5 things you need to know before heading to Cedar Point during the 2022 summer season
The unofficial start of summer in northern Ohio arrives Saturday.
Cedar Point will celebrate its opening to mark the start of summer fun and travel for many in the region.
And for the first time in recent memory, the Sandusky amusement park will open sans a major new ride or attraction.
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Much of Cedar Point's focus and energy this offseason has been on major upgrades to its two off-property resorts, not coasters and the park's famed midway.
The park's Sawmill Creek and the Castaway Bay resorts will debut with newly renovated rooms and restaurants along with refurbished pools and amenities.
Inside the gates, there are some changes and things you should know to make your visit a memorable one at "America's Roller Coast" this summer.
Leave your cash at home when heading to Cedar Point
You can pay cash to park at Cedar Point, but that's about all you can use currency for.
The park and its surrounding properties will be cashless this summer.
This means you will need to pay for everything from a corn dog to the hoops challenge to a Snoopy stuffed animal with a debit or credit card.
Those guests who just bring cash to the park will be able to convert it to a prepaid debit card.
If there's any money leftover on the card at the end of the day, the debit card can be used anywhere those payments are accepted outside of the park.
New places to eat at Cedar Point in 2022
Cedar Point continues to double down on its food offerings.
The park has removed its Antique Car attraction from Frontier Town to make way for the new Farmhouse Kitchen & Grill.
The menu will include roasted corn ribs, house-made chili, char-roasted flank steak with chimichurri, roasted seasonal vegetables, hushpuppies and cast iron brownie a-la-mode.
A stage has been added with musical acts planned to entertain diners.
On the main midway, a new eatery called Derby Dogs by the Cedar Downs Racing Derby ride will feature jumbo or footlong all-beef hot dogs along with mini hot dogs and Italian sausage sandwiches.
What's new?: Sorry, Cedar Point fans, no new thrill rides this year as park invests in resorts and food
Toppings include the usual and unusual, like bacon, chili, sauerkraut, avocado halves, cole slaw, jalapenos, tomatoes and shredded cheeses.
The park's Coasters Drive-In, also on the main midway, has received a makeover designed to improve speed of service and has offerings that will include rotating sandwiches and salads.
Smaller roller coaster lineup at Cedar Point in 2022
Cedar Point's number of roller coasters will be smaller this summer.
The Top Thrill Dragster that dominates the midway will remain closed for the season after an accident last season.
The ride closed last summer after a part from one of its coaster trains became dislodged and struck a customer waiting line.
Top Thrill Dragster investigation: Cedar Point had no knowledge Top Thrill Dragster 'was in an unsafe condition,' state says
A woman from Michigan suffered a severe head injury when the part struck her.
During the offseason, Cedar Point removed its Wicked Twister roller coaster.
The park has not announced plans for the prime real estate now opened up along its beach.
This will likely mean longer lines and waits to ride the park's remaining signature coasters like Steel Vengeance and the Millennium Force.
Delayed openings for some attractions at start of Cedar Point season
Not everything at Cedar Point will be open on Opening Day.
Two fairly recent additions to the park will not open to guests until later in the season.
The park's Snake River Expedition will not open until May 19 and will run through Sept. 5.
The attraction takes guests on an interactive boat ride that includes live actors as well as animatronic and special effects.
Cedar Point's Forbidden Frontier on Adventure Island will not open to guests until June 6.
This area, where guests interact with actors and set off on their own adventures, will close for the season Aug. 14.
The attraction includes a raft experience, animals and a large climbing area.
Parade returns at Cedar Point in 2022
The parade that celebrated the park's 150th anniversary is back.
Well, not exactly.
It has been renamed and rethemed to the Celebrate Cedar Point Parade & Spectacular.
The parade will kick off nightly at 7 p.m. starting June 24 and will run through Aug. 14 along the main midway.
It will include 12 large floats that mark moments and eras in the park's history.
Performers and park mascots will perform and interact with guests along the parade route.
The parade will conclude at the park's Celebration Plaza, where it will end with a show featuring music, acrobats, dancing and pyrotechnics.
Craig Webb can be reached at cwebb@thebeaconjournal.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Here are 5 things you should know before going to Cedar Point in 2022
