Friday, August 15, 2014

Named the Best for a Reason! Cedar Point Amusement Park

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my Cedar Point-loving-own!

Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio has been voted the best amusement park in the world for good reason. For our family, summer wouldn't be summer without our annual visit.

Open since 1870, it is the second oldest operating amusement park in North America (source), and I think one of the things that keeps it so popular is a healthy balance of tradition and change.

Coming down the first hill of the Millennium Force

Some of the old comforts bring us great memories, like the Millennium Force Roller Coaster. This roller coaster has provided us with the best 'eek' face I've ever seen in a picture, when my oldest son and I rode it when he was 12-years-old. I still laugh just thinking of the picture. If I knew which of our nine million photo albums it was in (slight exaggeration), I would scan it for this post. :)


Here is a video of that coaster, which takes you 310 feet into the air on an elevator cable (no click, clack slow-going up those hills, this baby flies!). The Millennium Force is my 2nd favorite coaster at the park (second only to the Top Thrill Dragster).

The mill in Frontier Town has been there since I was a kid.

There are even older nostalgic favorites for me. Frontier Town is a trail at the back of the park (depending on which way you go). For me, it always signaled the end of the day as a child because it was the end of the huge circle we took through the park on the days we were visiting. I never noted it before, but I still take that big circle path when I visit today. :)

Pretty sure that's one of the coolest displays I've seen.

The trail is awesome and could make a blog post of its own! There are old buildings, a running water mill, and great displays like this really old train pictured above.  There's also a petting zoo, a place to watch blowing glass, eat bbq, etc. The whole trail has an old town feel to it that's hard to beat. I appreciate that trail more and more as I get older (while my kids are out running around to get in as many coaster rides as possible, just like I did when I was their age...and I still do, just not to the same extent). :)

There are three huge areas for kids to play in.
They have live shows, a ton of rides, character meet-and-greets, and so on and so forth.

One of the many rides for the younger crowd.

There are three (huge) kid areas, and one smaller one (with a baby coaster). If you have small children, they will not want for things to do at Cedar Point. There are pint-sized bumper cars, slower going mini scramblers, flying rides, small swings, etc. These areas used to be a huge thrill for every one of my four children. My youngest dabbled in each area a bit when we went last weekend (and he enjoyed them), but he was tall enough to ride big rides this year, and wanted to do that, of course. He even rode the new Pipe Scream rollercoaster. Everyone did...except my mom who was with us this go around. She opted to stay on the ground and wave to us when our turn to ride finally came around. ;)


I think The Gatekeeper has a cool design.

It goes right through the front gate structure.

Even with the older constants/favorites, Cedar Point is certainly not afraid of change. Every year they've got something new going on. This year, like most years, they have new rides. The roller coaster pictured above isn't new this year, but it was last year, and I think the design of the route is so very cool. You can see in the picture above that it travels right through the front gate of the park.

See how the big blast of water goes up when the boat hits the ground?
If you look carefully you can see people deliberately standing on the bridge.
They're waiting to get soaked by that huge splash... and they do.

There are many other things I could write about. And some of the areas in the park could stand alone for blog posts, they're just that cool.  But I'll end with the water. Not the water that surrounds the peninsula the 364-acre park is on (though that is cool in itself) but the water on the bridge of Snake River Falls that allows you to get SOAKED when you cross it (some people stand there on purpose waiting for the next boat to drop, others high tail it out of there so they won't get wet ... or wetter, as the case may be). I could not talk any of my party into taking that water blast on the bridge. My youngest was vehement that nuh uh, he did not want to get that wet.

At the end of our day, I told Mr. 'Nuh-Uh, I do not want to get wet,' that he could do one more thing
before it was time to leave.
The irony in his choice did not go unnoticed. ;)

On the way out, I told him he could do one more thing before we got to the parking lot. Mr. 'Nuh-uh, I do not want to get that wet!' selected the splash pad.  The irony of his choice did not go unnoticed. ;)

Cedar Point is fun for every age. There is really something to do and enjoy for everyone. If you're in the area go visit. And if you're not, go visit too, lol!! I have gone every year of my life, even when we lived far away in Florida. It's just that good!

