Cedar Point 2025: A Complete Guide And Tips For Navigating The Amusement Park Like A Pro

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Cedar Point has always been special to me. Our family visited often growing up, and I even spent a summer working there during college. No matter how many new coasters are added or how much the park changes, it still feels like home every time we visit.

If you are planning a trip in 2025, this guide covers everything you need to know before you go. From ride planning and food options to money-saving tips and crowd strategies, we have pulled together the details that will help you make the most of your time at the park.

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.

The Complete Guide to Visiting Cedar Point in 2025

Family posing for a photo in front of the Cedar Point Carousel

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.

We’re covering tons of information, but if there’s something we missed or you have any questions, comment and let us know. We will try to answer them.

Check out our complete park guide to learn everything you need to know before you go to Cedar Point in 2025.

When Does Cedar Point Open?

Cedar Point opens for the 2025 season on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025. Cedar Point Shores Waterpark opens on Saturday, May 24th, 2025.

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 the Roller Coaster Capital of The World. It is home to 18 roller coasters. Here are some of the more notable ones.

Top Thrill 2: Last year’s new coaster, Top Thrill 2, is a reimagination of the retired fan favorite, Top Thrill Dragster. When it’s in operation, Top Thrill 2 is the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch strata coaster. Unfortunately, it didn’t see much action in its inaugural season due to some mechanical issues. Top Thrill 2 reopened on May 3, 2025.

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 recently underwent a major overhaul to become a new breed of roller coaster—a 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 is at the front of the park and is a must-ride for every family. It breaks seven world records, including the highest inversion of any coaster.

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

Front entrance to Wild Mouse roller coaster at Cedar Point

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 the wait time. The park features several other thrill rides, fan favorites, and classics to round out your next visit.

  • Cedar Point and Lake Erie Railroad
  • Cedar Downs Racing Derby
  • Giant Wheel
  • MaXair
  • Midway Carousel
  • Ocean Motion
  • Power Tower
  • Sky Ride
  • WindSeeker
The Giant Wheel ferris wheel at Cedar point

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 lovable 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 amusement parks, Cedar Point has ride policies and restrictions in place to protect park guests, including height, weight, and health-related limitations. 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.

Guests are not permitted to bring food or drinks into the park, except for individual unopened water bottles and certain items for those with special dietary needs. Cedar Point has a large picnic pavilion outside the front entrance. There are no public picnic areas located near Cedar Point Shores Waterpark.

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 include an entrée and a side at select park restaurants, with a 90-minute waiting period between meals. Here’s the pricing for Cedar Point dining plans:

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:

  • 21° and Colder
  • Auntie Anne’s/Cinnabon
  • BackBeatQue
  • Bar 1870
  • Boardwalk Cotton Candy
  • C.J.’s Provisions/Toot Sweets
  • Cedar Point Grand Pavilion & Bar
  • 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
  • Ice Cream Parlor
  • Kiddieland Refreshments
  • Last Chance Saloon 
  • 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
  • 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 a premium park perk (above park admission) and is open on select days during the season. Lounge access is included for Prestige Passholders.

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 the picnic pavilion located just outside Cedar Point’s main entrance. Just make sure to get your hand stamped for re-entry before walking out the gate.

Entertainment at Cedar Point

Cedar Point offers more than just rides. 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 music, Cedar Point offers a variety of entertainment options. The park is also known for its unique special events throughout the season. Cedar Point typically releases details on its lineup of shows and entertainment shortly before the season opening. You can find a complete list of entertainment options inside the Cedar Point app as details become available.

Cedar Point Events

As mentioned, Cedar Point hosts several special events throughout the operating season. Some of those events include:

  • Winter Chill Out: February 22
  • Military Days: May 23 – 26, 2025
  • CoasterMania: June 6
  • Light Up The Point: July 4 – July 5
  • Boardwalk Nights: July 18 – August 17 (select nights)
  • Halloweekends: September 11 – October 26 (select days and nights)

Cedar Point Halloweekends

Halloweekends will return to Cedar Point in the fall of 2025. The park releases details on the event later in the season. Halloweekends takes place September 11 – November 2 (select days and nights).

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. To participate, you must be at least 18 years of age (or be accompanied by an adult) and meet ride height requirements. 

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 access to the Millennium Club Lounge. 

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 it still offers 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’s operating hours vary throughout the season. The amusement park typically opens at 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM and remains open until either 8:00 PM or 10:00 PM.  Always check the Cedar Point park calendar online before purchasing tickets to view the park hours for those dates. 

Cedar Point’s Cashless System

Cedar Point operates using a completely cashless system. Instead of using cash, park guests can use debit cards, credit cards, or digital wallets, such as 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. At Cash-to-Card Kiosks, you can convert cash to a prepaid debit card with no fees.

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 2025. Please note that taxes and any additional fees aren’t included in the pricing below.

Unfortunately, there are no discounted tickets available for non-participating riders. There are also no rain checks if inclimate weather occurs during your visit. Some or all park rides may close during inclimate weather.

Cedar Point Season Passes 2025

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.

