Cedar Point vs Kalahari

twinthings
twinthings Member Posts: 409

A short while back, Iceman proposed a trip to Cedar Point in August 2014, for all interested members of this elite group of survivors.  Several of you had positive responses, indicating interest in going.   When Iceman made that post, I was already planning on going to Cedar Point with my family, which I did this past Saturday, so, I thought I'd share my experience and put another suggestion on the table, for consideration.  And, just to be clear, Iceman and I have been speaking on the phone and we both agree, Kalahari is worth considering.

Cedar Point was a blast!  So much fun if you love rollercoasters and other rides.  There are several restaurants on site and tons of 'fair food', definitely something for every palate.  There's also plenty of carnival type games for those of you who don't mind paying $5 to shoot 3 basketballs thru hoops, in hopes of winning an itty bitty stuffed pig.  The price wasn't so bad at just $46 per ticket.  However, that $46 just buys you a place in line, 2-3 hour lines...on most every ride.  I splurged and spent an additional $86 for a Fast Pass, that allows you to go directly to the front of the line, or so they say.  The truth of the matter is, the front of the line still means about a 30 minute wait per ride.  Regardless of the long lines, I'd still say it's well worth the wait.  I was impressed with the amount of seating all over the park.  I took advantage of these seats as I waited while the kids rode.  All of my party were impressed by how clean the park was, no trash on the ground at all.  And the landscaping was just beautiful!  I did not stay at The Breakers, an on site hotel, but I did eat at TGIF, which just happens to be right next to the hotel.  Let me just say, I personally would not stay at the hotel strictly because of appearance.  It looked rundown and dirty from the outside, and a nice couple I spoke to who were staying there, wished they hadn't.  Also, several reviews I read said the place was infested with bedbugs.  Need I say more? 

We were blessed with beautiful weather, thank goodness, because they do not give rainchecks.  If they get rained out, you lose your money.  At $132 for the ticket, times 4 if you count my family, that's alot of money to gamble with for pretty weather.

Since I was going to be in the area, Iceman made arrangements for me to stop by and tour Kalahari Resort, just 15 min from Cedar Point.  Boy was I glad I did.  With or without our group, I will definitely be taking my family there. 

For those of you who don't know, Kalahari is an indoor/outdoor waterpark.  A BIG one!  Not just a water park tho, there's a zipline, ropes course, bowling, build-a-bear, pottery painting and even a zoo!  There's a swim-up full service bar in the adult only pool and there's also adult only hot tubs that have access to the bar.  There's a bakery and a chocolate factory where every pastry and every piece of chocolate is made from scratch, on site, every single day!  When you see the amount of goodies they offer, it's hard to fathom every bit of it made fresh daily, but they do!  They even bake their own bread for sandwiches.  There's a restaurant that's family friendly till ten each night.  After 10, the kids gotta go and the joint becomes a nightclub with disco ball, dance floor, band, the whole shebang!  Prior to kicking the kiddos out, the dance floor is a stage where resort staff host hula hoop contests and such for the the little ones.

I did not get prices because our group rate will vary depending on the number of people going but I do know that if you stay at the resort, with the price of each room you get 4 tickets to the water park.  A few of the extra activities do have an additional charge.

The coolest part, IMO, were the cabana's for rent.  Right there in the big middle of things you can have your very own private cabana with a large screen TV.  You can order food in, take a nap, watch a game, play cards or other table games all while keeping up with the kids, or escaping the kids if you prefer.  They even have a cabana large enough for a small group. 

So, in my opinion, Kalahari Resort offers something for everyone, no matter their age or health, unlike Cedar Point that requires hours and hours of walking.  There's also little chance rainy weather would ruin our plans since the park is as much inside as outside.  The hotel is connected to the indoor part of the park so you never even have to go outside.  Oh, lets not forget the spa...full service!  They truly thought of everything!

For those of you interested in joining us next summer, I recommend checking out Kalahari Resorts online.  Then, collectively, we can decide where we'd rather meet...Kalahari or Cedar Point.  We can't go wrong with either, but Kalahari would be much more relaxing than Cedar Point.  I'm still sore from walking 13 hours around Cedar Point, two days ago!

