4. Consider Life in the Fast Lane

Like many theme parks with crowd control issues, Cedar Point features a FastPass-type of line skipping option. For $55 (currently) per person, a visitor can buy a Fast Lane pass. It provides the holder with the benefit of skipping the regular line on “more than 20 rides and attractions.” The most important ones that are included are Raptor, a wonderful ski-lift style roller coaster, and Millennium Force, the crown jewel of Cedar Point. I’ll note in advance that I’m wildly biased here, but riding Millennium Force as much as you want for $55 is well worth the money. Of course, if you’re traveling with a large family, the economics of it are tougher to justify.

For those who want to ride the newest rides as well, Fast Lane Plus costs $75 (currently) per person. In exchange, you get to ride Gatekeeper, Maverick, Rougarou, and Top Thrill Dragster as often as you like. Note that both Fast Lane options can sell out, and Fast Lane Plus is especially limited in quantity. So, if you want it, act fast the day you arrive or, better yet, pre-purchase them.

5. Eat Smart

You’re going to burn a lot of calories walking around Cedar Point. That means you’re going to need a lot of protein to fuel your body. If you’re traveling with children or a cranky-when-hungry significant other, you’ll want to understand your options. For my money, Midway Market is the best choice due to its proximity and menu. Located near Raptor, you’ll probably walk past it several times before you get hungry. When you’re finally ready to feed your party, you’ll discover it’s an all you can eat establishment, so there should be something for everyone. It’s a great deal at about $15 per person, $9.99 for children under 10.

If you like to pay for your vacation food before you arrive, Cedar Point has a meal plan. For $29.99 per person, you receive an all-day dining wristband that entitles you to an entrée and side item at any participating restaurant. There are currently 21 such establishments, some of which offer snacks rather than whole meals. You can eat wherever you want and as much as you want, but you must wait 90 minutes between each dining experience. It’s a simple rule to protect against people who would abuse the privilege. Frankly, $30 a day for meals isn’t that bad for home cooking for a lot of people, much less at a theme park where pricing should be much higher.

6. Be Adaptable

Here’s the thing about the best laid plans at theme parks: they can just as easily become a nightmare. If you are a zealot about your pre-planned strategy, your stubbornness can create issues. Theme park tourists must adapt to changing circumstances. Rides at Cedar Point in particular are subject to shut down, particularly during inclement weather. Since they almost defy science with the majesty of their height and speed, there are times when you won’t have access to them for hours. If you’ve built your entire park day around a ride at a set time, you’re just going to have to modify your tactics on the fly. Take that as a sign.

Not that long ago, all park plans were flexible. It’s only in recent years that we’ve become so intransigent about what we should do and when we should do it. You’ll discover it can be liberating to throw out your plans, even the ones that are ninja tips listed here, and discover your own special strategy that maximizes your enjoyment of Cedar Point. To wit, before they tore it down for being so old and decrepit, one of our favorite things to do at the park was ride Wildcat then head right across the street and take a spin on Iron Dragon. Those are two of the worst theme park attractions at Cedar Point by any reasonable measure yet the combo was our favorite thing to do every visit. Mess around and discover your favorite thing at Cedar Point. You’re sure to find it, as there is no coincidence about this park being named the Best Amusement Park 15 out of the 16 years at the Golden Tickets. Cedar Point is just that good.