Cedar Point Changes Line Policy

July 1, 2008

By Annie Zelm, The Sandusky Register

Hoping to make the wait in line more bearable for everyone, Cedar Fair instituted a new policy for riders with limited mobility.

The policy reduces the number of guests allowed to accompany a person with a physical disability from three to one.

"We wanted a policy that still allows a guest to enjoy as many rides and opportunities throughout the day as possible," Cedar Point spokesman Robin Innes said. "I think overall, the new policy is fair to everybody."

It also creates uniform procedures for all Cedar Fair-owned amusement parks, he said.

People who use wheelchairs or have difficulty walking can still obtain a special assistance pass at the park operations office -- allowing them to ride without waiting in line at scheduled times. Those issued a pass wait near the ride exit and board along with their guest.

Walt Schmidt, co-publisher of PointBuzz.com, a Web site devoted to Cedar Point fans, said he believes allowing only one additional guest, rather than three, could reduce the number of people who use the policy as a loophole to avoid lines.

"I know for a fact this policy has been abused in the past," Schmidt said. "There are people who will rent wheelchairs and fake handicaps to avoid waiting in line, but this way those guests who are in need will still benefit."

Jeff Armbruster, a roller coaster enthusiast in Freeland, Mich., said the policy is similar to the "parent-swap" program, which allows parents with young children to take turns riding while only waiting once in line.

"My wife and I use the parent swap a lot with our 4-year-old son, and this new policy seems to be right in line with that," he said. "I think the old policy (for limited mobility) was taken advantage of ... so from a coaster enthusiasts' point of view, this seems more fair."