of air time, the most of any roller coaster in the world.

Rougarou: The first floorless coaster at Cedar Point, Rougarou leaves your feet dangling as you travel its various twists, turns, and loops for [2:30] minutes.

GateKeeper: This coaster sits at the front of the park and is a must-ride for every family. The coaster breaks seven world records, including the highest inversion of any coaster.

Wild Mouse: Cedar Point’s newest ride, Wild Mouse is a family coaster that features a car that spins 360 degrees as it whips around the track.

Other Cedar Point roller coasters not to be missed include:

• Blue Streak
• Cedar Creek Mine Ride
• Corkscrew
• Gemini
• Iron Dragon
• Magnum XL-200
• Maverick

As mentioned earlier, Top Thrill 2 is a reimagination of fan favorite, Top Thrill Dragster. To say that park guests are excited about the return of the notable ride to Cedar Point’s skyline is an understatement. When it opens, Top Thril 2 will become the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch strata coaster. Cedar Point is planning a passholder preview for the coaster from April 30 – May 2, 2024.

Other Notable Cedar Point Rides

While Roller coasters are the main attraction, most of Cedar Point’s other rides are more than worth their wait time. The park features several other thrill rides, fan favorites, and classics to round out your next visit to the park.

• Cedar Point and Lake Erie Railroad
• Cedar Downs Racing Derby
• Giant Wheel
• MaXair
• Midway Carousel
• Ocean Motion
• Power Tower
• Sky Ride
• Snake River Falls
• WindSeeker

Cedar Point Kids & Family Rides

Height restrictions will keep many kids off the larger attractions, but Cedar Point is still an absolute blast for younger children. The park features three areas specifically geared towards kids and families, including Camp Snoopy and The Boardwalk. You may even spot the loveable dog and the rest of the Peanuts gang throughout the park. Kids (and parents) will love rides like:

• Cadillac Cars
• Lake Erie Eagles
• Linus’ Beetle Bug
• Peanuts 500
• Pipe Scream
• Snoopy’s Express Railroad
• Woodstock Express
• Woodstock’s Whirlybirds
• Wilderness Run

Cedar Point Ride Restrictions

Like all amusem*nt parks, Cedar Point has ride policies and restrictions in place to protect all of its guests, including height, weight, health, and other restrictions. Always familiarize yourself with park restrictions before visiting.

Dining at Cedar Point

If Cedar Point’s rides are the sundae, then the park’s food is the cherry on top. It’s hard not to get lost in the sights (and smells) of all the dining options as you stroll through the park. Cedar Point has something for everyone, including individuals with specific dietary needs.

Cedar Point Dining Plans

One way to save money at Cedar Point is through its dining plans. The park offers single-meal and all-day dining plans. All-day plans come with an entree and a side at select park restaurants, with only a 90-minute waiting period between meals. Here’s the pricing for Cedar Point dining plans:

• All-Season Dining: From $99
• All Day Dining: $33.99
• All Day Dining Premium: $45.99
• All-Season Drink Bottle: $34.99
• Season Pass Drink Plans: From $34.99
• Souvenir Bottle or Drink Wristband: $18.99
• Single Meal Deal: $17.99

Cedar Point Restaurants

Sometimes amusem*nt park dining means inferior food. Cedar Point, however, offers up some great dining choices, including the park’s unique take on several types of cuisine and many well-known national and regional favorites:

• Auntie Anne’s
• BackBeatQue
• Bar 1870
• Boardwalk Cotton Candy
• C.J.’s Provisions/Toot Sweets
• Cedar Point Grand Pavilion & Bar
• Chickie’s & Pete’s
• Coaster Coolers
• Coasters Diner
• Coca-Cola Fountain & Floats
• Coca-Cola Freestyle
• Coca-Cola Marketplace
• Derby Dogs & Señor Vargas’ Walking Tacos
• Dippin’ Dots
• Engine Company Spirits
• French Quarter Confections
• Frontier Inn
• Happy Friar
• Hot Potato
• Hugo’s Italian Kitchen
• Kiddieland Refresheshments
• Last Chance Saloon
• Melt Bar and Grilled
• Miss Keat’s Smokehouse
• Panda Express
• Pretzel Fillers
• Red Garter Saloon
• Sagebrush Sue’s
• Starbucks
• Stockade Refreshments
• Summer Brews
• The Corral
• The Farmhouse Kitchen & Grill
• The Roost
• The Wild Turnip
• Toft’s Ice Cream Parlor
• Trail Tavern
• Yogurt Plus

Millennium Club Lounge

If you need a break, head to Cedar Point’s Millennium Club Lounge. It’s a limited-capacity lounge featuring complimentary snacks, infused waters, and a private bar with drinks (must purchase). The lounge is an exclusive park perk and is open on select days during the season.

