Has Cedar Point got a deal for you!

Wednesday, 17 August 2005

If you can prove you live in Erie County, $20 taken off ticket until Sept. 18.

By BRANDI BARHITE
brandibarhite@sanduskyregister.com

Cedar Point's most aggressive discounting program in recent history could boost attendance during a typically slow time of the season.

But if it doesn't, guests will at least be happier.

Cedar Point announced Tuesday a series of discounts for senior citizens, juniors and residents of Erie County.

Through Sept. 18, Erie County residents can get into Cedar Point for $24.95 -- $20 off the general admission Funday ticket. With a coupon from www.cedarpoint. com, all guests can get $15 off general admission through Sept. 5.

Also new through October, seniors citizens, 62 and older, can get into the park for $9.95, compared to the $44.95 general admission Funday price.

Juniors, 3 and older, under 48 inches tall, also pay $9.95 through October, compared to the $24.95 junior price.

"I think the whole reasoning behind the whole thing is the guest comments we have received," said park spokesman Bryan Edwards. "We have heard that people are looking to save money and stretch their dollars.

"From grandparents, we have heard they are on a fixed income, but still want to come to the park and have some fun," he said.

Earlier this month, parent company Cedar Fair reported Sandusky's Cedar Point attendance is down 4 percent through the end of July compared to last year. Cedar Point had 3.2 million guests in 2004, down 4 percent from 2003.

Cedar Fair doesn't break out or specify results for individual properties until the end of the year.

"The major driving force is answering the guest comments and trying to provide service to them," Edwards said of the discounts. "Will we see a bump in attendance? Maybe. But it is really in response to guest comments."

Edwards said locals have been wanting something just for them for a long time. Also, typically, this is a slower time of the year for Cedar Point, he said.

"I am certain that the citizens of Erie County and the city of Sandusky will certainly appreciate that," said Ex officio Mayor Mike Kresser of the discount.

"I think that years ago there was some type of discount for the locals, but I don't remember the details."

Edwards said this is the first time in recent history Cedar Point has offered a local discount, but senior discounts and other coupons have been done in the past. Locals have to show their driver's license or some other proof to get the discount.

"We have always had coupons and deals out there, but these are the best," Edwards said.

Cedar Point discontinued its senior discount in the latter part of the 2003 season. Part of the reasoning was because many attractions at Cedar Point appeal to all ages. The 2003 senior admission ticket was $29.95.

"I think the seniors are going to be thrilled to learn (of the discount)," said Sue Daugherty, executive director of Serving Our Seniors. "I remember the disappointment by older people that the senior discount was no longer offered."

Gary Slade, editor and publish of Amusement Park Today, said parks typically discount at this time of the year because school has started or is about to start.

"They are using those coupons to get some of the areas where students may not have gone back to school yet," Slade said.

"They also use those coupons to send the message that we better get to the Point one more time because we are running out of time."

Cedar Fair Vice President and Corporate Controller Brian Witherow said the new discount program is a reaction to the assessment of the overall market and reaction from guests.

"I think there are a lot things weighing on people's pockets, including gas prices," he said.

Although the discounts aren't aimed at increasing attendance, "I hope that everything we do brings more people," Witherow said.

Edwards said the discounts will be reviewed at the end of the season and considered for next year.

Also, part of the discount program is two Starlight tickets for the price of one with a Web coupon. A Starlight ticket is $27, and good after 5 p.m., or 4 p.m. when the park closes at 8 p.m. This offer is good through Sept. 5.

Cedar Point closes its daily season after Labor Day, but is open for bonus weekends and HalloWeekends in September and October.

DISCOUNTS

• Senior ticket: $9.95

• Junior ticket: $9.95

• Funday ticket: $29.95 (with Web coupon, up to six tickets per party)

• Starlight ticket: $27 (with Web coupon, up to six tickets per party)

• Erie County resident discount: $24.95 (with identification). Ticket is valid only on day of purchase.

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

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