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Guide To HalloWeekends At Cedar Point

Every weekend night, Cedar Point transforms into a horror-filled nightmare. From mazes with terrifying creatures around every corner to thrill rides that'll haunt your dreams, it's everything you fear and more.Below is everything you need to know before you go! All outdoor shows and attractions are presented weather permitting. -- By S.L. Stoddart

Getting There

One Cedar Point Drive
Sandusky, OH 44870
419-627-2350
cedarpoint.com

1- Halloweekends Entrance
(Credit: S.L. Stoddart/WWJ Newsradio 950)

There are a few different routes you can take from the metro Detroit area to get to Cedar Point -- and the best part is that it will only take a couple of hours.

First, take I-75 south through Toledo. Then, merge onto I-280 south toward the Ohio Turnpike/Cleveland. Here's where you have a variety of different ways to go. I personally like avoid the Turnpike and take the back roads, so I'll hop off I-280 at Exit 7 for OH-2 toward Oregon. A little over 40 miles later there will be signs that direct you to Cedar Point, so just follow those.

From I-280 you can also take the Turnpike, just take Exit 1-A to merge onto I-80E/I-90E toward Cleveland. A little less than 40 miles later, you'll take Exit 110 For OH-4. Keep driving north until you see the signs for Cedar Point and then continue to follow those.

*Insider's Tip* Gasoline in Ohio -- particularly in Toledo -- is almost always cheaper than in metro Detroit. Instead of filling up the tank when you leave home, wait until you cross the state-line to save some money. It's also a good idea to fill up on your way home before crossing back into Michigan.

Click here for a HalloWeekends park map (.pdf format)

Park Hours and Admission

The park is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through October 27.

2- Monster Midway
(Credit: Cedar Point)

On Fridays, the park is open from 1 p.m. until 10 p.m (with limited ride availability). On Saturdays, the park is open from 11 a.m. until midnight. On Sundays (except for Oct. 13), the park is open from noon until 8 p.m. On Oct. 13, the park is open from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Regular adult tickets are $46.99, and include all day and all night admission. Regular Jr/Sr tickets are $29.99, and include all day and all night admission. You can also buy Starlight tickets, which are valid after 6 p.m. on Fridays and 4 p.m. on Sundays, for $37.99.

Don't forget about parking! The cost is $15 per vehicle. You can also park in a prefered section that is super close to the front gate for $25 -- first come, first served.

*Insider's Tip* Want to avoid the long lines? Cedar Point offers a special Fast Lane pass that gains the passholder front-of-the-line access to more than 20 rides -- and you can ride as many times as you want, all day long. That kind of access comes with a price tag starting at $60, in addition to the admission price.

The park also offers a Fright Lane pass that gains the passholder front-of-the-line access to select haunted attractions, starting at $35 in addition to the admission price. Since you're coming for HalloWeekends, I would highly recommend getting the Fright Lane pass. It might be a little more expensive, but think of all the time you'll save bypassing the long lines, which usually have wait times of over an hour.

For Kids

Cedar Point puts the WEE in Halloween, every Saturday and Sunday. There's two new family-friendly, not-so-scary adventures to explore this year in addition to the beloved spooky attractions of years past.

3- Camp Snoopy Theater
(Credit: S.L. Stoddart/WWJ Newsradio 950)

Howl-O-Palooza
This all-new, reimagined area for kids is the perfect place to party! Located in the Blue Streak Plaza, Howl-O-Palooza includes:

  • Magical House on Boo Hill - a fun house just for kids
  • Peanuts Halloween Show & Kids' Costume Contest (Saturdays and Sundays starting at 2 p.m.)
  • Hay Bale Maze
  • Special appearances by the Peanuts pals in costume!
  • Cedar Point's own Friendly Monsters will be on hand for photos and more

Trick-Or-Treat with the Dinos
Trick-or-Treat from dinosaur to dinosaur in on Adventure Island. This is not your average trick-or-treat. There are candy stops, pumpkin decorating, prizes and crafts along the path. Plus, more than 50 life-sized, moving dinosaurs. Trick-or-Treat with the Dinosaurs is open every Saturday and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. A separate $5 ticket is required.

