SANDUSKY, Ohio — Postponed rider syndrome got you down? There’s a cure for that.
Millions of coaster fans may be suffering the effects of missing a full year of thrills at their favorite amusement park because of the health pandemic.
Help is on the way – in the form of declining COVID rates, plus new rides, special events and what officials hope is a (mostly) normal return to fun at the park.
Cedar Point opens for the season Friday. Kings Island opens Saturday. Kennywood, near Pittsburgh, opened last weekend, and Waldameer, in Erie, opens this weekend.
At this point a year ago, it wasn’t at all clear whether Cedar Point, Kings Island and other regional amusement parks would be able to open at all in 2020. Cedar Point finally opened in mid-July, after carefully crafting new operating plans made in consultation with local and state health officials.
Among the adjustments for park fans: Reservations were required, at least for part of the year; rides ran at half capacity; masks were required in almost all areas of the parks.
As COVID numbers continue to decrease, across Ohio and the United States, amusement parks are just the latest industry looking forward to a more normal summer.
Some restrictions remain in place – Cedar Point, at least, is starting the summer requiring reservations. Kennywood and Waldameer, both in Pennsylvania, will require masks in most areas.
One thing that hasn’t changed? The excitement of that first big hill on whatever coaster is at the top of your must-ride list.
It’s the perfect cure for all the lost thrills of last summer.
Here’s what to expect at several regional parks this summer, along with operating dates, admission prices, special events and more:
(Please keep in mind – hours, prices and other details may change as the season progresses. Check with the parks for the latest information before you go.)
Snake River Expedition, part of Cedar Point's postponed 150th anniversary celebration, debuts in May.
Cedar Point
Where: Sandusky
Opening date: May 14
Admission: No ticket sales at the gate; current online price is $45-$60 (depending on the day) for adults; $45 for guests under 48 inches and ages 62-plus.
Admission to Cedar Point Shores is available via a season pass or a “two-day, any day” ticket, online sale only, for $79.99.
Hours: The park is open Friday through Sunday starting May 14, with daily operations starting May 28. Hours vary – from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. early in the season to 10 a.m.-10 p.m. starting in late June. Cedar Point Shores opens May 29.
What’s new: Cedar Point postponed its long-anticipated 150th anniversary celebration from last year due to the pandemic. The park’s new river ride, Snake River Expedition, will debut on May 29; the Celebrate 150 Spectacular nighttime parade and party runs June 26-August 15. Frontier Festival kicks off the season with Old West-themed entertainment and food, May 14-June 13.
Know before you go: Reservations are required for both Cedar Point and Cedar Point Shores waterpark. Cedar Point officials announced earlier this month that face masks would no long be required on park rides, removing a major source of irritation among some guests. Face coverings will still be required indoors, unless eating or drinking.
Cedar Point, along with many service-oriented employers, is having difficulty finding staff this year, which is likely why park hours will be reduced, at least early in the season. The park doesn’t open for daily operations until Memorial Day Weekend.
For information: cedarpoint.com
Riders on the Beast, and other rides at Kings Island and Cedar Point, won't have to wear masks this year, the parks announced early this month.
Kings Island
Where: Mason, near Cincinnati
Opening date: May 15
Admission: Kings Island still recommends that guests buy tickets in advance online, although gate sales will resume this year. Tickets at the gate are $75; online prices are $45-$49.99, depending on the date, or $45 for guests under 48 inches tall or ages 62-plus.
Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. or 11 a.m.-10 p.m., depending on the day.
What’s new: Kings Island last year debuted Orion, a massive steel coaster with a 300-foot first drop. Opening this June is Kings Island Camp Cedar, an outdoors-oriented resort with 184 full-service RV sites and 73 well-appointed cottages.
Know before you go: Soak City, closed all of 2020, is reopening May 29, with reservations required. As at Cedar Point, masks are not required outdoors at Kings Island, unless social distancing is not possible.
More information: visitkingsisland.com
Soak City at Kings Island opens this month after being closed all of 2020.
Jack Rabbit celebrates its centennial, plus one, in 2021.
Kennywood
Where: West Mifflin, near Pittsburgh
Opening date: May 8
Admission: $39.99-$54.99, adults; $32.99-$34.99 under 46 inches; $17.99-$24.99 ages 60-plus
Hours: Vary; Kennywood is open Friday-Sunday in May, with additional weekdays added in early June. The park will be closed Tuesdays throughout the summer.
What’s new: Several of the park’s signature rides didn’t open last year, including Steel Curtain, the Pittsburgh Steelers-themed coaster that was new in 2019. Steel Curtain is back, along with Black Widow, Raging Rapids and others. Also new: Bites and Pints Food Festival in June, a rethemed Old Mill ride, and the delayed centennial season of the roller coaster Jack Rabbit, which debuted in 1920.
Know before you go: Face masks are required throughout the park. Although not required, reservations are recommended, so that guests are not turned away at the gate. Attendance is limited to 75% of capacity.
Also, Kennywood has introduced a chaperone policy for guests 17 and under, who must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old, beginning at 4 p.m. daily.
More information: kennywood.com
Kennywood's historic Old Mill ride was rethemed last year.
The Ravine Flyer II at Waldameer in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Waldameer and Water World
Where: Erie, Pennsylvania
Opening date: May 15 (Water World on May 29)
Admission: There is no admission to enter Waldameer; an all-day ride band is $34 ($24 for 60-plus or under 48 inches). Combo pass with Water World is $45 and $34.50. Individual ride tickets are also available.
Hours: Weekends only in May and early June, daily operations start June 11. The park will be closed on Wednesdays this summer.
What’s new: Water World last summer debuted Rally Racer, a six-lane, head-first mat slide.
Know before you go: Masks are required except on water rides. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended but not required.
More information: waldameer.com
Candymonium debuted in 2020 at Hersheypark in Pennsylvania.
Hersheypark
Where: Hershey, Pennsylvania, just east of Harrisburg
Opening date: April 30
Admission: $74.95, currently available online for $49.95
Hours: The park is open Friday through Sunday in May, with daily hours starting May 27. The Boardwalk waterpark opens May 29.
What’s new: The park last year debuted Candymonium, a new steel roller coaster with a 210-foot first hill and top speed of 76 mph. The candy-themed coaster is the centerpiece of the park’s new Chocolatetown area, with new dining and retail options.
Know before you go: Face masks are required, as are reservations. One admission gets visitors into the amusement park, Boardwalk waterpark and ZooAmerica.
More information: hersheypa.com
Other parks in the region
Zoombezi Bay, Powell, Ohio, opening May 22
Six Flags Darien Lake, Corfu, N.Y. opening May 21
Michigan’s Adventure, Muskegon, Michigan, opening May 29