Heading to Ohio tomorrow. Help me out!!!!

O.K. First off this is one of those "ah screw it, I am taking some time off of work and just going" type of trips. I have been promising myself that I would make it out to CP and SFWOA for the last 3 years and then it just didnt materialize.

So, I have rented an Oldsmobile Alero which I pick up tomorrow and then I am on the road. I will be going myself(because its a last minute trip) and I am heading to a strange land that I have never set foot on (Ohio). With last minute decisions comes the fact that I am just going to "Wing" it so to speak. Which means I dont have a set schedule on what park to hit at what time.

So, I ask any of you. If I leave for Ohio tommorow and want to hit a park first thing Sunday morning, should I hit CP or SFWOA first? I was thinking that hitting SFWOA on Sunday and Monday would make more sense and then hit CP on Tuesday in hopes in wont be so crowded.

Is this a logical way to enjoy both parks?

Thanks,,

Chitown: Who is "FINALLY" going to see what all the hype is about!!! :)

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""To be the man, WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!, You got to beat the man""!!!

You go Chitown! Let me know how it goes! Good luck! :)

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Sorrrrrrrry folks! Parks closed. The moose out front should have told you.

Yea, Really looking forward to a nice pair of trip reports. Have Fun.

About the game plan, I say do hit CP on Monday as opposed to Sunday, but don't forget that lots of people are unhappy with SFWOA due to crowding issues. (and a Sunday at this park might not be fun due to crowds) I've only been to WOA twice, and both times it was filled up to the brim, both times it was on a weekday. With CP you're playing it safe by going on Monday because whatever crowd there will be can be easily dispersed with train operations reflecting the crowd size, whereas in WOA 1 train operation isn't rare even if crowds are ridiculously big.

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Wash away us all. Take us with the floods.

*** This post was edited by RagingBullGuy on 5/24/2002. ***

If you can knock out SFWoA in one day, you would probably enjoy 2 days at CP even more than just one.

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Jim Hansen
Number of coasters ridden: 138

Interesting...I may be out at CP on Tuesday as well.

Yeah, if you can do one day at SFWoA then it may be better to spend two at CP to really enjoy the park instead of rushing. CP has a 2 day ticket for $59 which is a very good deal, you can do soak city with that too if you really wanted (kinda cold though).

What about lodging? There is very little around WoA hotel wise but Sandusky is full of hotels were you may find a good deal.

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Don't, Don't Don't believe, Don't believe the hype.

Traditionally Memorial Day weekends at WOA aren't that busy. People have better things to do in Cleveland. Usually there are sports, or the rib fests or other summer kick off type events. Plus many will look to do the whole BBQ out at the park or backyard type thing. The problem with WOA is that the majority of people tend to stay on the ride side of the park to hang out at with sort trips to the marine side for specific shows. So any day may seem a little busy while waiting in line for a ride. If the weather calls for it, the water park will absorb a lot of mid afternoon crowds, but in May it's hit or miss in Cleveland with the weather so if the water park isn't in order it will just keep more people on the midway. But in the end WOA is just a one day type of trip for rides. As for hotels, there is one right down the road about a quater mile owned by the park. It operates seasonally now and should be open by this weekend. There are more choices in Solon. But the bulk of hotels on the east side of Cleveland are on Interstate 271 up in a city called Beachwood. From the park you head west into Solon to State Highway 422 west. Take the I-271 interchange north for about five miles or so and you will see an exit for Chargrin Rd. There are about three or four choices right at the exit. Plus some have had packages for park goers in the past (although they were complaining about a lack of cooperation last year from the park, but i still think it would be a good bet if you need cheap tickets).

Of course CP is surrounded by hotels of all types. Most will have changed over the pricing for the summer seaon, but i think that they are all competitive. For the money you can't go wrong with staying on the peninsula over night and making it a two day adventure. Even with light crowds there will be plenty to do for two days of coastering. Even if all of the shows aren't up and running yet.

I really don't think it will matter to much which order you go. But i would head out to WOA first. Just my opinion. I assume you're heading out from Chicago. Hit I-80/90 (the Ohio turnpike) to either 271 or 480 and follow signs to the park (always consult a map). From Cleveland to Sandusky take I-90 out of the city west until the Ohio State Highway 2 split and stay on 2 still heading west. Once you pass Huron there will be many signs for the park (which is actually slightly east of the city).

Hope this helps and have a great time... oh and pray for sun shine :)

SFWoA on Sunday and CP on Monday and Tuesday sound like a good plan. I'll also be at CP on Tuesday.

This isn't really pertaining to this exact issue for Chitown but I have a question. What hotel should I stay at while I am at SFWOA. The only one that I can find is the Inn at Six Flags. It is sorta pricey. Is it worth it? Also, I am going to be at Cedar Point next Tuesday, is it too late to book a room at Breakers for Tuesday and Wednesday? Thanks

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"Grit your teeth, bear the load. Enjoy your ride on Thunder Road"

When I reached the SFWoA area, I found a bunch of hotels on Rte 14 which is the exit you get off of the Ohio Turnpike to head toward the park. As soon as you are on Rte 14 you will find a Super 8(where I stayed), Best Western, Marriott, and a few others. They are about 10 minutes from the park. The Super 8 was $78.00 for 2 queen bed room.

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""To be the man, WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!, You got to beat the man""!!!

Last summer I stayed in a Comfort Inn about 3 miles or so from the park. It was a nice place and wasn't too expensive.

I just called today and got a room at the Breakers for Thursday and Friday at off season rates. The summer rates begin this weekend. Most schools in Ohio and adjacent states aren't out yet, which helps.