No one could have anticipated that the park season for 2020 would have to deal with a pandemic. Covid 19 meant that Cedar Point would not have their opening day until July 9th. There have been a few parks that opened earlier, but many will not open for a few more weeks, and some have announced that they will not open for the 2020 season at all. Even those that are open, including Cedar Point, have numerous restrictions in place that reduce attendance in an attempt to help keep people safer. It also means that other things have changed at least for the moment. No waiting for the seat you want, no early entry, and no Fast Lane. Wear your face covering, and stay six feet away from other park guests.
Does this all mean longer wait times? Yes, though not as much as you might expect, because there are fewer people in the park. Though things were complicated at least on the day I visited by the fact that five of the coasters were shut down all day. And, to make matters worse, the rain that had stayed away for me for a couple of years was back with a vengeance. I managed to get in three rides and lunch before the first storm hit. Thanksfully, it didn't last too long. I only got in one more ride before the second storm came. Again, not too long of a delay. After three more rides though, I was waiting for Millenium Force when the rains returned. This time they would not stop until after the park was closed. Seven rides and two meals. Not really all that bad considering the park was only open from 11-8. Yes, that was another part that has changed thanks to Covid 19.
Food service seemed to be a little better this year, but with the reduced attendance, the demand for food was lower than usual, so it's difficult to say for sure whether there has been a real improvement or not. The Forbidden Frontier experience seems to have been removed rather than just not being in operation, and there's no sign of anything new to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the park which is this year. There is some signage, but the pandemic is limiting income, so many parks put expansions and improvements on hold for the season.
The hope is that everything will be back to normal for the 2021 park season, but it's still too early to say.
Kudos to the ride-ops of Woodstock Express and Wildreness Run for keeping the little ones in the crowd very happy!
Cedar Point is still "a place like no other" - so be safe, but be sure to make plans to visit this amazing park! It's Cedar Point - America's Roller Coast - Ride on!