Sindy

 

 

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Comments

  • icemantoo
    icemantoo Member Posts: 3,361 Member
    Cedar point and Kalahari

    Group,

     

    I spoke at length with Sindy this afternoon. The question is not one or the other, but where we stay overnight . It is my full intent to  include the activities at Cedar Point in at least 1 of 2 or 2 of 3 days. The Breakers has some advantages if going on roller coasters is the only focus of the trip. As for the quality of the accomodations, variation in the food , price of the accomodations and food and not to mention the largest indoor water park in the US, Kalahari is my choice. If the weather is cold or rainy there is practically nothing to do at Cedar Point and everything to do at Kahlahri.. If anyone really wants to they can stay at the Breakers and join our group each evening at Kahlahari about 20 minutes away. Right now we  are looking at  Wendesday evening August 13, 2014 thru Saturday morning August, 17, 2014 with each persom welcome to stay a day extra or a day less.

     

    Over the last month we ( a group of about 12 of us) have shared  Private Messages on Cedar Point  If there is anyone who has not chimed in  who wants to go on this trip, please do so now. From the earlier discussion we have about 15 rooms spoken for and a lot of input on t shirts.

     

     

    As for the larger roller coasters at Cedar Point these are not recommended for anyone in the club less than 9 to 12 months out of surgery and everyone is responsible for getting their own medical clearance. The group rate for Kalhahri which is still not firm ( 10 or more rooms)  is so far much less than the Breakers and the discoumt from the rack rate at Kalahari is better than discussed with Cedar Point.

  • NanoSecond
    NanoSecond Member Posts: 653
    icemantoo said:

    Cedar point and Kalahari

    Group,

     

    I spoke at length with Sindy this afternoon. The question is not one or the other, but where we stay overnight . It is my full intent to  include the activities at Cedar Point in at least 1 of 2 or 2 of 3 days. The Breakers has some advantages if going on roller coasters is the only focus of the trip. As for the quality of the accomodations, variation in the food , price of the accomodations and food and not to mention the largest indoor water park in the US, Kalahari is my choice. If the weather is cold or rainy there is practically nothing to do at Cedar Point and everything to do at Kahlahri.. If anyone really wants to they can stay at the Breakers and join our group each evening at Kahlahari about 20 minutes away. Right now we  are looking at  Wendesday evening August 13, 2014 thru Saturday morning August, 17, 2014 with each persom welcome to stay a day extra or a day less.

     

    Over the last month we ( a group of about 12 of us) have shared  Private Messages on Cedar Point  If there is anyone who has not chimed in  who wants to go on this trip, please do so now. From the earlier discussion we have about 15 rooms spoken for and a lot of input on t shirts.

     

     

    As for the larger roller coasters at Cedar Point these are not recommended for anyone in the club less than 9 to 12 months out of surgery and everyone is responsible for getting their own medical clearance. The group rate for Kalhahri which is still not firm ( 10 or more rooms)  is so far much less than the Breakers and the discoumt from the rack rate at Kalahari is better than discussed with Cedar Point.

    Count me in

    I vote for the Kalhahri...

    BTW, on the way up from DC I plan to stop off in Cleveland to watch the submarine races on the lake and to see the Cuyahoga river burn...

  • TillieSOK
    TillieSOK Member Posts: 252
    icemantoo said:

    Cedar point and Kalahari

    Group,

     

    I spoke at length with Sindy this afternoon. The question is not one or the other, but where we stay overnight . It is my full intent to  include the activities at Cedar Point in at least 1 of 2 or 2 of 3 days. The Breakers has some advantages if going on roller coasters is the only focus of the trip. As for the quality of the accomodations, variation in the food , price of the accomodations and food and not to mention the largest indoor water park in the US, Kalahari is my choice. If the weather is cold or rainy there is practically nothing to do at Cedar Point and everything to do at Kahlahri.. If anyone really wants to they can stay at the Breakers and join our group each evening at Kahlahari about 20 minutes away. Right now we  are looking at  Wendesday evening August 13, 2014 thru Saturday morning August, 17, 2014 with each persom welcome to stay a day extra or a day less.

     

    Over the last month we ( a group of about 12 of us) have shared  Private Messages on Cedar Point  If there is anyone who has not chimed in  who wants to go on this trip, please do so now. From the earlier discussion we have about 15 rooms spoken for and a lot of input on t shirts.