You can learn more about the park by visiting the website.
You can also follow them on Facebook and/or Twitter.

149 comments:

  1. I've been there. I only rode a couple coasters though. What I really remember was the day we went, it felt like a million people were there. I think an hour is the shortest time we waited in any line. I guess we picked a bad day.

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    1. Lines for the coasters are pretty long. They have a fast lane pass option now, that they didn't use to have before.

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  2. I'll pass on those rides, but I'd love to check out everything else.

    Have a fabulous day. ☺

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  3. I love roller coasters, so much. My boyfriend and I were just talking about Cedar Point the other day. We'd love to go back for a visit (sans kids, so we can enjoy the coasters).

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  4. Never gone, but looks like a fun place to visit with kids and adults alike!! :)

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  5. That's beautiful! Looks like fun for all ages, really!

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  6. Wow, that looks like an awesome park to visit!

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  7. Wow Rosey that sure looks like a fun place to visit. So glad you all had fun. Have a nice weekend.
    Julie

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  8. Looks like so much fun! I always wanted to go there!

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  9. Never been, but I too heard about their award. Will definitely be on our list next year!

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  10. I used to like roller coasters not so much anymore. I have never been to this park.

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  11. That looks like a great place to visit. Fun for adults and kids.

    Michelle F.

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  12. Looks like you are really enjoying your summer. I love amusement parks, this looks like an awesome one to visit.

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  13. It sure looks like you all had a very good time. I've never been there and it's been ages since I've been in any kind of amusement park.

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  14. I don't do amusement parks - too many people, but you have tempted me today.

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  15. Seen it many a time here and on other blogs, sure does sound like an awesome spot

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  16. I think cedar point would be a welcome change from our local 6 flags!

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  17. Cedar Point looks like a blast! I don't do roller coasters, but I love that old school feel of the park.

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  18. I've never been here.. we normally go to Six Flags.. that's the amusement park in our part.. Love they have Peanuts gang!

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  19. wow, some of those rides look too scary for me! ;) Thanks for sharing!

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  20. It has been a few years since I was at Cedar Point. But, I have younger Grandkids and in a couple of years, I am sure we will be going again.

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  21. I just laughed at that last photo. My son would totally do the same thing. And we need to check out Cedar Point one day!

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  22. What a fun place! It looks like you all had a great time!

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  23. I can totally see why it was named the best! It looks like a fun place to hang out with the family

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  24. Oy Veh, I love watching the roller coaster video because that is as close as I will ever get! I thought that thing was going all the way into the sky!
    thanks,
    MItch

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    1. I'm totally on board with footage being good enough. I'm so not a thrill seeker. However, I'd love to go to Ceder Point and just bask in the atmosphere. It's got some major charm.

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  25. Cedar Point looks like so much fun. I love watching kids play in those splash pads. What a simple concept!

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  26. That would be a great place to visit. I love rollercoasters, fun for the entire family.

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  27. it sure does look like fun for every age! what a great way to spend time together
    thanks for telling me about them. didn't know about them at all

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  28. It looks like fun, but I'll pass on the roller coasters.

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  29. Wow, it looks like so much fun. I haven't been to a park like that in YEARS. I'd love to go although I'm not sure I could handle all the rides now lol

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  30. That sure does look like a lot of fun. Wow! Amber N

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  31. Some of those rides look way too scary for me but my kids would probably love every single one of them!

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  32. If I recall correctly, Sandusky, OH is the backdrop for Callahan Auto Parts in Tommy Boy. Love that movie. I've heard so many good things about the Roller Coasters at Cedar Point - gonna have to try them for myself one day.

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  33. I went there once many years ago. We got rained out after just an hour which was horrible because you do not get a refund. The hour we spent there was fun though.

