How Do Starbucks Rewards Work at Cedar Fair Parks? As soon as we at CPFB heard the news that Starbucks was coming to Cedar Point in 2014, we began to wonder about how the Starbucks policies would be carried forward in the parks. The Cedar Point Starbucks locations (both in the park and inside Hotel Breakers) are standalone franchise store operated and staffed by Cedar Point. Today, Cedar Fair operates Starbucks locations at California’s Great America, Carowinds, Cedar Point, Kings Dominion, Kings Island, & Knott’s Berry Farm. However, that did not necessarily mean they would operate with the same standard policies when it comes to the Starbucks Rewards program.

The Starbucks Rewards program offers guests a free account (either a physical card or via mobile app), where guests earn Stars for making in-store purchases, using the mobile app to make a payment, or redeeming codes on select Starbucks products available in stores. Stars are collected, and depending on the number earned within a year, determines what level of benefits you will receive.

Sign up for a free Starbucks account and receive a free drink/item on your birthday, and earn 2 Stars per $1 spent, plus some other standard benefits.

Earn 0-299 Stars, and you are a Green level member. You receive the benefits highlighted above, as well as free refills (participating stores). Paying with your registered Starbucks Card or mobile app gets you brewed and iced coffee and tea refills at no charge during your visit at a participating store (Cedar Fair parks not included).

Reach 300 Stars, and be upgraded to Gold level. In addition to all Green level benefits, you receive a free drink or food item for every 125 Stars, and monthly Double-Star Days.

How Do Starbucks Rewards Work at Cedar Fair Parks?

So the question is how do the Cedar Point, Knott’s Berry Farm, Carowinds, Kings Island, etc. Starbucks locations handle the Rewards program. Will this be an opportunity to earn free food or drinks within the park? Will people be able to utilize the mobile app to make payments?

Here is our experience for how the park Starbucks location operate.

Do your purchases collect My Starbucks Reward points?
Purchases made at the park location will accumulate Stars. Simply hand your phone (or Starbucks Reward Card) to the barista and they will scan to enter the purchase into your account.

Can you pay with Starbucks gift cards?
You can use Starbucks gift cards at Cedar Fair Starbucks locations.

Can I pay with the mobile apps on my smartphone?
Yes, the parks allow Starbucks mobile app payments. We always load our Starbucks gift cards into our app, and then use that to pay when in the parks.

Will you be able to redeem My Starbucks Rewards?
No, while you can earn rewards, they will not accept My Starbucks Rewards for free items, including your birthday item at Cedar Fair parks.

With all that in mind, this means when you see opportunities to purchase discounted Starbucks gift cards (i.e. via Groupon, etc.), this is an excellent way to load up your Starbucks rewards and pay at the parks.

Summary

While there are limitations placed on using the Starbucks rewards program at the locations located inside of Cedar Fair parks, it is very convenient to be able to earn and pay for your order with the program. In addition, if you watch for opportunities for discounted Starbucks gift cards, it can be worthwhile to utilize the program and save money on your orders.

Photo ©Starbucks

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