11 Cedar Point Hacks to Make Your Trip Perfect

Amusement park enthusiasts, listen up: the sunshine is officially out, and that means you'll be at Cedar Point soon. After all, it's the roller coaster capital of the world, and no great Summer is complete without at least one visit. Ahead are 11 hacks for the parkgoer looking to save money while making the most of the trip. If done right, your experience will be unforgettable.

01
Think about staying at an off-site hotel if you'll be there for a few days.
Flickr user Mark Cameron

Think about staying at an off-site hotel if you'll be there for a few days.

It's understandable if you wish to stay at the Hotel Breakers to get the full Cedar Point experience (and it's to be noted that staying at a Cedar Point resort means earlier access to the park). However, if you have transportation and you're looking to spend a lot less, consider booking an off-site hotel, such as the South Shore Inn, Budget Host Inn, or Econo Lodge.

02
Purchase your tickets from external retailers.
Flickr user Nicholas Eckhart

Purchase your tickets from external retailers.

If you snag your tickets right at the gate, you'll pay more. Instead, purchase your passes online or at an external retailer such as Kroger or Meijer. You'll save a few bucks, and every little bit counts!

03
Go during the week.
Flickr user Jeremy Thompson

Go during the week.

The weekends tend to be the most crowded at Cedar Point, for obvious reasons. If you can, head to the park on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Shorter lines = more rides.

04
Get to the park early in the morning.
Flickr user Andrew Borgen

Get to the park early in the morning.

If you plan to do it all in one day, get to the park early, so you don't run out of time for the best rides and attractions. By sunset, you'll be exhausted — but it will be well worth it!

05
When you need to cool off, go to the water park.
Flickr user Andrew Borgen

When you need to cool off, go to the water park.

If you're visiting in the dead of Summer, chances are you're going to get hot. Consider making a splash at Soak City or hopping on one of the water rides. You'll feel refreshed in no time!

06
Consider a dining plan.
Flickr user Håkan Dahlström

Consider a dining plan.

Looking to save cash on food? The all-day dining plan is a great choice for any visitor. It'll only cost you a total of $32 for all your meals at participating restaurants. Plus, you only have to wait 90 minutes in between! (There's also an all-season dining plan for hardcore Cedar Pointers).

07
Buy a season pass if you're a frequent visitor.
Flickr user Jeremy Thompson

Buy a season pass if you're a frequent visitor.

If you think you'll make more than a couple trips to the park in the next several months, a season pass is to your benefit. For four payments of $34, you'll get unlimited Summer and Fall visits, along with bring-a-friend discounts and food and merchandise savings.

08
Download the free mobile app.

Download the free mobile app.

Cedar Point's app contains lots of useful features, including ride wait times, season pass storage, a GPS feature, information on ride height requirements, and more.

09
Skip the souvenirs.
Flickr user Joe Monin

Skip the souvenirs.

Why buy a pricey souvenir when you can take pictures on your phone to commemorate the day? Plus, the more items you buy, the more stuff you'll have to carry around. If you MUST take home a souvenir, however, limit yourself to just one.

10
Check the website for new attractions.
Flickr user Craig Lloyd

Check the website for new attractions.

As you plan out your trip to the park, be sure to check the website regularly, which is always up to date on what's new at Cedar Point.

11
Come prepared for the ever-changing weather.
Flickr user Y'amal

Come prepared for the ever-changing weather.

Weather in the upper Midwest tends to be fickle, so check the forecasts — but still prepare for rain and shine, no matter what the meteorologist says. It's always better to come too prepared than not prepared enough.