     

     

    As for the larger roller coasters at Cedar Point these are not recommended for anyone in the club less than 9 to 12 months out of surgery and everyone is responsible for getting their own medical clearance. The group rate for Kalhahri which is still not firm ( 10 or more rooms)  is so far much less than the Breakers and the discoumt from the rack rate at Kalahari is better than discussed with Cedar Point.

    If I'm able to go, I'd prefer

    If I'm able to go, I'd prefer Kalahari.

  • Djinnie
    Djinnie Member Posts: 945 Member
    Kalahari

    It sounds like you had a fantastic weekend Twinie, I would love to go to Kalahari, sounds like my ideal place. I wish I could come but it would cost me an arm and a leg from Europe, I will be in Italy anyway.  It would have been great to meet you all though, but maybe next time. I am sure there will be lots of photos available for those of us who can't make it!

    Djinnie x

  • twinthings
    twinthings Member Posts: 409
    Djinnie said:

    Kalahari

    It sounds like you had a fantastic weekend Twinie, I would love to go to Kalahari, sounds like my ideal place. I wish I could come but it would cost me an arm and a leg from Europe, I will be in Italy anyway.  It would have been great to meet you all though, but maybe next time. I am sure there will be lots of photos available for those of us who can't make it!

    Djinnie x

    I'd rather be in Italy

    It'll be spendy enough being within driving distance, I can only imagine all the way from Europe!  But, sounds like you have pretty exciting plans for Italy.  I'm not gonna lie, I'd rather be in Italy with you! Laughing  And yes, there will be plenty of pics for sharing...my family don't call me the paparazzi for nothing!  You will be missed, Djinnie!!

  • Suekub
    Suekub Member Posts: 137
    Djinnie said:

    Kalahari

    It sounds like you had a fantastic weekend Twinie, I would love to go to Kalahari, sounds like my ideal place. I wish I could come but it would cost me an arm and a leg from Europe, I will be in Italy anyway.  It would have been great to meet you all though, but maybe next time. I am sure there will be lots of photos available for those of us who can't make it!

    Djinnie x

    Would love to join you

    But living in Australia the long trip to the US not viable for me as well although I do have a brother who lives in Santa Fe who I hope to visit again in the not too distant future and having seen much of your country over several trips would love to see a bit more. The only thing that stops me is the inability To obtain travel insurance :-(  - another of the many negatives of having cancer. Given the high cost of medical treatment, should it be necessary while travelling, is not a risk that I could comfortably take. Italy also sounds wonderful!

     

  • danbren2
    danbren2 Member Posts: 311
    icemantoo said:

    Cedar point and Kalahari

    Group,

     

    I spoke at length with Sindy this afternoon. The question is not one or the other, but where we stay overnight . It is my full intent to  include the activities at Cedar Point in at least 1 of 2 or 2 of 3 days. The Breakers has some advantages if going on roller coasters is the only focus of the trip. As for the quality of the accomodations, variation in the food , price of the accomodations and food and not to mention the largest indoor water park in the US, Kalahari is my choice. If the weather is cold or rainy there is practically nothing to do at Cedar Point and everything to do at Kahlahri.. If anyone really wants to they can stay at the Breakers and join our group each evening at Kahlahari about 20 minutes away. Right now we  are looking at  Wendesday evening August 13, 2014 thru Saturday morning August, 17, 2014 with each persom welcome to stay a day extra or a day less.

     

    Over the last month we ( a group of about 12 of us) have shared  Private Messages on Cedar Point  If there is anyone who has not chimed in  who wants to go on this trip, please do so now. From the earlier discussion we have about 15 rooms spoken for and a lot of input on t shirts.

     

     

    As for the larger roller coasters at Cedar Point these are not recommended for anyone in the club less than 9 to 12 months out of surgery and everyone is responsible for getting their own medical clearance. The group rate for Kalhahri which is still not firm ( 10 or more rooms)  is so far much less than the Breakers and the discoumt from the rack rate at Kalahari is better than discussed with Cedar Point.

    Kalhahri

    We would love to go! It sounds to me that the two are close enough together to be able to enjoy both, but my vote would be for Kalhahri, because the weather is not going to matter! Can't wait, sounds like great fun!

