If you ask someone what are the best rides at Cedar Point you’ll no doubt receive a long list of answers. That’s because Cedar Point is a thrill seekers playground!

No exaggeration; whenever I put a trip on the books to Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio, I start getting nervous and anxious!  The reason being, I know that I’m going to have to put my big girl pants on to face my fears and conquer some serious roller coasters.  I have yet to experience an amusement park that measures up! Cedar Point has the best rides out of any park I’ve experienced in the past.

I’ve been getting anxiety from Cedar Point ever since I was a kid riding their first wooden roller coaster, the Gemini; I vaguely remember screaming “this is wicked” as a child! Pure FUN! I’ve only seen the park improve and get more daring!

Cedar Point consistently lands on yearly lists as one of the best amusement parks in the country and the world!  It’s hands down the best in the Midwest!  If you’re an adrenaline fanatic, this is the place for you; there’s a collection of 70 rides, including 18 roller coasters!  No worries if roller coasters are not for you, there are beaches, a 164-acre water park, live shows, and lots of entertainment for young kids. 

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I’ve been bringing my son ever since he was a toddler.  They have a nice arrangement for parents called Parent Swap;  one parent waits with the kids while the other parent rides, once the first parent’s ride is complete, the other parent rides immediately.

CEDAR POINT FUN STATS

Have you been yet?  If not, add it to your summer or fall bucket list!

Their roller coasters are record breakers!  For example, The Valravn set the record for the world’s tallest, fastest and longest dive coaster!  Steel Vengeance, their new coaster for 2018 has been labeled a hyper-hybrid as world’s first steel-on-wood coaster standing over 205 feet tall with a 90-degree initial drop down to the earth, almost 30 seconds of airtime (the most on any roller coaster on Earth!  Don’t even get me started on Top Thrill Dragster which takes you from a standstill to 120 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds, then sprints up a 90-degree incline to 420 feet in the air!  It’s no wonder Cedar Point is named the roller coaster capital of the world!

Cedar Point Hotels

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My family and I have stayed at a number of hotels surrounding Cedar Point Amusement Park. However, we get the most bang for our buck, whenever we purchase one of the resort packages offered by Cedar Point for a group of 4.  In this package, you receive a parking pass, four starlight tickets for Friday entry after 4 pm, four tickets for Saturday, and a two-night stay in their resort.  We usually stay at the Cedar Point Express Hotel about two miles away from the park.    The cost of this package varies depending on the time of year you visit.  Of course, summer is peak season so the cost is more but it’s still a great deal.  You can design the package that most fits your needs.

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On our last trip, we checked into the hotel then headed right to the park with our Friday evening starlight tickets.  We were able to cover quite a bit of the park and rode many of our favorite rollercoasters several times!  In addition, if you stay in the Cedar Point resorts you get admitted to the parks one hour earlier than the general public.  Pro Tip:  Be sure to list the rides open during the early admission hour and hit the ones towards the back of the park, these will most likely have the longest lines later in the day.

Best Rides at Cedar Point

I’m all about the thrill, so when I say best rides at Cedar Point, I mean best roller coasters! Here’s my top 5 list of favorite coasters in the park.  Do not miss these!

Maverick

The Mavericks is arguably the most fun coaster in the park!  You seriously feel as if you’re riding a bucking wild horse!

Top Thrill Dragster

One can’t make a list of the best rides at Cedar Point without including Top Thrill Dragster; its 17 seconds of pure adrenaline!  I can’t get over how smooth this ride is even though you’re going from a standstill to 120 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds.  It’s tough standing in line watching others ahead of you.  It definitely feeds the fear.  The anticipation is the worst!  I was worried that my friend Robea was going to bail but she conquered it!  I’m still proud of you Robea, lol!

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MILLENNIUM FORCE

Even though I’ve ridden the Millennium Force countless times, I have to again convince myself to ride it each year.

Last year, I even held my hands in the air as we went over the first drop.  The very thought of that has me thinking no way am I doing that this year!  I’m back at square one again.  This coaster is my main source of anxiety!  I think because it only has a lap bar….I’d like for it to have a lap belt, lap bar, overhead bar, duct tape, and anything else that will secure me in the seat!  It’s such a fun ride and ranked as one of the world’s best steel coasters!

VALRAVN

I recommend riding this coaster in the front row.  It’s worth the extra wait in line…..That dive is no joke!  You linger for what feels like an eternity before you take it though….just adds to the excitement!  I loved this one!

Valravn was introduced in 2016, breaking 7 world records including tallest and fastest dive coaster!

MAGNUM XL200

This coaster debuted in 1989 and it’s still one of my favorites!  I’m always in pain after laughing the whole ride!  It’s just an exhilarating ride and the drops tickle like crazy!

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New Cedar Point Rides

For 2018, the park unleashed its new coaster Steel Vengeance.  Branded the hyper-hybrid, it’s the world’s first steel-on-wood hybrid roller coaster to stand over 200 feet tall.  It’ll be top of the list when we visit this year.  Who knows maybe my top 5 list of the best rides at Cedar Point will change after I ride it!

Cedar Point is a great place for families.  I hope that you get the opportunity to visit in the near future.  As always let me know your favorite part in the comments!

Where to Eat in Sandusky, Ohio

Our family tradition involves capping off our weekend with Sunday brunch before hitting the road.  Always on the lookout for hidden gems, I was ecstatic to discover Bates Farm Kitchen!

I loved everything about this restaurant!  When we walked in we were greeted by smiling faces who were happy to see us!  You can see right into the kitchen where your food is being prepared.  The farm-to-table restaurant utilizes the chef’s garden grown herbs, garlic, tomatoes, and produce from other local farm’s.  They don’t use silverware, glasses, or dishes.  Instead, their plates, utensils, and cups are corn-based compostables.

The food came out hot and was delicious!  One thing to note is everything is prepared to order and the food is brought out as it’s completed.  There aren’t any food warmers here, so some will get their dishes before others.

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I can’t recommend this place enough; make sure you stop in before leaving Sandusky.

For other fun things to do in the Midwest click here!