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  34. My kids and I love going to amusement parks, we've been annual passholders to a few of them near home. If we're ever in Ohio, we'll have to check this place out for sure.

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  35. I have never been there, but gosh that looks like fun! My kids would have a blast, I am sure!

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  36. We live right across the river from Ohio, but the only amusement park there we have been to is King's Island :) Cedar Point looks like a lot of fun, I bet my kids would love it!

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  37. One of my co-workers just got back from Cedar Point and loved it! I'm all about roller coasters, but hubby isn't a fan.

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  38. I just LOVE roller coasters but I've never been to Cedar Point before. Definitely somewhere I'll have to visit soon!

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  39. I love amusement parks so much fun.

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  40. I've always wanted to go to cedar point! It looks like so much fun. We'll have to make a trip out there when my son gets a little older.

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  41. LOVE roller coasters!! The higher and faster, the better!!

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  42. This looks like so much fun! What a great family tradition :-)

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  43. Sounds like a great place to take a family! I would love to watch them blowing glass - it has always fascinated me.

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  44. I would love to visit this rollercoaster

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  45. What!? You got to meet Peppermint Patty!? We haven't met her yet at any of the parks. We've got Lucy, Snoopy, and Charlie, but not Patty. Now I need to go back for that photo opp alone lol.

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  46. I used to love roller coasters...I would definitely like to visit a part like Cedar Point this year.

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  47. This looks like so much fun! I love roller coasters. May have to put this on the must do someday list :)

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  48. This park looks amazing! I have never heard of it but now that I have I will have to share with hubby!

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  49. This looks like so much fun! I love Charlie Brown!

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  50. This place seems great! Love the Frontier Town :) Wish I lived closer.

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  51. I live in central Ohio and at the age of 43 I can honestly say I have never been to Cedar Point. I've always wanted to go there but just never did. Guess I should add it to my bucket list. :D

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  52. This looks like such a fun park! But the roller-coasters…um, noooooo!

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  53. Looks like so much fun. I live way down in Florida so it would be a long travel for us. I wished we lived closer. I would love to be splashed right now with all this heat.

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  54. Well that looks fun, doesn't it? I haven't been to a park like this in eons.

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  55. I just love roller coasters. It looks like Cedar Point has some great ones!

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  56. We went to Cedar Park back in the late 80s when we were visiting the area. We had so much fun at the time. It was great then too.

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  57. The little kid coaster and areas would be perfect for our family right now. It looks like a very neat park to visit. I can't believe it has been open that long!

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  58. Looks like so much fun, I wish I lived closer!

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  59. I can see why it's voted the best. It has all the neat rides and has also a lot of throwback displays.

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  60. This looks like great fun! I'll pass on the Millennium coaster though!

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  61. I haven't been there for years, but I always had so much fun! I'm terrified of the roller coasters, though. :)

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  62. Wow,nice review. I am going to go see how far we were when from there this summer when we traveled to Ohio. I hope it wasn't like right around the corner (so to speak). We were in Columbus and went to the zoo there.Glad lil man was big enough for the rides. Peppermint Patty and Charlie brown make him look small ;-)

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    1. I thought he looked small with them too. It was nice because he's been looking so big lately!

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  63. So fun! I love the old school train! Looks like a ton of fun!

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  64. I always wanted to go here! I grew up in Northern KY so we heard about it all the time. I have been to Kings Island but never Cedar Point. Now I live in SC but I am still going to get there one day!

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  65. No coasters for me, not big or small!!! I love the Frontier Town and the trails - it does look like a great place for fun, fun, fun!!! Young and older!!!

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  66. I guess I've seen so many coaster accidents and deaths, it's not worth it anymore. I'm content on the ground enjoying my $6 frozen lemon chill.

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  67. I have to go to cedar point one day. I love THEME parks, not amusement parks and Cedar Point looks awesome!

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  68. Never been there before, and we actually do not live that far away. Hope to make it there soon.