                                                                     Brenda and Danny

  • twinthings
    twinthings Member Posts: 409
    Suekub said:

    Would love to join you

    But living in Australia the long trip to the US not viable for me as well although I do have a brother who lives in Santa Fe who I hope to visit again in the not too distant future and having seen much of your country over several trips would love to see a bit more. The only thing that stops me is the inability To obtain travel insurance :-(  - another of the many negatives of having cancer. Given the high cost of medical treatment, should it be necessary while travelling, is not a risk that I could comfortably take. Italy also sounds wonderful!

     

    Australia

    Sue, how bout I just come there?  I've always wanted to visit Australia...it's on my bucket list Smile

  • Djinnie
    Djinnie Member Posts: 945 Member

    I'd rather be in Italy

    It'll be spendy enough being within driving distance, I can only imagine all the way from Europe!  But, sounds like you have pretty exciting plans for Italy.  I'm not gonna lie, I'd rather be in Italy with you! Laughing  And yes, there will be plenty of pics for sharing...my family don't call me the paparazzi for nothing!  You will be missed, Djinnie!!

    You are right Twinie, it

    You are right Twinie, it would be a pretty expensive trip for me. We are going to Lake Como for a few weeks. I love Italy, Como is so beautiful, the food is so good and the Italian men are not to be sneezed at either. lol! My daughter will be flying in from New York to join us, I am looking forward to it. 

    Djinnie x

  • anmazon
    anmazon Member Posts: 144
    Kalahari sounds cooler

    Annie Oakley

  • Suekub
    Suekub Member Posts: 137

    Australia

    Sue, how bout I just come there?  I've always wanted to visit Australia...it's on my bucket list Smile

    You would be very welcome

    Hope you are able to visit our beautiful country at some point. Spring has just arrived and weather here in Sydney is pretty special at the moment. Beaches are looking pretty good!

    Sue

  • todd121
    todd121 Member Posts: 1,448 Member
    icemantoo said:

    Cedar point and Kalahari

    Group,

     

    I spoke at length with Sindy this afternoon. The question is not one or the other, but where we stay overnight . It is my full intent to  include the activities at Cedar Point in at least 1 of 2 or 2 of 3 days. The Breakers has some advantages if going on roller coasters is the only focus of the trip. As for the quality of the accomodations, variation in the food , price of the accomodations and food and not to mention the largest indoor water park in the US, Kalahari is my choice. If the weather is cold or rainy there is practically nothing to do at Cedar Point and everything to do at Kahlahri.. If anyone really wants to they can stay at the Breakers and join our group each evening at Kahlahari about 20 minutes away. Right now we  are looking at  Wendesday evening August 13, 2014 thru Saturday morning August, 17, 2014 with each persom welcome to stay a day extra or a day less.

     

    Over the last month we ( a group of about 12 of us) have shared  Private Messages on Cedar Point  If there is anyone who has not chimed in  who wants to go on this trip, please do so now. From the earlier discussion we have about 15 rooms spoken for and a lot of input on t shirts.

     

     

    As for the larger roller coasters at Cedar Point these are not recommended for anyone in the club less than 9 to 12 months out of surgery and everyone is responsible for getting their own medical clearance. The group rate for Kalhahri which is still not firm ( 10 or more rooms)  is so far much less than the Breakers and the discoumt from the rack rate at Kalahari is better than discussed with Cedar Point.

    I'm Interested

    Sorry. I missed the previous discussion. This is in Ohio?

    Kalahari sounds great. I'm not much into amusement parks, but maybe.

    Do you have more info on what the costs would be for staying at the kalahari?

    Thanks,

    Todd

  • icemantoo
    icemantoo Member Posts: 3,361 Member
    anmazon said:

    Kalahari sounds cooler

    Annie Oakley

    Kalahari

    Annie,

     

    Several weeks ago I started a Private Message group on Cedar Point I tried to inckude you but you had Private Messages blocked. If you unblock PN I will try to  include you as well as anyone else who is not already on this Privte Message of about 22 posts so far.

     

     

    Icemantoo

  • GSRon
    GSRon Member Posts: 1,303 Member
    anmazon said:

    Kalahari sounds cooler

    Annie Oakley

    Annie..!!  Had not seen you

    Annie..!!  Had not seen you here in a whle.. hope you have been having fun..!  :)

    Ron

  • icemantoo
    icemantoo Member Posts: 3,361 Member
    todd121 said:

    I'm Interested

    Sorry. I missed the previous discussion. This is in Ohio?

    Kalahari sounds great. I'm not much into amusement parks, but maybe.

