For our family, a Platinum season pass to Cedar Fair parks is an easy sell for a summer of FUN. We average 40+ visits on average to Cedar Fair parks from Canada’s Wonderland to Knott’s Berry Farm, with Cedar Point and Kings Island being our typical parks we visit the most.
Getting free admission to all Cedar Fair parks with a Platinum pass is obviously the biggest selling point, but the free parking alone makes it the best deal among all the passes. Then add in all the Cedar Point exclusive ride times, early entry, and special privileges of carrying Platinum in your wallet, and it is an easy decision to guarantee we have something to do all year long, including Haunt and Winterfest.
The Wild Card pass threw an interesting wrench into the early season at Cedar Point, since it has really increased attendance in May and June when it is historically down. There are still some sweet spots to experiencing lower attendance days, but we have definitely noticed the park more busy.
Our family always renews our season passes in the fall prior to the new year to get it at the lowest price. Prices have historically always gone up. Passes. Dining plans. It all goes up in price throughout the year, and Cedar Fair always likes to taught it as the best time to buy. We love to save a buck, so we oblige. Buying in the fall also allows us to sign up for a monthly payment plan, allowing us to distribute the cost for our family out over the year.
When 2019 Platinum season passes were introduced in August 2018, they were $195. Per CedarPoint.com, the offer was shown as “Lowest Price for 2019” and “Lowest Price of the Year.” Plus with all the added bonuses of a free Fast Lane Plus, it is a compelling offer.
While daily ticket sales fluctuate up and down all season, season passes and dining plans have always held their price point. The Platinum season pass is now up to $220.
In June, Cedar Point, Dorney Park and Valleyfair started targeting select passholders to buy steeply discounted all-season dining plans.
Surprisingly today we received an email offering the 2019 Platinum season pass for $190, cheaper than when introduced in fall 2018. To get the offer, use promo code SPECIAL on the Cedar Point website.
The email states this exclusive savings goes away on July 7.
So the question is, how can Cedar Point sell a Platinum season pass for lower than what was advertised as the “Lowest Price for 2019?”
The other thing is do they begin to lose the trust of the passholders, who now might delay renewing season passes in the fall? We do not think $5 in price difference is enough to sway people not to renew in the fall, especially when they give you a Fast Lane Plus, but we would love to hear your input.
Leave your feedback below in the comments.
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We always,just wait tillfall and make our payments. Convient, and it’s paid for by spring. And we like the idea of getting free tickets and free fast pass.
This $190 offer did not include the first 32 days of the 2019 operating season for Cedar Point that the $195 fall renewal did, or access to other CedarFair parks. This is not a “lower price” for the same thing.
I easily wouldve waited. Didnt need the extra 32 days since kids were still in school. I bought when I did bc they said prices were going to go up and it was the lowest price of the season.
I never seen anything about a free fast lane .
We got 1 per pass we renued and had to be used in 2018.
We always buy 7 platinum passes , food plan, and drink and pictures in the fall. We are putting out allot of money and it is worth it. But, I have to agree with a lot of other pass holders it isn’t fair to give a cheaper rate now. As far as giving us a fast lane it never benefited my family. It was limited. If u would give it anyway including weekends it’s worth it. I will say on the positive side I will commend food service for there advancement this year.
Instead of the free fast lane passes,which everyone won’t use,why not give some other free options like free drink plan, free locker rental for season,free desserts! These are cheaper than the fast lane pass!