Cedar Point has recently announced changes to its season passes for the 2024 season. There are three pass options for the 2025 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 2025 Cedar Point season passes. Please note that pricing is subject to change throughout the year. Always visit CedarPoint.com for the most up-to-date season pass and ticket pricing information. 

2025 Cedar Point Season Pass Early Entry

Select season passholders and Cedar Point resort guests get access to early entry hours for the park. 2025 Early Entry rides include:

  • Cadillac Cars
  • Cedar Downs Racing Derby
  • GateKeeper
  • Iron Dragon
  • Kiddy Kingdom (select rides)
  • Millennium Force
  • Top Thrill 2
  • Siren’s Curse

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

Cedar Point Season Pass Add-ons

Cedar Point offers several add-ons for the 2025 season to enhance your park experience and possibly save money:

Cedar Point Fast Lane

If you love riding roller coasters but hate waiting in long lines, you can purchase a Cedar Point Fast Lane pass to bypass the regular lines. This ticket add-on includes a wristband that grants you access to the exclusive Fast Lane ride lines. This is a premium feature, so there is an additional 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 not included in 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
  • Siren’s Curse
  • Steel Vengeance
  • Top Thrill 2
  • Valravn

How much does a Cedar Point Fast Lane pass cost?

  • Fast Lane: From $99
  • Fast Lane Plus: From $125
  • Season Pass Fast Lane Plus: From $950

Pre-K Passes at Cedar Point

Parents with a Gold or Prestige season pass can register for free Pre-K passes for 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, 2025.

Rental Options at Cedar Point

Locker Rentals

Cedar Point has all-day lockers available (with in/out privileges) near the front entrance and at Cedar Point Shores Waterpark if you want to store items during your park visit. All lockers accept credit cards only. Coin and debit cards are not accepted.

You can also rent movable lockers at some ride locations. Moveable lockers allow you to pay one price and can be moved to different locations throughout the day as needed. Some rides at Cedar Point have restrictions on what you can carry with you (such as sunglasses, phones, and bags), so using lockers helps you avoid getting out of line.

Stroller Rentals

Single and double strollers are available to rent at Cedar Point. Rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact 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). Rental locations include the Front Gate, Cedar Point Corner Store, and Hotel Breakers.

Wheelchair Rentals

Manual wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, and electric wheelchairs with canopies are available for rent at Cedar Point. Rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact 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 (with a canopy) cost $70 per day (plus taxes and fees).

Tips For Visiting Cedar Point in 2025

Cedar Point is one of our favorite destinations for family fun. But it can be overwhelming even for park veterans like us. Here are our top tips for getting the most out of a trip to the amusement park this season. 

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 and Toledo Express Airport. Both airports are within an hour’s drive of Cedar Point.

Parking at Cedar Point

You can purchase single-day parking passes online for $35. Preferred parking passes are also available, with dynamic pricing based on the date of your visit.

The park suggests purchasing parking passes in advance to streamline the process. You can also pay for parking as you enter the parking lot. Cashless payments, including credit cards, debit cards, and Apple Pay, are accepted; however, cash is not.

Park guests can leave the parking lot and return later, provided they show their original receipt for the purchase made that day.

Cedar Point Mobile App

A convenient way to navigate the park is by downloading the Cedar Point mobile app. The app, available for iOS and Android, features cool amenities such as a park map (allowing you to locate rides, dining options, the nearest restroom, and more), mobile food ordering, ride wait times, a parking lot vehicle finder, and special offers for Cedar Point.

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 to improve the user experience. If you have the existing app on your phone, Cedar Point recommends that you uninstall it and download the latest version. The park also recommends that current users reset their account passwords.

Where to Stay at Cedar Point

Sandusky and the Shores and Islands of Ohio area offer numerous accommodation options for guests planning to stay overnight during their visit. Here’s a look at both Cedar Point-owned properties and off-site accommodations.

Cedar Point Hotels and Resorts

photo of the firepit outside of Hotel Breakers at Cedar point

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, there are many hotels and resorts located in Sandusky and the surrounding cities, just a short drive away.

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

If you’re looking for unique accommodations, the area offers a couple of exceptional options.

Bayfront Resort at Cross View: The luxury RV & cottage resort is located just across the causeway, offering convenience along with an absolutely stunning waterfront view of Cedar Point. We loved staying in one of the 10 tiny home-style cottages at Bayfront Resort at Cross View.

SōLSTAY: We haven’t stayed at SōLSTAY yet, but have heard great things about the Lake Erie glamping resort. They offer 2-3 bedroom cottages, tiny houseboats, luxury houseboats, and luxury houseboats en-suite.

🏨 Find Hotels Near Cedar Point

Planning to stay overnight during your Cedar Point trip? Sandusky has plenty of great options, from lakeside resorts to family-friendly hotels just minutes from the park.

Check Hotels in Sandusky

Start Planning Your Next Cedar Point Trip

It’s never too early to start planning for a visit to one of the top amusement parks in America. Cedar Point is a wonderful family-friendly destination, whether for the day, a weekend getaway or the highlight of a family vacation. If you’re looking for other attractions and activities to pair with your park visit, Shores and Islands Ohio is the best resource for planning a trip to the area.