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Resorts, parks ready for millions of visitors

By JENNA BUZZACCO
jennabuzzacco@sanduskyregister.com

SANDUSKY - Pretty soon, U.S. 250 will be bumper-to-bumper with traffic.

On any given day, there will be long lines for all of the Cedar Point rides.

Joan Van Offeren, executive director of Sandusky/Erie County Convention Bureau, said more than 7 million people will head to Erie County this summer.

And with all of those people coming into town, vacation hot spots are gearing up for the rush.

Sarah Wysong, director of sales and marketing at Great Wolf Lodge, said her company is making sure the lodge is in tip-top shape for visitors.

Tourists cram the streets going to and from Cedar Point. More than 7 million tourists are expected in Erie County this season, according to the Sandusky/Erie County Convention Bureau. (Register file photo)

The resort just put new carpeting in hallways and refurbished the lobby, Wysong said. Employees are getting ready for the start of summer by preparing the pool, Wysong said.

The outdoor pool is scheduled to open May 27, with a pool party for on-site guests. Great Wolf Lodge has offered community appreciation tickets during the winter months, but during the summer season, day passes won't be available, Wysong said.

Great Wolf Lodge expects about 115,000 people will visit the resort this summer season.

As Great Wolf Lodge enters its fifth summer season, Kalahari Waterpark Resort is gearing up for its May 20 opening.

Van Offeren said the resort is projecting a million people will visit during its first year.

"Every department is in the final stages of Kalahari's formalized staff and hospitality training in preparation for the opening," said Brad Bensman, director of marketing. "It's been quite an experience to be a part of building this great travel destination."

Bensman said the resort had a record number of reservations for Friday's opening, but could not release exact numbers. The resort has about 600 rooms.

To get to any of the hot summer spots, travelers are going to need to spend some time on U.S. 250, and Erie County sheriff Cpt. Paul Sigsworth said deputies are preparing for any problems that could occur.

Deputies will be monitoring situations as the roads get busier, Sigsworth said.

"There are pre-arranged detours set up," Sigsworth said. "We haven't had to use them in a while, but in the event of major tie-ups, we would try to detour them to local roads and get them back to 250 as soon as possible."

While about seven million people are expected to come to the area, Van Offeren said more than three million are headed straight to Cedar Point.

Cedar Point spokesman Bryan Edwards said while weekends at the park have been busy, it's bound to pick up as the weather gets warmer.

"The calm before the storm is a great way to describe it," Edwards said.

The park is open seven days a week, and Soak City is scheduled to open May 28, Edwards said.

Locals use this time of year to ride their favorite rides, since they'll have to wait in slightly shorter lines, Edwards said.

"(It all) depends on the weather," Edwards said. "If it's a nice sunny day, the locals will come out in droves."

FunCoast.com is your online guide to summer fun for Cedar Point, the LakeErie Islands and Sandusky area. Our site offers up-to-date information on area attractions, restaurants, hotels, gasoline prices, ferry schedules, swimming, birding and fishing, along with a complete listing of events happening in the Sandusky/Cedar Point area. To use our Webcam and zoom in on Cedar Point's rollercoasters, go to http://funcam.funcoast.com