    Do you have more info on what the costs would be for staying at the kalahari?

    Thanks,

    Todd

    Prices at Kalahari and t-shirts

    Kahlahari is mailing me a contract for the Group in which we will have to guarantee by advance payment or credit card.  The prices as I recall for the group rate will be $169 for up to  4 people for Thursday and Friday night and about $40 more for Friday night and includes 4 water park passes. These prices are about $50 per room, per night less than the rack rate. They are cancellable with a $25 fee until 72 hours before when they are non cancellable. Since I do not want to guarantee 30  room nights on my credit card I am going to see who wants to book their rooms now so that we can take care of the guarantee and get the group rate once I get the contract. For those interested I need your emails to better put this together. You can email your email to me at garbor@sbcglobal.net 

     

     

    The link below will take you to the latest version of our t-shirts. Your comments and or objections are needed.


    http://www.customink.com/designs/new/edr0-000x-7vw5/hotlink


    The T-shirts are about $10.00 each and they will only ship to one place. So were looking at about $13 per tshirt. We can akso add our individual names to the front of each t-shirt for about $6 per t-shirt

     

    Also think how many t-shirts we need to be always recognizable. One fot the water, one to dry  off in and one for meals.

     

     

    Icemantoo

     

    Icemantoo

     

  • Eims
    Eims Member Posts: 423
    Djinnie said:

    You are right Twinie, it

    You are right Twinie, it would be a pretty expensive trip for me. We are going to Lake Como for a few weeks. I love Italy, Como is so beautiful, the food is so good and the Italian men are not to be sneezed at either. lol! My daughter will be flying in from New York to join us, I am looking forward to it. 

    Djinnie x

    hey djinnie when are you

    hey djinnie when are you heading to italy?  we are going back to tuscany i think!!  maybe you could manage to get a little cuddle with george clooney while you are there!!

     

    eims x

  • Djinnie
    Djinnie Member Posts: 945 Member
    Eims said:

    hey djinnie when are you

    hey djinnie when are you heading to italy?  we are going back to tuscany i think!!  maybe you could manage to get a little cuddle with george clooney while you are there!!

     

    eims x

    Italia!

    Hiya Eims, We are going in August, I did think of writing to George to see if he had a couple of rooms free, lol! We are staying in Bellagio not too far from his Villa, you never know I might get an invite round for a cuppa! I am not so sure I would be satisfied with just a little cuddle, lol!!  he is so gorgeous! and he has aged so well.

    The alternative would be Louise Walsh, he also has a villa close to George, not quite the same appeal there though, he doesn't ring any bells for me! But if I am at a loose end....you never know!

    I love Tuscany, Italy has so many beautiful places, the food the wine and the sunshine!! Ugh! doesn't it make you just want to cancel winter! Something good to look forward to though!

    Djinnie x

  • garym
    garym Member Posts: 1,647
    Djinnie said:

    Italia!

    Hiya Eims, We are going in August, I did think of writing to George to see if he had a couple of rooms free, lol! We are staying in Bellagio not too far from his Villa, you never know I might get an invite round for a cuppa! I am not so sure I would be satisfied with just a little cuddle, lol!!  he is so gorgeous! and he has aged so well.

    The alternative would be Louise Walsh, he also has a villa close to George, not quite the same appeal there though, he doesn't ring any bells for me! But if I am at a loose end....you never know!

    I love Tuscany, Italy has so many beautiful places, the food the wine and the sunshine!! Ugh! doesn't it make you just want to cancel winter! Something good to look forward to though!

    Djinnie x

    Hey...

    DJ & Eims,

    You've both got free rooms & cuddles in Michigan anytime and you can fantasize about George all you want...won't bother me a bit Tongue Out

  • twinthings
    twinthings Member Posts: 409
    garym said:

    Hey...

    DJ & Eims,

    You've both got free rooms & cuddles in Michigan anytime and you can fantasize about George all you want...won't bother me a bit Tongue Out

    like button

    If this forum had a 'like' button, I'd push it for you!  This made me lol

  • Djinnie
    Djinnie Member Posts: 945 Member
    garym said:

    Hey...

    DJ & Eims,

    You've both got free rooms & cuddles in Michigan anytime and you can fantasize about George all you want...won't bother me a bit Tongue Out

    Package holiday!

    Lol! Promises! Promises!

     

    Djinnie