SANDUSKY — When Cedar Point in Sandusky opens its gates for the 2017 season on May 6, visitors may notice a change at the gates and a slight delay.
Its parent firm, Cedar Fair LP, is beefing up security this year at the popular Erie County amusement park and at its other 10 amusement parks nationwide by adding metal detectors to screen for prohibited metal objects at park entrances.
Weapons and controlled substances have always been prohibited, but Cedar Fair has decided to tighten up a bit more by using detection devices. The park already was doing inspections of bags, backpacks, and other carried satchels.
But a park official said the parent firm decided to add another level of security by ordering metal detection be used at all of its parks. Some parks already were using metal detectors. “It’s just an evolution of our park security to make everybody feel more safe,” said Tony Clark, Cedar Point’s spokesman.
Mr. Clark said the use of metal detectors at a few other Cedar Fair parks revealed that it only added a few extra seconds to wait times to enter a park.
“The process will be pretty quick. Every guest will be screened and we always recommend guests leave unnecessary items in their vehicles,” he said.
Cedar Point will open for the season May 6 and 7, close for four days, then be open daily from May 12 through Labor Day.
The park’s main focus now is putting the final touches on its renovated and expanded water park — the former Soak City that has been rebranded as Cedar Point Shores.
The water park debuts May 27 but Cedar Point is working again with the LeBron James Family Foundation on a May 25 charity preview party open to anyone who buys a ticket. The “First Slide VIP Charity Preview” will let attendees ride all-new attractions and preview amenities at the beachfront waterpark.
Tickets are $50 each and include access to the VIP preview event from 6 to 8 p.m. — but also include a $67 regular gate admission to Cedar Point that same day.
A limited number of tickets are available for the event and all proceeds go the foundation created by LeBron James, who will not be attending the event.
Mr. Clark said Cedar Point is still finalizing details of its 2017 dining plan, but a drink plan announced in February is being well received.
Guests with a 2017 Season or Platinum Pass, priced at $138 and $210, respectively, will have the option of buying for $30 a disposable cup plan that provides unlimited fountain drinks during visits to the park for which they bought their season pass.
Contact Jon Chavez at: jchavez@theblade.com or 419-724-6128.
First Published April 28, 2017, 4:00 a.m.
