Well, perhaps that title is a bit harsh, but our time in Sandusky, OH, fell short of our high expectations. Dark clouds gathered as we motored up the causeway to Lighthouse Point Campground on the grounds of Cedar Point amusement park, aka “The Roller Coaster Capital of the World.”
We did not quite make it to our site before a fast-moving storm cell swept across the point, knocking out power and closing the causeway. Our on-board generator solved the short-term power problem. Amenities at the campground, like shuffle board, solved the boredom problem.
Unfortunately, the storm knocked down power lines across the causeway, closing Cedar Point for the evening and, as it turns out, the next day, too.
Of course, we did not learn of the park closing until after we had risen early and made our way toward the park. That was a bummer, as was the fact that we would only have one day to ride the 15 big-boy roller coasters in the park.
Relieved of the burden of having fun in the park, we ventured into Sandusky (taking the long way off the point) and sampled some Lake Erie perch. Tasty!
Huge scoops from the Toft’s Ice Cream Factory also put a smile on our faces.
A beautiful sunset across Sandusky Bay signaled better days ahead.
Up bright and early, we expected to have an extra first hour in the park for guests staying on site. We queued up in the shadow of Top Fuel Dragster, a coaster that hits 120 mph in just a few seconds. That will be awesome!
Unfortunately, park employees could not get the resort gate open at the appointed time. The large crowd shuffled toward the beach gate where we waited for 40 minutes to get through security (for a second time) and into the park.
We entered just minutes before the regular park opening. The new coaster, Valravyn, already had a long line. We headed for Millenium Force, a “giga-coaster” that hits 93 mph after a 310 foot drop. Just awesome!
The rest of the day became a blur of coasters and other thrill rides. We managed nine coasters, including Gatekeeper, Rougarou, Iron Eagle, Raptor, Gemini, and Magnum. M3 rode them all with the rest of us taking a break on a couple. M3 even stomached a couple of turns on the world’s tallest swing ride, Sky Hawk.
In between thrill rides, we recovered by enjoying some milder offerings.
How was Top Thrill Dragster you might be wondering? It never opened. Valravyn? Wait times soared to 2 hours and we just couldn’t stomach the wait. We’ll have to try both those rides next time. And there’s the rub.
Cedar Point offers a great collection of rides in one of the best amusement park settings you will find. You really need more than one day to enjoy it all. Oh well, we leave with fond memories of our shortened time in the park.
You need to take the Ferry to Put-in-Bay for the day!!!
That does look like a cool place to visit! We will have to put that on the list for when we go back to tackle the other roller coasters!
I feel nauseous
your early on experience with the park being closed, immediately brought to mind the hilarious experience of the Griswolds. so glad you were not forced into a kidnapping!
Oh, man, I thought the same thing at the time and then forgot to mention it in the blog!
The milder offerings look like fun. That swing is really scary looking—like some of the obstacles in M3’s “Sword of Summer” book!