67 mph
GateKeeper
Talk about first impressions. That’s why we put a coaster that breaks seven world records at the very front of the park, giving a taste of what’s to be conquere…
2026 Early Entry
Overnight guests of Cedar Point Resorts properties and Prestige Passholders get a jump on the day — access to some of the park's best rides one hour before we open to the public. That's a full 60 minutes on Top Thrill 2, Millennium Force, or the Kiddy Kingdom favorites before the midway fills in.
Early Entry and start times shift with the season, so always check the day of your visit against our Calendar & Hours page. As a general rule: if the park opens at 10am, Early Entry guests are riding at 9am.
Want in on this? Two ways to qualify: stay overnight at a Cedar Point Resort property, or upgrade to a Prestige Pass.
2026 Early Entry Rides
The following are scheduled to be open for Early Entry:*
*Includes select Kiddy Kingdom attractions. Attraction availability subject to change without notice. Weather or maintenance conditions may result in delays, closings or substitutions.
How Early Entry Works
- Arrive at the gate during the Early Entry window — look for the dedicated Early Entry entrance, separate from the main public line.
- Show your eligibility: resort guests present their room key/reservation confirmation and photo ID; Prestige Passholders present their pass card and photo ID.
- Head straight to the rides. Early Entry attractions are staffed and running as soon as the window opens — no separate sign-up or reservation needed.
- At the top of the hour, the rest of the park opens and standard operating hours begin.
Which Stay Qualifies for Early Entry at Cedar Point?
All of these get you Early Entry access — the differences are in location, price point, and amenities:
- Hotel Breakers — Cedar Point's flagship lakefront hotel, steps from the park gate. Check rates.
- Lighthouse Point — Cottages and cabins with a quieter, more residential feel, still walkable to the park. Check rates.
- Cedar Point Marina — For guests docking their own boat. Marina info
- Express Hotel — Budget-friendly, closest to the highway entrance.
- Castaway Bay — Indoor waterpark resort, best for families extending the trip beyond one park day. Check rates.
- Sawmill Creek Resort — Golf-resort setting a short walk or drive from the park, good for a quieter overnight. Check rates.
Not ready to book a room? A Prestige Pass gets you the same Early Entry access without an overnight stay.
Make the Most of Your Early Entry
One hour goes fast — here's how to get the most out of it:
- Pick your one or two must-rides before you arrive. Trying to hit all seven Early Entry attractions in 60 minutes isn't realistic — decide what matters most to your group the night before.
- Head to the far side of the park first. Everyone entering at once tends to cluster near the gate — Top Thrill 2 and Millennium Force are worth the extra walk if it means less wait.
- Save Kiddy Kingdom for right at opening if you have younger riders — it's a shorter walk from the main gate and a gentler way to start the day.
- Keep an eye on the time. When the public opening hour hits, lines on Early Entry rides will grow quickly as general admission guests arrive.
Play Here. Stay Here.
Get every second of fun out of your visit when you stay at a Cedar Point Resort.
