Cedar Point pauses pass payments

SANDUSKY — Cedar Point recently suspended billing for 2020 pass holders participating in its installment payment program. The coronavirus pandemic — caused by the new COVID-19 strain — forced the amusement park to delay the opening of its 150th season to at least mid-May. "Our team would like nothing more than to open our park and welcome you back," wrote Jason McClure, the park's vice president and general manager, in an email to pass holders. "That is not an option for us right now, and our priority is to keep everyone safe." On Wednesday, Cedar Point suspended the monthly billing of 2020 passes purchased through its Easy Pay Program due to the uncertainty surrounding when the park will open. The park was scheduled to open May 9. It will resume payments when the park opens, and participants in the program will need to be current on fees to receive admission and pass benefits. The park hasn't decided if the first payment when it re-opens will be the regular monthly amount or the amount of the all the months missed, according to its website. Cedar Point had several special events planned for its 150th-anniversary celebration. It's unclear at this time how the delayed opening might affect it. The park will be adding days to its operating calendar to make-up for the delayed opening, and 2020 pass holders will receive added-value benefits that it will announce when the park opens. "This is a very unusual time for all of us," McClure wrote. "Our season pass holders represent some of our most loyal guests, and we again thank you for your understanding and loyalty to Cedar Point." Cedar Point recommends people check cedarpoint.com/park-update to stay current on information as it makes decisions and adapts to changes caused by the coronavirus.