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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 amusement park.
Table of Contents
What is Cedar Point?
Cedar Point is an amusement park located in Sandusky, Ohio, along Lake Erie. A family fun destination, Cedar Point is the second oldest amusement 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 2023
Cedar Point continues to monitor the pandemic situation. Park policies may change throughout the 2023 season to reflect what’s going on in the area. Always head to the official Cedar Point website for the most current park news and policies.
The park announced several updates coming to the park in 2023. Some of the updates include:
- The Boardwalk: Cedar Point’s big update for the 2023 season is the addition of The Boardwalk. The new area is located along Cedar Point Beach and will be home to a new family roller coaster, a new dining venue, and other entertainment options.
- Wild Mouse: There’s a new family coaster coming to Cedar Point. Part of the new Boardwalk, Wild Mouse featured themed cars that spin 360 degrees as you twist around the track. Every ride will look and feel different depending on how your car spins.
- Cedar Point’s Grand Pavilion: Also part of the new Boardwalk, the Grand Pavilion is a new dining venue debuting during the 2023 season. According to Cedar Point updates, “The bi-level complex will be home to a new restaurant featuring culinary items not found anywhere else in the park (plus traditional favorites), a waterfront bar for relaxation and conversation, indoor and outdoor seating, plus viewing decks with unparalleled views of Cedar Point and the Lake Erie shoreline.”
- Ride relocations: Two existing rides are moving over to complete the Boardwalk area — Matterhorn and Scrambler (now named Atomic Scrambler).
- Ride renaming: Tiki Twirl is being refreshed and renamed Calypso, honoring the former park classic.
- Top Thrill Dragster 2024 Update: No, Cedar Point is not bringing fan-favorite Top Thrill Dragster back for the 2023 season. However, the park recently announced that a reimagined version of Top Thrill Dragster will return in 2024. We’ll keep you updated as new details are released.
- Three restaurants are going away: At the Winter Chill Out Event, Cedar Point announced that Chic-Fil-A and The Mac Shack are not returning for the 2023 season. More recently, the park announced that Johnny Rockets would not reopen for the 2023 season and is being replaced by an arcade. Like every season, Cedar Point dining options may change throughout the season. Check the website or mobile app for available options when visiting the park.
- Forbidden Frontier is closing: Another Winter Chill Out announcement is that Forbidden Frontier, the interactive family area recently added to the park, will not reopen.
Your Complete Guide to Visiting Cedar Point in 2023
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 2023.
Cedar Point Opening Day 2023
Cedar Point announced it will open for the 2023 season on Saturday, May 6th, 2023. Cedar Point Shores Waterpark is scheduled to open on Friday, May 26th, 2023.
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 amusement 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. Plus, it’s such a smooth 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
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 Expedition
- 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. 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
Forbidden Frontier on Adventure Island
Update: Forbidden Frontier will not reopen this season. There’s no word on what will happen with this family-friendly attraction.
Recently Cedar Point surprised park fans with the addition of a new family area of the park called Forbidden Frontier on Adventure Island. It’s an interactive playground of sorts, full of unique challenges and play areas. For Walt Disney World fans, Forbidden Frontier on Adventure Island reminds me of Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom.
Cedar Point Ride Restrictions
Like all amusement 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 sites (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 $105 (plus
taxes and fees) - All Day Dining: $31.99
- Premium All Day Dining: $44.99
- All-Season Drink Bottle: $34.99
- Season Pass Drink Plan Paper Cup: $34.99
- Souvenir Bottle or Drink Wristband: $16.99
- Single Meal Deal: $15.99
Cedar Point Restaurants
Sometimes amusement 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 June 24 – October 30, except Thursdays in September and October.
Can You Bring Food into Cedar Point?
Unfortunately, like many amusement 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 picnic tables (they got rid of the large picnic shelter) 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.
Cedar Point has limited live entertainment the past two seasons but may see a return to live shows and other entertainment options this season. Cedar Point recently tweeted that it was seeking artists for a “Bands in Residence” program for 2023. You can find information on specific live shows here.
Information on specific shows and entertainment hasn’t been released for the 2023 season yet. We will add any new information as it becomes available.
Cedar Point Events
There are also several special events planned in the park during the 2023 season. Some of those events include:
- Frontier Festival: May 25 – June 18 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun)
- CoasterMania: June 2
- Military Days: May 26 – May 29 (Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun)
- Wild Frontier Nights: TBD
- Light Up The Point: July 4
- Cedar Point Nights: TBD
- Bands in Residence: May 6 – September 4
Celebrate Cedar Point Parade & Spectacular
Cedar Point will celebrate its 150+ year history with a nightly parade featuring music, floats, performers, acrobats, and more. After the parade, there’s a stage show in Celebration Plaza with pyrotechnics, live performers, and special effects. Below are the dates and times for the parade and show:
- 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 2023. Halloweekends 2023 runs on select days and nights from September 14 – October 29.
