As the leaves begin to rustle and the air takes on a brisk chill, there’s a spellbinding transformation happening at Cedar Point – it’s time for HalloWeekends! This enchanting celebration at the world-renowned amusement park heralds the arrival of fall with open arms, offering a bewitching blend of thrills, chills, and ghostly delights. From the moment you step through the park’s gates, you’ll be immersed in a realm of coffins and coasters where pumpkins reign supreme, monsters lurk, and the spirit of Halloween comes to life in the most thrilling ways.
On Friday, September 22nd, I was hosted by Cedar Point as part of Creator Day to get a taste of everything HalloWeekends has to offer. Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the top 10 reasons why HalloWeekends is the best time to experience Cedar Point in all its eerie glory (in no particular order). Get ready for an adventure like no other.
1. Discovery
One of my favorite parts of visiting Cedar Point during HalloWeekends is the thrill of discovery. From new theming and decorations, to shows, to food, to attractions, there are so many new experiences to discover. Even if you think you know Cedar Point and visited multiple times over the summers, I guarantee you’ll find something new and unexpected.
2. Decked Out in Decorations
Cedar Point is always a nice park just to be in, to walk around soaking up the sights and sounds. But HalloWeekends really kicks it up another notch. Every area of the park has been enhanced with Halloween and fall decorations. I’m not joking – everywhere you look there’s a flare of fall.
The landscaping is so boo-tiful this time of year.
I love all the little touches and attention to detail, like renaming Blue Streak to Boo Streak:
During the regular operating season, the only animatronics at Cedar Point that I know of take up residence in the Boneyard along the CP&LE Railroad and the Snake River Expedition boat ride. But during HalloWeekends, you can find multiple giant animatronic figures, from trolls to skeletons, scattered around the park, again adding to the exhilaration of exploration when you stumble upon them.
3. Photo Ops Galore
All the fall decorations and giant animatronics make for great photo opportunities. But in addition to those, there are dozens of other themed backdrops scattered throughout the park as well. So many great opportunities for memorable family photos.
The amount of cool and unique photo op locations at Cedar Point for Halloweekends is crazy . pic.twitter.com/rePAiW7GFa
— Coaster101.com (@Coaster101) September 22, 2023
4. Weather
Last Friday was a perfect fall day: temperatures around 70, blue skies, just absolutely perfect. You couldn’t ask for anything better in Ohio in mid-September. Now the last weekend or two in October is a toss up and it could get cooler and wetter. But September and the first half of October have the potential to be some of the best weather days in Ohio all year.
5. Atmosphere
Again, I can’t stress enough just how cool the entire atmosphere of the park is. I love just walking around taking in the sights and sounds. And if you’re thinking of loud and crowded midways, think again! I discovered the most relaxing spot in all of Cedar Point – on the back balcony of the Grand Pavilion overlooking the beach. I can’t think of another proper amusement park with this kind of view in the US.
When the sun goes down, the atmosphere completely changes. As the fog machines start pumping out clouds of mist and the scare actors begin stalking the scare zones you can feel the energy and excitement of the crowds.
6. Nostalgia
Take a trip down memory lane and reminisce about your favorite defunct attraction by taking a stroll through the Dead Ride Cemetery.
7. Top Thrill 2 Construction
Get a glimpse into the future at Cedar Point by checking in on the status of construction on Top Thrill 2, the world’s tallest and fastest triple launch coaster coming in 2024. See our full Top Thrill 2 construction update here.
8. Unique Food Items
Take your taste buds on a ride and indulge in the devilishly delicious tastes that the Cedar Point culinary team has brewed up for HalloWeekends. These special fall-themed culinary delights are available at select locations throughout the park during the event. We had the opportunity to sample the flavors of HalloWeekends and I think my lips are still on fire from the fire smoked chicken wings – so good!
Copyright Cedar Point: https://www.cedarpoint.com/events/halloweekends/nighttime-frights/flavors-of-halloweekends
9. Haunts and Scare Zones
Of course, the main attraction of any Halloween event to most are the indoor haunted mazes and outdoor scare zones. Cedar Point has five of each, all with different themes and storylines. I was blown away by the attention to detail and amount of props in each of the haunts. Scares come not only from scare actors but animated figures and other spooky effects as well. Another thing I love about haunts is the repeatability factor – no two trips through a haunt are exactly the same thanks to the scare actors and the group you’re with.
If you want to do all the haunted houses at Cedar Point in one night I highly recommend the Fright Lane. I was gifted a Fright Land and was able to do four haunted attractions across the park in about an hour and 15 minutes before I had to head out for the night. Each maze had a good sized crowds waiting in line (guessing at least half-hour waits if not much longer) but with Fright Lane I walked right into each maze.
I should point out, during the day the entire park is NOT scary; the scares don’t start until the evening and the areas with potential frights are clearly marked. There are also “No Boo” necklaces available to purchase to inform scare actors you don’t want to be scared. If you don’t want to be scared you should easily be able to avoid any frights!
10. The Roller Coasters
It wouldn’t be a trip to Cedar Point without riding some of the best roller coasters in the world. With the park open to midnight, there is plenty of time for night rides. There’s nothing quite like experiencing Millennium Force on a crisp autumn night when the park is shrouded in fog.
Multiple coasters at Cedar Point could have made our list of roller coasters with the best views but we went with Valravn due to it’s central location and the fact you actually have a little bit of time to enjoy the view before that awesome drop.
Highlights from HalloWeekends Music Video
Get a preview of the thrills and chills that await you at HalloWeekends by watching our short music video below.
See more pictures from HalloWeekends 2023 here.
Big thanks to Cedar Point and Tony Clark for hosting us on Creator Day!
HalloWeekends take place on select days & nights, September 14 – October 29, 2023. Learn more about HalloWeekends at Cedar Point by visiting halloweekends.com.
Totally agree, HalloWeekends is our favorite time to visit America’s Roller Coaster as well!