NAUCC 2005 - Cedar Point Information

NAUCC 2005
Cedar Point Information

If you like amusement parks or roller coasters, even a little bit, a trip to Cedar Point on August 1 is a must. It is the best amusement park in the world, according to multiple surveys from multiple years, in places like Theme Parks Magazine, and other sources of such ratings.

Started in 1870 as a summer resort, Cedar Point has grown into an amusement industry giant, with more roller coasters than any other park (or a tie). Some of Cedar Point's record-breakers:

In 1976 the Corkscrew, the world's first coaster to contain a vertical loop and a corkscrew element, inverting riders a whopping three times!
In 1978 Gemini opened as the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world, with a 118' vertical drop. It's still a great one, as pairs of trains race each other on parallel tracks.
In 1989 the Magnum XL-200 debuted as the world's first roller coaster over 200' high. The steel coaster's second hill was actually the third highest in the world that year!
The year 2000 brought Millennium Force; the world's first coaster over 300'. This ride has a great feeling of speed, and is still going about 70mph when it hits the brakes at the end of the ride. This is my favorite roller coaster in the world.
Cedar Point also broke the 400' barrier in 2003, with the introduction of Top Thrill Dragster at 420' tall, and reaching a top speed of 120mph in just a few seconds! I haven't ridden this one yet, and I can't wait!

Read all about those rides, and much more, at the Cedar Point Web site.

More than just rides:
Cedar Point is located on a peninsula that sticks out into Lake Erie from Sandusky, Ohio. This is about 75 miles from Bowling Green, or a less if you take local roads. There is a beach and a huge marina. You can go parasailing, rent boats, or even jet skis (I think). In the park there are shows, tons of games, a gigantic arcade which hopefully still contains hundreds of antique games, and of course food and shopping.

Long lines? Definitely on the weekends. We are fortunate in that our schedule will put us there on a Monday! Always go on a weekday if you can!

Discounted Group Rate Tickets:
Discount coupons or information on how to get them will be available at NAUCC or at local stores in Ohio. One source is the Meijer store across from the Holiday Inn Express, where you should be able to purchase weekday tickets at $34.95. Also, WOW has collected a pile of Pepsi cans with $10 admission disounts on them, which would make for a $34.95 all-day adult admission.

What's the plan?
Nothing real specific. Enjoy the park on your own, or hook up with friends to ride the rides together! We might arrange one or more times/places for people to meet during the day. Carpooling to get to the park can be arranged for people without transportation. You will probably need a place to stay. There are about a zillion hotels and motels in town. Jacquie and I are staying at the Hotel Breakers, which is conveniently located on the peninsula so we can just walk into the park!

Wendy Grzych tells me some of the Redford folks are staying at the Rodeway Inn Cedar Point South in Sandusky on Sunday night. With an AAA discount, she believes the rooms were $55, which includes a pool and a continental breakfast.

Please note, all information is subject to change, and may be updated here until Saturday, July 23.

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NAUCC 2005 Cedar Point Information

NAUCC 2005
Cedar Point Information