The once small town of Sandusky, Ohio is home to the rollercoaster capital of the world: Cedar Point. Coming to its 200th anniversary, Cedar Point attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year. From its craziest roller coaster to the kids' park, Cedar Point has something for every member of the family, from the biggest to the smallest.
Just this past week, my family and I visited Cedar Point for a family vacation. We have been vacationing at Cedar Point once year for as long as I can remember. My earliest memories of summers gone by include the annual visit to Cedar Point and riding what rollercoasters my height and courage could allow. As the years have gone by, I have discovered that whether you're a roller coaster maniac like me or a fair ride kind of person, everyone should visit Cedar Point at least once in his/her life. Here is a list of reasons why for all you nay-sayers:
Reason One: The Rollercoaster Capital of the World
With just over 50,000 feet of track, Cedar Point is named as the rollercoaster capital of the world and rightly so. No other amusement or theme park in the entire world has as many rollercoasters as Cedar Point. With as many as 11 miles of track, there is bound to be a ride that suits everyone's needs whether it be the Woodstock Express or the Gatekeeper. Therefore, all the Debbie Downers can't say, "There isn't any ride here that I like!" Try again Debbie Downer.
Reason Two: Kids Have Fun Too
Some amusement and theme parks center around teenagers and adults. While that is all fine and dandy, sometimes the kids feel left out because they can't ride the big rollercoasters because of their height. Cedar Point doesn't have that problem. It does contain rides that you have to be a certain height for, Cedar Point also has rides and activities for the kids. There is an entire section in the park (Camp Snoopy) that is dedicated to the kids. From the dressed up Peanuts Gang to fun, mild rides, Camp Snoopy has something for every kid to have fun while his/her parents enjoy themselves as well. In Camp Snoopy, kids can ride the Woodstock Express, meet the Peanuts gang, or even play on the fort inside the park. There is no stopping the fun for the whole family even if there is a little one in the mix!
Reason Three: The Food Is Delicious
Most parks charge an outrageous price for mediocre food-- however Cedar Point is not one of those parks. To some, the prices may seem a bit expensive, but the French fries and elephant ears are to die for. At the end of a night at Cedar Point, my family and I make sure that we eat the French fries and elephant ears, no matter how tired we are. They are that good. There is also a mix of concession stands and restaurants, so if you want to have a full dining experience or not, everyone has the option. There is even a buffet restaurant inside Cedar Point called Midway Market for all the bottomless stomach eaters out there.
Reason Four: The Place To Face Your Fear
The best reason to visit Cedar Point is because it is the amusement park where you face your fears. Yes, it does have mild fair rides for the non-rollercoaster people out there. However, the park is known for its "wicked six" rollercoasters. I myself have ridden five out of the six (I can't ride one because of medical conditions) and can say they are amazing. The Top Thrill Dragster and the Valravn are my two favorites. The Top Thrill Dragster is self explanatory-- it is a rollercoaster with the engine of a drag racing car. The Top Thrill goes from zero to 120mph in less than four seconds from the start of the ride. It only lasts for about 17 seconds, but it is the best 17 seconds of your life as you zoom 420 ft into the air at 120 mph.
The Valravn isn't a ride to shrug off either. It is the tallest, longest, and fastest dive coaster in the entire world. For those non-rollercoaster geeks, a dive coaster drops its riders straight down (90 degrees) for its main hill. Now that may seem like nothing, but when you are going at 75 mph, you definitely feel your stomach climb into your throat. It just was built this year at Cedar Point, so it is the smoothest ride in the entire park with its newest model of shoulder straps that keep you snug in your seat. While you feel secure in your seat, the Valravn still delivers an exhilarating experience to its riders.
In conclusion, no matter if you are a rollercoaster enthusiast or a tame fair ride person, there is something for everyone at Cedar Point. That is why I believe that everyone should visit Cedar Point at least once in his/her life.