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 and henna tattoos, candy, and more.
Cedar Point Park Hours
Cedar Point hours vary throughout the season. The amusement 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. You can check Cedar Point hours here.
Cedar Point’s Cashless System
Cedar Point switched to a completely cashless system during the 2023 season. 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 on the various Cedar Point ticket options available in 2023. Keep in mind that
- Daily Passes: From $44.99 (Good Any Day Admission, Pre-season sale, subject to change)
- Military Admission Tickets: TBD
- Bring-A-Friend Ticket: TBD
- Fast Lane: From $95
- Fast Lane Plus: From 115
- Season Pass Fast Lane Plus: From $950
- Funday Bundle: FTBD
- Funday Bundle Max: TBD
Individual Cedar Point Shores Waterpark tickets are currently not on sale yet.
Cedar Point Season Passes
Cedar Point season passes are a great deal, especially if you plan to visit the amusement park multiple times during the season. Here is the current pricing for Cedar Point season passes.
2023 Summer Pass: $105 – This new season pass option offers unlimited visits to Cedar Point through Labor Day. The pass also includes free parking for the season. Note that it doesn’t include admission to Cedar Point Shores.
2023 Gold Pass: $140.00 – The Gold pass includes unlimited visits to Cedar Point, Cedar Point Shores, free parking, early entry, and discounts throughout the park.
2023 Platinum Pass: $280 – The Platinum Pass gets you into all Cedar Fair parks across the US. Other benefits included depending on the park you visit.
Prestige Pass: $350 – The Prestige Pass is the top tier of Cedar Point-only passes. Extra perks include unlimited Halloweekends visits, preferred parking, Millennium Club Lounge Access, and more.
Prestige+ Pass: $450 – The Prestige+ Pass offers similar perks as the Prestige Pass but with unlimited visits at all Cedar Fair Parks.
2023 Pre-K Pass: FREE – Select parents of children ages three to five can register them for a free Pre-K pass for the 2023 season. Children under three don’t require a pass. To take advantage of this offer, the pass needs to be registered by August 1, 2023. This program has been revamped to require parents to have a Gold, Platinum, Prestige or Prestige+ season pass before registering up to two children for Pre-K Passes.
2023 Cedar Point Season Pass Early Entry
Cedar Point Platinum and Gold season passholders and Cedar Point resort guests get access to early entry hours for the park. Cedar Point is still finalizing its list of rides eligible for early hours for the 2023 season. Last season, early entry 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. Platinum and Gold 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 2023 season to enhance your park experience and possibly save money:
- All-Season Dining: From $105
- Premium All Day Dining: $44.99
- All-Season Drink Bottle: $34.99
- Season Pass Drink Plan Paper Cup: $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.
What rides and attractions are included with a Fast Lane pass?
- 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 includes 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: From $95
- Fast Lane Plus: From $115
- Season Pass Fast Lane Plus: From $950
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 on 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
Parking costs $25 at Cedar Point for the 2023 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 new 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 Hotels 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.
Cedar Point Mobile App – App Store Download
Cedar Point Mobile App – Play Store Download
Cedar Point FAQs
Are reservations required at Cedar Point in 2023?
No, Cedar Point hasn’t announced the use of reservations for the 2023 season. If this changes, we’ll update our information.
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.
Where is a Cedar Point Platinum Pass valid?
Cedar Point’s Platinum Pass is valid at all Cedar Fair parks, including Cedar Point, Kings Island, Michigan’s Adventure, Dorney Park, ValleyFair, Kings Dominion, Carowinds, Canada’s Wonderland, California’s Great America, Knott’s Berry Farm, Worlds of Fun, and Schlitterbahn Waterparks.
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 amusement 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 into 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 does have some picnic tables available outside of the main entrance, but they removed most of them this season. 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
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
Looking For More Amusement Park Content?
Check out our other Cedar Point articles for more information and tips!
How To Save Money At Cedar Point
Are Cedar Point Season Passes Worth It?
Summer Fun at Cedar Point Shores Waterpark
Visiting Kings Island in 2023: A Complete Guide
Visiting Michigan’s Adventure in 2023: A Complete Guide
Visiting Holiday World in 2023: A Complete Guide
What is your favorite ride at Cedar Point? Let us know in the comments below.
Kevin Payne is the budgeting and family travel enthusiast behind FamilyMoneyAdventure.com. He’s also the host of the Family Money Adventure Show podcast, where he helps families learn to manage their money better so they can afford to do the things they love.
Kevin is a freelance writer specializing in personal finance and travel. He is a regular contributor to USA Today, Forbes Advisor, Bankrate, Fox Business, Credible, and CreditCards.com.
