Can you smell what the parks are cooking!

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On December 11th, 2019, Cedar Point revealed their 150th-anniversary plans. I know that there was a whole lot of underwhelmed enthusiasts, with Cedar Point's announcement. I, like most, was expecting something more provocative, and was like, “That’s it???? Some food, drinks, and a boat?”
Now that some time has passed and I have had a chance to contemplate all Cedar Point showed us. I came away reasonably impressed, I mean, they threw a whole smorgasbord (Pun Intended) of stuff at us. Just look at some of the edibles that are coming next year.


French Quarter
Confections Powdered sugar, fresh-made fudge, cotton candy, waffles, funnel cakes, and a cascading chocolate fountain comes together just inside the park's main entrance at the new French Quarter Confections. Let your imagination run wild with over ten sweet, customizable toppings for the park's famous funnel cakes, elephant ears and a new delicious addition. This is the most crucial part, WAFFLE-ON-A-STICK!


The Corral
Some of Cedar Point's favorite foods, like cheese-on-a-stick, chicken fingers, and hot dog-on-a-stick, have always had their home at The Corral. In 2020, it's undergoing an extensive transformation, along with upgrades to its famous treats. New hand-breaded chicken tenders, gourmet pizza with a focaccia crust, another crucial addition,  cheddar cheese, jalapeño, or classic hot-dog-on-a-stick and the famous mozzarella CHEESE-ON-A-STICK!!!


The Mac Shack (AKA Carb Coma)
Food personalization continues at the new Mac Shack. Where you can create your ultimate mac & cheese bowl. The Mac Shack turns up the heat when fresh, macaroni noodles are tossed into a massive cheese block, and the hot noodles delicately melt the cheese around them.
Then fresh cream, along with other,  ingredients are folded together for the grand finale of a hearty and decadent treat. Optional toppings for each bowl include brisket, pulled pork, bacon, and more.


I don't know about you, but for me, food is right behind the rides at a park for the enjoyment factor. And over the last several years, it seems to me that the parks are trying to move past just typical Theme Park/Ball Park offerings. Let's be honest; you can get chicken strips and hot dogs anywhere. Heck, you can get them for a lot less money anywhere as well.


Now on the Ride Warrior Discord, we have talked about this extensively. No, I am not talking about only Cedar Point, I am talking about food. And not only the food at parks but food in general. Come to find out that lots of enthusiasts are foodies as well. So we started to share some recipes, and that has evolved into the makings of a pretty nice collection. There are some delicious edibles for your eating pleasure. If you care to join us you can join in our recipes channel.


Over the last few years, we have seen parks add Barbecue, Asian, even healthy food choices. All to give us more options and better park experience. With this however, comes sacrifice when you demolish several large buildings and build new ones to replace them. Along with a complete renovation of another. (I think The Mac Shack is replacing Pinks) This takes a significant amount of their yearly budget. And you end up with Snake River Expeditions and not The Lake Erie Monster.


Of course, we all want rides like Steel Vengeance and Rise of the Resistance. However, parks have to create balance. And Cedar Fair has gone, all in on creating a more resort feel. And me being an older enthusiast, find better food, drink, and accommodations. Very appealing.


I do not do the running of the bulls.
I do like sitting down and being served.
I do not like being up 20 straight hours.
I do like taking a nap on site.
You get the idea parks are trying to make a better overall experience for everyone. So kudos for Cedar Point for thinking outside the box for their 150th anniversary. I am so excited to try all of the new food options and to ride Snake River Expeditions.


Now if we could only get the Steak, Lobster AND the Lake Erie Monster in the same year. That would be the ultimate having your cake and eat too.


Author:
Michael Flynn