Can You Bring Food into Cedar Point?

Unfortunately, like many amusem*nt parks, outside food and drinks aren’t permitted in Cedar Point. There are two exceptions to this policy:

• Individual unopened water bottles
• Food for individuals with special dietary needs.

While you can’t bring food into the park, you can pack a cooler and utilize the picnic pavilion located just outside Cedar Point’s main entrance. Just make sure you get your hand stamped for re-entry before you walk out the gate.

Entertainment at Cedar Point

There are more than just rides at Cedar Point. The park also offers a ton of entertainment options. There’s always something going on, whether you need a break from thrill rides or prefer to be entertained from ground level.

From entertaining shows to live bands, Cedar Point offers numerous entertainment options. Plus, the park is known for its unique special events that occur throughout the season.

Cedar Point has not released information on specific shows and entertainment for the 2024 season yet. We will add any new information as it becomes available.

Cedar Point Events

As mentioned, Cedar Point has several special events planned in the park during the 2024 season. Some of those events include:

• Winter Chill Out: February 24, 2024
• Total Eclipse of the Point: April 8, 2024
• Top Thrill 2 Passholder Preview: April 30 – May 2, 2024
• CoasterMania: June 7, 2024
• Boardwalk Nights: July 19 – August 18, 2024 (select nights)
• Halloweekends: September 12 – October 27, 2024 (select days and nights)

Celebrate Cedar Point Parade & Spectacular

Last season, Cedar Point celebrated its 150+ year history with a nightly parade featuring music, floats, performers, acrobats, and more. A stage show in Celebration Plaza followed the parade, featuring pyrotechnics, live performers, and special effects. We’ll add dates and times for the parade and show as they become available. For reference, here are the dates for the parade & stage show from the 2023 season:

• June 24 – Aug. 14 (Mon-Sun)
• [7:00] PM Celebrate Cedar Point Parade (Main Midway)
• [9:30] PM Celebrate Cedar Point Spectacular (Celebration Plaza)

Cedar Point Halloweekends

Halloweekends will return to Cedar Point in the fall of 2024. Halloweekends 2024 runs on select days and nights from September 12 – October 27, 2024.

Cedar Point Experiences

Cedar Point offers several unique VIP experiences available for purchase:

Sunrise Thrills VIP Tour: Take a sunrise ride up to the top of Valravn for a once-in-a-lifetime photo opp. You’ll also receive a behind-the-scenes tour around the roller coaster and several other popular attractions. Other perks include immediate boarding on Maverick and Steel Vengeance, two one-time-use Fast Lane vouchers, an all-day FunPix photo pass, and complimentary breakfast, lunch and parking. Must be at least 18 years of age (or be accompanied by an adult) and meet ride height requirements to participate.

Front of the Line Tour: Get VIP treatment as you skip the lines on park attractions from 11 AM to 8 PM. You’ll work with a host to create a personalized itinerary for your day. Perks include admission, parking, premium all-day dining, a FunPix pass, and Millennium Club Lounge access.

Boardwalk Cruiser Tours: Take a relaxing ride along Cedar Point Beach’s boardwalk. Upgrades include Wine or Bike and Brews Tour.

Shopping at Cedar Point

Shopping may not be the first thing you think of when planning a visit to Cedar Point, but they still offer plenty of options. Souvenir shops are scattered throughout the park, along with other storefronts featuring unique goods like old-time photos, glass blowing, face painting, henna tattoos, candy, and more.

Cedar Point Park Hours

Cedar Point hours vary throughout the season. The amusem*nt park typically opens at 10 AM or 11 AM and is open until either 8 PM or 10 PM. Always check park hours for the dates you’re planning to visit before you purchase tickets.

Cedar Point’s Cashless System

Cedar Point recently switched to a completely cashless system. Instead of using cash, park guests can use debit cards, credit cards, or digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. For those who don’t have a card or digital wallet, you can convert cash to a prepaid debit card at Cash-to-Card Kiosks located within the park. Prepaid debit cards from the kiosk require a $5 minimum deposit, and you can add up to $500 to a card. One thing to keep in mind if you choose this option is that you could end up paying fees if you don’t use the card regularly. After 92 days of inactivity, you’ll get charged a $3.95 inactivity fee each month.

How to Buy Cedar Point Tickets

You can buy Cedar Point tickets directly online or in person at the park. AAA members can purchase discount tickets through the motorist club. You can also find discount tickets at regional retailers like:

• Meijer
• Wegmans
• Discount Drug Mart
• Kroger
• Giant Eagle

Cedar Point offers several ticket options for individuals and families. Below is the pricing for Cedar Point ticket options available in 2024. Keep in mind that taxes and any extra fees aren’t included in the pricing below.