Charlie Brown's Funtime Frolics
Join Charlie Brown and the gang for fun, music, stories and surprises at 12:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Monster Under My Bed
It's dark and quiet under your bed, but something's lurking there. Is it a dust bunny, that missing sock... or perhaps a monster! Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.

*Insider's Tip* Let your kids wear their Halloween costumes to the park. Kids love wearing their costumes anyway, and you can always bring an extra change of clothes if they've hade enough playing dress-up. Plus, they can compete in a costume contest and walk away with fun prizes, in addition to taking pictures with Snoopy and the Peanuts gang!

The Shows

From Halloween-themed musical reviews and a magical sideshow, to Gypsy fortune tellers to a sing-a-long with the Peanuts gang, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

4- GoodTimeGhouls
(Credit: Cedar Point)

Monster Midway Invasion Celebration -- A Halloween Parade
Catch friendly monsters, spooky-fun floats and not-so-scary surprises! Grab a spot on the midway (parade route marked on map) and enjoy this spectacle that's bigger and better than ever! Saturdays and Sundays at 4 p.m.

Sideshow - A Carnival of Magic
High-energy dance combines with magic to rock your world and tease your senses. Including amazing new illusions! Step right up... if you dare! Located at the Jack Aldrich Theater.

Gypsy FortuneTellers
Fortunes and fun are the order of the day in our gypsy camp. Located outside of the Millennium Force Tunnel.

The GoodTime Ghouls - A Halloween Hubaloo!
A fun, family-oriented music revue of all your ghoul-time favorites in the Ghoul Time Theatre.

Skeleton Crew
Don't miss an extravaganza full of family fun! An amazing cirque style spectacle that will dazzle your senses. Located at the Celebration Showplace near the Iron Dragon

The Edge of Madness: Internal Nightmare
Welcome to your worst nightmare! Join the monsters at the Red Slaughter Saloon for bedlam, anarchy and musical mayhem.

Click here for the full entertainment schedule (.pdf format)

*Insider's Tip* No doubt you'll rack up some miles walking around the park. Don't miss an opportunity to take a load off while you sit back, relax and enjoy an exciting live show. Some venues even serve up food and drinks, so your show experience can double as lunch or dinner.

Haunted Houses

The park's haunted houses open at 8 p.m. on Fridays, 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays.

5- Zombie High
(Credit: Cedar Point)

Zombie High School
It's "back to ghoul" at the new Zombie High School! Try to stay alive as you snake your way through its haunted halls and creepy classrooms. But stay cautious - the walking dead students aren't ready to let you graduate...ALIVE! Located near the main entrance.

Eden Musee
Step inside this museum filled with wax figures from classic to creepy...and some have been known to come to life! Located near the Mean Streak.

G.A. Boeckling's Eerie Estate
This stately limestone mansion harbors deep, dark secrets, guarded by ancient inhabitants seeking revenge and looking for more permanent residents! Located near Planet Snoopy

Eternity Infirmary
You can check in, but you can't check out! Stay away, or you may become their next patient - for ETERNITY! Located Near the Wave Swinger.

*Insider's Tip* If you only have time to visit one of these attractions, make sure to check out Zombie High School -- easily the park's best haunted house.

Outdoor Scare Zones

The park's scare zones open at 8 p.m. on Fridays on Saturdays. The zones are closed on Sundays, except for Oct. 13 when they open at 7 p.m.

6- Screamsters
(Credit: Cedar Point)

Blood On The Bayou
Lurking along the dark, murky waters of the bayou are mysteries too dangerous to explore, too twisted to explain. It's where nightmares live in the shadows, gruesome terrors freeze your blood and the dead walk, searching for new prey. Located near the Power Tower.

Carnevil
The crazy clowns and lurking sideshow freaks are waiting to share their special brand of entertainment with you. Step right up! Located at Camp Snoopy.

Cornstalkers
Navigate your way through this disorienting, twisted path. Beware, there's more than just corn in this field! Located at Thunder Canyon.

Cut Throat Cove
Arrrr you brave enough? Meet the motley crews of sunken ships, left scavenging on the shore, waitin' for rescue for more than 150 years. Located at the Maverick.