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  69. You are WAY braver than I am. I haven't been there in years. I would go back but I would not ride the huge coasters. I know they are they best around though. I'd stick with the slow rides :) I used to be a roller coaster lover but I cannot handle them anymore.

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  70. Rosey, the fun park looks like a thrill... I don't think I could handle a roller coaster ... it has been a good 20 years. Valentina would love this place ♡

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  71. We love Cedar Point! I can't wait till my son's old enough to ride roller coasters because this will be our first trip!

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  72. Wow! Looks like an awesome place. We would love to visit someday! :)

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  73. Oh my gosh! My kids would love the meet and greets. What a fun looking place.

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  74. I love Cedar Point. It is one of the the only things I miss about not living in Ohio any longer.

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  75. I have never been to Cedar Point but would love to go. It looks like you all had an amazing time. Thanks for sharing.

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  76. I have never been to Cedar Point! I'd love to go one day. I've heard great things about it!

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  77. We live only a couple of hours away and used to go every year until the kiddos came along! Now, some of them are old enough to go so we will be resuming the tradition next year!

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  78. Now that looks like an amazing way to spend the day! We are on the other side of the country, but I know my kids would love to go.

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  79. What a great place Cedar Point brings back so many great memories of my summers as a kid. When I would visit my cousins in Detroit at the end of my visit we would head to Ohio and go to Cedar Point.

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  80. Looks like a fun place for the whole family. Love the photos. Amber N

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  81. Cedar Pointe has been on my to do list for YEARS!!! I am soooo going to get there one day!

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  82. I live in NE Ohio & have somehow never made it to Cedar Point (much to the dismay of all of my friends). I think we're planning a trip soon though. But there is no way I'm getting on that Gatekeeper! LOL

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  83. I used to love amusement parks when I was younger but I'm not such a fan anymore. I don't enjoy the crowds or the lines at all. But Cedar Point looks like there might be other cool things to do.

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  84. I've always loved roller coasters. An amusement park like this one is a great place to enjoy some fun family time.

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  85. I used to be able to a go on the roller coasters but now I can't. That looks like a fun place to visit

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  86. That looks like a lot of fun. I'd love to take the kids there someday.

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  87. what an fun fun park!! that first coaster though... NO way would I go on that! lol

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  88. Looks like fun! I used to love coasters, I don't know why I've become so much of a chicken as I get older!

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  89. Those roller coasters looks SO high!! I dont know if I could do them but I love the meet and greet pics!

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  90. I went to Cedar point not too long ago. Wait 1999 was a while ago. My kids are almost both old enough to really enjoy it.

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  91. I've never been, but all my friends and family who have been to Cedar Point LOVE it!

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  92. That mill and the old engine remind me of Stone Mountain here in GA. I love sites like that and with all the rides there is something for old and young alike.

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  93. I haven't been in years! Epic place for a family day

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  94. Wow!!! I haven't been to an amusement park in YEARS! The Millennium Force Roller Coaster looks so scary heheh I would have to talk myself into riding on it.

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  95. i love rides!!!! like even kids ride i will ride i am like the big kiddo ever hahah

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  96. I'm sure I will spend the whole day trying all the rides on that place. It looks like you really had a great time there.

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  97. I have never been to Cedar Point, the rides look awesome! Is it crazy for me to want to take my family on a road trip to visit?

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  98. I have never been to Cedar Point but it looks like a lot of fun! My daughter would love those rides.

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  99. You've traveled all the way, even from Florida? It must be that good!! I love amusement parks but have never been to this one!! I love that there are so many areas for younger children to have fun!

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  100. Looks like a blast. I'd have been sneaking onto the kiddie rides while you all screamed "EEK" on the rollercoasters.

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  101. Looks like a lot of fun. My kids would love the Woodstock's Airmail ride.

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  102. My kids love amusement parks!! I am certain they would have a blast spending the day there.

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  103. It's been so long since I have been do Cedar Point I have almost forgotten what it is like.