• Daily Ticket: From $49.99 (Good Any Day Admission, subject to change)
• Military Admission Ticket: TBD
• Bring-A-Friend Ticket: TBD
• After 4 PM Ticket: TBD
• Fast Lane: From $95
• Fast Lane Plus: From $115
• Season Pass Fast Lane Plus: From $950
• Funday Bundle: TBD
• Funday Bundle Max: TBD
• Cedar Point Shores Admission: TBD

Cedar Point Season Passes 2024

Cedar Point season passes are a great deal, especially if you plan to visit the amusem*nt park multiple times during the season. Here is the current pricing for Cedar Point season passes.

Cedar Point recently announced changes to the season passes that will be available for the 2024 season. There are three pass options for the 2024 season — the Gold Pass, Prestige Pass, and Summer Pass. You can still get unlimited admission to all Cedar Fair Parks, but it requires purchasing a new pass add-on called the All Park Passport, which is an additional charge.

Here is the current pricing for 2024 Cedar Point season passes. Keep in mind that pricing frequently changes throughout the year. Always head to CedarPoint.com for up-to-date season pass and ticket pricing.

• 2024 Gold Pass: $145
• 2024 Prestige Pass: $350
• 2024 Summer Pass: $110
• 2024 All Park Passport Gold Pass Add-On: $100
• 2024 All Park Passport Prestige Pass Add-On: $125

2024 Cedar Point Season Pass Early Entry

Cedar Point Gold and Prestige season passholders and Cedar Point resort guests get access to early entry hours for the park. Cedar Point hasn’t released its list of early-entry rides for the 2024 season. In the past, early entry has included the following rides:

• Dodgem
• GateKeeper
• Iron Dragon
• Kiddy Kingdom (11 rides)
• Magnum XL-200
• Matterhorn
• Millennium Force
• maXair
• Atomic Scrambler
• Valravn

Guests staying at Cedar Point Resorts will receive early entry passes from the resort’s front desk. You will need to present this pass, along with your Cedar Point ticket, to access early entry privileges. Gold and Prestige passholders must present their season pass (either physical pass or on the mobile app) to gain early entry.

Cedar Point Season Pass Add-ons

Cedar Point also offers several add-ons for the 2024 season to enhance your park experience and possibly save money:

• All-Season Dining: From $105
• All Day Dining Premium: $45.99
• All-Season Drink Bottle: $34.99
• Season Pass Drink Plans: From $34.99
• Single Day FunPix: $34.99
• All Season FunPix: $66.99
• Season Pass Fast Lane Plus: From $950

Cedar Point Fast Lane

If you love riding roller coasters but hate long lines, you can purchase a Cedar Point Fast Lane pass and bypass the regular lines. This ticket add-on comes with a wristband that lets you enter the exclusive Fast Lane rides lines. This is a premium feature, so there’s an added cost on top of your park ticket. Cedar Point says it limits the number of Fast Lane passes sold each day.

In the past, the following rides and attractions were included with Fast Lane passes:

• Atomic Scrambler
• Blue Streak
• Cadillac Cars
• Corkscrew
• Dodgem
• GateKeeper
• Gemini
• Giant Wheel
• Magnum XL-200
• maXair
• Pipe Scream
• Power Tower
• Raptor
• Rougarou
• Skyhawk
• Snake River Falls
• Wave Swinger
• WindSeeker

You’ll notice that some of Cedar Point’s most popular rides are missing from that list. To access the Fast Lane line on the park’s top rides, you’ll need a Fast Lane Plus pass, which has a slightly higher price point. The Fast Lane Plus pass has included access to the following rides in addition to the rides mentioned above:

• Maverick
• Millennium Force
• Steel Vengeance
• Valravn

How much does a Cedar Point Fast Lane pass cost?

• Fast Lane: TBD
• Fast Lane Plus: TBD
• Season Pass Fast Lane Plus: From $950

Pre-K Passes at Cedar Point

Cedar Point offers free Pre-K passes for eligible parents of children ages three to five. Children under three don’t require a pass. To take advantage of this offer, you must register your child online for their free Pre-K Pass by August 1, 2024. This benefit is only available for individuals with a Gold or Prestige season pass.

Renting Lockers at Cedar Point

There are times when you might need the use of lockers to store items while visiting the park. Cedar Point has all-day lockers available (with in/out privileges) near the front entrance and at Cedar Point Shores Waterpark. Cash and credit cards are accepted at all lockers.

You can also rent moveable lockers at some ride locations. Moveable lockers mean you pay one price and can move your stuff to different locations throughout the day as needed. Some rides at Cedar Point have restrictions on what you can carry with you (sunglasses, phones, bags, etc.), so using lockers helps you avoid having to get out of line.

How To Get to Cedar Point

Cedar Point is located at 1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, OH 44870.