Fear Faire
Step into our menacing medieval marketplace - just hope that the Inquisition doesn't come after you! Located near Jack Aldrich Theater.

Maniacal Mechanical Screamworks
Journey into science fiction past and future to explore a sinister, steamy subculture where goggles and gears, Victorians and valves create a world that never was, but might have been. Located along the Frontier Trail.

*Insider's Tip* If you don't feel like waiting in line for a haunted house, these scare zones are for you. There's no waiting and you can walk through each zone as many times as you want.

The Rides

Cedar Point has been voted the "Best Amusement Park in the World" for a record 15 consecutive years for one obvious reason -- THE RIDES! The park is home to the largest collection of coasters on the planet -- 16! And the coasters aren't just good, they're the best.

7- Cedar Point Ferris Wheel
(Credit: S.L. Stoddart/WWJ Newsradio 950)

Hop on a classic, like the Blue Streak, Gemini, Corkscrew and Magnum XL-200, or take on newer fan favorites, like Millennium Force, Maverick, Top Thrill Dragster and GateKeeper. And don't forget about the Raptor, Mantis, Wicked Twister, Mean Streak, Iron Dragon and Cedar Creek Mine Ride.

If roller coasters aren't you thing, don't worry because Cedar Point is home to scores of other thrill and family rides. If you're into big thrills, take a ride on the Power Tower, WindSeeker, maXair or Skyhawk. You could also enjoy classic thrills on Calypso, Dogem, Matterhorn, Troika or Ocean Motion.

If you're looking for a moderate thrill, hop on the Cedar Point and Lake Erie Railroad, Giant Wheel, Midway Carousel, Sky Ride or Antique Cars.

Don't forget -- different rides have different height requirements, so make sure everyone in your group is tall enough to ride before waiting in line.

*Insider's Tip* An informal poll among Cedar Point employees suggests that no one should leave the park without experiencing Top Thrill Dragster -- there's nothing else like it! Coming in close at second place is GateKeeper, followed by Millennium Force at third place.

The Food

In addition to a wide variety of dining options, Cedar Point is offering guest a chance to enjoy a VIP fine dining experience inside one of their haunted houses.

8- Boeckling's Banquet
(Credit: Cedar Point)

Boeckling's Banquet
Enjoy fine dining in the unique setting of the G.A. Boeckling's Eerie Estate haunted house. Gather with other spirits in the main dining room of the Estate and encounter creepy characters and fine food that's to die for!

Meal service time is 5:30 p.m. on Fridays and 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays. All meals include: choice of Crab Legs, Lobster Tail & Petite Filet, Filet Mignon, OR Seafood Alfredo; salad, twice baked potato, fresh steamed vegetables, rolls & butter, dessert, glass of wine or beer and assorted Coca-Cola beverages. Reservations required. Limited availability.

Reserve your space for $74.95 a person. Does not include park admission.

*Insider's Tip* If you only eat one thing at the park, make sure to try Cedar Point's famous boardwalk fries. They're thick cut and taste unbelievable with vinegar, salt and ketchup.

Fun Facts

Bet you didn't know these fun facts about HalloWeekends!

9 -Cut Throat Cove
(Credit: S.L. Stoddart/WWJ Newsradio 950)

The Front Gate
The pumpkins atop the new entrance were custom made for Cedar Point. The tallest one in the center is 8 feet tall

Makeup & Monsters
A group of 25 makeup artists that transform the park's cast of characters each night.
There are a total of around 400 characters on the midways, scare zones and haunted houses.

Fall Decorations
There are 28,800 individual cornstalks in the park and 1,735 bundles of straw on the midway.
Pumpkins and gourds? How about 23,000 lbs of them!
There's also 850 pots of mums.

Special Effects
Nearly 150 foggers dot the landscape, pumping out 3,000 gallons of fog.
There's 1,000 lights installed throughout the park (200 alone on the Skeleton Crew stage).

Zombie High School
There's a total of 3,200 props and almost everything is real, from the lockers and school desks to books and kitchen equipment.
There are 140 jocks. Haven't been through? I won't give this one away.

Eden Musee

Walking through the boiler room you might notice some familiar sights from the old Disaster Transport (R.I.P.).

Click here for a HalloWeekends park map (.pdf format)

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