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  104. I love Cedar Point! It ruins other amusement parks for me because I want to know where all the other roller coasters are- CP has SO many!

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  105. Love Cedar Point! Unfortunately I havent been able to make it down there since they expanded their waterpark.

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  106. Love that the little ones won't miss out on the fun too! We were in HK Ocean Park and there were not many rides for Lil Pumpkin because she was under the height limit. She was sooo sad :/

    Ai @ Sakura Haruka

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  107. I've been on a few roller coasters and have hated every minute. I don't get what's fun about them.

    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com/2014/08/mm-baby-got-books.html

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  108. Looks like a wonderful family adventure. Amazing

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  109. Looks like an amazing place! I would love to visit with my son!

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  110. I'd like to go there and try their rides. Fun park.

    slehan at juno dot com

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  111. The boys in my life love amusement parks. I on the other hand love water parks more.

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  112. This looks like a ton of fun, I haven't been on a rollar coaster in 10+ years..

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  113. I love amusement parks and this one looks like so much fun! Don't know that I'll ever get to Ohio, but if I do I'll make sure to stop here.

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  114. Looks like a great place to visit. Lots of fun for all ages. My cup of tea definitely

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  115. Have heard that this is one of the best parks ... ever...
    Would love to go one day ... but I am no longer a fan of roller coasters...
    lol, he would have to have his daddy with him on that

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  116. my kids love amusement parks. we've spent the last 2 weekends at amusement parks

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  117. Looks like a place to have an amazingly good time! How fun!

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  118. I miss Cedar Point! I used to go every other year as a kid. That place was awesome!

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  119. This looks like such a fun time, I wish I lived closer! :)

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  120. I have never been these, but we have an amausement Park close to us that is a sister park to Cedar Point. Michigan's Adventures. It's not as big, but still fun!

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    1. We went there for our first time ever last summer. It was fun, and there weren't lines to get on the coasters (not big ones anyway). I liked that a ton. And Shivering Timbers was so fun!

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  121. Cedar Point is one of my favorite amusement parks. We will have to try to get back there this summer.

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  122. If I'm ever in the area I will definitely go here! I love amusement parks and especially all the thrill rides. Rollercoasters are my ultimate favorite rides!!

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  123. I need to ask my husband if he has ever been, he was born in Ohio and lived there the first part of his life. We both are not coaster people lol

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  124. What a fun amusement park! I'd love to visit there one day!

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  125. I still think this might be a fun place to go on vacation, but every time I mention it my husband asks why I want to visit Ohio on vacation. Haha. When we visit an amusement park, it's usually Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO, although we have visited Disney World and are going back there again this year. There aren't any amusement parks even remotely close to where we live in North Dakota.

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  126. This looks like a super fun place for the entire family!

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  127. oowwww...tons of fun indeed...those coasters look cooooool ! happy summer..

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  128. it looks like you had a wonderful and fun filled day! I can't wait t take my daughter to her first amusement park!

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  129. I am such a wimp! I would be found walking around with the Peanuts gang and as far from the rides as possible!

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  130. Oooh what a fantastic adventure!
    I think I'd brave some of them :)
    AFter all you only live once eh :)

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  131. This looks like an awesome place to visit. I love roller coasters!

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  132. Love those vintage displays! Looks like a lot of fun!

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  133. What an amazing park that has more for kids than normal parks :) I would love to visit one day!

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    1. There really are a ton of things for the little ones to do.

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  134. That's a high roller coaster! Your child can already ride that?

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    1. My three older ones can ride. My youngest can ride the 46"-48" Pipe Scream coaster. ;)

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  135. i love amusement paarks..im not a coaster person th..HOWEVER u get me on a scrambler and i am a happy camper!

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  136. I love going to amusement parks. I've never been to the one at Cedar Point but it looks like a lot of fun.

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  137. I have found memories of going to Cedar Point. too!

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  138. I like big roller coasters. We will make it to this park some day.

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