For visitors traveling by air, the closest airports are Cleveland Hopkins International Airport or Toledo Express Airport. Both airports are within an hour of Cedar Point by car.

Parking at Cedar Point in 2024

Parking currently costs $30 at Cedar Point for the 2024 season and is available for purchase online.

Cedar Point urges park visitors to purchase passes ahead of time for a contactless parking experience. They also only accepted cashless payments (credit cards, Apple Pay, etc.).

Cedar Point allows you to leave the parking lot and return later as long as you show your original receipt of purchase for that day.

Where to Stay at Cedar Point

There are plenty of local accommodations at or near Cedar Point If you’re staying in the area overnight. Here’s a look at both Cedar Point-owned properties and off-site accommodations.

Cedar Point Hotels and Resorts

Cedar Point offers a handful of overnight accommodations on-property or within a short drive, including:

• Hotel Breakers: Cedar Point’s premier hotel is located on the property just steps from a park entrance.
• Lighthouse Point: Cottages, cabins, and RV sites within walking distance of entrances to Cedar Point and Cedar Point Shores Waterpark.
• Sawmill Creek: A premium off-property resort featuring an 18-hole golf course and spa.
• Castaway Bay: Indoor waterpark hotel located a short drive from Cedar Point
• Express Hotel: A value hotel located less than a mile from the park.
• Cedar Point Marina: 180 boat slips with full utilities, gated docks, discounts on Cedar Point tickets, a heated swimming pool, and more.

Other Accommodations Near Cedar Point

If you prefer to stay outside of Cedar Point and its properties, tons of hotels and resorts are located within Sandusky and the surrounding cities that are a short drive to Cedar Point.

• Kalahari Resorts Sandusky
• Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark Sandusky
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sandusky
• Tru by Hilton Sandusky
• Comfort inn Sandusky
• Hampton inn Sandusky-Central
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Sandusky
• La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Sandusky
• Hampton Inn & Suites Sandusky/Milan
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Milan – Sandusky Area

Cedar Point Mobile App

An easy way to navigate your way around the park is by downloading the Cedar Point mobile app. The mobile app, available for iOS and Android, comes with cool features like a park map (so you can locate rides, dining options, the nearest restroom, and more), mobile food ordering, ride wait times, parking lot car finder, and Cedar Point special offers.

You can also store your Cedar Point tickets or season passes digitally within the app.

NOTE: Cedar Point recently updated its mobile app with new features for an improved user experience. If you have the existing app on your phone, Cedar Point recommends uninstalling it and downloading the latest version. The park also recommends that current users reset their account password.

Cedar Point Mobile App – App Store Download

Cedar Point Mobile App – Play Store Download

Cedar Point FAQs

Are reservations required at Cedar Point in 2024?

No, Cedar Point no longer requires reservations to visit the park.

What are Cedar Point Fast Lane Passes?

Cedar Point Fast Lane Passes are a premium pass you can add to your ticket to skip the lines on over 20 of Cedar Point’s most popular attractions. Cedar Point announced that Fast Lane Passes will go on sale later in the year.

Does Cedar Point have special pricing for non-riders?

Unfortunately, there are no discounts for non-riders who are unable to (or don’t plan on) partake in amusem*nt rides. The park features other options for non-riders, like live shows, dining, shopping, and more.

Does Cedar Point offer rainchecks?

No, Cedar Point does not offer rain checks. Depending on the specific conditions, some or all park rides may close during inclimate weather.

Can I pack my own lunch and bring it to Cedar Point?

No, guests are not permitted to bring food or drinks into the park with the exception of individual unopened water bottles and for those with special dietary needs. Cedar Point has a large picnic pavilion outside the front entrance. There is no public picnic area located near Cedar Point Shores Waterpark.

Does Cedar Point offer discounts for military members?

Yes, Cedar Point does offer a discount for active, retired, and honorably discharged members of the Armed Forces. You can purchase military member tickets online.

Can I rent a stroller at Cedar Point?

Yes, single and double strollers are available to rent at Cedar Point. Rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the Cedar Point Merchandise Office at (419) 626-0830 ext. 2571 for more information. You can pay for rentals online this season. Single strollers cost $17 per day (plus taxes and fees) to rent, and double stroller rentals are $22 per day (plus taxes and fees)

Can I rent a wheelchair at Cedar Point?

Yes, Manual wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, and electric wheelchairs with a canopy are available to rent at Cedar Point. Rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the Cedar Point Merchandise Office at (419) 626-0830 ext. 2571 for more information. You can pay for rentals online this season. Manual wheelchair rentals cost $25 per day (plus taxes and fees). Electric wheelchair rentals cost $50 per day (plus taxes and fees) while electric wheelchairs with a canopy run $65 per day (plus taxes and fees).

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What is your favorite ride at Cedar Point? Let us know in the comments below.